Productivity gains won’t win elections, but they will secure growth for decades May 10, 2023 We used to lead the world in productivity, and now we lag behind. We need to invest more to be productive. It might not be the most exciting political slogan, but it will pay off, writes Josh Williams
Met chief says force stopped ‘fake stewards’ throwing paint May 9, 2023 Met Police chief Sir Mark Rowley has defended the force’s policing of the coronation and said officers stopped “extremely dangerous” protesters from causing disruption. Officers have faced heavy criticism after 64 people were arrested over the bank holiday weekend – including six protesters who were members of the anti-monarchy group Republic. The six campaigners were [...]
60 business leaders warn Sunak to bring Great British Railway plans forward – or jobs and investment will be on the line May 9, 2023 Sixty business leaders have written to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak today, urging him not to delay legislation that would establish Great British Railways (GBR) beyond the current parliament. The letter, which was also addressed to Transport Secretary Mark Harper and Rail and HS2 Minister Huw Merriman, argued that pushing the reforms into the long grass [...]
Why you should never, ever bet against UK house prices May 9, 2023 Remember the start of the year? “UK house prices have gone into sharp reverse over recent months. And we expect that elevated mortgage rates will result in at least a 12 per cent price correction,” so said Capital Economics at the time. This is from building society Nationwide last week: “While annual house price growth [...]
Cabinet minister: Ukraine War and Covid-19 to blame for local election beating May 7, 2023 Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer has blamed heavy Tory losses in the local elections on the pandemic and the Ukraine war. She also noted the Conservative Party had been in power for “a long time”. The Cabinet minister conceded that voters were “frustrated and angry”, but claimed Rishi Sunak was starting to regain the public’s trust. [...]
King and Queen begin procession to Westminster Abbey May 6, 2023 The King and Queen’s procession has left Buckingham Palace to cheers from the waiting crowds in The Mall as the moment of their coronation drew closer. Charles and Camilla waved to thousands of spectators lining the street as leading figures began to join members of the congregation in Westminster Abbey. The list of 2,300 invited [...]
Local elections: Labour now largest party of local government – but predicted to fall short of outright Westminster majority May 6, 2023 Labour have said the Tories’ dire local election results marked a “clear rejection” of Rishi Sunak as they became the largest party of local government since 2002. Sir Keir Starmer was celebrating wins in key battlegrounds as an indication his party was on course to win the next general election. The prime minister was under [...]
Police urged to investigate Boris Johnson video May 5, 2023 Police are being urged to investigate after a video emerged of Boris Johnson allegedly not wearing a seatbelt in what appears to be a moving vehicle. In a video shared on social media, the former prime minister is heard urging Derbyshire Conservatives to “turn out and vote” ahead of Thursday’s local elections. Johnson does not [...]
Sunak to meet Oz and NZ leaders as trade deal – which promises cheaper manuka honey and Jacob’s Creek – takes effect May 5, 2023 Rishi Sunak is set to welcome the leaders of Australia and New Zealand to No10 ahead of the UK’s landmark post-Brexit trade deals coming into force. The prime minister will meet Australian PM Anthony Albanese and Chris Hipkins, prime minister of New Zealand, in Downing Street today. It comes as the UK’s trade deals with [...]
Local elections: Tories suffer big losses including commuter belt councils Hertsmere, Brentwood, Windsor and Maidenhead May 5, 2023 The Conservatives have been hit by major losses in the local elections – losing over a third of their council seats so far. Losses include key commuter belt councils Hertsmere, Brentwood and Windsor and Maidenhead – which includes former prime minister Theresa May’s constituency. It was prime minister Rishi Sunak’s first significant electoral test since [...]