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Grant Shapps has said that suspending MPs from parliament if they have been arrested for a violent or sexual offence is on the “wrong side of natural justice”. The defence secretary insisted a suspension should only take place if an MP is charged. Shapps’ position, stated in an interview with Times Radio on Tuesday morning,... Read more » The post Grant Shapps says suspending arrested MPs is ‘on the wrong side of natural justice’ appeared first on Politics.co.uk.

MPs face being barred from parliament if they are arrested for serious sexual or violent offences after the House of Commons voted to reverse moves to water down the measures. The government had put forward a motion that recommended MPs only face a ban if they are charged with a violent or sexual offence. The... Read more » The post How every MP voted on risk-based exclusion plans as motion passes by one vote appeared first on Politics.co.uk.

Rishi Sunak argued that the UK is safer under Conservative rule in a major speech on security delivered Monday morning.  The prime minister set out an election pitch, claiming the UK is facing a “dangerous” period in the coming five years. Sunak said: “War has returned to Europe, with our NATO allies warning that if... Read more » The post Rishi Sunak warns of ‘nuclear escalation’ — the PM’s speech on security in full appeared first on Politics.co.uk.

The below content first appeared in Politics.co.uk’s Politics@Lunch newsletter, sign-up for free here and never miss this daily briefing. Another day, another set of competing set-piece events from the prime minister and his wannabe successor, Keir Starmer. That sound you hear, that’s the starting gun on 2024’s long election campaign being well and truly fired. Delivering... Read more » The post New ‘dividing line’ on security suggests Rishi Sunak is in damage limitation mode appeared first on Politics.co.uk.

Esther McVey has defended prime minister Rishi Sunak as an “intellectual giant” in response to a question doubting the policy-making process of the government.  Speaking on Monday morning at a Centre for Policy Studies event, the so-called common sense minister described the “fightback” she is leading in Whitehall.  McVey, officially a minister without portfolio, said... Read more » The post Common sense minister praises Rishi Sunak as ‘intellectual giant’ appeared first on Politics.co.uk.

Labour has appeared to call for an investigation into Sir Robert Buckland after the former justice secretary claimed Natalie Elphicke attempted to intervene in the sexual assault proceedings against her ex-husband, Charlie.  Elphicke, who defected to the Labour Party from the Conservatives last week, has dismissed the allegations as “nonsense”.  According to a report in... Read more » The post Labour hits back at ex-justice secretary who made Elphicke lobbying claims appeared first on Politics.co.uk.

What is Keir Starmer’s defining characteristic politically? If you ask the wider public, according to the recent rise of polling-informed “word clouds”, the answer tends to be some shade of: he’s “boring”, “dull”, “bland”. And, no matter how high Labour’s polling lead climbs, Starmer cannot detach himself from a response that — for any other... Read more » The post Week-in-Review: Conservative defections reflect Keir Starmer’s ruthless pursuit of power appeared first on Politi

The scars of conflict are still present, and it is these scars that are preventing Cypriots from moving forward from the frozen conflict that still holds such a tight grip over them. The ‘Cyprus issue’ is the embodiment of diplomatic failure. Currently, Cyprus is divided between the Greek Cypriot controlled “Republic of Cyprus” and the... Read more » The post Lord Balfe: ‘We have failed Cyprus for 50 years – we must put this right’ appeared first on Politics.co.uk.

The below content first appeared in Politics.co.uk’s Politics@Lunch newsletter, sign-up for free here and never miss this daily briefing. With Keir Starmer in Dover talking about small boats and Rishi Sunak out celebrating Britain’s escape from the clutches of recession, today is a day that will become more and more typical as we amble the long... Read more » The post Labour’s small boats strategy is the essence of ‘Starmerism’ appeared first on Politics.co.uk.

John Swinney, the new first minister of Scotland, has said that Scottish independence “can be delivered” in five years. Swinney was legally sworn in as Scotland’s seventh first minister at the Court of Session in Edinburgh on Wednesday morning, having become leader of the Scottish National Party following an uncontested race.  On Thursday, Swinney unveiled... Read more » The post John Swinney says Scottish independence ‘can be delivered’ in five years appeared first on Politics.co.uk.