DEBATE: Is John Major correct that we need a cross-party government to steer the UK through Brexit? April 2, 2019 Is John Major correct that we need a cross-party government to steer the UK through Brexit? YES, says Ben Kelly, a commentator for Reaction. In the best-case scenario, a “strong and stable” government with a majority, clear priorities, and an overarching strategy would be leading the way on delivering Brexit. Instead, we have a shambolic [...]
Generation Rent needs more help to buy property, not Help to Buy April 2, 2019 Britain is not yet a nation of renters – but it’s getting there. Half of children are now born in rented accommodation, versus a third back in 2003-4. The number of families renting with children has doubled in a decade, according to the insurance provider Royal London. Meanwhile, new analysis shows that the government’s Help [...]
Deadlocked MPs reject soft Brexit as Tory MP quits party in protest April 2, 2019 Parliament last night failed once again to back an alternative Brexit plan, just 11 days before the UK is set to leave the EU. Read more: UK service exports fall as Brexit and global economic slowdown bite None of the options voted on by MPs secured a Commons majority, although a call for the UK [...]
Brexit deadlock continues as parliament fails to find majority on indicative votes April 1, 2019 MPs have again failed to find a clear majority on a series of indicative votes on how to proceed with Brexit negotiations. Theresa May’s cabinet will meet in the morning to consider the results of the evening’s votes. The closest result came on Conservative MP Ken Clarke's amendment which would have required the UK to negotiate [...]
The cheek of it: Climate activists strip off in protest in House of Commons as Brexit debate rages on April 1, 2019 Cracks in the House of Commons were laid bare today by something other than MPs arguing over Brexit, as 12 protesters stripped off in the public viewing gallery. Politicians were shocked as semi-naked protesters glued their hands to the glass partition above the debate, resulting in their eventual arrest. Read more: Climate change activists Extinction Rebellion [...]
Tory Brexiter hints he will vote against government in no confidence motion April 1, 2019 A former Brexit minister has hinted he could resign from the Tories and back a no-confidence motion in the government. Steve Baker, one of the die-hard band of Brexiters who voted against Theresa May’s withdrawal plan on Friday, has warned the possibility of a general election was now “coming on to the table.” Baker, who [...]
‘Let history decide’: Downing Street coy on claim cabinet is most ill-disciplined ever April 1, 2019 Downing Street has refused to slap down a leading member of the government who claimed Theresa May’s top team are “the worst example of ill-discipline in cabinet in British political history.” Chief Whip Julian Smith made the remarks in an interview with the BBC, set to be broadcast on Monday evening, as he hit out [...]
While Westminster is distracted by Brexit chaos, Labour puts the finishing touches to its plan for revolution April 1, 2019 While the Brexit process pushes the British constitution to its limits, the Labour party continues to develop and promote policy proposals that, if implemented, would make the UK's torturous departure from the European Union look like a modest tweak to our political operating system. While all of Westminster focuses on the near collapse of functioning [...]
Brexit: Commons speaker picks four indicative votes for MPs to debate April 1, 2019 A fresh attempt to break the UK’s Brexit deadlock was made today as MPs prepare to vote on four indicative motions to decide on a path forward. Prime Minister Theresa May’s deal was rejected for a third time last week by a margin of 58 votes as parliament opted against leaving the EU with her [...]
Tory backbencher Jacob Rees-Mogg defends quoting ‘overtly racist’ far-right German party April 1, 2019 Conservative backbench MP Jacob Rees-Mogg has defended a tweet in which he quoted the leader of a German far-right party Alternative für Deutschland (AfD). The outspoken Brexit supporter said he did not support the party’s views but maintained the opinions put forward were of “real importance”. Read more: Standard Chartered fires banker with links to [...]