Ex-Tory chief William Hague surpasses competitors such as Labour's Peter Mandelson to secure the chancellorship of Oxford University.

From an initial roster of 38 hopefuls, the selection was narrowed down to five finalists, among them Lady Elish Angiolini, Baroness Jan Royall, and Dominic Grieve. Almost 25,000 votes were cast by university graduates and personnel.

Journalist Tim Jones @TimJones_SN

Wednesday, November 27, 2024, 2:

Ex-Tory chief William Hague has been appointed as the chancellor of Oxford University, outperforming Labour peer Peter Mandelson and others for the position.

In the concluding round of the election, Lord Hague just edged out Lady Elish Angiolini, securing the victory with a count of 12,609 votes to her 11,006.

She was widely expected to be named the first female chancellor of the esteemed university.

As an esteemed attorney, she had carried out independent investigations on behalf of governments, such as the probe into the killing of Sarah Everard.

Other contestants in the race were Labour peer Baroness Jan Royall and ex-Conservative minister Dominic Grieve.

"Oxford holds my deepest affection, and I am committed to devoting the next few years to the university that means so much to me," stated Lord Hague in a recent announcement.

Lord Hague, aged 63, is set to be officially inaugurated into his position at the beginning of the New Year and will hold the role for a decade.

Further Updates from the UK

Investigation Underway: Authorities Probing Several Individuals Possibly Linked to Mohamed al Fayed's Alleged Misconduct Toward Women and Girls

David Cameron has expressed his support for the assisted dying legislation, despite having voted against it in 2015.

During an inquiry, a hospital executive reported that Lucy Letby's father made threats involving pointing guns at his head during a meeting.

The chancellor holds a leading role in significant university events, engages in fundraising activities, and represents the university at local, national, and global gatherings.

William Hague completed his studies at Magdalen College, Oxford, earning a degree in philosophy, politics, and economics in 1982.

He has been appointed as the 160th chancellor in the history of the university, a position that has existed for over 800 years.

He succeeds Lord Chris Patten, another prominent former Conservative politician, who is stepping down at 80 following two decades of service in the position.

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Discover additional details on Sky News: Arrests made in counter-terrorism operation linked to alleged PKK involvement. Lucy Letby’s father reportedly confronted hospital executive. Former Manchester City footballer likely to become president of Georgia.

Oliver Cromwell, the inaugural Duke of Wellington, along with Prime Ministers Lord Salisbury and Harold Macmillan, are among the individuals who have held the position.

Speculation about potential candidates for the position has involved former UK Prime Ministers Tony Blair, Boris Johnson, and Theresa May, along with ex-Prime Minister of Pakistan and cricket star Imran Khan.

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They all attended Oxford, but it's not necessary to have studied there to become chancellor.

To qualify for the election, candidates were required to gather 50 nominations. The electoral process saw participation from over 24,000 individuals, including alumni and current and former members of the university's governing board.

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Wednesday, 27th of November

Discussion and Voting on the Newly Formed European Commission

At 8:00 AM, the Conference of Presidents, which includes President Metsola and leaders of the political groups, will conduct the final assessment of the hearings for the Commissioners-designate. At 9:00 AM, Ursula von der Leyen, the President-elect of the European Commission, will introduce her team and outline her program to the plenary session, which will be followed by a discussion with Members of the European Parliament (MEPs). Subsequently, a roll-call vote will be held to approve the entire College of Commissioners. To secure election, the Commission requires a simple majority of the votes cast. Additionally, the plenary will vote on two draft resolutions regarding the new Commission's composition, which have been proposed by political groups. Following the vote, Presidents Metsola and von der Leyen will address the media in a press conference.

Kyriakos Klosidis

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Decision on the European Union's 2025

After the debate that took place yesterday, the plenary session is set to cast their votes at midday regarding the EU budget for 2025. Members of the European Parliament have ensured that the budget emphasizes key areas such as climate change, healthcare, humanitarian assistance, and border control. Additionally, an agreement was reached between co-legislators on how to cover the expenses associated with the EU's recovery fund.

Armin Wisdorff

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Budgets of the European Parliament

Hybrid attacks on vital infrastructure in the Baltic Sea are under scrutiny. Starting at approximately 4 PM, Members of the European Parliament and Commissioner Johansson will engage in a discussion about the recent incidents involving the severing of undersea telecommunication cables in the Baltic Sea, which are believed to be acts of sabotage.

Baptiste CHATAIN

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Industry Report

Summary

Exposure to tobacco smoke will be the focus of a discussion between Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) and Commissioner Dalli later today. They aim to find more effective ways to shield citizens of the European Union from the dangers of inhaling second-hand smoke and electronic cigarette aerosols. A decision on a related resolution is expected to take place on Thursday.

