Ireland votes Yes to gay marriage May 24, 2015 Ireland has become the first country to vote for the legalisation of same-sex marriage. The Yes vote in the Republic won handily, garnering 62 per cent of the support. This is a socially significant step for Ireland; the Catholic church has held great sway there, and its line of the referendum was, predictably, that its [...]
Labour has performed a U-turn on the EU membership referendum, as Cameron prepares legislation May 24, 2015 Labour has performed a balletic U-turn this morning, abandoning its opposition to EU membership referendum. Harriet Harman, the acting leader of the party, has given David Cameron a boost by saying her party will vote in favour of the Conservative’s bill, which would see a vote on the UK’s EU membership before the end of [...]
David Cameron refuses to be drawn on timeline for an EU referendum during negotiations in Riga May 22, 2015 Talks in Riga over the UK's position in Europe were merely "scratching the surface", David Cameron said today, and refused to be drawn on the timing of an EU referendum. Read more: Spencer – EU referendum must not be rushed "I will not give time lines and deadlines and a running commentary on the referendum plans," [...]
David Cameron fires starting gun for grand bargain with Europe May 22, 2015 Newly re-elected Prime minister David Cameron will hold his first talks with European Union leaders today, as he attempts to renegotiate the terms of Britain's membership in the bloc ahead of a referendum in 2017. "Today I will start discussions in earnest with fellow leaders on reforming the EU and renegotiating the UK's relationship with [...]
Government minister George Freeman threatens food companies with sugar tax May 21, 2015 Sugary foods may be taxed to cover the costs of treating obesity, a government minister has said. George Freeman, the life sciences minister, said yesterday that food companies should know that if they produce food that could lead to poor lifestyles and ill health, they may face penalties. In doing so, Freeman contradicted health secretary [...]
Graduates could face tougher repayments on their student loans May 21, 2015 Students could face tougher loan terms amid rising uncertainty over long-term debt repayments, or else the government would be forced to cut funding for things such as apprenticeships or science. Changes to the way the government covers unpaid student loans is squeezing the department for business innovation & skill's budget, according to a new report by [...]
David Cameron: Firms must crack down on illegal migrants May 21, 2015 Prime Minister David Cameron took his hardest line yet on illegal immigration this morning, when he introduced sweeping legislation cracking down not only on foreign workers, but on the landlords, banks and employers that help them as well. In a speech today in Westminster, Cameron said the Queen’s Speech will include an immigration bill intended to [...]
Pro-business Labour candidates? Blairite Liz Kendall may be Labour’s best bet at winning back business confidence May 21, 2015 With candidates lining up to take over Ed Miliband as the new Labour leader, divisions in the party are appearing as it digests the General Election. In the postmortem of Labour’s election defeat, many are arguing that it was the party's lack of an aspirational message and its perceived anti-business stance that put off voters. [...]
George Osborne says Britain wants to be in Europe, not run by Europe May 20, 2015 Chancellor George Osborne told business leaders last night that they need to “confront some hard truths about Europe”. In a speech at the pro-European Confederation of British Industry’s annual dinner, Osborne said that the government wants “Britain to be in Europe, not run by Europe.” “The continent is sleepwalking towards a future where it has [...]
Labour leadership contest: Tristram Hunt rules himself out as he backs Liz Kendall in race May 20, 2015 Shadow education minister Tristram Hunt has ruled himself out of the leadership race contest, endorsing Liz Kendall, shadow minister for care and older people. Hunt held a press conference today in which he said he was not prepared to stand after “the bulk of MPs are already committed to just a couple of candidates” [...]