UK Politics Thread part II [Archive] - Page 2

Jimbuna

10-15-22, 01:34 PM

Difficult decisions will be needed "across the board" on tax and spending, the new chancellor has told the BBC.

Speaking in his first interviews since becoming chancellor, Jeremy Hunt said some taxes will go up, while government spending may need to fall.

Cutting the top rate of tax and not independently costing measures were mistakes being "put right", he added.

He also insisted he had a "clean slate" after Liz Truss sacked Kwasi Kwarteng on Friday.

Mr Hunt, a former foreign secretary who had not been part of Ms Truss's cabinet, was made chancellor on Friday as the prime minister sought to restore confidence in her government.

In another dramatic day in Westminster, the PM also scrapped the plan to freeze corporation tax - set out in the 23 September mini-budget - in another major U-turn.

Speaking to the BBC, Mr Hunt signalled a big shift away from the economic policies of Ms Truss and Mr Kwarteng.

"Taxes are not going to come down by as much as people hoped, and some taxes will have to go up," he said. "I'm going to be asking all government departments to find additional efficiency savings."

While he did not say where taxes could rise or public spending be reduced, Mr Hunt did not rule out cuts to NHS spending or rowing back on Ms Truss's pledge to increase defence spending to 3% of GDP.

The chancellor, a Rishi Sunak supporter in the leadership contest, said the government needed to "show the world we have a plan that adds up financially".
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-63268238

Jimbuna

10-15-22, 02:26 PM

Mini-budget will likely mean higher interest rates, warns Bank of England governor

UK borrowers can expect to face higher interest rates as a result of the Truss government’s tax and spending decisions during its six weeks in power, the governor of the Bank of England has warned.

Despite the U-turn on corporation tax on Friday that saw the sacking of Kwasi Kwarteng as chancellor, Andrew Bailey said the extra stimulus provided in last month’s mini-budget would add to inflation and force the Bank into tougher-than-expected action.

Bailey said he had impressed on the new chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, the need for the public finances to be sustainable and that there had been a “clear and immediate meeting of minds”. Hunt used his first interview to stress mistakes made by Truss would require “difficult decisions” to be made.

The governor said it was not for him to “constrain the choices” Hunt will make in his fiscal statement on 31 October, and said the decision to go ahead with the planned increase in corporation tax was “important”.

Even so, Bailey made clear that tough action from the Bank on borrowing costs could be expected in early November.

Skybird

10-15-22, 03:00 PM

Wanting to be a second Thatcher, is one thing. Actually being a second Thatcher is something very different.

Kwarteng gone. Truss next to leave, I assume? Or should I say: next to be made leaving?

Truth being told however, the situation any politican would find himself in when heading a British government now, is a lost position currently. Its all so messy now that practically everybody must fail.

There is a fever in the world now, and I think we need to let it run because we are unable to stop it. When it ebbs down again one day, the world will be another one - to what degree, remains to be seen.

But right now, Britian, EU, ECB, the West, everything: its beyond control. The means to control it, are not there. The crisis (plural) have grown over our heads.

Gorpet

10-15-22, 06:41 PM

Well the destruction of the conservative party is in full swing in your country.Liz Truss the sacrificial lamb. Now she knows! Markets determine,Who will be a PM and stay in office or get a boot. Damn she just proposed a different approach , nothing put into effect and she has been destroyed. And i thought the USA was in trouble. Then again your just an Island that is fast running out of Englishmen.

Skybird

10-16-22, 11:43 AM

She was not yet thrown out of the door, but she was handed her coat. the Neue Zürcher Zeitung comments:
-------------------------------------------

The new British Chancellor of the Exchequer clears away the last remnants of his boss's political program

Failed British Prime Minister Liz Truss may still be holding on to office, but she has lost her authority. Her new Chancellor of the Exchequer is giving clear signals about reassuring the capital market - and thus burying Truss's political program.

He is the British gentleman the world likes to imagine: Perfectly groomed in a dark suit, calm and controlled, with a soft voice and friendly expression, the new Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt cleared away the last remnants of his boss Liz Truss' political program on Sunday morning. "This is a compassionate Conservative government," he declared on the BBC's main political morning show.

That was exactly the guiding principle of the Conservative governments of the last twelve years, from which Truss wanted to distinguish herself so radically with her reform program to return the country to more dynamic economic growth. The sophisticated Chancellor of the Exchequer, who supposedly rushed to the Prime Minister's rescue, dealt a death blow to her ambitions.

Truss's dismissal of Chancellor of the Exchequer Kwasi Kwarteng and the abandonment of tax cuts for companies on Friday had not yet really managed to calm the financial markets. The British pound even weakened somewhat after the announcements, and the all-important interest rates for 30-year government bonds (gilts) rose again slightly to a high 4.6 percent. The muted reaction left open the interpretation that the announcements were not enough. Hunt had to double down to defuse the situation when the market opened Monday morning. And he did it without regard for his new boss.

Taxes would not fall as quickly as previously thought, and some might even rise, he explained. In addition, all ministries would have to come up with austerity proposals, but no austerity policies as harsh as those the first Conservative government had had to implement from 2010 onward after the financial crisis were planned, he said. Hunt promised financial market participants the greatest possible transparency about the government's fiscal policy plans, thereby also taking a counter-position to his predecessor, who failed in record time.

He warned citizens of the need to make tough decisions. At the same time, however, he assured them that the poorest would be protected and that the government would do everything possible to keep the rise in mortgage rates as low as possible.

This is precisely the prioritization that many economists are now demanding of the British government. The irresponsible debt policies of Kwarteng and Truss had driven up the already rising interest rates on government debt by leaps and bounds. This forced the Bank of England to make short-term support purchases of government bonds at the wrong time, as these had the additional effect of driving up inflation instead of dampening it. In addition, rising mortgage rates are weighing on the disposable incomes of millions of households already suffering from high inflation of 10 percent. Hunt recognized this and initiated the necessary corrections.

However, many are asking what will be the vision of the government, which is only five weeks old, apart from troubleshooting. Hunt took pains to reiterate the prime minister's goals: stronger long-term growth. But no chancellor of the exchequer or prime minister would ever promise otherwise. How this goal is to be achieved is completely unclear apart from airy declarations of intent such as a more efficient bureaucracy or more successful research and development.

That leads to the question of what purpose is left in holding on to Truss, who has lost everything she used to campaign for her election as party leader in the summer. The party is split over that, which buys Truss some more time. A strong wing around her one-time rival for the party leadership, former Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak, is pushing for a quick replacement of Truss. This faction could live well with a Chancellor of the Exchequer Hunt and would pursue a similarly moderate course for the party that somehow takes all interests into account.

Truss's predecessor, Boris Johnson, who was ousted in the summer, had made it clear when he resigned that he would seek a return to Downing Street. But at the moment, this does not seem to be his most pressing concern, and he would hardly have the support of the parliamentary party. Hardly anyone is still in favor of Truss. But many MPs still balk at the prospect of another lengthy procedure for electing party leaders.

---------------------

Jimbuna

10-16-22, 12:35 PM

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has insisted Liz Truss is still in charge of the government, after a series of U-turns left her premiership in jeopardy.

Some Tory backbenchers have been talking privately about how to remove the PM, after market turmoil led her to abandon her flagship tax policies.

Mr Hunt urged the party to unite behind her, as the pair held crunch talks to thrash out plans on tax and spending.

But a senior Tory MP said "the game is up" and called for Ms Truss to go.

Mr Hunt replaced Kwasi Kwarteng on Friday, after the former chancellor was fired following financial turbulence in the wake of last month's mini-budget and a backlash from a number of MPs in his party.

A key test of the government's moves so far will come when markets reopen early on Monday, with ministers facing a nervous wait to see if the rise in UK government debt costs over recent weeks continues.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-63275544

Jimbuna

10-17-22, 06:57 AM

Nothing beats a millionaire denying the working masses the help they most clearly need atm.

Truss wormed her way into the PM job by making promises she must have realised she couldn't pay for and here is her latest Chancellor taking them all back.

This country needs an immediate General Election.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6jRCYNZb7m8

Jimbuna

10-17-22, 07:15 AM

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt ditches almost all of PM Liz Truss's tax cuts announced in the government's mini-budget three weeks ago.

The basic rate of income tax will remain at 20p indefinitely - instead of being reduced to 19p

The cap on energy prices charged to households is now only guaranteed until April next year, but will then be reviewed.

But the cuts to stamp duty and National Insurance remain in place.

Hunt says his announcement - bringing forward measures from an economic plan on 31 October - is designed to calm financial turmoil following the mini-budget.

He will address MPs in the House of Commons at 15.30 and give further details.

Truss has been meeting cabinet ministers as she attempts to shore up her premiership, following calls from some Tory MPs for her to go.

Jimbuna

10-17-22, 09:52 AM

After allowing her chancellor to rewrite the government's energy price plan, Liz Truss has just removed one of her biggest remaining arguments for staying in power.

Yes, reversing the Kwarteng income tax cut, abolishing the dividend tax changes and the VAT-free shopping scheme are very politically painful.

But abandoning the existing energy price cap scheme from April is on a different level of significance and leaves this government holed below the waterline.

Now people's energy bills will be going up from April, just as millions face bigger mortgage payments too, but this is only one of several problems this decision causes.

Boris Johnson always attempted to make the argument that he got big calls right. This is now all but impossible for Liz Truss.

The prime minister has clung on relentlessly to the wisdom of her energy price plan: praising it again on Friday in the awkward mini-press conference, over the weekend in an article in The Sun, and allowing government ministers - like Treasury minister Andrew Griffith on Sky 24 hours ago - to point to it as the one government success.

It wasn't even part of the mini-budget - announced 48 hours after she entered office - and over a fortnight before Kwasi Kwarteng's calamitous statement.

Yet politically the Truss team allowed it to morph into the mini-budget's biggest triumph, even as other parts were thrown in the dumpster.

Truss's MPs like Robert Halfon could see the folly, but she could not until the very last moment. She clung on to it when everyone else could see the warning lights.

It is hard to overstate what a big deal this is because of the wider signal it sends.

This will be seen as the day when bailout Britain ended. Starting in the pandemic, getting a nation used to bailouts with the furlough scheme and business support schemes, there has been an assumption government will step in when external shocks take place.

This is no more.

Liz Truss had exposed the public finances to near unlimited liability for two years, because she cannot have known the cost of gas rises resulting from Putin's war.

One of the most dangerous fiscal policies of modern times has been consigned to the bin.

It is for her MPs now to judge whether she still has enough credibility to remain in office after this particular U-turn.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/uknews/truss-has-just-removed-one-of-her-biggest-remaining-arguments-for-staying-in-power-sam-coates/ar-AA132Nur?ocid=mailsignout&pc=U591&cvid=2455f36b820c489fb271bd5831d72d76

mapuc

10-17-22, 05:11 PM

Well Only me British friends can say if this is correct.

https://twitter.com/BBCNews/status/1582130995117293568

Markus

Jimbuna

10-18-22, 06:07 AM

Prime Minister Liz Truss has met her cabinet this morning, as she battles to regain authority and chart a new economic course.

New chancellor Jeremy Hunt was expected to tell ministers that they need to agree savings by the end of the week.

Last night, Truss said she was sorry for her government's mistakes, and that they had tried to move "too far too fast"

Hunt has scrapped nearly all the tax cuts announced at last month's mini-budget.

Truss says she still intends to lead the Conservatives into the next general election, despite heavy criticism from within her party.

Five Conservative MPs are openly calling for her to resign, with others briefing in private that her time in No 10 is up.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace, tipped as a replacement for Truss, accused colleagues of playing "political parlour games"

Jimbuna

10-18-22, 08:12 AM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wO2lWmgEK1Y

Skybird

10-18-22, 02:26 PM

The Neue Zürcher Zeitung comments:
------------------------------
Glamour and vision have failed - now the British need a boring head of government

It is a certainty in Great Britain that British Prime Minister Liz Truss will be replaced sooner or later. Discussions are now turning to the man or woman who should succeed her. A serious go-getter would be a good recommendation.

Liz Truss still resides at Downing Street as prime minister, but she no longer really leads the country. That job has been taken over by her Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt, whom she brought in to her own rescue on Friday, with his announcements. No one in Britain doubts that Prime Minister Liz Truss is already history after six weeks in office. The only open question is how quickly the Conservative Party will come around to her replacement and a succession plan. Now that the reliable troubleshooter Hunt has taken over, this question is not as urgent.
What the next prime minister should accomplish - no more miracles

More important than the individual names now being weighed up in excited circles in the Conservative faction of the House of Commons, however, would be the question of what kind of head of government the country now needs and what his priorities should be. A look at history can provide some indications here. The disruptive reformer Margaret Thatcher, whom Liz Truss has taken so much as a model, was followed in 1990 by the pale bourgeois John Major, who completely unexpectedly won another election for the Tories and governed much more successfully and for longer than the party and the public had given him credit for. Today, he is highly revered as the voice of reason.

Major was followed in 1997 by the left-liberal visionary Tony Blair. He triggered storms of enthusiasm far beyond the country's borders and a cultural and social upswing in the country, but his successes were based on a financial illusion that burst in 2008 during the financial crisis. A decade of stabilization, sobriety and austerity followed under the unimaginative administrator David Cameron and his hapless successor Theresa May. After this economically successful, but apart from Brexit, politically dry spell, the Tories threw themselves first at the dazzling bon vivant Boris Johnson and then at the libertarian revolutionary Liz Truss, while Labour allowed itself to be seduced by the state-socialist fantasies of the cantankerous old leftist Jeremy Corbyn. All three managed to inspire a loyal following, and all three failed magnificently.

Great Britain has been through enough experimentation. What it needs now is what is commonly referred to as good governance, which is recommended above all for developing countries. Good governance is described by the UN in the following terms: Transparency, responsibility, accountability, participation and responsiveness to the needs of the population. Under Johnson, responsibility and accountability suffered severely; under Truss, transparency and responsiveness to the needs of the country were lacking. Both led to chaos; both were quickly ended by well-functioning political institutions.

The time for seductive visions is over. Labour noticed it first after its painful 2019 election defeat. The party elected lawyer Keir Starmer as leader, a bone-dry but top-serious politician who clinically dissected each of Johnson's fanciful web of lies and evasions, yet is not loved by journalists or the public for his boring performance. The Tories are now following their ever-friendly man without qualities, the multifunctional minister Jeremy Hunt, who is confidently leading the country into calmer waters after the Truss storm. Hunt doesn't sweep anyone away either. But he can be counted on.

The country now needs an experienced chief executive like Hunt, the ambitious former Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak or, in the event of new elections, perhaps Starmer at the helm, who is not a showman or a visionary, but who understands the craft of governing and is willing to apply it in daily, conscientious work. A head of government who addresses the country's real problems: the extreme centralization of the state, the overregulation after almost five decades of EU membership, the weak productivity performance of the economy, the often poor performance of public schools, the high inequality with all its social problems despite a considerable tax burden, the mediocre infrastructure, the overstretched state health care system. It takes a lot of work and may be boring. But it works.

----------------------------------

MGR1

10-18-22, 05:20 PM

Political stability UK wide and a possible Labour Government would knock the wind out of the sails of Sturgeon and the SNP. The recent announcements from the Nats about their plan for independence still don't add up in any serious manner.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-63288369

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-63293427

From observation, us Scots seem more at ease when a boring technocrat is in charge.:hmmm:

Mike.

Jimbuna

10-19-22, 04:36 AM

Liz Truss has told right-wing Tory MPs her tax U-turns were "painful," as she continues to try and shore up her support within the party.

The PM told Eurosceptic backbenchers she was still committed to boosting growth through economic reforms, No 10 sources said.

She has been meeting MPs to appeal for support, with her authority undermined after she abandoned flagship tax cuts.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-63308930

Jimbuna

10-19-22, 04:37 AM

Liz Truss is battling to save her premiership after just over a month in the job - what are the key hurdles she faces?
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-63206989

Jimbuna

10-19-22, 04:38 AM

The latest inflation figures show the cost of living went up 10.1% in the 12 months to September, driven mostly by rising food prices.

It means prices are rising at their fastest rate for 40 years. The figure for August was 9.9%

September's inflation reading is important because it'll be used to help calculate April's rise in the state pension as well as increases in benefits.

The government will now be under pressure to confirm if these payments will rise in line with this figure.

BBC News is in Sunderland hearing how people are coping with the soaring cost of living and economic pressures.

More than half of people expect their financial position to worsen in the next six months, according to a survey we've commissioned.

Jimbuna

10-19-22, 12:51 PM

Suella Braverman resigns as home secretary in a face-to-face meeting with the prime minister - she has been replaced by Grant Shapps.

Braverman says she quit after sending an official document from her personal email, a breach of ministerial rules.

But in a blistering resignation letter, she says the government needs to rely on people "accepting responsibility for their mistakes"

Pretending we haven't made mistakes "and hoping that things will magically come right is not serious politics", she adds.

New Home Secretary Shapps served as transport secretary under Boris Johnson.

Truss faces significant discontent among Tory MPs and losing one of her key ministers will add to turmoil at the top of government.

Earlier she took part in her first Prime Minister's Questions after being forced to ditch her flagship tax cuts from the mini-budget.

Truss said she was "completely committed" to raising pensions in line with inflation.

Skybird

10-19-22, 01:58 PM

Liz Truss still has not yet been thrown out of the frontdoor, but the coat handed to her already earlier is the coat she now is being forced to wear in early preparation for her leave.

And see, while she wears it now everybody can see it's not a coat, but a straitjacket.

And btw, the door is over there, Liz. Careful, make sure you dont walk into the wall.

:D

No, that is a window, dont walk out that - better take the door.

mapuc

10-19-22, 02:37 PM

Hehe
While Truss walks out of the front door-Boris Johnson walks in.
(Read a headline some days ago-where it said if Truss leave Boris J may try to return)

Markus

Jimbuna

10-20-22, 06:02 AM

BREAKING NEWS (two minutes ago)

Liz Truss is meeting 1922 Committee chairman Sir Graham Brady in Downing Street right now.

Skybird

10-20-22, 06:23 AM

Somebody has done a good job oiling the door hinges.

mapuc

10-20-22, 06:31 AM

It's happening in a Parliament in another country-Great Britain.
I can therefore not speak(write)what's on my mind about this...circus-No not circus in a circus there are order.

From what I have seen yesterday I must say it was a scandal. Today I heard in our news that some members of the Parliament was dragged from one door to another-It should be a Yes and a No entrance.

I understand if Jim and other British people here are furious.

Markus

Jimbuna

10-20-22, 06:39 AM

You eventually learn to live with it....you really don't have an alternative choice other than a revolution.

mapuc

10-20-22, 06:42 AM

You eventually learn to live with it....you really don't have an alternative choice other than a revolution.

Aren't you sometimes in doubt whether your watching real life transmission from the Parliament or Spitting Image

Markus

Jimbuna

10-20-22, 06:54 AM

Very often but sadly I have a long association with politicians through my previous career and have a former associate who was once Foreign Secretary.

Skybird

10-20-22, 08:32 AM

Already dizzy, Lizzy? :O:

mapuc

10-20-22, 09:05 AM

Breaking

Liz Truss has resigned.

Markus

blackswan40

10-20-22, 10:01 AM

Who would want the poison chalice of Prime Minister within the tory ranks even if only for 15 minuets of fame or ridicule for that matter is there anyone capable of steering the tory ship to calmer waters.

Skybird

10-20-22, 10:48 AM

Tories imo have no legitimation anymore to just assign another - unelected - prime minster. They should assign a TEMPORARY placeholder who organises new elections as quickly as possible. Within a small handful of weeks, under no circumstances within months and thus allowing Tories to stick to government power.

Putin only rarely has reason to laugh these days. This is one. After Monty Python and Mr. Bean, now Real Politics. Tradition and expertise in comedy made in Britain since many years. :yeah:

BTW, the election thing I mentioned for formal reasons only. I do not believe it means much, since the pool from which people can choose their candidates, is the same rotten swamp as before.

Jimbuna

10-20-22, 01:58 PM

She's set a new record for the shortest stay in office (43 days)

I'm now concerned Boris the clown may make a return.

mapuc

10-20-22, 02:04 PM

She's set a new record for the shortest stay in office (43 days)

I'm now concerned Boris the clown may make a return.

The other parties in the British Parliament demand an extra election.

I know from the last election you had the Tories won a huge victory over Labour and the other parties.

Therefore is their wish somehow impossible-If there isn't member from the Tories who also want an election.

Markus

Jimbuna

10-20-22, 02:08 PM

Prime Minister Liz Truss resigns as UK prime minister and leader of the Conservative Party.

Speaking outside Downing Street, she said she could not deliver the mandate on which she was elected.

It kickstarts a contest to find the next Tory leader and PM - hopefuls need to get the backing of 100 MPs by Monday afternoon.

If there are two candidates, the Tory membership will get to vote again, and a winner will be picked by Friday.

The newly-appointed Chancellor Jeremy Hunt rules himself out. But Rishi Sunak and Penny Mordaunt are seen as contenders.

Sources close to former PM Boris Johnson do not confirm or deny speculation he will stand again.

Truss's resignation after 45 days in office makes her the shortest-serving PM in UK history.

Her now-abandoned September mini-budget started the turmoil; a chaotic night in the Commons on Wednesday sealed her fate.

Jimbuna

10-20-22, 02:09 PM

Britain's reputation has taken a hammering

The news of Liz Truss’s resignation broke just as leaders started walking up the red carpet to speak to reporters here at the European Council summit.

Luxembourg’s Prime Minister Xavier Bettel started listing the UK leaders he’s known since 2016.

“The consequence of the Brexit brings instability in the UK now,” he told reporters.

This is a common belief here amongst those who remain dedicated to the EU cause and who could never quite understand Britain’s decision to depart.

Now, six years on, Europe is facing an energy crisis, economic worries and a war on European soil.

So strong cooperation with UK - a major economy and defence power - is genuinely valued and desired.

Many here often tell me that traditionally they’ve seen the UK as a relatively stable country, not one of those known for economic and political volatility.

In that regard Britain’s reputation has certainly taken a hammering.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/uk-politics-63309400

Jimbuna

10-20-22, 02:14 PM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VksUCjYHffU

ReallyDedPoet

10-20-22, 02:19 PM

And gets 100,000.00 pounds a year for the rest of her life. Is this correct Jim? Something I heard
over here today on the other side of the pond :)

Jimbuna

10-20-22, 02:21 PM

And gets 100,000.00 pounds a year for the rest of her life. Is this correct Jim? Something I heard
over here today on the other side of the pond :)

115k per year pension but I'm not sure if her stint in office was long enough for her to qualify.

Jimbuna

10-20-22, 02:22 PM

https://i.postimg.cc/9QdmGMj2/111.jpg (https://postimages.org/)
https://i.postimg.cc/yN7VnHVZ/222.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

Skybird

10-20-22, 02:26 PM

Party before country.

Elections should happen, but will not happen, the Tories would get sunk, too many precious and lucrative mandates and careers are at stake. So: no elections. Mandate and career, power and party go before country, economy, the common good.

Its all a carricature of how it once was meant to be.

ReallyDedPoet

10-20-22, 02:27 PM

115k per year pension but I'm not sure if her stint in office was long enough for her to qualify.

:up:

Jimbuna

10-20-22, 02:29 PM

There's currently a political discussion going on downstairs on my tv and there is initial speculation that Boris will indeed put himself forward :o

ReallyDedPoet

10-20-22, 02:32 PM

There's currently a political discussion going on downstairs on my tv and there is initial speculation that Boris will indeed put himself forward :o

I'll double that :o:o

Subnuts

10-20-22, 03:12 PM

There's currently a political discussion going on downstairs on my tv and there is initial speculation that Boris will indeed put himself forward :o

Wouldn't that be like reinstating CastleBravo and Kraut as forum moderators at this point? :k_confused:

Moonlight

10-20-22, 03:50 PM

Rishi Sunak should get the job this time, although he isn't my choice, or even the ideal choice, at least he knows something about economics which is needed urgently. Unlike the other muppets I think he'd be prepared to implement some drastic cuts up and down the country for the benefit of the country.
Unless he bottles it at the last minute. :haha:

mapuc

10-20-22, 05:36 PM

My son has lived through four chancellors, three home secretaries, two prime ministers and two monarchs.

He's four months old.

https://twitter.com/Alan_McGuinness/status/1582780559989739522

Markus

Jimbuna

10-21-22, 03:56 AM

We should all know who the new PM is by next Friday and I fear it may well turn out to be Boris.

