EP TODAY, Wednesday, February 12

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2025 Work Plan from the Commission and Updated Strategy for Compet

At 9:00 AM, Commissioner Śefčovič is scheduled to unveil the European Commission's work agenda for 2025. This presentation will be succeeded by a dialogue involving Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) and Poland's Minister for EU Affairs, Szłapka. Later in the day, at approximately 2:00 PM, the plenary session will engage in a debate to assess the newly introduced proposal for a competitiveness strategy, featuring insights from Commission Vice-President Séjourné and Minister Szłapka.

Andreas Kleiner

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European Parliament News

Estefania Narrillos

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European Parliament Press

Crackdown in Russia a Year Following Navalny’s Assassination

Members of the European Parliament are set to discuss the ongoing crackdown by the Kremlin on Russia's political dissenters, marking one year since the assassination of Alexei Navalny. The debate is scheduled to begin at approximately 10:30.

Snjezana KOBESCAK SMODIS

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Viktor Almqvist

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Foreign Affairs of the European Parliament

The United States' exit from the World Health Organization and the Paris Agreement, along with the hal

At approximately 4:30 PM, members of the European Parliament and Commissioner Lahbib are set to discuss the ramifications of the United States Administration's choice to withdraw from the World Health Organization and the Paris Climate Accord. They will also address the effects stemming from the halt of US humanitarian and development assistance.

Dana POPP

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Thomas Haahr

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Environmental Program

Eoghan WALSH

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Summary

Assistance for EU Regions Adjacent to Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine

Starting at approximately 15:00, a plenary session will take place featuring discussions with EU Commission Vice-President Fitto and Minister Szłapka. The focus will be on the European Union's assistance to regions that share borders with Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine.

Seven years following the Kuciak murders, concerns about journalist safety in the EU remain. Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) are set to evaluate the current status of media freedom throughout the EU in a meeting with Commissioner McGrath, focusing on strategies to safeguard journalists.

The mental well-being of Europe's young population is under scrutiny. Members of the European Parliament and Commissioner Micallef are set to engage in talks aimed at addressing the rising mental health challenges faced by young individuals across the continent.

The state of human rights in Türkiye, Nicaragua, and Nigeria is under scrutiny. Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), along with Commissioner Micallef, are set to examine the recent removal and detention of mayors in Türkiye, the ongoing crackdown in Nicaragua, and the potential imposition of the death penalty in Nigeria due to blasphemy accusations. On Thursday, plenary will vote on three proposed resolutions addressing these issues.

Partnership between conservative groups and the far-right. During today's debate at 1:00 PM, Members of the European Parliament will engage in a discussion with Commission Vice-President Séjourné and Polish Minister Szłapka regarding the potential impact of a partnership between conservative factions and far-right groups on the EU's competitive edge.

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At midday, the full assembly will cast their votes on several matters, including:

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

To find more specifics about the session, kindly refer to our newsletter.

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Parliament Approves Modernization of VAT Regulations for the Digital Era

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The revised rules will mandate the payment of VAT on services offered via online platforms, addressing an unequal competitive landscape. Additionally, the changes aim to combat VAT evasion.

On Wednesday, the full assembly of Parliament gave the green light to the amendments proposed by the member states in November regarding the VAT Directive. The new regulations were passed with 589 members voting in favor, 42 opposing, and 10 choosing to abstain.

By 2030, online platforms will be mandated to collect VAT for services offered through their channels, particularly in instances where individual service providers do not apply VAT. This adjustment aims to rectify a market imbalance, as comparable services in the conventional economy are already taxed through VAT. The sectors most affected by this discrepancy include short-term accommodation rentals and road passenger transport. However, member states will have the option to exempt small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from this requirement, a proposal that has received support from Parliament.

The revision aims to completely digitize VAT reporting requirements for international transactions by 2030. This will involve companies issuing electronic invoices for cross-border business-to-business dealings and automatically sending the information to their tax offices. This initiative is expected to enhance the ability of tax authorities to combat VAT fraud.

In an effort to ease the administrative load on businesses, the regulations enhance online VAT one-stop-shops. This upgrade will allow a greater number of businesses engaged in cross-border operations to fulfill their VAT requirements using a single online platform and in just one language.

