The House of Commons Speaker, John Bercow, has said the government cannot bring back the meaningful vote again to parliament unless there has been substantial change to the Brexit deal. In a shock move likely… Read More
UK news
Knife and weapon offences reach highest level since 2009
The criminal justice system dealt with the highest number of knife and offensive weapon offences in nearly a decade last year, official figures have shown. In 2018, 21,484 knife and offensive weapon offences were recorded,… Read More
Hammond warns Brexiter Tories to back May deal or face softer cross-party plan
Conservative MPs should finally get behind Theresa May’s Brexit plan in yet another Commons vote, Philip Hammond has argued, saying the alternatives were either a softer, cross-party Brexit or a long delay to departure. After… Read More
Civil service stressed and floundering amid Brexit paralysis
With just 16 days until Brexit, evidence is emerging of deep tensions in Whitehall as the civil service battles to plan for a no-deal scenario. Civil servants say they have been frustrated by political paralysis,… Read More
Brexit chaos in the Commons: what just happened?
What has been decided? Parliament has said the government should rule out the idea of a no-deal Brexit not just on 29 March, but ever, after a backbench amendment was passed. What votes took place?… Read More
Government to slash tariffs to zero in case of no-deal Brexit
Tariffs will be slashed to zero on 87% of imports to the UK as part of a temporary no-deal plan to prevent a £9bn price shock to business and consumers, the government has announced. But… Read More
Scotland ‘can hold independence vote without UK’s go-ahead’
The deputy leader of the Scottish National party has said Nicola Sturgeon should call a second independence referendum without waiting for the legal powers to do so. Keith Brown told an audience of independence activists… Read More
Greggs sales top £1bn for first time as it bucks high street slowdown
Greggs had a milestone year in 2018 with sales topping £1bn for the first time, while the launch of its vegan sausage roll provided a strong start to 2019. The UK’s largest bakery chain said… Read More