Starmer defends plans to give EU citizens and 16-year-olds the vote despite election ‘rigging’ claims May 15, 2023 Sir Keir Starmer has indicated it is “common sense” to allow EU nationals who have worked for years in the UK to vote in a general election, as Labour considers extending the franchise. The Opposition leader said it “feels wrong” that people who have contributed to Britain’s economy and raised their children in the country [...]
‘Welcome back!’: Sunak embraces Ukraine’s Zelensky as he visits UK in bid for more help to fight Russia May 15, 2023 The UK will provide Ukraine with air defence missiles and attack drones, Downing Street has announced, as Volodymyr Zelensky met Rishi Sunak at Chequers. In the latest leg of the Ukrainian president’s tour of western allies, Mr Zelensky said the two leaders would have “substantive negotiations” on the response to Russia’s invasion. Downing Street said [...]
Kemi Badenoch backs the City as she travels to Bern for UK-Swiss trade deal talks May 15, 2023 Trade secretary Kemi Badenoch has pledged her government “gets the City” as she launches trade deal talks with Switzerland. Speaking exclusively to City A.M., the business and trade secretary said the free trade deal’s (FTA) “potential is limitless” as she hopes to unlock investment in tech, digital and data. The former Tory leadership contender will [...]
Net migration set for record high as Tories brace for backlash May 14, 2023 Net migration figures into the UK are reportedly set to reach a record high of up to one million with the Conservative party bracing for criticism over the issue. Official figures are expected to be released later in May, with net migration expected to be 650,000 to 997,000 – far higher than the previous record [...]
Keir Starmer to ‘look at’ voting rights for EU citizens and 16-17 year olds May 14, 2023 Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer will “look at” expanding the franchise to EU citizens living in the UK and lowering the voting age to 16, a party frontbencher has confirmed. Shadow business secretary Jonathan Reynolds has said the proposals are “something we will look at”, amid reports over Labour being keen to bring in the [...]
National Grid needs ‘tens of billions’ to hit net zero goals, boss warns May 14, 2023 UK's electricity network needs tens of billions of pounds of investment to hit net zero goals, says National Grid boss John Pettigrew
Badenoch take Brexit bullet for Sunak: ‘Massive climbdown’ in EU law bonfire pinned on business sec May 12, 2023 Kemi Badenoch has insisted a decision to scale back post-Brexit plans to scrap EU laws was hers, as senior Conservative MPs criticised the “massive climbdown”. The Business Secretary insisted it was she and not Rishi Sunak who had taken the decision to revoke around 600 retained EU laws, rather than the 4,000 pledged. The Government [...]
Ukraine’s Eurovision Song Contest in Liverpool: Is Moscow competing, can Russia vote and are they broadcasting it? May 12, 2023 The 67th Eurovision Song Contest is taking place in Liverpool this year after the UK was chosen to host on behalf of war-torn Ukraine. It is the first time the competition has been held in the UK for 25 years – and Russia will not be competing. Why is Russia absent from the contest? Russia, [...]
Homebuilders and contractors condemn Gove’s U-turn on scrapping leasehold May 11, 2023 Homebuilders and contractors have come out against Michael Gove’s decision to U-turn on scrapping leasehold. Despite previously promising to abolish what he defined as a “feudal” system of property ownership, the plans have now been dropped by the levelling up secretary. Through leasehold, people buy the right to live in their flat, but not the [...]
Change in state pension age not to be decided until after next general election May 11, 2023 A decision on changing the state pension age won’t come until after the next general election, a top cabinet minister has admitted. Work and pension secretary Mel Stride said the starting age is not likely to go up to 68 until the 2040s and that there is “no reason why you need to take the [...]