Iain Anderson is a political commentator based in London, United Kingdom.

Businesses no longer want the government to get out of the way

01 Oct 2023  |  CityAM  |  English  |  UK Government

The article discusses the renewed collaboration between the UK government and businesses under the new Labour leadership of Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Chancellor Rachel Reeves. It highlights the government's commitment to fostering long-term investment and economic growth through initiatives like the National Wealth Fund and GB Energy. The article emphasizes the importance of a partnership approach, drawing parallels with successful international models, and outlines plans for a global investment summit to align with the government's economic missions. The sentiment towards the new government is positive, contrasting with criticism of the previous Conservative administration.

Tags:

UK Government Business Investment Economic Growth

Interpretive

Factuality Scale

Center-Left

Political View

I'm a multimedia journalist based in Barcelona, Spain, with over 4 years of experience in article writing, in-depth research, live broadcasting, and video production. I write and produce content on a variety of topics ranging from politics and international affairs to popular culture and women's ...

How a new UK government could help Muslims across Europe

01 Jul 2024  |  Hyphen  |  English  |  UK Government

As the UK approaches its election, European Muslims are closely observing the potential impact of a new government on migration and multiculturalism. With the rise of far-right parties in Europe, a UK government change could counterbalance this trend. Prominent European Muslims express concerns about increasing anti-Muslim rhetoric and hope for stronger stances against Islamophobia. The article highlights the need for social integration programs and equal treatment for immigrants, emphasizing the importance of addressing discrimination and inequality to prevent further societal division.

Tags:

UK Government Muslims in Europe Far-right Politics

Interpretive

Factuality Scale

Center-Left

Political View

Charlotte Elton is a freelance journalist based in London. Previously she worked as a state politics and health reporter at The West Australian, WA's major masthead. Skilled at feature writing, breaking news, and investigative work.

Rishi Sunak's net zero U-turn unleashes avalanche of criticism

21 Sept 2023  |  The Big Issue  |  English  |  UK Government Policy

The article discusses the UK government's recent policy reversals concerning energy efficiency standards, which have been met with widespread criticism from architects, business leaders, and environmental groups. Over 400 business leaders, including those from Nestle, IKEA, and E.ON, have urged the prime minister to maintain net zero policies, warning that diluting them could harm the UK economy. Ford also expressed concerns that the policy changes could undermine investments. The Climate Change Committee and Friends of the Earth have expressed doubts about the UK's ability to meet its emissions targets due to these policy shifts. The article also mentions the public's support for stronger government action on reaching net zero and the internal division within the Conservative Party over the issue.

Tags:

UK Government Policy Energy Efficiency Net Zero Targets Environmental Issues

Nick Gutteridge is a freelance journalist based in Brussels, Belgium.

‘There is no magic money tree’, Starmer tells cash-strapped councils

28 Mar 2024  |  The Telegraph  |  English  |  Local Government Funding

Keir Starmer, Labour leader, has warned that cash-strapped councils will not receive extra levelling-up funds if he wins the election, citing economic constraints caused by the Conservative government. He criticized the upcoming council rate hikes as a 'new Tory stealth tax' and emphasized the need for economic growth before additional funding can be provided. Starmer's remarks come amid a financial crisis for many local authorities, with several declaring bankruptcy in recent years. He also attacked Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Chancellor Jeremy Hunt for their economic policies, while Conservative chairman Richard Holden dismissed Starmer's criticisms as cynical.

Tags:

UK Politics Local Government Funding Economic Policy

Balanced

Factuality Scale

Center-Left

Political View

Samir Jeraj is a journalist based in London, United Kingdom. He works as a Special Projects Writer for the New Statesman and has worked on freelance assignments for the Guardian, BBC News, Channel 4 News, The Metro, Inside Housing and the British Medical Journal. He co-authored The Rent Trap, a ...

Why don’t we have a Department for Housing?

