Archive for: Political Database

Today’s Political Headlines include the Brexit approach putting lives at risk, inexcusable treatment of US detainees tolerated by the UK, Windrush detentions and BAE Systems’ £20bn contract. 

May warns EU leaders that their Brexit approach is putting lives at risk
The Times says that Theresa May used yesterday’s European Council meeting to warn fellow leaders that restricting security co-operation after Brexit would put their citizens’ lives at risk. She asked them to overrule the European Commission and widen its negotiating mandate to include unrestricted sharing of security information. The Financial Times claims that EU leaders called on May to confront Cabinet Eurosceptics and shift her ‘red lines’ in order to obtain a positive response.

UK tolerated ‘inexcusable’ treatment of US detainees
As the BBC reports, the Intelligence and Security Committee has concluded that the UK allowed ‘inexcusable’ treatment of US detainees after 9/11. The committee found that British intelligence agencies continued to supply information to allies despite knowing or suspecting abuse in over 200 cases. The Times adds that Ken Clarke has urged the Government to honour a promise made eight years ago and reopen an inquiry into British involvement in the maltreatment of detainees.

Home Office condemned over Windrush detentions
The Guardian reports that the Joint Committee on Human Rights has concluded that the Home Office exhibited an ‘inadequate regard for the human rights’ of wrongfully detained Windrush migrants. It adds that the Home Office behaved in a ‘shocking’ way towards Paulette Wilson and Anthony Bryan, two of those affected, as a result of ‘a systemic failure’.

BAE Systems wins £20bn Australian warship contract
The Financial Times says that BAE Systems has won a £20bn contract to build a new fleet of warships for Australia, hailed by Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson as a ‘formidable success for Britain’ and ‘a major boost as we leave the European Union’. The paper notes that the ships will be built in Australia and few jobs will be created in the UK as part of the deal, but some components may come from the UK, as will design and engineering teams.

May plans fourth Brexit speech
The Sun reveals that Theresa May is planning to give another Brexit speech, in which she will outline her vision of a future UK-EU trade deal. Venues reportedly being considered by Number 10 include European cities. A 100-page white paper on the future relationship is due to be published in the second week of July.

Fall in new homes being built
The Sun says that the number of new homes being built has fallen in the first quarter of 2018, down 8% compared to the same period in 2017. If the trend continues for the rest of the year only half of the Prime Minister’s target of 300,000 will be built, the paper claims.

Fines for drivers who pass too close to cyclists
The Times reports that transport minister Jesse Norman is set to announce today that drivers who pass cyclists are to be targeted for fines, with training materials and support provided to police forces. Up to £500,000 will also be spent on training driving instructors to include cycle safety in lessons.

Report calls for housebuilders’ ombudsman
The Financial Times reports that the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Excellence in the Built Environment has released a report calling for housebuilders to set up an ombudsman to help buyers resolve disputes over newly-built homes. Membership would be mandatory for housebuilders, who would pay a levy to fund the body.

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Today’s Political Headlines include Gavin Williamson asking for more money, Greg Clark pushing for a soft Brexit, a social care tax for over-40s and Liz Truss mocking colleagues. 

Gavin Williamson to ask the Prime Minister for up to £4bn extra defence funding
The Times claims that Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson is to ask the Prime Minister for up to £4bn additional funding for the armed forces at a meeting next week, but that there are no plans for any new funding to be agreed. The Daily Telegraph says that the USA’s National Security Adviser, John Bolton, has told his UK counterpart, Sir Mark Sedwill, that the US is concerned about the damage being done to the UK armed forces by spending restraints.

Greg Clark pushes for soft Brexit deal
Speaking at The Times’ CEO Summit, Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Secretary Greg Clark said that he wanted to avoid a no-deal Brexit, continue to benefit from ‘labour mobility’ and wanted to keep single market access for services as well as goods. Theresa May also spoke at the event, saying that she was listening to business. The Guardian reports that the CBI and the TUC have joined forces to demand ‘measurable progress’ in the Brexit talks, while The Sun says that Theresa May is to bypass her Brexit committee by inviting the whole Cabinet to agree on Brexit plans at Chequers next week.