Energy Poverty. At approximately 5:30 PM, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) will examine the ongoing issue of elevated energy costs and how they affect the public, during a discussion with Commissioner Simson.

Legislation Against LGBTQI. During a discussion with Commissioner Dalli, Members of the European Parliament are anticipated to raise concerns about laws targeting the LGBTQI community and emphasize the importance of safeguarding the rule of law and ensuring an EU free from discrimination.

Human Rights. During the evening session, the full assembly will examine issues related to Hong Kong, focusing on Jimmy Lai's case. Additionally, they will address the ongoing and systematic oppression of women in Iran and the diminishing freedom for civil society groups in Cambodia, with specific emphasis on the labor rights group CENTRAL.

Ballots

At midday, Members of the European Parliament are scheduled to cast their

You can watch the live broadcast of the plenary session on Parliament's web streaming service and EbS+.

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Starmer declines to echo chancellor's pledge against further tax hikes

The Prime Minister has stepped back from Rachel Reeves' assurance to the business community that there would be no additional iterations of her contentious budget policies from October.

Political journalist @fayebrownSky

Wednesday, November 27, 2024, 2:

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Sir Keir Starmer has declined to reiterate a commitment previously given by the chancellor that there would be no additional increases in borrowing or taxes by the government.

At the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) conference on Monday, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch urged the prime minister to strongly reinforce the pledge made by Rachel Reeves.

Politics Live: Starmer claims 'significant petition' in hand, rebuffs demands for election

Ms. Reeves assured corporate executives that her budget plan does not include additional borrowing or tax increases as she justified the policies she introduced.

When prompted to reaffirm his commitment during Prime Minister’s Questions, Sir Keir responded, "I am not going to outline the next five years of budgets right now from this podium."

"We pledged not to reduce the earnings of the employed. We approved the budget, made investments for tomorrow, and upheld our commitment."

Ms. Reeves' financial plan has come under strong condemnation from prominent UK companies, which argue that the expensive policy initiatives will compel them to increase prices and reduce their workforce.

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Chancellor Rachel Reeves pledges to avoid any further tax increases

Is Rachel Reeves Following in Margaret Thatcher's Footsteps?

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The chancellor declared tax hikes totaling £40 billion, with the majority stemming from a £25 billion rise in National Insurance contributions for employers.

Critics such as the CEO of the biscuit behemoth McVitie's have voiced concerns, stating that following the chancellor's recent policy choices, the rationale for investing in the UK is "increasingly difficult to comprehend."

Ms. Badenoch capitalized on those remarks, stating that "while the Prime Minister was mingling in Brazil" – alluding to his participation in the previous week's G20 Summit – "businesses were grappling with understanding his budget."

In response, Sir Keir criticized her for desiring "all the advantages of the budget" without bearing the costs.

He accused her of accumulating £6.7 billion in unbacked pledges within her first three weeks as the opposition leader, and pointed out that she has not clarified whether the Conservatives would repeal the government's increase in National Insurance.

"He added that they truly don't know what they're doing."

Further Reading: Airports express concern over budget, cautioning a potential disaster due to business rates. Central to Labour’s strategy is the overhaul of Jobcentres to boost UK employment.

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The increase in employer National Insurance contributions emerged as the most debated aspect of the Labour Party's budget, particularly because they had pledged not to raise national insurance, income tax, or VAT during their electoral campaign.

Officials subsequently clarified that the commitment regarding Northern Ireland pertained solely to the worker portion of the tax, pointing out that their electoral platform had explicitly stated there would be no tax increases for "working individuals."

The administration defends the increase in employer National Insurance contributions by citing a £22 billion deficit in the nation's budget, left by the Conservative party. They argue that this funding is essential for the sustained expansion of public services, including the NHS.

Reeves: 'We've started afresh'

On Wednesday, Ms. Reeves faced further inquiries about how she could assure that there would be no need for additional tax hikes or borrowing, in light of doubts about the budget proposals.

She didn't echo her statements from Monday, instead aligning more closely with what Sir Keir mentioned during Prime Minister's Questions.

"I won't be drafting five years of budgets within the initial months of my tenure as Chancellor of the Exchequer," she informed the press.

"I can confirm that we have effectively addressed the economic and fiscal shortcomings of the prior administration. Our public finances are now stable and robust, and we have ensured adequate funding for our public services."

"Public services must operate within the budget constraints established for the current parliamentary term."

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EP leaders officially wrap up the hearings for Commissioners-designate

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The Conference of Presidents has officially ended the hearings for Commissioners-designate and approved the release of all evaluation letters.

