Proposal to increase prison space may require an additional £4 billion and still fall short by thousands of cells

The Labour Party has committed to creating the 20,000 additional prison cells that the Conservatives had previously committed to, yet the government's fiscal oversight authority has indicated that these plans may not be adequate to address anticipated future needs.

Wednesday, December 4, 2024, 12:

Whitehall's fiscal oversight authority has cautioned that government proposals to expand prison capacity may exceed budget forecasts by billions and miss the targeted increase in cell spaces by thousands.

The National Audit Office (NAO) has indicated that existing expansion plans for prisons will not meet the anticipated future needs, projecting a deficit of 12,400 prison spaces by the close of 2027.

According to the National Audit Office, projected expenses are now anticipated to range from £9.4 billion to £10.1 billion, which is an increase of at least £4.2 billion over the estimates from 2021, primarily because of escalating construction costs.

Latest in Politics: Starmer Faces Off with Badenoch at Prime Minister's Questions

Since September, the Labour administration under Sir Keir Starmer has initiated the early release of thousands of prisoners in an effort to reduce overcrowding in jails. Despite these measures, it is anticipated that prison populations will once again hit critical levels by July.

A study released on Wednesday criticized the former Conservative administration for not aligning policies such as extended prison terms and increased police presence with the capacity of the prison facilities.

Activists described the results as "shocking" and noted that the escalating expenses are "staggering."

The National Audit Office has indicated that the Conservative government's 2021 commitment to add 20,000 new prison cells through the construction of additional prisons, temporary extensions, and the renovation of current facilities is expected to be fulfilled by 2031, which is a delay of five years from the originally scheduled completion date.

The Labour Party has committed to uphold the former administration's vow. However, according to the NAO, only about 6,700 out of the promised 20,000 spots had been provided by September.

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Setbacks were attributed to "impractical schedules" and an overestimation of the capacity to secure planning approvals for three of the six planned new prisons.

Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, who leads the Commons Public Accounts Committee responsible for overseeing government expenditure, expressed that prisons are "already at the brink." He criticized the ongoing delays in planning as "unacceptable," noting that they fail to address future capacity needs.

"The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has been focusing primarily on immediate, temporary fixes to the crisis. These measures are costly and also heighten the risks to inmates, personnel, and public safety," he stated.

"It is essential for the government to develop a comprehensive and effective long-term strategy for the prison system that satisfies the requirements of the population and ensures efficient use of taxpayers' funds."

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The report noted: "A prolonged period of insufficient funding for the upkeep of prison facilities left the Ministry of Justice and HMPPS ill-prepared to handle these escalations."

The report indicates that the existing plans for expansion do not meet the anticipated future needs, with the Ministry of Justice depending on initiatives such as the sentencing review introduced by Labour in October.

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The examination aims to "diminish the need for prison spaces and bridge the difference between necessity and availability," and to "tackle an anticipated deficit of 12,400 prison spots by the close of 2027, if its primary population estimate comes to pass," according to the report.

The National Audit Office has cautioned that the Ministry of Justice lacks backup plans to expand prison capacity, believing its options for doing so are few.

Pia Sinha, the head of the Prison Reform Trust, described the report’s conclusions as "severe," highlighting the "carelessness of past administrations in their handling of criminal justice policies" which has burdened taxpayers with a "staggering cost and no definite resolution to the persistent issue of prison overcrowding."

Andrea Coomber, the head of the Howard League for Penal Reform, described the report as "scathing" and emphasized that "we cannot build our way out of the prison capacity crisis." She added that it's necessary to "reduce demand on a system that has been overstretched, under-resourced, and overburdened for an extended period."

NAO Chief Gareth Davies stated, "It is crucial for the government to derive insights from the ongoing crisis regarding prison capacity to guarantee both the sustainability and financial efficiency of the prison infrastructure in the future."

Prisons Minister Lord Timpson stated, "This report clearly exposes a series of shortcomings that pushed our prison system to the edge. These issues not only jeopardized public safety but also led to billions in additional costs for taxpayers."

"We have promptly responded to the overcrowding crisis in our prisons and are now shifting our attention to long-term improvements. This will involve the upcoming release of a 10-year strategy for prison capacity, aimed at ensuring our facilities are sustainably managed."

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UK's Armed Forces Could Collapse 'Within Six Months to a Year' in Significant Conflict, Official Claims

Veterans Minister Al Carns emphasizes the necessity of expanding the army's reserves, pointing out the importance of drawing from a broader societal base.

Security and Defense Editor @haynesdeborah

Wednesday, December 4, 2024, 2:

A defense minister has stated that the British Army could be wiped out in "six months to a year" if faced with a significant conflict, emphasizing the need to strengthen the UK's reserve forces.

Al Carns, serving as the veterans minister and a reservist, stated that Russian forces in Ukraine are experiencing daily casualties—both killed and injured—totaling approximately 1,500 soldiers.

He stated that Russia's strategy includes the capacity to endure significant losses and continue combat operations, which underscores why the UK must enhance its military reserves across all levels, emphasizing the importance of having a broader base of reservists from various societal sectors.