Committees call for over-40s to be taxed to fund social care
The BBC says that a joint report by the Commons Housing, Communities and Local Government and Health and Social Care Committees has called for a new tax, called a social care premium, for the over-40s to pay for elderly care. The tax would also be payable by retired people with lucrative pensions or investments.

Truss attacks calls for higher spending and mocks colleagues
The Times reports that in a speech last night Liz Truss, the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, attacked ministers who had called for increased public spending, telling them that it wasn’t ‘macho’ to do so and that they should tackle ‘vested interests’ instead. She attacked regulations and standards, joked about ‘wood-burning Goves’ and said that there was ‘enough hot air and smoke at the environment department already’.

Labour to cut number of MPs needed to nominate leadership candidates
The Guardian claims that reforms to be proposed at Labour’s conference this autumn will see a reduction in the number of MPs needed to nominate a candidate for party leader and give party members the right to vote for local council leaders. A source told the paper that this ‘virtually guarantees’ a left-wing candidate could follow Corbyn as leader.

Report warns of young people’s exposure to gambling advertising
The Daily Mail says that a report by the Responsible Gambling Strategy Board claims that nine out of ten young people have been exposed to gambling advertising on TV or social media, calling this an ‘uncontrolled social experiment on today’s youth’ which risks gambling becoming ‘normalised’. The report makes 30 recommendations for action.

Sturgeon reshuffles Scottish Government
The Herald reports that Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has started a ‘dramatic’ ministerial reshuffle, with six ministers leaving the Scottish Government and the number of cabinet posts increasing from ten to twelve. Those departing include Health Secretary Shona Robinson, Communities Secretary Angela Constance and Economy Secretary Keith Brown.

Uber granted new licence to operate
The Financial Times reports that ride-hailing app Uber will be able to continue to operate in London. A judge ruled that Transport for London was right not to renew the firm’s licence last year, but that Uber has now made sufficient changes. The new licence will last fifteen months and has several conditions attached, leading Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, to warn that the company is ‘on probation’.

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Today’s Political Headlines include the Heathrow third runway vote, Labour’s promise to end defence outsourcing, over 50 Tory MPs ready to block a no-deal Brexit and a former adviser to Theresa May calls to unlock home ownership for young workers. 

Grayling calls on Tory MPs to back third runway
Writing in The Daily Telegraph, Transport Secretary Chris Grayling has urged his party’s MPs to back a third runway at Heathrow in today’s vote, arguing that Brexit means that the UK needs ‘to demonstrate clearly that out future lies very much at the heart of the world stage.’ Some Conservative MPs have criticised the absence of Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, who had previously promised to prevent the scheme. The Guardian adds that Len McCluskey, General Secretary of Unite, has written to Labour MPs, calling on them to back the scheme, bringing him into conflict with the party’s leadership.

Labour to promise end to defence outsourcing
The BBC reports that Nia Griffith, the Shadow Defence Secretary, will promise in a speech today that a Labour government would end outsourcing of large defence contracts and criticise the performance of firms such as Capita and Carillion. The Daily Mail says that allies of Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson have claimed that dozens of Conservative MPs could vote to block the budget if defence spending isn’t increased.

Over 50 Tory MPs ready to block no deal Brexit
The Financial Times claims that ‘senior Conservative politicians’ believe that over 50 Conservative MPs, including some current ministers, are prepared to block any attempt by the UK to leave the EU without a deal. The paper also reports that Downing Street is trying to reassure businesses following dismissive remarks from two Cabinet ministers.

Former adviser calls on May to unlock home ownership for young workers
The Sun reports that Conservative MP Neil O’Brien, a former adviser to Theresa May, is calling for a million new houses to be set aside for workers under 40. A report by his new think tank, Onward, calls for half a million new homes to be built for rent to those under 40 with discounts of up to a fifth, and for Government support for 500,000 loans for deposits.