The European Parliament's Conference of Presidents, comprising President Metsola and the leaders of various political groups, has formally wrapped up the hearings for the Commissioners-designate. This development clears the path for the plenary session to vote on the new Commission at midday.

After examining the outcomes of all hearings on November 26, the Conference of Committee Chairs conducted a review. Following their findings, the Conference of Presidents carried out a final evaluation, examining the assessment letters from the responsible committees and the suggestions given by the Conference of Committee Chairs. Consequently, the Conference of Presidents announced that the hearings were concluded and approved the release of all evaluation letters.

Full assembly voting scheduled for November 27

Today, on November 27, at midday, a full vote on the entire new College will be conducted in Strasbourg.

Prior to the voting process, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) are scheduled to discuss the agenda of the incoming Commission alongside its leader, Ursula von der Leyen, who will introduce the team of Commissioners. At the conclusion of this discussion, any political faction or a minimum of five percent of the MEPs have the option to propose a motion for a resolution.

In order for the Commission to be chosen, it needs to obtain more than half of the votes in a roll-call voting process.

After being elected by Parliament, the Commission will be officially appointed by the European Council, requiring a qualified majority vote. The term for the new European Commission is expected to begin on December 1, 2024.

Context

Annex VII of the European Parliament's Rules of Procedure outlines the responsibilities of Parliament in endorsing the European Commission and overseeing the promises made during the hearings.

The updated procedural guidelines, effective from July 2024, underwent modifications on April 10, 2024. These changes are a component of a comprehensive overhaul of the Parliament's internal operations, which received approval from the Conference of Presidents in December 2023.

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Parliament gives the green light to the "von der Leyen II" Commission

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After discussing with Ursula von der Leyen about her proposed team and agenda, Members of the European Parliament voted by roll call to approve the entire College of Commissioners.

A total of 370 Members of the European Parliament supported the motion, while 282 opposed it, and 36 chose not to vote. Information regarding individual MEPs' votes will soon be accessible on the official Parliament website and documented in the minutes of the plenary session.

For the College of Commissioners to be approved, they required more than half of the votes from those participating, as outlined in rule 129.7 of the European Parliament's Rules of Procedure.

Ursula von der Leyen has been appointed for a second term as the President of the European Commission, after Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) gave their approval to her initial Commission in November 2019.

Discussion with Members of the European Parliament prior to the voting process

Before the voting took place, Ursula von der Leyen introduced her team and outlined her agenda, agreeing to the portfolio adjustments that Members of the European Parliament had suggested during their review. "We are prepared to start working right away," she announced, emphasizing that her Commission remains committed to championing freedom, sovereignty, security, and prosperity. Her complete speech is available on the Commission's website.

Commission President Ursula von der Leyen revealed that the Commission's initial project will be a "competitiveness compass." This initiative aims to bridge the innovation divide between Europe, the US, and China, while enhancing security and autonomy, and advancing decarbonization efforts. Regarding the European Green Deal, von der Leyen emphasized the importance of adhering to its objectives. She pledged to introduce a clean industrial agreement, initiate discussions on the future of the European automotive sector, persist in developing a competitive circular economy, and strive for the establishment of a European savings and investment union.

Addressing the continuing conflicts in Ukraine, the Middle East, and regions of Africa, Ms. von der Leyen emphasized the necessity for Europe to take on a more significant role in these situations, highlighting that Europe’s involvement is more essential now than ever before. She underscored the importance of enhancing security measures and urged Europe to increase its defense spending. "Ensuring Europe's security will remain a top priority for this Commission," she stated.

During the following discussion, several Members of the European Parliament highlighted the urgency for the incoming Commission to tackle Europe's pressing issues without delay. They urged the Commission to enhance Europe's competitive edge amidst growing global competition, to put the European Green Deal into action, to secure energy independence, and to establish a defence union in light of the continuing conflict in Ukraine. Meanwhile, some members expressed their dissatisfaction with the newly appointed College of Commissioners. Video and audio clips from the debate can be accessed via Parliament’s Multimedia Centre.

Media briefing

After the vote results are revealed, Roberta Metsola, the President of the Parliament, and Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the Commission, will speak to journalists in the Daphne Caruana Galizia press conference room at the Parliament in Strasbourg around 13:00 CET. Details are provided in the corresponding media advisory. The press briefing will be broadcast live and can be accessed later via the Parliament’s Multimedia Centre and EbS+.

Upcoming Actions

Following its official selection by the European Council through a qualified majority vote, the incoming European Commission is anticipated to begin its responsibilities on December 1, 2024.

