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Showing posts from December, 2023

Shapps says UK will repel Houthi Red Sea attacks

The defence secretary says British forces will take direct action against Houthi rebels targeting vessels in the key shipping lane. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/7aebhUq

Justin Welby: Political leaders should treat opponents as human beings

The Archbishop of Canterbury urges politicians to "forswear wedge issues" and avoid divisive topics. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/jvhqaQe

Dominic Cummings: Sunak wanted me to secretly work on election strategy

Rishi Sunak twice met the former No 10 adviser to discuss campaigns, Downing Street says. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/tSC3MqE

Chris Mason: Get ready - general election talk will dominate 2024

A new year, and all the political parties are focusing their planning and attention on the polls ahead. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/poG4PqA

New Year Honours 2024: Derbyshire MPs recognised in list

They are receiving their respective accolades in recognition of their political and public service. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/UTMcEAk

Was minister right in veterans row with Vorderman?

Carol Vorderman says Johnny Mercer has not met his pledge to veterans - the minister says he has. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/yFYo102

UK sending more air defence missiles to Ukraine after Russia strikes

The move to bolster the country's air defence comes after Moscow launched a wave of attacks overnight. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/F1xopYN

National Archives: Thatcher was desperate to stop Spycatcher publication

Keenly awaited secret files show how determined Thatcher was to block an ex-spy's tell-all. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/JEGWxAv

Potty-mouthed politicians turn the air blue in 2023

Hit the bleep button: from rude WhatsApps to ministerial outbursts, 2023 saw plenty of political swearing. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/IiBFDz4

Former PM Tony Blair was keen on Wimbledon FC relocating to Belfast

Ex-Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair was keen on an idea to relocate Wimbledon FC to Belfast in the late 1990s. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/7l4fBbY

Jacques Delors: Tributes pour in for architect of modern EU

"Whatever you say about the modern EU - it is the house that Jacques built" - Boris Johnson. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/xd0mvRD

Suspected arson at MP Mike Freer's office concerning, No 10 says

Firefighters were called to a fire at Conservative MP Mike Freer's office on Christmas Eve. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/ZWLXPmM

Treasury says 2024 Budget to be held on 6 March

The speech could be the government's last opportunity to set out tax changes before the general election. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/fG61789

Metric measurement rules to stay after Brexit review

But the government has announced it will move away from EU-era rules on wine bottle sizes in shops. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/rIcwzuY

Labour considers processing asylum seekers overseas

The party is exploring whether some could have their claims assessed before they travel to the UK. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/sa8hjWO

Tory MP Mike Freer's office hit by suspected arson attack

A fire broke out at the north London office of Mike Freer MP on Christmas Eve, police have confirmed. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/TV1kbC0

Home Secretary James Cleverly criticised over drink spiking joke

The home secretary apologises for making an "ironic joke" at a Downing Street event, a spokesman says. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/VqPGCke

Prevent: Rise in climate activists referred to anti-terror scheme

Prevent has received dozens of environmental referrals since disruptive climate protests emerged. from BBC News - UK Politics https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-67665218?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=KARANGA

New £38,700 visa rule will be introduced in early 2025, says Rishi Sunak

The minimum salary for a family to come to the UK will increase in two stages, the prime minister says. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/n0dR7sL

Rail fares in England to rise by up to 4.9% in March

The rise is below inflation but comes after a year of travel disruption for passengers. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/RjaPrwq

How are the visa rules changing and how many people come to the UK?

The government is making it harder to get UK work and family visas to try to reduce legal migration. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/jpYB8rG

UK at risk of recession after the economy shrinks

Revised figures show the economy shrank between July and September this year. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/nhZN7x9

Ministers row back on salary threshold for family visa

The Home Office now says the threshold for people who want to come to the UK will be at a lower level of £29,000 a year. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/EwRuYrt

Fears UK not ready for deepfake general election

A senior Tory MP leads calls for more government action to prevent AI sabotaging British democracy. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/G3TWCMx

Public pay must reflect rises, ministers say

Government letters to pay review bodies say pay rises should be reflected when setting pay in 2024 from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/CM9hOKr

Public pay must reflect rises, ministers say

Government letters to pay review bodies say pay rises should be reflected when setting pay in 2024 from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/CM9hOKr

Scottish government abandons court case over gender law veto

Ministers will not appeal a ruling that the UK government acted lawfully when it blocked the reforms. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/1fpEi3b

UK inflation falls sharply as fuel prices drop

Prices rose by 3.9% in the year to November, down from 4.6% the month before. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/y78SsPZ

Andrew Bridgen: Ex-Tory MP quits Reclaim Party after seven months

The North West Leicestershire MP says he has left over a "difference in the direction of the party". from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/kI4lmTQ

Peter Bone MP loses seat as recall petition triggers by-election

A recall vote was held after the MP was suspended over bullying and sexual misconduct allegations. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/UG01L8T