MPs and campaigners call for Home Office fees to be cut
The Guardian says that MPs and campaigners are calling for Home Office fees for asylum, immigration, nationality and customs services to be reduced urgently. The Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration, David Bolt, launched a consultation on the charges, and Labour MP Stephen Doughty claimed that it is ‘never acceptable’ for the Home Office to profit from applications.

New research shows that over 30,000 children are in gangs
The Times says that new research shows that over 30,000 children aged between 10 and 15 claim to belong to gangs. Children’s Commissioner Anne Longfield warned that criminals prey on young people by ‘taking the place of society’, with analysis by her office showing that up to 70,000 under-25s could be part of a gang network.

No trade deal with US if geographical protections maintained, Paul Ryan warns
The Daily Telegraph claims that International Trade Secretary Liam Fox has written to Brexit Secretary David Davis, warning that he has been told by senior Republican Paul Ryan that a free trade deal with the US would not be possible if EU geographical indication protections for food and drink such as Champagne and Parma ham are maintained after Brexit.

Pro-Corbyn group launches campaign for a ‘people’s vote’ on the deal
The Guardian reports that a pro-Corbyn group is to launch a campaign for a ‘people’s vote’ on the final Brexit deal. The group, Labour for a People’s Vote, is led by former Momentum members and trade union leaders, with activists from 62 local parties pledging to raise the issue in a motion to Labour’s conference in September.

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Today’s Political Headlines include the passing of the Brexit Bill, the UK’s defence, the Gosport hospital scandal and British expats. 

May welcomes passing of Brexit Bill
The BBC reports that Theresa May has welcomed the passing of the EU (Withdrawal) Bill, following the decision of some Conservative rebels to back a compromise stance on a ‘meaningful vote’ on the final deal. The bill has now gone forward for Royal Assent. The Prime Minister claimed that this was ‘a crucial step’ to deliver a ‘smooth and orderly Brexit’, with a white paper and votes on the Trade and Customs Bill to follow in ‘the next few weeks’. The Guardian says that Labour MP Naz Shah has criticised Tory whips for rejecting a pairing request, leading her to discharge herself from hospital and vote in her pyjamas.

May asked Williamson to justify the UK’s role as a ‘tier one’ military power
The Financial Times claims that Theresa May asked Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson to justify the UK’s position as a ‘tier one’ military power at a ‘tense meeting’ on Tuesday, telling him to focus more on cyber warfare. A spokesman said that it was ‘categorically untrue’ that the position of the UK ‘as a leading defence nation is somehow in question’.

Campaigners warn that Gosport hospital scandal could be repeated
The Times says that campaigners have warned that the NHS could see a repeat of the opiate scandal that killed up to 650 patients at the Gosport War Memorial Hospital, because it still ignores whistle-blowers. An independent report into the scandal was published yesterday, and Health and Social Care Secretary Jeremy Hunt has said that the police will investigate new material raised by it and consider criminal charges, if appropriate.

Javid criticises EU member states over arrangements for British expats
The Daily Telegraph reports that Home Secretary Sajid Javid has criticised the EU for failing to match the UK’s progress on making arrangement for expats post-Brexit, ahead of the publication today of the UK’s settled status scheme for EU citizens resident in the UK. He asked the European Parliament and Commission to exert pressure on member states to publish ‘similar plans’ to ‘support British nationals in their countries’.

Chancellor to set out strategy for post-Brexit ‘global financial partnerships’
The Financial Times says that Philip Hammond will today use his annual speech at Mansion House to set out a strategy for securing new ‘global financial partnerships’ after Brexit, targeted at countries such as China, India, South Korea and Australia. The BBC adds that the Chancellor will admit that taxes will have to increase to fund NHS spending increases.

