Author: News Desk

King’s Speech: Rishi Sunak missed his chance for a reset Sky News says Rishi Sunak is a prime minister who likes to talk about long-term decision-making and being a leader prepared to take “tough choices” to change the UK. On Tuesday, we heard it all again in the opening sentences of the first King’s Speech in more than 70 years: “My government’s priority is to make difficult but necessary long-term decisions to change this country for the better.” But the truth is there is no such thing as the long-term for a prime minister facing an election, perhaps just a…

King’s Speech begins countdown to next UK general election The FT says King Charles III started the countdown to the next UK election on Tuesday, setting out 21 pieces of legislation that Prime Minister Rishi Sunak hopes to define his priorities and sharpen dividing lines with Labour. But many Tory MPs gave the package of bills in the King’s Speech a lukewarm reception, while Downing Street was forced to put the brakes on controversial plans to crack down on rough sleeping. The King’s Speech, the first delivered by a male monarch in more than 70 years, was laden with political…

Rishi Sunak’s first King’s Speech labelled a ‘damp squib’ by Tory MPs The Independent says Rishi Sunak used his first – and possibly only – King’s Speech to outline plans for tougher jail sentences and to ease the environmental “burden” on households, as part of a last-ditch effort to reverse his party’s fortunes. The speech confirmed plans to see murderers spend life behind bars and for criminals to attend court for sentencing, while also outlining proposals to extend the use of controversial lie detectors by probation officers, a promised smoking ban and a potential new tax on vapes. But there…

If the king sounds bored by the king’s speech, what hope have the rest of us? The Guardian says The lords and ladies started filing into the upper chamber two hours before proceedings were due to start. A riot of scarlet and ermine. No dressing-up box left unturned. Old costume tiaras from Claire’s Accessories dusted down. Apart from one woman sitting near the throne who appeared to have a vegetable garden growing out of her head. They do things differently in the upper chamber. Most of all there was the sense of entitlement. There wasn’t a man or woman in…

The man was swimming in Cyprus when he lost consciousness in the water

‘What a movie.’

UK Covid inquiry: ‘Johnson government more like an opposition’ – Mark Sedwill The UK Covid inquiry continues today as the former cabinet secretary and head of the civil service Mark Sedwill gives evidence. Sedwill has told the inquiry the “candour” of cabinet discussions was “constrained” by Boris Johnson setting out firm views at the beginning of meetings. He quit the cabinet in June 2020 after reports of a rift with Johnson’s team. He later criticised “damaging” anonymous attacks on officials. Part of his role was to advise former PM Boris Johnson on implementing policy and government conduct. Last week, Dominic…

Aside from showing how profitable Super Mario’s become, Nintendo’s latest fiscal report may reveal new features of the Switch 2.

No grounds to ban pro-Palestinian march, says Met chief The Met boss Sir Mark Rowley has said the pro-Palestinian march set to take place on Armistice Day would only be banned as a “last resort.”  Rowley said they will do all the can to protect remembrance activities and Jewish communities. He said police cannot ban static protests under UK law, but can recruit the power to stop a march if a threat of serious disorder emerges. But he said the “very high” threshold had not yet been reached. Sir Mark notes the use of the power was “incredibly rare” and…

Labour MP quits front bench over Gaza Labour shadow minister Imran Hussain has quit Sir Keir’s front bench over his desire to “strongly advocate for a ceasefire” in Gaza. Hussain was the shadow minister for the New Deal for Working People. He said he remained committed to Labour’s agenda but that his view on Gaza differed “substantially” from the party. Labour is pushing for a humanitarian pause, saying that was the most realistic way to address the crisis. Sir Keir says a ceasefire would allow Hamas to carry out future attacks but allowing a humanitarian pause means aid could get…