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UK news
www.independent.co.uk
23 hours ago
UK news

Who do you petition - haddock?' Tory MP launches bizarre fish and chip shop campaign

Conservative MP launches campaign for fish and chip shop in Uxbridge despite previous vote against it.
Critics question the priorities of campaigning for a fish and chip shop over more pressing issues.
www.independent.co.uk
1 month ago
UK news

Rishi Sunak slates aggressive mob' of pro-Gaza protestersat Tory MP's home

Pro-Palestinian protesters targeted Conservative MP Tobias Ellwood's family home, accusing him of being complicit in genocide.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak condemned the protesters and called for MPs' security to be protected.
www.independent.co.uk
1 month ago
UK news

MP fights back tears as he opens up on suicide attempt in PMQs speech

A Conservative MP, Elliot Colburn, became emotional as he shared his story of attempting suicide in 2021 during Prime Minister's Questions.
Colburn apologized to family and friends and thanked the NHS for their care, stating that he no longer recognizes the person he was at that time.
www.independent.co.uk
2 months ago
UK news

Tory MPs share horror over Sunak's secret election talks' with Cummings

Conservative MPs express horror at claims Rishi Sunak held secret talks with Dominic Cummings.
Cummings sought a secret deal with Sunak to enact radical reforms and win the general election.
www.independent.co.uk
9 months ago
UK news

By-election dates announced for Boris Johnson and Nigel Adams' constituencies

Rishi Sunak will face a test of his leadership in two by-elections on July 20 caused by Boris Johnson and an ally.The former prime minister quit his Uxbridge and South Ruislip seat to avoid the judgment of the Privileges Committee.The cross-party panel subsequently recommended he should have faced a 90-day suspension for deliberately misleading MPs over partygate and his conduct in attacking the committee.
www.independent.co.uk
9 months ago
UK news

Sunak set for two by-election tests on July 20

Rishi Sunak will face a test of his leadership in two by-elections on July 20 caused by Boris Johnson and an ally.The former prime minister quit his Uxbridge and South Ruislip seat to avoid the judgment of the Privileges Committee.The cross-party panel subsequently recommended he should have faced a 90-day suspension for deliberately misleading MPs over partygate and his conduct in attacking the committee.
moreUK news
www.independent.co.uk
1 week ago
Education

Children should not be taught about changing gender, says former education minister

Conservative MP opposes teaching sex education to young children
Andrea Jenkyns expresses concern over children learning about changing gender at primary school
London
www.theguardian.com
1 month ago
London

Met police drop rape investigation into Conservative MP Andrew Rosindell

Police drop rape and sexual assault investigation into Conservative MP Andrew Rosindell.
Rosindell has been completely exonerated as the evidence did not meet the threshold for prosecution.
www.independent.co.uk
3 months ago
London

Police investigating suspected arson attack at Tory MP's office on Christmas Eve

Police are investigating a suspected arson attack at the office of a Conservative MP.
www.standard.co.uk
9 months ago
London

Heathrow boss regrets lack of diggers' over Boris Johnson's constituency

O utgoing Heathrow airport boss John Holland-Kaye has expressed frustration there are no diggers over my friend Boris Johnson's constituency due to expansion delays.He insisted a third runway at the west London airport is vital for the UK to have a thriving, healthy economy.Mr Johnson, who is the Conservative MP for Uxbridge and South Ruislip near the airport, pledged in 2015 that he would lie in front of the bulldozers if expansion went ahead.
www.standard.co.uk
9 months ago
London

Sadiq Khan suggests Government may change mind on cash for Ulez scrappage scheme

Following pressure from MPs and borough leaders in his own party, the Mayor has announced that he is expanding the eligibility criteria for the scheme.The funding pot has currently only been open to Londoners on certain low income or disability benefits, as well as charities, sole traders and businesses of fewer than 10 people.
www.yourlocalguardian.co.uk
10 months ago
London

Commuters in Sutton neighbourhoods have worst access to public transport

Commuters living in neighbourhoods on the edge of London with some of the worst access to public transport are facing cramped and uncomfortable train journeys according to one MP.Sutton is the only London borough without access to London Underground, Overground or Crossrail services.It means residents must rely on mainline trains and buses to get around.
www.standard.co.uk
1 year ago
London

Politicians take aim at rogue landlords' in London wild west' of supported housing

R ogue landlords operating in the wild west of supported housing have been warned by a group of London politicians that their time is up.Bob Blackman, the Tory MP for Harrow East, told an event in Parliament on Monday that work was under way to hold exploitative landlords to account.Mr Blackman was speaking at the launch of a new report from the London Assembly, which looks at how rogue housing providers are disregarding their safeguarding responsibilities and in some cases targeting vulnerable Londoners and placing them in unsuitable, dangerous homes.
moreLondon
UK politics
www.theguardian.com
2 months ago
UK politics

Tory MPs pleading' with Reform UK not to stand against them in election

Conservative MPs are concerned about Reform UK running against them in the general election.
Nigel Farage is expected to play a role in Reform UK's election campaign.
www.theguardian.com
3 months ago
UK politics

