Displaying items by tag: Government

The Government's Rwanda bill faced fresh setbacks in the House of Lords, with Labour-backed amendments passing despite previous reversals in the Commons. These amendments include exceptions for children and adherence to international law. Rishi Sunak has faced ongoing resistance since the proposal was announced in April 2022. While the government's majority suggests amendments may be overturned, the margin of defeat narrowed as additional peers were enlisted. The bill must reconcile differences between the Commons and Lords before becoming law, a process known as parliamentary ping-pong. Some peers emphasised the importance of international and domestic laws, including human rights and modern slavery legislation, in their amendments. They also supported measures requiring independent verification of Rwanda's safety and exemptions for individuals who had assisted the UK military or government abroad. Sunak has vowed to curb illegal immigration, emphasising the bill's role in this effort.

Downing Street is considering plans to allow faith schools in England to select all pupils based on religion, repealing a 2010 cap. This cap requires faith-based free schools and academies to allocate half their places without considering applicants' faith, mainly in oversubscribed areas. The proposal to lift it, popular among many Conservative MPs, faces opposition from secular groups and educationalists. High-level discussions involve key figures like Will Tanner and James Nation, indicating the move could feature in the Conservative Party’s next manifesto or be enacted before the next general election. Education secretary Gillian Keegan supports the repeal, which particularly impacts Catholic schools. The policy was originally a compromise with the Liberal Democrats to support the free schools programme and prevent the rise of hardline religious schools. Conservative proponents argue that the cap has limited the growth of faith schools, especially Catholic ones.

Rishi Sunak has had to make a cabinet reshuffle after two Tory ministers announced their resignations. Robert Halfon, the skills minister, has decided to step down at the next general election. Known for his advocacy of blue-collar Conservatism, he has been a prominent figure in the party. James Heappey has resigned as armed forces minister, having already announced plans to leave parliament. He praised the armed forces and MOD civil servants, reflecting on his tenure and the ongoing need to support Ukraine. The reshuffle includes moving Nus Ghani to be minister for Europe and Leo Docherty to the ministry of defence. To date 63 Conservative MPs, including notable figures like Theresa May and Sajid Javid, have said they plan not to contest the next election. Sunak commended Heappey's contribution to the Government's defence agenda and acknowledged Halfon's commitment to apprenticeships and social mobility. The departures add to the challenges facing Sunak, as the Conservative Party trails significantly behind Labour in polls. See

Responding to concerns over the rapid rise in youth vaping, prime minister Christopher Luxon’s government plans to ban the use of disposable e-cigarettes by minors and increase penalties for anyone selling them to under-18s. Announcing this decision, the associate health minister stressed that e-cigarettes remain ‘a key smoking cessation device’. Retailers will face fines up to 100,000 NZ dollars (£47,000) for selling vapes to minors, and individuals up to 1,000 NZD. Regulations will also prevent e-cigarettes from being sold with images or enticing names that might appeal to young people. This move follows the recent decision to repeal the world’s first smoking ban, passed by the previous government, which aimed to pave the way for a smoke-free generation, after backlash from researchers and campaigners over its risk to indigenous people.

Diane Abbott, an independent MP and former Labour member, has accused both the Conservative and Labour parties of 'shocking' racism in the recent Tory donor controversy. The row centres on businessman Frank Hester's alleged racist and sexist comments about Abbott, for which he has since apologised but insisted he's not racist or sexist. Hester donated £10 million to the Conservatives, which has sparked debate over whether the party should return the funds. Abbott criticised the Conservatives for their long-standing role in perpetuating racism, including personal attacks against her. She also expressed disappointment with the Labour party's response, which initially focused on the financial aspect rather than the racism and sexism involved. The scandal has led to widespread criticism, with political figures across the spectrum, including business secretary Kemi Badenoch and former chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng, condemning Hester's remarks. Rishi Sunak, under increasing pressure, said that Hester's apology should be accepted. Internally, his party faces disagreements over handling the donation, with the Scottish Conservatives calling for a review.

