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Mon, 17 May 2021

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Editor's choice
Office politics: should Parliamentarians return to their desks or retain some elements of WFH?
Coronavirus
By Georgina Bailey
Office politics: should Parliamentarians return to their desks or retain some elements of WFH?
Many have missed life in Westminster and are eager to get back into the old routine. But not everyone shares their enthusiasm. Commuting, childcare and accessibility issues have raised calls for remote working to form part of the new normal.
'This Is Going To Create More Conflict With The Police, Not Less': What Will The Policing Bill Mean for Protest?
Home affairs
By Georgina Bailey
'This Is Going To Create More Conflict With The Police, Not Less': What Will The Policing Bill Mean for Protest?
New proposed powers to limit disruptive protests have driven activists back onto the streets. But are the new proposals bringing necessary balance and protection through police powers, or posing a fundamental threat to democracy? Georgina Bailey reports
Academics And Officials Have Questioned The Evidence Behind Gavin Williamson’s “Excessive” University Free Speech Bill
Education
Academics And Officials Have Questioned The Evidence Behind Gavin Williamson’s “Excessive” University Free Speech Bill
Several academics and university officials have questioned the evidence underpinning Gavin Williamson’s new Bill aimed at ensuring free speech at UK universities.
Speakers commemorate 80 years since House of Commons bombing
History
By Georgina Bailey
Speakers commemorate 80 years since House of Commons bombing
Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle and new Lord Speaker Lord McFall have commemorated the 80th anniversary of the destruction of the House of Commons Chamber in the Blitz, paying tribute to three members of parliamentary staff who died in the Luftwaffe attack on the night of 10 -11 May 1941.
Can Nicola Sturgeon afford to gamble on a second independence referendum?
Brexit
By Torcuil Crichton, Westminster Editor, Daily Record
Can Nicola Sturgeon afford to gamble on a second independence referendum?
Alongside the historical kitsch of refurbished wooden beams and a portrait of the Duke of Wellington, the most striking aspect of Room One of the Supreme Court is Sir Peter Blake’s bright, pop art carpet.
Queen’s Speech 2021: Everything In Boris Johnson’s Plan To “Turbo-Charge' Post-Pandemic Recovery
Political parties
Queen’s Speech 2021: Everything In Boris Johnson’s Plan To “Turbo-Charge" Post-Pandemic Recovery
Boris Johnson has laid out his plans to “create a stronger, healthier and more prosperous nation” after the coronavirus pandemic with more than 30 new pieces on legislation unveiled in today’s Queen’s Speech.
Fashion Forward: Can The Industry Get Greener?
Environment
By Kate Proctor
Fashion Forward: Can The Industry Get Greener?
The fashion industry is responsible for 10 per cent of the planet’s carbon emissions. Yet there’s a glimmer of hope the industry is about to get a lot greener. If not by chance, then by design.
From Being 'Sacked' To Bagging Three Jobs in 24 Hours – Angela Rayner’s Rise
Political parties
From Being "Sacked" To Bagging Three Jobs in 24 Hours – Angela Rayner’s Rise
Labour's deputy leader Angela Rayner emerged from her "sacking" as party chair with a significantly enlarged portfolio of new jobs, in a spectacular power move that revealed a sizeable chink in Keir Starmer's armour.
Has Brexit Broken Keir Starmer's Chances Of Ending Labour's Losing Streak?
Political parties
Has Brexit Broken Keir Starmer's Chances Of Ending Labour's Losing Streak?
In the wake of the crushing Hartlepool defeat Lord Mandelson put Labour’s woes in the most simple, and most brutal, terms by reeling off the last 11 general election results for the party: lose, lose, lose, lose, Blair, Blair, Blair, lose, lose, lose, lose.
Andy Burnham Challenges Boris Johnson To Get 'Serious' On Levelling Up After Re-election In Greater Manchester
Political parties
Andy Burnham Challenges Boris Johnson To Get "Serious" On Levelling Up After Re-election In Greater Manchester
Andy Burnham has secured a storming victory in the Greater Manchester mayoral election, and used his acceptance speech to challenge Boris Johnson to deliver on his "levelling up" agenda.
How Mark Drakeford’s Welsh Labour Party Pulled Off A Spectacular Win
Coronavirus
How Mark Drakeford’s Welsh Labour Party Pulled Off A Spectacular Win
Welsh Labour leader Mark Drakeford’s cautious and caring manner, his "firebreak" and Christmas lockdowns and a Facebook and grassroots ground-war was behind his party’s historic win.
Green Party Says 'Complacent Councils' Have Secured Them Record Wins In England's Local Elections
Political parties
Green Party Says "Complacent Councils" Have Secured Them Record Wins In England's Local Elections
The Green Party have made historic gains in councils across England with the party securing wins over Labour and the Conservatives.
