Posts

Showing posts from January, 2024

Council financial crisis 'out of control', MPs warn

More funding is needed to avoid a "severe impact" on services and councils going bust, a report says. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/wfmaPHY

Jeremy Hunt: Less scope for tax cuts in Budget

The chancellor says he wants to "lighten the tax burden" but this has to be done in a "responsible" way. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/JosHpvd

Nicola Sturgeon denies Covid decisions were political

The former first minister admitted deleting her WhatsApps but denied presiding over a culture of secrecy. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/MijqAXf

Keir Starmer clashes with Rishi Sunak over Iceland worker's mortgage

Keir Starmer raises one man's case, as Rishi Sunak says he is helping people whose fixed-rate mortgage deals are ending. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/hQy32Tp

DUP: Coming days crucial for Stormont return, says Sinn Féin

The DUP has endorsed a deal to restore power sharing at Stormont after a 23-month absence. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/wRuUGjO

Covid inquiry: John Swinney manually deleted texts to Nicola Sturgeon

The ex-deputy first minister says he will apologise "unreservedly" if he "misunderstood" messaging policy. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/aP2qBwG

A Stormont deal is agreed - what happens next?

The timeline on how an executive will be formed with a Sinn Féin first minister for the first time. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/w0Ya4Pv

Covid Inquiry: Michael Gove denies playing politics during pandemic

Levelling up secretary Michael Gove gave his evidence to the UK Covid inquiry in Edinburgh. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/4cZrv6x

Rishi Sunak disappointed new rail strike law not used, says No 10

Train operators are not enforcing minimum service levels to ease the impact of upcoming strikes. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/OdFK2fG

Ofsted: MPs call for an end to single-word grades

The cross-party committee says the consequences of an "inadequate" judgement should be far less severe. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/tvYbR2Q

Kate Osamor: Labour suspends MP over Gaza remarks in Holocaust message

The MP for Edmonton apologises after saying Gaza should be remembered as genocide on Holocaust Memorial Day. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/AluhVev

Nadine Dorries pledges to repay mistaken £17K exit payout

The former culture secretary was paid severance pay despite being too old to qualify. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/AXaPwIJ

Post Office scandal: Chairman Henry Staunton had to go as it 'wasn't working' - Badenoch

Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch said Henry Staunton's departure was about more than the Horizon scandal. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/Kpw8dxD

Post Office chairman Henry Staunton steps down

The departure comes as public outcry over the wrongful conviction of hundreds of sub-postmasters continues. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/unQtq3G

Former Fujitsu UK CEO quits government role

Michael Keegan, who is married to Education Secretary Gillian Keegan, resigns from the Cabinet Office. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/8I2WEYu

Parental leave bill for bereaved passes first stage in Commons

Currently parents doing a new job are not guaranteed immediate leave if their partner dies giving birth. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/LdDoJWX

UK halts trade negotiations with Canada over hormones in beef ban

Talks aimed at extending a rolled-over EU-era deal broke down over Britain's ban on hormone-treated meat. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/EYCpwiQ

Warning EU border system has lasting "negative impacts"

Ferry firms and Dover port warn business and communities would suffer from new EU border checks. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/gsUf7Lo

Blair: World is undergoing new Industrial Revolution

Sir Tony Blair has said that current global changes are of "even greater magnitude" than the 19th century Industrial Revolution. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/LsF9xjw

NHS data sale can fuel tech boom - Blair and Hague

The former political rivals team up to argue NHS data could give the UK an advantage in a new "industrial revolution". from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/0BMlCWz

Stop the boats policy a 'fake response' to migration issues - UN

The UN High Commissioner for Refugees warns migrants are "easy targets" ahead of upcoming elections. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/oFvTxQV

No-one likes the guy shouting 'iceberg' - Tory MP

Ex-minister Sir Simon Clarke says his party is on course for "a shattering defeat" without a change of leader. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/Ng5IhC6

