UK News
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Reeves is likely to expose a public finance shortfall of billions
An assessment of public spending pressures will reveal accusations of a "black hole" worth tens of billions of pounds by the new administration. Chancellor Rachel Reeves said she will make a presentation to Parliament on Monday that is "honest" about the nature of the problem before the new Labour government. She promised to "fix the mess we inherited," but refused to confirm reports that the "black hole" amounted to more than £20 billion per year.
Government stats show greatest drink-drive deaths since 2009
Drink-driving deaths on British roads have reached a 13-year high, according to government estimates. According to the most recent Department for Transport data, an estimated 300 persons were killed in collisions involving at least one driver who exceeded the legal alcohol limit in 2022. That is up from 260 the previous year, and it is the biggest yearly total since 2009 when 380 deaths occurred.
Sunak rejected the advice to free convicts early, while PM
Rishi Sunak's Downing Street team rejected suggestions a year ago to seek early release of prisoners who had served less than half their sentences to alleviate prison overcrowding problems. The suggestions were discussed inside No. 10 in June 2023, and Keir Starmer's government endorsed a version two weeks ago. According to insiders, Ministry of Justice officials asked No 10 to formally explore the move again in July 2023, this time in writing. However, it was rejected because Sunak's aides feared Tory backbenchers would oppose it.
UK obtains a seabed land agreement to boost wind farms
The Crown Estate's British seabed will be utilized to assist in developing wind farms as part of the UK's ambition to increase its energy independence. It's the first major statement from Great British Energy, Labour's new publicly owned energy firm. The company aims to increase renewable energy projects, supported by £8.3 billion in public investment and a windfall tax on oil and gas companies. Energy Secretary Ed Miliband stated that the project would "lead to lower bills" for homeowners.
No measure to decrease the voting age to 16 in King’s Speech
The King's Speech does not include Labour's manifesto vow to cut the voting age from 18 to 16 in UK general elections. However, Commons leader Lucy Powell said that votes for 16 and 17-year-olds were still a promise, and she hoped they would be able to vote in the next general election. During the 2014 election campaign, the Conservative Party accused Labour of attempting to "distort the political system" to consolidate power.
Vaughan Gething to resign as Welsh First Minister
Vaughan Gething has resigned as First Minister of Wales just four months after being elected, following widespread criticism of his leadership. Vaughan Gething has announced his resignation as Welsh First Minister after four cabinet members resigned in protest of his leadership. In a statement issued Tuesday morning, Mr Gething stated that he had "taken the difficult decision to begin the process of stepping down". He will now consider a schedule for his successor's election.
Jay Slater: Tenerife court finds British teenager’s body
The 19-year-old was last heard from on June 17 after setting out to walk for approximately 11 hours from a northern region of the Spanish island back to his holiday accommodation in the south. A court official confirmed that the body discovered by rescue workers in Tenerife is that of British teenager Jay Slater. A court spokesperson in Tenerife said fingerprints taken during a post-mortem proved the body was that of the British youngster.
Princess Charlotte’s ‘pinky promise’ to Lucy Shuker while joining Princess of Wales for Wimbledon final
Princess Charlotte made a 'pinky promise' to tennis player Lucy Shuker ahead of the Wimbledon final, indicating a chemistry between the two. At the famous athletic event, the nine-year-old Princess accompanied the Princess of Wales, 42, to witness Carlos Alcaraz face Novak Djokovic in the Grand Slam at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in London. Before taking their seats in the Royal Box, the mother-daughter combo met with female tennis stars, each presenting Kate with a bouquet.
Princess of Wales to attend Wimbledon men’s final
The Princess of Wales will make her second public appearance since her cancer diagnosis was publicized earlier this year, following her attendance at Trooping the Colour last month. Kensington Palace has confirmed that the Princess of Wales will attend Wimbledon's men's final on Sunday. Kate is poised to make her second public appearance since her cancer diagnosis was publicized earlier this year, following her attendance at Trooping the Colour last month.
Post Office boss Read ‘stepping back’ before Horizon inquiry testimony
Nick Read told staff that he plans to devote his "entire attention" to hearings in September that will look into existing Post Office practices. Nick Read, the Post Office's chief executive, is taking a temporary leave of absence to prepare for the next stage of the Horizon scandal inquiry. Mr Read, who succeeded the widely criticized Paula Vennells after she stepped down in 2019, told workers in a note that he wanted to devote his "entire attention" to the stage of the hearings in September that will investigate current Post Office procedures.
Hakluyt CEO Chandra to lead Labour business
Varun Chandra, who has led the corporate intelligence firm since 2019, is in line for a key business liaison position at 10 Downing Street. The CEO of Hakluyt, a corporate intelligence firm, is being considered for a prominent business position in Sir Keir Starmer's emerging Labour cabinet. Varun Chandra, Hakluyt's managing partner since 2019, is in advanced talks about joining the government.
Reform UK under pressure to verify all candidates are legit
Reform UK has been pressed to produce proof that its general election candidates were all actual people after questions were raised about several candidates who stood without submitting images, biographies, or contact information. Reform asserts that all of its 609 candidates on July 4 were genuine while admitting that some were essentially "paper candidates" who performed no campaigning and were there to help increase the party's vote share.