Context

Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) evaluated the suggested College of Commissioners during public hearings that took place from November 4 to November 12. The nominees participated in these hearings before various European Parliament committees to determine their qualifications and competence for the responsibilities associated with their designated roles.

On November 27, the Conference of Presidents in Parliament announced the conclusion of the hearings and released the assessment letters for all the proposed Commissioners. For further details on the 2024 Commission investiture procedure, refer to the briefing note provided by Parliament’s Research Service.

Outcomes from earlier Commission approval votes:

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More than €116 Million in EU Aid Approved for Flood Recovery in Germany and Italy

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On Wednesday, the Parliament approved €116 million from the EU Solidarity Fund (EUSF) to support reconstruction efforts in Germany and Italy following the floods in 2024.

A total of 116,031,553 euros from the European Solidarity Fund will be allocated in the following manner:

Die finanzielle Unterstützung durch den EUSF wird einige der Ausgaben für Maßnahmen zur Bewältigung von Notlagen und zur Wiederherstellung übernehmen. Dies umfasst die Instandsetzung beschädigter Infrastruktur, den Schutz von kulturellen Stätten und die Organisation von Aufräumarbeiten.

The legislators express their "profound solidarity with all the victims, their families, and everyone affected by the devastating floods in Germany and Italy, as well as with the national, regional, and local authorities involved in the relief efforts." They highlight the increasing occurrence of severe, destructive natural disasters with casualties across Europe and call for a significant increase in the funding of the European Union Solidarity Fund or a similar tool in light of the Commission's forthcoming proposal for the new multi-year financial framework.

The aid package was approved with 660 votes in favor, 11 against, and 4 abstentions.

Additional details can be accessed here (Commission proposal) and in the Parliament's report (Rapporteur: Giuseppe Lupo, S&D, IT).

Background

Since its establishment in 2002, the European Union Solidarity Fund (EUSF) has disbursed more than 8.6 billion euros to address 130 disasters, which include 110 natural disasters and 20 health emergencies. These funds have been allocated across 24 EU member states, the United Kingdom, and four candidate countries aspiring to join the EU—namely Albania, Montenegro, Serbia, and Turkey.

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Das Parlament stimmt für Ursula von der Leyens neue EU-Kommission

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Nach einer Diskussion mit Ursula von der Leyen über ihre neue Mannschaft und ihre Pläne haben die Abgeordneten die Mitglieder der Kommission in einer namentlichen Abstimmung bestätigt.

Die Kommission erhielt Zustimmung von 370 Abgeordneten, während 282 dagegen votierten und 36 sich der Stimme enthielten. Bald werden auf der Parlamentswebseite und im Protokoll der Plenarsitzung weitere Informationen zur Stimmabgabe der einzelnen Abgeordneten veröffentlicht.

In Übereinstimmung mit Artikel 129(7) der Geschäftsordnung des Europäischen Parlaments musste eine Mehrheit der abgegebenen Stimmen vorliegen, um das Kollegium zu bestätigen.

Ursula von der Leyen tritt ihre zweite Amtszeit als Präsidentin der Europäischen Kommission an. Ihre erste Kommission erhielt im November 2019 die Bestätigung durch das Parlament.

Diskussion mit den Parlamentariern vor der Entscheidung.

Kurz vor dem Votum präsentierte Ursula von der Leyen ihre Mannschaft und das geplante Programm. Dabei unterstrich sie die Anpassungen in den Zuständigkeiten der einzelnen Kommissionsmitglieder, die auf Wunsch der Abgeordneten vorgenommen wurden, um die Bestätigung der Kommission zu ermöglichen. „Wir sind bereit, sofort zu beginnen“, sagte sie und hob hervor, dass ihre Kommission sich kontinuierlich für Freiheit, Unabhängigkeit, Sicherheit und Wohlstand einsetzen werde. Die gesamte Ansprache kann auf der offiziellen Website der Kommission nachgelesen werden.

Von der Leyen gab bekannt, dass die erste Maßnahme der neuen Kommission ein „Kompass für Wettbewerbsfähigkeit“ sein werde. Dieses Projekt zielt darauf ab, die Innovationslücke Europas im Vergleich zu den USA und China zu schließen, die Sicherheit und Unabhängigkeit zu stärken und die Entkarbonisierung voranzutreiben. In Bezug auf den Europäischen Grünen Deal betonte sie: „Wir müssen und werden die Ziele des europäischen Green Deals weiterverfolgen.“ Sie versprach, einen „Clean Industrial Deal“ vorzuschlagen, einen strategischen Dialog über die Zukunft der Automobilindustrie in Europa zu beginnen, an einer wettbewerbsfähigen Kreislaufwirtschaft zu arbeiten und eine Europäische Spar- und Investitionsunion aufzubauen.

