Home Office squandered billions on asylum hotels, MPs say The Home Office has “squandered” billions of pounds of taxpayers’ money on asylum accommodation, according to a report by a committee of MPs. The Home Affairs Committee said “flawed contracts” and “incompetent delivery” left the department unable to cope with a surge in demand and it… Continue reading Home Office squandered billions on asylum hotels, MPs say

Reeves refuses to rule out income tax rises in Budget 2 hours ago Sam FrancisPolitical reporter PA Media Chancellor Rachel Reeves has refused to rule out an income tax rise in next month’s Budget, amid speculation she is considering breaking a key Labour election pledge. Asked about reports, first published in The Guardian newspaper, that… Continue reading Reeves refuses to rule out income tax rises in Budget

Chris Mason: Extraordinary Caerphilly by-election humbles Westminster’s big beasts 48 minutes ago Chris MasonPolitical editor PA Media Amid the blizzard of nocturnal numbers any by-election generates, three stand out in Caerphilly this morning. Labour, so long the victor of so many a south Wales political contest, humbled, pummelled, crushed – attracting just 11% of voters.… Continue reading Chris Mason: Extraordinary Caerphilly by-election humbles Westminster’s big beasts

Five grooming gang survivors back Jess Phillips to keep her job Five abuse survivors have written to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to say they will only continue working with the grooming gang inquiry if Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips keeps her job. It comes after four different members of the survivors panel quit the inquiry… Continue reading Five grooming gang survivors back Jess Phillips to keep her job

Four survivors call for minister to quit as row deepens over grooming inquiry 2 hours ago Harry Farley,Political correspondent and Chris Graham PA Media The government is under increasing pressure to gain control of the grooming gangs inquiry after abuse survivors who quit their roles in the process listed conditions for their return. Top of… Continue reading Four survivors call for minister to quit as row deepens over grooming inquiry

Focus of grooming inquiry ‘will not change’, home secretary insists The focus of the national grooming gangs inquiry “will not change” or be “watered down”, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has insisted. Writing in the Times newspaper, Mahmood said the wait for the appointment of the inquiry’s chairperson will “not be much longer”, adding that the… Continue reading Focus of grooming inquiry ‘will not change’, home secretary insists

Third survivor quits grooming gang inquiry panel A third abuse survivor has resigned from their role in the government’s inquiry into grooming gangs. “Elizabeth” – not her real name – joined Fiona Goddard and Ellie Reynolds, who quit the inquiry’s victims and survivors liaison panel on Monday in protest. In her resignation letter, Elizabeth said… Continue reading Third survivor quits grooming gang inquiry panel