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Showing posts from November, 2023

Alistair Darling: Gordon Brown says briefings against ex-chancellor unfair

The former prime minister hails the "integrity" of Lord Darling following his death aged 70. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/41XHmty

Government intervenes in Abu Dhabi's bid to buy Telegraph

The UK will take a closer look at the sale of the Telegraph and Spectator titles to Gulf investors. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/5MdIEC6

Sunak 'trying to humiliate' Greek PM, says Starmer

Sir Keir Starmer claims Rishi Sunak "lost his marbles" when he cancelled a meeting with the Greek PM. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/jQ4ymaX

Just Stop Oil: 16 protesters arrested outside Rishi Sunak's London home

The group stage a noisy demonstration outside Rishi Sunak's west London property on Wednesday night. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/EJ14dmw

Leasehold ban not included in housing reform law

Ministers say the ban will be added to the law at a later stage, raising doubts about its inclusion. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/DJyZ5vi

Dominic Raab denies Dominic Cummings made key pandemic decisions

Boris Johnson's former deputy says Sajid Javid is wrong to suggest the PM was his chief adviser's "puppet". from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/2kIple8

England to get new national park as part of nature plan

Sites under consideration could include the Chilterns, the Cotswolds and Dorset. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/oEqFlNc

Stormont deadlock: Government-DUP talks in 'final, final stages'

But Chris Heaton-Harris says he is not going to set a timeline on negotiations. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/6hJCEpt

Striking unions to be required to keep schools open

The government announces plans to introduce minimum service levels in schools from next year. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/dbwhOBF

Robert Jenrick pledges 'serious reforms' to curb migration

Right-wing Tory MPs say they are relying on the immigration minister to take action to cut numbers. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/ZsOLXPx

James Cleverly issues Commons apology for 'inappropriate language'

Home secretary admits using "inappropriate language" to describe Labour MP - but not Stockton North. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/dSwq5Tg

Home Secretary James Cleverly apologises for 'unparliamentary language'

The home secretary says he “did not, would not and would never” make derogatory comments about Stockton on Tees. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/pdrx7CY

Excluding us from meetings harmed Covid response, mayors say

Repeated requests to join meetings in early 2020 were refused, London and Greater Manchester mayors say. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/Kh0ZFEw

Fresh pay offer could end NHS consultant strikes

Extra increase on top of 6% rise given this year will now be put to union members in England. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/YaqOsgl

London mayor 'kept in dark' in early stages of Covid

Sadiq Khan tells the Covid inquiry says he was "alarmed" at what he was told as the Covid pandemic arrived in the UK. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/5uG3Xos

Rishi Sunak agreed migrant deal, Suella Braverman's allies say

But sources close to the PM dispute the document the former home secretary refers to amounted to a deal. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/YZ5pGiD

Leasehold reforms: Michael Gove confident bill will pass by next election

The bill would make it easier and cheaper for homeowners to extend their lease or buy their freehold. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/AWqpPJU

Sunak welcomes foreign firms' £29.5bn 'vote of confidence'

The prime minister says foreign investors' plans to invest £29.5bn is a "huge vote of confidence". from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/DvPrjy6

Autumn Statement 2023: National Insurance and more key announcements by Jeremy Hunt

Here's what you need to know about Chancellor Jeremy Hunt's tax and spending plans for the year ahead. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/CZha1rt

Swindon man denied bail over Justin Tomlinson MP stalking claims

The man allegedly sent MP Justin Tomlinson threatening and abusive messages about Israel and Gaza. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/pc7LKRx

Labour unlikely to meet its £28bn green pledge at all

The pledge had already been watered down. Now a Labour source says it is unlikely to be fulfilled. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/ERKmOVQ

Alex Salmond launches legal action against Scottish government

The former first minister is seeking significant damages over the mishandling of complaints. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/c6j9Noz

Lord Cameron defends push for 'golden' relations with China

In his first full interview as foreign secretary, insists it is still right to "engage" with Beijing. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/rv0Ee2s