Tory MP Miriam Cates being investigated by standards watchdog

Conservative MP Miriam Cates is under investigation by the parliamentary standards watchdog for actions causing significant damage to the reputation of the House of Commons or its members.
Cates co-founded the New Conservatives group and is known for her right-wing views on culture war issues and family-centered policies.
www.theguardian.com
9 months ago
UK politics

Welsh councillor resigns after saying all Tories should be shot'

The deputy leader of a Welsh council has stepped down after saying during a meeting that all Tories should be shot.Ieuan Williams, an independent councillor in Anglesey, north Wales, has apologised since making the comment on Monday morning and referred himself to the council's standards committee.Conservative politicians have reacted angrily to his remark, including Anglesey MP Virginia Crosbie, who called it appalling and said she already wears a stab vest to surgeries.
www.theguardian.com
9 months ago
UK politics

Matt Hancock ordered to apologise to MPs for breach of lobbying rules

Matt Hancock has been ordered to apologise by parliament's sleaze watchdog after it found he broke House of Commons rules by trying to lobby an official investigating another Conservative MP for lobbying.The former health secretary, who sits as an independent, having been stripped of the Tory whip, was found to have committed only a mild breach of the rules.
BBC News
10 months ago
UK politics

Ministers accused of betrayal after animal welfare bill scrapped

By Helen Catt & Kate Whannel

A bill aimed at banning live animal exports and introducing powers to tackle puppy smuggling has been dropped by the government over fears it would be forced into a vote on hunting.Environment Minister Mark Spencer said measures in the Kept Animal Bill would now be delivered in different ways.
BBC News
10 months ago
UK politics

Former Tory MP Andrew Bridgen joins Reclaim

Andrew Bridgen has claimed he was a "prisoner" in the Conservative Party as he announced he would be Reclaim's first MP.Elected as a Conservative MP for North West Leicestershire, he was suspended and then expelled from the party over his comments about Covid vaccines and the Holocaust.Ahead of crossing the floor of the Commons, he announced his reasoning for joining the party led by Laurence Fox.
moreUK politics
downing-street
www.independent.co.uk
9 months ago
UK news

Nadine Dorries wrongly claims Boris Johnson was top of his year' at university

Nadine Dorries has launched an attack on the current government, claiming she is actually smarter than these guys in No10.The former culture secretary, who is said she is quitting as a Conservative MP, has also made the false claim that Boris Johnson was top of his year at the University of Oxford, while Rishi Sunak came 200-and-something.
www.independent.co.uk
9 months ago
UK news

Nadine Dorries wrongly claims Boris Johnson was top of his year' at university

Nadine Dorries has launched an attack on the current government, claiming she is actually smarter than these guys in No10.The former culture secretary, who is said she is quitting as a Conservative MP, has also made the false claim that Boris Johnson was top of his year at the University of Oxford, while Rishi Sunak came 200-and-something.
www.theguardian.com
9 months ago
UK politics

Divided Tories prepare for free vote on Boris Johnson Partygate report

Conservative MPs head to their constituencies on Friday with the party facing deep divisions over Monday's vote on the privileges committee's report into Boris Johnson.The Commons will hold a free vote on Monday on whether to formally approve the report, which found on Thursday that Johnson deliberately misled parliament over lockdown-breaking parties in No 10.
www.independent.co.uk
9 months ago
UK news

Tory MPs split over whether or not to approve damning Boris report

1686889832 A damning report by parliaments privileges committee has concluded that Boris Johnson misled parliament and recommended that he should be barred from having a parliamentary security pass in future.The 106-page document, put together by the cross-party group of MPs with a Tory majority, is packed with detail and arguments.
www.theguardian.com
9 months ago
UK politics

Boris Johnson resigns as MP with immediate effect over Partygate report

Boris Johnson is standing down immediately as a Conservative MP after an investigation into the Partygate scandal found he misled parliament and recommended a lengthy suspension from the House of Commons.The former prime minister angrily accused the investigation of trying to drive him out.He hinted that he may try to make a return to politics, saying he was very sad to be leaving parliament at least for now.
www.independent.co.uk
10 months ago
UK news

A skip fire': Leaked WhatsApp messages reveal turmoil in the Conservative Party

A trove of leaked WhatsApp messages between MPs has laid bare the scale of the turmoil engulfing the Conservative Party.Panicking Tory MPs warned the party is on course to turn into a skip fire and could even die.And Simon Hoare, a Conservative MP since 2015, said: Would the last Tory MP to leave the building please turn off the lights.
moredowning-street
www.theguardian.com
9 months ago
UK politics

Ofsted chief admits system did not work as well as it should' after abuse at school

Ofsted's chief inspector has told MPs its inspection system did not work as well as it should, as she defended the watchdog's failure to spot mistreatment of more than 100 youngsters over several years at a large residential school for disabled children.Amanda Spielman was quizzed by the education select committee over why Ofsted had rated three Doncaster educational facilities run by the Hesley Group as good in 2019, despite evidence of a string of complaints and serious incidents going back to 2015.
www.theguardian.com
9 months ago
UK politics

