EU hits Covid vaccination target with two shots for 70 per cent of adult population August 31, 2021 The European Commission announced today that 70 percent of the European Union’s adult population has been fully vaccinated against Covid-19, meeting a target set earlier this year. It marks an important milestone in the EU vaccination strategy after a slow start. However, it also reveals big differences amongst member states. While some nations hit well [...]
Sturgeon deal with Scottish Greens brings green politicians into govt for first time in UK August 31, 2021 The Scottish Government’s new power-sharing deal with the Scottish Greens will bring Green representatives into government for the first time anywhere in the UK. Nicola Sturgeon plans to set out details of her government’s deal with the Greens as Holyrood returns after the summer recess. The first day of business is also expected to see [...]
Michael Gove spotted raving away with punters at Aberdeen nightclub August 31, 2021 Tory grandee and cabinet Office minister Michael Gove was spotted dancing in a nightclub, where he reportedly showed up on his own. Dressed in a dark suit with no tie, footage on social media shows Gove dancing and throwing shapes at the Pipe club night in Aberdeen. Adam Taylor, co-manager of Pipe, said Gove had [...]
‘Control freak Dominic Raab is toast in the next reshuffle’, govt source claims August 30, 2021 Foreign Office minister James Cleverly has defended the ministry’s response to the crisis in Afghanistan amid allegations that his boss, Dominic Raab, is a “control freak” who faces the sack. Cleverly insisted the allegations about the Foreign Secretary’s style of leadership were “not true” and insisted the organisation had responded swiftly to the unprecedented events [...]
Range of investors circle Teesside superport as offers could hit £2bn August 30, 2021 The battle to win a £2bn takeover of Britains fifth largest port, Teesside’s PD Ports, has gained the attention of numerous investors. The site which was recently awarded a low-tax freeport status has become a target for the Duke of Northumberland’s Northumberland Estates, Legal & General, Credit Suisse joined with the Pension Insurance Corporation. Teesport [...]
Afghanistan blame game begins: Govt accused of being ‘missing in action’ August 29, 2021 Senior Labour figures, charities and others are accusing the Government ministers of being “missing in action” during the Afghanistan crisis as the blame game over the handling of the withdrawal after a 20-year campaign in the country begins. The Sunday Times reports today that fingers were being pointed at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office [...]
Scottish Green Party backs SNP power-sharing deal August 28, 2021 The Scottish Green Party will enter government in Holyrood for the first time in history after its members backed a power-sharing deal with the SNP. An overwhelming majority of its 808 members voted in favour of the agreement, the party said. Writing on Twitter, the party said: “We will work together to build a greener, [...]
Civil investigations by HMRC fell during lockdown August 28, 2021 HMRC civil investigations into suspected tax evasion have fallen during the pandemic compared to pre-pandemic levels, according to FOI data obtained by national accountancy group UHY Hacker Young. The organisation said HMRC opened 278 civil investigations into suspected tax evasion during the first ten months of the pandemic, between 1 April 2020 to 31 January [...]
UK food producers push PM to grant 12-month visas to solve supply problems August 27, 2021 Companies from across the UK’s food chain are calling on the UK Government to grant thousands of extra one-off visas to solve Brexit-induced supply chain problems that now threaten to ruin Christmas. Companies and lobby groups representing food production companies from paddock to payment counter want a 12-month visa to be created for HGV drivers [...]
Afghanistan crisis: Three British nationals among those killed in Kabul airport attack August 27, 2021 Two British men and a British teenager were among those killed in yesterday’s suicide bomb attack outside Kabul airport, the foreign secretary has confirmed. All three British fatalities were waiting outside the airport and attempting to leave Afghanistan on an evacuation flight, and all belonged to different families. A fourth British national was injured and [...]