In Anbetracht der gegenwärtigen Konflikte in der Ukraine, dem Nahen Osten und bestimmten Regionen Afrikas, erklärte Frau von der Leyen, dass Europa in diesen Bereichen eine bedeutendere Funktion übernehmen müsse. Sie hob hervor, dass Europa „dringender als je zuvor“ benötigt werde. Zudem betonte sie die Dringlichkeit, die Ausgaben für die europäische Verteidigung zu steigern, und versicherte: „Die Sicherheit Europas wird für diese Kommission immer höchste Priorität haben.“

Während der darauffolgenden Diskussion drängten mehrere Parlamentarier die neu eingesetzte Kommission, die drängenden Probleme Europas zügig zu bewältigen. Sie betonten die Notwendigkeit, Europas Wettbewerbsfähigkeit angesichts der verschärften globalen Konkurrenz zu stärken, den Europäischen Grünen Deal umzusetzen, die Energieunabhängigkeit zu gewährleisten und als Antwort auf den Ukraine-Konflikt eine Verteidigungsunion zu etablieren. Andere äußerten sich kritisch gegenüber den neuen Kommissionsmitgliedern. Aufzeichnungen und Ausschnitte der Diskussion sind im Multimedia-Center des Europäischen Parlaments einsehbar.

Press Conference

Following the announcement of the voting results, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen held a press briefing. This briefing is also accessible on EbS+.

Upcoming Actions

Following their formal appointment by the European Council with a qualified majority, the new European Commission is expected to begin its work on December 1, 2024.

Background

The nominated group of Commission members underwent a review process by the European Parliament through public hearings held between November 4 and November 12. During these sessions, the nominees appeared before relevant committees to assess their qualifications and ability to fulfill the responsibilities associated with their respective portfolios.

The Parliament's Conference of Presidents announced the conclusion of the hearings on November 27 and released the evaluation letters for all nominated commissioners. For more details on the 2024 Commission's approval process, you can refer to the briefing from the Parliament's Scientific Service.

Resultate von vorherigen Abstimmungen bezüglich der Kommission

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Sinn Fein's head, Mary Lou McDonald, has declared her intention to call for a referendum on the unification of Ireland if she emerges victorious in the upcoming election. According to Ms. McDonald, the election on Friday presents a significant chance to appoint the first woman as Ireland's prime minister. Should she win, she aims to prioritize the issue of reunification, targeting a referendum by the year 2030.

Chief Ireland reporter @skydavidblevins

Monday, November 25, 2024, 5:

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Sinn Fein chief Mary Lou McDonald has stated that her initial conversation with Sir Keir Starmer will include a push for a referendum on the unification of Ireland, should she emerge victorious in Ireland's upcoming general election.

In our second interview with key political figures, she assured Sky News of her capability to effectively engage with US President-elect Donald Trump, attributing her confidence to women's inherent ability to multitask.

Ms. McDonald, referring to the upcoming election as "a historic chance" to choose Ireland's first woman taoiseach, anticipates a referendum on the unification of Ireland by 2030.

She stated: "I believe that reunification must be a central focus of the administration."

"Clearly, the surrounding concerns with housing and healthcare, alongside all the fundamental issues, are of utmost importance.

"The key issue facing everyone currently is envisioning the future of Ireland in the next five and ten years."

"I'm confident that the referendums will take place within this decade. I see them as essential.

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"She also mentioned that we can't always ignore the obvious issue," she added.

In the 2020 general election, Sinn Fein secured the majority of votes, yet they have seen a decline in poll ratings over the past year, primarily because of a growing estrangement from their core supporters on issues related to immigration.

The most recent surveys show signs of improvement for the party, which is now running an unprecedented 71 candidates in an effort to unseat the current Fine Gael/Fianna Fail coalition at the center-right.

When questioned about her approach to handling ties with the forthcoming Trump administration, considering Ireland's position on the Middle East and its dependency on American investment, Ms. McDonald admitted that it would be difficult.

Discover more: Irish Prime Minister Prepares for Trump's Economic Impact

Essential Details on the Irish Election

Ireland's Election: The Poorly Hidden Secret

Stay informed with the most recent updates from both the UK and international scenes by tuning into Sky News.

She stated: "I believe President Trump wouldn't be at all astonished to receive insights on Palestine from an Irish taoiseach, especially one from Sinn Fein.

"Urgent calls are being made to halt the genocide, to cease providing weapons to Israel, to ensure Israel is held responsible, and to uphold international law.

"Is it possible to achieve that while also preserving our economic ties? I think it is, and I think it's essential that we do."