"Speaking at a RUSI conference in London on reserves, Mr. Carns highlighted that in a conflict of significant magnitude, akin to the situation in Ukraine, and not merely a minor engagement, our military forces could be depleted within six months to a year when factoring in current casualty rates, especially as part of a larger international alliance," Mr. Carns stated.

Military leaders frequently note that while professional soldiers may initiate conflict, it is typically civilians—stepping in as volunteers and reservists—who bring it to a close, as witnessed in Ukraine.

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Mr. Carns, who transitioned from a full-time career as a Royal Marine colonel to politics earlier this year, mentioned that Russia is poised to deploy its third military force in Ukraine.

"According to Mr. Carns, this doesn't suggest that a larger military force is necessary, but it does imply the need for quick mobilization and substantial reinforcement in a crisis situation."

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"The reserves are essential and fundamentally key to the operation. Without them, we are unable to build up forces or tackle the wide range of defense responsibilities."

For many years, the UK has consistently allocated less funding to its once substantial reserve forces, focusing financial resources primarily on the full-time components of the Army, Navy, and Air Force since the conclusion of the Cold War.

This indicates that the reserve forces are short-staffed, inadequately trained, and insufficiently equipped, lacking everything from body armor to weapons and combat vehicles.

Reservists fall into various groups, including those who participate in weekly training sessions and others who are part of what's referred to as the "strategic reserve."

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The strategic reserve includes all ex-military members for a certain time after their active duty ends. This important resource, which can be mobilized during wartime, was regularly trained each year throughout the Cold War, with the Ministry of Defence monitoring the reserve's members and their locations.

The Ministry of Defense no longer tracks the whereabouts or status of all members of the strategic reserve following the cessation of the program post-Cold War, casting doubt on their availability to re-enlist during emergencies.

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Efforts to rejuvenate the reserve forces will necessitate a considerable boost in funding and a renewed initiative to connect with the general population to emphasize the value of serving.

"Mr. Carns emphasized the need within government circles to communicate to the public that freedom comes at a cost."

He expressed his anticipation that the upcoming defense review, set for release in the spring, would offer a chance to create a fresh agreement for our reserve forces.

"Mr. Carns emphasized the importance of enhancing our reserves to match the level of our NATO allies."

"We must expand our pool of trained volunteers who can be mobilized quickly when needed."

He emphasized the importance of being aware of the status of our strategic reserve and the necessity to increase it.

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Keir Starmer has declined to disclose the details of the information he received regarding the incident involving Louise Haigh's reported phone 'theft', which prompted her to step down. Louise Haigh stepped down from her role as transport secretary after it came to light through Sky News that she had falsely reported her phone as stolen to the police.

Political journalist @alixculbertson

Wednesday, December 4, 2024, 2:

Sir Keir Starmer has declined to disclose the additional details he received regarding Louise Haigh's alleged phone theft incident, which prompted her resignation as the transport secretary.

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch questioned the prime minister about what fresh insights had emerged regarding Ms. Haigh's previously resolved case, where she had falsely reported a stolen phone to the police in 2014.

Last week, Sky News reported that she acknowledged pleading guilty to providing false information to the police, describing it as a "genuine mistake." She also mentioned that she had disclosed this incident upon her appointment to the shadow cabinet.

She resigned from her position as transport secretary on Friday following the emergence of "new information," according to Downing Street.

Current Political Discourse: 'The nation requires politicians with firm beliefs, not those burdened by legal judgments'

Responding to Ms. Badenoch during Prime Minister’s Questions, Sir Keir stated, "I will not reveal details of private discussions. Additional details emerged. The transport secretary has stepped down."

The Conservative Party leader charged Sir Keir with deliberately selecting a known fraud offender for the role of Transport Secretary, questioning, "What was going through his mind?"

He stated that Ms. Haigh made the correct decision to step down once additional details emerged.

However, Ms. Badenoch criticized him for consistently avoiding questions and permitting an individual convicted of fraud to determine salary increases for public sector employees.

"She also mentioned to the Commons that it appears he failed to question his transport secretary as well,"

In reality, he selected someone with a fraud conviction for a cabinet position.

"Her initial action involved allocating hundreds of millions of pounds for salary increases for her allies in the trade unions. Could this be considered a deception to the British public?"

Ms. Badenoch highlighted that shortly after taking office in July, the Labour Party implemented a 15% salary increase for train drivers.

Additionally, they provided pay increases that exceeded inflation rates to various other public sector employees such as educators, the majority of NHS staff, and military personnel.

Learn more: Strategy to expand jail space. Is Reform gaining traction among male voters?

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Ms. Haigh has not confirmed whether the prime minister was aware of the conviction prior to forming his cabinet in July.

An informant revealed to Sky News' political editor Beth Rigby that the recent allegations surfacing on Thursday did not align with the information Sir Keir had when he selected Ms. Haigh for his shadow cabinet.

Ms. Haigh reported that the situation occurred when she was robbed during an evening outing in 2013.