Tahir Ali: Labour MP apologises over PM 'blood on hands' remark

Tahir Ali said Rishi Sunak had "the blood of thousands" on his hands over the Israel-Gaza conflict. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/E5ATWUg

Sunak must be replaced as PM, says former cabinet minister Sir Simon Clarke

Sir Simon Clarke warns the Tories will be "massacred" in the general election if led by Rishi Sunak. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/NfacbWZ

Hinkley C: UK nuclear plant costs could soar as delays mount

EDF says final costs could soar by about a third as it faces a delayed completion date. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/ik5GaMH

Betty Boothroyd's Columbo DVDs among items auctioned off for charity

Items reflecting the former MPs personal and political life raise over £80,000 at auction. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/dqP6Al3

Post Office: I was only doing my job, says investigator

Robert Daily told an inquiry into the Post Office scandal that he did not accept personal responsibility. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/9a6AOG4

Rwanda asylum scheme: Peers vote against approving Rwanda treaty

Kigali must improve its asylum procedures before parliament ratifies the treaty, House of Lords says. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/qirO6zW

Covid Inquiry: Chief medic told staff to delete WhatsApps every day

Prof Gregor Smith has told the UK Covid Inquiry he erased messages "frequently" during the pandemic. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/drI1kuK

Royal Mail's Saturday post should stay, government says

Royal Mail wants to drop Saturday deliveries but the prime minister says they are "important". from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/fXrZ1Dt

Conservative attacks on National Trust are desperate - Starmer

The Labour leader said the Conservatives had got "tangled up in culture wars of their own making". from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/ghiu26N

More than 40 Tory MPs call for extra council funding

In a letter to the PM, the group warns of cuts to services without extra money for English councils. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/wXpy5HR

Shapps 'disappointed' by Netanyahu opposition to Palestinian state

It is the only solution to end conflict between Israel and the Palestinians, says the defence secretary. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/HvmVanq

Covid Inquiry has my informal messages, says Sturgeon

Former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon says copies of her messages were handed to the inquiry last year. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/4wY69F5

Devolving justice powers would be calamitous - Buckland

A report recommends Wales takes the reins from Westminster as soon as possible. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/41TiBhA

James Cleverly vows to ensure women getting abortions feel safe

It comes after the government was accused of watering down plans to prevent protests near clinics. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/0nOaFu5

Is Rishi Sunak increasing taxes on all flights?

Labour says on X that tax is going up for all flights except for private jets, but that's wrong. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/PN7tLkq

Kuenssberg: The thorny politics of Houthi strikes for Sunak and Starmer

The PM and the Labour leader agree on military action but it could be just the beginning of their problems. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/utPlIEe

Lord Cameron tells Iranian minister Red Sea raids 'must end'

Lord Cameron urged Iran's foreign minister to influence Houthis to stop attacks in vital trade route. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/wo3uZXb

Rishi Sunak sees off Conservative rebels as MPs back Rwanda bill

The legislation will now head to the House of Lords where it is expected to face stiff opposition. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/3HX1zmr

UK government to seek gender case legal expenses from Scots ministers

Alister Jack claims Holyrood ministers pursued the case "in spite of the cost to the taxpayer". from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/eaLKdCG

Stormont Assembly recall could be its last sitting says O'Neill

As Stormont is recalled for a seventh time, Democratic Unionists brand the move a "stunt". from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/VIB97kb

Palestinian envoy Husam Zomlot says UK guilty of hypocrisy

Husam Zomlot says the UK's policies towards Israel have caused it "reputational damage". from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/ujGBCYL

Wellingborough by-election: Tory candidate defends former MP

Peter Bone's partner, who is standing to replace him as MP, says allegations against him are untrue. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/eoyrFjT

I am determined to pass Rwanda bill, says Rishi Sunak

More than 50 Conservative MPs are backing changes to the bill, which will be debated by MPs on Tuesday from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/4t9i852

Starmer condemns Houthi attacks and backs UK strikes

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer reiterates that his party backs the "targeted" action in the Red Sea. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/ZDbl2mk