Keir Starmer chooses Ode to Joy as music to 'sum up' Labour

The Labour leader says Beethoven's Ode to Joy has a "sense of destiny", but his choice has raised eyebrows. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/GzlDyaY

Robert Jenrick pressures No 10 with own plan to cut migration

The immigration minister's ideas are not yet government policy, but are being discussed at No 10. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/610OHEt

Chris Mason: Brexit means buck now stops with government on immigration

After leaving the EU, the UK can't blame the bloc for rising migration figures, Chris Mason writes. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/29VpfaK

Covid: Lack of trust in government adversely affected minorities - Badenoch

The business secretary tells the Covid inquiry some minority groups did not trust the government. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/UFjd7rE

Suella Braverman: Migration pressure is unsustainable

Ex-home secretary says government must "act now", after last year's net migration was estimated at 745,000. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/ldqDhQp

James Cleverly denies calling Stockton North derogatory term

Local MP Alex Cunningham alleges the swear word was used during Prime Minister's Questions. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/TgCov6H

Covid inquiry: Van-Tam family received 'unexpected' death threats

Former medical adviser tells the UK Covid inquiry he considered stepping down over safety fears. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/MiAVxku

UK's film and TV visual effects industry handed boost in Autumn Statement

Tom Cruise is among the stars to film in the UK, but some visual effects work has been "driven away". from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/pjSybOC

What the Autumn Statement means for you and your money

Now the speech has been delivered, what does it mean for your finances in the months ahead? from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/8e7kBIf

NI and business tax cuts expected in Autumn Statement

National Insurance cuts are set to be among plans Jeremy Hunt hopes will boost the economy. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/0L3Tp4F

Minimum wage to rise to £11.44 per hour

The new rate will apply to those aged 21 and over for the first time, the chancellor says. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/b42FUBg

'We've halved inflation' and other claims by the PM checked

Looking into some of the claims made in the prime minister's speech on the UK economy. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/HXq3Noy

Tax on period pants to be abolished in Autumn Statement

Unlike other period products, at the moment customers must pay 20% VAT when they buy the underwear. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/KCHm2l3

Rishi Sunak: The time has come to cut tax

The prime minister says taxes can be cut "in a responsible way" after the inflation rate halved. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/HuWYRDU

Chris Mason: Jeremy Hunt looks likely to cut taxes - the question is where?

The focus of the Autumn Statement is expected to be on business taxes and growing the economy. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/szqXymD

Autumn Statement 2023: When is it and how will it affect me?

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt is set to unveil the government's tax and spending plans. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/rmzpKqS

Bob Stewart MP to stand down after racial abuse conviction

Bob Stewart was found guilty of a racially aggravated offence, telling a man to "go back to Bahrain". from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/HxnglyY

Hunt does not rule out tax cuts in Autumn Statement

The chancellor tells Laura Kuenssberg economic growth is his priority ahead of Wednesday's statement. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/bWs5zZ7

Autumn Statement: Jeremy Hunt to announce money off bills for homes near new pylons

The chancellor will unveil the plan, aimed at speeding up electricity upgrades, in his Autumn Statement. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/hak8S1m

Laura Kuenssberg: Reshuffle deals drama but voters more worried about wallets

Rishi Sunak brought back an ex-PM and is defiant on Rwanda - but voters are focused on their wallets, says Laura Kuenssberg. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/ucXJjgr

Levelling up risks damaging faith in high street revival, report says

Less than a quarter of people questioned thought their high street was improving, research finds. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/J19X0Ys

More powers to protect war memorials from protesters considered

The government says it will look at new measures for police to stop protesters climbing war memorials. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/vTND76U

Two sentenced for racially abusing FM Humza Yousaf

Tracie Currie and Carl O'Brien were given community sentences after admitting the offences. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/gmskxRa

David Cameron makes first official visit to Ukraine

The new foreign secretary is visiting Kyiv, as President Zelensky thanks the UK for its support. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/4021iGM