Tory MP lobbied for 10,000 donation from Mongolian friend' to be allowed

The prime minister's trade envoy to Mongolia lobbied the Electoral Commission to permit a 10,000 donation to his party association from a Mongolian friend, documents reveal.Daniel Kawczynski, the Conservative MP for Shrewsbury, contacted the independent electoral watchdog on 20 April, days after his return from a week-long trip to Mongolia in his role as trade envoy, accompanied by the UK ambassador.
www.theguardian.com
10 months ago
Cryptocurrency

Cryptocurrency trading in UK should be regulated as form of gambling, say MPs

UK authorities should regulate cryptocurrency trading as a form of gambling rather than a financial service, parliament's Treasury committee has said after a fresh inquiry into the industry.The government must avoid wasting more taxpayer funds promoting tech innovations such as digital tokens, without demonstrating the clear benefits to the public, MPs said in a report published on Wednesday.
www.theguardian.com
1 year ago
UK politics

Starmer urged to act after councillor barred from contesting red wall' seat

Keir Starmer has been urged to intervene in the selection process for a Labour target red wall seat, after a leading candidate who had the support of eight trade unions was blocked from standing.Greg Marshall, a Broxtowe borough councillor for Beeston West in Nottinghamshire, who previously stood as a candidate for Broxtowe in 2017 and 2019, was barred from contesting the seat on Monday, prompting the entire executive committee of Broxtowe constituency Labour party (CLP) to resign.
www.romfordrecorder.co.uk
1 year ago
London

Rising knife crime among reasons for police station to be kept, says MP

Julia Lopez MP (inset) is calling for Hornchurch police station to be retained (Image: Google/Richard Townshend Photography) The Mayor of London has been called on to review his original decision to sell Hornchurch police station as debate continues over its future.The saga began in 2017 when proposals were put forward by the Mayor's Office for Police and Crime (MOPAC) to dispose of the station.
www.theguardian.com
9 months ago
UK politics

Winston Churchill's grandson donated nearly 5,000 to Liberal Democrats

Rupert Soames, the grandson of the Conservative wartime prime minister Sir Winston Churchill, has donated nearly 5,000 to a prospective Liberal Democrat MP.Soames, who spent most of his career in the City, most recently running outsourcer Serco, gave 4,999 in financial support to the Liberal Democrats in March, according to official records released this week.
www.independent.co.uk
9 months ago
UK news

Margaret Ferrier suspended from House of Commons after Covid rules breach

Margaret Ferrier has been suspended from the House of Commons for 30 days for breaching coronavirus rules.The Commons voted 185 to 40, majority 145, to approve the motion to suspend the independent MP for Rutherglen and Hamilton West.Ms Ferrier, a former SNP MP, was in the Commons chamber as MPs approved her suspension.
www.independent.co.uk
10 months ago
UK news

MP: Owners left powerless by lack of legal protection against dog-on-dog attacks

Dog owners are left powerless and deeply frustrated by a lack of legal consequences for dog-on-dog attacks, the Commons has heard.Conservative Anna Firth told MPs the law should be changed so that the owner responsible in a fatal dog-on-dog attack can be held criminally responsible.The MP for Southend West in Essex put forward a 10-minute rule bill in the House of Commons on Tuesday which she said would implement the change if enacted, and would also require police forces to record dog-on-dog attacks.
www.independent.co.uk
1 year ago
UK news

Conservative MP reveals pregnancy abuse' after losing bid to stand for seat

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails A Conservative MP said she is deeply disappointed not to have been chosen as the party's candidate to fight a revised version of her current seat.Theo Clarke announced the outcome of Friday's Stafford Conservative Association selection meeting on Twitter.
www.theguardian.com
1 year ago
UK politics

Tory MP reveals abuse over pregnancy as reselection bid fails

A Conservative MP said she is deeply disappointed not to have been chosen as the party's candidate to fight a revised version of her current seat.Theo Clarke announced the outcome of Friday's Stafford Conservative Association selection meeting on Twitter.The parliamentarian, who has recently returned from maternity leave, also revealed that she had been on the receiving end of abuse since announcing she was having a baby.
www.independent.co.uk
1 year ago
UK news

Hancock discussed blocking disability hub if MP opposed lockdown, messages reveal

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Matt Hancock discussed withholding funding for a learning disability centre to pressure a Tory MP not to rebel against Covid restrictions, leaked messages suggest.The then-health secretary and an aide spoke about warning James Daly that a new centre would be off the table if he voted against the government, according to the latest leak.
www.independent.co.uk
9 months ago
UK news

Heathrow boss regrets lack of diggers' over Boris Johnson's constituency

Outgoing Heathrow airport boss John Holland-Kaye has expressed frustration there are no diggers over my friend Boris Johnson's constituency due to expansion delays.He insisted a third runway at the west London airport is vital for the UK to have a thriving, healthy economy.Mr Johnson, who is the Conservative MP for Uxbridge and South Ruislip near the airport, pledged in 2015 that he would lie in front of the bulldozers if expansion went ahead.
www.independent.co.uk
9 months ago
UK news

MP calls for cycle helmets to be mandatory amid constituent's campaign

A Conservative MP has called for the mandatory wearing of cycle helmets on public highways following a campaign spearheaded by his constituent.Mark Pawsey, MP for Rugby, told the Commons how the then teenage Oliver Dibsdale sustained a serious brain injury after falling from his bike without a helmet in 2015.
www.independent.co.uk
9 months ago
UK news