She informed the police about the incident and provided them with a list of items she thought were stolen, such as a work mobile phone.

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She later revealed to Sky News that she found out the mobile phone in question had not actually been stolen.

Meanwhile, she received a replacement work phone. Upon activating her initial work phone, it "prompted a response from law enforcement, prompting an invitation for me to be questioned," she explained.

"She added that her lawyer had recommended she remain silent during the interview, a suggestion she now regrets having taken."

"Following my lawyer's counsel, I entered a guilty plea, although it was an honest error and I gained nothing from it."

"The judges agreed with all the points made and issued the least severe sentence possible—a discharge."

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2024 Sakharov Prize: Conversations with the Winners and Nominees

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The event celebrating the recipients of the 2024 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, María Corina Machado and Edmundo González Urrutia, is scheduled for Tuesday, December 17.

Reporters interested in scheduling face-to-face interviews with Venezuela's President-elect Edmundo González Urrutia and Ana Corina Sosa, who represents María Corina Machado, the head of Venezuela’s democratic opposition, should fill out the registration form available via this EU survey link by Friday, December 6, no later than 18:00 CET. These interviews can be conducted in either English or Spanish. More information on the European Parliament's 2024 Sakharov Prize can be found here. Additionally, representatives of other finalists for the 2024 Sakharov Prize will be present in Strasbourg during the award ceremony week and are open for interviews. These include Zhala Bayramova, a human rights attorney and activist, who is also the daughter and representative of Dr. Gubad Ibadoghlu, an academic and anti-corruption campaigner from Azerbaijan; Reem Al Hajajra, the director of Women of the Sun; and Pascale Chen, the coordinator of Women, Wage, Peace. English interpretation services will be available. Please be aware that submitting a request does not ensure an interview slot. Applicants will be notified of their interview status by Wednesday, December 11. Interviews are scheduled for Monday afternoon, December 16, and Tuesday afternoon, December 17.

In addition, journalists have the opportunity to join a hybrid media seminar featuring this year’s Sakharov Prize winners and finalists, along with Members of Parliament. This event is set for Tuesday, December 17, from 9:00 to 11:15. For more details, refer to the program here. To sign up, please reach out to media-seminars@europarl.europa.eu.

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Deforestation Legislation: Council Agreement Grants Businesses an Additional Year for Compliance

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Businesses will receive an additional year to align with new EU regulations aimed at curbing deforestation. These regulations will prohibit the sale of goods originating from deforested areas within the EU.

On Tuesday night, representatives from the Parliament and Council came to a tentative political consensus to delay the enforcement of the new regulations. Under this agreement, major operators and traders will be required to comply with the obligations of this regulation starting on December 30, 2025, while micro and small businesses will have until June 30, 2026. This extension aims to provide companies worldwide with sufficient time to integrate the rules effectively from the outset, ensuring the law's goals are not compromised.

The Commission suggested delaying the implementation of the deforestation regulation by a year. This decision comes after EU member states, non-EU nations, traders, and operators expressed worries about their ability to completely adhere to the regulations if they were enforced by the close of 2024.

After Parliament introduced changes to establish a new category for nations deemed as posing "no risk" in terms of deforestation, the Commission committed to evaluating the possibility of simplified regulations for countries that have proven effective and sustainable forest management strategies.

An "emergency break" provision has been added, allowing for further delays in implementing the Regulation if the online platform intended for businesses is not fully functional by December 30, 2025, or if the risk classifications for countries are not released at least six months in advance.

Statement

Following the agreement, Christine Schneider, the Parliament's rapporteur from the EPP in Germany, expressed satisfaction, stating, "We made a commitment and followed through: A one-year extension has been secured, allowing more time for businesses, foresters, farmers, and authorities to prepare. Additionally, we have made sure that the Commission will finalize the online platform and risk categorization promptly, providing greater predictability for everyone involved in the supply chain. Furthermore, an impact assessment and further streamlining will occur during the review phase for low-risk countries or regions, encouraging them to enhance their forest conservation efforts."

We would have liked these enhancements to be directly incorporated into the legislation, but the Council, to our disappointment, declined. Now, the responsibility falls to the Commission to fulfill its promises. As members of Parliament, we will keep a close eye on this procedure since cutting down on red tape is a pressing necessity.

Future actions

The decision on the informal deal reached by the co-legislators is scheduled to be included in the agenda for the European Parliament's upcoming plenary session, which is set to take place from December 16 to 19. For the delay to become effective, both the Parliament and the Council need to approve the agreed-upon text, and it must be published in the EU Official Journal before the year concludes.

Introduction

According to the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), deforestation has claimed 420 million hectares of forest land from 1990 to 2020, an expanse surpassing the size of the European Union. The European Union's consumption is responsible for approximately 10% of worldwide deforestation, with palm oil and soybeans making up over two-thirds of this impact.