Government to introduce anti-upskirting legislation today
As the BBC reports, the Government is to introduce legislation to make upskirting a criminal offence today, after Tory backbencher Sir Christopher Chope blocked an earlier attempt by Lib Dem MP Wera Hobhouse. If it passes, offenders could spend up to two years in prison.

May criticises Trump’s immigration policies but defends visit
The Guardian says that Theresa May described Donald Trump’s policy of separating immigrant children from their parents as ‘deeply disturbing’ and ‘wrong’, but defended her decision to invite him to the UK next month, indicating that she would raise her concerns with him when they meet.

Speaker urged to set departure date
The Daily Mail claims that friends of Commons Speaker John Bercow have told him to make a statement naming the date on which he will step down. When originally elected, he promised to serve for nine years, and that deadline will be met on Friday. MPs who have spoken to him have reportedly urged him to resign by next summer’s recess at the latest.

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Today’s Political Headlines include Lord Hague calling for cannabis legalisation, the Government being defeated by the Lords over Brexit ‘meaningful vote’ and Hammond warning that the NHS spending boost leaves no cash for other policies

Lord Hague calls for cannabis legalisation
Writing in The Daily Telegraph, former Conservative leader Lord Hague claims that the war against cannabis has been ‘comprehensively and irreversibly lost’ and that the Conservatives should ‘be bold’ and imitate Canada, which is legalising the drug. The paper adds that Home Secretary Sajid Javid was prevented from raising the issue at Cabinet yesterday, following the controversy over the supply of medicinal cannabis to 12-year-old Billy Caldwell.

Government again defeated by Lords over Brexit ‘meaningful vote’
The Guardian reports that the Government has been defeated again by the House of Lords over the issue of a ‘meaningful vote’, after Viscount Hailsham tabled an amendment based on the deal Dominic Grieve thought he had struck with the Government last week. MPs will vote on the amendment on Wednesday. The Financial Times claims that UK negotiators are now suggesting that a deal with the EU may not be agreed until November or December, rather than early autumn as originally expected.

Hammond warns that NHS spending boost leaves no cash for other policies
The Times claims that Chancellor Philip Hammond told the Cabinet that after having to find £25bn for the NHS and other money to replace funding currently provided by the EU, there will be no funding for other policies. A cabinet minister said that Hammond had dispelled ‘any sense that the taps were about to be turned on’. The paper also reports that Theresa May has said she is prepared to use legislation to roll back Andrew Lansley’s NHS reforms.

First details of ‘settled status’ plan to be published
The Guardian reports that the Government will reveal the first details of the new ‘settled status’ immigration scheme for the 3.4m EU citizens living in the UK on Thursday. A ‘statement of intent’ will list some of the evidence they will need to provide, but will be ‘like a consultation paper’ an ‘informed source’ told the paper.

New £20m fund to combat loneliness
The Daily Telegraph says that schemes to be supported by the Government as part of a new £20m Building Connections fund to tackle loneliness include mobile coffee vans, woodworking in sheds for middle-aged men, an app for young mothers and converting redundant public spaces into ‘loneliness gardens’.

Rail firms admit they only realised the extent of problems at the ‘last minute’
The Daily Mail reports that executives from rail firms admitted to the Commons Transport Committee that they only realised at the ‘very last minute’ that their timetables would not work. The Financial Times adds that Lib Dem MP Tim Farron and local rail users have worked with a charter train operator to restore services to a line in the Lake District.

Government set to water down petrol and diesel car ban
According to the Financial Times, the UK’s plan to ban petrol, diesel and most hybrid cars by 2040 is set to be downgraded to a ‘mission’ in the ‘Road to Zero Strategy’ due to be published by the Government tomorrow. Concerns about the policy’s impact on the automotive sector have been raised by Business Secretary Greg Clark.

