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Showing posts from November, 2024

Starmer to unveil 'milestones' on election pledges

Vowing Labour is "knuckling down" on meeting its promises, the prime minister outlines a new phase for his government, which will start in the coming week. from BBC News https://ift.tt/GTr3EMS

MPs who backed assisted dying bill say concerns remain

The bill faces further scrutiny, during which MPs and peers could choose to amend parts of it. from BBC News https://ift.tt/uaOMJoL

TV licence fee to rise by £5 to £174.50 in 2025

The government also announces that ministers will review the corporation's long-term future. from BBC News https://ift.tt/Y3linZ8

Expel Reform MP over girlfriend assault - council leader

The Labour leader at Basildon Council says Nigel Farage should "throw" the MP out for good. from BBC News https://ift.tt/M8J79Sl

Tories to vote on Welsh leader's future

It follows months of pressure on the Welsh Conservative Senedd leader over a series of rows. from BBC News https://ift.tt/RrQUAsI

Hope, fear, faith and love: Four people on why assisted dying vote matters

For the first time in nearly a decade, MPs will debate and vote on the issue of assisted suicide. from BBC News https://ift.tt/zVT0vdr

Net migration hit record 906,000 last year

The number has since fallen to 728,000 in year to June, the Office for National Statistics estimated in its latest figures. from BBC News https://ift.tt/czIF3sl

Lib Dem leader Ed Davey in bid for Christmas No 1

The party leader has teamed up with the Bath Philharmonia's Young Carers' Choir to release a charity single. from BBC News https://ift.tt/j0QJVEY

Government to review Post Office-style prosecutions

The government is to review the oversight of private prosecutions, after the Post Office Horizon scandal. from BBC News https://ift.tt/bzCAGjH

Ex-PM David Cameron backs assisted dying bill

Lord Cameron previously opposed assisted dying but says the current bill "is about shortening death". from BBC News https://ift.tt/tWzmCf5

Tories got immigration wrong, says Kemi Badenoch

The new Tory leader says she would impose a cap on the numbers allowed to enter the UK if she was in power. from BBC News https://ift.tt/neNIHPf

Top judge warns of 'drastic' situation in courts

The previous government left courts in financial limbo by failing to settle their funding, lady chief justice says. from BBC News https://ift.tt/MowCcmH

New Mauritius PM has reservations about UK's Chagos deal

Navinchandra Ramgoolam, in power for a fortnight, spoke after meeting British envoy Jonathan Powell. from BBC News https://ift.tt/04hikjf

'Megafarm' will harm the environment, says MP

South West Norfolk MP Terry Jermy says the scheme at Methwold will "affect people and biodiversity". from BBC News https://ift.tt/C6h8RWj

Is Mary Lou McDonald still Sinn Féin's biggest asset?

The popularity of McDonald and her party appears to have fallen as Ireland prepares for the election. from BBC News https://ift.tt/TsEUeRL

Difficult decisions lie ahead to 'get Britain working'

The chancellor has already signed up to welfare cuts pencilled in by the previous Tory government. from BBC News https://ift.tt/of2B4XA

MPs brand UK financial regulator 'incompetent'

A report by a group of MPs and peers called for the Financial Conduct Authority to be overhauled. from BBC News https://ift.tt/5lpqLxF

New cash for job centres in plan to boost workforce

The government reveals a £240m investment plan to increase the number of people working in Britain. from BBC News https://ift.tt/KB6mDJw

Treasury to give Scotland £300m as tax hike compensation

UK government says SNP have "no more excuses", though Scottish ministers claimed the move would cost them £500m. from BBC News https://ift.tt/cg8nCzT

Chris Mason: Will assisted dying vote pass? It's far from clear

This week the House of Commons will make a decision that could have consequences for decades. from BBC News https://ift.tt/GdtfJ4s

Tax rises will make it harder to hire, says CBI

The head of the CBI will say tax rises seen at the Budget "must never again simply be done to business". from BBC News https://ift.tt/NlehTSq

Young people who refuse to work to lose benefits - minister

Liz Kendall says young people will have a responsibility to take up new opportunities for "earning or learning". from BBC News https://ift.tt/oMOXEGp

Assisted dying bill about right to choose - minister

Labour’s cabinet remains divided on how to vote on Friday’s bill to legalise assisted dying. from BBC News https://ift.tt/slUBeGu