Chris Mason: Eyebrows raised over Sunak's Plan B for Rwanda

Rishi Sunak is determined to be seen to take this on but scepticism is justified, says the BBC's political editor. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/v8ECpLa

Rishi Sunak says Rwanda merry-go-round must end

It follows a Supreme Court ruling that a policy to send illegal migrants to Rwanda was unlawful. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/OndPTYD

Suffolk MP Therese Coffey says she nearly died due to stress

The Suffolk MP tells the BBC how she was particularly ill while working in government. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/SEqji6J

Chris Mason: A 'direct, unflinching assault'

The former home secretary isn't going quietly and isn't finished yet, says the BBC's political editor. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/Zs8noFi

Suella Braverman accuses Rishi Sunak of betrayal in scathing resignation letter

The former home secretary tells Rishi Sunak his "plan is not working", as she accuses him of not keeping promises. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/MyHcjGX

British-Palestinians ask PM for urgent meeting over Gaza

A group accuses the government of "double standards" in its handling of Palestinians in the UK. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/pl62WuJ

Rishi Sunak’s cabinet: Who is in the prime minister’s top team?

A rundown of the people in Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's cabinet, with new faces, as well as those who have changed roles. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/S7B0rpM

Suella Braverman: A quick guide to the home secretary

Here's what you need to know about the home secretary. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/JefcQom

More powers for policing protests considered by government

Changes are being "seriously" considered, as Home Secretary Suella Braverman's position is under continued pressure. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/fhqRsEP

PM facing tough week on Braverman and Rwanda

The BBC's political editor looks ahead to a possible reshuffle and a crunch court ruling on Rwanda. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/dt09nKx

Suella Braverman: Shapps won't back home secretary's language on policing

He distances himself from the home secretary's language, but says it is "proper" to debate the issue. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/EZ8yOlA

How area once dubbed 'tent city' cut rough sleeping

Bringing support services and emergency beds under one roof helps keep people in Milton Keynes off the streets. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/o369PHy

Rishi Sunak condemns violence on day of protests in London

Counter-protesters made up the "vast majority" of arrests as 300,000 marched calling for a Gaza ceasefire. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/RvPVInQ

Fake audio of Sadiq Khan is not a crime, says Met

Police probe phoney content purporting to show the mayor of London commenting on Remembrance events. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/Amgjy4E

Scottish health secretary agrees to pay back £11k iPad bill

Michael Matheson says he will reimburse the cost of a data roaming bill he incurred while on holiday. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/Ok4Hcpf

Police impose Cenotaph exclusion zone ahead of London pro-Palestinian protest

The force has set out how it will police a pro-Palestinian demonstration taking place in London on Armistice Day. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/oUQWDuH

Rishi Sunak under pressure from ministers to raise housing benefit

Michael Gove and Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride are backing calls for more cash to help renters. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/pxQuHyY

Suella Braverman: PM pushed to sack home secretary over protest stance

The home secretary creates a Tory divide after criticising the police over pro-Palestinian protests. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/o1qvnJW

£10K Covid fines were too high, admits Priti Patel

The home secretary during the pandemic tells the Covid inquiry the flat penalty was not proportionate. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/xmE94jI

Michael Gove on Suella Braverman: Being home secretary is tough

Suella Braverman has worked "incredibly hard and also incredibly constructively" with the police says former justice secretary Michael Gove. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/Oj8IPiK

FM accused of misleading parliament over WhatsApps

The government has published a new timeline of when it was asked to provide evidence to the UK Covid Inquiry. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/0T2de5L

Beyoncé's Cardiff gig crowd was scanned for paedophiles

Facial recognition was also used to search for terrorists, a police and crime commissioner says. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/4onPrTD

Boris Johnson urged to to remove Matt Hancock by top official

Lord Sedwill told the Covid inquiry there had been a loss of confidence in the former health secretary. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/Wd1csMu

Pro-Palestinian march ban would be last resort - Met

Thousands are due to attend a London march, planned for Armistice Day, calling for a Gaza ceasefire. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/gQp2wuL