Statistics watchdog rebukes Rishi Sunak over claim debt falling

The UK Statistics Authority says the assertion "may have undermined trust" in the government's use of data. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/6PzRq84

NI talks: Talks to restore Stormont are over, government says

Chris Heaton-Harris adds that a financial package of more than £3.3bn is now available. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/E8gkDsr

Transgender guidance: Schools to keep parents informed

Parents should usually be told if their child wants to change gender identity at school, says new guidance. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/tALMk3e

Rishi Sunak: Key pledge targets missed so far

The PM is currently meeting just one of the five priorities he set out at the start of the year. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/opzNDqH

Councils in England say funding boost next year won't be enough

The government says extra money next year will account for inflation - but local authorities disagree. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/ZBx3a4A

Eddie Izzard fails bid to become Labour candidate for Brighton Pavilion seat

The stand-up comedian fails to win Labour's backing to contest Caroline Lucas' seat. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/JQiWC7w

Spiking crackdown to see more funding for test kits

Modernising the law and training for door staff are also among measures announced by the government. from BBC News - UK Politics https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-67742999?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=KARANGA

Drakeford: 'Personal attacks' put women off first minister job

First minister denies there is a problem with the "pipeline" of talent in Welsh Labour. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/Hh7pZW3

Stormont: DUP won't be distracted by hype over deal, says Donaldson

Sir Jeffrey tells party members in an email that more work is needed before a deal to restore Stormont. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/bzjXthS

Israel Gaza: Lord Cameron supports 'sustainable ceasefire' and warns over deaths

Lord Cameron warns "too many civilians have been killed" in Gaza in a shift in tone from the UK. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/7qse9Hy

Scott Benton: Lobbying sting MP plans to appeal suspension

Scott Benton says an inquiry which found he breached standards rules was not fair or transparent. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/j3wiJSY

Call for cots to be given to homeless families

Campaigners want ministers to upgrade guidance to councils providing for families in temporary accommodation. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/yuNLbnK

Bereaved parents' anger at 'broken' online safety promise

The government denies watering down online protections promised to bereaved families. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/yue8olC

'Betrayed' Afghan special forces references ignored

Members of the Afghan special forces were denied help under a UK scheme to settle those in danger. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/qZbnIes

UK-EU relationship less angry now, says Lord Cameron

The foreign secretary tells peers post-Brexit relations are "much more functional" than they were. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/dIYPSGn

Stormont: Sir Jeffrey says DUP approaching a decision

Talks between the UK government and Northern Ireland political parties have been extended. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/HGF0syD

Drakeford resignation: Who will be Wales' next first minister?

BBC Wales political editor Gareth Lewis looks at the names in the mix to succeed Mark Drakeford. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/FuOA1NT

Is Rishi Sunak meeting his asylum pledge?

It has been a year since the prime minister pledged to clear the legacy backlog, so how is he getting on? from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/uKIRO1F

Rishi Sunak sees off Tory rebellion over Rwanda bill

Flagship bill passes its first Commons hurdle but PM still faces battle to get it through Parliament. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/VnLiTQb

Chris Mason: Sunak takes the win but the battle is not over

The PM secures a comfortable victory in crunch Rwanda vote but his troubles are far from over. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/UGI5gdy

What is the Rwanda bill vote about? Ros Atkins explains

The BBC's analysis editor Ros Atkins answers key questions about Tuesday's Commons vote on the Rwanda bill. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/ID5GTgy

Climate minister Graham Stuart makes 6,824 mile round trip for Rwanda vote

The government is dragging MPs back to Parliament as it faces tight vote on Rwanda bill. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/v3ruRLI

Rishi Sunak faces crunch Rwanda vote as Tory MPs split

MPs on the right want legislation to go further but more centrist Tories warn against changes. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/YmilcoE

How much trouble is PM in over Rwanda bill?

Rishi Sunak’s fragile authority is on display as warring Tory factions weigh up the Rwanda Bill. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/zqPVh1X

Stormont: Government offers £2.5bn package for devolution return

The package includes a lump sum to settle public sector pay claims and allow overspends to be repaid. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/XvWagGm

UK to send two Royal Navy minehunter ships to Ukraine

It forms part of a wider effort to bolster Ukraine's abilities at sea, as the war with Russia continues. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/29rOFoU

Chris Mason: PM faces Covid inquiry and Rwanda vote in key week

Rishi Sunak's flagship policies will come under scrutiny and his past and future is set to collide. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/KLojXh4

Veterans demand Commons debate on review into past armed forces gay ban

Campaigners are accusing the government of failing on its key pledges over LGBT veterans ban. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/yfRiGJk

David Cameron threat over Yousaf's Erdogan meeting 'breach'

Foreign Secretary says first minister broke protocol by meeting Turkish president without a UK official. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/lX34C9c

Rwanda asylum bill is too weak to be a deterrent, says Robert Jenrick

The ex-immigration minister says the PM's bill to revive the asylum scheme "doesn't do the job". from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/uN2ItCz