Context

The revision of the VAT regulations has been in development for more than two years. On December 8, 2022, the Commission introduced the 'VAT in the Digital Age' package, known as the ViDA package, which included three proposals. Among these proposals was a revision to the 2006 VAT directive.

The Commission has estimated that EU countries could recover as much as €11 billion from uncollected VAT.

Annual revenues are expected to increase consistently over the next decade. Companies are projected to reduce compliance expenses by €4.1 billion each year during this period, while also cutting down on registration and administrative expenses by €8.7 billion over the same ten years.

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Angela Rayner asserts that the goal of 1.5 million new homes is achievable, following an additional £350 million funding promise for affordable housing. The Deputy Prime Minister emphasizes that fulfilling this pledge from their manifesto is essential, especially given the 160,000 children presently living in temporary housing.

Wednesday, February 12, 2025, 5:

Angela Rayner has affirmed the government's ability to achieve its goal of constructing 1.5 million homes within the next five years, following a commitment by ministers to allocate an additional £350 million towards housing development.

An additional £300 million has been allocated to the affordable housing initiative, a step that government officials say will enable the construction of 2,800 more homes.

The government has announced that over half of the additional housing units will be designated for social rent. Additionally, it is anticipated that over 250 council homes will become accessible due to a £50 million increase in funding for local authority housing.

The magnitude of the issue is clear, as over 123,000 families are living in temporary housing, which includes close to 160,000 children. Additionally, nearly 6,000 families with children find themselves residing in bed and breakfast establishments.

When questioned about her concerns regarding the government's ability to achieve the 1.5 million homes goal, Ms. Rayner expressed her firm resolve to rise to the occasion.

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"She emphasized to the media that meeting the goal is imperative as failure is not an option."

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"There are 1.3 million individuals on the waiting lists for housing, and there's no one tuning into this program who doesn’t know someone eager to secure a home.

"Hence, we are resolved to reverse this trend."

When asked if the planned addition of 250 council homes was sufficient to meet demand, Ms. Rayner stated, "We believe the actions we're implementing will result in the creation of thousands more council and social housing units through this initiative. Our goal is to support councils that are eager to construct these homes."

"She highlighted that 160,000 children are living in temporary housing, noting both the substantial financial burden this places on local councils and the negative effects on the children's future opportunities."

"We are committed to constructing the necessary homes and are fully engaged in efforts to reverse the downturn and create the housing that is critically needed by many."

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The additional funding of £350 million announced is in addition to the £500 million allocated for affordable housing in the budget of October.

Local development and construction safety minister Alex Norris informed Sky News that local bodies or entities allocated funding for housing construction must repay the funds if they fail to meet their contractual obligations.

The Local Government Association, an organization representing local councils, expressed support for the announcement, stating that the councils are "prepared to collaborate with the government to boost the availability of affordable homes, assisting those on council housing waitlists and the unprecedented number of individuals in temporary housing."

The text encouraged the government to take advantage of the upcoming spring budget review to make certain that local authorities are equipped with the necessary funds to provide those homes.

Shelter, a housing charity, reports that to significantly reduce the social housing backlog and accommodate all homeless families in England, approximately 90,000 new homes at social rent rates are necessary annually over the next decade.

Last month, a study conducted by members of parliament revealed that an unprecedented number of children are residing in bed and breakfast accommodations for longer than legally permitted, as the escalating homelessness crisis in England strains local government resources to the limit.

Members of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) highlighted an urgent requirement for changes in the housing sector, pointing out that the scarcity of affordable housing compels financially constrained local governments to excessively spend their budgets on temporary housing.

A recent investigation by Sky News revealed that in certain areas of England, children are remaining in temporary housing for an average duration of up to five and a half years.

Since 2021, there has been a notable rise in the duration of stays, especially in London and the South East, where the stays are considerably longer.

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Further details: Labour Party suspends 11 council members amid WhatsApp controversy; Sue Gray assumes position in the House of Lords.

In other developments, government officials are anticipated to unveil strategies aimed at curbing abusive practices by unscrupulous landlords. These landlords, according to authorities, are burdening taxpayers by receiving unlimited housing benefits in exchange for offering substandard living conditions.

Last week, it was declared by officials that a new regulation mandating social landlords to address and rectify safety issues within a specified timeframe will start being implemented in stages beginning in October.