The Government has issued new guidelines aimed at curbing mobile phone use in schools to improve behaviour and minimise disruptions. The move follows previous calls for phone bans. Education secretary Gillian Keegan emphasised the need for consistency across schools but hinted at potential legislation if the guidelines prove ineffective. While some students see benefits in limited phone access, the Association of School and College Leaders doubts the effectiveness of the guidelines, considering existing school policies. Critics argue that the Government should focus on more pressing issues, such as funding and special needs. The announcement coincides with calls for tighter regulations on children's social media access following a tragic incident. However, the Government remains cautious about restricting phone access for under-16s. Despite differing school policies across the UK, complete phone bans are rare, and the UN has highlighted global concerns about phones' negative impacts on education.

The Government has announced a comprehensive Disability Action Plan to make the country the world's most accessible for disabled individuals. This initiative outlines 32 specific measures, including ensuring disabled children have access to local playgrounds and improving access for guide dog users. Over 1,300 disabled individuals, their families, and stakeholders contributed insights to the plan. They highlighted the necessity for enhanced emergency protection for disabled people, suggesting mandatory protocols like visual fire alarms and tactile signage.The plan also focuses on making public spaces, including toilets, playgrounds, and transportation, more inclusive. A new working group will advise on supporting guide and assistance dog users. The Government has also revised its approach towards a proposed Disability Enabled Badge, opting first to better understand disabled people's needs. Mims Davies, minister for disabled people, said that the plan aimed to create an equal and accessible living environment for all.

Dozens of farmers were arrested on 31 January after breaking into the huge Rungis wholesale food market south of Paris, during their ongoing protests. Emmanuel Macron’s government had warned farmers not to approach the market, which feeds twelve million people a day. But that failed to take into account the level of anger over what farmers view as unacceptably low pay, stifling red tape, unworkable European policies, and unfair competition from foreign rivals. 91 farmers managed to enter the Rungis site and were arrested for ‘damaging goods’, though they claim they caused no harm. While progress was reported in discussions with new prime minister Gabriel Attal, the protests reflect the deep-seated grievances of farmers against policies they view as detrimental to their livelihoods. At present 4,500 tractors are blocking eighty spots along major roads.

The Government has announced a £600 million bailout for local councils, primarily to support elderly care, in response to financial challenges faced by town halls. This emergency funding aims to prevent service cuts and potential bankruptcies. Councils are directed to focus the funding on urgent needs and reduce non-essential expenditures such as consultancy fees and diversity projects. The move follows alerts from over 40 Conservative backbenchers about the risk of increased council tax and reduced services. Financial struggles have already led to bankruptcy declarations from councils like Birmingham, Nottingham, Thurrock, and Woking. A survey reveals that nearly 20% of council leaders in England anticipate needing to implement austerity measures within the next two years. The bailout includes £500 million specifically for social care, and councils will also see a 4% increase in their core spending power. Additionally, £3 million is allocated for flood defence in vulnerable areas. See

Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, the DUP leader, seems to be cautiously moving towards a deal that could see his party return to Stormont. He acknowledges the final stages of negotiation as the most challenging, hinting at internal party disputes. This development follows the collapse of Northern Ireland’s government in February 2022 over post-Brexit trading arrangements, known as the Irish Sea border. The key issue is the proposed UK Internal Market Act amendment, ensuring Northern Ireland businesses can access the UK market. However, this primarily addresses goods moving from Northern Ireland to Great Britain, not the reverse, which involves checks and paperwork under the Windsor Framework. The DUP appears open to some checks to prevent criminality and smuggling. Additionally, measures to reinforce Northern Ireland's union status, such as a new East-West council, are being discussed, but their decision-making power is uncertain. The government is eager for a quick decision, with a potential financial incentive of above £2.5 billion. If no agreement is reached soon, secretary of state Chris Heaton may need to take decisive action, potentially concluding negotiations with the DUP and revealing the proposed deal.