This Morning editor's aubergine rant was extremely ill-judged', ITV boss says

An ITV boss has said comments by Martin Frizell were extremely ill-judged, after the This Morning editor referred to aubergines when asked about allegations of a toxic work environment on the programme.At a Culture, Media and Sport Committee hearing on Tuesday 6 June to talk about the draft Media Bill, Magnus Brooke, group director of strategy, policy and regulation at ITV, was questioned about the show by MP John Nicolson.
www.theguardian.com
9 months ago
Mental health

Universities accused of hiding student suicide attempts behind GDPR

1. Universities are accused of using GDPR as an excuse to withhold information on student suicide attempts.
2. Concerns have been raised that universities may be attempting to conceal their responsibility for student welfare and mental health.
3. Student mental health is a growing concern that should be addressed more openly and transparently by universities.
www.independent.co.uk
9 months ago
UK news

Hancock apologises after breaching MPs' conduct rules by lobbying standards tsar

Former health secretary Matt Hancock has apologised for a rule breach after he lobbied the Commons' standards commissioner during an investigation into a Conservative MP.Mr Hancock committed the minor breach of the MPs' code of conduct by writing an unsolicited letter to Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards Daniel Greenberg in defence of senior Tory Steve Brine, who was under investigation for allegedly breaking lobbying rules.
BBC News
10 months ago
UK politics

MP on Braverman speeding: We used to have proper scandals

Sir Edward Leigh said the "moral outrage" over Home Secretary Suella Braverman's handling of a speeding fine as "ludicrous".The Conservative MP compared the current case to "proper scandals" about sex and money and the invasion of Iraq on "dodgy evidence".Cabinet Office Minister Jeremy Quin was answering for the government after Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner's urgent question calling for statement on a potential breach of the ministerial code.
www.theguardian.com
10 months ago
UK politics

Steve Brine breached rules when lobbying ministers in pandemic, watchdog finds

A leading Conservative MP and former health minister did not properly declare his second job for a health recruitment firm when lobbying Matt Hancock and Michael Gove during the pandemic, the standards watchdog has found.Steve Brine, the chair of the Commons health committee, was found to have breached the rules twice by failing to declare in his approaches to cabinet ministers in early 2021 that he was a paid strategic adviser to Remedium Partners, a recruitment firm offering doctors for free to the NHS.
www.independent.co.uk
11 months ago
UK news

Trophy hunters threaten to sue MPs over photos with dead animals

A group of trophy hunters has threatened to sue anti-hunting MPs for almost 100,000 over a report that featured photographs of them with animals they had shot.The group has demanded payment for photos that were used by the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Banning Trophy Hunting in a June 2022 report setting out the case for a ban.
www.independent.co.uk
1 year ago
UK news

Virgin Orbit pauses' operations after UK space launch failure

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Virgin Orbit has paused its operations to deal with a funding crisis, weeks after its failed UK space launch from Cornwall.The California-based company has faced financial issues since January's failure, as well as questions about the damage it might have done to Britain's plans to become a space hub.
www.theguardian.com
1 year ago
UK politics

Boris Johnson warned Dominic Raab about his conduct, report claims

Boris Johnson previously warned Dominic Raab about his conduct, according to reports that claim the former prime minister has given evidence to the bullying investigation.Johnson has been interviewed by Adam Tolley KC, the independent lawyer who is investigating formal complaints made against Raab about his treatment of staff, according to the Daily Telegraph (paywall).
www.independent.co.uk
9 months ago
UK news

Conservative MP Bob Stewart charged with racially aggravated abuse

A Conservative MP has been charged with racially-aggravated abuse over an encounter with a Bahraini activist.The Metropolitan Police said Bob Stewart was being prosecuted over an incident in Belgravia, London, on 14 December last year.The 73-year-old is accused of using threatening or abusive words or behaviour, or disorderly behaviour, where the offence was racially aggravated.
www.independent.co.uk
10 months ago
UK news

Leading judge welcomes seventh Tory Lord Chancellor in just under six years

The most senior judge in England and Wales has told lawyers how the latest Lord Chancellor is the seventh he has worked with during just under six years in office.Lord Burnett, the Lord Chief Justice, who is due to retire in the autumn, said he hoped Alex Chalk would be my last.He was speaking as Mr Chalk a barrister and Conservative MP for Cheltenham was formally sworn in as Lord Chancellor on Wednesday.
www.independent.co.uk
10 months ago
UK news

Speaker orders Conservative MP to leave the Commons over PMQs heckling

A Conservative MP was ordered to leave Prime Minister's Questions after being accused of repeated heckling by Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle.Paul Bristow was made to leave the Commons chamber after fewer than five minutes of the weekly clash between Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer.
www.independent.co.uk
10 months ago
UK news

Ann Widdecombe: Don't make cheese sandwiches if you can't afford them

Ann Widdecombe has told people to not make cheese sandwiches if they cannot afford to buy the ingredients as a way to deal with the ongoing cost of living crisis.The politician, who is a member of the Reform UK party, was asked what she would advise people faced with the spiralling costs of basic food items on a panel discussing BBC research that showed the price of a homemade cheese sandwich has shot up by a third in the past year to 40p.
www.independent.co.uk
10 months ago
UK news