Jimbuna

10-21-22, 03:57 AM

Tory leadership race: Who could replace Liz Truss as prime minister?

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-63332047

Moonlight

10-21-22, 05:14 AM

^Bozo Johnson, Again!, the most unlikeliest candidate amongst the probable front runners to try for PM again, they've just got rid of the corrupt pillock, why would they want him back again?.
I'll stick my neck out and say it again, if these stupid Tory MPs try to elect anyone else they'd be shooting themselves in the head. Sunak should get the job without any opposition, he's as shifty and dodgy as a snake but that bite he should deliver to the country, if it is spread about evenly will calm the nerves of the bankers. The Tories can't keep on the way they're going, they're showing signs already that they're unelectable and another leadership contest will come back and bite them in the butt.

How I see it if they elect anyone else but Sunak, you will see the rise of the LibDems once again with Labour probably winning a lot of their Red Wall seats back as well, a possible 70 to 130 seats could be lost by the Tories in the biggest political bloodbath they've ever been involved in, that's what this contest is about, the Rise or Fall of the Tory Party. :salute:

Skybird

10-21-22, 11:21 AM

CNN writes: "Liz Truss (https://www.cnn.com/2022/10/20/uk/liz-truss-resigns-analysis-intl-gbr-cmd/index.html) quit her post as Britain’s prime minister (https://www.cnn.com/2022/10/20/uk/liz-truss-resignation-how-we-got-here-intl-gbr/index.html) just 45 days into the job, but she will be able to claim expenses of up to £115,000 ($129,000) a year for the rest of her life."

Hey Britons, what must I say or do that you make me your prime minister for 6 weeks? I have a deep sympathy for Britain, speak English without the much-feared coarse German accent and can promise you to be as entertaining with daily typo-enriched tweets while being more funny than Johnson, and I am confident that I can manage in these just 6 short weeks that I must smash even less porcellaine as the previous four PM's have smashed within just one week inclusive weekend party. For just 115 thousand coins per year, you get all this from me, and everything in it is an improvement over what you have gotten in the past five years. Doesn't that sound like a steal for you? :03: Skybird for PM! :yeah:

mapuc

10-21-22, 11:27 AM

mapuc

10-21-22, 01:06 PM

In a comment on a friends wall about UK citizens want Boris J. Back as Prime Minister I thought I will make a search for it

The firs one-Was behind registration wall-Sadly cause it fit my search parameter "does the British people want Boris Johnson back"
Here is the first link google gave me

Does Britain want Boris Johnson back? No. The promises he made remain attractive, but the personality has run out of road

https://sotn.newstatesman.com/2022/10/britain-boris-johnson-back

So I continued and found this.

And there’s at least a chance that the new tenant of No. 10 Downing Street could be the same as the old one. While Johnson has not yet formally thrown his hat in the ring, his backers and some right-leaning newspapers say his return would be in the “national interest” — a prospect that immediately generated intense reactions.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/10/21/boris-johnson-run-again-pm/

Markus

Jimbuna

10-21-22, 02:30 PM

Definitely time for a general election I reckon.

Jimbuna

10-21-22, 02:32 PM

Penny Mordaunt has become the first Conservative MP to say they will run to replace Liz Truss as prime minister.

The Commons leader said she was standing to "unite our country" and win the next general election.

Rishi Sunak is yet to confirm he is standing, but he has already amassed 83 of the 100 endorsements from MPs he would need to take part.

Boris Johnson has not ruled out a comeback, months after being forced out of No 10 after a Tory revolt.

The former prime minister - who is currently out of the country - has 43 MPs backing him. Ms Mordaunt currently trails both Mr Johnson and Mr Sunak, with only 21 public supporters.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-63348370

mapuc

10-21-22, 02:39 PM

Definitely time for a general election I reckon.

If I get it right-It's up to the member of the Parliament to decide if there shall be a general election.

If this is true then I wonder if it's going to happen-Tories has the majority in the Parliament.

Are they interest in a general election ? - Which could mean the slaughter of the party.

Markus

Jimbuna

10-21-22, 02:48 PM

The Tories are a long way behind Labour in the polls currently.

Skybird

10-21-22, 02:52 PM

The Tories are a long way behind Labour in the polls currently.
And thats why there wont be elections.

Jimbuna

10-22-22, 06:40 AM

And thats why there wont be elections.

True that :yep:

Jimbuna

10-22-22, 06:44 AM

Former chancellor Rishi Sunak is set to officially enter the race to become the UK's next prime minister.

Sunak is the first to receive the backing of 100 Conservative MPs - the threshold needed to get on the ballot.

Boris Johnson lands back in London after his holiday in the Caribbean, as speculation grows that he will also run.

Trade minister Sir James Duddridge said the former prime minister told him that he was "up for it"

Commons leader Penny Mordaunt announced her candidacy promising a "fresh start" - but is lagging behind on Tory MPs' public support.

Leadership hopefuls have until 14:00 on Monday to gather the support of 100 MPs, with a new PM declared by Friday.

mapuc

10-22-22, 10:49 AM

looks like your next Prime Minister will be Sunak. He is in the lead with 108 with Boris far behind with 52. Mordaunt has 22.

Markus

Jimbuna

10-22-22, 11:29 AM

Supporters of Rishi Sunak are deeply sceptical of Boris Johnson’s camp claiming he has the backing of more than 100 MPs.

They are demanding he publishes a list of those who are backing him.

The immediacy of the scepticism is a reminder of what a return to the fray by Johnson represents — passionate, full-throated enthusiasm from those behind him, and cynicism from those who aren't, including on the Conservative benches.

It is also striking that Johnson’s team say their claimed amount of support means he "could" be on the ballot — they are not yet definitively committing to a desire to be so, even if they do have the numbers.

He’s only likely to want to be on the ballot if he’s reasonably confident he can win.

Jimbuna

10-23-22, 09:13 AM

Former Chancellor Rishi Sunak confirms he is in the race to be the next Conservative leader - and prime minister - saying he wants to "fix our economy"

Business Secretary Jacob Rees-Mogg tells the BBC Boris Johnson "will clearly stand" for the party leadership.

The BBC’s tally of public declarations of support currently has 145 MPs for Sunak, 57 for Johnson and 23 for Penny Mordaunt - candidates need 100 by Monday.

Sunak picks up backing from former Home Secretary Suella Braverman and her successor Grant Shapps, while Foreign Secretary James Cleverly endorses Johnson.

Penny Mordaunt tells Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg she regrets Liz Truss's mini-budget and would keep Jeremy Hunt as chancellor.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer reiterates his call for a general election, adding "any incoming government will have to pick up the mess"

Jimbuna

10-23-22, 09:27 AM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s6o7uuw9xCk&t=11s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRV8iXq6O1w

Skybird

10-23-22, 12:20 PM

TV news over here said that while Sunak has more support in the parliamentary group than Johnson, if he meets Johnson in a run-off election, it would be the party base where the decision then is left - and here Johnson has the clear lead, is more popular.

I ordered an Amazon abonement for popcon when i heard that.

They further said that this constellation could rip the party apart, trigegrign early elecitons againsta ll currently apparent odds.

I went back to Amazon and ordered an abonement for chocolade cracker as well. Who fears dark long winter nights when chances are he will get so properly entertained?

mapuc

10-23-22, 12:58 PM

Is Sunak the right person to get UK together again make it unite and not divided as some says UK has become ?

Markus

Jimbuna

10-23-22, 01:00 PM

Penny Mordaunt has rejected a call by Boris Johnson to pull out of the Tory leadership race and back him, sources say, in another blow to his prospects of returning to Downing Street.
https://news.sky.com/story/penny-mordaunt-rejects-boris-johnson-as-he-calls-for-her-backing-sources-claim-12728422

Jimbuna

10-23-22, 02:01 PM

Tory leadership: How the next UK prime minister will be chosen
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-62068930

Might as well simply spin a coin :)

Skybird

10-23-22, 02:30 PM

Is Sunak the right person to get UK together again make it unite and not divided as some says UK has become ?

Markus
Many political analysts from abroad would rather say that the problem is the electoral system in the United Kingdom, which entrenches a deep social division between the two classes into which society in general is breaking down. An upper aristocratic class and a working class.

Catfish

10-23-22, 03:11 PM

[...] the electoral system in the United Kingdom, which entrenches a deep social division between the two classes into which society in general is breaking down. An upper aristocratic class and a working class.
Please, this is why this system exists. It is not a "problem" but the very design, to solidify this forever.
And it works. As Stephen Fry said "if it works why change it? ". (I always thought of him as an intelligent man, I was not aware he could also be an idiot).
If Sunak becomes the next pm in the UK it would look like a revenge from the colonies. Which is why I would bet on the reliable and excellent Boris Johnson.
Ahem.

Skybird

10-23-22, 03:31 PM

Johnson quits.

What should I do with all the popcorn now...? :-?

Sunak is so - so smelly of money...

Moonlight

10-24-22, 04:29 AM

Rishi Sunak will be PM later today and I expect him to cause some chaos and consternation around the country for a while, but his methods, if he does it right will calm the banker's stormy waters, big cuts are needed everywhere, that involves no more tax cuts or corporation tax cuts either and to get a grip of these free loading boat people.

Has he got big enough balls for the job? I would say no, all we'll get is the same Tory Bollocks we've had for the last 12 years while doling out more money to free loading countries and boat people.

Grow a pair Rishi.

As for Bozo becoming PM again, that was never going to happen, he's even got invisible backers who never came forward and publicly supported his claim, once a liar, always a liar Bozo, now do everyone in England a favour and **** off into the night......For Ever. :O:

Jimbuna

10-24-22, 04:42 AM

I find it seriously appalling that it is now highly likely that the richest/wealthiest individual in parliament is probably going to determine what cuts will be inflicted on the working and none working masses.

Jimbuna

10-24-22, 06:37 AM

Boris Johnson has ruled himself out of the race to be the next Conservative Party leader and prime minister. Here is his statement in full:

In the last few days I have been overwhelmed by the number of people who suggested that I should once again contest the Conservative Party leadership, both among the public and among friends and colleagues in Parliament.

I have been attracted because I led our party into a massive election victory less than three years ago - and I believe I am therefore uniquely placed to avert a general election now.

A general election would be a further disastrous distraction just when the Government must focus on the economic pressures faced by families across the country.

I believe I am well placed to deliver a Conservative victory in 2024 - and tonight I can confirm that I have cleared the very high hurdle of 102 nominations, including a proposer and a seconder, and I could put my nomination in tomorrow.

There is a very good chance that I would be successful in the election with Conservative Party members - and that I could indeed be back in Downing Street on Friday.

But in the course of the last days I have sadly come to the conclusion that this would simply not be the right thing to do. You can't govern effectively unless you have a united party in parliament.

And though I have reached out to both Rishi (Sunak) and Penny (Mordaunt) - because I hoped that we could come together in the national interest - we have sadly not been able to work out a way of doing this.

Therefore I am afraid the best thing is that I do not allow my nomination to go forward and commit my support to whoever succeeds.

I believe I have much to offer but I am afraid that this is simply not the right time.

Jimbuna

10-24-22, 07:06 AM

Rishi Sunak is the firm favourite to replace Liz Truss as UK prime minister - with the support of more than half of Tory MPs

House of Commons leader Penny Mordaunt is still in the contest and racing to secure 100 MP backers by the 14:00 deadline.

Her campaign claims to have 90 Tory MPs on her side - although fewer than 30 supporters have confirmed their backing publicly.

Key backers of Boris Johnson - who dropped out of the contest on Sunday evening - are calling for the party to get behind Sunak.

They include ex-home secretary Priti Patel and Foreign Secretary James Cleverly.

Johnson claimed he had reached the support needed to stand but said it would not be "the right thing to do" - a move praised by both Sunak and Mordaunt.

The influential European Research Group (ERG) of Brexit-supporting Tory MPs says it can't agree on a single candidate - while one prominent Mordaunt supporter urges her to do a deal with Sunak.

Labour have reiterated their call for a general election, as have the Scottish National Party.

Jimbuna

10-24-22, 08:03 AM

BREAKING: Sunak has it as Mordaunt withdraws.

Jimbuna

10-24-22, 08:26 AM

Mordaunt withdrawal statement, in full

"Our Party is our membership. Whether we are elected representatives, activists, fundraisers or supporters. We all have a stake in who our leader is.

"These are unprecedented times. Despite the compressed timetable for the leadership contest it is clear that colleagues feel we need certainty today. They have taken this decision in good faith for the good of the country.

"Members should know that this proposition has been fairly and thoroughly tested by the agreed 1922 process.

"As a result, we have now chosen our next Prime Minister. This decision is an historic one and shows, once again, the diversity and talent of our party. Rishi has my full support.

"I am proud of the campaign we ran and grateful to all those, across all sides of our party, who gave me their backing. We all owe it to the country, to each other and to Rishi to unite and work together for the good of the nation. There is much work to be done."

Moonlight

10-24-22, 10:27 AM

Just because Fishy Rishi is wallowing in money doesn't mean that he's an incompetent pillock, he knows some things about economics which is something the rest of Parliament is lacking.

He has to step up to the plate and tell everyone from the start that some drastic measures are needed that will affect the rich and the poor as well, if he doesn't do that then he'll just be like all the other PMs before him who borrow money from the IMF or whoever gives it him and gifts £14 billion pounds of it to freeloading countries, that in my opinion is economic madness.

It's time for some tough economics Rishi, if you do it from the start and to everyone they can't turn round and moan about it because everyone will be in the same bleeding boat.

That won't happen though as he hasn't got the bollocks to implement such measures, perhaps he could ask his wife to lend him a few quid, but she'll say no way Rishi you'll just give it to those freeloading boat people you ****ing moron. :haha:

Skybird

10-24-22, 11:33 AM

Comes time come jokes about Vulcans! :sunny:

Moonlight

10-24-22, 12:07 PM

Keir Starmer REFUSES to say whether comedian Eddie Izzard would qualify for an all-women shortlist after Labour MP Rosie Duffield threatens to quit over row

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11348315/Keir-Starmer-REFUSES-say-comedian-Eddie-Izzard-qualify-women-shortlist.html

You want my vote Starmer? you'll never get it while pandering to the muppet brigade, get off the fence you're always sitting on and tell these pillocks to **** off and get a life. :haha:

Jimbuna

10-24-22, 12:42 PM

Rishi Sunak will be the UK's next prime minister after winning the Conservative Party leadership contest.

Sunak will formally take over as PM tomorrow morning after meeting King Charles, No 10 says.

In a brief statement earlier, Sunak warned the country faced "profound economic challenges"

He will become the UK's first British Asian PM and at 42, the youngest leader in more than two centuries.

Labour has repeated calls for a general election, echoed by the Scottish National Party, the Liberal Democrats, and the Green Party.

But, immediately after being selected by Tory MPs, Sunak ruled out an early election and warned his party they had to "unite or die"

The ex-chancellor, who oversaw the nation's finances during the Covid pandemic, was the only contender to gain enough support from MPs to stand for the job.

Jimbuna

10-25-22, 06:19 AM

Rishi Sunak has become the new UK prime minister after meeting King Charles at Buckingham Palace.

In his first speech, he says the UK is facing a "profound economic crisis" and that he has been chosen as the new Tory leader to fix some of Liz Truss's mistakes.

"Trust is earned, and I will earn yours," he tells the public from outside No 10 Downing Street.

In a short farewell speech earlier, Liz Truss defended her legacy of trying to push through tax cuts and said leaders needed to be bold.

Sunak will be UK's third leader in seven weeks after winning a Tory leadership contest triggered by Truss stepping down.

After being selected by Tory MPs on Monday, he warned the country faced a "profound economic challenge"

Sunak ruled out an early general election, despite calls from Labour, the Scottish National Party, the Liberal Democrats and the Green Party.

Jimbuna

10-25-22, 07:04 AM

The first casualty to leave the barrel/troop.

Jacob Rees-Mogg has resigned from the role of business secretary ahead of expected cabinet appointments by the new PM.

Rees-Mogg had recently said he did not expect a job in Sunak's cabinet, but indicated his openness to a position, saying: "I will do whatever he wants me to do."

In an about-turn from previous comments, he told The Telegraph today that he no longer believed Sunak is a "socialist". He made the claim during the summer's Tory leadership race when Sunak refused to commit to the same level of tax cuts as Liz Truss.

"The leader of the Conservative Party is clearly not a socialist," Rees-Mogg told today's Telegraph, adding that the party needed to unite behind the PM to avoid losing in future elections.

Jimbuna

10-25-22, 07:20 AM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o06qqMh_Vao

mapuc

10-25-22, 11:46 AM

I do not know how to pronounce his last name correctly either

Speaking at the White House on Monday, after Sunak's ascent to 10 Downing Street was confirmed, the president said "Rashid Sanook" is "now the prime minister" of the U.K.

Following cheering from the crowd, the president said: "As my brother would say, go figure. Of the Conservative Party. Expected to become the prime minister I think tomorrow when he goes to see the king. Pretty astounding. A groundbreaking milestone and it matters."

https://www.newsweek.com/joe-biden-mispronounces-rishi-sunak-name-uk-leader-1754453

Markus

Jimbuna

10-25-22, 12:25 PM

Rishi Sunak is reshuffling his cabinet after many of Liz Truss's ministers resigned or were sacked.

Jeremy Hunt will remain as chancellor - he took on the role after Kwasi Kwarteng's disastrous mini-budget, swiftly scrapping most of it.

Suella Braverman is reappointed as home secretary, a week after resigning from the same role, and Grant Shapps replaces Jacob Rees-Mogg as business secretary.

Michael Gove returns to the cabinet as levelling up secretary, Dominic Raab returns as deputy PM and justice secretary, and James Cleverly stays as foreign secretary.

Sunak's former leadership rival Penny Mordaunt remains as leader of the House of Commons.

Meanwhile, Steve Barclay returns as health secretary replacing Therese Coffey who takes on the role of environment secretary.

Sunak officially became UK prime minister earlier today after meeting King Charles at Buckingham Palace.

In his first speech outside No 10, he said the UK was facing a "profound economic crisis" and that he would fix some of Liz Truss's mistakes.

In a short farewell speech earlier, Truss defended her legacy of trying to push through tax cuts and said leaders needed to be bold.

Jimbuna

10-26-22, 05:42 AM

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt announces that the government's economic plan to repair the UK's finances will be delayed until 17 November.

Hunt says the announcement, originally due on Monday, will be upgraded to a full Autumn Statement - calling the delay "prudent"

It comes as new Prime Minister Rishi Sunak prepares to face Labour leader Keir Starmer in his first PMQs at midday.

He is expected to face tough questioning over the state of the economy, tax and plans for public spending cuts.

Opposition figures may also focus on the reappointment of Suella Braverman as home secretary just six days after she resigned over data breaches.

Earlier Sunak met his new cabinet, which includes people from across different wings of the Conservative Party.

Key figures in both Liz Truss and Boris Johnson's governments, including Michael Gove and Dominic Raab, have also returned to cabinet roles.

Gorpet

10-26-22, 08:45 PM

Apparently the Markets and the Bankers will Dictate who your PM will be. Might as well get rid of the King to.

Gorpet

10-26-22, 08:58 PM

Gorpet

10-26-22, 09:18 PM

She's set a new record for the shortest stay in office (43 days)

I'm now concerned Boris the clown may make a return.

Jim,She can come to the USA, just as Boris has done and any, Oh damn we now have the Ukraine President here! Living under the Umbrella of Democracy directing a war in his country. We are the home of the Brave...:03: Look if you don't think this Asshat and his family and the elite's that follow him and their children aren't here in America. Prove me wrong. Oh that's right i have to prove they are here. At the end of this war, If they turn up in America living the good life we will know.Won't we and i will play this song it's good to be King by "Tom Petty" Let's never forget it for those who aspire to be a Politician.But for the the Politicians who lose this war and are responsible for those who we will never know how many are dead.They should be prosecuted and shot. Yes even the simplest mind can become King.First you have to sell 1000 used cars.Don't get fat,shake hands hug babies,squeezes asses male or female and make a statement.If i am elected i will work for you 24 hrs a day. But first you have to elect me and get me in office and that's a good thing for the people.But it might be a Bad thing for the salesperson the Newbie. And If they are not accepted by birth in the Political order or given a pass to join .They will be sent back home to start selling cars again.But the dead are still dead aren't they.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6aogOR8c8Q4 Then it is possible us old folks just don't give a Dog's Dump anymore.

Gorpet

10-26-22, 09:46 PM

Gorpet

10-26-22, 10:07 PM

Jimbuna

10-27-22, 05:31 AM

With Rishi Sunak, the City’s takeover of British politics is complete

Aeron Davis is professor of political communication at Victoria University of Wellington in New Zealand.

----------------------------------------

It has been a week of firsts in British politics. The country has rightly celebrated the fact that it has its first Asian-heritage and Hindu prime minister. A rather less noted milestone, however, is that Britain also has its first investment banker PM.

Rishi Sunak’s first job was at the US investment bank Goldman Sachs. He went on to spend 14 years in the sector before becoming an MP. In many ways, his unelected appointment marks the highpoint of big finance’s takeover of Britain’s political and economic system – a quiet infiltration of Westminster and Whitehall has been taking place over several decades and gone largely unremarked.

Historically, the Square Mile played a big part in British politics, economics and empire. It’s well known that Thatcherism later tore up the corporatist model of economic management. The role of unions, British industrialists and the UK state was to be significantly rolled back. What was unclear was what would replace them. Looking back now, it’s clear that big finance stepped in.

This was because many of the key players in Conservative cabinets of the 1980s came from the financial sector. Norman Lamont spent years at the investment bank NM Rothschild and Sons. Cecil Parkinson, who engineered the “Big Bang” that paved the way for the huge expansion of the London Stock Exchange in the 1980s, had been a chartered accountant in the Square Mile. And Nigel Lawson cut his teeth as a financial journalist at the Sunday Telegraph and the Financial Times. Each has spoken of their City careers as being more significant influences on their thinking than any academic economists. Many other Conservative ministers also went from finance careers to either the Treasury or the Department of Trade and Industry.

This was a key reason why most nationalised industries weren’t simply sold off to the private sector but floated on the London Stock Exchange and transferred into the hands of City investors. It also explains why a series of tax changes and financial regulations favoured big finance over manufacturing, and changes to corporate governance privileged “shareholder value” over all else. Tax breaks and support were removed from industry and used to cut taxes on dividends, share and bond sales.

When New Labour arrived, it didn’t have the same former financial networks to call upon. But Gordon Brown and co also realised how fundamental the lucrative taxable income of the City was for funding its spending plans. They also needed its nous to continue privatising and, of course, enacting PFI contracts. Thus, “light-touch” regulation was rolled out to keep the sector expanding. A steady trickle of financiers were lured into government to facilitate all of this.

Looking at the coalition government, every senior figure who managed Treasury economic policy – George Osborne, Danny Alexander, David Cameron, Rupert Harrison, John Kingman and Nick Macpherson – later gained well-paid positions in the financial sector. And three of the last five chancellors have come from the sector. Jeremy Hunt’s current advisers all come from investment banking.

This matters because investment bankers have very little to do with the real economy that ordinary people inhabit. They don’t run businesses. They don’t deal with actual product and customer markets. Their work is confined to financial markets, aiding corporate financial manoeuvres, and trading and managing their own financial assets. Their primary aim is to make profits from such activities, regardless of how it affects the real economy, the national interest or employees. If that means shorting the pound or breaking up a successful company for quick profits, then so be it.

In other words, what benefits big finance often hinders business and manufacturing generally. Consequently, since the 1980s, Britain’s industrial decline and its financial expansion have been as pronounced as in any leading economy. Productivity and levels of R&D spending compare very poorly, too, because investors demand quick returns and rising share prices over long-term investment. Regional and class inequalities have grown ever-larger.

And an overpowered financial sector has certainly not been conducive to good governance, either. There’s nothing democratic about extensive public service cuts being used to pay for saving the private banking sector, as in the aftermath of the 2008 crash, or the bond markets determining the credibility of governments, or the fact that the bankers and hedge funds are the biggest single source of Conservative party donations. Nor is trust in British democracy likely to be enhanced by a super-rich PM who has allegedly avoided taxes and made a fortune as a financier at the nation’s cost.