"I guess the secret formula to succeeding here lies in striking the right balance between these elements."

"She expressed confidence in her ability to achieve it, noting, 'Perhaps it's because I'm a woman and we're inherently good at juggling multiple tasks, but I feel no fear whatsoever.'"

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Tune in to catch the complete interview with Mary Lou McDonald on Politics Hub with Sophy Ridge at 7pm. Additionally, Sky News has conducted interviews with the leaders of Fine Gael and Fianna Fail.

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The Health Secretary has stated that the Tobacco and Vapes Bill is designed to prevent addiction starting from a young age by addressing sales of nicotine products aimed at young people. The proposed legislation includes a complete prohibition on vape advertisements and would bar individuals born after 2009 from legally purchasing tobacco.

By Dylan Donnelly, journalism correspondent

Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at 2

Today, Members of Parliament will cast their votes on the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which the Health Secretary has described as a "critical measure" aimed at preventing children from becoming ensnared in addiction.

The suggested legislation aims to tighten restrictions on the marketing and sale of vaping products to minors, while also increasing financial support for smoking cessation programs.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting expressed concern that the number of young people using e-cigarettes is increasing rapidly, warning that without immediate action, many children could face lifelong addictions.

"He expressed concern over the deliberate marketing of these dangerous products to children, using vivid packaging and appealing flavors such as 'gummy bear' and 'rainbow burst'," he added.

"The Tobacco and Vapes Bill offers the necessary safeguards to prevent children and adolescents from becoming ensnared in a lifetime of addiction.

"This is why it's absolutely crucial that it gets passed."

What is contained in the legislation?

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Should the proposed legislation be approved, it will implement a complete prohibition on advertising and sponsorships for vapes, and it may also introduce a ban on the sale of sweet-flavored vapes, pending further consultation.

Starting from January 1, 2009, individuals born after this date will be incrementally restricted from purchasing tobacco as the legal age to buy it is progressively increased.

The proposal includes prohibiting the sale of all vaping and nicotine items, such as nicotine pouches and nicotine-free vaporizers, to individuals younger than 18 years old.

Councils in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland could be empowered to implement a licensing system for the sale of tobacco, vaping, and nicotine products by retailers.

The proposal includes immediate penalties of £200 for retailers caught selling to minors, and allocates £70 million in funding to support smoking cessation programs.

Discover further: Anticipate an intensification in the assisted dying discussions as Starmer dismisses the possibility of a subsequent general election.

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A new suggested anti-smoking initiative involves encouraging hospitals to discuss smoking cessation during regular patient visits, aiming to capitalize on each clinical interaction.

Approximately £10 million is set to be allocated to Trading Standards, the agency which, based on data from National Trading Standards, confiscated over a million unauthorized vaping products in the fiscal year 2023/24, to intensify efforts against unlawful trading activities.

Smoking in pub gardens remains permitted

The proposed legislation would also empower the government to broaden the indoor smoking prohibition to include outdoor areas, with locations such as children’s playgrounds, the vicinities of schools, and hospital exteriors under review in England.

This follows an announcement by Sir Keir Starmer in August that the government was contemplating a broader prohibition on outdoor smoking, potentially extending to pub gardens and al fresco dining areas.

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The prime minister stated that the objective was to cut down on the 80,000 annual deaths in the UK due to smoking that could be prevented. However, this move sparked significant protest from those in the hospitality sector.

Earlier in the month, Mr. Streeting assured Sky News that the government has decided against implementing a ban on smoking and vaping in outdoor areas of pubs.

By next summer, new environmental laws will be put in place to prohibit the sale and distribution of single-use vapes.

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As the NHS gets ready, it plans to provide a smoking cessation pill to tens of thousands of individuals in England.

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According to NHS England, varenicline, a daily oral medication, has shown higher efficacy than nicotine-replacement therapies like gum or patches and is equally effective as vaping in aiding smoking cessation.

It is reported to diminish the cravings and enjoyable sensations from nicotine that maintain addiction.

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Chancellor Rachel Reeves pledges no further tax increases

Reeves stands firm on the necessity of her recent policy decisions, asserting that future budgets will differ.

Journalist focused on business and economics @taaffems

Monday, November 25, 2024, 6:

Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced that the government will not increase taxes or borrow more during its current tenure.

She informed corporate executives that her initial budget presentation, featuring increases in both the employers' national insurance contributions and the national minimum wage, was unique and wouldn’t be repeated.

"I will not return with increased borrowing or higher taxes. That's why, in this budget, we completely reset to ensure that both public finances and services are on stable ground," she informed participants at the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) conference.

"Consequently, we will not need to prepare a budget of this kind in the future."