UK wants to hire EU negotiator to 'reset' relations

The role will “prepare and lead negotiations with the EU on key UK interests”, the job posting said. from BBC News https://ift.tt/wP30C2z

Farming tax row - BBC Verify on which figures are more reliable and why

Government claims have been hotly contested by farmers, and the BBC has been scrutinised for its analysis. from BBC News https://ift.tt/JG8Wf1r

Starmer 'determined' to keep Calais border checks

The prime minister wants to ensure the checks continue in France rather than in Dover. from BBC News https://ift.tt/OouhDPf

Leasehold reforms set out amid concerns over delays

Campaigners say the overhaul is welcome but will not come fast enough to help existing leaseholds. from BBC News https://ift.tt/PJzhOTc

Essex Police drops Allison Pearson investigation

The investigation is closed, but there will be a review of the force’s handling of the matter. from BBC News https://ift.tt/Ofpt5yb

NHS hours from PPE running out in Covid - Hancock

Former health secretary tells inquiry some healthcare settings did run out - "and it was awful". from BBC News https://ift.tt/5tsmuEj

Faisal Islam: The cost-of-living crisis isn't over

Inflation is easing, but many people are still struggling to afford the basics. from BBC News https://ift.tt/vY3nVWF

Rise in hotels used by asylum seekers, says minister

The Home Office minister says seven more hotels were in use than before the election, taking the total to 220. from BBC News https://ift.tt/q1VSYXE

MP calls for ban on auction sales of human remains

Labour’s Bell Ribeiro-Addy said she has been told of human remains frequently auctioned "disguised as modified items or replicas". from BBC News https://ift.tt/EJ53Yv6

Donald Trump to visit Scotland next year, son says

Thousands of people protested Trump's last visit to Scotland as president in 2018. from BBC News https://ift.tt/r4yf1ET

Russia's nuclear rhetoric won't dent UK support for Ukraine - PM

President Putin has changed his nuclear doctrine in response to the US allowing its missiles to be used by Ukraine. from BBC News https://ift.tt/LGDkZnu

Winter fuel cut to put 50,000 into poverty next year

Government estimates reveal the impact of cuts to the winter fuel allowance, announced earlier this year. from BBC News https://ift.tt/arkwcpL

Thousands of farmers protest against inheritance tax changes

There has been outcry from many farmers after changes to inheritance tax for farms announced in the Budget. from BBC News https://ift.tt/ofTX3AI

Warning retail job cuts ‘inevitable’ after Budget

Retail firms have written to the chancellor to say they cannot manage rising costs and tax bills. from BBC News https://ift.tt/o08OaIn

UK-India trade talks to re-launch in the new year

Sir Keir Starmer met Indian prime minister Narendra Modi at the G20 summit of global economic leaders. from BBC News https://ift.tt/vaiPUDc

Badenoch ally to question Angela Rayner at PMQs

Conservative frontbencher Alex Burghart will deputise for the Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch. from BBC News https://ift.tt/NCHMwWS

Starmer to meet Chinese President Xi at G20 summit

The first in-person meeting since 2018 will come as the PM prioritises shoring up support for Ukraine. from BBC News https://ift.tt/odzhL4i

EV targets 'will not be weakened' despite pressure

Transport Secretary Louise Haigh says the rules will remain, but car firms warn they are too strict. from BBC News https://ift.tt/p5OCEKx

Davey: Welsh Lib Dem leader must reflect on position

Jane Dodds has been criticised in a report into abuse while working for Church of England. from BBC News https://ift.tt/wn7OdUT

Minister urges farmers to 'look calmly' at tax plans

Daniel Zeichner insists the "vast majority of farmers" will not be affected by inheritance tax plans. from BBC News https://ift.tt/HQUghPW

Bus services across England to share £1bn boost

The government says it wants London-style bus services in every corner of England. from BBC News https://ift.tt/pZlgGyv

Lord Blunkett injured in Tube platform gap fall

The Labour Peer, who is blind is urging Transport for London to do more for visually impaired people. from BBC News https://ift.tt/IV4gDcw

'Genuine impasse' at top of government about social care plan, insiders say

Multiple sources say the Treasury is deeply nervous about the cost of fixing social care, and that the PM is yet to decide how to proceed. from BBC News https://ift.tt/CMJSOy5