During Liz Truss’s short premiership, there was much talk about the power and influence of the Tufton Street network of opaque rightwing thinktanks. But actually, the longer-term driving force of UK economic policy, there in front of us all this time, has been the City of London. It’s time to open our eyes and look more closely.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/editorpicks/with-rishi-sunak-the-city-s-takeover-of-british-politics-is-complete/ar-AA13qlPm?ocid=mailsignout&pc=U591&cvid=a965a318c58949a0958290683e293ef9

ET2SN

10-27-22, 05:34 AM

I just wanted to post this as something to ponder. :hmmm:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=663vLIYBcpI

I don't pretend to understand the UK and its government, its fascinating to watch but its fairly outside of my wheel house. I've never had the opportunity to visit or live in the UK which is why I don't post much in this thread. :yep:
Those of you who do seem like rational and responsible people so I'll leave it to you to find any merit in the video.

Brexit, to me, never made much sense outside of propaganda that ran amok and took on a life of its own. I don't agree with the speaker's view that the FSB in Russia had nothing to do with the troubles in the UK and North America. They certainly benefitted from fanning the bonfires.

It does bring up the danger of weaponizing propaganda. When you show other people what is possible, expect it to be aimed at you next. :yep:

Jimbuna

10-27-22, 05:39 AM

Sturgeon's IndyRef2 plan in tatters as EU to ban Scotland from bloc unless it joins Euro

Nicola Sturgeon's plan for an independent Scotland to join the European Union is in tatters as figures in Brussels claim Edinburgh would need to buckle on the Euro before membership can be considered, a report has claimed. The Scottish First Minister, who campaigned for Scotland to remain in the EU in 2016, last week claimed that independence would allow Scots to rid themselves of the UK's economic woes as she looks to rejoin the Brussels bloc.

However, several EU sources have poured cold water on Ms Sturgeon's plan.

The insiders claimed that any Scottish application for membership would require a pledge to join the single currency, the Times has revealed.

A senior source unambiguously said: "No euro, no membership."

Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross reacted to the Times' report on Twitter.

Rishi Sunak has been warned that Penny Mordaunt could "cause trouble" for him after being denied a promotion in his Cabinet. While Ms Mordaunt had been tipped for a top job, Mr Sunak instead reappointed her as Leader of the House of Commons.

The MP for Moray said: "Nicola Sturgeon's plan for separation is in tatters."

The EU's own membership terms dealt a further blow to Ms Sturgeon's plan.

It said: "All EU member states, except Denmark, are required to adopt the euro and join the euro area."

Brussels has pushed EU-27 member states to adopt the single currency since Brits voted for Brexit in 2016.

Seven of the 13 countries which have joined the EU since 2004 have since switched to the Euro.

Lithuania was the most recent country to do so back in 2015 and Croatia will follow suit next year.

Ms Sturgeon's recently unveiled plans which suggested Scotland would continue to use sterling in the years after independence before switching to a Scottish pound.

In her economic paper published last Monday, the First Minister even said she would commit to rejoining the EU without taking on the single currency as it was not "the right option for Scotland".

Deputy First Minister John Swinney went on to suggest Scotland could become an EU country using its own currency within a decade.

Ms Sturgeon's commitment to rejoining the EU comes after Scots voted decisively to stay in the bloc, while English and Welsh electors backed Brexit.

The Scottish Government told the Times: "An independent Scotland would benefit from re-joining the European Union and the EU will equally gain from Scotland's membership.

"Scotland will continue to use sterling at the point of independence and establish a Scottish pound as soon as practicable."
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/uknews/sturgeon-s-indyref2-plan-in-tatters-as-eu-to-ban-scotland-from-bloc-unless-it-joins-euro/ar-AA13q0Th?ocid=mailsignout&pc=U591&cvid=0a381724c63542b0ad540d8b8c98152e

Jimbuna

10-27-22, 11:53 AM

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will not attend the COP27 climate conference in Egypt next month, No 10 says.

Downing Street denied this represented a lack of commitment to tackling climate change from the prime minister.

Mr Sunak's predecessor Liz Truss had been due to attend the conference.

However, No 10 said the new PM would not be going "due to other pressing domestic commitments including preparations for the Autumn Budget".

A Downing Street spokeswoman said: "We remain committed to net zero and to leading international and domestic action to tackle climate change. The UK is forging ahead of many other countries on net zero.

"We will obviously continue to work closely with Egypt as the hosts of COP27 and to make sure that all countries are making progress on the historic commitments they made at the Glasgow climate pact."

She added the UK would be "fully represented by other senior ministers", including current COP president Alok Sharma.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-63418876

Jimbuna

10-28-22, 10:18 AM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0tuQ2-dPus

Jimbuna

10-28-22, 11:00 AM

The UK and France have pledged to boost co-operation to tackle migrant crossings in the English Channel, Downing Street has said.

Rishi Sunak held his first call, since becoming prime minister, with President Emmanuel Macron on Friday.

No 10 said the two men expressed a commitment to "deepening" their work to deter the "deadly journeys."

A statement from the Elysée Palace after the call made no specific mention of migrant boats.

There have already been promises to deepen co-operation earlier in October, after then-Prime Minister Liz Truss met with Mr Macron in Prague earlier this month.

The pair pledged an "ambitious package of measures" to be announced this autumn.

Downing Street has refused to give details on any future plans or when an announcement will be made.

But Mr Sunak is said to have "stressed the importance for both nations to make the Channel route completely unviable for people traffickers".
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-63430865

Jimbuna

10-29-22, 08:30 AM

Supreme Court 'most likely' to strike down Nicola Sturgeon's IndyRef2 coup in SNP blow

Nicola Sturgeon is battling for Scottish independence in the Supreme Court with two different questions that are now in the hands of the judges. The Supreme Court will not only rule whether Holyrood has the power to hold an advisory referendum on independence but also whether the Lord Advocate's reference is legal. A Constitutional expert believes the Supreme Court will most likely rule the SNP's submission is outside their competence.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/uknews/supreme-court-most-likely-to-strike-down-nicola-sturgeon-s-indyref2-coup-in-snp-blow/ar-AA13veEB?ocid=mailsignout&pc=U591&cvid=442c253567604d22b9c5b348c6a5fd2b

mapuc

10-29-22, 10:20 AM

Did the previous Prime Minister Liz Truss implement this tax cut?

Why I ask is that a friend claim she did.

Markus

Jimbuna

10-29-22, 11:31 AM

What tax cut?

mapuc

10-29-22, 11:36 AM

What tax cut?

It should be this one mentioned in the article

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/uk-pm-liz-truss-scraps-tax-cut-rich-market-chaos-pound-crashing-rcna50407

As it says in the link title pm Liz truss scraps tax cut
Which for me means she didn't tried to get it through the Parliament.

Markus

Jimbuna

10-29-22, 11:46 AM

All of Kwartengs tax cut proposals were scrapped as soon as Truss stood down and was replaced by Sunak.

A mini budget (from Hunt) is scheduled for 17th November.

Jimbuna

10-29-22, 12:40 PM

UK foreign aid being spent in Britain passes £4bn mark, experts say

The government is now spending more of the UK's foreign aid budget at home than on direct help for poor countries overseas, development experts say.

More than £4bn meant for development aid will be spent in Britain this year, largely to support rising numbers of asylum seekers and refugees.

This means less money can be spent elsewhere, because the total budget is capped at 0.5% of national income.

The government insists the UK remains one of the largest global aid donors.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-63432585

Catfish

10-29-22, 01:06 PM

This is from yesterday's Today-Show and Oliver Welke :D

England has had three Prime ministers within a month. One of the reasons is brexit of course..
There were a lot pro-brexit voters who did so to get rid of those bloody foreigners.
Now they just of all have an Indian Prime minister.
This tells us two things:
There is a god.
God is a Hindu.

Aktungbby

10-29-22, 02:16 PM

And no Brit is a "pukka Sahib" anymore! errrr "Gunga Din is a better man Than I"; with apologies to Rudyard Kipling :shucks:

Jimbuna

10-29-22, 02:50 PM

Brexit was predicated on lies.

Jimbuna

10-30-22, 12:28 PM

Sturgeon could exploit 'advisory' vote to push through independence in Brexit-like coup

Nicola Sturgeon's SNP could force through a second independence referendum by replicating the Brexit model and imposing the referendum's results on Westminster, a constitutional expert said. The Scottish First Minister is now hoping for the Supreme Court to rule in her favour and rule an advisory referendum on Scottish independence can be legally held. In the same way Boris Johnson's Government made the Brexit advisory vote a reality, Ms Sturgeon could push independence over the line with a yes vote from the Scottish people.

When asked if Nicola Sturgeon's SNP could use that same strategy, Prof Aileen McHarg told Express.co.uk: "I think there is the risk of that.

"Certainly, unionists have argued and are still arguing that even if the Supreme Court says this referendum is within the competence of the Scottish Parliament and can go ahead that they'll boycott it and simply refuse to engage.

"If you get a referendum result that is overwhelmingly supportive of independence, then yes but in circumstances where the turnout is very low, then you know that voters have boycotted it.

"That significantly reduces its political authority. So, this argument of 'we will ignore this' are already being made. Not terribly helpful for the UK Goverment's argument in court because one of the oddities of this case is the UK and the Scottish Government could have to argue for the effect of the referendum being the opposite of what it intended to be."

In 2017, the Supreme Court ruled in the Miller case that the Brexit vote in and of itself did not constitute a sufficient ground to trigger Article 50 to leave the European Union. Then Prime Minister Theresa May was forced to pass the European Union Act in 2017 through Parliament to trigger article 50 and start Brexit talks with the EU.

Pr McHarg said: "One of the things that was emphasised in the first Miller case back in 2017 was that did not in itself trigger the UK's withdrawal from the EU.

"There had to be another act of the UK Parliament to authorise that withdrawal, so in that case, they drew that distinction between the legal effect and the political effect.

"And by saying that there had to be another legal step, we know that the majority of MPs voted to leave the EU - but they did not all.

"There wasn't a pure formality that that would happen, that we would leave the EU."

Prof McHarg said: "By sending the issue back to Parliament, there was then the scope for MPs and Peers to vote against it under certain terms and conditions.

"In the end, none of that happened but it could've happened. By adding that extra step, it did leave the possibility that the EU's referendum results would have been void.

"Even after we triggered article 50, we had years of people trying to still stop Brexit to say we needed another referendum. There was the Wightman case when we went to the European Court of Justice and asked: 'Can we cancel article 50 notification?'

"So, the result of that referendum was in no way self-executing. Even though ultimately it prevailed, not everybody thought that it should and lots of people tried to stop it."

Prof McHarg argued Nicola Sturgeon could adopt the same strategy, meaning she could drive through a bill through Parliament - like Theresa May did in 2017 - after a yes vote and get independence.

However, the outcome of a Scottish referendum remains unclear with half the Scottish people against independence. According to a polls aggregate conducted by The Herald newspaper, the yes vote only had a lead at the beginning of the year, with the no vote consistently winning by a razor-thin margin since.

Professor Sir John Curtice, one of the authors of the social attitudes survey, said the Scottish people's vote to remain in the EU in the 2016 Brexit referendum has made the Union "decidedly less popular north of the border".

If the Supreme Court rules in the SNP's favour, Nicola Sturgeon said a vote will be held on October 19, 2023.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/uknews/sturgeon-could-exploit-advisory-vote-to-push-through-independence-in-brexit-like-coup/ar-AA13wPWO?ocid=mailsignout&pc=U591&cvid=6b1251cd951141b6917ca43828d46ca3

Jimbuna

11-01-22, 06:22 AM

The German state pension system could collapse unless the retirement age increases experts have warned, leading to fears the same could happen in the UK.

Germany has one of the oldest populations in Europe with 22 percent of its population aged 65 years or older. However, the UK is not far behind with 19 percent of the population aged 65 and older - a figure that is expected to increase to 22 percent in just 10 years’ time.

Under Germany’s current system, the state pension guarantees retirees at least 48 percent of the average wage until 2025.

Its current state pension age is 65, but, similar to the UK, the German Government is in the process of gradually increasing this to 67-years-old.

Rainer Dulger, president of the Confederation of German Employers’ Association, told the Bild am Sonntag newspaper the current system could crash within five years unless the state intervenes.

He said: “For every 100 contributors, there are currently about 50 pensioners; in 15 years, there will be 100 contributors for every 70 pensioners.”

Mr Dulger said the retirement age needs to increase or the current system will not hold up.

He said: “This means that the financing of our pension system is on the verge of collapse.

“The retirement age should be linked to the increase in life expectancy.

“It must not be the case that the further increase in life expectancy leads to an ever longer retirement.”

The British Government is also in the process of raising the state pension age to 68-years-old but experts here are also warning it may have to rise even further.

Simon Jones, CEO of InvestingReviews.co.uk warned the Government may change its policy as the state pension becomes more expensive to fund.

He told Express.co.uk: "The Government currently plans to increase the state pension age from 66 to 67 between 2026 and 2028, and again to 68 between 2044 and 2046.

"Because people are living longer, it's becoming more expensive every year for the Government to fund the state pension.”

An Express.co.uk poll showed significant concern among readers over the Government's refusal to commit to the state pension triple lock.

The Government is considering whether to suspend or scrap the triple lock.
Former Prime Minister Liz Truss committed to the policy but since Mr Sunak took office last week he is yet to clarify his stance.

The Prime Minister's press secretary said Chancellor Jeremy Hunt would address the future of the triple lock in his autumn budget on November 17.
https://www.express.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/1690181/state-pension-age-warning-retirement-age

Jimbuna

11-03-22, 07:15 AM

The Bank of England raises interest rates by 0.75% to 3% - the biggest hike in more than three decades.

It also forecasts that the UK is facing a “very challenging” 2 year recession - which would be the longest on record.

The interest rate influences things like mortgages, repayments on credit card debt and the interest paid on savings accounts.

Interest rates have been rising since December in an effort to curb inflation - the measure of the rate at which the cost of everyday goods and services is rising.

Today's rise follows economic turmoil under Liz Truss's government; though things have calmed slightly since Rishi Sunak took over.

Sunak has promised a new plan to repair the nation's finances later this month but tax rises and spending cuts are expected.

The war in Ukraine and the long recovery from the pandemic are also contributing to rising energy and food costs.

Jimbuna

11-06-22, 02:10 PM

The prime minister believes expletive-laden text messages sent by Sir Gavin Williamson to a colleague are "unacceptable", No 10 has said.

A series of messages sent by Sir Gavin to ex-chief whip Wendy Morton were published on Sunday.

Downing Street confirmed the prime minister knew about a complaint against Sir Gavin before appointing him to cabinet, but had not seen the messages.

The Liberal Democrats have called for Mr Williamson to be sacked.

The Sunday Times published texts said to have been sent by Sir Gavin to Ms Morton in which he accused her of excluding some MPs from the Queen's funeral.

Ms Morton lodged a complaint against Sir Gavin, which is currently being investigated by Tory HQ.

Cabinet minister Oliver Dowden, a key ally of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, said Sir Gavin sent texts to Ms Morton "in the heat of the moment at a very difficult time".

Mr Dowden told the BBC's Laura Kuenssberg Sir Gavin was "frustrated" at the then government, but accepts that he "shouldn't have sent them and he regrets it".

It was "no secret" that Sir Gavin and other backbench MPs did not enjoy "a good relationship" with Ms Morton.

But he added the messages were "not acceptable" and "should not have been sent".
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-63530070

Jimbuna

11-08-22, 01:58 PM

Downing Street has said it is seeking to establish the facts about abusive comments allegedly made by Cabinet Office minister Sir Gavin Williamson.

A senior civil servant told the Guardian Sir Gavin had bullied them and told them to "slit your throat".

He has also been reported to the MPs' bullying watchdog over messages to Tory colleague Wendy Morton.

Sir Gavin denies the allegations. No 10 said it was looking into the claims and was prepared to take action.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has said the language Sir Gavin had used was "not acceptable", but No 10 earlier insisted the PM still has full confidence in him.

A series of text messages by Sir Gavin to Tory colleague and then-Chief Whip Wendy Morton were published on Sunday.

In them, he appears to complain MPs not "favoured" by then-Prime Minister Liz Truss were being excluded from attending the Queen's funeral at Westminster Abbey.

He accused Ms Morton of "rigging" the ticket allocation to punish people - including himself - who were not supportive enough of Ms Truss.

Sir Gavin reportedly warned Ms Morton "not to push him about" and that "there is a price for everything".
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-63555085

Jimbuna

11-09-22, 06:11 AM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HmFOk8Q_MgQ

Jimbuna

11-10-22, 11:01 AM

Several more Conservative MPs had been ready to make formal complaints about Sir Gavin Williamson's behaviour had he not resigned, the BBC has been told.

Sir Gavin resigned on Tuesday after bullying allegations from two former colleagues were leaked to the media.

But a number of MPs were in discussion about making formal complaints to Conservative head office unless Sir Gavin resigned, the BBC understands.

They are now unlikely to do so.

Separately, the BBC understands that two formal complaints to Parliament's "bullying watchdog" - the Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme (ICGS) - have been submitted.

Sir Gavin had a meeting with the prime minister on Tuesday - at his own instigation - at which he tendered his resignation.

It was the first time the two men had discussed the allegations face-to-face.

Despite some reports that Sir Gavin had been "forced" to resign, neither No 10 nor sources close to the former cabinet office minister said Rishi Sunak asked for Sir Gavin's resignation.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-63578525

Jimbuna

11-11-22, 08:56 AM

Recession looms as UK economy starts to shrink

By Michael Race
Business reporter, BBC News

The UK appears to be heading into recession after the latest official figures showed the economy shrank between July and September.

The economy contracted by 0.2% during the three months as soaring prices hit businesses and households.

A country is in recession when its economy shrinks for two three-month periods in a row. The UK is expected to be in one by the end of the year.

The Bank of England has forecast a "very challenging" two-year recession.

A recession has been widely expected in the UK due to the prices of goods such as food, fuel and energy soaring, which is down to several factors, including the war in Ukraine.

Higher prices for goods has led to many households facing hardship and cutting back on spending, which has started to drag on the economy.

When a country is in recession, it's a sign that its economy is doing badly.

During recessions, companies typically make less money and the number of people unemployed rises. Graduates and school leavers also find it harder to get their first job.

This means the government receives less money in tax to use on public services such as health and education.

The Bank of England expects the UK recession to be the longest since records began in the 1920s and said unemployment will almost double.

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt said he would try to make any recession "shallower and quicker" than predicted.

But he has warned of "eye-watering" decisions needed on public spending and taxation to "restore confidence and economic stability".

Mr Hunt said he was "under no illusion that there is a tough road ahead".

He is set to unveil his tax and spending plans next week in the Autumn Statement, which comes as households are being squeezed by the worst cost-of-living crisis since the 1950s.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-63582201

Jimbuna

11-13-22, 02:19 PM

Everyone will have to pay more tax under plans due to be announced on Thursday, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt says.

Offering a message few ministers would risk saying out loud, Mr Hunt told the BBC: "I've been explicit that taxes are going to go up."

He confirmed he would be giving details about further help for those struggling with energy bills, but warned there had to be constraints on help.

Labour accused the Conservatives of making a "total mess" of the economy.

Shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves said Mr Hunt was choosing to tax working people, while doing "little to close tax loopholes which mean some of the wealthiest don't pay their fair share".
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-63614124

Jimbuna

11-13-22, 02:22 PM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Npmjlue23TA

Jimbuna

11-14-22, 11:41 AM

London loses position as most valuable European stock market

Britain's stock market has lost its position as Europe's most-valued, as the economic downturn weighs on UK companies, data shows.

France has taken the top spot as the combined value of its companies' shares have been boosted by currency movements and demand for French luxury goods.

It is the first time Paris has overtaken London since records began in 2003, according to data from Bloomberg.

The UK is expected to fall into recession this year as inflation rises.

The combined value of British shares is now around $2.821 trillion (£2.3 trillion), while France's are worth around $2.823 trillion, Bloomberg calculates.

Shares in the UK's medium sized companies have been doing particularly badly, as consumers rein in their spending and businesses struggle with higher costs.

London's FTSE 250 share index - which is made up of medium sized companies - has slumped by almost 17% in the last 12 months.

One of the biggest fallers has been pub chain Mitchells and Butlers, which lost over 37% of its share value in the past year. Meanwhile, gambling company 888 has fallen 70% and retailer Marks & Spencer is down 40%.

UK firms have also been hit by a slump in the pound since Liz Truss's mini-budget, which has made it more expensive to import goods and raw materials.

By contrast, currency movements have worked in favour of French companies, Bloomberg said. France's stock market has also been boosted by its luxury goods makers, which have seen a bounce-back in demand from China.

Shares in LVMH, which owns fashion brand Louis Vuitton, have surged 22% in the last six months, while Hermes is up 37%.

Chinese shoppers accounted for around 35% of global demand for luxury goods before the pandemic, according to Bloomberg data.

As in other countries, energy and food prices have soared in the UK this year in part due to the war in Ukraine.

Many British homeowners have also seen a sharp rise in mortgage costs after the mini-Budget drove up UK borrowing costs.

It has added to existing problems in the economy, including a persistently weak pound and weaker trade since Brexit. The UK is the only G7 nation whose economy is still smaller than it was before the pandemic.

Between July and September, the UK economy shrunk by 0.2% and the Bank of England has warned the country faces its longest recession since records began.

Last year Amsterdam ousted London as the largest financial trading centre in Europe, although this was based on the total value of traded shares rather than companies.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-63623502

Catfish

11-14-22, 02:49 PM

Everyone will have to pay more tax under plans due to be announced on Thursday, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt says.
[...] Not only connected to England: so why higher taxes?
The energy costs are usually passed on to the consumer. Goods prices of any kind rising since a lot of owners ride the wave, ok. All passed on from producers and sellers.
(All products and stuff seem to be related to Ukraine and China. Really?
So why higher taxes?
I know a reason or two, but what is your opinion?

Skybird

11-14-22, 03:27 PM

So why higher taxes?

The politicians have already sunk all the squeaky toys in the bathtub, and the little kids don't have any lollipops left for the politicians to steal from them either, so...

Catfish

11-14-22, 05:01 PM

"John Oliver Roasts the U.K.'s "Very Weird" 10 Days of Mourning for Queen Elizabeth"
And i bet she would have liked it :03::03:

He even got a call to accept the O.B.E. (Oder of the british Empire)
– "I don't think i want this"
– "Don't answer now. Please say you will not talk to anyone about this"
– "I did. I am telling everyone!"
:haha:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rTb2SpzqHY

Jimbuna

11-15-22, 08:17 AM

UK's reputation has taken a knock, admits Rishi Sunak

The UK's reputation has taken "a bit of a knock" this year, Rishi Sunak has admitted, as he vowed to restore economic stability.

The prime minister said tax rises and spending cuts in Thursday's Autumn Statement were needed to reduce rising inflation and UK public debt.

Critics of his approach fear it could worsen a predicted two-year recession.

But Mr Sunak said decisions would be taken in a "fair" way, and everyone would benefit from reduced debt levels.

Speaking to the BBC's political editor Chris Mason at the G20 summit in Indonesia, he added reducing inflation was his "number one challenge".

He added it was important to "limit" mortgage repayments for homeowners, which have risen in the wake of September's mini-budget.

"The best way to do that is to get a grip of our borrowing levels, and have our debt on a sustainable basis falling," he added.

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt, who will unveil the Autumn Statement on Thursday, has warned that everyone will pay more tax under his plans to repair the public finances.

The budget, the government's second financial package in under two months, comes after mostly now-abandoned tax cuts in the mini-budget, outlined by Liz Truss's chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng, sparked financial turmoil.

The Treasury has not confirmed details, but the BBC has been told Mr Hunt is set to announce spending cuts of about £35bn and plans to raise £20bn in tax.

The plans are likely to include freezes to income tax bands, and increases to taxes paid on profits made from selling shares and second homes.

Also under consideration is a plan to allow councils to raise council tax by more than 3% without holding a local vote - something they cannot do at the moment.

Mr Sunak has however hinted that pensions will rise to keep pace with inflation, telling reporters on the way to Bali that pensioners would be "at the forefront of my mind".

Asked whether he would heed calls from Tory MPs to protect school budgets, Mr Sunak said he couldn't comment on specifics ahead of the statement.

But he added: "Even though the situation is difficult [...] we will make those decisions balancing everything we have to.

"People can see that yes, the approach we've taken is fair, yes the approach we've taken is compassionate when considered in the round.