Sunak: Air strikes on Houthis in Yemen self-defence

The prime minister says the UK had to send a "strong signal" to the Houthis attacking ships in the Red Sea. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/WJscTZw

Rishi Sunak to address MPs about strikes on Houthis in Yemen

The UK joined US strikes on Houthi targets without consulting Parliament, prompting criticism from some in opposition. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/Yk0QMpe

Thousands call for release of hostages at pro-Israel rally in London

People gathered in Trafalgar Square carrying Israeli flags and pictures of those being held in Gaza. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/zdqKepk

Stephen Flynn fears 'wider regional crisis' after Yemen air strikes

SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn also says the failure to consult MPs in advance was "farcical". from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/XmciTFK

Starmer denies backtracking on military action vote

While running to be Labour leader, Sir Keir promised a law requiring a Commons vote for military action. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/30tdWmi

UK had no choice but to strike Houthis - Cameron

Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron suggests the UK could strike Houthi targets again if attacks on ships continue. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/7qWBzXk

Thousands attend pro-Palestinian march in London

Organisers say the protest is part of a global day of action in 30 countries. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/DchYxjf

Mew Malden ex-postmistress aims to stand against Sir Ed Davey

Yvonne Tracey says she will contest the Lib Dem leader's seat at the next general election. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/HJzXUDx

Post Office scandal: Minister says he wants to see those responsible jailed

Kevin Hollinrake said that people "must be held to account" over the scandal. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/TNVcpzb

Tony Blair was warned Horizon IT system could be flawed, documents show

The then-PM was told IT system now at the centre of the Post Office scandal was "possibly unreliable". from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/wGRjKMg

Sunak authorises Labour and civil service talks ahead of election

The meetings enable the opposition to establish relationships with Whitehall ahead of an election. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/EwRqyfU

Keir Starmer used Qatar-funded private jet for Emir trip

The Labour leader made the return trip whilst attending the COP28 climate conference held in Dubai. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/QmR3Bl9

Minister Alex Burghart seeks to avoid outsourcing AI projects to tech firms

Cabinet Office minister Alex Burghart says he wants build up the government's in-house expertise instead. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/snt9wWS

I didn't know about Horizon prosecutions, says Keir Starmer

The Labour leader says the Crown Prosecution Service he led handled a total of four million cases. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/JjqupaV

Rochdale man killed in Pakistan, says MP

Tasaraf Hussain from Rochdale was killed whilst visiting family in Pakistan, says Tony Lloyd MP. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/q93VrOT

Chris Mason: Justice at last, but plenty more questions remain

Figures across politics will be asked why exoneration for postmasters took so long, our political editor writes. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/hftCN1x

Post Office scandal: Hundreds of victims to have convictions overturned

New laws are to be introduced to clear the names of ex-postmasters caught up in Horizon IT scandal. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/vkwLNsl

Post Office scandal: New law pledged but issues remain

The BBC's political editor Chris Mason on how a TV drama has "turbocharged" political interest in the Post Office scandal. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/hmyjN6J

Tory group of MPs aim to force changes to Rwanda Bill

Former minister Robert Jenrick leads a group of 40 would-be rebels looking to "strengthen" the bill. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/Mzabohn

Akshata Murty: Rishi Sunak's wife gives up shares in childcare firm

Akshata Murty's shares in Koru Kids were the subject of a transparency row for the PM last year. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/D8Fb76f

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt says decision over gas drilling disappointing

A court has ruled against further opposition to drilling at a site in the chancellors' constituency. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/Yd8u70r

Ministers seeking to speed up Post Office appeals

The government says its plans for victims of the Horizon IT scandal will be published "shortly". from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/mwVjlia

Rishi Sunak would back committee in honour probe into ex-Post Office boss

Ex-boss Paula Vennells is being urged to forfeit her CBE over a scandal that led to staff being wrongly prosecuted. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/ZhBQmn4

Greens to stand throughout England and Wales at next general election

Co-leader Carla Denyer says the party aims to stand throughout England and Wales for the first time. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/TiKU5Pp

National Insurance: Is Jeremy Hunt right about £1,000 saving?

