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Labour defends net-zero policies after Blair criticism The government has defended its net-zero policies after Sir Tony Blair said limiting fossil fuels was “doomed to fail” and a new approach was needed. The ex-Labour prime minister argued the climate change debate had become “irrational” and people in rich countries no longer wanted to make financial… Continue reading Labour defends net-zero policies after Blair criticism

Chris Mason: A wildly unpredictable local elections If last year’s general election was all consuming and everywhere, this year’s local elections, in truth, are neither. That is not to denigrate for a moment how much they matter in the places where they are happening, nor the extent to which they will mould the mood of… Continue reading Chris Mason: A wildly unpredictable local elections

Sex offenders to be denied asylum rights in new law Asylum seekers will be denied the right to stay in the UK if they have been convicted of sexual offences, the government has announced. Terrorists, war criminals and any other criminals whose offences carry a sentence of one year or more can already be refused… Continue reading Sex offenders to be denied asylum rights in new law

Ministers face above projected teacher and NHS pay deals 3 hours ago Henry Zeffman Chief Political Correspondent Sam Francis Political reporter Getty Images Millions of public sector workers should be given pay rises of as much as 4%, pay review bodies have told ministers – significantly higher than ministers wanted. The pay review body for… Continue reading Ministers face above projected teacher and NHS pay deals

Greens call for single-sex guidance to be withdrawn 56 minutes ago Becky Morton Political reporter Interim guidance on single-sex spaces is “ill-considered and impractical” and should be withdrawn, the Green Party has said. The guidance, issued by the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), followed the UK Supreme Court’s ruling that a woman is defined… Continue reading Greens call for single-sex guidance to be withdrawn

Equality watchdog issues interim guidance on single-sex spaces The Equalities and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has released interim guidance on how organisations should interpret the UK Supreme Court’s ruling that a woman is defined by biological sex in law. The new guidance says that, in places like hospitals, shops and restaurants, “trans women (biological men)… Continue reading Equality watchdog issues interim guidance on single-sex spaces

Runcorn by-election battle tests Labour nerves In a quiet corner of Runcorn, a group of residents who’ve been fighting to bring a disused canal back to use have found themselves thrust into the centre of a political battle. The Unlock Runcorn group have long wanted to reconnect the Bridgewater and Manchester Ship canals, restoring what… Continue reading Runcorn by-election battle tests Labour nerves