Data watchdog teams raid homes and seize computers amid Matt Hancock affair probe July 15, 2021 Teams from the UK’s data watchdog have seized computers after raiding two homes as part of their probe into the leaked CCTV footage of Matt Hancock’s affair. The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) searched two addresses in the south of England earlier today, taking personal computer equipment and other electronic devices with them. “In these circumstances, the [...]
Will Commons leader Jacob Rees-Mogg wear a face mask at PMQs? He keeps MPs guessing July 15, 2021 The Commons Leader also kept colleagues guessing as to whether he will wear a face covering at Prime Minister’s Questions next week, once restrictions have been eased. “Wait and see,” he told fellow MPs. New guidelines, set to come into force on July 19, make mask-wearing compulsory for staff but only “encouraged” for MPs. Unions [...]
Lobbying watchdog under fire after approving Philip Hammond role at Saudi finance ministry July 15, 2021 The lobbying watchdog was branded “toothless” by Labour this morning after the regulator gave the green light for former chancellor Lord Hammond to take up a role advising the Saudi Arabia finance ministry. Despite flagging concerns about Philip Hammond’s close links with Riyadh during his time in government, the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments (Acoba), [...]
Boris Johnson promises not to ‘decapitate’ London as a part of levelling up agenda July 14, 2021 Boris Johnson will today vow not to “decapitate” London and other “tall poppies” during the government’s levelling up agenda as he gives further details of his government’s trademark policy programme. Johnson will say that we “don’t think you can make the poor parts of the country richer by making the rich parts poorer” and that [...]
Government calls for ‘gradual return’ to offices over summer after 19 July July 14, 2021 The government has today suggested workers go back to the office gradually after 19 July as Covid cases are expected to keep rising. The government’s advice for employers includes calls for workers to reduce the number of people they have contact with, the use of face masks in some situations and ventilation checks in offices. [...]
Brexit fishing deal ‘far away from sea of opportunity’, industry chief says July 14, 2021 UK fisheries have been left high and dry by the post-Brexit trade deal agreement with the European Union, an industry body boss has said today. The National Federation of Fishermen’s Organisation boss, Barrie Deas, has urged the government to up its support for the sector when the so-called ‘adjustment period’ ends in 2026. The trade [...]
Johnson confirms football banning orders to be given to online racial abusers July 14, 2021 People who racially abuse footballers online will be banned from attending matches, Boris Johnson has confirmed. The Prime Minister also said social media firms that do not get racism off their platforms will face fines amounting to 10 per cent of their global revenues as a part of the future Online Harms Bill. Three black [...]
Tory MPs call for rethink of party’s stance on taking the knee July 14, 2021 Senior Tory backbench MPs have called for a change of attitude from their party over taking the knee in the wake of a racism row with English footballers. Former Brexit minister Steve Baker said the fallout from racist abuse received by three black English players should be a “wake-up call” to the Tory party over [...]
Every UK job has the potential to be green, government-backed taskforce says July 14, 2021 Every job in the UK has the potential to be green, according to an independent report today, as long as the right investment is unlocked. The Green Jobs Taskforce, which wrote the report and is backed by the UK government, has been set up to build the workforce needed for prime minister Boris Johnson’s ‘green [...]
South Africa rocked by violence as Jacob Zuma riots claim 72 lives July 14, 2021 The death toll in South Africa has risen to 72 following protests against the arrest and detention of former president Jacob Zuma. Several looters, who set alight a number of shopping centres, clashed with police in several cities last night. In Durban, a baby was filmed being thrown off a building due a fire. The [...]