Brexit deal: Sunak says Northern Ireland in ‘unbelievably special position’ with access to both UK AND EU markets February 28, 2023 Rishi Sunak insisted that his new Brexit deal for Northern Ireland addressed the concerns of unionists despite the “small and limited” role for European Union law and its court – while giving Belfast an “unbelievably special position”. The Prime Minister, who was visiting Northern Ireland to sell the deal secured with the European Union, said [...]
Sunak Brexit deal: King Charles meeting with EU’s von der Leyen ‘not unusual’ – Cleverly February 28, 2023 Foreign Secretary James Cleverly has rejected claims that the King was being drawn into political controversy over his meeting with European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen. Cleverly denied ministers were politicising the monarchy following the meeting between the King and the Brussels official at Windsor Castle, which coincided with the agreement of a new [...]
Parents forced to stay at home as thousands of teachers start three days of ‘unforgivable’ strikes February 28, 2023 Tens of thousands of teachers across England and Wales will strike over three days this week in the long-running dispute over pay. Teachers will walk out across the north of England on Tuesday with the majority of schools expected to either restrict access to some pupils or fully close, the National Education Union (NEU) has [...]
IFS: No room for tax cuts or spending rises at March budget despite Jeremy Hunt pocketing £60bn windfall February 28, 2023 There is no room for tax cuts or spending increases at the 15 March budget despite Jeremy Hunt being handed an around £60bn windfall from lower energy prices and interest rates, a top economic think tank has forecast today. The Chancellor will be held back from handing households and businesses a tax giveaway due to [...]
Rishi Sunak’s Brexit deal could be the making of the Prime Minister February 27, 2023 The Brexit deal signed by Rishi Sunak today may well be the moment that he is able to take charge of his party Rishi Sunak is a funny old Prime Minister. He was vaulted up the political ranks almost by accident; his accession to Chancellor coming years before he could reasonably have expected it as [...]
The Independent film 2023 review: All-star cast fail to ignite this political thriller February 27, 2023 Political movies used to be a specialist subject, but whatever side of the aisle you sit it’s safe to say everyone is better versed in his world than they were a few years ago. Sky’s new original movie, The Independent, seeks to look into our polarised world. Jodie Smith-Turner plays Eli, an ambitious young reporter who [...]
Brexit deal done: Rishi Sunak signs breakthrough agreement with EU over Northern Ireland protocol February 27, 2023 Rishi Sunak has signed a breakthrough deal with the European Union over post-Brexit trading arrangements for Northern Ireland and will now seek to win the backing of unionists and Tory Eurosceptics. The Prime Minister and EU chief Ursula von der Leyen finalised the long-awaited agreement to ease the trading issues created by the Northern Ireland [...]
‘One of a kind’: Heartfelt tributes to former Commons speaker Betty Boothroyd who dies age 93 February 27, 2023 Baroness Betty Boothroyd, the first woman to be elected Speaker of the House of Commons, has died at 93. The current Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle paid tribute to Lady Boothroyd as “one of a kind”. She became the first woman to be elected Speaker in April 1992, staying on in the role until October 2000. Sir Lindsay said: “Not [...]
Sunak must face down the vocal ‘hard Brexit’ minority within his own party February 27, 2023 The terms of our Brexit deal are too important to become mired in the internal politics of a divided Conservative party “We have to stop thinking if there is a deal that is about to be done, it means we’ve been done over in some way.” So said the rational Eurosceptic George Eustice over the [...]
Brexit breakthrough? Sunak meets EU’s von der Leyen for ‘final talks’ as Rees-Mogg threatens revolt February 27, 2023 Rishi Sunak and Ursula von der Leyen are set to sign off on a new post-Brexit deal for Northern Ireland as Conservative Eurosceptics warn the “devil is in the detail”. The Prime Minister and the European Commission President will hold “final talks” in Windsor, Berkshire, on Monday in what is expected to produce a breakthrough. [...]