Cost of Living
— A reduction in your energy bills may not provide immediate relief from your financial difficulties, as inflation and interest rates remain high and exert pressure.
Cost of Living
— A reduction in your energy bills may not provide immediate relief from your financial difficulties, as inflation and interest rates remain high and exert pressure.
Investigation
— Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s use of pens with erasable ink has sparked concerns over government transparency. Critics suggest these pens could enable the removal of important notes from official documents, challenging historical accountability.
COVID-19
— A new book exposes the tensions between the Treasury and health officials over the COVID-19 vaccine programme, and alleges that Steve Barclay delayed the approval of the programme due to value-for-money concerns, angering the vaccine taskforce.
European Union
— On the seventh anniversary of the Brexit referendum, London’s City Hall and the Mayor of London’s office have been banned from flying the EU flag outside City Hall.
OPINION
— Keir Starmer pledges to end new UK oil and gas exploration – an expert’s take on why this is the right move.
COVID-19 Inquiry
— The COVID Inquiry has revealed the UK’s pandemic prep failures, including a lack of lockdown planning, PPE stockpiling, slow testing, and isolation response. Bereaved families demand justice and accountability for their loved ones.
Long-Read
— Professor Chris Grey on the UK’s ambition to lead global AI regulation after Brexit, and the challenges and opportunities it faces, with the competition from other countries and regions, especially the EU.
Public Health
— Rishi Sunak has delayed his ban on junk food deals until 2025, citing inflation and consumer choice as reasons. The ban aims to reduce obesity by limiting multi-buy offers on unhealthy products. Health campaigners are likely to be unhappy with the delay.
Environment
— The Government has announced a consultation on expanding its plan to reduce sewage dumping in coastal and estuarine waters, in response to a legal challenge supported by Good Law Project and other environmental groups.
COVID-19
— A former official said the UK Government neglected its pandemic preparedness due to its obsession with Brexit, adding that the government did not plan for lockdowns, social support, or PPE, and ignored the health inequalities and vulnerabilities of the poor and ethnic minorities.
UK Politics
— Prince Harry accused Mirror Group Newspapers of hacking his phone and other illegal acts in a court case. He also criticized the UK Government and media for colluding to avoid accountability and protect the status quo. He urged journalists to expose corruption and defend democracy.
Immigration
— High immigration rates correlate with increased support for the governing party and lower unemployment rates. Legal immigration has little economic impact, but illegal immigration causes fear and anxiety. To win elections, parties must address irregular arrivals and emphasize immigration benefits.
COVID-19 Inquiry
— Good Law Project challenged the Cabinet Office’s refusal to disclose Rishi Sunak’s WhatsApps on the “Eat Out to Help Out” scheme, which caused COVID surge in cases and deaths.
Long-Read
— How Brexit caused economic and social damage to the UK, such as lost investment, trade barriers, higher food prices, reduced choice, and lower standards. Professor Chris Grey warns of the risks of diverging from EU data protection rules and restricting student visas.
Asylum Seekers
— Westminster council leader questioned the Home Office over asylum seekers’ accommodation as 40 of them are left in the streets of London for two nights running.
UK Politics
— After Liam Fox lobbied PM Sunak on behalf of a group that paid him £16k for 21 hours’ work, Bradshaw Advisory faced a penalty for violating legislation, while Fox was cleared due to the fee payment structure.
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