"Taking a step back, the number one challenge we face is inflation," Mr Sunak added.

"It's important that we get a grip of that. It's important we limit the increase in mortgage rates that people are experiencing."
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-63633657

Jimbuna

11-16-22, 08:04 AM

The latest UK inflation figures show prices have risen 11.1% in the year to October, up from 10.1% the previous month.

Energy bills and the cost of food - especially basics like low-fat milk, pasta and butter - are the main things pushing up the cost of living.

The UK is seeing its highest inflation for 41 years, a figure not seen since October 1981

But prices are rising even faster for the poorest households - by more than 16% for the families who spend the least.

The rising cost of living has been driven partly by energy costs and the Ukraine war but also factors such as the cost of raw materials.

It all comes a day before Chancellor Jeremy Hunt announces tax changes and spending cuts in the Autumn statement, with warnings of a UK recession to come.

Jimbuna

11-17-22, 07:41 AM

The chancellor is announcing tens of billions in tax rises and spending cuts in the Autumn Statement - watch live at the top of the page.

Jeremy Hunt acknowledges the UK is in recession but says his plan will help rebuild the economy and reduce debt.

He announces a freeze in income tax thresholds which will mean millions of people pay more in tax as their wages rise.

Households will also pay more in energy bills from April, with typical bills rising from £2,500 to £3,000 as the government reduces the level of support.

But extra payments are also coming: £900 for those on means-tested benefits, £300 for pensioner households and £150 for those on disability benefits.

The state pension, benefits and tax credits will rise by 10.1%, in line with inflation.

The point at which the highest earners start paying the top rate of tax is being lowered from £150,000 to £125,140

Energy firms are meanwhile hit with an expanded windfall tax of 35%, up from the 25% already levied.

Electric vehicles will no longer be exempt from vehicle excise duty from April 2025

There will be an increase in the National Living Wage from the current level of £9.50 an hour for over-23s to £10.42 from April.

Jimbuna

11-21-22, 07:10 AM

The UK will not pursue any post-Brexit relationship with the EU "that relies on alignment with EU laws", Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has said.

It follows reports that some in government want to move towards a Swiss-style deal, with less trading friction and more migration.

Switzerland can trade easily with the bloc, but must follow some EU rules.

Mr Sunak told business leaders that control of migration was one of the immediate benefits of Brexit.

Speaking at the CBI conference in Birmingham he said: "I voted for Brexit, I believe in Brexit.

"I know that Brexit can deliver, and is already delivering, enormous benefits and opportunities for the country."

He argued that the UK was now able to "have proper control of our borders".

He also said the UK was free to pursue trade deals with "the world's fastest-growing economies".
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-63700905

Catfish

11-21-22, 09:24 AM

FYI Switzerland has cancelled a european-wide treaty and trade has come virtually to a standstill since six months or so. Postal charges are like 60 Euros for some screws, or a package of tea.
But ... follow that way, why not. :Kaleun_Wink:

Jimbuna

11-21-22, 01:40 PM

It would appear the BBC might not have researched the facts regarding the current position :hmmm:

Jimbuna

11-22-22, 12:41 PM

I had to read this twice before I believed it.

MPs reject Christmas parties on expenses

Parliament's expenses watchdog is facing a backlash from MPs after it told them they can claim for the cost of an office Christmas party.

The Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (Ipsa) announced MPs can this year claim for food, decorations and non-alcoholic drinks.

But MPs on all sides have rejected the guidance, with one calling it "bonkers" amid a cost of living crisis.

Ipsa said holding a "modest gathering" for staff was "entirely appropriate".

But a spokesman for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said he wouldn't be claiming for a party, and that MPs would have to "justify all spending to their constituents".

Labour MPs have been told it would "clearly be inappropriate" for them to claim for Christmas parties at a time of rising living costs.

John Cryer, chair of the parliamentary Labour Party, said he would be writing to Ipsa to ask them to reconsider their guidance.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-63714892

Skybird

11-23-22, 05:50 AM

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-63727562

Scottish government loses indyref2 court case
(...)
Recent opinion polls have suggested that Scotland is essentially split down the middle on the independence question, but with a very narrow majority in favour of staying in the UK.
(...)

At ease, Scotty! No need for tansporter beams today!

Jimbuna

11-23-22, 06:00 AM

Ms Sturgeon has said she will use the next general election as a "de facto referendum" if the court ruling goes against her, with the SNP fighting the election on the single issue of independence.

Not surprised in the slightest.

MGR1

11-23-22, 11:15 AM

I think it's becoming pretty obvious that the UK of GB and NI must be the only Nation in Western Europe who's citizens and elected representatives aren't even sure whether or not it should exist.

It would help, I suppose, if Britishness could be defined as something more than Englishness, Scottishness, Welshness or Northern Irishness under a different label.

Mike.:hmmm:

Jimbuna

11-23-22, 12:43 PM

The Scottish government cannot hold an independence referendum without the UK government's consent, the Supreme Court has ruled.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-63727562

mapuc

11-23-22, 01:31 PM

The Scottish government cannot hold an independence referendum without the UK government's consent, the Supreme Court has ruled.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-63727562

What if the Scottish People say to London - Go and fly a kite we are going to implement the referendum, whether you like it or not ?
What can London do ?

I don't think SNP would do this-It's a thought based on the fact that SNP and their leader is so eager to become independent from London(UK)

Markus

Jimbuna

11-23-22, 01:51 PM

The highest court in the UK has given a ruling and so it ends until the poison dwarf can think up another strategy.

MGR1

11-23-22, 02:15 PM

What a great many people are not noticing is that, as this is a legal ruling, it's sets a precedent. It applies to ALL parts of the UK, with the exception of NI due to the GFA.

If England or Wales want to separate they still have to ask for permission from the UK Government. The gloaters seem to have missed that.

As for your question, Markus. The only parts of Scotland that could potentially blow up are the Clyde Valley and Greater Glasgow areas. Absolute worst case scenario would be The Troubles 2.0. Strip those areas out and have them as their own administrative area and Scotland goes a lot quieter.

Mike.:hmmm:

Jimbuna

11-23-22, 02:23 PM

Home Secretary Suella Braverman has admitted the UK government has failed to control its borders, blaming migrants and people smugglers for chaos at Kent's Manston processing centre.

However, she also said the Home Office needed to improve its efficiency.

MPs heard the home secretary had been warned four times keeping migrants at Manston may be breaking the law.

Previous reports suggested Ms Braverman was told failing to provide alternative accommodation was in breach of the law.

Ms Braverman told the Home Affairs Select Committee she would not comment on leaked documents.

However, she said she was aware from September Manston had a problem.

During the committee session, Ms Braverman struggled to reply to a question from Conservative MP Tim Loughton who asked what legal routes were available to refugees who are not part of the Ukraine, Hong Kong or Afghanistan relocation schemes.

"If you are able to get to the UK, you're able to put in an application for asylum," said Ms Braverman.

Mr Loughton responded that for some refugees, illegal entry was the only way to get to the UK.

"I think the point is that there's a shortage of safe and legal routes other than for specific groups of people," he said.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-63730054

Catfish

11-23-22, 03:44 PM

What if the Scottish People say to London - Go and fly a kite we are going to implement the referendum, whether you like it or not ? [...] Markus
:hmmm:
Maybe England should think about its medieval class system and ruling the UK the way it does. Would probably remove some friction.

Jimbuna

11-24-22, 09:15 AM

UK net migration hit 504,000 in the year to June - the highest figure ever recorded, The Office for National Statistics (ONS) estimates.

The rise is driven by people arriving legally from outside the EU and the resumption of post-pandemic travel.

Reception of Afghan and Ukrainian refugees and people from Hong Kong are other factors.

The government has promised to cut net migration - the difference between the numbers entering and leaving the UK.

Today's figures will intensify debates over the role of overseas workers into the UK economy and wider labour market - weeks after Home Secretary Suella Braverman said she wanted to resurrect a repeatedly missed government target to reduce net migration to below 100,000.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-63743259

Jimbuna

11-26-22, 07:36 AM

Wendy Morton: I’ll never forget chaotic vote that sank Liz Truss

By Joshua Nevett
BBC Politics

Former chief whip Wendy Morton handed in her resignation to Liz Truss after a chaotic vote that eventually led to the then-PM's downfall, she has revealed.

Ms Truss refused to accept Ms Morton's resignation, as she battled to hold her government together.

But the PM stepped down the following day, when it became clear she had lost the confidence of her MPs.

It "was one of those nights that I will probably never forget", Ms Morton told the BBC's Politics Live.

As chief whip, she was tasked with ensuring Tory MPs voted with the government, but many had refused to do so on the evening of 19 October because they opposed Ms Truss's policy on fracking.

MPs had been told it amounted to a confidence vote in the government in an effort to get them in line.

"That's why I took the stance that I did, as chief whip," Ms Morton said. "We were expecting colleagues to be in the lobby with us."

But there was confusion over whether it really was a confidence vote and the disarray that followed, including claims Tory MPs were being bullied by ministers into backing the government, proved to be the beginning of the end for Ms Truss's short-lived premiership.

"You can see what ensued, which was chaos," Ms Morton said.

Ms Morton - who was a key political ally of Ms Truss - said she had since "spent a lot of time reflecting on" the vote in October. She confirmed that it had been a confidence vote.

In her first TV interview about the events of that night, Ms Morton said she resigned as chief whip "on the basis that No 10 were interfering" in the vote.

"I feel so strongly about the integrity of the chief whip and the red lines that I have," Ms Morton said. "But the prime minister would not accept my resignation so I continued."

She said her conversation with Ms Truss was "robust but it was respectful", adding: "I have spoken to her since."

"We had coffee with her just the other week," Ms Morton said.

Ms Truss's premiership unravelled within 24 hours of the fateful vote, as a groundswell of Conservative MPs urged her to stand down.

Sir Graham Brady - the chairman of the 1922 committee of backbench Tory MPs - told the BBC he had decided to call Downing Street to tell Ms Truss her position was "unsustainable" following the "utter chaos" of the vote.

Confusion reigned after Labour brought a vote on whether MPs should get a say on the government's fracking plans.

Conservative MPs were initially told the vote would be treated as a test of loyalty to the government - a motion of confidence - and if they did not oppose the Labour plan they could get kicked out of the parliamentary party.

Tory whips, who are responsible for discipline in the parliamentary party, ordered their MPs to vote against the motion.

But then, just minutes before the vote, climate minister Graham Stuart rowed back on this at the despatch box, where he suggested it was not a vote of confidence.

Jacob Rees-Mogg - who was business secretary at the time - blamed the confusion on "a junior official at 10 Downing Street [who] sent a message through to the front bench that it was not a vote of confidence and nobody else was aware of that".

Chaotic scenes in the voting lobby followed, as whips tried to get Tory MPs to oppose the Labour motion.

Labour MP Chris Bryant said what he saw was "clear bullying", and House of Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle ordered an investigation into the incident.

Mr Hoyle said while "the atmosphere was tense", there was no evidence "of any bullying or undue influence placed on other members".
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-63746602

Jimbuna

11-29-22, 07:14 AM

Rishi Sunak: Golden era of UK-China relations is over

Rishi Sunak has said the so-called "golden era" of relations with China is over, as he vowed to "evolve" the UK's stance towards the country.

In his first foreign policy speech, Mr Sunak said the closer economic ties of the previous decade had been "naïve".

The prime minister said the UK had to replace wishful thinking with "robust pragmatism" towards competitors.

But he warned against "Cold War rhetoric", adding that China's global significance could not be ignored.

Mr Sunak has faced pressure from Tory backbenchers to toughen the UK's stance on China since he took over as prime minister last month.

His speech, at the Lord Mayor's Banquet in London, comes after protests in China over the weekend against the country's strict Covid lockdown laws.

Police have made several arrests, and a BBC journalist was detained while covering a protest in Shanghai on Sunday. He was beaten and kicked by the police during his arrest and held for several hours before being released.

Mr Sunak told the audience of business leaders and foreign policy experts that, in the face of the protests, China had "chosen to crack down further, including by assaulting a BBC journalist".

"We recognise China poses a systemic challenge to our values and interests, a challenge that grows more acute as it moves towards even greater authoritarianism," he said.

He added that the "golden era" of UK-China relations was "over", along with the "naïve idea" that more trade with the West would lead to Chinese political reform.

The phrase "golden era" is associated with closer economic ties under former Prime Minister David Cameron - but relations between London and Beijing have since deteriorated.

However, Mr Sunak stressed that "we cannot simply ignore China's significance in world affairs - to global economic stability or issues like climate change".

He added that the UK would work with allies including the US, Canada, Australia, and Japan to "manage this sharpening competition, including with diplomacy and engagement".

"It means standing up to our competitors, not with grand rhetoric but with robust pragmatism," he added.

Mr Sunak and Chinese President Xi Jinping were set to meet for the first time at the G20 summit in Indonesia earlier this month, but the encounter was cancelled following a missile blast in Poland.

Mr Sunak's predecessor Liz Truss was reportedly planning to re-categorise China as a "threat" to the UK as part of a review of its foreign policy.

In his speech, Mr Sunak echoed the phrase used in the review - that China is a "systemic challenge". He said there would be more details of the review in the new year.

But the "robust pragmatism" line in the speech was criticised by former Conservative Party leader Iain Duncan Smith, who is one of a number of backbenchers pushing for a tougher line.

Reacting to a preview of the speech, he wrote in the Daily Express that China had become a "clear and present threat to us and our allies".

"I wonder if robust pragmatism now sounds more and more like appeasement," he added.

Labour's shadow foreign secretary David Lammy called the speech "thin as gruel", accusing the government of "flip-flopping its rhetoric on China".

Nigel Inkster, senior China advisor at foreign affairs think tank the International Institute for Strategic Studies, told BBC Radio 4's Today programme he did not think the China-UK golden age "was ever real and substantial".

He said: "It attempted to focus on economic relations with China while putting geopolitics to one side, and experience shows you simply can't do that.

"China in its present form is here to stay for the foreseeable future, and I think the Marxist-Leninist dialogue is only going to increase so we are going to have to learn to get used to this."

Elsewhere in his speech, Mr Sunak promised to continue support for Ukraine, adding: "We will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes."

He promised to "maintain or increase" British military aid to the country next year, and provide new air support to protect civilians and critical infrastructure.
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-63787877

Jimbuna

11-29-22, 07:18 AM

Tory MPs urge PM to change law to ease migrant crisis

More than 50 Tory MPs have urged Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to alter "quirks" in modern slavery laws to make it easier to send some migrants home.

The letter, arranged by former Brexit Secretary David Davis, demands those travelling from "safe countries", such as Albania, be returned more quickly.

The MPs maintain a "simple" change in the law could ease the current crisis.

A Home Office source said Home Secretary Suella Braverman was "working flat out" to solve the issue.

The source said Ms Braverman and Mr Sunak were working "to bring in reforms to help stem the flow of migrants across the Channel".

More than 40,000 people have crossed in small boats from France so far this year.

In the letter, Tories describe the crossings as a "Gordian Knot that needs cutting with a simple policy".

The signatories argue that a provision in current law prevents the government from returning a person who says they are a victim of modern slavery to their original home.

"If they have really been taken against their will, then they could not reasonably object to being returned to their own homes," the letter said.

"The quirks in our modern slavery laws that prevent this are clearly in defiance of the aims of that law and should be removed."

MPs, including former cabinet ministers Dr Liam Fox and Esther McVey, and veteran backbenchers Sir Peter Bottomley and Sir Graham Brady, are among the 50-strong body of Conservative politicians calling for the change.

They argue this "straightforward and legally workable way of addressing the crisis" would be a "very strong deterrent" to those who might be planning to make the trip across the Channel.

Mr Davis said the number of people from safe countries like Albania claiming asylum in the UK was "paralysing the whole system".

"I want to protect the asylum system for people who really need it," he told BBC Radio 4's Today programme.

The large majority of migrants claim asylum on arrival in the UK and many are housed in hotels while awaiting the outcome of their applications, which are often subject to delay.

Speaking last week, Ms Braverman admitted the UK government has failed to control its borders, blaming migrants and people smugglers for recent chaos at Kent's Manston processing centre.

Thousands of migrants were placed in tents at the centre during the autumn months, leading to overcrowding and outbreaks of disease.

Everyone staying at the temporary site has since been placed in alternative accommodation, according to the Home Office.

Last month, MPs from the Home Affairs Committee heard how the UK was spending about £7m a day on hotels to house asylum seekers.

A government spokeswoman said: "We have made clear that there is no one single solution to stop the increase in dangerous crossings.

"We have also made clear that we will continue to use every tool at our disposal to deter illegal migration.

"We are expediting the removal of individuals by agreeing tailored bilateral returns agreements with partners like Albania, elevating it to a key priority for our foreign policy."
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-63775337

Jimbuna

11-29-22, 08:26 AM

EU member state blasts Brussels for wanting Brexit revenge rather than helping Europeans

Amajor fracture has opened in the EU over Ursula von der Leyen's handling of post-Brexit talks with Britain as a member state has accused of of harming Europe because of a desire for "Brexit revenge". Hungarian foreign minister Péter Szijjártó hit out at Brussels after he held his first talks with James Cleverly since he became foreign secretary in September. The two met for talks in London after speaking at a conference on violence against women in conflict organised by the Foreign Office as Mr Cleverly made his first ally within the EU.

Speaking exclusively to Express.co.uk in a rare newspaper interview following his discussions with Mr Cleverly, the Hungarian foreign minister said he believed too many people in Brussels are motivated by a desire for "Brexit revenge."

Mr Szijjártó, who also discussed his country's different position on Ukraine with Mr Cleverly, made it clear that Hungary is on Britain's side regarding problematic talks on fixing the Northern Ireland protocol and other issues going forward.

The Hungarian minister joked that he is now on his sixth UK counterpart since taking office in 2014.

He said: "We attach a lot of significance to the debates between London and Brussels. They should be settled in a way that is based on mutual respect and which could make possible to have rational and effective cooperation.

"What the European Union should push for now is to try to minimise the loss caused by Brexit.

"But instead of a rational and mutual respect approach what we are seeing now is Brussles is making steps which bring us further away not closer."
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/eu-member-state-blasts-brussels-for-wanting-brexit-revenge-rather-than-helping-europeans/ar-AA14F9DY?ocid=mailsignout&pc=U591&cvid=37bcae405dc949ddbe2ad867b6f17a3b

Gorpet

12-01-22, 01:21 AM

Well, After Volodymyr sent his wife,begging because he can't leave his bunker or his country to Britain.Will Rishi Sunak become the next Winston and lead Britain in a future Blitz of Hypersonic Nuclear Missiles raining down on Londen again. It would seem we have the Peter Principle in effect all across the Planet.
When the Politicians ride on the back of their voters and get Rich. When the same voters start asking tough questions.
History repeats itself.There has to be a war, and someone has to be the ORC!
This time because there is no one else it has to be the Russians. Hell you cant start it with the Chinese you out sourced your country's manufacturing to them. And your citizens didn't know that until a monkey got sliced and diced at a wet market in China.Anyway Rishi Sunak will stand with the Volodymyr.

Do you really think young Ukraine soldiers who have been on the battlefield and away from their women for months and could die at any time are not capable of raping a women? What's the old Kissinger saying sleeping with Washington Elites will be fatal. Keir Starmer and the left,hell they don't have any answers other than VOTE US IN and afterwards they will tell you the Other Party left things in such a shambles it will take 20 yrs.And most of you will be dead.If the MAGIC MUSHROOM in the sky doesn't appear.And if it does all of you will be Dead. I wonder how long after the first of the year the UK will be the UK

Gorpet

12-01-22, 02:08 AM

Here's something i told my son about voting here in America.If your 20 and this person gets elected twice. Doesn't matter what party he represents you will be 8 yrs older. So now at 28 has this President and his Party made your life better or not.So now we have another President with a different party and a new way they believe in. So 1 term your 32 2 term your 36. And if it changes hands again for another 8 years you can end up being 44 yrs old. Now that your youth is almost gone.What did those two parties do for you.You worked your ass off and paid your taxes stayed out of their jails.Just to find out you really didn't have to work at all.You could have been the Peaky Blinder.Everyone else is getting it for free.:up: Yea i know it's a TV show but it's the future if the Magic Mushroom of NATO doesn't show up.

Jimbuna

12-01-22, 09:01 AM

Brexit has added £210 to the average household food bill in the two years to the end of 2021, new research suggests.

Academics at the London School of Economics found that the cost of food imported from Europe went up because of extra red tape and checks.

It said that the changes for items going across the border had pushed food prices up by 6% to £5.84bn overall.

Price rises hit poorest households hardest because they spend more of their pay packets on food, it added.

But it noted one benefit seen since Brexit was reduced competition for food producers in Britain.

The BBC has contacted the Department for International Trade for comment.

Researchers at its Centre for Economic Performance (CEP) looked at data tracking the flow of trade and prices of food products between the UK and the European Union (EU) to work out how shoppers were being affected by the UK's exit.

Their calculations sought to isolate the effects of Brexit and separate them out from other supply chain issues that caused disruption during the pandemic.

It blamed the increase in food prices on a rise in "non-tariff barriers" on trade between the UK and the EU, which include things like new customs checks at the borders, new paperwork requirements and broader measures affecting the movement of animals and plants.

Although the extra checks didn't come into force until 2021, one of its co-authors Nikhil Datta said it was likely firms made "anticipatory" changes around the "hard Brexit" pursued by previous Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

Mr Datta added that these non-tariff barriers should be a "first-order concern" for politicians and policymakers.

Its paper also looked at costs involved with setting up for new systems, such as hiring specialist staff to be able to manage the trade of products that are subject to more checks.

The CEP suggested that between 50% and 88% of price rises seen by these EU exporters and UK importers were being passed on to customers.

Inflation, which tracks how prices rise over time, has hit its highest rate in 40 years.

Richard Davies, a professor at the University of Bristol and co-author of the study, said: "Many factors, affecting both supply and demand for goods and services, are involved. One factor in this high inflation has been the rise in non-tariff barriers for trade with the EU.

"In leaving the EU, the UK swapped a deep trade relationship with few impediments to trade for one where a wide range of checks, forms and steps are required before goods can cross the border," he added.

The report says that immediately after the December 2019 general election, food prices from the EU spiked as businesses reliant on products and ingredients from the bloc started to pass costs on.

The price rises varied according to the type of product, but was generally higher for those products like meat with lots of extra paperwork and checks required, whereas those for vegetables like onions, carrots and broccoli, which might also depend on seasonal availability, was lower.

It said overall that less well-off households had seen bigger price rises as a result, due to the fact they spend a higher proportion of their income.

It suggested that one benefit seen from Brexit was that food producers in the UK now faced less competition from farmers and producers in Europe.

But it added that overall the gain seen was outstripped by the losses seen by shoppers by more than £1bn.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-63821133

Jimbuna

12-01-22, 09:07 AM

Ian Blackford is to stand down as leader of the SNP group at Westminster, it has been confirmed.

Mr Blackford said he believed it was time for "fresh leadership" after five years in the role.

He said he would formally stand down at the group's annual general meeting next week.

There has been speculation in recent weeks that some SNP MPs were plotting to replace Mr Blackford as group leader.

In a statement, he said he would continue in his role as the MP for Ross, Skye and Lochaber and had also accepted a new role at the centre of the SNP's independence campaign.

Mr Blackford said: "After more than five years in the role, now is the right time for fresh leadership at Westminster as we head towards a general election and the next steps in winning Scotland's independence.

"During my time as leader, the SNP won a landslide victory in the 2019 general election, with an increased share of the vote and MPs, and support for independence has continued to grow with polling this week showing a majority in favour."

Mr Blackford has become as well-known figure in the House of Commons through his weekly appearance at Prime Minister's Questions and is seen as being a close ally of First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, the SNP leader.

He faced calls to resign from political opponents after the Daily Mail reported in June that it had obtained a recording of Mr Blackford urging fellow MPs to give "absolute full support" to SNP MP Patrick Grady, who was suspended for sexual misconduct.

Mr Grady, a former SNP chief whip, was suspended from Parliament for two days over a sexual advance towards a colleague in 2016, and also suspended from the SNP's Westminster group for a week.

Ms Sturgeon subsequently said that the support expressed for Mr Grady had been "unacceptable".