01 Feb 2023  |  www.newstatesman.com  |  English  |  Government Policy

The article discusses the high turnover of housing ministers in the UK and the resulting lack of consistent housing policy. It argues for the creation of a dedicated Department for Housing to address the ongoing housing crisis, citing the need for long-term focus, policy development, and political weight. The article highlights the failures of past housing policies, including the Help to Buy program, and compares the situation to other major UK crises that have dedicated ministries. Key figures mentioned include Lucy Frazer, Theresa May, Michael Gove, Rishi Sunak, Aneurin Bevan, and Harold MacMillan.

Tags:

UK Politics Government Policy Housing Crisis

Interpretive

Factuality Scale

Center-Left

Political View

Emma Jones is journalist based in London, United Kingdom. Her specialities acrossTV, radio and print are international news, politics, arts, culture, entertainment and feminism.

The Government must take these five steps to support small businesses in the Budget

15 Oct 2023  |  Mail Online  |  English  |  UK Economy

The article outlines five key recommendations for the Labour government to support small businesses in the UK. These include awarding a third of procurement contracts to small firms, incentivizing technology adoption, addressing late payments by larger firms, continuing existing mentoring programs, and consulting on business rates reform. The article emphasizes the importance of these measures in fostering economic growth and stability for small businesses, drawing on successful international examples from Singapore and South Korea. It also highlights the need for careful consultation to avoid negative impacts on small businesses.

Tags:

Government Policy UK Economy Small Business Support

Interpretive

Factuality Scale

Center-Left

Political View

Nicola Kelly has reported for BBC Radio 4's flagship 'From Our Own Correspondent' and World Service programmes 'Newshour', 'Newsday', 'World Update', 'World Business Report' and 'Focus on Africa'.

Field report and produce mixed packages, interview, dispatches, live and pre-recorded two-ways. 

...

Revealed: UK has failed to resettle Afghans facing torture and death despite promise

01 Oct 2023  |  inkl  |  English  |  UK Government

The UK has failed to resettle Afghans facing torture and death despite promises made under the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme (ACRS). The scheme has been criticized for its slow and inadequate response, with only a handful of staff working on it compared to the Ukraine schemes. Many Afghans who worked for or alongside the UK have been left behind, facing severe threats and violence from the Taliban. The UK government has been accused of incompetence and indifference, with calls for urgent action to bring vulnerable Afghans to safety. The Home Office and Foreign Office have been criticized for their handling of the resettlement process, and the overall effort has been described as a 'fiasco' by critics.

Tags:

UK Government Afghan Resettlement Human Rights

Interpretive

Factuality Scale

Left

Political View

Paul Kilbey is an NCTJ-qualified journalist based in Manchester, United Kingdom. He has been published in the Guardian, Gramophone magazine and elsewhere. As a journalism tutor he has taught public affairs, shorthand and digital and magazine journalism modules for News Associates. He is also active ...

Opinion: Opportunistic Sunak has missed the chance to sink Johnson

03 Jul 2023  |  www.mancunianmatters.co.uk  |  English  |  UK Government

Rishi Sunak's rapid political ascent is scrutinized for its opportunistic nature, highlighting his failure to decisively distance himself from Boris Johnson's controversies. Despite his strategic career moves, Sunak's absence during a critical parliamentary vote is seen as a lack of leadership, contrasting with Keir Starmer's proactive stance. The article suggests that Sunak's reluctance to take bold actions may hinder his effectiveness as Prime Minister.

Tags:

UK Government Politics

Opinionated

Factuality Scale

Center-Left

Political View

Jonathan Lis is a journalist based in London, United Kingdom.

Sunak’s Election Date Guessing Game is Another Attempt at Distraction from his Government’s Incompetence

10 Jan 2024  |  Byline Times  |  English  |  UK General Election

Rishi Sunak's ambiguous statements about the timing of the next general election are seen as a tactic to distract from his government's incompetence. Speculation about the election date is consuming political discourse, diverting attention from pressing issues like the cost of living crisis. The article criticizes Sunak's use of this prerogative and the broader implications for UK democracy, suggesting that the Conservative Party will face public backlash regardless of when the election is held.

Tags:

Government Incompetence UK General Election Politics

Opinionated

Factuality Scale

Left

Political View

Dimitris Mavrokefalidis is a journalist based in Athina, Greece.