The bill is titled in honor of Awaab Ishak, a two-year-old who passed away in December 2020 due to a respiratory illness linked to long-term exposure to mold in his family's social housing unit in Rochdale, Greater Manchester.

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Leading contender for the immigration oversight role, currently residing in Finland, commits to full-time presence in the UK, according to Starmer

John Tuckett, with six years as the immigration services commissioner under his belt, informed members of parliament that his current arrangement involves traveling to the UK for work as required.

Wednesday, 12 February 2025, 3:13

Sir Keir Starmer has confirmed that the government's preferred candidate for the new border oversight role will be based full-time in the UK, following revelations that he resides in Finland.

John Tuckett informed members of parliament on Tuesday that he travels from a Nordic country for his duties whenever required.

Having served as the UK's immigration services commissioner for six years, he has now been chosen by the Labour Party as their favored candidate for the role of the independent chief inspector of borders and immigration (ICIBI).

When queried by the Home Affairs Select Committee about whether his residence was close enough to London to commute, he answered, "No, it isn't. My family's home is in Finland, and I travel to the UK as required."

During Prime Minister's Questions, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch highlighted a controversial hiring decision, stating, "The government is in the process of appointing a new chief inspector of borders who resides in Finland and prefers to work remotely. This lacks seriousness. How can the British public accept this?"

Sir Keir responded by noting that Mr. Tuckett was selected for his prominent role in 2019 by the Conservatives, and he subsequently spent five years working out of Finland.

"The prime minister announced, 'He will now be based full-time in the United Kingdom for his work.'"

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Mr. Tuckett informed the committee that he personally covers the costs of his travel and lodging, and that this has always been his practice.

When questioned about how he plans to manage the UK's borders from abroad, he replied, "I operate out of the UK and will be there; my residence is in Finland."

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He also expressed his willingness to work in the office five days a week if necessary, but he hoped for a 60-40 division of office and remote work should he secure the new position.

He stated, "I have experience in this field, and during my interview, when the question was posed, I responded that in my opinion, availability is crucial for meetings with ministers and for any tasks that require personal interaction."

"You also require periods for reflection, relaxation, and writing, as creating a report isn't something you can squeeze into a brief 10-minute break between two significant meetings. So, I believe it should be a 60-40 division."

The Home Office revealed in January that Mr. Tuckett, who formerly held the role of chief executive at the Marine Management Organisation and served under the Archbishop of York, was the selected candidate for the chief inspector role.

Stay updated with more political coverage: Surveillance cameras to be set up in Parliament's bar following allegations of drink tampering. Labour Party suspends 11 council members amid WhatsApp controversy. After the Grenfell Tower tragedy, what are the next steps?

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Migration Minister Seema Malhotra has endorsed Mr. Tuckett for the position, stating: "His proven success in implementing substantial transformation initiatives throughout the government, along with his present position as the immigration services commissioner, renders him exceptionally qualified for this vital independent supervisory role during a critical period for our border security."

If Mr. Tuckett is approved for the position, he will take over from the current temporary chief, David Bolt, who has been in charge since June of the previous year.

Mr. Bolt was named as the new borders monitor following the dismissal of his predecessor, David Neal, in February of the previous year, who was accused of violating the conditions of his role.

He subsequently expressed his dissatisfaction with the delays in publishing his reports and mentioned that there were "very few" options available to voice his concerns regarding security.

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Heathrow's Extended Runway Launch

Wednesday, February 12, 2025, 07:46, UK

👉Tune into the Politics At Jack And Sam's podcast on your favorite listening app👈

Sky News’ assistant political chief Sam Coates and Politico’s Anne McElvoy preview the upcoming events in UK politics.

Today, expansion is once again a key focus, with Heathrow set to unveil a new multibillion-pound development project.

What is the practicality and timeline for implementing these suggested plans?

Concurrently, Chancellor Rachel Reeves is cautioned that her financial strategy may lead to tightened budgets.

Who is the candidate from Finland being considered for the border control position?

Feel free to reach out via WhatsApp at 07511 867 633, or you can email us at jackandsam@sky.uk.