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Ms. Reeves' financial plan has come under severe scrutiny from leading British companies, which argue that the proposed policies will result in multimillion-pound costs for them, compelling an increase in prices and a reduction in workforce.

Independent analysts from the Office for Budget Responsibility have indicated that the recent budget will likely lead to higher inflation than initially anticipated, contributing to growing concerns.

Ms. Reeves has maintained that her policies are the only viable option.

"She mentioned that while she has received considerable feedback, there has been a lack of alternative suggestions," she noted on Monday afternoon.

Ms. Reeves emphasized that the £22 billion deficit in the government's budget required tough choices to be addressed.

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She also mentioned that comprehensive discussions with businesses about employer taxes were not feasible, as budget details are meant to be presented to Members of Parliament in the Commons and should not be disclosed to industry representatives or the press beforehand.

"She mentioned that the inherent characteristic of budgets prevents the announcement or consultation on tax rates in the manner possible with other policies."

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On Monday, the leader of the CBI, a leading British business organization, stated that the recent increases in business taxes announced in the budget are likely to burden companies instead of promoting expansion.

A primary objective for the Labour administration is economic expansion.

Kingfisher, which owns Screwfix and B&Q, announced on Monday that the modifications to national insurance would increase its expenses by £31 million in the upcoming fiscal year.

The head of McVitie's, Jacob's, and Carr's stated that the UK is becoming less attractive as a business location for his company.

"Moving forward, we aim to remain a significant investor," stated Salman Amin, CEO of the snack food company Pladis.

However, he cautioned, "It's increasingly difficult to see the justification for investing."

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Labour's strategy to 'get Britain working' focuses on expanding NHS services and overhauling Jobcentres

Amid rising government spending on welfare, Labour has announced its intention to boost employment by approximately two million. The party is committing £240 million to these reform efforts.

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Tuesday, November 26, 2024, 08:

Reforming Jobcentres will be a key focus of the Labour government's strategy to "revitalize employment in Britain".

Addressing the growing issue of unemployment and the subsequent dependence on government welfare has emerged as a key focus for the state, as the expenses related to social welfare programs consume a significant chunk of the government's budget.

Government data indicates that over nine million individuals are not participating in the labor market, with approximately 2.8 million of them classified as long-term sick, a figure that has notably increased following the pandemic.

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Today, the government is set to release its Get Britain Working white paper, outlining strategies to increase employment rates.

The government's primary objective is "to address and resolve the fundamental reasons behind joblessness and lack of engagement, while enhancing the coordination of health, skills, and employment assistance tailored to the specific requirements of local areas."

Poor health is identified as the primary cause of inactivity, and addressing issues within the National Health Service (NHS) is seen as a crucial step to reintegrating individuals into the workforce.

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Authorities have highlighted that the budget includes an allocation of £22.6 billion for the health and social care sectors, aimed at addressing NHS delays and facilitating the return of sick individuals to employment.

The government has announced plans to introduce reforms aimed at improving the health and disability benefits system. These changes are designed to better assist individuals in finding and retaining employment, while also addressing the escalating costs of benefits.

As a measure to address this issue, the 20 NHS trusts in England experiencing the highest rates of economic inactivity will receive additional resources to help decrease their waiting lists.

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Liz Kendall, serving as the Secretary of State for the Department for Work and Pensions, stated, "To stimulate growth in Britain, we must focus on increasing employment across the nation."

"Our initiatives will remove obstacles that hinder opportunities, assist individuals in finding and advancing in their jobs, empower local authorities to enhance employment and economic growth, and provide our children and youth with the greatest chances for success in life."

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£240 million allocated for changes

Central to the proposals unveiled today is the transformation of Jobcentres, including a likely rebranding and future renaming of the service.

Today's announcement revealed that the "outdated" system will be transformed into a "national jobs and careers service."

The government has announced that employees will have greater flexibility in assisting service users, shifting away from the existing rigid, checklist-oriented approach.

Approximately £55 million is allocated for the transition, which involves integrating the program with the National Career Service. The government aims to employ artificial intelligence to assist work coaches and to shift more services to digital platforms.

This package is included in a larger £240 million commitment from Labour for reform.

£125 million from this funding will be allocated to enhance work, health, and skills support across eight regions in England and Wales. These initiatives will serve as models for national replication.

Individuals who are not included in these programs will have the opportunity to access a portion of a £15 million fund, as the government intends to delegate greater authority to local councils in matters of employment.

Around £45 million is set to be invested in eight pioneering programs for young people in locations including Liverpool, Tees Valley, and the East Midlands.