EU Ambassador To UK: We Are 'Emotionally' Invested In Making Northern Ireland Protocol Work
Brexit
EU Ambassador To UK: We Are "Emotionally" Invested In Making Northern Ireland Protocol Work
The European Union wants to eliminate "unnecessary problems" for people and businesses in Northern Ireland and will not take a "technocratic" approach to the province, the bloc's ambassador to the UK has said.
Labour Could Lose To A Near-Invisible Tory Candidate In Hartlepool. What Does It Mean For Keir Starmer’s leadership?
Political parties
Labour Could Lose To A Near-Invisible Tory Candidate In Hartlepool. What Does It Mean For Keir Starmer’s leadership?
They are polling far ahead of Labour and may have a historic win on Thursday, but the Tories’ approach to the Hartlepool by-election has so far been to field a candidate who has lurked in the background of her own campaign.
'We Are The Left Vote': Northern Independence Party Deny Splitting The Labour Vote In May Elections
Political parties
"We Are The Left Vote": Northern Independence Party Deny Splitting The Labour Vote In May Elections
Leaders of the newly-formed Northern Independence Party (NIP) argue that their candidate is the only “left wing vote” in the upcoming Hartlepool by-election as the Conservatives are now “more progressive” than Labour.
Tories Claim Keir Starmer Should Be 'Bullish' About Making Labour Gains Ahead Of Local Elections
Political parties
Tories Claim Keir Starmer Should Be "Bullish" About Making Labour Gains Ahead Of Local Elections
The Tories are claiming Keir Starmer should be far more “bullish” about Labour winning seats in next week’s local elections, as both sides continue to spectacularly play down their chances of gaining anything on May 6.
Cut Him Some Slack: How Boris Johnson Is Losing Control Without Calming Former Comms Chief
Political parties
Cut Him Some Slack: How Boris Johnson Is Losing Control Without Calming Former Comms Chief
Westminster insiders say that Boris Johnson’s decision to personally brief newspaper editors and make angry attacks from the despatch box this week point to a Prime Minister who is losing control as well as his cool.
Exclusive: Lobbying Watchdog Wants Ex-senior Civil Servant To Explain Role With Firm Which Sold NHS Wage App To Greensill
Political parties
Exclusive: Lobbying Watchdog Wants Ex-senior Civil Servant To Explain Role With Firm Which Sold NHS Wage App To Greensill
Acoba has sought an explanation from Bill Crothers over his involvement with a venture capital firm which later sold a wage app to Greensill Capital.
Vaccine Passports Could “Reinforce Structural Discrimination” Against Disabled People, Experts Warn
Coronavirus
Vaccine Passports Could “Reinforce Structural Discrimination” Against Disabled People, Experts Warn
Legal experts and charities have warned that the introduction of Covid status certificates — otherwise known as vaccine passports — could undermine disabled people's rights and leave businesses open to discrimination lawsuits.
Students Go On Hunger Strike To Pressure UK Government Into Naming The Myanmar Military A Terrorist Organisation
Foreign affairs
Students Go On Hunger Strike To Pressure UK Government Into Naming The Myanmar Military A Terrorist Organisation
A group of students from Myanmar are taking part in a three-day hunger strike in Westminster to pressure the UK government into declaring the country’s military leaders a terrorist organisation.
Exclusive: Eddie Lister Was A Director Of Firm Aiming To Build 'The Next Dubai' In Libya While Serving On Foreign Office Board
Foreign affairs
Exclusive: Eddie Lister Was A Director Of Firm Aiming To Build "The Next Dubai" In Libya While Serving On Foreign Office Board
Boris Johnson's senior aide was a director of a firm that was aiming to build a "Hong Kong" in Libya, while serving as a non-executive director at the Foreign Office.
The Green Audit: Can Boris Johnson Hit Net-Zero?
Environment
By Georgina Bailey
The Green Audit: Can Boris Johnson Hit Net-Zero?
Is the UK matching up to its climate pledges? With the clock ticking on targets, Georgina Bailey examines the government’s green credentials and takes stock of the opportunities and challenges ahead
Government Winds Down Food Supply Group Despite Industry Worry Over Brexit
Coronavirus
Government Winds Down Food Supply Group Despite Industry Worry Over Brexit
The government decision to relax a group set up to protect the country's food supplies during the coronavirus pandemic and Brexit has concerned industry figures who say ministers risk shifting to a "business as usual" mode too soon.