There have been reports that some SNP MPs were also unhappy at Mr Blackford's handling of the case, with Aberdeen South MP Stephen Flynn recently dismissing suggestions that he was "on manoeuvres" with a view to replacing him as group leader.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-63821836

Jimbuna

12-05-22, 11:44 AM

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has promised "the biggest ever transfer of power from Westminster to the British people" if elected.

Labour published a report on Monday by former prime minister Gordon Brown setting out plans for sweeping constitutional change, including abolishing the House of Lords.

The plans would release £200m a year and change the economy, Sir Keir said.

He called the reforms an end to short-term "sticking plaster politics".

Sir Keir told BBC Breakfast the unelected second chamber was "indefensible", and added that a Labour government would abolish it and replace it with an elected body "with a strong mission" - but did not provide an exact timeframe.

"I'm very keen that all of the recommendations in the report are carried out as quickly as possible," he said, adding the proposals could be implemented within five years of a Labour administration.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-63851922

mapuc

12-05-22, 11:48 AM

^ ....and people believe this

Markus

Jimbuna

12-05-22, 11:59 AM

Most people now believe that a politician is lying when they see their lips move.

Jimbuna

12-06-22, 01:31 PM

Conservative donations fall to lowest level since 2020

Donations to the Conservative Party between July and September fell substantially compared to recent years, with the party raising £2.9m.

It is the lowest amount they have received since mid-2020 and comes after months of turmoil in the party.

Labour raised similar amounts in the same time period, receiving £2.8m including £1.6m from trade unions.

The union Unite gave over £700,000 to the party, despite previous threats to review the funding.

Donations to the Liberal Democrats hit £1.4m, while the SNP did not register any donations.

Responding to the figures, a Conservative Party source said the numbers covered the six-week leadership election when donors gave money to leadership campaigns.

The latest donations have been published by the Electoral Commission - the watchdog which oversees spending by political parties - and covers the period from July to September of this year.

During that time, Boris Johnson resigned as prime minister following scandals over Covid rule-breaking and the appointment of Chris Pincher as deputy chief whip.

Liz Truss was elected to replace Mr Johnson but was forced to step down weeks later when her economic plans triggered market turmoil.

The political turbulence appears to have damaged Conservative donations which fell from £4.8m in the second quarter of 2022 to £2.9m in the last three months.

Businessman Gareth Quarry is one donor who has switched his backing, giving Labour £50,000 - in 2016-17 he donated the same amount to the Conservatives.

A Labour spokesperson said: "Donors are coming back to Labour because they can see we are a changed party that is serious about getting into government and building a fairer, greener, more dynamic Britain."

Over half of the party's donations came from unions, with Unison giving £196,000 and Unite donating £728,000.

Earlier this year Unite, Labour's biggest donor, said financial support for the party was under review.

It followed a bitter row between the unions and the Labour-run council in Coventry over a pay dispute for bin lorry drivers in the city.

"Our wallet is closed to bad employers," Unite boss Sharon Graham said in February.

In addition to donations, Labour received £1.9m in public funds, which includes short money given to opposition parties to help pay for their activities in Parliament.

The Liberal Democrats and the SNP party claimed £296,342 and £396,300 in public money respectively.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-63871767

Catfish

12-06-22, 02:53 PM

I read that Labour wants to dissolve the House of Lords, is there any chance this happens :hmmm:

Gorpet

12-06-22, 11:00 PM

I read that Labour wants to dissolve the House of Lords, is there any chance this happens :hmmm:

Of course, If your a shark, get rid of the nibblers, right off the bat.

Jimbuna

12-07-22, 05:49 AM

I read that Labour wants to dissolve the House of Lords, is there any chance this happens :hmmm:

Hard to say atm but they should concentrate on trying to win a general election first.

Moonlight

12-07-22, 06:38 AM

I read that Labour wants to dissolve the House of Lords, is there any chance this happens :hmmm:

It'll happen one day in the next 20 or 30 years, but not in the way you or I will think it will happen, "those elections for the "House of Lords" positions will all be controlled by the Westminster Political Parties.
If you think for one moment that a commoner of England like your next door neighbour has a chance of being elected then you are going to be very, very disappointed.
In with the new and out with the old, is that what you're thinking?, it's never going to happen matey, it would be political suicide for all the Political Parties, they can't have these new "House of Lords" representatives who don't represent Labour, Lib Dems or the Tory party running around spouting their bleeding mouths off, it would lead to political anarchy.
So, it will all just be the same but with a different name than Lords, an example would be "Peoples Representative" but these muppets won't represent the common folk, oh no, they'll represent their masters, the "Westminster Political Parties". :haha:

Jimbuna

12-07-22, 08:49 AM

Matt Hancock has just announced he will not be standing in the next general election.

Hardly a world shattering surprise.

Skybird

12-09-22, 07:02 AM

Once a mighty empire, Britain today sees millions struggling simply to live

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/britain-poverty-cost-of-living-food-crisis-rcna57630

Jimbuna

12-09-22, 04:03 PM

The only growth industry currently in the UK is food banks.

Catfish

12-09-22, 05:02 PM

Once a mighty empire, Britain today sees millions struggling simply to live
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/britain-poverty-cost-of-living-food-crisis-rcna57630
"More than 200 miles north of London, in seaside Morecambe, Dusty Thomas says he spends many of his days quietly starving. He is 60, a veteran of the 1982 Falklands war and the sectarian “Troubles” in Northern Ireland."
What the H. :nope:

Jimbuna

12-10-22, 06:33 AM

Yet Sunak is worth an estimated £700 million :o

Jimbuna

12-10-22, 06:38 AM

Kwasi Kwarteng says he got carried away as chancellor

Former chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng says he "got carried away" when he announced a huge package of ill-fated tax cuts alongside former PM Liz Truss.

Mr Kwarteng told the Financial Times his biggest regret was being "too impatient" with the mini-budget.

The plans sparked turmoil in the markets, eventually leading to Mr Kwarteng and Ms Truss's resignation.

"There was a brief moment and the people in charge, myself included, blew it," he said.

Reflecting on his time in office, the MP for Spelthorne said there had been "no tactical subtlety whatsoever".

"People got carried away, myself included," he said.

As chancellor, Mr Kwarteng set out a package to abolish the top rate of income tax for the highest earners, axe the cap on bankers' bonuses, and provide an expensive and long-running energy support package.

The plans would have required more than £70bn of increased borrowing, but most of the measures were torn up by his successor, Jeremy Hunt.

The pound fell to a record low against the dollar after the announcement, requiring intervention from the Bank of England and increasing mortgage rates for homeowners.

Two days later, Mr Kwarteng signalled more tax cuts were coming, causing more market uncertainty.

He was sacked from the position after just 38 days, becoming Britain's second shortest-serving chancellor, with Ms Truss's time as prime minister coming to a chaotic end shortly afterwards.

Mr Kwarteng, who is a long-time ally of Ms Truss, previously said he told her it was "mad" to sack him, saying he urged her to "slow down".

His comments come after Ms Truss's former chief speech writer, Asa Bennett, said she took a "Spinal Tap approach" to government and demanded the volume "was turned up to 11".

Spinal Tap are a spoof heavy metal group created by a team of comedians and musicians, who famously had amplifiers that were "one louder" than 10.

Mr Bennett said the former prime minister was determined to put "rocket boosters" under the economy when she arrived in Downing Street.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-63927502

Jimbuna

12-12-22, 12:53 PM

Ministers hold emergency Cobra meeting amid wave of strikes

The government is discussing contingency plans for upcoming strikes, including using the military and civil servants to cover Border Force staff, at an emergency Cobra meeting.

The armed forces will also be deployed to hospital trusts ahead of an ambulance strike, the government says.

But Downing Street warned there would still be "serious disruption".

Cobra is an emergency response committee made up of ministers, civil servants and others.

It comes amid a wave of strikes over pay this month from nurses, paramedics, rail workers, and Border Force staff.

Cabinet Office minister Oliver Dowden, who is chairing the meeting, said the stance taken by unions would "cause disruption for millions of hardworking people".

"The government will do all it can to mitigate the impact of this action, but the only way to stop the disruption completely is for union bosses to get back round the table and call off these damaging strikes," he said.

"I will be chairing a series of Cobra meetings over the coming weeks to ensure our plans are as robust as possible, and that disruption is kept to a minimum."

However, the prime minister's official spokesman stressed that even with members of the armed forces driving ambulances, the number available to attend calls would be reduced "significantly".

The country is facing "a challenging number of days", he said.

Border Force officers employed by the Home Office are set to walk out at Gatwick, Heathrow, Manchester, Birmingham and Cardiff airports for eight days from 23 December to New Year's Eve.

Members of the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) - who represent 75% of all passport control staff - voted to take action in support of a 10% pay rise which they say will help border workers who are "struggling with the cost-of-living crisis".

Some military personnel are already being trained up as part of contingency planning in a bid to avoid widespread disruption at Christmas.

Armed forces will be sent to hospital trusts to familiarise themselves with vehicles ahead of an ambulance worker strike in England and Wales on 21 and 28 December.

Paramedics and control room staff will walk out in coordinated strike action by the three main ambulance unions - Unison, GMB and Unite - in a dispute over pay. The action will affect non-life threatening calls only.

Nurses in England, Wales and Northern Ireland are also set to strike on 15 and 20 December.

Trade unions are calling for bigger pay increases to help their members cope with rising prices, but Downing Street has argued that "inflation is everyone's enemy" and meeting union calls would embed higher prices.

No 10 also said talk of coordinated strikes was "concerning" as that would "exacerbate the misery" the public is facing.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has previously pledged to introduce "new tough" anti-strike laws.

But some of the unions have said instead of meeting each other, ministers should meet them and negotiate pay.

The Royal College of Nursing is due to meet Health Secretary Steve Barclay later.

However, ministers have previously said the government will not negotiate with unions on pay.

Mr Barclay told BBC Breakfast he was willing to continue engagement with nurses' unions but that the government had "honoured in full" the recommendation of the independent pay review body.

He added that he did not want to divert money away from clearing the post-Covid backlog to fund additional pay.

Pat Cullen, head of the RCN union, has said strikes due to take place this week could be paused if the health secretary "seriously" negotiated over pay.

A RCN spokesperson said the union would attend the meeting with the health secretary "in the hope the government is now serious about negotiating".

The nurses' union have called for their members to be given a pay rise of 5% above the RPI inflation rate, which in October was 14.2%.

Meanwhile, members of health unions Unison and Unite have voted to accept the Scottish government's pay offer of around 7.5%. Members of the Royal College of Nursing and GMB are still voting on whether to accept.

Shadow health secretary Wes Streeting said a Labour government would not be able to afford such a rise but added that it "would be willing to meet and negotiate" to avoid a strike.

"I think the government's stubborn refusal to engage in serious negotiations shows they are spoiling for a fight and they want to blame nurses, blame paramedics and blame NHS staff for challenges in NHS services that are the direct fault and responsibility of 12 years of Conservative mismanagement," he said.

"Frankly I think that's disgusting."

Unison's head of health Sara Gorton said: "The wage rise given to health workers this year simply hasn't been enough to stop staff leaving in droves. Without enough employees in the NHS, patients will go on waiting too long for ambulances and for treatment to start."

"Instead of putting plans in place for the strike days, ministers should be concentrating all their efforts on ending the disputes," she added.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-63939396

Jimbuna

12-13-22, 10:14 AM

Rishi Sunak promises end to asylum seeker backlog by 2023

Rishi Sunak has promised more staff to help clear the UK's backlog of asylum seekers by the end of next year.

Under a plan unveiled by the prime minister, a dedicated unit of 400 specialists will be set up to handle claims from Albanians.

UK border officials will also be posted at Albania's main airport, under a new deal with the country.

There will also be 700 staff for a new unit to monitor small boats crossing the English Channel.

Mr Sunak also announced plans to house 10,000 asylum seekers waiting on claims in disused holiday parks, former student halls, and surplus military sites.

The asylum backlog has ballooned in recent years, with 143,377 awaiting an initial decision on their application and unable to work. Of these, nearly 100,000 have been waiting more than six months.

Pressure has been building on the Home Office, as increasing numbers of claimants, housed in private and hotel accommodation, wait for a decision by officials.

This has seen Mr Sunak label the small boats crisis a priority for his premiership.

More than 40,000 people have crossed the Channel in small boats so far this year - the highest number since figures began to be collected in 2018.

There has been a rapid increase in the number of Albanians crossing the Channel and this nationality now make up 35% of arrivals.

Speaking in the Commons, Mr Sunak said it was "unfair" that people were claiming asylum after entering the UK illegally.

He added that people were "right to be angry" with the current backlog, adding that global legal frameworks for asylum had become "obsolete".
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-63959729

Gorpet

12-13-22, 08:25 PM

"More than 200 miles north of London, in seaside Morecambe, Dusty Thomas says he spends many of his days quietly starving. He is 60, a veteran of the 1982 Falklands war and the sectarian “Troubles” in Northern Ireland."
What the H. :nope:

Keir Starmer, Is your Obama, His party will bring nothing but this .The last party in power left the Country in such shambles it will take his party 30 yrs to get things right.The fact is they were elected to work together.And should have been kicked to the road a long time ago. Look no 2 or 3 parties can work together especially in the new WOKE society.1 party rule and it should be the Poorest who Take Command,We have College Educations now and it's time to take the wealth of the world and disperse it across this Planet.
Who knows about life but the Poorest. But somewhere in this Cum blob there will be a Catfish that will say look i went to this University and it is better than yours and I'm smarter than you! And the whole process starts over again.There is a place for scientist a place for University Professors to teach.But the morals and common sense taught by Mothers and Fathers to their children who will never set a foot in any of these Institutions and who in their life times will pay for those who do.Should never be breached.
It's the poor who will never reach the heights, but trust in those who, get there that they remember who got them there. It seems when a Citizen gets a bite of any lip of power.They become Mars Attacks.

Gorpet

12-13-22, 08:45 PM

And one for you Jimbo, may you live long and prosper my friend.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PEWP9nbqG9Q
A Song in an Age before the Politician.Will anyone be able to listen to this again after 2023 ?

Gorpet

12-13-22, 11:41 PM

Jimbuna

12-14-22, 05:48 AM

Price rises year-on-year slowed in November, with the inflation rate down to 10.7%

But the cost of living is still close to a 40-year high, squeezing millions of households and businesses.

Food prices are still rising significantly - up 16.5% over the last 12 months.

The price of fuel has fallen from record highs but this was offset by a rise in the cost of alcohol in restaurants, cafes and pubs.

October's overall inflation rate of 11.1% was the highest for 41 years and up from 10.1% in September.

The rate is worked out by the Office for National Statistics, which notes the prices of hundreds of everyday items.

The Bank of England has warned inflation could top 13% this year, and is expected to keep raising interest rates to try to control it.

les green01

12-15-22, 11:01 AM

Jimbuna

12-15-22, 03:17 PM

I think it better for everyone if he stays your side of the pond.

Jimbuna

12-15-22, 03:24 PM

Scottish Parliament suspended after Scottish budget leaked with furious MSPs blaming SNP

Holyrood's presiding officer has suspended parliament for half an hour after details of the Scottish budget were leaked to the press. Alison Johnstone spoke to the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to express her "concern" at the leak. They gave her their "categoric assurance" that the information was not shared with the BBC by the Government.

The BBC published a story setting out the tax rates which were due to be announced by SNP Deputy Leader John Swinney later today.

It was revealed that Mr Swinney planned to increase income tax rates for higher earners.

Income tax rates in Scotland, as well as several other taxes, are set by the Scottish government rather than at Westminster.

He is expected to put up the higher rate of tax from 41p to 42p in the pound and to increase the top rate from 46p to 47p.

The tax threshold for the top rate is also expected to be lowered from £150,000 to closer to £125,000.

This change has already been announced for other parts of the UK by Chancellor Jeremy Hunt.

The budget is expected to include around £500m extra for local government, along with an increase in the second homes tax part of the Land and Buildings Transaction Tax - the Scottish equivalent of stamp duty - from four percent to six percent.

Mr Swinney had been due to deliver his budget statement at 2.30pm but Ms Johnstone suspended the session for before he started speaking.

Speaking ahead of the budget announcement today, the Deputy First Minister said: "Our budget goals are mutually beneficial and represent a distinctive approach to the economic challenges we face.

"The Scottish budget will take further steps to address inequality and eradicate child poverty. It will encourage a just transition to net zero, creating wealth and opportunity across the country.

"It will be the catalyst for reforms necessary to ensure our first-class public services remain sustainable in the face of the challenges to come."

The Scottish First Minister took a knock to her authority earlier this month, after her party's Westminster Leader Ian Blackford announced he would be stepping down.

This came two weeks after Ms Sturgeon reportedly intervened to defend Mr Blackford from a coup to replace him.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/money/other/scottish-parliament-suspended-after-scottish-budget-leaked-with-furious-msps-blaming-snp/ar-AA15jBew?ocid=mailsignout&pc=U591&cvid=be539da4d08d4d0bac4f47b32635b770

les green01

12-15-22, 06:36 PM

I think it better for everyone if he stays your side of the pond.

:haha: as long as the turn coat don't cost us anything now a certain Princess did say Prince William step in during the Queen funeral stuff cause harry was going bring a film crew from Texas with him

Jimbuna

12-16-22, 03:39 PM

He's just about persona non grata over here.

Jimbuna

12-18-22, 03:22 PM

December strikes: 1,200 troops to cover for ambulances and Border Force

About 1,200 members of the military and 1,000 civil servants are to be drafted in to cover for striking ambulance and Border Force staff over Christmas.

The government say the personnel will plug staffing gaps and keep front-line services running.

Some 10,000 ambulance staff in England and Wales will strike on 21 and 28 December in a pay dispute.

Unions say military staff are not "sufficiently trained" to taking on ambulance roles.

But Health Secretary Steve Barclay said his "number one priority" is keeping patients safe.

However he declined to discuss "political debates", stressing that the military is directed by the government to "serve the nation".

The head of the armed forces has warned against viewing troops as "the go-to" option when it comes to covering strike action.

Speaking to the Sunday Telegraph, Chief of Defence Staff, Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, said: "We're not spare capacity. We're busy and we're doing lots of things on behalf of the nation - we've got to focus on our primary role.".
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-64012800

Gorpet

12-19-22, 11:29 PM

Is it true? UK Special Forces frogmen are sinking Rubber boats coming from France? Now this on top of inquires about the same forces killing innocent Afghans.Look only Americans do a canoe shot...Maybe? Well ya know,when you are crawling on the stinking ground,living with the stinking bodies and the next 30 feet when you poke your head up.. oh ****!
The Politician He his Wife and His Oldest son and Daughter, sure will not be there with you.To smell the copper that the ground soaks up.Why can't all of our politicians children experience the decisions their parents make?

In WW2 they were called watermelon shots.And every soldier on either side who wanted to live was a participant.

Jimbuna

12-20-22, 07:43 AM

Rishi Sunak refusing to budge on pay as strike action escalates

By Kate Whannel
Political reporter, BBC News

Rishi Sunak has insisted he will not back down against striking workers, as nurses walk out in England, Northern Ireland and Wales for a second day.

Nurses' union boss Pat Cullen has urged the prime minister to resolve the crisis before Christmas.

But there is no sign of a breakthrough between the sides.

The prime minister told The Mail he would rather accept widespread disruption than increase workers' pay, which he says would fuel inflation.

The UK is facing its biggest week of industrial strikes in recent history in the run up to Christmas, with ambulance workers, customs and immigration staff, bus drivers and postal workers all staging walk outs.

The armed forces have been drafted in to cover some jobs - but concern is growing about Wednesday's ambulance drivers strike in England and Wales, with a health minister warning people to avoid "risky activity".

Workers are calling for higher pay to help them cope with the rising cost of living, but there are also additional disputes over working conditions.

Mr Sunak is facing calls to reopen talks on nurses' pay and deal with the growing wave of strikes across the public services.

But he told The Mail: "I'm going to do what I think is right for the long-term interests of the country - combating inflation."

Ministers have also argued it would be wrong to unpick the wage levels, which were set by the pay review bodies earlier this year.

The prime minister said unions should instead focus on future pay negotiations adding: "We do need to think about what's the right approach for next year."

https://i.postimg.cc/zfKKn8J2/Untitled.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

There are two things I can see as potential olive branches here.

One is some sort of one-off payment to recognise the cost of living pressures.

Downing Street has been playing that down over the past 24 hours, saying it's certainly not on the table at the moment.

The other thing which the government keeps talking about is next year's pay deal and perhaps some movement on that - some tinkering of how that could be calculated.

But that's not good enough for the unions.

I've asked a lot of people in government over the last few days what the end game is for the government and I don't think there's a clear answer, apart from hoping that the unions end up accepting the current deal and then get back around the table to discuss a new deal for next year.

Speaking to the BBC's Today programme, Ms Cullen said she was "truly sorry" for every patient who would have their care disrupted during Tuesday's strikes.

"We would negotiate with government - again we won't dig in if they don't dig in.

"But we have no opportunity to do that because we can't get to a table to talk to government."

In a statement released ahead of the strikes, Ms Cullen said she believed the dispute could get "wrapped up by Christmas" if ministers engaged with union talks.

However, she warned that if the government wasn't "prepared to do the right thing" her union would have "no choice" but to continue striking in January.

The Royal College of Nursing has called for a 19% pay rise (5% above the RPI inflation rate) but the government has said this is unaffordable.

Ambulance staff - who are set to walk out on Wednesday - also want above-inflation pay rises, but have not set a specific figure.

Health Secretary Steve Barclay is due to meet health unions, however it is expected these talks will not touch on pay, but rather focus on how emergency care will be provided during the strikes.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-64037292

Skybird

12-20-22, 08:21 AM

Come and meet Mr. and Mrs. Inflation. You will not leave them as the person you were when you met them.

Jimbuna

12-20-22, 08:25 AM

Even more so when there is no credible opposition waiting in the wings.

Catfish

12-20-22, 03:06 PM

Was told by a friend who just came back from Wales (lives in Germany now) that the price for one piece of butter is at 4,5 pounds ? This is ~ 5 Euro?!
Inflation here is also running high, but it is for a major part artificial, lots of companies raise prices and jump the train; there never was a better excuse for rip offs :nope:
And do not expect prices will fall back when the situation gets back to normal :shucks:

Skybird

12-20-22, 04:04 PM

And do not expect prices will fall back when the situation gets back to normal :shucks:
Dont worry, the Bundesbank yesterday announced it expects (=hopes for) "normal inflation" again not before 2025.
According to Skybird they got promoted to the ranks of "optimist" for that.
And there never is something normal about inflation. Its always politically, artificially wanted, to do away with state debts made by politicians.

Catfish

12-20-22, 04:34 PM

State debts, wars and any "real" inflation reasons can be understood, what i HATE is all the companies jumping the bandwagon because everything is obviously made in Ukraine or China, from screws to butter. All good capitalism of course. F'n copycats and freeloaders!

I already posted this in the prepper thread:

https://youtu.be/hhkMBl4AqHM

Jimbuna

12-21-22, 06:40 AM

les green01

12-21-22, 08:15 PM

True that :yep:

sounds like you need to make your owned

Jimbuna

12-22-22, 08:28 AM

UK economy shrank more than previously thought

The UK economy shrank by more than first thought in the three months to September, revised figures show.

The economy contracted by 0.3%, compared with a previous estimate of 0.2%, as business investment performed worse than first thought, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said.

Growth figures for the first half of 2022 have also been revised down.

The UK is forecast to fall into recession in the final three months of the year as soaring prices hit growth.

A country is considered to be in recession when its economy shrinks for two three-month periods - or quarters - in a row. Typically companies make less money, pay falls and unemployment rises, leaving the government with less money in tax to use on public services.

Darren Morgan, director of economic statistics at the ONS, said: "Our revised figures show the economy performed slightly less well over the last year than we previously estimated", with manufacturing "notably weaker".

He added that household incomes, when accounting for rising prices, continued to fall, and household spending "fell for the first time since the final Covid-19 lockdown in the spring of 2021".

The ONS said that gross domestic product (GDP) - the measure of the size of the economy - was now estimated to be 0.8% below where it was before the pandemic struck, downwardly revised from the previous estimate of 0.4% below.

The economy has been hit as surging energy and food prices push inflation - the rate at which prices rise - to its highest level in 40 years.

It means that consumers are spending less and businesses are cutting investment.

Along with its revision for the July-to-September period, the ONS said the economy also grew less than first estimated in the first half of the year - expanding by 0.6% in the first quarter and 0.1% in the second quarter.