On April 19, 2023, Parliament approved a regulation targeting deforestation, with the goal of addressing climate change and the decline of biodiversity. This initiative seeks to curb deforestation linked to the EU's consumption of goods such as cattle, cocoa, coffee, palm oil, soy, wood, rubber, charcoal, and printed paper. The regulation took effect on June 29, 2023, and companies are required to comply with its rules starting December 30, 2024.

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Law on Deforestation: Council Agreement Extends Compliance Deadline for Companies

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Businesses are granted an additional year to adjust to new EU regulations aimed at stopping deforestation, which will prohibit the sale of goods derived from deforested areas within the EU.

On Tuesday night, representatives from the Parliament and Council arrived at a tentative political agreement to delay the enforcement of new regulations. Major operators and traders are now required to comply with the obligations outlined in this regulation starting on December 30, 2025, while micro- and small businesses have until June 30, 2026. This extension aims to assist companies globally in seamlessly adopting the rules from the outset, without compromising the law's goals.

The Commission suggested delaying the implementation of the deforestation regulation by a year. This decision came after EU member states, non-EU countries, traders, and operators expressed worries about their ability to fully adhere to the rules if they were enforced by the end of 2024.

After Parliament introduced changes to establish a new classification for nations that pose "no risk" regarding deforestation, the Commission committed to evaluating the possibility of streamlined regulations for countries that have shown successful and sustainable forest management.

A provision for an "emergency break" has been added, allowing for a further delay of the Regulation if the online portal for businesses is not completely functional by December 30, 2025, or if the risk classifications for countries are not released at least half a year in advance.

C

Following the agreement, Christine Schneider, the rapporteur from the European People's Party (EPP) in Germany, stated: "We made a commitment and have followed through: a one-year delay has been granted, allowing businesses, foresters, farmers, and authorities an extra year to get ready. Furthermore, we have secured a commitment from the Commission to finalize the online platform and risk categorization promptly, providing greater predictability for everyone involved in the supply chain. Lastly, an impact assessment and additional simplification measures will be introduced during the review phase for countries or regions considered low risk, offering an incentive for nations to enhance their forest conservation practices."

While we had hoped for these enhancements to be directly incorporated into the legislation, the Council unfortunately declined. Now, it falls to the Commission to fulfill its promises. In our capacity as Parliament, we will keep a vigilant eye on this development, as there is an immediate need to cut down on red tape.

Subsequent

The informal agreement reached by the colegislators is set to be included in the agenda for the upcoming plenary session of Parliament scheduled for December 16-19. For the delay to be officially implemented, the agreement must receive approval from both the Parliament and the Council and be published in the EU Official Journal by the year's end.

Context

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, approximately 420 million hectares of forest have disappeared due to deforestation from 1990 to 2020, a region exceeding the size of the European Union. The European Union's consumption contributes to roughly 10% of this worldwide deforestation, with palm oil and soybeans making up over two-thirds of the impact.

The regulation addressing deforestation, which was approved by Parliament on April 19, 2023, seeks to combat climate change and the decline of biodiversity by curbing deforestation linked to the EU's use of products such as cattle, cocoa, coffee, palm oil, soy, wood, rubber, charcoal, and printed paper. This regulation has been effective since June 29, 2023, and requires companies to comply with its rules starting December 30, 2024.

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New EU Deforestation Rules: Companies Granted Additional Year for Compliance

Businesses have been granted an extra year to adjust to forthcoming European Union regulations aimed at curbing deforestation. These rules will prohibit the sale of goods produced on deforested land within the EU.

On Tuesday night, representatives from both the Parliament and the Council came to a temporary political consensus to delay the enforcement of the new regulations. Major operators and traders are now required to adhere to these regulations beginning on December 30, 2025, while micro- and small businesses have until June 30, 2026. This extension is designed to assist companies globally in integrating the rules effectively from the outset, ensuring the law's goals remain intact.

The Commission suggested delaying the enforcement of the deforestation regulation by a year. This decision came after EU member states, countries outside the EU, traders, and operators expressed worries about their ability to meet the requirements if the rules were implemented at the end of 2024.

After lawmakers made changes to establish a new group of nations considered to pose "no risk" to deforestation, the Commission committed to evaluating the possibility of streamlining rules for countries that have shown they manage their forests effectively and sustainably.

An "emergency break" provision was added to allow for further delays in the Regulation if the digital platform for businesses isn't up and running by December 30, 2025, or if the risk assessments for countries haven't been released at least half a year in advance.

Statement

Following the agreement, Christine Schneider, the rapporteur from the European People's Party in Germany, stated, "We made a promise and have fulfilled it: A one-year delay has been approved, allowing businesses, foresters, farmers, and authorities an extra year to get ready. Additionally, we made sure the Commission will finish both the online platform and risk categorization promptly, providing greater predictability for everyone involved in the supply chain. Finally, during the review phase, an impact assessment and further simplification will be conducted for regions or countries with low risk, encouraging these areas to enhance their forest conservation efforts.

The ideal outcome would have been for these enhancements to be legally codified, but regretfully, the Council declined. The responsibility now falls on the Commission to fulfill its promises. As members of Parliament, we will be vigilant in overseeing this procedure, given the critical necessity of streamlining administrative processes.