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The UK will deny citizenship to migrants who enter the country illegally via small boats or trucks

This new policy will affect both current and future migrants who use these methods, whereas in the past, refugees arriving by small boats were eligible for citizenship after a decade.

Political journalist @alixculbertson

Wednesday, February 12, 2025, 10:

According to recent guidelines from the Home Office, individuals who enter the UK illicitly via small boats or by concealing themselves in trucks will be denied British citizenship.

The guidelines regarding "Good Character" for immigration officials have been updated to state that, starting from 10 February, individuals who entered the UK illegally by undertaking perilous journeys will typically be denied citizenship, irrespective of their date of arrival.

The document lists perilous travel methods, which encompass, among others, using small boats or hiding in vehicles or similar transport means.

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The instructions specify that this does not apply to those arriving as passengers on a commercial flight.

Before, refugees entering through unofficial pathways faced a decade-long wait to qualify for citizenship consideration.

The Home Office stated that the amendment enhances policies to ensure that individuals who enter the UK unlawfully will be denied British citizenship.

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Since the Labour Party assumed power, there has been a nearly 30% increase in the number of individuals reaching the country via small boats. Specifically, close to 25,000 individuals arrived between July 4, 2024, and February 6, 2025, marking a 28% rise compared to

This also represents the second largest number recorded since data collection started in 2018.

Several Labour members of Parliament along with the Refugee Council have criticized new policy guidelines, arguing that they will enable refugees to reside in the UK without truly integrating them into the community.

Labour MP Stella Creasy stated on X that the guidelines "need immediate revision."

"She argued that it is unjust to grant someone refugee status only to deny them the opportunity to pursue British citizenship."

"Claiming they can reside in our nation, yet always be outsiders in our community, perpetually relegated to second-tier status."

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The Refugee Council criticized the alteration as illogical, noting that the British public desires refugees in the UK to assimilate and add value to their new communities. Therefore, it is counterproductive for the government to create additional obstacles.

"Ministers are strongly encouraged to rethink their position immediately," stated Enver Solomon, the CEO of the NGO.

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A spokesperson from the Home Office stated: "Regulations are in place that can bar individuals who enter illegally from acquiring citizenship.

"This updated policy directive reinforces actions to underscore that individuals entering the UK unlawfully, such as those arriving by small boats, may face rejection of their applications for British citizenship."

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Labour's platform included a commitment to dismantle criminal organizations by establishing a Border Security Command. It also proposed new measures enabling officials to restrict the movement of human traffickers, block the usage of mobile phones, and close bank accounts.

On Monday, the government's Border, Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill cleared its second reading by a substantial margin.

The legislation eliminates the previous Conservative policy of deporting unauthorized migrants to Rwanda and strengthens legal support for enhancing police authority to combat human trafficking.

The Conservative Party has not made a statement regarding the newly issued guidelines. However, last week, party leader Kemi Badenoch expressed intentions to strengthen the criteria for citizenship, aiming to make it harder for new immigrants to obtain permanent residency in the UK.

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Sir Keir Starmer concurs with Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch that it was incorrect for a judge to allow a Gaza family to relocate to the UK via the Ukraine resettlement program, and he is taking steps to seal a loophole to avoid similar instances in the future.

Political correspondent @fayebrownSky

Wednesday, February 12, 2025, 2:

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Sir Keir Starmer criticized a judge's "incorrect ruling" for allowing a Gaza family to relocate to the UK through a Ukrainian refugee program.

The prime minister stated that the government is taking steps to address a "loophole" that contributed to this particular situation, attributing the issue to the legal system established by the Conservatives.

On Wednesday, news broke that a Palestinian family of six, who escaped from Gaza, successfully appealed to reside in the UK. They had initially sought entry via a program designed for Ukrainian refugees.

At Prime Minister's Questions (PMQs), Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch questioned the government's response to a recent decision, stating, "This decision is entirely incorrect. It must not be permitted to prevail. Does the government intend to challenge this ruling legally, and if so, on what grounds?"

Sir Keir responded, "To be explicit, I do not support the decisions. She is correct."

He stated that Ms. Badenoch had failed to sufficiently prepare, asserting that "the decision in question was made during the tenure of the previous government, within the legal parameters established by that administration."

He further mentioned that the Home Office was reviewing the specifics of the incident to prevent a recurrence.