A hard working team player who is passionate, focused, organized, fully accountable, adaptable and able to manage multiple priorities at the same time. I meet tight deadlines and deliver excellent performance.

A news journalist, ...

UK Government boosts access to critical minerals with export finance support

31 Oct 2024  |  www.energylivenews.com  |  English  |  UK Government

The UK government has introduced a new initiative allowing UK Export Finance to provide credit guarantees for overseas projects supplying critical minerals like lithium, graphite, and cobalt. This move aims to secure long-term access to these essential materials for UK industries, including electric vehicle manufacturing and renewable energy, amidst growing global demand. Jonathan Reynolds, Secretary of State for Business and Trade, emphasized the importance of this support in maintaining industrial growth and advancing towards net-zero goals.

Tags:

UK Government Critical Minerals Export Finance

Informative

Factuality Scale

Center

Political View

Chris McKeon is a freelance multimedia journalist based in London, United Kingdom. He has worked across the UK and in Africa, and has an interest in current affairs, politics, economics and sport. He has also worked as a country analyst for a risk consultancy.

He has completed an NCTJ diploma ...

Nadine Dorries says 'one or two' Tories plotting to topple PM but she has 'no idea' who

01 Jun 2022  |  The Mirror  |  English  |  UK Government

Nadine Dorries claims a small number of Tory MPs are plotting to remove Boris Johnson, though she does not know who they are. Despite ongoing criticism from various Conservative factions over the Partygate scandal, Dorries insists most MPs support Johnson. The Prime Minister faces increasing pressure to resign, with over 25 MPs publicly calling for his departure. Johnson argues it would be irresponsible to quit amid current crises. His ethics adviser, Lord Geidt, has threatened to resign unless Johnson explains his conduct. Deputy PM Dominic Raab downplays the threat to Johnson's leadership, while the government attempts to shift focus with new policies.

Tags:

UK Government Politics Partygate

Balanced

Factuality Scale

Center-Right

Political View

Lauren Medlicott is a journalist based in Merthyr Tydfil, United Kingdom.

Will a Labour government respond to the UK's falling birth rate?

13 Sept 2024  |  www.politicshome.com  |  English  |  UK Birth Rate

The UK's birth rate has been declining for nearly 15 years, reaching 1.49 children per woman in 2022, below the replacement rate of 2.1. This trend is part of a broader European phenomenon, with implications for public services and economic growth. The Labour government faces challenges in addressing this issue, with debates around pronatalism, immigration, and social policies. While some advocate for pronatalist policies, others on the left express concerns about potential anti-immigration and anti-feminist undertones. The article explores various perspectives, including those of Labour MPs and think tanks, on how to address the declining birth rate and its impact on society.

Tags:

Labour Government UK Birth Rate Pronatalism

Balanced

Factuality Scale

Center-Left

Political View

Andrew Naughtie is a journalist based in Edinburgh, United Kingdom.

Boris Johnson called COVID-19 'a natural way of dealing with old people'

02 Nov 2023  |  ru.euronews.com  |  Russian  |  UK Government

During a public inquiry into the UK government's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, it was revealed that former Prime Minister Boris Johnson made cynical remarks about the high mortality rate among the elderly. Testimonies from senior officials indicated Johnson's skepticism about the measures taken to prevent the virus's spread, even as the NHS was overwhelmed. Johnson reportedly questioned the validity of unsubstantiated claims about preventing infection and expressed frustration over prioritizing virus containment. Dominic Cummings, a former senior aide, provided a detailed statement describing Johnson as impressionable and inconsistent. The inquiry also highlighted Johnson's lack of scientific understanding and his controversial actions during the pandemic, including attending gatherings while the public was under strict lockdown.

Tags:

UK Government COVID-19 Public Inquiry

Interpretive

Factuality Scale

Right

Political View

Vanja Popovic is a journalist based in Beograd, Serbia.

David Cameron, shadow of Brexit chaos or savior?