The ONS has previously said growth stood at 0.7% and 0.2% in those quarters respectively.

It is not unusual for the ONS to revise its growth estimates. It produces a first estimate of GDP about 40 days after the quarter in question, at which point only about 60% of the data is available, so the figure is revised later as more information comes in.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-64062548

Skybird

12-24-22, 05:48 AM

Some Scots weep, others fume!
https://www.dw.com/en/pricey-japanese-whisky-underlines-its-esteemed-pedigree/a-64197281

Jimbuna

12-24-22, 07:33 AM

Whisky, can't stomach the stuff, far too harsh yet Irish I can put up with, far smoother in taste.

Jimbuna

12-24-22, 07:41 AM

Workers over 50 encouraged to end early retirement

The government is considering plans to coax retired middle-aged workers back into jobs to boost the economy.

Older people who have given up work could be offered what is being dubbed a "midlife MoT" to entice them back into employment, the Times reports.

The paper says the MoT would assess finances and opportunities for work.

It follows a recent House of Lords committee finding that a wave of early retirement following the pandemic has caused a huge labour shortage.

The report by the influential economic affairs committee examined the jump in economic inactivity - the number of people not in work or looking for work - and rising vacancies since 2020.

Economic inactivity has increased by 565,000 people since the start of the pandemic, according to the analysis.

The report highlighted retirement, increased sickness, changes to migration and the UK's aging population all contributed to the current tightness in the labour market.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-64083802

Good luck with that, I jumped ship in 2010 but I'm happy to suggest those politicians who advocate this are quite welcome to finding second jobs.

Skybird

12-24-22, 07:52 AM

Whisky, can't stomach the stuff, far too harsh yet Irish I can put up with, far smoother in taste.
So think I, with a few exceptions, though I have a malt just two or three times a year (tendency falling :) ) . Dalwhinny and Jameson being my favourites since years, both being of the milder branches and so I got one from Ireland and one from Scotland.

Jimbuna

12-24-22, 08:01 AM

For me it is Jameson or Bushmills.

Jimbuna

12-28-22, 09:59 AM

Putin's ally makes bizarre prediction UK will rejoin EU in 2023 only for bloc to collapse

The former Russian Prime Minister also predicted Elon Musk will become US President and Northern Ireland will separate from the rest of the UK.

Vladimir Putin's ally Dmitry Medvedev claimed the UK will rejoin the EU and soon after the bloc will collapse. In a series of tweets in which he made a number of bizarre predictions for 2023, the former Russian Prime Minister said he expects a Fourth Reich will be created with "Germany and its satellites, i.e., Poland, the Baltic states, Czechia, Slovakia, the Kiev Republic and other outcasts".

He added the above countries would then go into war with France.

He tweeted: "On the New Year’s Eve, everybody’s into making predictions

"Many come up with futuristic hypotheses, as if competing to single out the wildest, and even the most absurd ones.

"Here’s our humble contribution.

"What can happen in 2023: 1. Oil price will rise to $150 a barrel, and gas price will top $5.000 per 1.000 cubic meters

"2. The UK will rejoin the EU

"3. The EU will collapse after the UK’s return; Euro will drop out of use as the former EU currency

"4. Poland and Hungary will occupy western regions of the formerly existing Ukraine

"5. The Fourth Reich will be created, encompassing the territory of Germany and its satellites, i.e., Poland, the Baltic states, Czechia, Slovakia, the Kiev Republic, and other outcasts

"6. War will break out between France and the Fourth Reich. Europe will be divided, Poland repartitioned in the process

"7. Northern Ireland will separate from the UK and join the Republic of Ireland

"8. Civil war will break out in the US, California. and Texas becoming independent states as a result. Texas and Mexico will form an allied state. Elon Musk’ll win the presidential election in a number of states which, after the new Civil War’s end, will have been given to the GOP

"9. All the largest stock markets and financial activity will leave the US and Europe and move to Asia

"10. The Bretton Woods system of monetary management will collapse, leading to the IMF and World Bank crash. Euro and Dollar will stop circulating as the global reserve currencies. Digital fiat currencies will be actively used instead."

The deputy chairman of Russia's Security Council has been making apocalyptic predictions on the Ukraine war since Russia began its attack on Kyiv.

Earlier this month, Mr Medvedev said NATO allies could soon become "legitimate targets" of Russian forces.

According to him, during the conflict with Ukraine, issues of legal military purposes are interpreted differently. At the same time, there are "rules of conduct in times of war (jus in bello), which originate in sacred sources."

He listed the criteria of another nation's army which he believes would classify them as legitimate targets.

The first would be "any enemy troops (legal combatants and illegal combatants) that are not officially withdrawn from its armed forces."

They would also be: "Any military and auxiliary equipment of the enemy" and "any objects related to military infrastructure, as well as civilian infrastructure that contributes to the achievement of military goals."

The deputy head of the Security Council attributed bridges, transport stations, roads, energy facilities, factories and workshops, at least partially fulfilling military orders, to the last point.
https://www.express.co.uk/news/politics/1714469/putin-ally-dmitry-medvedev-uk-rejoin-eu-2023-predictions-elon-musk

Jimbuna

12-29-22, 07:13 AM

Scotland to be stripped of its army if Sturgeon's independence dream succeeds

Scotland would be stripped of its army if it became independent, a Scottish foreign policy expert has said, explaining that even Scottish divisions of the UK armed forces are owned by the Government in Westminster. Professor Azeem Ibrahim told Express.co.uk the armed forces would be automatically repatriated to the UK Government if Scotland became independent as, by law, they are "owned and controlled by Westminster".

Professor Ibrahim, Research Professor at the Strategic Studies Institute, said Scotland would be forced to engage in negotiations over the armed forces, but would have no guarantees of ending up with Scottish divisions of the army.

Speaking to Express.co.uk about the Scottish army, the foreign policy expert said: "There is a bit of a misunderstanding that the Scottish divisions would be part of Scotland [after independence].

"The reality is that everything - the entire security establishment, the military intelligence, everything - by law is owned and controlled by Westminster.

"Anything Scotland gets would be subject to negotiations.

"In practice, everything is controlled by Westminster, which is controlled by the UK Government. What Scotland gets will be down to negotiations."

But while Scottish independence would have a detrimental impact on Scottish security according to Professor Ibrahim, the UK Government last week warned that independence could have a negative impact on the UK's security as a whole.

Last week, the Scottish Affairs Committee opened up an inquiry into Scotland's role in UK defence of the North Atlantic and the Arctic.

Pete Wishart, chair of the committee, said Scotland is "the heart of the UK's military capabilities", raising questions for what would happen if the devolved nation were to break away from the UK.

He said that the security of the North Atlantic and the surrounding countries "has never been so important in modern times".

The "mini-inquiry" will identify what the UK Government can do to further bolster North Atlantic and Arctic defence capabilities in Scotland, while the Scottish Affairs Committee will examine Scotland's role in the UK Government's Arctic Strategy, which was published in March 2022.

Mr Wishart said: "From the navy to the RAF, Scotland is the heart of the UK's military capabilities.

"As the world is exposed to increased geopolitical tensions following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the security of the North Atlantic and the surrounding countries has never been so important in modern times.

"The UK Government's Arctic Strategy, published earlier this year, recognises this and outlines how the UK is operating in new ways to adapt to any threats.

"Our Committee will be examining the role that Scottish-based defence capabilities will play in this changing landscape, and how the Arctic Strategy is being delivered in Scotland."

Professor Ibrahim said Scotland plays "an absolutely integral part of the security apparatus of the UK".

But he questioned whether it would be able to "maintain the same level of defence as it currently enjoys" if it were to become independent.

Last year, defence expert John Gower claimed that Trident may be forced overseas or halted if Scotland gains independence because key Trident assets - such as the Faslane submarine base, the warhead loading site at Coulport, and nearby testing ranges - are all located in Scotland or Scottish waters.

Mr Gower, a rear admiral at the time of the 2014 independence referendum, concluded in a European Leadership Network paper: "A Scottish secession would therefore generate fundamental operational and fiscal issues for the UK's nuclear deterrent."

The SNP and the Ministry of Defence have been contacted for comment.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/uknews/scotland-to-be-stripped-of-its-army-if-sturgeon-s-independence-dream-succeeds/ar-AA15KTBd?ocid=mailsignout&pc=U591&cvid=54c76fb541f3489e8c6f730ca3af240b

Jimbuna

01-01-23, 07:38 AM

Knighthoods for MPs who caused Boris Johnson headaches

Two MPs who caused trouble for ex-PM Boris Johnson have received knighthoods in the New Year Honours list.

Labour's Chris Bryant and Conservative Julian Lewis, who chair the standards and intelligence committees respectively, have both been honoured.

Sir Tom Scholar, the top Treasury civil servant sacked by former PM Liz Truss, becomes a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath.

Ex-minister and COP26 president Alok Sharma also receives a knighthood.

Sir Alok led the UK's efforts to secure a deal at last year's climate conference in Glasgow.

Another former Conservative minister, Andrew Stephenson, is made a CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire).

And there is an OBE for former sport minister Helen Grant, the Conservative MP for Maidstone and the Weald.

Sir Chris said he was "very shocked" by his knighthood.

"I have no idea how this comes about," he added.

The MP has represented the Rhondda constituency in Wales since 2001.

As chair of the Committee on Standards, he led the cross-party group of MPs who recommended suspending Conservative Owen Paterson from the House of Commons for 30 days after the MP was found to have breached lobbying rules.

The government's botched effort to help Mr Paterson avoid the punishment is widely seen as the first in a string of scandals that eventually led to Mr Johnson's resignation.

At the time Sir Chris was fiercely critical of the government, describing attempts to change the rules governing MPs' behaviour as "the very definition of injustice".

He also attacked the government over Covid rule-breaking in Downing Street, saying No 10 had become "a cesspit, full of arrogant, entitled narcissists".

Sir Chris told PA News he was "surprised" to be receiving a knighthood and said it was an honour for the whole of the Committee on Standards.

"Everybody told me that the Standards Committee would be a quiet backwater," he said.

"It hasn't felt like that. I try, as does the whole committee, to set party allegiance to one side.

"Obviously the Owen Paterson moment threw a massive boulder in the middle of an icy pond but I hope the new code of conduct we agreed just before Christmas will set Parliament back on the straight and narrow."

He added that he hoped the honour would help highlight his work on acquired brain injury.

Sir Julian has represented New Forest East in Hampshire since 1997 and during his time in Parliament has served as a shadow minister and chair of the defence committee.

He was kicked out of the Conservative parliamentary party in July 2020 after successfully standing against another Tory MP, Chris Grayling, to lead the Intelligence and Security Committee.

Mr Grayling was believed to be Mr Johnson's preferred candidate but the other MPs, concerned the committee's independence could be undermined, voted for Sir Julian instead.

Sir Julian was re-admitted into the party six months later.

As committee chair, he published a long-anticipated report into Russian activity in the UK, which accused the government of "badly" underestimating the Russian threat.

The honour for Sir Tom Scholar comes just three months after he was fired as the top-ranking Treasury civil servant by Liz Truss.

During her leadership campaign Ms Truss had been critical of the Treasury, saying it was not sufficiently focused on boosting growth.

Sir Tom's sacking was seen as proof of Ms Truss's determination to change what she called the "Treasury orthodoxy".

Elsewhere, the senior civil servant at the Home Office, Matthew Rycroft, receives a knighthood and Lord Sedwill, the former cabinet secretary, is made a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George.

Damehoods have been awarded to the UK's ambassadors in Ukraine, Melinda Simmons, and Russia, Deborah Bronnert.

Helen Grant, Conservative MP for Maidstone and The Weald and a former vice chair of the Conservative Party, is made an OBE.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-64126704

Jimbuna

01-03-23, 01:04 PM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ag7sh-_wx1E

Catfish

01-03-23, 03:47 PM

So he blames most on the "conservatives". He is not really wrong, however.. who do you want to govern the country?

Jimbuna

01-04-23, 12:18 PM

PM Rishi Sunak has outlined five promises he says he wants the public to judge his premiership on.

He pledged to cut NHS waiting lists - more than 7m people are currently waiting for care in England, which is one-eighth of the population.

Sunak said he was confident things would improve within months and asked the country to hold him to account.

The PM also pledged to halve inflation this year to ease the cost of living – but projections show that it is already due to fall by more than half anyway.

And he promised to grow the economy, ensure national debt was falling and stop migrant boats crossing the Channel.

Opposition parties have hit out at his plans - Labour's shadow foreign secretary said a pledge to boost maths education "rings hollow"

The Office of Budget Responsibility (OBR) expects the UK economy to shrink by 1.4% in 2023

Skybird

01-04-23, 12:35 PM

Call it Norwegian model, call it Swiss model - in 1973 the UK approached the EEC for economic reasons, and one can assume that it will be economic reasons that enforce the UK to again approach the now EU a second time, even if it does not become member again it will need to find ways to get along with the EU better. First Corona and now the Ukraine war were unforeseeable and have messed up Brexit terribly, what it would have been like without these two events can forever be object of speculation - but knowing for sure we never will. Only that it all together has turned Brexit now into a terrible mess. The Northern Ireland protocol however was a terrible mistake in itself from beginning on, and would have been so even without the war and pandemic.

This all looks not sustainable, financially and economically (which in the end is the same).

Jimbuna

01-04-23, 12:45 PM

^ I tend to agree :yep:

Jimbuna

01-05-23, 07:17 AM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEO3YUW7FSI

Jimbuna

01-06-23, 07:07 AM

Business Secretary Grant Shapps, has announced new legislation which will require several public services to maintain a minimum level of service during industrial action.

Mr Shapps said the new measures are about protecting the public, adding that "there has to be a minimum safety level that people can expect, even on strike days."

Unions have condemned the move and threatened legal action, while Labour said it would oppose the bill in Parliament.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-politics-64180604

Jimbuna

01-09-23, 09:42 AM

Talks to resolve strikes end with little progress, unions say

Talks with ministers aimed at resolving NHS strikes have made little progress, unions have said.

Unite said the meetings were "a missed opportunity", while the Royal College of Nursing said they were "bitterly disappointing".

Unison said there were discussions over pay but no "tangible concessions" which would enable this week's ambulance strikes to be called off.

But a government source described the talks as useful and constructive.

Ministers have also been meeting teaching and rail unions in a bid to avert further industrial action.

Unions are calling for pay rises to keep up with the rising cost of living but ministers say any offer must be "affordable".

Speaking ahead of the meetings, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: "People need to get talking, that's what they're doing, hopefully we can find a way through this."

He did not deny that his government could follow Wales by offering a one-off payment to public sector workers to ease the cost of living.

Following discussions at the Department of Health, Unite negotiator Onay Kasab said the government had suggested that any one-off payments would have to be based on "productivity savings".

He said that some of his members were working 18 hour shifts and that it was "an insult" to discuss productivity.

"We are extremely angry," he added.

Other ambulance union representatives leaving the meeting were slightly more positive, with Sara Gorton from Unison saying there had been progress.

"We did actually manage to talk about pay - we didn't get the tangible concessions that we might have hoped for that would enable us to call off the [ambulance worker] strikes later this week," she said.

Rachel Harrison, from the GMB union, said the talks "fell well short of anything substantial that could stop this week's strikes".

There was "some engagement on pay" but "no concrete offer", she said.

Joanne Galbraith-Marten, from the Royal College of Nursing, said there was "no resolution to our dispute yet in sight".

This week's strikes - which include planned walkouts by ambulance drivers, bus drivers, teachers and driving examiners - are all expected to go ahead.

Nurses are also set to walk out for two days next week.

A government source said Health Secretary Steve Barclay discussed productivity and efficiency savings which would help decide what was affordable for the coming year's pay deal.

A one-off payment for health service staff was mentioned in passing, the source said.

Unions have repeatedly called for a better pay offer to be on the table before April and are said to have asked Mr Barclay to make that case to the chancellor.

The source said Mr Barclay had agreed to look at their request, without making any commitments.

Unions say current disputes are about this year's pay offer but earlier Mr Sunak did not address a question about the 2022-23 settlement and ministers have previously said the focus should be on next year's deal.

Earlier, there were also meetings between Education Secretary Gillian Keegan and teaching unions.

Following the talks, Kevin Courtney, from the National Education Union (NEU), said "no concrete progress" was made and there was no discussion of a new pay offer.

"There is nothing so far that would dissuade us from taking industrial action," he said.

Teaching unions covering England and Wales, including the NEU, the NAHT and the NASUWT, are currently balloting members on potential strike action.

In Scotland, teachers are striking for two days this week, with a week long industrial action planned for next week.

The day of talks come as a ballot opens for junior doctors in England to decide on their own industrial action, which could begin in March.

Pat Cullen, general secretary of the Royal College of Nursing, said there was a "chink of optimism" after Mr Sunak told the BBC on Sunday that "we want to have a reasonable, two-way conversation about pay and everything else that is relevant".

However, she said this would not stop next week's planned strikes by nurses.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-64207220

Jimbuna

01-10-23, 11:43 AM

Strikes bill: Unions criticise plans as unworkable

By Sam Francis & Becky Morton
BBC Politics

Unions have criticised a new bill aimed at enforcing minimum service levels for the public sector during strikes as "undemocratic, unworkable and illegal".

Under the proposals, some public sector workers would be required to work during a strike.

The business secretary said the aim was to protect lives and livelihoods.

But unions have threatened legal action if the bill is passed, while Labour says they would repeal it if they win the next election.

The head of the Trades Union Congress, Paul Nowak, said that if it became law the legislation would "prolong disputes and poison industrial relations - leading to more frequent strikes".

"This legislation would mean that when workers democratically vote to strike, they can be forced to work and sacked if they don't comply," he said.

"That's undemocratic, unworkable, and almost certainly illegal."

The new bill, published on Tuesday, comes amid a wave of industrial action across the public sector as workers seek pay increases in the face of the rising cost of living.

Laws requiring a minimum level of service during strikes had already been promised for public transport as part of the Conservative's 2019 election manifesto. A bill was introduced to Parliament in October.

The government is now seeking to extend this requirement to five other areas - the NHS, education, fire and rescue, border security, and nuclear decommissioning.

To meet minimum staffing levels - which are still to be decided - employers would be able to issue a "work notice" to unions, setting out who is required to work during a strike.

Under the legislation there would be no automatic protection from unfair dismissal for an employee who is told to work under minimum service agreements but chooses to strike.

However, Business Secretary Grant Shapps pushed back on the idea workers would be sacked.

"No one is talking about sacking nurses... nothing we are announcing today in this bill from the despatch box is about getting rid of nurses any more than any employment contract has to be followed," he told MPs.

Mr Shapps said the government "absolutely believes in the right to strike" but it is "duty bound" to protect the lives and livelihoods of the public.

"We don't want to use this legislation but we must ensure the safety of the British public," he said.

Mr Shapps said the proposed legislation was similar to existing laws in other modern European economies and it was not designed to ban strikes.

He accused unions representing ambulance workers of "a lack of timely cooperation", which he said meant employers could not reach a national agreement for minimum safety levels during recent strikes.

He said this made "contingency planning almost impossible" and put lives at risk.

But unions disputed his claims as "completely false", with Unite's Sharon Graham saying agreements had been negotiated with regional managers to take into account local circumstances.

GMB said it was an "extraordinary attack" on ambulance workers, who had left picket lines to respond to urgent calls.

During December's strikes Category 1 calls - classed as the most life-threatening situations, such as cardiac arrest - were responded to by an ambulance. This will also be the case for Wednesday's strikes.

However, no blanket agreement has been reached on responding to Category 2 calls, which include strokes or major burns, with unions agreeing locally which calls within this category will be responded to.

Fire Brigades Union general secretary Matt Wrack called the bill a "shameful attack" on democratic rights and key workers.

Unite's Ms Graham described it as a "dangerous gimmick from a government that should be negotiating to resolve the current crisis they have caused".

Mick Lynch, head of the RMT transport union, said the "draconian legislation" sought to "punish workers" for demanding decent pay and working conditions.

Labour's deputy leader Angela Rayner said it was "utterly stupid" and "insulting" for Mr Shapps to go from thanking nurses to proposing to sack them for striking.

"How can he seriously think that sacking thousands of key workers won't just plunge our public services further into crisis?" she told the Commons.

"We all want minimum standards of safety, service and staffing. It is the ministers failing to provide it," she said, adding that the public was being put at risk every day by the crisis in the NHS and staff shortages.

MPs will get a chance to debate the bill - which applies to England, Wales and Scotland - next week.

After the bill makes it through the House of Commons, where the Conservatives have a sizeable majority, it is expected to face greater opposition in the House of Lords where the numbers are less favourable.

Any legislation would not have an impact on strikes this month, which are still set to go ahead.

Ambulance staff in England and Wales are preparing to walk out on Wednesday, while nurses in England are also set to strike next week.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-64219016

Jimbuna

01-12-23, 09:10 AM

Rishi Sunak and Nicola Sturgeon to hold talks in Scotland

The prime minister is to meet Scotland's first minister on Thursday evening, the BBC understands.

The private talks between Rishi Sunak and Nicola Sturgeon will take place in Scottish Highlands.

The two leaders are to discuss a range of subjects including the NHS and the economy.

A joint announcement from the UK and Scottish governments on the creation of two green freeports in Scotland is also expected.

The Cromarty and Forth bids are thought to be the favourites to be named as the country's first green freeports, which will see tax incentives being used in a bid to boost investment and economic growth in the two areas.

Downing Street has not yet officially confirmed details of the visit, which will be Mr Sunak's first trip to Scotland as prime minister.

Mr Sunak had a telephone conversation with Ms Sturgeon shortly after becoming PM, with the two political leaders meeting at the British-Irish Council in Blackpool in November.

The first minister described that meeting as "cordial and constructive" despite the pair having "profound political disagreements".
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-64247552

Jimbuna

01-14-23, 06:06 AM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LD2lhNnlDbQ

Jimbuna

01-15-23, 07:39 AM

UK to unveil superpower plan today to break from EU shackles and send 'message to Europe'

Science Minister George Freeman is today set to unveil the UK's strategy which he claims could help Britain become a science superpower outside the EU's £80billion flagship innovation scheme. The Minister told Express.co.uk that he is "sending a message to Europe" by unveiling his plan to take Britain to the forefront of global science by spending cash that was meant to go towards the bloc's programme. It will partially involve striking deals with other partners to collaborate on crucial science projects, and it comes as Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida visits London today.

The UK intended to put £15billion towards Horizon Europe, the EU's flagship programme that would have let British researchers access prestigious grants and collaborate with European researchers on projects ranging from climate change to AI and quantum mechanics.

But EU negotiators told the UK cannot take part in the scheme, despite its participation being included in the Trade and Cooperation Agreement, until the Northern Ireland protocol row is resolved.

However, with the furious Brexit feud still raging on, researchers have had their promised grants withheld and fear the three-year delay is causing significant harm to British science.

Researchers have also been keen to stress that global collaboration in science is vital, and fear that without Horizon participation, the UK could be in a worrying situation. This is why Mr Freeman will make clear that partnerships with other nations, such as Japan, will be crucial components of the backup plan.

James Cleverly's latest concession to the EU in Brexit negotiations over Northern Ireland sparked the fury of Brexiteers.

Former Brexit Party MEP Ben Habib has lashed out against the latest agreement reached between London and Brussels over the Northern Ireland Protocol negotiations, arguing Foreign Secretary James Cleverly's concessions to the EU will prove detrimental for British businesses.

Mr Freeman has told Express.co.uk that he is still not throwing in the towel due to the highly regarded fellowships the scheme provides. But the Science Minister said that we can't wait much longer, detailing a blueprint for a "better" option outside the programme.

Last month, the Financial Times reported that Prime Minister Rishi Sunak gave the green light to accelerate Mr Freeman's "Plan B". Today, the minister will announce the crucial pillars involved in the backup plan, which will be funded by cash that was meant to go forwards the EU scheme.

He said: "There are three pillars and one platform. Pillar one is talent and fellowships. Pillar two is innovative technology and industrial challenges.

"Pillar three is global collaborations, both strategic bilateral and multilateral projects....and then investment in world-class infrastructure to anchor global collaborations.

"We have made clear that this is what we will start to spend the money on....That is money that we have effectively been sitting on, waiting for the phone to ring. The message to Europe is, we are now going to start spending and investing that money."

