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Showing posts from December, 2024

Blair was urged not to let in new EU workers too quickly, files reveal

Newly-released files show ministers had concerns about more workers coming to the UK when the EU expanded. from BBC News https://ift.tt/Mr2LdTa

Why 2025 promises plenty of political fireworks

We head into 2025 with quite the assembly of cocktail ingredients - a flatlining economy, an impatient electorate and a volatile world. from BBC News https://ift.tt/7gpAOyx

Who's dropped in on No 10? Visitors' books made public for first time

Only very special guests were invited to sign - some left detailed and personal messages. from BBC News https://ift.tt/EMX7iwv

Sadiq Khan and Emily Thornberry among politicians on honours list

The senior Labour figures are among a number of politicians who have received honours in the latest list. from BBC News https://ift.tt/8CgeWMY

UK and EU look to 2025 for reset, but with little room for trade-offs

Sir Keir Starmer is invited to an EU summit in February - the first of its type since the Brexit negotiations. from BBC News https://ift.tt/80M4K6Q

Starmer asks UK regulators for ideas to boost growth

The prime minister writes to regulators including Ofgem and Ofwat for ideas to boost economic growth. from BBC News https://ift.tt/uacOUF6

Charities to get £15m to save surplus farm food

Cash could be used for new technology or to provide training to more staff, the government says. from BBC News https://ift.tt/q1YukRh

Reform UK has more members than Tories, Farage says

Reform UK leader Farage says his party has made history and is now the "real opposition". from BBC News https://ift.tt/MO7LkuJ

Deadline to record forgotten footpaths to be scrapped

Walking campaigners welcome the move, which the government says will help prevent paths from being lost. from BBC News https://ift.tt/KZzC38J

Sex message complaint about council boss last year

A constituent accused former Edinburgh council leader Cammy Day of sending unsolicited nude pictures in March 2023. from BBC News https://ift.tt/d7zZ9PT

Consultation launched over petrol car phase-out

The government says it will "restore clarity" for vehicle manufacturers and the charging industry. from BBC News https://ift.tt/o829lDp

Mauritius hints Chagos talks stuck over money

The deputy PM said the UK was "quibbling" over the sum to be handed over to Mauritius. from BBC News https://ift.tt/NJoHqGu

PM and Zelensky discuss UK training of Ukrainian forces

In a call, the leaders agree to refine the UK's training programme to "bolster" Ukraine's defence. from BBC News https://ift.tt/yXWKsb5

UK economy had zero growth between July and September

It comes as one of the UK's leading business groups said "the economy is headed for the worst". from BBC News https://ift.tt/fDT4Rzn

No 'quick fix' for Tories, says Kemi Badenoch

The party leader defends her decision not to yet outline specific policy positions, in an interview on BBC Radio 4's Today programme. from BBC News https://ift.tt/r1TEbKs

'Worst place I've lived': Vulnerable left in unsafe homes

Vulnerable people have been left living in homes which have been deemed unsafe, the BBC has discovered. from BBC News https://ift.tt/ZVW7wS5

Bee-harming pesticides' emergency approvals to end

Planned legal changes will see three neonicotinoid pesticides completely banned from any future use. from BBC News https://ift.tt/Zjdn1EO

Waspi women refused payouts - but what other compensation bills are looming?

Billions have been earmarked for victims of the Post Office and infected blood scandals. from BBC News https://ift.tt/RPZ1YA4

Trump campaign adviser calls incoming UK ambassador to US a 'moron'

Lord Peter Mandelson will be the UK's next ambassador to the US, an appointment he describes as "a great honour". from BBC News https://ift.tt/WqcA6yF

Former first minister Carwyn Jones to get peerage

Mr Jones, first minister from 2009-18, left after the death of Carl Sargeant. from BBC News https://ift.tt/8yGFxbj

Lord Mandelson expected to be named as UK ambassador to US

The former minister and life peer will replace Dame Karen Pierce in early 2025. from BBC News https://ift.tt/pdajQND

Who is City minister Tulip Siddiq?

The Labour MP has been named in a Bangladeshi corruption inquiry into her aunt, the country's former prime minister. from BBC News https://ift.tt/t0NqkPn

DUP to attempt to use Brexit's Stormont Brake for first time

It wants to stop new EU rules on packaging and labelling of chemicals from applying in Northern Ireland. from BBC News https://ift.tt/i3VFIdp

Man admits threatening to kill MP

Benjamin Clarke pleads guilty to making threats to kill Bishop Auckland MP Sam Rushworth. from BBC News https://ift.tt/54tIv8z

Harland & Wolff set to be saved in deal with Spanish firm

Spain's state-owned shipbuilder is expected to confirm on Thursday that it is buying Harland and Wolff. from BBC News https://ift.tt/pB5q6cJ

UK considers sending troops to train Ukrainians

Defence Secretary John Healey visits Kyiv to discuss plans to provide more support to Ukraine. from BBC News https://ift.tt/Y5D6pGU