Green Party split from group at centre of trans row

Green Party Women's committee argue they are being punished for members' gender-critical views. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/MrOJbqR

Gap between haves and have-nots widening, report warns

Issues including stagnant wages and mental health problems risk becoming entrenched, report warns. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/wS0Bq7r

Laura Kuenssberg: Tory party splits and spats put Sunak under serious pressure

The PM's unique selling point - ending the chaos of the Truss and Johnson years - is taking a battering. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/YrKwgDy

Emergency Rwanda legislation is doomed to fail, says Robert Jenrick

The former immigration minister speaks for the first time since he resigned saying the policy wasn't being tough enough. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/tzMB5QZ

MPs defeated at election to get help finding a new career

Those losing their seats at the next election will get taxpayer-funded advice with landing a new job. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/LFCxtsK

Rwanda: The main Conservative Party factions jostling for influence

The rival groups of Tory MPs getting ready to give their verdict on Rishi Sunak's Rwanda plan. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/jwV3eRP

Chris Mason: Rwanda bill a reminder of Brexit Tory divisions

This weekend different groupings of MPs in the party are scrutinising the government's planned new law on Rwanda. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/AC4nLGT

Rishi Sunak’s Rwanda law at mercy of Tory factions

Rebellious Tory MPs from different wings of the party could sink the prime minister's asylum policy. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/rt7gVHi

Robert Jenrick immigration minister job divided in two

Brexit backers Michael Tomlinson and Tom Pursglove will split the illegal and legal migration roles. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/MiODY8B

Asylum seekers plan for disused RAF stations lawful, judge rules

Local councils had challenged plans to house asylum seekers at sites in Lincolnshire and Essex. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/rcC8SB7

I should have twigged Covid risk earlier, admits Boris Johnson

The former PM tells the pandemic inquiry he initially underestimated the challenge posed by the virus. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/PjIR5wh

Emergency Rwanda legislation published

The bill aims to enable the government's plan to send some asylum seekers to Rwanda to go ahead. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/B3rJNF0

Keir Starmer not fit to lace Thatcher's boots, says Downing Street

The Labour leader's praise for Baroness Thatcher's leadership is seized on by Tory MPs at PMQs. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/kduhU9w

Councils in England warn of growing financial crisis

Local leaders say more councils in England are at risk of going bust because of a lack of funding. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/CEifw2U

Boris Johnson faces two-day grilling at Covid inquiry

The former prime minister is expected to apologise for mistakes but defend his pandemic record. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/DN8R9Gd

UK to support Ukraine 'for as long at it takes' - Cameron

The new foreign secretary takes his first question in the Lords where he is asked about UK financial help for Ukraine in its defence against Russia's invasion. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/m6x3DRz

Volunteers to be trained to help response to national crises

The deputy PM says communities could help respond to future emergencies, as they did during Covid. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/9nL0K3Z

Met Police investigates Enfield North MP's office vandalism

Police release an image of a person they are looking for in connection with the graffiti in Enfield. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/LGI6MDk

Chris Mason: Ministers in new bid to reduce immigration

The government has failed to meet its own promises - this week it makes renewed efforts to rectify that. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/OCnpcwU

British lawyers could be sent to Rwandan courts as part of asylum plans

The government hopes changes to policy will address concerns from the Supreme Court. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/R6vfxN1

BBC should be 'realistic' on licence fee - Sunak

The PM welcomes savings at the BBC and says decisions on the fee have not been made. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/iL2r0Kc

'Labour won't turn on spending taps' says Starmer

Sir Keir Starmer will say in a speech there will be "huge constraints" if Labour win power. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/8Q42Nr0

Scotch on the Rocks: The TV drama locked away for 50 years

The BBC Scotland drama Scotch on the Rocks was so contentious it has been locked away for 50 years. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/xIepzn2

Starmer credits Thatcher in pitch to Tory voters

The Labour leader says Conservative PM set loose "our natural entrepreneurialism". from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/2whTA3P

Covid Inquiry felt like the trial of Matt Hancock

The inquiry is both a case of reputation management and the big picture questions, BBC political editor Chris Mason writes. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/gGZh3FO

King's tie resembles Greek flag after Elgin Marbles row

Royal sources say the tie was a coincidence and not linked to Rishi Sunak's row with the Greek PM. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/ahdK3XN

Covid inquiry: Joe Anderson tells Matt Hancock 'I'm still alive'

Joe Anderson responds to the ex-health secretary who implied at the Covid inquiry he had passed away. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/ybzaBeY

Rishi Sunak denies abandoning climate fight at COP28

The PM says the UK remains more "ambitious" than others on climate change despite watering down policies. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/tu9TPpa

Rwanda scheme can save billions of pounds, claims Rishi Sunak

The PM says he is confident the government will get it right on deporting asylum seekers. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/4TWiyKS

Tory candidate risks being dropped in vote row

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/vC23pKy