Labour smashes the “don’t mess with pensioners” rule September 9, 2024 Nothing in politics is more painful than the removal of a benefit to which the recipients have become accustomed. Successive Chancellors and Prime Ministers have discovered this, sometimes to their embarrassment and sometimes to their very great cost. Related to this first rule, comes another; don’t mess with pensioners. In fact, ‘not messing’ with them [...]
UK and US spy chiefs ‘working ceaselessly’ for Gaza ceasefire September 7, 2024 British and American spy chiefs have said they are together “working ceaselessly” for a ceasefire and hostage deal in Gaza, in a rare public statement. MI6 chief Sir Richard Moore and CIA director Bill Burns said the agencies have “exploited our intelligence channels to push hard for restraint and de-escalation” in the Middle East. In [...]
Ukraine destroys scores of Russian drones as long-range attacks continue September 7, 2024 Scores of drones were shot down over Ukraine on Saturday as the country continues to face increased long-range bombardment from invading Russian forces. The Ukrainian Air Force said 67 drones were launched over the country overnight, with air defences active in 11 regions, including in the capital, Kyiv. Fifty-eight drones were shot down, with three [...]
Keir Starmer visits Ireland in bid to reset UK’s relationship with Dublin September 7, 2024 Sir Keir Starmer is to visit Ireland as he seeks to reset the UK’s relationship with its nearest neighbour. The Prime Minister will travel to Dublin on Saturday to meet with the Taoiseach, Simon Harris, in his first official visit to Ireland. Commerce across the Irish Sea, a trade relationship worth 100 billion euros a [...]
Majority of business managers back improved workers’ rights, survey shows September 7, 2024 Most employers support government plans to strengthen workers’ rights, new research has suggested. A survey of 1,000 managers indicated more than two in three believed the rights of workers should be improved. The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) think tank, the Trades Union Congress (TUC) and Persuasion UK said their study suggested that among [...]
Renters rights bill must protect ‘workable’ grounds for possession, landlords warn September 6, 2024 Plans to reform renters rights must protect “clear, comprehensive and workable” grounds for possession, a landlords body has warned. The government could reportedly bring forward its new Renters Rights Bill, which was announced in the King’s Speech, as soon as next week, according to Sky News. And renters rights campaigners have urged ministers to fulfil [...]
University chief says £12,500 fees needed to support higher eduction sector September 6, 2024 A London vice-chancellor has suggested universities could need tuition fees of £12,500 to address the sector’s financial woes. Professor Shitij Kapur, the vice-chancellor and president of King’s College London (KCL), has said the “number to ask for” was between £12,000 and £13,000 – but warned institutions risked looking “out of touch” if they requested the [...]
Government must fix ‘antiquated’ business rates, firms and CBI urge September 6, 2024 The government must fix the “antiquated” business rates system which is dampening productivity and growth, firms and the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has urged. A cross-sector panel including retail and manufacturing firms met to develop proposals to improve the current system in a bid to boost investment and supercharge the economy. CBI chief executive [...]
Thames Water creditors in funding drive to dodge special administration September 6, 2024 A group of Thames Water’s creditors are devising backup plans for a renewed injection of cash in a bid to prevent the firm from being effectively renationalised. The UK’s biggest water company is struggling under an £18.7bn debt crisis, and is in talks with lenders to provide it with fresh funding. The floundering utility firm [...]
GB Energy: Bill criticised as ‘blank cheque’ as MPs debated flagship policy September 6, 2024 The government’s Great British Energy bill has been criticised as a “blank cheque” and for having “barely anything in it” as MPs debated the flagship policy in the Commons. Energy security secretary Ed Miliband introduced the legislation to the chamber on Thursday for its second reading – when the main Commons debate was held – [...]