Charities Hit Back At Tory MPs Over Attacks On Runnymede Trust And Defend Right To Criticise Race Report
Social affairs
Charities Hit Back At Tory MPs Over Attacks On Runnymede Trust And Defend Right To Criticise Race Report
Exclusive: A group of leading charities has defended their right to tackle social justice after a group of Tory MPs attacked the Runnymede Trust for criticising the government’s controversial race report.
'Justice Has Been Done' After Derek Chauvin Found Guilty Of George Floyd Murder, Culture Secretary Says
Communities
"Justice Has Been Done" After Derek Chauvin Found Guilty Of George Floyd Murder, Culture Secretary Says
The culture secretary Oliver Dowden has welcomed the conviction of former police officer Derek Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd, saying "justice has been done".
Plan For European Super League “Violates EU Competition Law” Says Leading Sports Economist
Culture
Plan For European Super League “Violates EU Competition Law” Says Leading Sports Economist
A leading sports economist says plans to create a “European Super League” of top football teams will not get off the ground as he believes it “violates EU competition law”.
Exclusive: Boris Johnson And World Leaders Plan To Fly Into COP26 On 'Green Fuel' Planes
Coronavirus
Exclusive: Boris Johnson And World Leaders Plan To Fly Into COP26 On "Green Fuel" Planes
Boris Johnson and other global leaders will be flown into the COP26 climate change conference on “green” flights as part of plans to make the event as carbon neutral as possible.
MPs Put Fresh Pressure On Government To Address “Urgent” Eating Disorder Funding Gap
Health
MPs Put Fresh Pressure On Government To Address “Urgent” Eating Disorder Funding Gap
MPs and campaigners have renewed calls on the government to increase funding for eating disorder services following a sharp spike in cases over lockdown.
Here Are All the Inquiries David Cameron Will Have To Answer To Over Greensill Lobbying Scandal
Political parties
Here Are All the Inquiries David Cameron Will Have To Answer To Over Greensill Lobbying Scandal
David Cameron has indicated he will be happy to face MPs to explain his actions surrounding Greensill Capital, but the former Prime Minister now faces multiple inquiries as the scandal widens.
Former Brexit Secretary David Davis Admits He Agreed With Gina Miller Taking The Government To Court in 2016
Brexit
Former Brexit Secretary David Davis Admits He Agreed With Gina Miller Taking The Government To Court in 2016
Exclusive: David Davis, the former Brexit Secretary, has admitted he privately agreed with campaigner Gina Miller taking the government, of which he was a part at the time, to court over Article 50.
Former Northern Ireland Secretary Accuses Government Of 'Casual Indifference' After A Week Of Violence
Brexit
Former Northern Ireland Secretary Accuses Government Of "Casual Indifference" After A Week Of Violence
Two former Secretaries of State for Northern Ireland have called on the government to step up its engagement with the province amid criticism that ministers have been slow to react to sectarian violence.
Teachers Say Gavin Williamson “Has Not Done His Homework” On Plans For Behaviour Crackdown
Education
Teachers Say Gavin Williamson “Has Not Done His Homework” On Plans For Behaviour Crackdown
Education unions and teachers have hit back at the education secretary’s calls for a behaviour crackdown and a ban on mobile phones in schools, calling it “the least useful approach the education secretary can take”.
Pubs Hit Hard By The Pandemic Say They Face Opening With 'Hands Tied Behind Our Backs' On 12 April
Coronavirus
Pubs Hit Hard By The Pandemic Say They Face Opening With "Hands Tied Behind Our Backs" On 12 April
After a year in which hospitality was battered by Covid restrictions, with just a week to go until they can welcome customers again the pub industry might be expected to be jumping for joy.
All The Roadmap Updates Boris Johnson Will Announce On Vaccine Passports, Foreign Travel And Pubs Reopening
Coronavirus
All The Roadmap Updates Boris Johnson Will Announce On Vaccine Passports, Foreign Travel And Pubs Reopening
Boris Johnson is due to set out today a traffic light system for restarting foreign travel from next month, explain how vaccine passports will be used in the UK, and confirm shops, hairdressers and pubs can start welcoming customers back a week from now.
This Is Everything You Need To Know About Next Month's Local Elections
Political parties
This Is Everything You Need To Know About Next Month's Local Elections
Both the Tories and Labour are playing down expectations for the English elections in May, while battles are going on for the London mayoralty, and the Scottish and Welsh governments. A parliamentary by-election thrown into the mix in Hartlepool on the same day makes the Spring elections a significant test of country's political temperature.
Hartlepool's Tory Candidate Divides Opinion Among Right-Wing Voters
Home affairs
Hartlepool's Tory Candidate Divides Opinion Among Right-Wing Voters
The Conservative party's choice of candidate for the Hartlepool by-election has left local right-wing voters reeling, as they worry selecting a North Yorkshire farmer has given Labour the edge.