Displaying items by tag: United Kingdom

Survivors of abuse associated with John Smyth, a prolific child abuser linked to the Church of England, are urging further resignations following Justin Welby’s decision on 13 November to step down. A review revealed Welby 'could and should have’ reported Smyth’s abuse in 2013. Many survivors maintain that his resignation alone is insufficient, and insist that all individuals involved in the cover-up be held accountable. An independent report detailed the Church’s historical inaction, describing it as a 'missed opportunity' to bring Smyth to justice before his death in 2018. Bishop Rachel Treweek emphasised the need for further accountability, while Bishop Martin Gorick expressed discomfort with the situation. See also

Despite a recent Bank of England base rate cut from 5% to 4.75%, many major lenders have increased mortgage rates and withdrawn top deals, leading to higher costs for borrowers. Around 200 deals have disappeared from the market in the past month. After the Bank’s rate reduction, average two-year and five-year fixed mortgage rates have increased to 5.44% and 5.17% respectively. Experts suggest lenders are raising rates to manage demand and maintain service standards as market conditions fluctuate. Notably, smaller lender MPowered Mortgages has reduced rates, contrasting with the broader trend. Borrowers are advised to secure current deals promptly to mitigate further costs.

Keir Starmer's arrival at COP29, with a bold promise to cut the UK’s carbon emissions by 81% by 2035, stands out as a beacon of hope amid an otherwise bleak start to the climate talks. Despite the absence of many key leaders, including Joe Biden, Starmer's commitment aims to demonstrate the UK's determination to transition away from fossil fuels and lead the way toward a net-zero economy. However, achieving this ambitious goal will require significant effort and expense, particularly in overhauling energy systems and enhancing energy efficiency at home.While the 81% emissions target is aligned with the Climate Change Act, which was supported across parties, the scale of the challenge presents a political risk. The focus at COP29 is primarily on financial mechanisms for supporting poorer nations in their climate transitions, but the UK, like many other wealthy nations, is hesitant to increase financial contributions. See also World article, ‘COP29: more finance needed’.

Urfan Sharif, father of ten-year-old Sara, has admitted responsibility for her death during his murder trial at the Old Bailey. Sharif confessed to beating her with a metal pole and other objects, inflicting severe injuries leading to her death. Despite previously blaming his wife, he now admits he ‘takes full responsibility’. In the weeks before her death, he removed Sara from school, escalated physical punishment, and bound her with tape. At the time of her death, Sara was found with multiple fractures, burns, and severe external injuries. Although Sharif acknowledged he beat her, he maintains it was intended as 'discipline,' denying intent to kill. Despite his confession, he declined to change his not guilty plea to murder. Sharif, his wife, and his brother fled to Pakistan after her death but were arrested upon their return to the UK. The trial continues as the court seeks justice for Sara.

MPs have supported a bill to remove hereditary peers from the House of Lords, which currently reserves 92 seats for individuals who inherit their titles. The bill, passed by 435 votes to 73, now moves to the Lords, where it faces opposition. Conservatives argue that the move aims to replace scrutinising peers with Labour appointees. Some MPs proposed additional reforms, including removing CofE bishops from the Lords, but these were rejected. Liberal Democrat and SNP representatives pushed for a fully elected House of Lords, while Labour’s manifesto suggests introducing a retirement age and eventually replacing the Lords with a representative second chamber. Cabinet office minister Ellie Reeves defended the Government’s approach, saying hereditary seats contradict modern principles of fairness. Critics within the Lords, however, view the bill as politically motivated and detrimental to the chamber’s role in scrutinising government actions.

DIY retailer Homebase has entered administration, putting 2,000 jobs at risk. Its owner had hoped to sell the struggling retailer but failed to secure a buyer. The Range has purchased up to 75 Homebase stores and the brand, saving approximately 1,600 jobs, but 49 stores remain unsold. The administrators are continuing to seek a buyer for these locations; no immediate redundancies have been announced, and the stores will continue trading for now. The firm’s collapse follows years of financial difficulties, exacerbated by a decline in consumer spending after the pandemic, persistent inflation, supply chain disruptions, inability to match the price and quality of competitors, and unseasonably poor weather. Losses totalled £84.2 million last year, and despite efforts to restructure and secure investment, the company’s financial struggles persisted. The situation reflects broader trends in the home improvement sector, where high inflation and consumer caution have hit sales.

In her debut at Prime Minister's Questions (PMQs) as the new leader of the opposition, Kemi Badenoch showcased a robust approach, promising 'constructive opposition' and addressing both US-UK relations and domestic issues. She began by questioning Labour leader Keir Starmer on his party’s previous criticisms of Donald Trump, who had recently won the US presidential election. She suggested Starmer extend an invitation for Trump to address Parliament, though he did not respond directly. Starmer, however, affirmed his commitment to maintaining strong US-UK ties. Badenoch then pivoted to the Budget, criticising Labour's 'family farms tax' and questioning how it would affect farmers. Despite tensions, both leaders congratulated Trump on his victory. Badenoch’s performance was seen as confident, signalling her readiness to challenge Starmer and the current administration's policies on multiple fronts.

Donald Trump's presidential victory brings uncertainty for the UK, as his often unpredictable style prompts questions on future relations. Both UK and US leaders have engaged diplomatically, with Keir Starmer and foreign secretary David Lammy working to strengthen ties. Recently, Starmer and Lammy met Trump in New York, with Trump accommodating their visit - a gesture signalling diplomatic goodwill. Lammy has also made several trips to the USA, showing an effort to understand Trump’s 'America First' priorities. However, despite efforts at outreach, Lammy acknowledges potential friction, especially on European defence spending and the USA's shifting focus towards Asia. Concerns loom over future support for Ukraine, and there is apprehension about potential economic impacts, including tariffs and trade disagreements. While the UK has prepared for various outcomes, a Trump second term is expected to be marked by a transactional, sometimes tense, relationship that impacts both nations.

Taoiseach Simon Harris has officially confirmed that Ireland will hold a general election on Friday 29 November, ending months of speculation. Following a European Council meeting in Budapest, Harris plans to return to Dublin to initiate the three-week campaign, expected to focus on critical issues such as housing, healthcare, the cost of living, immigration, and climate. The election announcement follows pressure on Harris from within his own party, Fine Gael, particularly after his personal approval rating surged to 55% in September. It comes on the heels of this summer’s local and European elections, where Sinn Féin underperformed, prompting the party to adjust its strategy and field around 70 candidates. The Taoiseach’s decision for an early election was also influenced by support from coalition leaders.

Keir Starmer is updating the ministerial code to address growing concerns over ministers accepting hospitality and gifts. While an outright ban was considered, the revised code instead emphasises public perception and accountability, allowing ministers to accept gifts if they can justify them in alignment with public expectations. New procedures include a hospitality register  that requires full disclosure of gift values, submitted every month instead of quarterly. This brings their reporting requirements closer to MPs, who must update interests within 28 days. The changes respond to recent controversies surrounding Starmer and other ministers who accepted high-value gifts, including Taylor Swift concert tickets and designer clothing. Although he has faced criticism for delayed declarations, he asserts that all rules were followed. The update aligns with Labour’s commitment to high standards in government, though some feel stricter measures are needed. The establishment of a dedicated Ethics and Integrity Commission remains pending as part of Labour’s broader ethics reform efforts.