Politics

The House of Commons was marred by controversy today after Tory whips refused to nod through a Labour MP on morphine in a crucial day in parliament. MPs have gathered to debate the EU withdrawal bill as Theresa May searched for a "meaningful vote" to head off a rebellion on Brexit. But the day has already agitated many politicians and commentators after the government decided not to “nod through” sick MPs. Two Labour MPs coming from hospital were denied entry, including one...

Home Secretary Sajid Javid has told the House of Commons that the use of cannabis in medical treatment will be reviewed. While ruling out any changes on recreational cannabis use, with the drug remaining criminalised as a Class B scheduled drug, the Home Secretary mentioned recent high profile cases. Javid said that the plights of the families of Alfie Dingley and Billy Caldwell had led him to review whether drugs made from the plant could be used for medicine. In...

There have been further warnings of a weakening of the UK economy, as we approach Brexit. This time the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) predicts gross domestic product (GDP) will increase 1.3 per cent in 2018, a downgrade from its previous forecast of 1.4 per cent. It has also sliced its 2019 GDP outlook from 1.5 per cent down to 1.4 per cent. Adam Marshall, director general of the BCC said the UK faces another “extended period of weak growth”....

Just like the NHS pay deal, a closer look at figures shows this 'late night petrol station guilt gift' is more sleight of hand from the PM after years of neglect, says union. GMB, the union for NHS staff, has criticised the PM for yet more health service sleight of hand. Theresa May unveiled an extra £20bn in funding for the NHS in a speech today But the Tories’ unfunded commitment works out as just 3.4% a year - after...

Yesterday Theresa May announced her £20bn "Brexit dividend" spending increase for the NHS, but immediately came under fire, with many claiming her figures were misleading or just plain wrong. The PM told Andrew Marr that: “At the moment, as a member of the European Union, every year we spend significant amounts of money on our subscription, if you like, to the EU. "When we leave we won’t be doing that. It’s right that we use that money to spend on our priorities,...

With confidence in a divided Conservative government’s ability to negotiate a Brexit that makes sense for Britain, Europe and Northern Ireland at an all-time low – both at home and abroad, Theresa May urgently needed some good news. And according to the front pages of the newspapers that have been cheerleaders for Brexit and more likely to scream “traitors” than report concerns from any quarters, the “Brexit Dividend” is just the good news soundbite that our PM needed. This week...

It is hard not to be shocked, as a Tory MP has blocked a law to make upskirting illegal. Sir Christopher Chope decided to chip in with a last minute objection. The MP for Christchurch and also a barrister, shouted out "object" to the private members bill. He was met with shouts of "shame" by others in the house. The Voyeurism (Offences) Bill was all set to progress into law, having won support from the Ministry of Justice before it was brought before...

Jacob Rees-Mogg, one of the most vocal supporters of Brexit, has come under criticism due to a business he helped to launch. Rees-Mogg answered questions about Somerset Capital Management (SCM) who have launched an investment vehicle in Ireland. The Irish operation’s prospectus listed Brexit as a risk, which could cause "considerable uncertainty.” Rees-Mogg has consistently told the public, and Parliament, that the UK will prosper post-Brexit and could even become a stronger economy than at present. Addressing the issue of...

The High Court has judged that the DWP (Department for Work and Pensions) cut the benefits for two severely disabled men when they moved onto universal credit. Both men saw a drop in their income of around £178 a month when they were placed on universal credit, instead of their old entitlements. The Government had acted 'unlawfully' by denying the men a 'top up' on their Universal Credit claim due to their severe disability. Lawyers for the men said the...