politics.co.uk

As party conference season concludes and MPs and peers return to Westminster, attention will turn to the next major date in the political calendar: 26 November – budget day. In the midst of what will no doubt be ever-increasing levels of speculation about what actions could be taken, two realities will be at the forefront... Read more » The post Frontline NHS services have no money to spare – here’s where to find it appeared first on Politics.co.uk.

In a week when the UK government responds to the Horizon inquiry report recommendations, it is important to take stock of where we are. The Post Office Horizon scandal destroyed lives. Over 1,000 sub-postmasters were wrongly prosecuted, and thousands more had their reputations shattered and livelihoods torn away. Families were broken, some victims died before... Read more » The post Justice delayed is justice denied: Fujitsu must be barred from new government contracts appeared first on Politics.co.uk.

It took the power of Andy Burnham’s example to tame Robert Jenrick. Expectations heading into the Conservative Party’s annual conference suggested the shadow justice secretary would continue to strut his stuff in front of his activist admirers. But Jenrick, by his usual insubordinate standards, was a model of servility.  For this, Kemi Badenoch likely has... Read more » The post Week-in-Review: Starmer and Badenoch repel their pretenders – for now appeared first on Politics.co.uk.

They say never meet your heroes, but I have to disagree. Last week in London I met president Barack Obama. He radiated charisma, charm and patience to all the many people he encountered. I especially appreciated how kind and attentive he was when he met my two daughters. “Daughters are the best”, he said to me,... Read more » The post Obama in London: Have Starmer and Labour already shown they were listening? appeared first on Politics.co.uk.

“Now, the Tories – do you remember them?” Keir Starmer had spoken for a full 50 minutes before acknowledging the existence of Labour’s historic rival. The line was met with laughter – a fleeting moment of levity in an otherwise headstrong conference speech.  Even then, Kemi Badenoch’s party was reduced to a rhetorical device, rather... Read more » The post Week-in-Review: The calling of Keir Starmer appeared first on Politics.co.uk.

A Labour MP has described animal health as “fundamental” to a wider attempt to rebuild trust with rural communities.  Speaking on the Labour conference fringe, Josh Newbury, the MP for Cannock Chase, pointed to animal health and engagement on related issues as areas the government and the farming community “can all agree on”.  He framed... Read more » The post Animal health ‘fundamental’ to rebuilding trust with rural communities, says Labour MP appeared first on Politics.co.uk.

A senior minister has referred to the Liberal Democrat leader, Ed Davey, as a “fat bloke in a wetsuit”. Torsten Bell, who serves jointly as a pensions and Treasury minister, delivered the remarks while speaking to a fringe event at Labour Party conference.  Bell said: “What Britain needs to tackle [Reform UK leader Nigel] Farage... Read more » The post Labour branded ‘nasty party’ after minister calls Ed Davey ‘fat bloke in wetsuit’ appeared first on Politics.co.uk.

Delivering the Robin Cook memorial lecture was one of the greatest privileges of my time in Parliament. But it wasn’t just a privilege – it was a burden too. The name Robin Cook still carries a weight that few in politics today can match. To honour it properly meant going beyond platitudes, to wrestle with... Read more » The post Clive Lewis: ‘Robin Cook showed us politics at its most serious. Labour has lost that balance’ appeared first on Politics.co.uk.

Immigrants will be required to meet stricter conditions in order to earn the right to stay in the UK permanently, under a new government crackdown. Labour has announced that a government consultation will be launched on plans to make settlement dependent on paying national insurance, claiming no benefits, learning English to a high standard, volunteering... Read more » The post Immigration crackdown necessary for ‘open, generous, tolerant’ society, Mahmood says appeared first on Politics.co.uk.

Keir Starmer has been urged to throw his support behind some form of proportional representation (PR) in order to embed Britain’s “progressive majority”. Paul Sweeney, member of the Scottish parliament (MSP) for the Glasgow region, warned that without electoral reform, the country could face a “horrendous scenario” leading to the “extinction of the United Kingdom”.... Read more » The post Back electoral reform to embed ‘progressive majority’ and thwart Farage, Starmer urged appeared first on Politics.co.uk