15 Nov 2023  |  Bloomberg Adria  |  Serbian  |  UK Politics

David Cameron's unexpected return as Foreign Secretary under Prime Minister Rishi Sunak aims to attract centrist voters amid declining support for the Conservative Party. The reshuffle follows internal conflicts and public dissatisfaction post-Brexit. Cameron's controversial political history, including the Brexit referendum, is highlighted. The upcoming UK elections, economic challenges, and shifting voter sentiments are discussed, with expert opinions on the potential impact of Cameron's return on the Conservative Party's fortunes.

Tags:

Government Restructuring UK Politics Brexit

Balanced

Factuality Scale

Center-Right

Political View

Rupert Read is a professor of philosophy at the University of East Anglia. He is a former chair of Green House think tank, and a former Green Party of England and Wales councillor, spokesperson, European parliamentary candidate and national parliamentary candidate. Until recently Rupert was a ...

Who Voted For This, Liz?

05 Oct 2022  |  Byline Times  |  English  |  UK Politics

Liz Truss, having become Prime Minister through a Conservative leadership election, is criticized for implementing radical and damaging policies without a general election mandate. The article argues that her government lacks legitimacy and calls for an immediate general election. It highlights the negative impact of her policies on the environment and economy, benefiting a small elite while harming the broader population. The piece advocates for a progressive alliance among opposition parties to defeat the Conservative government in future elections.

Tags:

Government Policies UK Politics General Election

Opinionated

Factuality Scale

Left

Political View

Dimi Reider is a journalist based in London, United Kingdom.

Labour's first 100 days: Not half as bad as it looks

12 Oct 2024  |  national.thelead.uk  |  English  |  UK Politics

Labour's first 100 days in office have been marked by both achievements and challenges. The party has made bold policy moves, such as rail nationalization and energy initiatives, but has faced setbacks, including scandals and internal rebellions. The upcoming budget presents a significant test, with potential tax hikes and spending cuts. Labour must balance fiscal confidence with economic growth while managing internal party dynamics. The article highlights the need for Labour to craft a compelling narrative to inspire public support and address criticisms from both the right and left.

Tags:

Government Performance UK Politics Labour Party

Balanced

Factuality Scale

Center-Left

Political View

Henry Ridgwell is a journalist.

Cameron Returns to UK Government as Gaza Protests Prompt Political Upheaval

16 Oct 2023  |  www.voanews.com  |  English  |  UK Government

David Cameron returns to the UK government as foreign secretary, succeeding James Cleverly, who becomes the new home secretary after Suella Braverman's dismissal. Cameron, now a peer in the House of Lords, faces significant challenges including the Middle East conflict and the war in Ukraine. His appointment is seen as a signal to the more liberal parts of the Conservative electoral base. The article also touches on the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, Cameron's past criticisms of Israel, and the changing dynamics in UK-China relations. Braverman was sacked following controversy over her comments on pro-Palestinian demonstrations, which coincided with large protests in London.

Tags:

UK Government Political Upheaval Gaza Protests

Balanced

Factuality Scale

Center-Right

Political View

Elliot Smith is a British multimedia journalist with eight years' domestic and international experience covering geopolitics, economics, business and sport, most recently working as a full-time Correspondent for CNBC in London.

Having recently relocated to Copenhagen, he will now be available to ...

OBR's Latest Forecasts Show Tougher Times Ahead for UK Economy

23 Nov 2023  |  CNBC  |  English  |  UK Growth

The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) has revised its economic forecasts, presenting a gloomier outlook than earlier in the year. Inflation is now expected to fall to 2.8% by the end of 2024, higher than the previous estimate of 0.9%, and not reaching the Bank of England's target until 2025. This suggests that interest rates may remain elevated for an extended period. Growth projections for the UK have also been downgraded to 0.6% for this year and 0.7% for the next, a significant decrease from the 1.8% and 2.5% forecasted in March. Lindsay James from Quilter Investors comments that the UK will struggle to recover from these periods of lost growth and questions the effectiveness of the government's strategies for stimulating the economy. With an upcoming election and the Conservatives lagging in polls, James views the Autumn Statement as politically motivated, prioritizing short-term gains over long-term financial stability.