Future actions

The informal agreement reached by the colegislators is set to be included in the agenda of Parliament's upcoming plenary session, scheduled for December 16-19. For the delay to become effective, both Parliament and the Council must approve the text, and it must be published in the EU Official Journal by year's end.

Context

According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), approximately 420 million hectares of forest, which surpasses the size of the European Union, were destroyed due to deforestation from 1990 to 2020. The European Union's consumption is responsible for about 10% of worldwide deforestation, with palm oil and soybeans contributing to over two-thirds of this impact.

On April 19, 2023, Parliament passed a regulation designed to combat climate change and loss of biodiversity by curbing deforestation linked to the EU's use of products such as cattle, cocoa, coffee, palm oil, soy, wood, rubber, charcoal, and printed paper. The regulation, effective since June 29, 2023, requires companies to begin complying with its rules by December 30, 2024.

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2024 Sakharov Prize: Conversations with Winners and Nominees

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On Tuesday, December 17, the ceremony honoring María Corina Machado and Edmundo González Urrutia, recipients of the 2024 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, is set to take place.

Journalists interested in interviewing Venezuela's President-elect Edmundo González Urrutia or Ana Corina Sosa, the daughter and spokesperson for María Corina Machado, a leader of Venezuela’s democratic movement, can sign up through this EU survey link. The deadline to register is by 18:00 CET on Friday, December 6. Interviews will be conducted in either English or Spanish. Additional details about the European Parliament’s 2024 Sakharov Prize can be found here. Other finalists for the 2024 Sakharov Prize will also be present in Strasbourg during the award ceremony week and open for interviews. These include Zhala Bayramova, a human rights lawyer and activist, representing her father Dr. Gubad Ibadoghlu, an academic and anti-corruption activist from Azerbaijan; Reem Al Hajajra, the director of Women of the Sun; and Pascale Chen, the coordinator of Women, Wage, Peace. English interpretation services will be available. Please be aware that submitting a request does not ensure an interview slot. Confirmation of your interview status will be provided by Wednesday, December 11. Scheduled interview times are on the afternoons of Monday, December 16, and Tuesday, December 17. Additionally, journalists can attend a hybrid media seminar featuring this year’s Sakharov Prize winners and finalists, along with Members of Parliament. This seminar is set for Tuesday, December 17, from 9:00 to 11:15. For further details, the program is available here. To register, please contact: media-seminars@europarl.europa.eu.

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Deforestation Legislation: Council Agreement Extends Compliance Deadline for Companies

Spread the word:

Businesses are granted an additional year to adjust to new European Union regulations aimed at curbing deforestation. These rules will prohibit the sale of goods originating from deforested areas within EU markets.

On Tuesday night, representatives from both the Parliament and Council came to a tentative political deal to delay the implementation of the new regulations. Under this agreement, large businesses and traders are required to comply with the new rules starting December 30, 2025, while micro- and small businesses have until June 30, 2026. This extension aims to provide global companies with ample time to effectively adopt the regulations from the beginning, ensuring the law's goals remain intact.

The Commission has suggested delaying the enforcement of the deforestation regulation by a year. This recommendation comes after EU member states, countries outside the EU, as well as traders and operators, expressed worries about their ability to fully adhere to the regulations if they were to be implemented by the end of 2024.

After Parliament introduced changes to establish a new classification for nations considered to pose "no risk" regarding deforestation, the Commission committed to a forthcoming evaluation of streamlined criteria for countries that have shown successful and sustainable practices in managing their forests.

A provision for an "emergency break" has been added to allow for further delays in the Regulation's implementation. This would occur if the online platform designated for businesses is not up and running by December 30, 2025, or if the risk assessments for countries are not released a minimum of six months in advance.

Statement

Following the agreement, Christine Schneider, the European Parliament's rapporteur from the EPP in Germany, stated: "We made a promise and we've fulfilled it: a one-year delay has been approved, granting businesses, forestry workers, farmers, and authorities an extra year to get ready. Additionally, we made sure the Commission will finalize the online platform and categorize risk promptly, providing greater predictability for everyone involved in the supply chain. Lastly, during the review phase, there will be an impact assessment and further simplification for countries or regions classified as low risk, offering them an incentive to enhance their forest conservation efforts."

While we hoped these enhancements would be directly incorporated into the legislation, the Council regrettably declined. Now, the responsibility falls on the Commission to fulfill its promises. As Parliament, we will keep a vigilant eye on this development, since cutting down on red tape is a pressing necessity.

Future actions

The decision on the informal deal made by the co-legislators is set to be included in the schedule for Parliament's upcoming plenary meeting, which will take place from December 16 to 19. For the delay to become effective, the approved document must receive backing from both Parliament and the Council and be published in the EU Official Journal before the year concludes.

Context

According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, approximately 420 million hectares of forest, surpassing the size of the European Union, were cleared due to deforestation from 1990 to 2020. The European Union's consumption contributes to about 10% of worldwide deforestation, with palm oil and soybeans making up over two-thirds of this impact.