Cornwall motorists praise hero' vigilante hunted by council for filling in pothole

Cornwall motorists have praised a vigilante who filled in one of the county's largest potholes.Now being hunted by the local council, the unknown hero took it upon themselves to fix it after the road near Lostwithiel - had been closed for a month.The individual removed the road signs which had been blockading vehicles to pour concrete into the 10ft-wide space.
www.independent.co.uk
10 months ago
UK news

What is monkey dust? The drug that is making people jump from buildings and eat glass

Hallucinations, psychosis, involuntary body movements and Hulk-like strength.Those are just some of the reported effects of monkey dust - a relatively new and dangerous drug linked to a range of crime and health problems.The Class B drug, already banned in the US, could soon face tougher penalties in the UK, following reports some users have jumped off buildings or tried to eat glass.
www.independent.co.uk
10 months ago
UK news

Bridgen resists calls for by-election after move to Reclaim

Andrew Bridgen has resisted calls for a by-election after announcing his defection to the Reclaim Party.The former Conservative MP said he expected a general election within 12 months and did not want to put his constituents through two trips to the polling station in a year.Speaking at an event in Westminster to announce his defection to Reclaim, the party led by actor Laurence Fox, Mr Bridgen said: I wouldn't want to put my constituents through the rigours of having two general elections in 12 months.
www.independent.co.uk
10 months ago
UK news

Crown Estate devolution would be equitable' for Wales Liz Saville Roberts

Wales' devolved Government should be given control of Crown properties worth billions, in order to drive prosperity, Plaid Cymru's Westminster leader has said.Liz Saville Roberts said devolving control over the Crown Estate's properties in Wales could help end a begging bowl culture, and give Cardiff more say over financial decision-making.
www.independent.co.uk
10 months ago
UK news

All of the best (and worst) looks at the King's coronation

A mix of royals, world leaders and celebrities have flocked to Westminster Abbey today for the coronation of King Charles III.Some have served up chic, well-thought-out looks that clearly took a lot of planning and even the involvement of a stylist.Others, however, could have benefitted from the latter.
www.independent.co.uk
10 months ago
UK news

Photo ID compulsory for all voters in England's local elections

The local elections will mark the first time it has been compulsory for all voters in England to have to show photo identification when arriving at polling stations.The much-criticised change was piloted regionally before the national roll-out for Thursday's elections.Those turning up at polling stations will be required to show a form of photo identification, such as a passport, driving licence or blue badge.
www.independent.co.uk
10 months ago
UK news

Photo ID becomes compulsory for all voters in England's local elections

The local elections will mark the first time it has been compulsory for all voters in England to have to show photo identification when arriving at polling stations.The much-criticised change was piloted regionally before the national roll-out for Thursday's elections.Those turning up at polling stations will be required to show a form of photo identification, such as a passport, driving licence or blue badge.
www.theguardian.com
10 months ago
UK politics

Clampdown on cold calls and mass texting technology announced in UK

Ministers have announced a clampdown on the use of cold calls to sell financial products and on technology which allows mass texting of numerous phones as part of a strategy to combat fraud, now the UK's most common crime.The new fraud strategy, a response to the massive growth of web- and phone-based scams, will alsoresult in what was billed as 400 new specialist investigators across police and the National Crime Agency recruited as part of a revamp for how the the crime is investigated.
www.independent.co.uk
1 year ago
UK news

Lack of support for menopausal women driving them out of jobs, warn MPs

A lack of support for women going through the menopause in the workplace is driving female workers out of their jobs and prompting the UK economy to haemorrhage talent, MPs warned in a damning new report.The research, carried out by the Women and Equalities Committee in the Commons, suggested employers' dearth of provision for menopausal women will have repercussions on the gender pay and pension gaps, as well as the amount of women taking up senior leadership roles.
www.independent.co.uk
1 year ago
UK news

Public urged to avoid water and beaches near Poole Harbour after major oil spill

The public has been urged to avoid using the water and beaches within Poole Harbour in Dorset after an oil leak led to a major incident being declared.Poole Harbour Commissioners (PHC), which regulates activities in the harbour, said a leak occurred at a pipeline operated by gas company Perenco, under Owers Bay, on Sunday.
www.independent.co.uk
1 year ago
UK news

Black and Asian pension gap' putting millions at risk, think-tank warns

Black and Asian people are less likely than white Britons to save into a pension scheme, risking financial instability for millions in their old age, a think-tank has warned while urging ministers to act.The Social Market Foundation (SMF) think-tank found that just 25 per cent of people from ethnic minorities have a workplace pension, which is below the national rate of 38 per cent.
UK, - Dover port chief contradicts Brexiteer MPs who blamed France for coach delays
www.independent.co.uk
11 months ago
UK news

Dover port chief contradicts Brexiteer MPs who blamed France for coach delays

The boss of the Port of Dover has contradicted claims by senior Tory MPs that French frontier officials were responsible for border hold-ups at the start of the Easter school holidays.Doug Bannister, chief executive of the UK's main departure point for continental Europe, said the Police aux Frontieres had been very, very good at responding to the build-up of traffic last weekend.
www.independent.co.uk
11 months ago
UK news