He stated, "The responsibility for establishing immigration regulations should lie with parliament, while policy-making should be the domain of the government. That is the fundamental rule."

"The Home Secretary is already investigating the legal oversight that needs to be addressed in this specific situation."

The incident concerned a family of six, comprising both parents and their four children, who were left homeless following the demolition of their residence due to a bombing in the conflict between Israel and Hamas.

They sought permission to enter the UK through the Ukraine Family Scheme in order to reunite with the father's brother, a British citizen residing in the country since 2007.

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The Ukraine Family Scheme permits individuals escaping the Russian invasion to reunite with family members who are already residents in Britain, however, there is no equivalent program for Palestinian refugees.

The family's request was denied in May of the previous year and subsequently in September after they challenged the decision.

Nevertheless, they later received permission to reside in the UK when higher tribunal judges approved another appeal, based on Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which safeguards the right to family life.

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Further Reading: Unauthorized migrants to be denied UK citizenship. Proposed border control advisor to travel from Finland.

Judge Hugo Norton-Taylor described the situation in Gaza as "exceptionally dangerous" and "dire," noting that the case presented "compelling" and "exceptional" circumstances due to the ongoing security and humanitarian crises.

Ms. Badenoch urged Sir Keir to challenge the ruling, introduce new laws, or modify current bills being debated in the Commons, arguing that the case could establish a precedent that allows "millions of people globally in dire circumstances" to seek refuge in the UK.

Sir Keir stated it wasn't required but didn't provide details on which loophole would be addressed or the timing.

The spokesperson for the Prime Minister declined to provide details, stating that Home Secretary Yvette Cooper is "examining proposals to strengthen the application process in similar situations," and that these proposals are expected to be introduced "in the coming weeks."

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The man who murdered Member of Parliament Sir David Amess was removed from the Prevent counter-terrorism program 'too swiftly', according to a review. Ali Harbi Ali, who assassinated the long-serving Conservative MP, was discharged from the program just five years earlier after a single session at a McDonald's that focused on his understanding of prohibitions in Islamic law.

Political journalist @alixculbertson

Wednesday, February 12, 2025, 10:

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An inquiry revealed that the individual responsible for the murder of Conservative MP Sir David Amess was prematurely discharged from the Prevent anti-terrorism initiative.

Sir David was fatally attacked by ISIS sympathizer Ali Harbi Ali while attending a meeting with constituents in a church hall in Leigh-on-Sea in October 2021.

The individual, who received a life sentence without parole, was influenced by ISIS ideology and had previously been a part of the Prevent anti-terrorism initiative prior to committing the assault.

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His case was concluded five years ago, following a single coffee meeting at a McDonald's to address his views on "haram" (prohibited by Islamic law), along with messages and conversations with an intervention specialist.

Security Minister Dan Jarvis stated in the House of Commons on Wednesday that although the Prevent policy and guidelines were largely adhered to, the individual's case was concluded too swiftly.

After the release of a report earlier this month examining how the Prevent program dealt with Southport child murderer Axel Rudakubana, Mr. Jarvis announced that a Prevent learning review concerning the murder of Sir David would be made public this week, underscoring a dedication to openness regarding the counter-terrorism initiative.

Nonetheless, Katie, the daughter of Sir David, has criticized it as merely a "paper exercise" lacking genuine accountability and is advocating for a "comprehensive public inquiry."

Matt Juke, the lead on counter-terrorism policing, stated that the oversight and administration of Ali's case by Prevent were evidently lacking and emphasized the importance of implementing the review's findings to prevent other families from experiencing the grief endured by Sir David's relatives.

The analysis concluded:

• In 2014, Ali was directed to the Prevent program following observations from his school that he exhibited a marked transformation in his demeanor, appearance, and behavior. Initially described as a promising student with ambitions of becoming a doctor, he notably declined academically, failing his A-levels, and expressed a desire to relocate to a "more Islamic state" due to his inability to coexist with non-believers.

• Prevent immediately handled his situation, referring him to Channel, a segment of the initiative designed to deter engagement in extremist activities.

• Mr. Jarvis stated that he was "removed from Prevent prematurely," merely five months after being judged as a low terrorism risk.