Chris Mason: Starmer stung by Waspi women but it's least of his worries

Women affected by state pension changes believed Labour was on their side, feeding cynicism about politics. from BBC News https://ift.tt/wtdbKR7

English councils to get £700m top-up next year

Labour says the boost will help repair council finances, but a row looms over future funding changes. from BBC News https://ift.tt/FmlevIz

Minister tested Ask for Angela scheme undercover

The Labour MP says she conducted her own undercover tests before she became "too well known". from BBC News https://ift.tt/YhIsNc0

Tens of thousands of pensioners might not get Winter Fuel Payment by Christmas

Tens of thousands of pensioners might not get their Winter Fuel Payments this year because of a backlog in processing claims. from BBC News https://ift.tt/y7UD6oi

Starmer set to nominate Sue Gray for peerage

The PM's former chief of staff is expected to be among a raft of new peers announced on Thursday. from BBC News https://ift.tt/5OHiGc9

UK in fresh talks with Mauritius over Chagos Islands deal

The new Mauritian PM says the original agreement did not benefit his nation enough. from BBC News https://ift.tt/ZUrjaDx

Humza Yousaf to step down as MSP at next election

The former SNP leader says it will be the "right time" to leave the Scottish Parliament. from BBC News https://ift.tt/LZa0yD4

Plan to register children not in school takes shape

The Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill is expected to come into force in 2025. from BBC News https://ift.tt/3Hjc6Yf

Government has broken the law on sewage - watchdog

The OEP has ruled that it allowed excessive sewage into England's rivers and seas. from BBC News https://ift.tt/b8WhUlK

Alleged Chinese spy linked to Prince Andrew named as Yang Tengbo

The businessman said the description of him as a spy was "entirely untrue". from BBC News https://ift.tt/XnpUKAv

Woman sentenced for hurling milkshake at Farage

The Reform UK party leader was drenched in liquid when he started his constituency campaign in June. from BBC News https://ift.tt/FdzioHQ

'No nice or easy way of doing it': Labour's small boats dilemma

The PM and his colleagues agree the illegal people smuggling trade in Britain must end - but there's huge disagreement over what should be done. from BBC News https://ift.tt/TJBFfGl

Councils to be merged in major local government shake-up

Ministers plan to combine smaller councils across England, prompting warnings of "turmoil" over mergers. from BBC News https://ift.tt/U7V6LxK

UK in 'diplomatic contact' with Syrian rebels, says Lammy

The foreign secretary's remarks come as the government announced £50m of humanitarian aid for Syria. from BBC News https://ift.tt/YXOWnJ5

UK joins Asia's trade club - but what is CPTPP?

It may look like an official has leant on their keyboard - but it's an acronym we'll hear more often. from BBC News https://ift.tt/O0WXT5s

Cooper won't set timetable to cut 'dangerous' boat crossings

The UK home secretary's remarks come after 13,500 people with failed asylum claims were returned to their home country since July. from BBC News https://ift.tt/Xob2Ktk

Court delays unacceptable for victims and defendants, says ex-judge

Sir Brian Leveson told the BBC radical steps would need to be taken to tackle the growing "crisis". from BBC News https://ift.tt/JgsnitS

UK 'doesn't have enough builders' for Starmer's 1.5m homes

Builders and developers say reforms are needed to recruit more tradespeople to build the homes being promised. from BBC News https://ift.tt/LRWlwHd

Speed up plans to criminalise deepfake abuse, ministers told

Tory peer Baroness Owen accuses the government of delay, saying it has let down survivors. from BBC News https://ift.tt/q1IEZ4D

Miliband unveils new powers to approve large wind farms

The change is part of the government's new action plan for meeting its 2030 clean power target. from BBC News https://ift.tt/j23y6l8

Police chiefs call on ministers to guarantee funding

Police chiefs have warned the government that without further funding neighbourhood police officers - a government priority - could be cut. from BBC News https://ift.tt/pOkMa15

Where does the government want 1.5 million new homes?

The government wants 370,000 new homes built in England each year to tackle a housing shortage. from BBC News https://ift.tt/gCrPSx3

Savings targets could cost 10,000 civil service jobs

A government source tells the BBC the increasing size of the civil service cannot continue. from BBC News https://ift.tt/rApaOu3

Elon Musk's Tesla lobbied UK to charge petrol drivers more

Musk's firm backed the government's green stance, despite its maverick chief executive's social media attacks. from BBC News https://ift.tt/KbMTI7m

Drugs smuggled in drones and nappies - prison boss

The prison director says there are a number of ways of getting contraband in, including in nappies. from BBC News https://ift.tt/Ztw5Oyj

Damp and mouldy housing could see personnel leave military

MPs want to see military housing improved but say they are "not confident" funds will be available. from BBC News https://ift.tt/tG5BMZo