I felt enormous guilt, says ex-MP in honeytrap scandal

Earlier this year, William Wragg admitted sharing other MPs' numbers with someone he met on a dating app. from BBC News https://ift.tt/u5Lx1py

Lakeside hotel 'inappropriate' for asylum seekers

Two MPs call on the Home Office to find an alternative location for 146 asylum seekers. from BBC News https://ift.tt/p9zQfVi

Streeting faces pushback over assisted dying stance

Ministers have been told not to take part in the "public debate" on the issue ahead of a Commons vote. from BBC News https://ift.tt/mab6r8O

UK must rebuild post-Brexit relations with EU, says Bank boss

Governor Andrew Bailey will deliver his strongest comments yet on the UK's departure from the EU. from BBC News https://ift.tt/QOY0qlB

Gray 'sorry' after chauffeur trips to football

The health secretary, who supports Aberdeen, says he should have gone to a "wider range" of matches. from BBC News https://ift.tt/t4xqIme

Met faces service cuts without more cash, says chief

Sir Mark Rowley says he is "deeply troubled" by negotiations so far on the force's funding next year. from BBC News https://ift.tt/9F20Etj

'Too small' pension funds hold back growth - Reeves

The chancellor wants to merge the UK's pension funds, but critics worry about the impact on savers. from BBC News https://ift.tt/EZpMmXw

Over half of general election candidates faced abuse

The Electoral Commission has called for action to tackle abuse of candidates during elections. from BBC News https://ift.tt/sKIoWBv

Trump team hostile to Chagos deal, claims Farage

The Reform UK leader said the agreement to hand over the islands is opposed in the United States. from BBC News https://ift.tt/UCfiqZ3

Wales pushes ahead with tourism tax plans

New law would allow councils to charge tourists to stay overnight in Welsh hotels. from BBC News https://ift.tt/pC1aFVb

MPs back end of House of Lords hereditary peers

The proposals will now undergo further scrutiny in the Lords, where they are expected to face tough opposition. from BBC News https://ift.tt/sax2lTV

Man arrested over knife incident outside Parliament

A man wearing a red hooded top was seen handcuffed and surrounded by police outside Parliament. from BBC News https://ift.tt/DFdHMby

Flynn aims to stand for SNP at Holyrood election

Nicola Sturgeon and Humza Yousaf have also applied to be candidates, but are yet to confirm whether they will stand. from BBC News https://ift.tt/B1gA7Ks

Assisted dying bill has strict safeguards, MP says

Adults expected to die within six months would be eligible under the proposals for England and Wales. from BBC News https://ift.tt/GTZfLIM

Fujitsu boss 'does not know' if Horizon is reliable

Paul Patterson raises concerns about the system at the heart of sub-postmasters' wrongful convictions. from BBC News https://ift.tt/2N0jdZA

Covid inquiry told Treasury blocked NHS bed request

NHS England chief executive Amanda Pritchard says the decision, in July 2020, was very disappointing. from BBC News https://ift.tt/Cd0PNWy

Return of unpredictable president puts UK defence spending top of agenda

Politicians say we're living in dangerous times, and Trump is a lot less willing than Biden to pay for Europe's defence. from BBC News https://ift.tt/vgZubVy

UK's Ukraine support 'resolute' after Trump win

Darren Jones says there "shouldn't be an element of conceding to illegal invasions from Russia". from BBC News https://ift.tt/ka0uLOp

Top restaurant bosses warn Budget could force job cuts

Hospitality bosses are calling for changes to what they describe as "unsustainable" tax rises. from BBC News https://ift.tt/XriDCKB

Russia suffers worst month for casualties, says UK defence chief

Putin's troops suffered on average about 1,500 dead or injured a day in October, Admiral Sir Tony Radakin claims. from BBC News https://ift.tt/Dc1E6CS

What's so wrong with Right To Buy?