Javid causes rift with India over student visa scheme
The Times alleges that Sajid Javid has caused a ‘diplomatic rift’ by deciding not to include Indian students in a new fast-track visa system because of concerns about ‘non-compliance’ (i.e. disappearing after entering the country). An Indian government source told the paper that ‘relations are not at their best right now, while Lord Bilimoria warned that ‘If this is the way they treat India, they can dream on about a FTA with India.’

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Today’s Political Headlines include extra funding for the NHS, Government abandons deal with rebels, Universal Credit unlikely to ever be value for money and Lib Dems cut Labour’s majority in Lewisham by-election. 

May set to announce £4bn a year extra for the NHS
The Daily Telegraph expects Theresa May to announce a £4bn a year increase in NHS funding on Monday. The 3% per annum boost will be funded through a ‘Brexit dividend’, a possible freeze of some tax thresholds, and some borrowing. Speaking to the Oxford Union this week, NHS England chief, Simon Stevens, reportedly told students that an increase of 3.5-4% was needed to ensure a ‘responsive, well-functioning health service’.

Government abandons deal with rebels
The Times claims that pro-EU Conservative rebels are ‘up in arms’ after the Prime Minister abandoned a compromise over allowing Parliament to influence the direction of Brexit in the event of no deal. Lead rebel Dominic Grieve said that the Government’s decision to abandon an agreement was ‘incomprehensible and unacceptable’.

Universal Credit unlikely to ever deliver value for money, NAO finds
The Guardian carries details of a critical report on Universal Credit by the National Audit Office. It finds that the policy is unlikely to ever deliver value for money as it may end up costing more than its predecessor, can’t prove that it has helped claimants back to work and has left many in hardship.

Lib Dems cut Labour’s majority in Lewisham by-election
As The Guardian reports, Labour’s Janet Daby has won the by-election in Lewisham East, with the Liberal Democrat candidate Lucy Salek finishing second, cutting Labour’s majority from almost 45% to 25.6% and forcing the Conservatives into third. Lib Dem leader Vince Cable claimed the party benefited from Labour’s ‘failure’ to oppose hard Brexit.

Government backs bill against ‘upskirting’
The Daily Mail reports that the Government is to support a private members’ bill to crack down on ‘upskirting’, introduced by Liberal Democrat MP Wera Hobhouse. The bill will see perpetrators face sentences of up to two years and put on the sex offenders’ register.

Introduction of new maximum stake on betting machines delayed
The Times claims that the new £2 maximum stake for fixed odds betting terminals will not be introduced until April 2020, following a deal between bookmakers and the Treasury. Bookmakers claim they need time to reprogramme the machines, but this claim has been disputed by campaigners and, privately, by manufacturers.

Split over post-Brexit security partnership
According to The Daily Telegraph, the EU is ‘fighting’ to avoid an internal split over the post-Brexit security partnership. It claims that Horst Seehofer, German’s interior minister, has told French and Dutch counterparts that ‘nothing must change’ which could threaten citizens’ security after Brexit. This stance is in opposition to that of the European Commission and Chancellor Angela Merkel.

More pensioners to benefit from ‘warm home’ scheme
The Sun reports that Claire Perry, the Minister of State for Energy, is to announce that thousands more pensioners will receive the ‘warm home’ discount on their energy bills. The threshold over which suppliers must participate in the scheme is to be reduced, so that smaller energy firms are included, following a campaign run by the paper.

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Today’s Political Headlines include Brexit votes in parliament, Hammond giving the NHS more money, May regrets her Grenfell Tower response and councils warn of cuts to care costs. 

Tory rebels may defeat Government on meaningful vote on Brexit deal
The Guardian says that it has been told by ‘several leading Conservative rebels’ that they are not satisfied by changes to the meaningful vote on the Brexit deal proposed by ministers, but that a defeat over the customs union has been avoided. The Government is to back an amendment on the issue backed by Nicky Morgan and Jacob Rees-Mogg, and the issue will be deferred until the customs and trade bills. A compromise amendment on the meaningful vote has been tabled by Dominic Grieve, but has not been accepted by the Government.

