Business groups ‘welcome’ maths focus to plug ‘skills gap’ April 17, 2023 Business groups say Rishi Sunak’s focus on maths is a “welcome” measure to plug key “skills gaps” as Britain goes for growth, despite concerns over a lack of teachers. The Prime Minister has unveiled plans to transform the UK’s approach to maths education, including an expert advisory group, maths hubs and a new primary teaching [...]
Rishi Sunak: PM under investigation for possible failure to ‘declare interest’ April 17, 2023 Prime minister Rishi Sunak is under investigation by the Parliamentary standards watchdog over the possible failure to declare an interest. The House of Commons Standards Commissioner looks at evidence to determine whether individual MPs may have broken the rules of conduct. An investigation was opened into Sunak, who is also MP for Richmond in Yorkshire, [...]
Grand National protests: More than 60 animal rights activists in custody April 17, 2023 More than 60 animal rights activists are in custody after a large number of protesters attempted to gain entry to the Aintree Racecourse track, delaying the start of the Grand National, Merseyside Police said. Officers arrested 118 people on Saturday after scores of activists climbed fences, with at least two fixing themselves to a jump [...]
‘A breath of fresh air’ vs ‘more to do’: What City grandees have to say about Sunak April 17, 2023 As Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer doesn’t tire of reminding voters: expertise beyond politics can be invaluable. For the current resident behind that most famous front door, it’s so far proved an advantage. Liz Truss’ accountancy background may not have aided her short-lived leadership bout, but – for the City’s boardrooms at least – her [...]
Labour attack ad backfires to dent own reputation, polling finds April 17, 2023 Labour’s controversial attack ad, which claimed Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was failing to ensure child sexual abusers serve prison time, has damaged the party in the polls, it has emerged. The divisive online ad campaign also saw the party hit out at the Conservative’s record on the justice system and at Sunak’s wife Akshata Murty’s [...]
SNP leader Humza Yousaf denies party close to bankruptcy April 16, 2023 Humza Yousaf has denied the Scottish National Party (SNP) faces bankruptcy as he confirmed forensic auditors could be appointed to investigate its finances. The first minister said a governance and transparency review would be carried out as he insisted the SNP is “solvent”. Yousaf, speaking shortly after the SNP’s National Executive Council (NEC) met, said: [...]
G7 ministers set big targets for solar and wind but stop short of phasing out coal April 16, 2023 The G7 has set big new collective targets for solar power and offshore wind capacity, but stopped short of a quicker date for phasing out coal.
Top Tory donor says he won’t give Conservative party any more cash April 16, 2023 Top Tory donor and hotel mogul Sir Rocco Forte has said he won’t hand over any more cash to the Conservative Party. Speaking to GB News, the businessman, who founded the world famous Rocco Forte hotel chain, said the party no longer stands for anything he believes in and that he was “not a fan” [...]
Former COP26 president Alok Sharma denies bullying allegations April 16, 2023 Conservative MP and former COP26 president Sir Alok Sharma has been accused of “bullying” civil servants, according to a report. Sharma is said to have been “difficult, unpredictable and could quickly lose his temper”, according to allegations reported by Bloomberg. Four senior officials who worked with Sharma between 2020 and 2022 claimed the minister would [...]
Rishi Sunak bans new smart motorways amid safety concerns April 16, 2023 The building of new smart motorways is being cancelled as prime minister Rishi Sunak acknowledged concerns about safety and cost. Fourteen planned smart motorways – including 11 that are already paused and three earmarked for construction – will be removed from government road building plans, given financial pressures and in recognition of the lack of [...]