• Twelve months following his release from the Prevent program, a police assessment concluded that there were no terrorism-related concerns, leading to the closure of his case. However, this closure was not recorded for an additional eight months due to a technical problem with the IT system.

• Individuals who exit the Prevent program are scheduled to undergo reviews at six-month and one-year intervals.

• Evaluating Ali's weaknesses was deemed "ineffective and not current," due to the failure to adhere to established protocols, resulting in "doubtful choices and less-than-ideal management of the situation."

• Focus was placed more on managing Ali's symptoms rather than resolving the root problems that made him vulnerable, and the assistance he received failed to address these fundamental issues.

• Documentation of decisions, actions, and their reasoning was "inconsistent, fragmented, and unclear"

• The reasoning behind some choices was "not clearly stated"

• Ali's educational institution was excluded from conversations aimed at assessing danger and arranging suitable assistance – they received a single notification informing them that the "issue was being addressed"

• Due to a misunderstanding, only one session was conducted instead of the planned two.

Further information: Daughter of Sir David Amess pursuing legal measures

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The analysis concluded that the majority of the oversights in Ali’s situation would likely be avoided now due to more explicit guidelines and standards.

The text indicates that in Ali's situation, his school, which referred him, is consistently updated and involved. Moreover, various departments and agencies, beyond just the police, have defined responsibilities.

The review clarified which records must be maintained and noted that updated guidelines for identifying inherent weaknesses would have been beneficial.

The text notes that a provider from the Prevent program met with Ali at a McDonald's to address his interpretation of "haram" (prohibited in Islamic law).

No evaluation of risks was conducted, yet they proposed an additional meeting. Unfortunately, due to miscommunication between the police and the service provider, no further meetings took place.

Educational programs for providers have undergone significant changes, according to the review, which also notes that the issues addressed would not occur under current practices. The provider involved has stated that their procedures have been entirely revamped.

The review highlighted ongoing issues, not limited to Ali’s situation, with the Vulnerability Assessment Form. Described as an "incredibly complex document," it is essential for the Channel process and case advancement.

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The investigation also revealed that the recent policy by the College of Police to retain Prevent program data for only five years could potentially be troublesome. Had the information from Ali's case been erased due to this policy, conducting this review would have been almost unfeasible.

'Father merited more support from his parliamentary colleagues'

Katie Amess expressed her approval of the announcement made on Wednesday regarding a public inquiry into the attacks in Nottingham, stating that all victims let down by the Prevent program should receive equal attention.

She informed Sarah-Jane Mee on "The UK Tonight" that she had received a briefing on the outcomes of the educational review conducted last year.

Ms. Amess stated that she was required to sign a contract agreeing to keep the contents confidential, under threat of imprisonment or a fine if she disclosed any information.

She criticized the review for being severely inadequate, noting that it was merely compiled from current documents and email records.

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The 39-year-old, pursuing a lawsuit against Essex Police and the Home Office, expressed to Sky News that her father was owed more by his parliamentary "friends" following his many years of service as an MP.

Ms. Amess expressed disappointment over Yvette Cooper's hesitation to sanction a public inquiry, pointing out that Cooper's absence from office at the time of her father's murder shouldn't affect such decisions. She noted that previous home secretaries had authorized inquiries under comparable conditions.

She expressed to Sky News, "I'm eager to understand the secrets and the reasons behind the refusal to launch an investigation that would include me and other victims."

Ms. Amess stated that the details revealed thus far clearly highlight the ineffectiveness of the Prevent program, due to the lack of direct communication between the police, Prevent, and other agencies.

She informed Sarah-Jane Mee, "Ali actually got up during his trial and ridiculed the Prevent program. He claimed that simply stating 'I'm not a terrorist' would make them stop monitoring you – what kind of message does that communicate?"

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Attorney Keir transforms into tough Keir

In a bold shift, Keir adopts a tougher image as part of Labour's counter-strategy, following a Sky News/YouGov poll that shows Reform leading Labour for the first time.

Senior political reporter @joncraig

Wednesday, February 12, 2025, 3:

Is Sir Keir Starmer performing better during Prime Minister's Questions?

Suddenly, he's shifted from being stiff, mechanical, and overly formal to adopting a much more assertive stance against the Conservatives and Reform UK.