Nurseries warn of rising fees ahead of childcare expansion

Bosses in the early years sector say the government's uplift in funding will not cover rising costs. from BBC News https://ift.tt/XO2e6SU

Farage recruits tycoon Nick Candy as Reform UK treasurer

Billionaire former Tory donor is aiming to raise big money to help put Nigel Farage in No 10. from BBC News https://ift.tt/B9nmtN5

Assad's fall leaves UK with political dilemma

The overthrow of the Assad regime leaves the UK needing to make some difficult decisions. from BBC News https://ift.tt/sSyMTxY

UK pauses decisions on Syrian asylum claims

The home secretary says the situation is "moving extremely fast" after the fall of the Assad regime. from BBC News https://ift.tt/nu2NqD7

Government scraps plans for £15m asylum camp

Plans to house asylum seekers at the former Northeye prison, in Bexhill, have been abandoned. from BBC News https://ift.tt/jWaxMZe

Labour council leader quits over alleged messages

Police are investigating Edinburgh councillor Cammy Day following an allegation of inappropriate behaviour. from BBC News https://ift.tt/beKDwRz

UK could remove Syrian rebel group from terror list

Pat McFadden says any decision should be "swift" after the group led the overthrow of al-Assad rule. from BBC News https://ift.tt/lGYvznZ

Government wants state to be more 'like a start-up'

As well as urging a "test and learn" mindset in government, ministers want to bring in tech workers on secondment. from BBC News https://ift.tt/Rw8bUry

Council committees to be bypassed in bid to build more homes

The move is part of what ministers say will be a "sweeping overhaul" of England's local planning system. from BBC News https://ift.tt/AaIjC1R

New train deal 'protects jobs at Hitachi factory'

The firm prepares to build 14 trains in its Newton Aycliffe factory. from BBC News https://ift.tt/SjzCvJO

Unions pressure ministers to raise worker sick pay

A number of union leaders have written to the PM, concerned that Labour's commitment to strengthen sick pay isn't being honoured. from BBC News https://ift.tt/4qTf5xG

Home Office to give refugees more time to find housing

The period for refugees to move out of supported housing will increase from 28 to 56 days. from BBC News https://ift.tt/C6kwVm1

Should you be a peer? 150 words to explain why

Political party leaders will have to explain why someone is fit to be a member of the House of Lords. from BBC News https://ift.tt/Wao9lmI

Chris Mason: Starmer seeks to take control after bumpy start

It was not a relaunch - so why did the PM's big speech feel like the launch of a new manifesto? from BBC News https://ift.tt/5bMfReH

Councils call for cash to cover homeless bill shortfall

The Local Government Association says a freeze on central funding has cost councils nearly £740m since 2019. from BBC News https://ift.tt/HA60PUo

Five key takeaways from the Scottish Budget

Scrapping the two-child cap and changes to tax thresholds are among plans for the next financial year. from BBC News https://ift.tt/PrdqjL0

Call to exempt 'working farms' from inheritance tax

Changes announced to inheritance tax rules could see family farms targeted warn the Lib Dems. from BBC News https://ift.tt/K2fhNIu

Major war could destroy army in six months - minister

The defence minister said Russia was suffering 1,500 casualties a day in its conflict with Ukraine. from BBC News https://ift.tt/rfu4nJ7

Scottish Budget presents huge challenges for SNP

Finance Secretary Shona Robison is preparing to set out her spending plans for next year. from BBC News https://ift.tt/DA1Idr9

Massive Elon Musk donation news to me, says Farage

Claims the X mogul is planning to donate $100m to Reform UK are dismissed by party leader Nigel Farage. from BBC News https://ift.tt/p5nIvGk

Covid corruption commissioner starts fraud probe

Tom Hayhoe's first task will be reviewing the £8.7bn of pandemic PPE that had to be written off. from BBC News https://ift.tt/bUj30RW

Starmer: UK does not need to choose between US and EU

The PM says he will follow Attlee and Churchill in supporting allies, including Ukraine. from BBC News https://ift.tt/CuclgKk

Who is new Cabinet Secretary Chris Wormald?

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer says his new pick will be able to re-wire the British state. from BBC News https://ift.tt/SYCrBv3

Chris Mason: Ministers know they have to tackle migrant crossings

Immigration, both legal and illegal, via small boat crossings in the Channel, has ballooned in recent years. from BBC News https://ift.tt/g7lUTvE

Small boat crossings hit 20,000 under Labour

The Conservatives argue the figures show the need to reinstate their Rwanda deportation scheme. from BBC News https://ift.tt/cbEf62r

New deadlines set for fixing dangerous cladding

Housing Secretary Angela Rayner says the pace of remediation had been "far too slow for far too long". from BBC News https://ift.tt/IxrUYF7

Backlash from councils over Rayner housing targets

The vast majority of councils in England and Wales believe housing targets are unrealistic, the BBC can reveal. from BBC News https://ift.tt/tDF5jnr