While some of the cash has already gone towards funding guaranteeing to the researchers who were supposed to gain access to EU fellowships via the scheme, Mr Freeman will today make clear that the cash will also be geared towards alternative international collaborations outside of Europe.

He explained: "What Britain can do is target some specific areas around the world, some urgent global challenges where we have got real science and technology expertise and convening power.

"Science and technology are fundamental not just to UK growth but also to our geopolitical security, partly because we are in a global race, partly because we're up against China and Russia who are now clearly prepared to use science and technology for hostile reasons for us.

"There are countries all around the world that are very keen to collaborate with us. There are two bits of international collaboration that we are looking to do. Bilateral collaborations are about deepening our R +D (research and development) partnerships with powerhouse R + D economies."

The minister reeled off a list of various countries he is keen to strike deals with, including included South Korea, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand and Chile to name a few. And with Japan's Prime Minister in Lond, it could signal the striking of brand new science deal. It comes after Britain already struck deal with Japan for science collaboration last month.

The International Science Partnerships Fund, which the Government pumped £119million into, will support UK researchers collaborating with scientists in Japan and around the world.

But these bilateral partnerships are just one element of the global plan. He also announced the plan to form global science groups.

"As well as the individual bilateral partnerships, I am developing multilateral projects internationally, and this is very important for two reasons. The academic community will often point out that bilateral partnerships are fine as far as they go, but it is the ease of international collaboration that Horizon provides which is very valuable."

there are huge science opportunities down at either end of the globe. We are natural leaders. Down in the South Pole, the British Antarctic Survey and South Atlantic is us, Chile, Australia and New Zealand."

Mr Freeman explained that there is the potential to form a science supergroup with these nations under a multilateral deal. He added that in the North Pole, there is the opportunity to strike a joint agreement with Canada, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Greenland and Finland.

As well as setting out the alternative to Horizon Europe during his keynote speech today, the minister is also expected to announce a commitment to focus on regional innovation clusters.

This includes the Cornish coding and space cluster to the South Coast MarineTech Corridor, South Wales Semi-Conductors, and Warwick Robotics, Norfolk AgriTech to name a few as part of the Innovation Nation and levelling up agendas. This will involve properly digitally mapping the innovation clusters across the country, and branding and promoting the clusters as investable for inward investment and UK investors.

The Science Minister will also speak of the plan to use the 30 percent boost (£20billion) Government spending on public research and development (R+D) to harness three times more private investment from UK and International investors in R+D and infrastructure.

Finally, the minister will announce how Britain can better harness UK Regulatory leadership post-Brexit to make the UK a global test-bed for innovations in a range of fast emerging new sectors.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/money/technology/uk-to-unveil-superpower-plan-today-to-break-from-eu-shackles-and-send-message-to-europe/ar-AA16cTBe?ocid=mailsignout&pc=U591&cvid=d2b25df7a4ce49e4b0e557f54f4bef03

Skybird

01-15-23, 08:04 AM

Cambridge, Oxford, Imperial College London. Sunak may have a point there ^, at least have a reason to trust in the UK's potential.

https://roundranking.com/ranking/world-university-rankings.html#world-2022

Jimbuna

01-17-23, 10:23 AM

Nicola Sturgeon says gender reform row will go to court

The row over Scotland's gender reforms will "inevitably" end up in court, the country's first minister has said.

Nicola Sturgeon was speaking as the UK government formally moved to block the legislation that was passed by the Scottish Parliament last month.

The reforms are intended to make it easier for trans people to change their legal gender.

But the UK government says the changes could impact on equality laws that apply across Great Britain.

Scottish Secretary Alister Jack is to use a Section 35 order to prevent the Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill from gaining royal assent - the first time this has been done since the Scottish Parliament was created in 1999.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-64264063

Jimbuna

01-17-23, 10:45 AM

EU braced for trade war as VDL vows 'robust response' in veiled threat to UK

Ursula von der Leyen has signalled that the EU is ready for a trade war in a veiled threat to the UK, saying the bloc will "respond more robustly" when "trade is not fair". Speaking at the Davos Economic Forum, the European Commission President said the EU will be "making the most of existing trade agreements". While she said the bloc is keen to "sort out our difference" with the UK, she later said: "Where trade is not fair, we must respond more robustly".

Ms von der Leyen told delegates in Davos: "We need an ambitious trade agenda. Including by making the most, for example, out of the existing trade agreements for example with Canada, for example with the UK, with which we are trying hard to sort out our difficulties.

She added: "International trade is key to helping out industry cut costs, create jobs and develop new products.

"But by the same token, where trade is not fair, we must respond more robustly. "

Ms von der Leyen also hit out at Beijing, accusing it of "heavily subsidising" industry and restricting EU access to its market.

The sale of a vital Russian fuel, diesel, is set to be banned in weeks as Europe and its allies attempt to batter President Vladimir Putin's energy empire. But, the EU could still sneak the Russian energy source back into the bloc with the help of alternative sellers like India.

She said: "China has made boosting trade and innovation a key priority of its five-year plan. That's good. It dominates global production in sectors such as electric vehicles and solar panels, which are essential for the transition.

"But competition on net zero must be based on a level playing field. China has been openly encouraging energy-intensive companies in Europe and elsewhere to relocate all or part of their production.

"They do so with the promise of cheap energy, low labour costs and a more lenient regulatory environment.

"At the same time, China heavily subsidises its industry and restricts access to its market for European companies."

Ms von der Leyen's comments about UK trade come as the UK and the EU continue to try and resolve issues with the controversial Northern Ireland Protocol, which has been causing delays and shortages since the Brexit deal was signed in 2020.

Last week, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said he is hopeful that the EU and UK Government will come to an agreement on the Northern Ireland Protocol which is broadly acceptable to people in the region.

The EU appears to have undergone a shift in approach when it comes to the protocol, with Mr Varadkar last week acknowledging that the Northern Ireland Protocol had "perhaps" been "too strict", admitting that "mistakes" were made on both sides in the handling of Brexit.

The Irish Taoiseach, who was part of the negotiation process to agree on the Northern Ireland Protocol, said he would be "flexible and reasonable" when attempting to solve issues.

DUP Leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson told Express.co.uk Mr Varadkar's comments show he "recognises the political reality" of the situation.

The Northern Ireland Protocol allows Northern Ireland to remain within the EU's single market for goods but it has faced criticism because a border was effectively created between Great Britain and Northern Ireland down the Irish Sea.

The border has led to delays, supermarket shortages and increased costs for businesses in Northern Ireland.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/money/other/eu-braced-for-trade-war-as-vdl-vows-robust-response-in-veiled-threat-to-uk/ar-AA16qHR8?ocid=mailsignout&pc=U591&cvid=38ac24f6f6e64e11a048700f38dd54ad

Catfish

01-17-23, 12:43 PM

UK to unveil superpower plan today to break from EU shackles and send 'message to Europe'
"Superpower plan" to break from Eu shackles, ah.
I think they should repair the NHS before starting their war talk again.
What did the tories exactly do in the last twelve years.

Jimbuna

01-17-23, 02:38 PM

"Superpower plan" to break from Eu shackles, ah.
I think they should repair the NHS before starting their war talk again.
What did the tories exactly do in the last twelve years.

Precisely!

All smoke and mirrors imho, meant to deflect the population away from the current problems

Jimbuna

01-21-23, 06:03 AM

Rishi Sunak fined for not wearing seatbelt in back of car

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has been fined for not wearing a seatbelt in a moving car while filming a social media video.

Lancashire Police said it had issued a 42-year-old man from London with a conditional offer of a fixed penalty.

No 10 said Mr Sunak "fully accepts this was a mistake and has apologised", adding that he would pay the fine.

Passengers caught failing to wear a seat belt when one is available can be fined £100.

This can increase to £500 if the case goes to court.

The prime minister was in Lancashire when the video was filmed, during a trip across the north of England.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-64353054

Jimbuna

01-22-23, 03:37 PM

'Get it all out now' over tax affairs, Zahawi urged

Nadhim Zahawi should release "the absolute facts" on his tax affairs after paying a settlement with HMRC, former Conservative Party leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith has said.

Tory party chairman Mr Zahawi has faced mounting pressure over claims he tried to avoid tax and had to pay it back.

On Saturday the ex-chancellor said he had paid a settlement and HMRC had accepted it was a "careless" error.

Labour said the matter had been "corrosive to public trust".

Asked on Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg if it would be better for Mr Zahawi to publish everything that had happened relating to his tax affairs, Sir Iain said "the sooner you can get the absolute facts out the better", rather than it "coming out in phases."

He said he would say to Mr Zahawi to "get it all out now whatever you have to do and clear it up".

But he defended Mr Zahawi, saying he "genuinely" did not believe he was "deceitful".

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said it was for Mr Zahawi to decide "how much detail to put in the public domain".

According to the Guardian, Mr Zahawi had to pay back tax he owed with a 30% penalty, the total amounting to £4.8m.

The BBC has been unable to verify that figure, but when the paper asked about the penalty, Mr Zahawi's spokesperson did not deny one had been paid.

This weekend Mr Zahawi issued a statement saying he wanted to address "confusion about my finances".

He did not make clear whether or not he had paid a penalty as part of his settlement, nor did he say how much he had paid to HMRC.

Mr Zahawi said when he was being appointed chancellor, questions were being raised about his tax affairs and he had discussed it with the Cabinet Office at the time.

An aide to Mr Zahawi confirmed to the BBC that the tax matter was resolved while he was serving as chancellor.

On Sunday, the foreign secretary was asked about what he knew about the circumstances surrounding Mr Zahawi's tax affairs.

He said he did not know if Mr Zahawi had sorted out his settlement with HMRC while he was chancellor, nor if he had paid a penalty as part of a settlement, nor if this was all discussed with the prime minister.

Labour's deputy leader Angela Rayner called on Rishi Sunak to "come clean on what he knew and when" about Mr Zahawi's tax affairs.

The case "is corrosive to public trust, with a chancellor in charge of the nation's finances asking the public to pay their taxes while apparently having failed to do so himself," Ms Rayner said.

She added it was the prime minister's responsibility to "decontaminate his scandal-ridden cabinet by setting out clearly what steps he has taken to ensure that all ministers' tax affairs are in order".

Speaking to the BBC, Labour's shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves said she "would be happy" to publish her own tax returns "if that was the thing that was necessary".

Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader Daisy Cooper said allegations against Mr Zahawi were "becoming impossible for Rishi Sunak to ignore".

"The public deserves to know the substance behind these allegations about Nadhim Zahawi's tax affairs, how much he paid, when and why," Ms Cooper said.

In the statement issued on Saturday afternoon, Mr Zahawi said: "As a senior politician I know that scrutiny and propriety are important parts of public life.

"Twenty-two years ago I co-founded a company called YouGov. I'm incredibly proud of what we achieved. It is an amazing business that has employed thousands of people and provides a world-beating service.

"When we set it up, I didn't have the money or the expertise to go it alone. So I asked my father to help. In the process, he took founder shares in the business in exchange for some capital and his invaluable guidance.

"Twenty one years later, when I was being appointed chancellor of the exchequer, questions were being raised about my tax affairs. I discussed this with the Cabinet Office at the time.

"Following discussions with HMRC, they agreed that my father was entitled to founder shares in YouGov, though they disagreed about the exact allocation. They concluded that this was a 'careless and not deliberate' error.

"So that I could focus on my life as a public servant, I chose to settle the matter and pay what they said was due, which was the right thing to do."
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-64364816

Jimbuna

01-23-23, 06:45 AM

Majority of voters want Nadhim Zahawi to be sacked as Tory chairman

The majority of voters want Nadhim Zahawi to be sacked as Conservative Party chairman, polling has shown in the first indication of public opinion about his tax affairs row.

Mr Zahawi is fighting for his political future after he was alleged to have paid a penalty of more than £1 million to HMRC on top of a multi-million pound settlement.

A source close to the former chancellor insisted on Monday morning that he was “absolutely not resigning” after the first private calls from Tory MPs for him to quit.

But almost three in five Britons (59 per cent) said that Rishi Sunak should dismiss him from his Cabinet position, according to a survey carried out on Jan 21 and 22 by Find Out Now, a member of the British Polling Council.

Only 14 per cent said Mr Zahawi should stay in his post, while the remaining 28 per cent of respondents said they did not know.

Among those who voted Conservative in 2019, a majority (52 per cent) thought Mr Zahawi should be sacked, while 24 per cent felt he should remain in his role and 24 per cent were not sure.

Seventy-eight per cent of Labour voters and 71 per cent of Liberal Democrat supporters wanted him to be sacked.

Mr Zahawi issued a statement on Saturday confirming he had reached a multi-million pound settlement with HMRC amid claims he had agreed to pay a penalty.

“Following discussions with HMRC, they agreed that my father was entitled to founder shares in YouGov, though they disagreed about the exact allocation. They concluded that this was a ‘careless and not deliberate’ error,” he said.

“So that I could focus on my life as a public servant, I chose to settle the matter and pay what they said was due, which was the right thing to do.”

A former Cabinet minister has told The Telegraph that Mr Zahawi’s position is “untenable, frankly”, while another urged him to “make a fuller statement about what happened”.

On Monday morning, Caroline Slocock, a former private secretary to Margaret Thatcher who is now director of the Civil Exchange think tank, said she believed Mr Zahawi was “not going to last”.

“My view is, as somebody who’s been around the political world for a while, that Nadhim Zahawi is not going to last,” she told Times Radio.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/uknews/majority-of-voters-want-nadhim-zahawi-to-be-sacked-as-tory-chairman/ar-AA16E4gJ?ocid=mailsignout&pc=U591&cvid=0863a460c0bf493387fe6a900b770105

Jimbuna

01-23-23, 06:47 AM

Rishi Sunak orders ethics probe into Nadhim Zahawi tax row

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has asked his independent ethics adviser to look into the tax affairs of Conservative Party chairman Nadhim Zahawi.

Mr Sunak said there were "questions that need answering" over the case.

Mr Zahawi is facing calls to resign, after it emerged he paid a penalty to HMRC over unpaid tax while he was chancellor, as part of a multi-million pound dispute.

He said he was "confident" he had "acted properly throughout".

On a visit to a hospital in Northamptonshire, Mr Sunak told reporters: "Integrity and accountability is really important to me and clearly in this case there are questions that need answering.

"That's why I've asked our independent adviser to get to the bottom of everything, to investigate the matter fully and establish all the facts and provide advice to me on Nadhim Zahawi's compliance with the ministerial code."

He added that Mr Zahawi would remain Tory Party chairman during the investigation and had agreed to "fully cooperate".

In a statement, Mr Zahawi said he welcomed the investigation and looked forward to "explaining the facts of this issue" to Sir Laurie Magnus, the prime minister's independent adviser on minister's interests.

He added: "In order to ensure the independence of this process, you will understand that it would be inappropriate to discuss this issue any further, as I continue my duties as chairman of the Conservative and Unionist Party."
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-64373509

Jimbuna

01-24-23, 08:16 AM

Nadhim Zahawi should stand aside during probe, says Tory MP

Nadhim Zahawi should stand aside as Conservative chairman during an inquiry into his taxes, former Tory minister Caroline Nokes has said.

Rishi Sunak has asked his ethics adviser to investigate Mr Zahawi's financial affairs, saying there are "questions that need answering".

Mr Zahawi is facing opposition calls to resign after reaching a settlement with HMRC over previously unpaid tax.

But a fellow minister said he should be allowed to stay on during the probe.

Chris Philp, a minister at the Home Office, added it was "reasonable" for him to stay in post, and it wouldn't be fair to "jump to any conclusions".

He also defended the prime minister's handling of the controversy, after he initially told MPs last week Mr Zahawi had "addressed this matter in full".

Mr Philp added that Mr Sunak had launched the investigation after "extra facts came to light" over the weekend.

Mr Sunak had been told when appointing Mr Zahawi Conservative Party chairman in October that his taxes were "in order," Mr Philp added.

Mr Zahawi confirmed on Saturday that he had made a payment to settle a dispute with HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), adding that the tax authority accepted the error was "careless and not deliberate".

The BBC understands the dispute was resolved between July and September last year, when Mr Zahawi was chancellor under Boris Johnson, and that the total amount paid is in the region of about £5m, including a penalty.

The tax was related to a shareholding in YouGov, the polling company he co-founded in 2000 before he became an MP.

Mr Zahawi has not confirmed how much his penalty amounted to, nor the total value of the final settlement with HMRC.

On Monday, a spokesperson for Mr Sunak suggested he was not aware last week that Mr Zahawi had paid a penalty as part of his settlement.

The prime minister has asked Sir Laurie Magnus, his newly-appointed ethics adviser, to examine whether Mr Zahawi broke the code of conduct on ministerial behaviour.

Mr Zahawi said that during the probe he would stay on as Conservative chairman, a role in which he is responsible for party administration and political campaigning.

He pledged to co-operate with the inquiry, adding he was confident he had "acted properly throughout".

The investigation could prove problematic for the Tory party, given Mr Zahawi would be expected appear frequently in the media in the coming weeks ahead of local elections in May.

Mr Sunak's spokesman said on Tuesday the probe would be carried out "swiftly," but no timeline had been set for publication of its findings.

Speaking to BBC Breakfast earlier, Ms Nokes, who chairs the Commons women and equalities committee, said Mr Zahawi should "temporarily" stand down during the investigation.

She added that "for his own sake" he should "allow some space" between the probe and his chairman role, as part of which he attends cabinet.

She also urged him to "come clean on all of the questions being posed" into his affairs by journalists and others.

Opposition parties have called on Mr Zahawi to resign immediately, with Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer calling his position "untenable".

Shadow foreign secretary David Lammy said on Tuesday he was becoming a "huge distraction" for the government from the cost of living, strikes and the state of the NHS.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-64384348

Jimbuna

01-25-23, 11:24 AM

Rishi Sunak denies being 'hopelessly weak' over Nadhim Zahawi

Rishi Sunak defended his decision to launch an ethics inquiry into Nadhim Zahawi rather than sacking him, at Prime Minister's Questions.

Sir Keir Starmer said the PM was "hopelessly weak" for not firing the minister for "seeking to avoid tax".

"Is he starting to wonder if this job is just too big for him?" the Labour leader asked.

Mr Sunak said it was Sir Keir who was weak because "he has no principles just petty politics".

Labour has said Mr Sunak must say whether he has ever paid a penalty to Revenue and Customs, like Mr Zahawi. Downing Street has so far declined to say, calling an individual's tax arrangements "confidential".

The prime minister's official spokeswoman said the PM would be publishing his tax returns "in due course".

In the House of Commons, Mr Sunak said it would have been "politically expedient" to sack Mr Zahawi as a minister before PMQs got under way at noon but he believed in "proper due process".

That was why, he said, he had asked ask his ethics adviser to investigate whether the Conservative Party chairman had broken ministerial rules.

It will be up to the PM to decide whether to sack Mr Zahawi if his ethics adviser says he has broken the ministerial code.

Mr Zahawi was chancellor at the time the estimated £4.8m settlement was agreed with HMRC.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-64401065

Jimbuna

01-26-23, 07:05 AM

Tories urged to axe ‘weak' Rishi Sunak in last ditch attempt to survive as leading party

The comments come after the Prime Minister refused to sack disgraced Nadhim Zahawi and instead launched an ethics inquiry. Labour leader Keir Starmer said Sunak was "hopelessly weak" for not firing the former Chancellor for "seeking to avoid tax".

Sir Keir added: "Is he starting to wonder if this job is just too big for him?"

Political scientist Sir John Curtice featured on ITV's political flagship programme 'Peston' to discuss the future of the struggling Conservative government.

Sir John warned that without a "changing the person in charge of the ship", the government is unlikely to survive.

He told Peston: "While we said earlier that no government has ever survived a fiscal/financial crisis, no government has also ever changed its Prime Minister in the wake of such a crisis.

Nigel Farage has slammed Rishi Sunak's Conservative Party over Brexit amid the UK's ongoing Channel crossing crisis. The ex-Brexit Party and UKIP leader joined fellow GB News host Dan Wootton to discuss the Government's response to the dinghy debacle.

"So therefore, perhaps changing the person in charge of the ship would make a difference."

He added: "So far, there isn't any evidence of that happening."

Labour MP Chris Bryant replied to Sir John's comments adding: "Sunak looks weak weak weak.

"Some people seem to grow when they achieve the highest office, others seem diminished.

"Sunak is in the latter category."

Meanwhile, Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves noted: "It's clear the Prime Minister is too weak to deal with his own Ministers when he badly needs to.

"He can't sort out our NHS. He can't manage our economy. He is unable to govern."

In a poll at the beginning of the month, almost 50 percent of people stated that they believe the Prime Minister will not survive the year.

A exclusive poll commissioned by Express.co.uk and conducted by Techne UK asked: "How confident are you that Rishi Sunak will still be prime minister by the end of 2023?"

The results shows that 48 percent of people said no, from these answers, 13 percent said "surely no" and 35 percent said "probably no".

Meanwhile 19 percent said they did not know, and 33 percent answered yes, that the PM would survive.

Meanwhile, a YouGov poll found last week that three in five Brits have an unfavourable view of the Prime Minister.

As Sunak nears the milestone of his first 100 days in office, his favourability is at -29 points.

His popularity which has been measured in his favourability rating has decreased by 20 points since he became PM.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/uknews/tories-urged-to-axe-weak-rishi-sunak-in-last-ditch-attempt-to-survive-as-leading-party/ar-AA16KPfx?ocid=mailsignout&pc=U591&cvid=2636026ce5384e87abdf1fe4c21a4b8a

Jimbuna

01-27-23, 08:35 AM

Jeremy Hunt says significant tax cuts in Budget unlikely

Jeremy Hunt has warned it is "unlikely" that there will be room for any "significant" tax cuts in the Budget.

The chancellor has been under pressure recently from some in his party to cut taxes to stimulate the UK economy.

But Mr Hunt said that a pledge to halve the rate of inflation "is the best tax cut right now".

He admitted the UK was going through "a difficult patch" but insisted the country "can get through it and we can get to the other side".

On Friday, Mr Hunt set out a plan to help lift the UK's economic growth.

After a turbulent autumn, when financial markets pushed up the country's cost of borrowing, Mr Hunt said he was determined to show that the UK was responsible.

That meant "showing the world, showing the markets that we are a responsible nation, that we can pay our way, that we can balance our books", he said.

He added that "it is unlikely that we would have the room for any significant tax cuts" at the Budget in March.

Government borrowing - which is the difference between spending and tax income - rose to a record £27.4bn in December. It was the highest amount for that month since 1993.

Borrowing was driven by the cost of helping households and businesses with rising energy bills. Higher inflation also pushed up interest payments on debt owed by the government.

The rate of price rises - or inflation - has begun to slow but at 10.5%, remains close to a 40-year high.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has pledged to halve inflation by the end of the year.

But some economists have said prices will begin to fall back naturally, without government policies, as a decrease in commodity prices and shipping costs which began last year begins to hit inflation. Energy prices are also expected to ease in the second half of 2023.

Mr Hunt said: "The biggest tax cut that we can give the British people is to halve inflation, that means the value of their weekly shop won't continue to go up, the value of their pay packet won't continue to be eroded and that's what we are focused on."

The chancellor also unveiled a plan to grow the UK economy, though it drew a mixed reaction with some business groups criticising a lack of detail.

He said the strategy would focus on four pillars or "four Es": enterprise, education, employment and everywhere.

He said that while it was not a series of measures or announcements, it would provide "the framework against which individual policies will be assessed and taken forward".

But the Institute of Directors (IoD) suggested Mr Hunt add a fifth E for "empty" after not issuing concrete plans in his first major speech since becoming chancellor three months ago.

IoD chief economist Kitty Ussher said: "Business needs government action to counteract the negative mood, for example through a continuation of the capital investment super-deduction, through tax credits for employers who invest in skill shortage areas and a plan to incentivise the net-zero transition for the SME sector."

Mr Hunt said the government planned to achieve growth in multiple sectors across the UK, including digital technology, green industries, life sciences, advanced manufacturing and creative industries.

But Susannah Streeter, senior investment and markets analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, said "detail is sorely lacking" in Mr Hunt's plan. She said the architects of the plan are "clearly unsure how it will be paid for".

And Make UK, which represents the manufacturing industry, said: "We have to be honest that there have been some hugely damaging big picture issues caused by the absence of an industrial strategy which are impacting on some of our strategic sectors."

Mr Hunt said he wanted to tackle poor productivity and said the UK's exit from the European Union would encourage risk-taking and changing regulation.