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt claims National Insurance cut is worth 'nearly £1,000 for a typical two-earner family'. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/cYIWdQX

Oil and gas legislation is total distraction, senior Tory says

Former minister Sir Alok Sharma says he will not vote for plans to guarantee annual oil and gas licensing rounds. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/MGyoXDN

Ministers to meet to discuss Post Office Horizon scandal

Discussions will be held over options to help people convicted in the Post Office Horizon scandal. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/zfwoxbr

Conservatives pick Peter Bone's partner as candidate for his old seat

North Northamptonshire councillor Helen Harrison becomes Tory candidate in Wellingborough by-election. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/WB1y54p

PM considers ways to clear all victims of Post Office scandal

The justice secretary is looking into steps to help hundreds of wrongly convicted sub-postmasters. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/JRj8mrH

Starmer worries about toll of election on his children

The Labour leader calls for a general election as soon as possible, adding that he wanted the fight. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/4US8kYh

Rishi Sunak denies doubting Rwanda plan when chancellor

The prime minister says it was his job to scrutinise policies after the BBC reported he had concerns. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/O7inIZS

Watchdog to assess claims against pensions minister Paul Maynard

Paul Maynard is accused of using taxpayer money to fund Conservative Party work and campaigning. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/kgIdBlq

Resigning ex-minister Chris Skidmore wrong on climate, says Jeremy Hunt

The chancellor "profoundly" disagrees with Chris Skidmore who quit as an MP over government energy plans. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/V2AoZyC

Rishi Sunak had significant doubt over Rwanda plan, papers suggest

New documents indicate the PM had doubts about sending migrants to Rwanda when he was chancellor. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/2CaGMJU

Chris Skidmore: Tory MP to quit over new oil and gas licences

The move will trigger a by-election in the former energy minister's Kingswood seat in Gloucestershire. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/q5gQdvz

SNP could face investigation into loans from Peter Murrell

A watchdog may look into two payments totalling £15,000 from the party's former chief executive. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/S0XrJG8

Charities to benefit from Betty Boothroyd items auction

Items owned by Lady Boothroyd, who died last year, are expected to raise up to £200,000 for charity. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/m5FtaGv

Carol Vorderman: Shaun Bailey's comments are 'pathetic'

Presenter Carol Vorderman hits out at Tory politician Sean Bailey after he criticised her on GB News. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/QOg1aBy

Starmer focuses on a 'decade of national renewal'

Keir Starmer spoke to the BBC's Political Editor, Chris Mason, after giving a speech in Bristol. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/n5GT6HU

Government's asylum figures show uncleared backlog

Thousands of asylum applications made before June 2022 have still not received initial decisions. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/DxFn61h

Junior doctors' strike: Some hospitals request staff return to work

NHS bosses say the service is under huge pressure - but junior doctors say they are misusing the system. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/i6c5gbY

Statistics watchdog to examine government asylum backlog claims

The Office for Statistics Regulation will investigate whether official announcements were misleading. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/mZIWgSa

Lib Dem leader Ed Davey launches 'Tory Removal Service'

The party leader has begun the new year campaigning in seats held by senior ministers in Surrey. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/xZN3RO5

Kids Company founder Camila Batmanghelidjh dies

The social justice campaigner, known for her work with children, died on her birthday, aged 61. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/K9VDjw4

Government's asylum figures show uncleared backlog

Thousands of asylum applications made before June 2022 have still not received initial decisions. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/0PJTKHQ

UK asylum backlog cleared, says PM, but critics disagree

Rishi Sunak says he has met a pledge made a year ago, but Labour accuse the government of massaging the figures. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/Rb3hFgc

Lessons for government as general election year looms

Trouble-shooter and peer Louise Casey looks at the way to get things done in government for a new BBC series. from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/07aXMGU