The regulation targeting deforestation, approved by Parliament on April 19, 2023, seeks to combat climate change and halt biodiversity decline. It does so by curbing deforestation linked to the EU's consumption of goods such as cattle, cocoa, coffee, palm oil, soy, wood, rubber, charcoal, and printed paper. The regulation has been in effect since June 29, 2023, and mandates that businesses comply with its rules starting December 30, 2024.

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Public opinion survey reveals haste in assisted dying discussions, according to Sky News

The survey also indicated that although 62% are in favor of the legislation, a significant 70% are worried that it might pressure disabled individuals into choosing assisted dying unwillingly.

Political journalist @fayebrownSky

Monday, December 2, 2024, 5:

A survey has revealed that most people believe the discussions surrounding assisted dying have been hastily conducted.

A DeltaPoll survey conducted for Sky News revealed that 60% of respondents believe additional information is necessary for individuals to decide on the legality of the issue.

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Generally, the public believes that Members of Parliament should be given four months to examine the proposal, but in practice, they have only had three months.

While 62% are in favor of the proposed legislation, a significant portion, 70%, express concern that individuals with disabilities might be pressured into choosing assisted suicide involuntarily.

On Friday, a majority of Members of Parliament supported a measure to legalize assisted dying in England and Wales, setting the stage for a potential alteration in legislation.

The proposed legislation would enable adults with a terminal illness and a prognosis of six months or less to live to seek medical help to voluntarily end their lives.

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The study conducted by DeltaPoll took place from November 22 to November 25, shortly before the significant vote.

The results reflect worries expressed by Members of Parliament and activists about the schedule and protections associated with the law.

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A significant concern is that it may cause individuals who are vulnerable and disabled to feel as though they are a burden to society, and that obtaining help to end one's life should not be simpler than finding support to continue living.

During Friday's debate in the Commons, Labour MP Diane Abbott, a staunch opponent of the legislation, expressed her concerns by stating, "Should this bill be approved, it would transform the NHS into a completely funded suicide service, while at most, only 30% of palliative care would receive funding."

Concerns have been raised regarding a potential "slippery slope" effect – that although the legislation currently targets terminally ill adults, its scope could eventually expand to encompass individuals with chronic illnesses or disabilities.

Labour's Kim Leadbeater, the proponent of the bill, has asserted that this concern is unfounded, stating that her proposed legislation includes the strongest protections of any assisted dying laws globally.

This entails the approval from two separate physicians and a High Court judge for the request to proceed, along with a potential prison sentence of up to 14 years for anyone convicted of pressuring someone to pursue assisted dying.

Further Information: Explore how your representative voted on the assisted dying legislation. Is Canada's approach to assisted dying going too far?

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The decision taken on Friday propels the bill into several phases of examination, requiring the green light from both parliamentary chambers for it to be enacted into law.

Legislators will have the opportunity to propose changes to the bill during its forthcoming committee phase, the schedule for which remains to be determined.

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Supporters of the legislation have suggested that they might be open to revising their stance as the bill progresses, due to worries about the adequacy of palliative care and protective measures.

During the Commons debate on Friday, prominent Conservative MP Sir David Davis expressed his support for the objectives of the bill but emphasized the need for Parliament to have more time to "get this right."

"I'll cast my vote in favor today, yet I'm hopeful that the government will support a robust bill that I can confidently vote for in the final round," he stated.

Additionally, Labour MP Chris Webb indicated that his stance might evolve as the proposals advance, stating that although he thought the bill "should move forward" in parliament for additional examination, he "will reassess my stance during the subsequent phases."

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Assisted dying: Public feels rushed debate, survey reveals

A survey conducted for Sky News discovered that although 62% of respondents favor the legislation, a significant majority (70%) expressed worries that disabled individuals might be pressured into choosing assisted dying involuntarily.

Political correspondent @fayebrownSky

Monday, December 2, 2024, 5:

Most people believe that discussions about assisted dying have been hurried, according to a survey.

A DeltaPoll survey conducted for Sky News revealed that 60% of respondents believe that additional information is necessary for individuals to form an opinion on its legalization.

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The general consensus is that Members of Parliament should be given four months to examine the proposal; however, they have only been allocated three months.

While 62% of people are in favor of the legislation, a significant portion (70%) expressed worry that it might lead to disabled individuals being pressured into considering assisted suicide involuntarily.

On Friday, a majority of Members of Parliament supported a measure to legalize assisted dying in England and Wales, setting the stage for a potential alteration of the law.

The proposed legislation would enable adults with a terminal illness and a prognosis of six months or less to live to seek medical help to voluntarily end their lives.

Further Discussion on Assisted Dying

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DeltaPoll conducted a poll from November 22 to November 25, shortly before the significant voting event.

The results reflect the worries expressed by Members of Parliament and activists about when the law will be implemented and the protections it includes.

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A key criticism is that it may cause individuals who are vulnerable or disabled to feel as though they are a burden to others, and that the option for assisted death should not be more readily available than support for living.