Hammond prepares to raise up to £10bn for NHS
The Times claims that Chancellor Philip Hammond is preparing to raise up to an extra £10bn to find the NHS, while Theresa May is to lift a cap on skilled workers from outside the EU which is blocking Foreign doctors from working in the service. Hammond wants a real terms increase of under 3% a year, funded through tax increases and borrowing, and has defeated Cabinet proponents of a dedicated NHS tax.

May regrets Grenfell Tower response
The Guardian reports that Theresa May has admitted that her response to the fire at Grenfell Tower was not good enough and that she would ‘always regret’ not meeting survivors. She has pledged to learn lessons from the tragedy and to light Downing Street in green on Thursday as part of a wider series of commemorative events.

Councils warn of cuts to care costs
The BBC carries the results of a survey by the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services which shows that councils expect to spend £21.4bn on care services this year. The organisation warns that that this is not enough, with three-quarters of councils cutting services and almost half planning to introduce higher charges.

Arron Banks denies receiving Russian money
As the BBC reports, Leave.EU founder Arron Banks is to give evidence to the Commons Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee today, following claims that he met Russian officials ahead of the Brexit vote. He has denied receiving Russian money, saying that this was ‘part of a fake news narrative’. According to The Guardian, Home Secretary Sajid Javid told MPs that the Government are treating the allegations ‘very seriously’.

Johnson backs ‘Brexit Bridge’ between Scotland and Northern Ireland
According to The Daily Telegraph Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson has thrown his support behind proposals for a £15bn ‘Brexit bridge’ between Scotland and Northern Ireland. A source close to Johnson told the paper that it was ‘an interesting idea which ought to be looked at more seriously’.

EU outlines reasons for rejecting UK’s Irish border proposals
The Financial Times says that the EU has outlined its reasons for rejecting UK proposals on the Irish border. According to slides published by the European Commission, British proposals ‘leave key questions unanswered’, ‘do not cover regulatory controls’ and are ‘time-limited’. The paper also reports that the UK will apply to remain in the European standards system.

May describes G7 summit as ‘difficult’
The BBC reports that Theresa May told MPs that the G7 summit at the weekend was ‘difficult’ and that there were ‘strong disagreements’ between President Trump and other leaders. She said that US trade policies had ‘deeply disappointed’ her and praised Justin Trudeau for the ‘skilful’ way in which he had hosted the meeting.

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Today’s Political Headlines include David Davis in open rebellion against Theresa May, Hunt’s significant increase to the NHS budget, uni fees cut if diversity doesn’t increase and MPs call for more women to give evidence to select committees. 

David Davis in ‘open rebellion’ against Prime Minister
The Daily Telegraph claims that Brexit Secretary David Davis is in ‘open rebellion’ against the Prime Minister and is refusing to front her plans for a customs backstop in order to avoid a hard border in Northern Ireland. While Downing Street has insisted that this will be ‘time-limited’, no end date has been included in details of the plan sent to the EU. The Times claims that Eurosceptic cabinet ministers are accusing Theresa May of deception, with remain-supporting ministers being shown the plans days before they were given them.

Hunt confirms ‘significant increase’ to NHS budget
Speaking to The Guardian, Health and Social Care Secretary Jeremy Hunt has revealed that Theresa May will announce a ‘significant increase’ to the NHS’s budget when it celebrates its 70th birthday in July. He also admitted that he is unlikely to meet his target of 5,000 more GPs in England by 2020, that ‘patient safety in the NHS is still deeply flawed’ and that Brexit had contributed towards NHS staff shortages.

Regulator warns universities that he’ll cut tuition fees if diversity doesn’t improve
Writing for The Daily Telegraph, Sir Michael Barber, chair of the Office for Students, has warned that universities which don’t improve diversity will see their tuition fees cut by a third. However, Professor Graham Virgo, vice-chancellor of the University of Cambridge, has instead that his institution will not give black and minority ethnic applicants ‘special treatment’, despite criticism from Universities Minister Sam Gyimah.