Tags:

Government Policy UK Growth Economic Forecasts Inflation Interest Rates Political Strategy

Serial Entrepreneur, engineering leader, and executive with over 25 years of experience in artificial intelligence, machine learning, business, consumer, and financial technologies. Proficient in large-scale technology transformations, agile development, collaborative leadership, and corporate ...

UK economy shrank unexpectedly by 0.1% in January

10 Mar 2023  |  BBC  |  English  |  UK Economy

The UK economy unexpectedly contracted by 0.1% in January, primarily due to a decline in the manufacturing sector, posing challenges for the government ahead of its Spring Statement. Chancellor Rachel Reeves faces pressure to adhere to tax and spending rules amid weak economic growth and upcoming tax increases. The Office for Budget Responsibility is expected to lower its growth forecast, prompting potential cuts to the welfare budget. The Bank of England has already halved its growth forecast for the year. The government is also under pressure to increase defense spending, while businesses express concerns over rising costs and tariffs imposed by the US.

Tags:

Government Policy UK Economy Economic Growth

Balanced

Factuality Scale

Center-Left

Political View

I'm an energy and environment multimedia journalist, based in Brussels. I specialise in EU politics and EU policy, particularly around energy, climate, environment and circular economy. I've covered stories, both on the politics and practicalities of these topics. Previously, I was an investigative ...

Environment: The UK reverses course and supports the suspension of deep-sea mining

02 Oct 2023  |  euractiv.it  |  Italian  |  UK Government

The UK government has announced its support for a moratorium on commercial deep-sea mining, reversing its previous stance. This decision follows criticism from scientists, parliamentarians, and environmentalists. The UK joins a growing list of countries advocating for a pause in deep-sea mining until sufficient scientific evidence is available to assess its environmental impact. The move has been praised by various environmental organizations and aligns with broader international efforts to protect marine ecosystems. The UK government will also establish a scientific network to study the environmental impact of deep-sea mining.

Tags:

UK Government Environmental Policy Deep-Sea Mining

Interpretive

Factuality Scale

Center-Left

Political View

I'm a London-based freelance journalist, with my work published by media outlets, including Financial Times’ publications, BBC Travel, Huffington Post, Africa Report, The European, World Politics Review, The Times and The Sunday Times supplements.

As a journalist, I specialise in business, ...

Oracle and IBM win UK Government deals with £711 million for ERP projects

03 Oct 2024  |  www.techerati.com  |  English  |  UK Government Contracts

The UK Government has allocated £711 million to Oracle and IBM for modernizing ERP software across several departments, including the Department for Work & Pensions and the Ministry of Justice. The Synergy Programme aims to develop a Common Operating Model and enhance shared services. Despite the strategic value, the implementation has faced criticism from the Public Accounts Committee for inadequate funding and planning. Oracle and IBM have secured long-term contracts, with Oracle on a ten-year deal and IBM on a five-year contract.

Tags:

UK Government Contracts ERP Modernization

Balanced

Factuality Scale

EJ Ward is a Broadcast Journalist based in London, United Kingdom. With experience working across a range of media EJ is skilled at broadcast journalism and live reporting. Experienced in managing a newsroom he currently works as a News Editor and Producer for Sino Radio UK, part of the GBTIMES ...

On Tuesday he loves the policy, 24 hours later he quits over it: Nick Ferrari grills minister over Jenrick's resignation

07 Dec 2023  |  LBC  |  English  |  UK Politics

Robert Jenrick resigned from his ministerial position over disagreements with the UK Government's new migration policy, which he believes does not go far enough to stop small boat crossings. The policy, which includes treating Rwanda as a safe country, has faced criticism from within the Conservative Party, with some members fearing it could lead to electoral failure. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak expressed disappointment over Jenrick's resignation, emphasizing the need for party unity. The legislation's compatibility with the European Convention on Human Rights remains uncertain, as highlighted by Home Secretary James Cleverly.

Tags:

Government Resignation UK Politics Immigration Policy

Balanced

Factuality Scale

Center-Right

Political View