MP with cerebral palsy has been mocked and accused of being drunk, Commons hears

An MP with cerebral palsy has said he regularly receives messages accusing him of being drunk when he speaks in Parliament.Paul Maynard, a Conservative MP and former minister, said that every time he speaks in the Commons he receives such messages, despite not being able to drink alcohol because it risks triggering his epilepsy.
www.independent.co.uk
11 months ago
UK news

Afghan pilot's plea to PM: I was proud to fight with Britain - don't deport me

The Afghan war hero facing deportation to Rwanda after arriving in the UK on a small boat has directly appealed to Rishi Sunak to give him sanctuary in Britain.The air force lieutenant, who served alongside coalition troops, urged the prime minister to intervene in his case after finding no safe route to Britain from Afghanistan, where he had been in hiding.
www.theguardian.com
1 year ago
UK politics

Asylum seekers will get the most basic housing possible, says Robert Jenrick

Asylum seekers will be housed in the most basic accommodation possible, including disused army bases and possibly ships, to save money and to dissuade people from coming to the UK, the government has said.In a Commons statement setting out the next stage in the plans to prevent asylum claims in the UK, Robert Jenrick, the immigration minister, said the plans would meet legal requirements to ensure those who arrived were not made destitute, but nothing more.
www.independent.co.uk
1 year ago
UK news

Sunak: I'll ask Home Office to investigate deportation of Afghan war hero

Ministers will look into the case of an Afghan war veteran who served alongside British armed forces and has been threatened with deportation to Rwanda, Rishi Sunak has pledged.The prime minister intervened after the air force lieutenant's plight was highlighted by The Independent.He flew 30 combat missions against the Taliban and was praised by his coalition forces supervisor as a patriot to his nation.
www.independent.co.uk
1 year ago
UK news

Tory Theo Clarke re-selected after initially being blocked by local chiefs

A Conservative MP has been chosen to contest the next election despite local party chiefs rejecting her candidacy.Theo Clarke said on Monday she was delighted that members of the Stafford Conservative Association had chosen her to fight to retain the West Midlands seat.She fought for the backing of the full local party membership after criticising the association executive for de-selecting her after she returned from maternity leave.
www.independent.co.uk
1 year ago
UK news

Kwasi Kwarteng offered to help fake Korean firm secure Boris Johnson meeting

Former chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng offered to facilitate setting up a meeting between a fake foreign firm and former prime minister Boris Johnson during a sting interview.Mr Kwarteng was caught up in a hoax organised by campaign group Led By Donkeys in which he was approached about providing political advice to a bogus company it alleged existed in South Korea.
www.theguardian.com
1 year ago
UK politics

Boris Johnson has been sliced and diced. The real winner is Rishi Sunak | Martin Kettle

It had felt tempting beforehand just to look away, and by doing so mount your personal, not-in-my-name protest against the Boris Johnson show's latest attempt to hijack the battered and drifting hulk that is British politics.But this country is too far gone for any lingering squeamishness about Johnson to be permissible.
www.independent.co.uk
1 year ago
UK news

Tory MPs will get free vote on any Johnson inquiry sanctions

Conservative MPs will be allowed to make decisions as individuals on any sanctions to be applied to Boris Johnson following the Privileges Committee inquiry, the Prime Minister has said.Rishi Sunak indicated that Tory MPs will be given a free vote on the matter, ahead of the former PM's appearance before the cross-party committee on Wednesday.
www.independent.co.uk
1 year ago
UK news

Lawyers comb through Johnson's partygate defence document before publication

Boris Johnson faces a wait for the publication of his defence to claims he lied to Parliament with his partygate denials after handing over a dossier in the run up to his televised grilling.The former prime minister's allies urged the cross-party Privileges Committee to publish his testimony as soon as possible after turning it over on Monday afternoon.
www.independent.co.uk
1 year ago
UK news

No 10 warns Johnson allies against portraying inquiry as witch hunt'

Downing Street has warned allies of Boris Johnson against interfering in the inquiry into whether he lied to Parliament with his partygate denials.Rishi Sunak's official spokesman defended the Privileges Committee investigation as friends of the former prime minister sought to portray it as a witch hunt.
www.independent.co.uk
1 year ago
UK news

Gary Lineker slams Tory MP for outrageous' Nazi claim comments

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Gary Lineker has fired back at a Conservative MP who falsely suggested that the BBC presenter had called so-called red wall voters in the north and Midlands Nazis and racist bigots.
www.independent.co.uk
1 year ago
UK news

Tory MP not confident' Government on track to end rough sleeping by 2024

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails A Conservative MP and leading campaigner on homelessness has warned the Government is not on track to end rough sleeping by 2024.Bob Blackman, chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Ending Homelessness, cited recent figures suggesting an increase in rough sleeping and warned a strategy revision is needed.
www.independent.co.uk
1 year ago
UK news

MPs call for ban on electric shock treatment for women in mental health care

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Cross-party MPs have called for a ban on electric shock therapy as a mental health treatment in England and want an urgent inquiry into the practice carried out.MPs told The Independent they have serious concerns that women are disproportionally given electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and argued that patients are not properly notified of the treatment's potential side effects.
www.independent.co.uk
1 year ago
UK news