MPs call for more women to give evidence to select committees
The BBC says that the House of Commons Liaison Committee has called for more women to give evidence to select committees, after it found that just 33% of witnesses in the last year were female. A target of reaching 40% female ‘discretionary witnesses’ (i.e. not ministers or senior officials) has been set for the end of this parliament.

Javid promises ‘fairer, more compassionate’ immigration regime
The Guardian reports that Home Secretary Sajid Javid told Parliament’s Joint Human Rights Committee that he wants a ‘fairer, more compassionate’ immigration system. He admitted that the treatment of those affected by the Windrush scandal was not ‘personal enough and not sympathetic enough’ and that things had gone ‘profoundly wrong’.

Gove attacks ‘crony capitalists’
The Daily Mail says that Michael Gove, Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Secretary, has called for a crackdown on ‘crony capitalists’ who have ‘rigged the system’. He called for the tax system to be changed to encourage investment and for bosses’ bonuses to be curbed. He also criticised quantitative easing, which he claimed had made the wealthy wealthier.

1.5m Britons living in destitution
The Daily Mirror carries details of a report by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation that reveals that over 1.5m British people are living in destitution. The charity has warned that social security policies are leading to destitution ‘by design’ and has called for changes to the system, including to the use of Universal Credit sanctions.

Archbishop of Canterbury calls for higher taxes
According to The Daily Telegraph, Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, has called on the Government to find the ‘courage’ to increase taxes to fund public services, including the NHS. He also called on the Government to increase borrowing, saying that interest rates showed that there was ‘little reason to be so afraid’ of doing so.

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Today’s Political Headlines include amendments to the EU Withdrawal Bill, Northern Rail chaos, and plans for a third runway at Heathrow Airport. 

MPs to vote on amendments to EU Withdrawal Bill as Brexit white paper is postponed
The Times reports that the Government has scheduled votes by MPs on the House of Lords’ amendments to the EU Withdrawal Bill for next Tuesday, giving it a week to win over potential rebels. The paper adds that the twelve backbenchers who are threatening to rebel on customs arrangements doubt that the Government will be able to reach a satisfactory compromise. The Financial Times claims that the Government has abandoned plans to publish a white paper on the future UK-EU relationship ahead of this month’s European Council meeting and it will now be published at a later date.

May under pressure over Northern rail chaos
The Guardian says that Theresa May is coming under further pressure to act on the rail chaos in Northern England, as 25 newspapers across the region united to call for an emergency summit to find a solution and a review of rail franchising. Facing questions from MPs yesterday, Transport Secretary Chris Grayling announced an inquiry into the problems.

Heathrow plans to be approved by cabinet sub-committee
The BBC reports that the Cabinet’s economic sub-committee is expected to approve plans for a third runway at Heathrow today. The plans will then be sent to full cabinet, with MPs expected to vote on them in ‘the coming weeks’. Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson has previously said that he would ‘lie down in front of bulldozers’ to stop the proposal.

Government announces action plan for carers
The Daily Mail says that the Government is to announce a series of measures to support informal carers today. The care action plan, published by six Government departments, includes flexible work hours, paid ‘carers’ leave’, and emotional support, and is being led by care minister Caroline Dinenage.

Government sells shares in RBS at £2.1bn loss
The Financial Times reports that the Government has sold a 7.7% stake in Royal Bank of Scotland, making a loss of £2.1bn, and that further shares could be sold later this year. Chancellor Philip Hammond has argued that public ownership is a drag on the firm, but as the paper adds, both Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell and Lib Dem leader Sir Vince Cable have criticised the Government for making a loss on the sale.

Government considers investment in Welsh nuclear plant
The Times reports that the Government is considering investing billions of pounds in a new nuclear plant in Wales, which could deliver cheaper electricity than Hinkley Point. Sources suggest that the Government could invest £1-2bn in the Wylfa plant, near Anglesey, with equal investments by Hitachi and the Japanese government, with the rest of the £15bn cost met by Government-guaranteed loans.