Boris Johnson suggested injecting himself with Covid on TV - ex-adviser

Boris Johnson suggested injecting himself with Covid on TV to calm public fears, ex-adviser says. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/CRAu3Y8

Delay to law on e-scooters criticised

No mention of legislation on e-scooters in the King's Speech but trials will be extended to 2026. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/HDKVzOT

Ban on flavoured vapes and tax hike considered

The King's Speech promises a crackdown on vaping aimed at children. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/nViEG5g

King's Speech: Government to toughen sentences for sexual crimes

The address, part of the State Opening of Parliament, details the government's plans for the coming months. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/rYT4i1W

Humza Yousaf speaks of family tears after Gaza evacuation

Members of the first minister's family have reunited in Scotland after his wife's parents escaped Gaza. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/E3xKir9

Covid Inquiry: Boris Johnson referred to Treasury as 'pro-death squad'

The ex-PM used the term while discussing easing lockdown rules in January 2021, the Covid Inquiry heard. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/btGlEhR

Plan for 40% of train services to run during strikes

Ministers hope minimum service levels for trains, ambulances and border security will start by Christmas. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/MJr5cz1

Labour: Burnley councillors quit party over Israel-Gaza ceasefire stance

The leader of Burnley Council and 10 other councillors have resigned from the party. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/lZz8Rre

What could be in the 2023 King's Speech?

We take a look at the measures that might feature in the government's law-making plans for this year. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/XZfCDVQ

Lee Anderson: Tory MP apologises to doctor over strike tweet

Tory deputy chairman Lee Anderson donates £1,870 to the BMA strike fund to compensate for any upset. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/k2Plmhd

Annual oil and gas licences planned with net zero commitment required

Projects will have to meet net zero targets, under the proposals to be outlined in the King's Speech. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/SM6Yolz

Conservative Party: Ex-chairman raised MP rape allegations with police - report

Jake Berry reportedly wrote to officers over the failure to deal with allegations against a Tory MP. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/dJ7BmEu

Unlikely first Covid lockdown could have been avoided - Johnson

The former PM says only a vaccine or drugs - unavailable at the time - could have averted the curbs. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/hXpku3T

What could be in the 2023 King's Speech?

We take a look at the measures that might feature in the government's law-making plans for this year. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/5khXmf9

Conservative MP Bob Stewart guilty of racially aggravated public order offence

Bob Stewart told an activist to "go back to Bahrain" during a row outside the Foreign Office. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/OtUFQeA

Planned protest on Armistice Day would be 'disrespectful', says Sunak

Rishi Sunak says there is a risk war memorials such as the Cenotaph in London could be "desecrated". from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/5NGxWZK

Councillors call on Starmer to resign over Gaza

The two council leaders are unhappy with the Labour leader's refusal to back a ceasefire in Gaza. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/bJQx8Wj

AI friends and optional jobs - Sunak and Musk share future hopes

The prime minister and tech billionaire sat down together to talk tech, education - and killer robots. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/Yuy93V1

David Mackintosh trial: No comment given in police interviews

A jury is told a former MP did not know his election campaign was paid for by a property developer. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/ETlzN1Y

Andy McDonald threatens to sue Tory MP over Hamas claim

Suspended Labour MP accuses Tory of defamatory statement about his speech at pro-Palestinian rally. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/8hD2AQS

City of Edinburgh Council set to declare housing emergency

The Scottish government is being urged to provide extra resources to help meet "severe challenges". from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/A1JaB37

Wales right on Covid lockdown - ex-Boris Johnson aide

Boris Johnson's communications chief says the Welsh government correctly used three-week firebreak. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/Rj7Ww5t

Boris Johnson asked scientists if hair dryer could kill Covid, says ex-aide

Former adviser Dominic Cummings says the ex-PM asked top scientists about a video making the claim. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/KFqoZuA

Rishi Sunak: AI firms cannot 'mark their own homework'

Governments must act to protect citizens from potential AI risks, prime minister tells the BBC. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/4mhj0Sl