Scotland alcohol advertising ban could cost jobs' in whisky industry, warns MP

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Stricter alcohol advertising rules planned in Scotland are draconian and could have an impact on the whisky industry, a senior Scottish Tory has warned.Conservative former Scotland secretary David Mundell claimed that restrictions the Scottish Government is currently consulting on could cost jobs in Scotland.
www.independent.co.uk
1 year ago
UK news

Preet Chandi and four MPs to be honoured at Windsor Castle investiture

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Four MPs and a British Army medical officer who completed a record-breaking polar expedition are among those expected to receive honours at Windsor Castle on Tuesday.
www.independent.co.uk
1 year ago
UK news

Thousands of homes hit by power cuts as snow sweeps country, from London to Scotland

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Thousands of homes are without power as snow continues to sweep the country as an Arctic blast sends temperatures plummeting.Areas across the South East and east of England have been cut off as a result of power outages, with data from power distributer UK Power Networks suggesting that around 37,500 customers have been impacted.
www.independent.co.uk
1 year ago
UK news

Let them eat turnips': Tory minister wades in on how to ease supermarket shortages

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Eating turnips could help avoid fruit and vegetable shortages in UK supermarkets during the winter months, the environment secretary has said.Therese Coffey told MPs that ongoing shortages of produce will be a temporary issue that should be resolved in two to four weeks.
www.independent.co.uk
1 year ago
UK news

Marriage a sacred bond between man and woman' that needs promoting Tory MP

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Marriage should be promoted at every opportunity and is a sacred bond between man and woman, a Conservative MP has said.Nick Fletcher made the remarks after saying census data suggested people living on their own are more likely to have lower levels of happiness and be less financially secure.
www.independent.co.uk
1 year ago
UK news

One of a kind' Betty Boothroyd, first woman Commons Speaker, dies

Baroness Betty Boothroyd, the first woman to be elected Speaker of the House of Commons, has died at 93.The current Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle paid tribute to Lady Boothroyd as one of a kind.She became the first woman to be elected Commons Speaker in the more than 700-year history of the role in April 1992, staying on until October 2000.
www.independent.co.uk
1 year ago
UK news

MPs across the House pay tribute to first female Commons speaker Betty Boothroyd

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Politicians from across the spectrum have paid tribute to Baroness Betty Boothroyd, the first woman to be elected Commons speaker, as the House fell silent in her memory.
www.independent.co.uk
1 year ago
UK news

MasterChef host Gregg Wallace to receive honour at Windsor Castle

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails MasterChef presenter Gregg Wallace is set to collect his MBE at a ceremony at Windsor Castle.The 58-year-old broadcaster, who fronts the popular cooking show and its spin-offs alongside John Torode, has been recognised for services to food and charity.
www.independent.co.uk
1 year ago
UK news

Tory MP Lee Anderson condemned for comments over asylum seeker hotel protests

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Tory deputy chairman Lee Anderson has said he understands why people have been protesting outside hotels housing asylum seekers.A number of demonstrations have taken place in recent weeks, most notably in Merseyside where 15 people were arrested, a police van was set on fire and officers were pelted with objects in violent clashes near the Suites Hotel in Knowsley.
www.independent.co.uk
1 year ago
UK news

Controversial Tory MP who backs death penalty to host show on GB News

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Conservative Party deputy chairman Lee Anderson, who has backed the death penalty and claimed people who use food banks can't cook properly, is the latest Tory MP to be given a show on GB News.
www.independent.co.uk
1 year ago
UK news

Older people tend to be more punctual and able to spell, says Tory MP

Older people tend to be more punctual and able to spell compared with their younger counterparts, a Conservative MP said.Michael Fabricant listed the qualities of adults aged 50 and over as he urged the Government to do more to support them back into employment.Speaking in the Commons during Work and Pensions questions, the Lichfield MP joked he did not have to declare an interest, because of his youth.
www.independent.co.uk
1 year ago
UK news

Hancock discussed withholding learning disability hub if MP opposed lockdown'

Matt Hancock discussed withholding funding for a learning disability centre to pressure an MP not to rebel against coronavirus restrictions, leaked messages suggest.The former health secretary and an aide spoke about warning Bury North MP James Daly that a new centre for disabled children and adults would be off the table if he voted against the Government, according to the Telegraph's investigation.
www.independent.co.uk
1 year ago
UK news

Professor Sir Chris Whitty attacks marketing of vapes to children

England's chief medical officer has attacked the appalling marketing of vapes to children saying it is clear some products are intended to appeal to underage kids.Professor Sir Chris Whitty told MPs that the marketing of vapes to youngsters was obviously happening and said we should be much more serious in doing everything we can to reduce vaping among children.
www.independent.co.uk
1 year ago
UK news

Record-breaker Polar Preet' Chandi honoured at Windsor Castle

A British Army medical officer who completed a record-breaking polar expedition has said wherever we start from, we can go and achieve anything after she was made an MBE.Captain Preet Chandi, a physiotherapist from Derby dubbed Polar Preet, was honoured by the Princess Royal at the Windsor Castle investiture.
www.independent.co.uk
1 year ago
UK news