Committee criticises aid spending in China
The Daily Telegraph says that the Commons International Development Committee has released a critical report on aid spending in China. The committee warns that spending aid on projects to develop the Chinese film industry and reduce Chinese children’s salt intake risks ‘undermining faith in UK aid’.

Brown calls for NI increase to fund NHS
According to the Daily Mirror, Gordon Brown has made a ‘dramatic intervention’ in the debate about NHS funding, calling for a 1p increase in National Insurance to help meet funding pressures. He has warned that the service is currently in ‘mortal danger’.

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Today’s Political Headlines include the trade war over steel, the new Northern Ireland plan, the anti-Brexit tour and Conservatives accused of hypocrisy over Russian donation. 

Fox calls on EU to step back from trade war as Trump imposes steel tariffs
The Times reports that International Trade Secretary Liam Fox has called on the EU to step back from embarking on a trade war with the USA, after President Trump imposed tariffs on imports of steel and aluminium from the EU. Fox said that he wanted ‘to avoid escalation’, but did ‘not rule out’ retaliatory measures or a legal challenge to the US tariffs.

David Davis devises new Brexit plan for Northern Ireland
According to an exclusive in The Sun, David Davis is drawing up a new plan to break deadlock in the Brexit negotiations. He is proposing that Northern Ireland would operate simultaneously under both UK and EU regulations, and that there will be a 10-mile-wide ‘special economic zone’ along the border. A source told the paper that ‘it will be very hard work’ to persuade the DUP and the EU to agree to the proposals.

Left-wing group to launch anti-Brexit tour
The Guardian says that a left-wing pro-EU campaign is to launch a summer tour of British cities. The Left Against Brexit tour will feature Manuel Cortes of the TSSA, Michael Chessum of Momentum, Labour MEP Julie Ward, Labour MP Catherine West, and Green Co-Leader Caroline Lucas. The group is not advocating a second referendum, instead arguing that Corbyn should make the case that a vote for Labour is a vote to stay in the EU.

Conservatives accused of hypocrisy over Russian donation
The Daily Mirror reports that the Conservative Party received a donation from the wife of a former Kremlin aide on the same day that Theresa May blamed Russia for the Salisbury poisoning. Lubov Chernukhin, wife of a former Russian finance minister gave the party a total of £100,000 in two donations in March. Lib Dem leader Sir Vince Cable and Labour Party chairman Ian Lavery accused the Conservatives of ‘hypocrisy’ over the donation.

Scottish Government faces £1.7bn shortfall
The Guardian reports that the Scottish government faces a £1.7bn shortfall in its finances. The forecast, which covers the next five years, was issued by the independent Scottish Fiscal Commission, which blames reduced wage growth for the projected fall in revenue from income tax. Derek Mackay, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and the Constitution, said that problem was a consequence of austerity, immigration policy and Brexit.

Lord Lawson denies accusations of hypocrisy
The Daily Telegraph says that Lord Lawson has denied accusations of being a hypocrite after he applied for a French residency card. He said that he was applying for a ‘carte de sejour’ because the French authorities had requested that he do so and that he was not applying for French nationality. Paul Butters of Best for Britain said that Lawson ‘looks like a hypocrite’.

Legatum criticised by Charity Commission over free trade report
The Financial Times reports that the Charity Commission has criticised the Legatum Institute thinktank for breaching its charitable objectives. According to the commission, a report by Legatum on the benefits of free trade after Brexit ‘failed to meet the required standards of balance and neutrality’.

Corbyn reminds Labour MPs not to employ unpaid interns after Umunna advert
The BBC says that Jeremy Corbyn has reminded his MPs not to employ unpaid interns. This follows the news that Chuka Umunna advertised for a student from Leeds University to work for him without being paid. Umunna said that as he was advertising for someone on a year in industry placement, they would be supported by their student loan.

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