"It is a plan necessitated, energised and made possible by Brexit which will succeed if it becomes a catalyst for the bold choices we need to take," he said.

Looking at the wider picture, Mr Hunt said that "declinism about Britain" was wrong.

"Some of the gloom is based on statistics that do not reflect the whole picture," he said.

He praised what he called "British genius and British hard work", and promised to turn that into prosperity in the long term.

But Liberal Democrat MP Sarah Olney said: "Jeremy Hunt's speech is cold comfort for families and pensioners facing unbearable price rises."

Labour's shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves said that "13 years of Tory economic failure have left living standards and growth on the floor, crashed our economy, and driven up mortgages and bills".

"The Tories have no plan for now, and no plan for the future," she added.

It was the chancellor's first big economic speech since he took office in October, outside of the Autumn Statement and his speech to reverse most of former Prime Minister Liz Truss's mini-budget.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-64417101

Skybird

01-27-23, 04:31 PM

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-64419533

Well. This whole thing is so idiotic and retarded that I would not know what to start with (again).

Jimbuna

01-28-23, 08:24 AM

^ I'm following developments with a high degree of interest because wherever this offender eventually ends up is going to be equally divisive.

Skybird

01-28-23, 08:48 AM

One offender more or less is not the domiant problem, but the underlying law making these comical absurdities possible, even provoking them. Andit has been predicted, has been warned of that such stunts would be staged.

Nevertheless, if it would be in Germany and I would refuse to call him "Miss So-and-so" because he wants it so - >I< would be the offender then and would be sued and criminalised and punished. The laws now are accordingly.

Its all going nuts, crazy and insane.

You are legally obligated now to recognise the insanity of people now. If you don't, you get sanctioned by penalty code. That far things have degenerated.

Worse and worse. And its never bad enough as if it could not be made even worse.

Jimbuna

01-28-23, 09:01 AM

^ Yep, certainly headed that way :yep:

Gorpet

01-29-23, 12:03 AM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vIbKlCn9Tkg Sorry i interrupted your conversation. This should be in the Gretta Thunberg.

Jimbuna

01-29-23, 05:25 AM

PM Rishi Sunak dismisses Conservative Party chair Nadhim Zahawi following weeks of revelations about his tax affairs.

The prime minister says it is "clear that there has been a serious breach of the Ministerial Code"

Rishi Sunak ordered an investigation after it emerged Zahawi paid a penalty to HMRC while he was chancellor, over previously unpaid tax.

The investigation, led by independent ethics adviser Sir Laurie Magnus, found that Zahawi failed to meet the requirements of the Ministerial Code.

Specifically, the investigation found that Zahawi failed to declare that HMRC were investigating his taxes as a conflict of interest when he became chancellor.

Zahawi also failed to declare that he paid a penalty to HMRC when he was appointed to Liz Truss and then Rishi Sunak's cabinet, the investigation found.

In Zahawi's letter responding to his sacking, he told Sunak to expect his "full support" from the back benches.

Jimbuna

01-31-23, 06:36 AM

New powers to curb strike disruption approved by MPs

MPs have backed plans aimed at enforcing minimum service levels for some sectors during strikes.

Under the bill, some employees, including in the rail industry and emergency services, would be required to work during industrial action - and could be sacked if they refuse.

The bill passed by 315 votes to 246 but will face further scrutiny in the House of Lords before it becomes law.

Labour said the proposals ripped up protections against unfair dismissal.

The party's deputy leader Angela Rayner said the bill would give the government the power to threaten key workers with the sack on a "whim".

Unions have also criticised the bill as an attack on the right to strike, and have threatened legal action if it passes.

But Business Minister Kevin Hollinrake said the the measures were "proportionate and sensible".

"We need to maintain a reasonable balance between the ability to strike and the ability to keep the lives and livelihoods of the British public safe," he told MPs.

The country is facing a wave of industrial action, with unions calling for pay increases to keep up with the rising cost of living.

The bill will not impact the current strikes as it still needs to be passed by the Lords, where it is expected to face more opposition.

It will enable ministers to set minimum service levels for health, fire, education and transport services, as well as border security and nuclear decommissioning.

Under the new law, which will apply to England, Scotland and Wales, the government would set the minimum levels after a consultation.

Employers will then be able to issue a "work notice" to unions, setting out who is required to work during a strike.

Under the legislation, there would be no automatic protection from unfair dismissal for an employee who is told to work through a notice but chooses to strike.

If a strike is not conducted in accordance with the new rules, employers would be also be able to sue unions for losses.

Labour had sought to amend the bill to preserve existing protections for striking workers from unfair dismissal but this was defeated.

Ms Rayner accused the government of rushing the bill through Parliament, meaning it could not be properly scrutinised by MPs.

"Riddled with holes, this bill gives sweeping powers to a power-hungry secretary of state," she told the Commons.

Conservative MP Jacob Rees-Mogg also raised concerns about the bill, saying it was "badly written" and vague.

The former business minister said he supported the aims of the legislation and would not vote against it but hoped it would be amended in the House of Lords.

He criticised a so-called "Henry VIII clause" in the bill, which would allow ministers to amend the legislation after it has become law without full parliamentary scrutiny.

"On what basis can any government claim to have the power to amend legislation that has not yet been passed? The only argument for doing it, which no government would wish to advance, could be incompetence," he said.

On Wednesday hundreds of thousands of workers, including teachers, train and bus drivers, civil servants and university staff will walk out in separate disputes over pay, jobs and conditions.

It is set to be the biggest day of strikes since 2011 when a national day of action was held by public sector unions over pensions.

On the same day, protests are being planned across the country against the minimum service legislation, dubbed an "anti-strike bill" by unions.

Next week, nurses and ambulance workers are among those due to strike.

Health unions already provide "life and limb" cover during strikes, because under existing laws it is illegal to take industrial action that would endanger human life.

Precise levels of cover during strikes are often decided on a local basis, after negotiations with the unions.

Meanwhile, firefighters and control room staff who are members of the Fire Brigades Union have also voted to strike over pay.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-64456279

Skybird

02-01-23, 05:27 AM

https://www.cnbc.com/2023/01/31/imf-downgrades-uk-growth-forecast-predicting-only-decline-in-g7-.html

That leaves one question: whom is the UK at war with that it got sanctioned so heavily to suffer such a deep dip? :D

Jimbuna

02-01-23, 05:55 AM

British Finance Minister Jeremy Hunt responded to the IMF forecast: “Short-term challenges should not obscure our long-term prospects. The UK outperformed many forecasts last year, and if we stick to our plan to halve inflation, the UK is still predicted to grow faster than Germany and Japan over the coming years.”

Jimbuna

02-01-23, 06:37 AM

Here we go! EU and UK finally in agreement after huge breakthrough over hated Brexit deal

The UK and the European Union are braced for a significant breakthrough on the hated Northern Ireland Protocol, as a major agreement between the two countries has been reached. Britain has reportedly struck a customs deal with the bloc, which could pave the way to finally ending the dispute over Northern Ireland.

The EU is also understood to have made a major concession to the UK, accepting for the first time that the European Court of Justice (ECJ) can only rule on issues relating to Northern Ireland only if a case was referred by the Northern Irish courts.

This is a break from the previous line taken by Brussels, which formerly insisted that the European Commission should be able to take cases straight to the court themselves.

However, there is concern that the UK could make concessions allowing for a bigger role for the ECJ in policing the protocol.

A bigger role for the ECJ would stall any progress in solving the issue, as it would be unacceptable for both the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) - which is currently staging a boycott of the Stormont Assembly in protest of the protocol - and for many in the right wing of the Tory Party.

A Conservative Party insider told the Daily Express that there is "no way" the DUP would accept any further concessions on the ECJ's role, beyond the ability to rule on cases only if referred by the Northern Irish Courts.

They said the ECJ is the "crux" of the dispute with the European Union, and an agreement acceptable to the DUP would be essential for any solution to be found.

"This is about sovereignty and the constitution", the source added.

Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris is expected to give a statement in the House of Commons on the issue tomorrow.

According to the Times, the customs element of the deal had been due to be announced last month but was pulled at the last minute.

One source told the paper that Brussels was concerned Mr Sunak could not sell the complete package to the DUP and Brexiteers in his own party.

The customs agreement is understood to largely be based around a system of green and red lanes, with goods destined for Northern Ireland allowed in without routine checks.

Meanwhile, goods for export to the Republic of Ireland would undergo customs checks in Northern Irish ports.

The Government has stepped up its efforts to resolve issues with the Protocol in recent months, which have been ongoing since October 2021.

There has been no functioning devolved Government at Stormont since February 2022, with the DUP demanding fundamental change to the Protocol before it considers a return to the assembly.

The party has laid out seven tests that any deal on the protocol much meet in order for the party to end the stalemate.

The insider said there is no chance that DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson would budge on the seven tests, saying that to do so would be "electoral suicide".

Mr Donaldson has described the Protocol as being the "greatest ever threat to the economic integrity of the United Kingdom".
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/uknews/here-we-go-eu-and-uk-finally-in-agreement-after-huge-breakthrough-over-hated-brexit-deal/ar-AA16YPSK?ocid=mailsignout&pc=U591&cvid=89fc582ebb3b4d9d87c2cc6593d9c187

Skybird

02-01-23, 08:03 AM

Jimbuna

02-01-23, 09:04 AM

He's the only Tory minister I have any time for.

Jimbuna

02-02-23, 07:48 AM

Dominic Raab bullying probe another ticking time bomb under PM

Days after the prime minister sacked his party chairman, another staffing time bomb is ticking under his government.

Ministers tell us privately they expect Rishi Sunak's deputy, Dominic Raab, to be the next senior figure to be shown the door by the prime minister.

But there is also a growing focus on what the prime minister knew when he appointed Mr Raab as his deputy.

Downing Street has repeatedly said Mr Sunak was not aware of formal complaints. There is no denial that informal issues were raised.

We've been told by well-placed sources that it was an open secret that there were concerns about Mr Raab's conduct.

One figure, familiar with the situation in a department in which Mr Raab worked, said simply: "Everyone knew".

A minister added: "Everyone in Westminster, I mean everyone, has known about this for ages. It's no secret. And anyone who says they haven't has chosen not to listen."

This person concluded: "He should have gone ages ago."

A former cabinet minister told us there was a palpable sense of dread in one department when Mr Raab took over under a previous administration.

It raises the question of how much Mr Sunak ought to have known at the point he appointed Mr Raab last October.

The prime minister has always insisted, as he did here under repeated questioning in a BBC interview in November, that he didn't know of any "formal" complaints about Mr Raab when he appointed him his deputy.

Following the BBC interview, a series of formal complaints were made, after Mr Sunak publicly encouraged them to be, and the inquiry by the KC Adam Tolley was set up.

Mr Raab is now the subject of eight formal complaints. The trade union the First Division Association, which represents civil servants, has said it understands dozens of people are involved in those complaints.

These span several years and a number of government departments.

Team Raab says he wants to make his case and will see this process through, playing down suggestions he might fall on his sword.

But there's a second problem for Mr Sunak and Mr Raab: The extent of the complaints which have been made.

One serving minister told the BBC the prime minister will find it hard to keep Mr Raab in his job, when an inquiry into his behaviour reports.

The minister said it was hard to ignore the number of people who had complained about the deputy prime minister's conduct.

The inquiry, which is speaking to witnesses right now, means people, including those with the strongest views and most arresting personal experiences of working with Mr Raab, are very reluctant to talk publicly about it.

But we wanted to share with you what people who have worked for Mr Raab, serve alongside him in government and in the Conservative Party are saying to us privately.

And explore why it is that the prime minister appears to have a persistent human resources problem: A party chairman sacked, a loyal supporter in Sir Gavin Williamson, a former minister, resigning over bullying allegations he said he refuted, and now this.

Mr Raab has told the BBC he is confident he has "behaved professionally throughout" but made "no apologies for having high standards".

His allies insist he is "cracking on with the day job".

Mr Raab was the most loyal ally during Mr Sunak's first - and doomed - attempt to become prime minister.

Was Mr Sunak blinded by a desire to repay Mr Raab's loyalty? Or is it right that he puts real weight on formal complaints, rather than the ever vibrant currency of Westminster gossip?

The simple truth is that after a few weeks of Nadhim Zahawi's fate being the government's oxygen snatcher, the fate of Mr Raab has now taken its place.

And that is prompting irritation.

"There isn't much sympathy for him, but due process must be followed," a senior minister says.

That due process is likely to last a few more weeks yet.

"I've never seen this side to his personality. He's always been courteous to me," another minister reflects before adding "while I am surprised by it, it clearly can't be ignored, given the alleged scale of it."

Many are also privately pondering how different this investigation is compared to the one into Mr Zahawi, which took less than a week.

That was about establishing a paper trail, or the lack of one, about how much, or little, he'd told various bosses about his tax affairs.

The inquiry into Mr Raab rests much more on how behaviour is perceived.

One figure who would like to see the back of Mr Raab fears it is a big leap from someone who might be difficult to work with to bullying.

Others are more confident.

"Bullying is going to be the next Me Too," one Conservative MP says, in reference to the widespread and worldwide revelations of sexual harassment in recent years.

"It's going to be massive. And all this has such an inevitability about it."
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-64492026

Jimbuna

02-05-23, 05:54 AM

Liz Truss: I was never given realistic chance to enact tax cuts

By Jasmine Andersson
BBC News

Liz Truss has said she was never given a "realistic chance" to implement her radical tax-cutting agenda by her party.

In a 4,000-word essay in the Sunday Telegraph, Ms Truss stood by her plans to boost economic growth, arguing they were brought down by "the left-wing economic establishment".

They are the first public comments the ex-PM has made on her resignation.

But she said she was not "blameless" for the unravelling of the mini-budget.

Business Secretary Grant Shapps, who was appointed by Ms Truss as her home secretary during her final week in office, said she "clearly" had not had the right approach to taxation.

Speaking on BBC One's Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg show, he said her desire for lower taxes in the long term was correct, but inflation should have have been lowered first.

Ms Truss was forced to quit after she and her chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng's £45bn package of tax cuts panicked the markets and tanked the pound to a record low.

Her brief time in power - 49 days - made her the shortest-serving prime minister in UK history.

Ms Truss said that while her experience last autumn was "bruising for me personally", she believed that over the medium term her policies would have increased growth and therefore brought down debt.

She argued that the government was made a "scapegoat" for developments that had been brewing for some time.

"Frankly, we were also pushing water uphill. Large parts of the media and the wider public sphere had become unfamiliar with key arguments about tax and economic policy and over time sentiment had shifted leftward," she wrote.

"Regrettably, the government became a useful scapegoat for problems that had been brewing over a number of months."

She also said she had not appreciated the strength of the resistance she would face to her plans - including plans to abolish the 45p top rate of income tax.

"I assumed upon entering Downing Street that my mandate would be respected and accepted. How wrong I was. While I anticipated resistance to my programme from the system, I underestimated the extent of it," she writes.

Mr Kwarteng dropped the 45p income tax proposals 10 days after they were announced, telling the BBC it was "a massive distraction on what was a strong package".

Less than a fortnight later, Ms Truss sacked Mr Kwarteng, something she said she was "deeply disturbed by".

"Kwasi Kwarteng had put together a brave package that was genuinely transformative - he is an original thinker and a great advocate for Conservative ideas. But at this point, it was clear that the policy agenda could not survive and my priority had to be avoiding a serious meltdown for the UK," she wrote.

With the benefit of hindsight, she writes that she would have acted differently during her premiership - but she still backs her plans for growth.

"I have lost track of how many people have written to me or approached me since leaving Downing Street to say that they believe my diagnosis of the problems causing our country's economic lethargy was correct and that they shared my enthusiasm for the solutions I was proposing," she said.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-64527252

Jimbuna

02-06-23, 06:26 AM

Tory civil war erupts as Sunak considers plan to end Strasbourg court's jurisdiction in UK

A Tory civil war has erupted after it emerged that the Prime Minister is considering withdrawing from the European Convention of Human Rights (ECHR) to prevent foreign judges in a Strasbourg court from vetoing British laws. The proposal has been welcomed by many on the right of the party who think it will allow the UK to finally end the migrant crisis, but liberal Conservatives have also threatened to rebel.

Express.co.uk, was told that Suella Braverman accepted the appointment of Home Secretary on the condition that she could "do what was necessary" to tackle the illegal migration crisis which saw 45,000 cross the Channel on small boats last year.

As a former Attorney General, she has been a proponent of ending the jurisdiction of the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg, especially after an unidetified judge blocked the policy to deport illegal migrants to Rwanda.

According to the Sunday Times, a source close to Mr Sunak said: "If this legislation gets onto the statute book and is found to be lawful by our domestic courts, but it is still being held up in Strasbourg, then we know the problem is not our legislation or our courts. If that's the case, then of course he will be willing to reconsider whether being part of the ECHR is in the U.K.'s long-term interests."

But Tories on the left of the party have vented their fury at the suggestion.

In one Whatsapp group, Thurrock MP Jackie Doyle-Price, a former civil servant, reportedly told colleagues that the government should stop "willy waving" .

According to Politico, she added that if it wants to pick a fight with the ECHR, "it can do it without me."

In a message in the Home Group of Tory MPs, she declared: "I have been a member of the Conservative Party for 36 years. This group leaves me cold. Upholding the law should never be a matter for debate for a Conservative. Our Home Office is crap. If the government wants to have a phone[y] war over the ECHR instead of sorting itself out it can do it without me."

Ruislip MP David Simmonds claimed that "the ECHR is not the issue here. By pretending it is, we are setting ourselves up for a fall as a UK court will take the same line."

Alicia Kearns, chairwoman of the Foreign Affairs select Committee, added: "We cannot tackle asylum claims when we haven't given ourselves the legal grounding on coming here illegally."

Southend West MP Anna Firth claimed Doyle-Price was "bang on the money" about the ECHR "rabbit hole."

But the move has been welcomed by members of the Common Sense Group and many Brexiteers who believe Brexit cannot be completed until the UK withdraws from the ECHR.

Stoke North MP Jonathan Gullis, who has proposed the government putting down legislation to allow it to ignore decisions by the ECHR, told express.co.uk: "Let's hope he [the Prime Minister] is brave enough to do so."

Bassetlaw MP Brendan Clarke-Smith said: "The main thing for me is to stop the boats. If they can do that without leaving the ECHR then fine, but if not then it needs doing regardless. We also can't afford to sit around waiting for courts and endless appeals."

Another Red Wall MP strongly supported the idea of leaving the ECHR admitted to being a "doubting Thomas" over whether Mr Sunak would go through with the necessary changes.

Meanwhile members of the influential rightwing Common Sense Group have been in talks with the Government to bring forward the Immigration Bill to allow for the rapid deportation of illegal migrants.

It is hoped that the Bill will be published this week ahead of recess next week.

A senior member of the group told express.co.uk: "The government needs to get on the front foot with this issue and push through the legislation as quickly as possible. We cannot have any more delays.

"We are hopeful that the measures in the Bill will be quite tough in tackling this issue."
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/uknews/tory-civil-war-erupts-as-sunak-considers-plan-to-end-strasbourg-court-s-jurisdiction-in-uk/ar-AA179SRC?ocid=mailsignout&pc=U591&cvid=73d86804e1684a79a1bfa00d3297eaf4

Jimbuna

02-09-23, 01:28 PM

Boris Johnson nears £5m in earnings since leaving office

Boris Johnson has registered an advance payment of nearly £2.5m for speaking events, in his latest declaration of outside earnings.

It brings the former prime minister's declared income since leaving office last September to almost £4.8m.

He has previously recorded nearly £1.8m in speaking fees since his departure.

Mr Johnson has also registered a further £13,500 in accommodation from JCB boss Lord Bamford and his wife Carole for January and February.

It brings the total value of accommodation he has registered from the couple for him and his family since leaving Downing Street to £74,000.

The nearly £2.5m advance in his latest declaration is from the New York-based Harry Walker speaking agency, for an unspecified number of speeches.

It comes on top of almost £1.8m he has registered since leaving office for nine speeches delivered in the US, India, Portugal, the UK and Singapore.

As well as a £510,000 advance for his political memoirs from publisher HarperCollins, he has also declared £1,943 since leaving No 10 in royalty payments for previously written books.

Under ministerial rules, former ministers are not allowed to take jobs that involve influencing government for two years after leaving their post.

But Mr Johnson's latest declarations are the latest demonstration of how much former leaders can earn shortly after leaving office through book deals and on the lucrative speaking circuit.

The £4.8m in earnings that Mr Johnson has declared since leaving No 10 just over five months ago is more than 50 times his yearly £84,144 MP salary.

A company set up to support his activities as a former PM has also received £1m from crypto currency investor Christopher Harborne.

Mr Harborne has previously donated more than £15m to the Conservatives, the Brexit Party, and Reform UK.

Mr Johnson was forced to resign by his ministers last July after a series of controversies prompted a mass walk-out among his ministers.

He attempted a comeback after his successor, Liz Truss, quit within weeks of taking office last September.

But despite obtaining enough support from Tory MPs to run in the contest to replace her, he ultimately stood aside, clearing the way for Rishi Sunak to become prime minister in October.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-64569598

Catfish

02-09-23, 02:01 PM

Jimbuna

02-10-23, 06:06 AM

The UK narrowly avoided falling into recession in 2022, new figures show, after the economy saw zero growth between October and December.

This is despite a sharp 0.5% fall in economic output during December, partly due to strike action, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said.

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt said the figures showed "underlying resilience" but said "we are not out of the woods".

The Bank of England still expects the UK to enter recession this year.

But it will be shorter and less severe than previously thought.

Mr Hunt said that high inflation remains a problem and continues to cause "pain for families up and down the country".

Inflation - or the rate at which prices are rising - is slowing but at 10.5% remains close to a 40-year high.

The Bank of England has been putting up interest rates in a bid to tackle the soaring cost of living.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-64584295

Gorpet

02-12-23, 04:10 AM

This is actually very good, the more money he gets the less bribable he will be :03:

I also heard Liz Truss is back, with a long excerpt in the media how nothing was her fault during her reign.
Sure not all was, she had to deal with some of the brexit fallout as well as the pandemic, but what a way to "come back".

How so is that? Oh that's right let's not look at those we believe in.The more money they get the less bribale they are. Elect me bribe me and we will make a future together.Somewhere way south of and away from the Americans,British,Russians,Ukraines and the EU it might be cold.

Jimbuna

02-12-23, 08:28 AM

UK pays EU £1.7bn to settle long-running import fraud case

The UK has announced it will pay the European Commission a further £1.7bn (€1.9bn) to settle a long-running dispute with the EU over import fraud.

In 2018, the commission sued the UK for €2.7bn, on the grounds the UK had failed to pass on the correct amount of tax for imports between 2011 and 2017.

In March 2022, EU judges largely ruled against the UK in the case.

The Treasury acknowledged the money was a "substantial sum" but argued it would "draw a line" under the case.

In a written statement to Parliament minister John Glen also said the government wanted to avoid building up a larger bill through "further protracted legal proceedings".

In a statement, the European Commission said the UK had now paid "all amounts due" from the court case, and it was taking steps to formally wind up the dispute.

The £1.7bn figure follows a £583m payment to the EU last June, and brings the total cost of the dispute to the UK to £2.3bn.

The UK officially exited the EU's legal system in January 2021, however, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) retains the power to make rulings in cases relating to how the UK applied EU law before Brexit.

In 2018, the UK was accused of taking inadequate steps to prevent fraud after it was warned about the problem by the EU's watchdog, Olaf, in 2017.

An investigation by Olaf found that the UK was a "significant hub" for fraud, whereby organised crime groups used fake invoices to undervalue goods like textiles and footwear being imported from China - many of which were destined for the black market in other parts of the EU.

In its judgement, the ECJ found the UK had done too little to prevent fraud on imports, and had not given enough information to the commission.

It ruled that the undervaluation of imports meant the UK had not passed on the correct share of import taxes or VAT payments.

As an EU member at the time, the UK was obliged to make the payments to the Brussels-based body as part of its contribution to the EU budget.

The UK disputed the amount owed, arguing that the method used by Olaf to calculate the underpayments was not appropriate.

The EU judges upheld the commission's claim in March 2022, although it rejected how it calculated the final figure.

Mr Glen said: "Whilst the UK has now left the European Union and this is a legacy matter from before our departure, the government is keen to resolve this long-running case once and for all."
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-64587483