Spend more on defence to tackle rising Russia threat, MPs say June 18, 2018 The government should increase its spending on defence in order to deal with rising threats from rogue states such as Russia, a group of MPs have said. A report, published by the Defence Select Committee this morning, has called for spending to rise from two per cent – the target recommended by Nato – to [...]
Sajid Javid’s plan to drop doctors and nurses from skilled worker ‘tier 2’ visa cap will boost business – but it’s only ‘a good first move’, says CBI June 14, 2018 Government plans to relax immigration rules by stripping out doctors and nurses from the visa cap have been welcomed by businesses – but the Home Office is still being urged to do more. The cap – introduced by Theresa May when she was home secretary – sets a limit for all non-EU skilled workers at [...]
Brexit: Prime Minister agrees to Remainer rebel MPs’ demands for meaningful vote on withdrawal deal in February June 14, 2018 Update: The victory rebel MPs thought they had secured has collapsed, after a last-minute change rendered the amendment "unacceptable". Read the full story here. Conservative rebel MPs appear to have secured victory over the meaningful vote amendment, with the Prime Minister reported to have agreed to her backbenchers' demands. One source close to the discussions [...]
Labour’s shadow chancellor John McDonnell admits party is “walking a tightrope” on Brexit June 13, 2018 Shadow chancellor John McDonnell has admitted Labour is "walking a tightrope" on Brexit, calling for people outside the Westminster bubble to start making their voices heard. The Labour frontbencher said he was "worried by the experience of the last 24 hours", referring to the debate and series of votes on the EU Withdrawal Bill yesterday, [...]
Ivan Rogers warns it’s ‘crunch time’ as max fac customs option will not be accepted by Brussels June 12, 2018 The UK's former ambassador to the EU has rubbished both the government's customs proposals saying they would not fly "in the real world", warning: "We're heading for a major crunch". Ivan Rogers, who was one of the most senior civil servants until he resigned last year in frustration at Theresa May's handling of the Brexit [...]
Youth justice minister Phillip Lee resigns over Brexit: I want to ‘look my children in the eye’ June 12, 2018 A government minister and ally of Theresa May has resigned over the UK's Brexit policy, saying he wants to "look my children in the eye and honestly say that I did my best for them". Phillip Lee, the youth justice minister, announced he was quitting this morning, claiming the current government policy was "detrimental to [...]
Youth justice minister Phillip Lee resigns over Brexit: I just want to ‘look my children in the eye’ June 12, 2018 A government minister and ally of Theresa May has resigned over the UK's Brexit policy, saying he wants to "look my children in the eye and honestly say that I did my best for them". Phillip Lee, the youth justice minister, announced he was quitting this morning, claiming the current government policy was "detrimental to [...]
Theresa May secures fragile unity with customs union amendment and Brexit plea to Tory backbenchers June 11, 2018 Theresa May appears to have secured fragile agreement among her MPs to back her ahead of a series of critical votes through an 11th hour meeting and a new customs amendment. The last-minute amendment proposes the government seek a “customs arrangement as part of the framework for the future relationship” with the EU after Brexit. [...]
Labour MPs urge investigation over ’embarrassing’ JezFest concert June 11, 2018 Labour MPs are demanding answers from the party HQ over the coming weekend's political and musical concert dubbed JezFest. The one-day Labour Live event will take place in Tottenham, north London, on 16 June. Musical acts include The Magic Numbers and Reverend and the Makers, alongside speeches by John McDonnell, Kate Osamor and activist Owen [...]
Justine Greening: Yes, it’s time for a woman mayor of London June 11, 2018 Don’t groan. Don’t roll your eyes. We may be two years away from the next mayoral election but the runners and riders for 2020 are already being lined up. And so they should. After 2016’s excruciating campaign pittingZac Goldsmith against Sadiq Khan, the Conservatives need a better plan – and a better candidate. One name [...]