This initiative is a component of the government's strategy to boost the employment and educational engagement among the youth. It specifically aims to identify and assist individuals who are most vulnerable to dropping out of school or the workforce, by connecting them with suitable opportunities for further education, training, or employment.

The government will introduce a "youth guarantee" ensuring that all 18 to 21-year-olds in England can access apprenticeships, educational opportunities, or employment assistance. Additionally, reforms will be made to the apprenticeship levy as part of this initiative.

An investigation will be initiated to explore ways to enhance support for employers in hiring individuals with disabilities.

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"Putting a stop to fault-finding and disparagement"

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer stated, "Our changes will eliminate the practice of faulting and embarrassing individuals who have long lacked the necessary assistance to re-enter the workforce.

"Our strategy to enhance financial well-being, spur economic growth, and improve living standards involves securing good-paying, respectable employment for individuals and ensuring our youth receive an excellent foundational education."

Helen Whately, the Conservative opposition spokesperson for work and pensions, stated that Labour has failed to propose any measures to equal the £12 billion in welfare cuts that her party pledged in its manifesto.

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Paul Nowak, the chief of the Trades Union Congress, supported Labour's proposals, noting, "Achieving success will also hinge on the government's commitment to fund health services and high-quality training adequately."

"Staff at job centers should be key players in reshaping their services, and the delegation of powers should always preserve employee terms and conditions."

Louise Rubin, the policy chief at the disability equality charity Scope, emphasized that the government needs to recognize the "distrust that exists between disabled individuals and the DWP," which could jeopardize the effectiveness of the reforms.

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Victims of the Post Office scandal have been given a deadline to settle compensation claims before pursuing legal measures. Sir Alan Bates, who heads the campaign, has warned former sub-postmasters that they will seek the assistance of a dedicated law firm if there are no significant improvements by the beginning of next year. He also criticized Sir Keir Starmer for offering only typical bureaucratic responses.

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Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at noon,

According to Sky News, individuals affected by the Post Office scandal may not see enhancements to the compensation program until the end of 2024, at which point the issue may return to the judicial system.

A communication from Sir Alan Bates to the participants of the Group Litigation Order (GLO) indicates that a "specialist law firm" may be consulted if there are no significant improvements regarding compensation.

The GLO initiative was established for former sub-postmasters following their victory in the High Court against the Post Office in 2019.

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Between 1999 and 2015, faulty Horizon software led to accounting errors, falsely implicating hundreds in theft from various branches.

Sir Alan's memo recapped a recent gathering of victims who concurred that unless there are enhancements to the compensation scheme, they would reconvene in mid-January to discuss a potential "deadline" or "closure date" for the scheme.

He stated: "At that point, we will ask a specialized law firm to speak to the group about how we can quickly return this entire issue to the judicial system for resolution.

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"It could also encompass additional programs alongside ours, necessitating another round of fundraising, this time on a national scale. I am confident that we can gather the necessary funds."

The newsletter further pointed out that members of the Justice for Sub-postmasters Alliance (JFSA) debated the pros and cons of various legal options.

The assembly was informed that the "vast majority" of over 150 victims present were "still pending or had not yet reached their final settlements."

Sir Alan has sent two letters to the prime minister within the past two months, urging him to establish a deadline of March 2025 for all GLO claims.

In his newsletter, Sir Alan mentions that Sir Keir Starmer's reply was filled with typical bureaucratic clichés that were essentially empty, and it indicated that there would be no change in their usual operations, essentially maintaining the status quo.

"Though political leadership may shift from one party to another, the bureaucracy remains constant, and it's clear who actually holds the reins of government."

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Sir Alan noted parallels between the issues identified by the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) in the Windrush compensation scheme and the challenges faced by victims of the GLO Scheme.

The investigation by the PHSO revealed that the Home Office program was incorrectly denying payments to individuals who were eligible to receive them.

Sir Alan mentioned that after a recent discussion with the victims involved with the PHSO, there appears to be significant justification for them to file a fresh complaint against the Department for Business and Trade.

A representative from the government stated: "This administration has implemented substantial measures to accelerate the process of compensation payments and remains committed to hearing from subpostmasters regarding their requirements from the programs.

"Beginning in July, we quickly implemented the new Horizon Convictions Redress Scheme and introduced a new appeals mechanism within the Horizon Shortfall Scheme, providing postmasters with the opportunity for independent reviews of their settlements."

As of late October, over 3,100 individuals have received around £438 million through four different programs, marking an 85% increase since the end of June.

"We are currently processing 90% of initial GLO claims within 40 working days from the time we receive the completed documents. We urge the 186 individuals who have yet to submit their complete claims to do so promptly to ensure they receive the reimbursements due to them."

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