News Archive

New Chancellor - New Rules

Rachel Reeves should use her first weeks as chancellor to overhaul how fiscal policy is made - and introduce changes that would give the Labour government a better chance of making progress on its priorities.   Some of the most enduring reforms made by UK chancellors have been to the structures that support economic policy making and announced early on in the life of a new government - from Gordon Brown's granting independence to the Bank of England in 1997 to George Osborne's creation of the Office for Budget responsibility in 2010.  

Long-term Prisoners - Consultation Published On Changing The Point Of Release

Individuals could spend more time under community supervision as part of their prison sentence, a consultation has proposed.   Views are being sought on changing the point of release under licence conditions for people serving a custodial sentence of four years or more, which would provide a more managed return to the community and be a proportionate way to reduce the pressure on the prison estate.  

Ecology Strategy And Action Plan Consultation Now Open

Highland Council today (8 July 2024) launched a 12-week public consultation on its draft Ecology Strategy and Action Plan.   The draft Ecology Strategy and Action Plan was approved at May's meeting of Highland Council's Economy and Infrastructure Committee and sets out an ambitious set of actions to tackle biodiversity loss and address the ecological emergency.  Chair of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee, Cllr Ken Gowans, said: "The climate and ecological emergencies are interconnected, and biodiversity loss threatens our well-being and survival.  

New Business Minister Douglas Alexander Has Plenty Experience In Government

Douglas Alexander the new Labour MP for Lothian East served in several roles in the past Labour government including transport secretary and international development secretary.   He was appointed Minister of State at the Department for Business and Trade on 6 July 2024.  

New Defence Secretary Pledges To Step Up Support For Ukraine On Visit To Odesa

The UK's new Defence Secretary has pledged to step up the UK's support for Ukraine on a visit to Odesa, less than 48 hours after his appointment.   Following a meeting with President Zelenskyy and discussions with his counterpart Defence Minister Rustem Umerov, Mr Healey announced that the UK would provide a new package of support to the country, including more artillery guns, a quarter of a million ammunition rounds and nearly 100 precision Brimstone missiles.  

Chancellor Rachel Reeves Is Taking Immediate Action To Fix The Foundations Of Our Economy

In her first speech as Chancellor, Rachel Reeves laid out plans to rebuild Britain and make every part of the country better off.   Last week, the British people voted for change.  

Ian Murray Has Been Appointed Secretary Of State For Scotland

Ian Murray has been appointed Secretary of State for Scotland.   Secretary of State for Scotland Ian Murray said, "It is a real privilege to have been asked to serve in Prime Minister Keir Starmer's first Cabinet as Secretary of State for Scotland.  

UK Election - Tory Downfall Is Democracy Rectifying Its Mistakes

Democracies are no better than other forms of government at avoiding catastrophic mistakes.  But they are much more effective at rectifying them.  

Jamie Stone Has Won The Caithness, Sutherland And Easter Ross Constituency

Jamie Stone LibDem has been returned with an increased majority in Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross.   Jamie Sone increased his majority over the SNP by a huge amount.  

Last Year, 13% Of Brits Didn't Buy Anything Online. Who Are The Final Holdouts?

13% of UK shoppers didn't make a single online purchase in 2023, with 16-24 year olds among the most resistant, says the home delivery expert Parcelhero.   New analysis by the home delivery expert Parcelhero says a surprising 13% of UK adults with internet access didn’t buy a single item online in 2023.