Displaying items by tag: resignations

Donald Trump has intensified his criticism of the BBC, threatening a billion-dollar lawsuit over what he claims was a dishonest editing of a speech he delivered before the 6 January 2021 Capitol riot. The threat follows the resignation of BBC director-general Tim Davie, who stepped down amid the controversy. Trump told Fox News he felt an 'obligation' to sue, accusing the broadcaster of 'defrauding the public' and turning what he described as a calming speech into something radical. His legal team has demanded a full retraction of what they consider defamatory statements, warning that failure to comply will trigger legal action. Sir Ed Davey has urged Keir Starmer to ask Trump to drop the lawsuit. Starmer defended the BBC as a vital and independent institution, across the world, while acknowledging the need for accuracy and accountability. Culture secretary Lisa Nandy warned MPs against undermining the broadcaster, emphasising its national importance as charter review approaches. The situation has reignited debates around impartiality, political pressure, and the future governance of the BBC.

Rishi Sunak has had to make a cabinet reshuffle after two Tory ministers announced their resignations. Robert Halfon, the skills minister, has decided to step down at the next general election. Known for his advocacy of blue-collar Conservatism, he has been a prominent figure in the party. James Heappey has resigned as armed forces minister, having already announced plans to leave parliament. He praised the armed forces and MOD civil servants, reflecting on his tenure and the ongoing need to support Ukraine. The reshuffle includes moving Nus Ghani to be minister for Europe and Leo Docherty to the ministry of defence. To date 63 Conservative MPs, including notable figures like Theresa May and Sajid Javid, have said they plan not to contest the next election. Sunak commended Heappey's contribution to the Government's defence agenda and acknowledged Halfon's commitment to apprenticeships and social mobility. The departures add to the challenges facing Sunak, as the Conservative Party trails significantly behind Labour in polls. See

On 15 November, the day after Theresa May persuaded her cabinet to endorse the draft EU agreement, two cabinet ministers (including Dominic Raab, the Brexit secretary) and three junior ministers resigned in protest, and Mrs May had to defend her actions against a chorus of criticism by MPs. At the time of writing her survival was far from certain. However, she resolutely defended the deal, saying, ‘The course I have set out is the right one for our country and all our people. Am I going to see this through? Yes.’ Meanwhile, Michel Barnier and his colleagues also have to ask the 27 EU members to approve the draft agreement, which might raise further difficulties. On 25 November, the draft deal will go to an EU summit, and in December it will need to be approved by Parliament.  Given the degree of turmoil, your prayers are needed more than ever. To help you in this, you might want to use the declaration issued by Passion for the Nation, entitled ‘The Mother of Parliaments’. See http://passionforthenation.uk/