McDonnell: We want to scrutinise Brexit bill – but winter coat is ready for snap election October 24, 2019 Shadow chancellor John McDonnell has said his “preference” would be for the Brexit bill to return to the House of Commons for full scrutiny – but said he is “always ready” for a snap election. Speaking after his intervention on the Queen’s Speech, the Hayes and Harlington MP said he had “ordered my winter coat” [...]
Brexit latest: McDonnell slams Javid over ‘dereliction of his duties’ October 24, 2019 The chancellor and shadow chancellor locked horns today, with Labour’s John McDonnell accusing his opposite number of a “dereliction of his duties”. McDonnell pointed to the government’s “working majority of minus-45″, saying it was ” obvious that this Queen’s Speech is little more than a pretty crude election stunt”. He also slammed the Tories for [...]
Brexit secretary hammered over Northern Ireland checks October 24, 2019 Brexit secretary Steve Barclay has been hammered over the prospect of checks on goods coming in and out of Northern Ireland, after apparent inconsistencies in the government’s position. Earlier this week the minister admitted that firms in Northern Ireland would have to fill out export declaration forms when sending goods to Great Britain under the [...]
Fate of Brexit 50p coins in doubt as extension becomes more likely October 24, 2019 The future of a batch of commemorative Brexit 50p coins emblazoned with 31 October has been thrown into doubt as it becomes increasingly unlikely that Britain will leave the European Union before that date. Chancellor Sajid Javid had asked for three million of the coins to be in circulation and ready for 31 October, with [...]
Downing Street denies cabinet split over general election timing October 24, 2019 Downing Street today rejected reports of divisions within Boris Johnson’s Cabinet over when the government should try to call a general election, as it considers the next steps to deliver Brexit. The Prime Minister is thought to favour a general election if the EU suggests a Brexit delay until 31 January 2020. Read more: Moody’s: [...]
Facial recognition tech powered by AI poses a threat to society October 24, 2019 Facial recognition software feels like it has stepped out of the realms of science fiction and into reality. Thanks to massive developments in artificial intelligence (AI), cameras and surveillance systems can now check and analyse someone’s facial features in real time. This is a profound step forward in the realms of biometric security, and major [...]
This House divided must act with honour, stop hiding, and seek a new mandate from the people October 24, 2019 At times of crisis, it is sometimes tempting to seek solace in scripture. As the US Civil War approached in 1858, a senatorial candidate for Illinois – a certain Abraham Lincoln – clearly thought so. In his famous “House Divided” speech – during what proved to be a failed campaign but one that set him [...]
A look back at Mel Stride’s parliamentary career October 23, 2019 The new chair of the Treasury Select Committee is no stranger to the hallowed halls of 1 Horse Guards Road. Mel Stride was formerly a treasury minister for two years under ex-prime minister Theresa May. Read more: Mel Stride unveiled as new Treasury Select Committee chair The former Oxford Union president is best remembered during [...]
Mel Stride unveiled as new Treasury Select Committee chair October 23, 2019 Former Treasury minister Mel Stride has been named as the new chair of the Treasury Select Committee. Stride, the MP for Central Devon, won 263 votes in the race to replace former chair Nicky Morgan, who left the post after she returned to government as culture secretary. The appointment was delayed after Prime Minister Boris [...]
Uncertainty to weigh on economy even after Brexit deal, warns Moody’s October 23, 2019 Uncertainty will continue to hold back the UK economy even if Britain passes Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s Brexit deal, credit rating agency Moody’s has warned. Read more: Brexit latest: Brussels edges towards 31 January extension Yesterday’s vote by MPs to in principle approve the deal means “the likelihood of the UK leaving the EU with [...]