Recently, it's become apparent that he's intensified his criticisms of Kemi Badenoch and Nigel Farage.

The latest approach at Prime Minister's Questions aligns with Labour's aggressive advertisements targeting Reform and impactful videos promoting the government's strict measures on illegal immigration.

Certainly, the assertive stance taken by Keir is a component of Labour's counterattack following the Sky News/YouGov survey which showed Reform surpassing Labour for the first time.

In the final Prime Minister's Questions session before a two-week break – another parliamentary holiday is indeed scheduled for next week – Sir Keir harshly criticized both the Tories and Reform UK for their Monday vote against Labour's proposed borders legislation.

Indeed, according to a recent opinion poll released over the weekend, immigration is the primary concern for Reform UK supporters and Conservative voters thinking about switching their allegiance to Reform UK.

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Ministers are evaluating over 100 potential new towns

King Charles has extended an invitation to Sir Keir Starmer and the leaders of the devolved administrations for a dinner at Windsor Castle.

Sue Gray assumes position in the House of Lords – and is granted a fresh title

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In a dramatic exchange that saw Labour backbenchers participating, Sir Keir emphatically stated, "They voted against – that's Reform and the Tories.

"Members cast their votes to reject the proposal that would criminalize the coordination of purchasing, selling, and transporting small vessels."

Labour MPs consistently voiced their opposition, exclaiming "Against!" while Sir Keir went on, saying: "Opposed to criminalizing life-threatening actions at sea, opposed to the authority to detain suspected human traffickers before the act of smuggling occurs.

"They cast their votes in opposition; they supported the policy of open borders, both individuals did."

Further Reading: Unauthorized migrants to be denied UK citizenship

Nominee for border agency oversight role may travel from Finland

During a particularly fiery session of Prime Minister's Questions, Sir Keir boldly asserted that "farming is my top priority."

Indeed? New Conservative MP Harriet Cross, who appears promising, appropriately questioned him regarding a statement from a Labour minister that farmers were "not high on the government's priority list."

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Sir Ed Davey, another party leader, has been notably effective at PMQs lately, consistently addressing significant concerns that the Conservative leader seems to overlook.

This week saw President Trump issuing threats towards Ukraine and proposing tariffs, alongside a quip about imposing tariffs on American-made electric vehicles, a comment seemingly overlooked by many legislators. Yes, that includes Elon Musk’s Teslas.

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Conversely, the quality of PMQs has diminished with fewer inquiries from Stephen Flynn since the SNP has ceased to be the third largest party. His straightforward approach often achieves its aim and is greatly missed.

This leads us to discuss Kemi Badenoch. Are Sir Keir's improved appearances attributed to her weak performance, as some detractors suggest? Her strategy remains overly erratic, and the Prime Minister continues to outshine her in their regular confrontations, benefiting from his assertive tactics.

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Public inquiry led by a judge announced for Nottingham incidents

In a series of violent incidents in Nottingham in June 2023, Valdo Calocane fatally attacked Barnaby Webber, Grace O'Malley-Kumar, and Ian Coates.

Wednesday, February 12, 2025, 11:

Sir Keir Starmer has informed the relatives of the victims in the Nottingham incidents that a judicial public inquiry is set to commence within a few weeks.

At a highly emotional gathering at Number 10, the families of Barnaby Webber, Grace O'Malley-Kumar, and Ian Coates were informed that the investigation would examine a "variety of agencies."

Nineteen-year-old students Mr. Webber and Ms. O'Malley-Kumar, along with 65-year-old caretaker Mr. Coates, were murdered by Valdo Calocane, who also tried to kill three additional individuals during a series of violent incidents in the city in June 2023.

In January of the previous year, Calocane received an indefinite hospital order after pleading guilty to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility and to charges of attempted murder.

Prosecutors agreed to a manslaughter plea when specialists concurred that his schizophrenia diminished his accountability for his actions. Recently, the families expressed concerns that he had essentially "escaped murder charges."

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Addressing the media from Downing Street on Wednesday, Emma Webber, the mother of Barnaby, expressed: "This is the first piece of good news we've received in a really long time. We are still trying to comprehend it."

Dr. Sanjoy Kumar, who is Grace's father, stated, "As families, we have consistently maintained that wherever Valdo Calocane came into contact with official agencies, we experienced disappointment."