During the debate in the Commons on Friday, Labour MP Diane Abbott, a staunch opponent of the bill, expressed her concerns by stating, "Should this bill be approved, it would transform the NHS into an entirely funded suicide service, while at most, only 30% of palliative care would receive funding."

Concerns are also growing regarding a potential "slippery slope" effect—initially, the legislation targets terminally ill adults, but there is apprehension that its scope could expand to encompass individuals with chronic illnesses or disabilities in the future.

Labour MP Kim Leadbeater, the proponent of the bill, has emphasized that this concern is unwarranted. She asserts that her proposed assisted dying legislation includes the strongest protections found globally.

The process requires the consent of two independent physicians and the approval of a High Court judge, with a potential prison sentence of up to 14 years for anyone who coerces another person into pursuing assisted dying.

Discover Further: What was your representative's stance on the assisted dying legislation? Has Canada overstepped boundaries with its assisted dying policies?

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The voting on Friday indicates that the bill will now progress through several phases of examination and must be passed by both parliamentary chambers to eventually be enacted into law.

Legislators will have the opportunity to propose changes to the bill during its upcoming phase, known as the committee stage, the date of which has not yet been determined.

For an optimal video viewing experience, it is recommended to utilize the Chrome browser

Supporters of the legislation have suggested that they might rethink their position as the bill progresses, due to worries about the adequacy of palliative care and protective measures.

During the parliamentary discussion on Friday, veteran Conservative MP Sir David Davis expressed his support for the objectives of the bill but emphasized that Parliament requires additional time "to get this right."

"I plan to support it in today's vote, yet I hope the administration will assist in shaping a commendable bill for the final vote," he stated.

Additionally, Labour MP Chris Webb indicated that his stance might evolve as the proposals advance, noting that although he thinks the bill "deserves to progress" through parliament for additional examination, he "will reconsider my position at the subsequent stages."

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"Is Reform UK Capturing the Attention of Gen-Z Males?"

Reform UK has swiftly made inroads with the younger demographic through TikTok, amassing over 300,000 followers — a higher count than any other significant political party. However, the question remains: Will this be sufficient to secure the 'bro vote'?

By Serena Barker-Singh, political correspondent and Isobel Losseff, politics producer

Tuesday, December 3, 2024, 9:

Fireworks, pyrotechnics, and balloons set the stage at Reform UK's conference, making it stand out from the rest. During their September meeting, Nigel Farage's party emphasized its unique approach and distinct offerings.

Across the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham, displays showcased visuals of the party's leader. As Mr. Farage was set to deliver his address, attendees gathered eagerly to listen. When he took to the stage, an extensive video compilation highlighting moments from his life, accompanied by a musical soundtrack, was shown in the background.

In the gathering of nearly 4,000 attendees, the expected group of older supporters with gray hair was noticeable, yet there was also an unexpected presence of numerous young, white men.

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Following the unexpected comeback of Reform's leader to prominent political roles, he has intensified his use of language that challenges the status quo. His repeated claim is that the political establishment is against Nigel Farage's success.

Reform UK is grappling with the challenge of having five MPs, positioning it within the same parliamentary establishment it frequently criticizes. The party's immediate task is to move beyond being predominantly associated with Nigel Farage and to broaden its appeal to a larger group of supporters.

In his keynote address, Mr. Farage emphasized a critical point: Reform Party needed to mature and strategize for the future. Observing the attendees, it appeared that the next generation of the party's leadership was already present.

According to a post-election analysis by YouGov, although Reform primarily attracts older white male supporters, it emerged as the third favorite party among men aged 50 to 64, closely trailing the Tories by just one percentage point.

However, indications suggest increasing backing among younger demographics, particularly among males aged 18-24, where Reform ranks as the third preferred option, tied with the Green Party.

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For Generation Z women, this choice was equally unpopular as the Conservative option. However, the most significant difference in preferences by gender appeared among 16-17-year-olds.

In a striking revelation from a JL Partners survey conducted during the week of the general election, Mr. Farage's party matched Labour in popularity among young male voters within that demographic. However, the situation was quite different for young women, where Reform UK significantly trailed behind Labour and the Green Party.

In a political party where the average age of its members of parliament is 60, what strategies are being used to attract younger constituents?

The rise of social media platforms favored by Generation Z, such as TikTok, plays a significant role. Reform quickly connected with a younger demographic on the platform, amassing 308,100 followers, which surpasses the follower count of any other significant political party, narrowly beating Labour's 233,100 followers.

Nigel Farage revealed that his personal TikTok account has surpassed one million followers. He shared this milestone last week at a press conference where he also noted that his party's membership numbers had climbed to 100,000.

He provided a detailed analysis of the age demographics of his social media audience. "Every month, we receive millions of views. Of those, two-thirds are from individuals younger than 35 years old. Furthermore, half of these viewers are under 25 years old. There's something extraordinary occurring with Generation Z," he noted.

Not only TikTok was influential. According to a Crowdtangle analysis, Reform UK garnered significantly more interactions on their social media pages than any other party during the election across various platforms.

