PMQs sketch: Starmer goes on the attack September 13, 2023 It would have been a tall order for Keir Starmer to mess up this week’s shouting match with the prime minister. Few politicos would have had an escaped terror suspect cycling around west London or an alleged Chinese spy in Parliament on their pre-conference bingo cards. And in fairness to the former chief prosecutor, he [...]
Pensions secretary: Triple lock has ‘very long term’ question marks as cost spirals September 12, 2023 The triple lock - set to cost an extra £2bn as a result of new wage growth data - may not be sustainable in the long-term
Chancellor: India’s ‘Silicon Valley’ could revitalise London’s capital markets September 11, 2023 Indian firms are set to explore listing internationally on the UK’s London Stock Exchange, amid trade talks between the two nations.
Rishi Sunak now as unpopular as Boris Johnson, poll finds September 11, 2023 Rishi Sunak is now as unpopular as Boris Johnson when he left office, polling of the public has revealed. The Prime Minister has scored his lowest ever favourability rating with almost 70 per cent of Brits revealing that they don’t rate him – making his popularity levels as poor as those of his former boss [...]
Jeremy Hunt: No tax cuts on the cards before next general election September 11, 2023 Jeremy Hunt has hinted that tax cuts are unlikely to be on offer before the next general election after warning that inflation had proved “stickier than was forecast”. The Chancellor told Bloomberg that he did not expect to have more fiscal headroom at the Autumn Statement — compared with the spring Budget — and “debt [...]
Rishi Sunak dodges commitment to pensions ‘triple lock’ in Tory manifesto September 11, 2023 Rishi Sunak has dodged a commitment to include the pensions ‘triple lock’ in the next Tory election manifesto. The Prime Minister now risks a backlash from his own MPs who will worry about turning off older voters in the general election. It comes amid reports ministers could consider a cut to benefits ahead of voters [...]
Westminster’s alleged spy for China says he is ‘completely innocent’ September 11, 2023 The parliamentary researcher arrested on suspicion of being a spy for China has insisted he is “completely innocent”. The man said he had spent his career highlighting the “challenge and threats presented by the Chinese Communist Party”. The arrest under the Official Secrets Act led to the Prime Minister confronting Chinese premier Li Qiang at [...]
Sunak hits out at Chinese interference after parliament ‘spy’ arrested September 10, 2023 Rishi Sunak said he raised concerns over reports of a Chinese spy in parliament
UK and India can ‘work through’ trade deal obstacles, PM says September 9, 2023 Rishi Sunak has signalled there is optimism the UK can conclude a trade deal with India after saying the two countries can “work through” the final negotiation hurdles. Statements made by the Prime Minister and No 10 following a meeting with Indian prime minister Narendra Modi on the fringes of the G20 summit suggested fresh [...]
‘India’s son-in-law’: Sunak’s headache projecting Britain abroad while problems mount at home September 8, 2023 It’s the age-old headache for prime ministers, and Rishi Sunak is no different. Overseas trips – full of opportunities to appear statesmanlike, gladhand other world leaders, and represent Britain on the global stage – always seem to come at the worst possible time. At the G7 in Japan earlier this year – possibly jetlagged and [...]