The Labour government is expected to make major changes to the Right To Buy scheme launched in the 1980s. from BBC News https://ift.tt/OZqxjv3

Blair-era health secretary returns as NHS advisor

Campaigners raise concerns about Alan Milburn's private sector links in his new role overseeing NHS reforms. from BBC News https://ift.tt/DR6Euj5

O'Neill 'understands' hurt over Remembrance Sunday event

Sinn Fein's Michelle O'Neill responds to criticism over her attendance at a Remembrance Sunday event. from BBC News https://ift.tt/jarfidF

Rise in teenage problem gamblers, says survey

More than 60% of young people have also seen or heard gambling advertising, a big increase on last year. from BBC News https://ift.tt/36PnphF

Support for Ukraine 'iron-clad', PM tells Zelensky

The leaders met at a European summit in Hungary amid fears President-elect Trump might curb aid to Ukraine. from BBC News https://ift.tt/SmE8M1h

£100m cost for HS2 bat safety 'shed' says chairman

Sir John Thompson says the UK has a 'genuine problem' with major infrastructure projects. from BBC News https://ift.tt/0jIQaBG

Ex-miner calls for 'unjust' pension payment change

The government will boost pensions of ex-miners on the MPS scheme, leaving out those on the BCSSS. from BBC News https://ift.tt/dtumT9k

UK's first Chinese parliamentarian dies at 74

Anna Lo was the first person from the Chinese community to take a seat in a UK parliament. from BBC News https://ift.tt/jnN8xsg

New deals with Balkan states to target people smugglers

The agreements aim to increase intelligence sharing as part of efforts to tackle small boat crossings. from BBC News https://ift.tt/XKYoPwi

Welsh MP says sorry for drinking milk in Commons

MP Steve Witherden was given a quiet reproach for drinking milk from a carton in the Commons last week. from BBC News https://ift.tt/QaMGc2j

Starmer tightens rules on gifts to ministers

It comes after the PM and other cabinet minister have faced criticism for accepting freebies. from BBC News https://ift.tt/BFneaEY

What a Trump victory would mean for the UK

How will Keir Starmer, the former north London human rights lawyer, gel with the brash New York billionaire? from BBC News https://ift.tt/Q87Is1E

UK shifts from 'big brother' approach to showing Africa more respect

David Lammy is on his first visit to the continent since he became foreign secretary. from BBC News https://ift.tt/tlKXZY6

Bill to ban police cell mental health detentions

The move is part of an overhaul of decades-old mental health legislation in England and Wales. from BBC News https://ift.tt/t9lUFiP

PM responds to Sir Alan Bates after repeated requests

Sir Alan wrote to the PM twice in the past month, urging him to ensure victims receive full financial redress by March next year. from BBC News https://ift.tt/MuRqNfO

Shoplifting levels 'unacceptable', inquiry finds

Cases are underreported and "immediate action" is needed to tackle the crisis, a Lords review finds. from BBC News https://ift.tt/FIuNMC8

Philip Barton to step down as Foreign Office chief

As top civil servant at the Foreign Office, Sir Philip oversaw the chaotic evacuation of staff from Kabul in 2022. from BBC News https://ift.tt/6QKcLP7

University tuition fees rising to £9,535 in England

Maintenance loans are also going up to help students manage the cost of living. from BBC News https://ift.tt/6h9xT5e

Mothers challenge government over child benefit cap

A charity supporting the women say the Universal Credit policy is "discriminatory and irrational". from BBC News https://ift.tt/gerMANT

Watchdog says cladding removal deadline may be missed

It says up to 60% of buildings with dangerous cladding have still not been identified. from BBC News https://ift.tt/XuCya9U

Slavery reparations not about transfer of cash, says Lammy

Speaking in Nigeria, the UK foreign secretary said he wanted Britain to develop relations with Africa. from BBC News https://ift.tt/2tPjr5c

MP says she faces racist abuse almost every day

Satvir Kaur says she has attracted more misogynists, racists and haters since becoming an MP. from BBC News https://ift.tt/FKQ8ZmW

Watch: MP takes on pro-MMA fighter in charity bout

Watch: Will Stone MP grapples with a pro-MMA fighter to raise money for a mental health charity. from BBC News https://ift.tt/eHQA26D

Reform UK ousts Labour in local by-election

Anita Stanley secured the win in Bilston North, following the death of Labour councillor Sue Roberts. from BBC News https://ift.tt/yokYVez

Badenoch is favourite, but will she clinch Tory leadership crown?

BBC political editor Chris Mason gives the run down on how the Tory Party leadership result could play out. from BBC News https://ift.tt/2e0CWX8

How many farms will be affected by Budget tax rises?

Estimates of the number of farms affected range from 100 to 70,000. from BBC News https://ift.tt/isK7IaW

Cleverly rules out frontbench role under new Tory leader

James Cleverly will return to the backbenches under the next Conservative leader, unveiled this weekend. from BBC News https://ift.tt/a4g9hO0