Category: UK Politics

Politicians have given away too much power to deliver pledges, says PM’s ex-aide 3 hours ago Kate WhannelPolitical reporter PA Politicians have given away too much power to lawyers, activists and regulators, and cannot deliver their promises, an ex-aide to the prime minister has said. Writing in The Times, Paul Ovenden, who quit as Keir… Continue reading Politicians have given away too much power to deliver pledges, says PM’s ex-aide

British-Egyptian dissident appears to endorse ‘smear campaign’ claims The British-Egyptian activist at the centre of a political row appears to have endorsed new and baseless claims that he is the victim of a “smear campaign”. Alaa Abd El Fattah flew to the UK on Friday to be reunited with his family for the first time… Continue reading British-Egyptian dissident appears to endorse ‘smear campaign’ claims

Government to review ‘information failures’ in British-Egyptian activist case 6 hours ago Helen Catt,Political correspondentand Ian Aikman Sayed Hassan/Getty Images Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper has launched a review into what she calls “serious information failures” in the case of British-Egyptian activist Alaa Abd El Fattah. In a letter to the Foreign Affairs Select Committee, Cooper… Continue reading Government to review ‘information failures’ in British-Egyptian activist case

UK restricts DR Congo visas over migrant return policy The UK is to impose visa restrictions against people arriving from the Democratic Republic of Congo after its government failed to agree to measures allowing the return of illegal migrants and foreign national offenders. Ministers say the DRC has not made changes required under the toughening… Continue reading UK restricts DR Congo visas over migrant return policy

Government waters down inheritance tax plan for farms 2 hours ago Kate WhannelPolitical reporter PA Media Government proposals to tax inherited farmland have been watered down, with the planned threshold increasing from £1m to £2.5m. The climbdown follows months of protests by farmers and concern from some Labour backbenchers. At last year’s Budget, ministers said… Continue reading Government waters down inheritance tax plan for farms

Puppy farm ban promised by animal welfare strategy An end to puppy farming and a possible ban on the use of electric shock dog collars are promised as part of a new animal welfare strategy being launched by the government on Monday. The strategy – which packages together new laws with legislative reforms and proposals… Continue reading Puppy farm ban promised by animal welfare strategy

Trail hunting to be banned as part of new animal welfare strategy Trail hunting is set to be banned in England and Wales as part of a new animal welfare strategy to be published by the government on Monday. The practice sees an animal-based scent trail laid for dogs to follow rather than a real… Continue reading Trail hunting to be banned as part of new animal welfare strategy

Teachers to be trained to spot early signs of misogyny in boys Teachers will be given training to spot the signs of misogyny and tackle it in the classroom as part of the government’s long-awaited strategy to halve violence against women and girls within the next decade. The plans – which focus on preventing the… Continue reading Teachers to be trained to spot early signs of misogyny in boys

Erasmus scheme to return for UK students, BBC understands The UK is set to rejoin the Erasmus scheme, the BBC understands, five years after announcing it would end its participation as part of a deal to leave the European Union. Through the scheme the EU provides funding for people to study, train or volunteer in… Continue reading Erasmus scheme to return for UK students, BBC understands

Negotiations over US-UK tech deal stall Negotiations over a technology deal between the UK and US have stalled due to stumbling blocks in wider trade negotiations between the two sides. The Technology Prosperity Deal – which was billed as “historic” when it was unveiled during US President Donald Trump’s state visit in September – saw… Continue reading Negotiations over US-UK tech deal stall