Right-wing political influencers, such as Nicholas Lissack, are among its youthful adherents.

Dressed sharply, Nick, a student known for his staunch conservative beliefs, was taken aback when his initial TikTok video endorsing Reform UK became an overnight sensation during the lead-up to the 2024 general election. The video quickly amassed nearly 4 million views in just a day, in which he encouraged fellow first-time voters to join him in backing Reform UK.

A week after, Nick was behind the scenes at a Reform UK rally before the election, where he met his "political hero," Mr. Farage. In a different video, he describes their discussion as "beautiful," covering topics from the "ridiculous" cost of beer and golf to political matters.

He characterizes his videos as "brief, lively, and full of vigor… It looks like I'm really enjoying myself." The titles of the videos are catchy as well; a quick look at his TikTok profile reveals two-minute clips with titles such as Labour Hates Us, Is Reform UK Fascist? and Ban Notting Hill Carnival. This vibrancy extends to X/Twitter, where he's amassed a large following of tens of thousands.

However, he acknowledges that his opinions are not universally held among his colleagues.

"While I may have lost several friends during this period, I managed to amass 40,000 new followers on Twitter."

Since our last conversation, his following has increased by an additional 10,000.

What is the situation regarding women?

Reform UK took pride in having a candidate contest almost every seat.

However, the advocacy organization 50:50 Parliament pointed out that fewer than 20% of the candidates were female. The party selected five white males for constituencies they considered likely to win, resulting in the election of Nigel Farage, Richard Tice, Rupert Lowe, and James McMurdock to parliament.

In a provocative statement this year, Mr. Farage described Andrew Tate, who openly expresses misogynistic views, as "a significant spokesperson for men," during an interview with Sky News.

Tate has been prohibited from using YouTube due to violations of its hate speech guidelines. Additionally, he faces bans on Facebook, where Meta has labeled him a "dangerous individual." Furthermore, he faces accusations of rape, human trafficking, and involvement in organized crime, all of which he refutes.

Nick credits his candidness regarding political views for the popularity of his videos, which he believes resonate with men who feel marginalized by the latest wave of feminism.

"Reform presents a compelling option as it is inclusive… Young men are attracted to it as they view it as a chance to actively engage in politics," he stated.

A fresh face has emerged in the conservative political arena, George Finch. Over the recent summer, he gained attention similar to that of Nick by creating content endorsing Mr Farage's political group. Subsequently, he launched an online publication titled The New Reformer, which he markets as a platform "By Reformers, for Reformers". The magazine features boldly titled articles such as "Project 2029 – dismantling the woke state" and "Since When Is It Divisive to Be British?".

He believes the party is successful in appealing to female voters.

"It's incorrect to claim that women are discouraged by Reform. If you believe there's an issue, I'm confident that the headquarters are addressing it."

Is it effective?

"Dr. Jilly Kay, a senior lecturer in Communication and Media at Loughborough University, noted that TikTok proved to be an effective platform for Reform," she explains. "Nigel Farage's engaging style and his ability to resonate with audiences really came through. This is reflected in the growing support from young male voters."

However, she believes that Reform has the potential to connect with a deeper element, offering clear direction to voters who have been left feeling uncertain following a stretch of turbulent political times.

"From a young age, men are often discouraged from certain actions, and Farage aims to restore a sense of liberty," Dr. Kay states. "Reform UK embodies this notion of empowerment and liberty, which figures like Farage argue is withheld from men and boys."

Further reading: Advocacy for stricter regulations on teenagers' mobile phone usageLouise Haigh shares a photo of her stolen phone, allegedly taken post-theft

However, some specialists caution that the increase in support from young people might be exaggerated.

"Reform clearly resonates with certain subsets of the youth electorate, particularly young males from less affluent backgrounds who are less likely to pursue higher education," states Dr. Stuart Fox, an advanced instructor in political science at the University of Exeter.

Dr. Fox asserts that Reform UK does not enjoy as much support from the younger electorate as parties like the Greens, Liberal Democrats, and Labour do. He highlights the difficulties in reaching out to the young voter segment that would be most inclined to back them.

"Reform predominantly attracts young men from less affluent backgrounds, yet these individuals are the least inclined to participate in voting. It will pose a significant challenge for Reform to leverage this appeal effectively in upcoming elections."

Initial indications of the party's ability to leverage the so-called "bro vote" will emerge during the upcoming local elections next year. This will be a crucial trial for the party, and should they prevail, their aspirations are significant.

Reform UK aims to solidify its position and not just rival the Conservatives as the primary right-wing faction in UK politics, but also to ultimately take the reins of power in Britain.

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In a statement, Reform UK claimed: "Reform UK is currently leading the way in British politics, evidenced by the growing number of young voters rallying behind us.

Membership has now exceeded 100,000, and our survey numbers continue to grow. Young voters are increasingly aware that both the Conservatives and Labour haven't met their needs, signaling a demand for change in Britain.

"We aim to capitalize on this energy as we approach the upcoming May elections and beyond, providing genuine alternatives for the youth."

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