A local council's plan to cut traffic became a global conspiracy theory

It is nicknamed the City of Dreaming Spires' for its picturesque Anglo-Saxon architecture, but for those trying to rid Oxford City of its traffic congestion, things on the ground resembled more of a nightmare when they found themselves at the centre of a global conspiracy theory.It all started in October last year, with a relatively simple idea - the local council wanted to split the city into six different districts and introduce rules on how often motorists could drive outside their area.
www.yourlocalguardian.co.uk
1 year ago
London

Minister for London 'bombarded' with letters from south Londoners fuming over ULEZ

ULEZ sign - credit James Mayer Minister for London Paul Scully said he's been bombarded with letters from South Londoners fuming over TfL's plan to expand the 12.50 a day Ultra-Low Emission Zone charge.The Sutton and Cheam MP's comments come a week after Sutton residents turned out in force at a council meeting to protest against the 12.50 charge for some cars being brought to their borough.
www.independent.co.uk
1 year ago
UK news

Two British nationals killed attempting humanitarian evacuation' in Ukraine

Two British nationals were killed while attempting a humanitarian evacuation in Ukraine, family members have said.Andrew Bagshaw, 47, and Christopher Parry, 28, went missing earlier this month while heading to the town of Soledar in the eastern Donetsk region of the country, where heavy fighting was reported.
www.independent.co.uk
1 year ago
UK news

Government rejection of menopause leave trial could drive women out of work'

The government's refusal to introduce menopause legislation leaves women at risk of being driven out of the workforce, MPs have warned.Ministers' decision to reject five key menopause policies constitutes a missed opportunity to stop vast numbers of talented and experienced women from quitting their jobs, the Women and Equalities Committee in the Commons said.
BBC News
1 year ago
UK politics

Ex-Northampton MP David Mackintosh charged over election donations

A former Conservative MP has appeared before a court charged with covering up donations to his general election campaign.David Mackintosh, who has pleaded not guilty, will face trial in October along with four others.He is accused of not disclosing the true origin of thousands of pounds of payments to Northampton South Conservative Association in 2014.
www.independent.co.uk
1 year ago
UK news

Dorries broke rules' on post-ministerial jobs with TalkTV role

Former culture secretary Nadine Dorries has been accused by Parliament's anti-corruption watchdog of breaking Government rules by not consulting the body before taking a new job at TalkTV.Ms Dorries will host a new Friday-night talk show on TalkTV but in a letter to the Conservative MP the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments (Acoba) chair Lord Pickles said failing to seek and await advice before the role was announced or taken up in this case is a breach of the Government's rules and the requirements set out in the ministerial code.
www.independent.co.uk
1 year ago
UK news

MPs told to consider impact of Stormont deadlock on vulnerable women

The deadlock in Stormont has led vulnerable women to turn to paramilitaries for financial help, as peace-building groups usually funded by the Northern Ireland Executive face budgetary uncertainty, ministers have heard.Northern Ireland affairs committee chairman Simon Hoare claimed some women have even turned to criminality and sexual favours to pay back paramilitary groups they have borrowed money from due to the rising cost of living.
www.independent.co.uk
1 year ago
UK news

Majority of voters say Nadhim Zahawi should resign in poll by firm he helped set up

More than half of Britons say Nadhim Zahawi should resign from his role as Tory chairman, according to a poll by a firm he helped found.YouGov found 51% of people surveyed believe he should step down, compared to just 12% who think he should stay in his role.Mr Zahawi helped launch YouGov in 2000.Started in his garden shed, it now employs more than 400 people across three continents.
www.independent.co.uk
1 year ago
UK news

Government rejects calls from MPs for menopause leave trial

The Government has rejected calls for a large scale pilot of menopause leave, in a move described as a missed opportunity by a Commons committee.Ministers have also resisted a recommendation from the Commons Women and Equalities Committee to make menopause a protected characteristic under the Equalities Act.
www.independent.co.uk
1 year ago
UK news

Tory criticises politically motivated' complaints over Sunak's seatbelt error'

A Conservative MP has suggested police are wasting their time by looking into Rishi Sunak for failing to wear a seatbelt while filming a social media clip in the back of a moving car.Blackpool MP Scott Benton said politically motivated complaints about the offence that carries a maximum fine of 500 are not good use of frontline resources.
www.independent.co.uk
1 year ago
UK news

History of controversial comments by Tory MP who said food bank users can't cook'

Tory MP Lee Anderson has found himself at the centre of controversy again with his latest remarks about food bank use.Mr Anderson voted Conservative MPs' favourite backbencher has frequently questioned how many people have genuine need of such support.To illustrate his point, this week he tweeted a picture of a member of his staff with details of her earnings and outgoings.
www.independent.co.uk
1 year ago
UK news

Performers make pitiful returns on streaming their music, MPs say

Performers and creators are making a pitiful amount of money from streaming their music online, MPs have said.Musicians should receive a fairer share of revenues and there should be a complete reset of the streaming market, according to the digital, culture, media and sport (DCMS) committee.Damian Green, acting chairman of the DCMS committee, said he and his fellow MPs have heard of the frustrations that the majority of musicians and songwriters have with the earnings they get from music.
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