He then expressed that the public inquiry "has been wonderful news for everyone involved; we embrace it fully, having dedicated significant effort towards it."

"All those who have endured hardships as we have will see that our investigation brings about reforms, improving our nation and ensuring a safer environment for everyone."

Mrs. Webber mentioned that the families were informed the investigation would wrap up in two years, and Dr. Kumar expressed his gratitude to the prime minister, speaking "as one dad to another."

At the gathering, Sir Keir expressed that concentrating solely on one element of the situation would be inappropriate because he believed that approach "would not serve justice," and he mentioned that it would be a formal investigation.

He mentioned that a former judge will soon be appointed, stating, "Once that appointment is made, the process will begin."

Discover further details on Sky News: Sir David Amess' murderer left the Prevent program 'prematurely'; NHS trust incurs a £1.6 million penalty following infant fatalities.

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In a subsequent interview with Sky News on "The UK Tonight with Sarah-Jane Mee," Mrs. Webber described the families' experiences as enduring "torture" to reach this point.

She stated, "Without our unwavering determination as a group, I sincerely doubt we would have found ourselves in Number 10 today."

Mrs. Webber continued, "The one term I was looking for today was 'statutory.' I believe we presented a compelling argument last week as to why this needs to be a statutory public inquiry led by a judge, because that's the only way we'll uncover the truth."

"Solutions will be discovered, responsibility will be ensured, and change will occur."

Dr. Sinead O'Malley-Kumar, the mother of Grace, expressed her concerns to Sky News, stating, "We must identify the gaps in our healthcare system that lead to patient neglect, understand the reasons behind inadequate care, and pinpoint where the system is most strained. Is it a lack of available beds, or is there too much pressure on management? Patients are not receiving the necessary treatments, which endangers them, their families, and the broader public."

The gathering occurred subsequent to NHS England's investigation into Calocane's mental health support prior to the incidents. The report revealed that the care provided to him did not consistently fulfill his requirements.

The document outlined four instances of hospitalization from 2020 to 2022, along with numerous engagements with community groups, before he was released to his general practitioner due to minimal engagement with mental health services.

The report revealed that Calocane was permitted to forego prolonged antipsychotic treatment because he had an aversion to needles and did not acknowledge having a mental health disorder.

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The Treasury has initiated an investigation following the disclosure of economic growth projections. According to Bloomberg, the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) plans to revise its growth predictions for the UK downward. A Treasury representative emphasized that the commencement of this investigation does not verify the accuracy of these reports.

Journalistic correspondent

Wednesday, February 12, 2025, 5:

An investigation into a leak will be conducted after it was reported that the government's financial oversight body has lowered its projections for economic expansion.

Bloomberg disclosed that the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) has lowered its economic growth projections, according to information provided to Chancellor Rachel Reeves last week.

Slower economic expansion may compel the government to further slash its expenditures or raise additional taxes.

Latest Political News: Prime Minister and Badenoch Unusually Aligned

The upcoming weather forecast is scheduled for release in March, and it is expected to remain undisclosed until then.

James Bowler, the top official at the Treasury, has verified the investigation.

He informed the Treasury Committee of the House of Commons, saying, "We will conduct an investigation and I am pleased to share the results with you."

Efforts by the government to boost the UK's economic growth have faced challenges since last year's election, with businesses expressing dissatisfaction over the policies implemented in Ms. Reeves's inaugural budget.

Labour's strategy includes a boost in housing construction and development, though these initiatives were not factored into the projections for the budget outlined last October.

Mr. Bowler attempted to minimize the significance of the leak investigation, implying that it did not confirm the accuracy of Bloomberg's report.

When queried by committee chair Meg Hillier regarding the investigation, the government official suggested that around 50 individuals in the Treasury had access to the projections.

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Is the investigation likely to uncover the source of the leak?

Senior political reporter

It was a scene straight out of Yes Minister. The senior bureaucrat testifying at the Treasury select committee might as well have been Sir Humphrey Appleby from the television show.

Indeed, it was James Bowler, quite the distinguished name for a senior government official in Whitehall! He's the permanent secretary at the Treasury, and he declared an investigation into leaks.

The sharp reporters from Bloomberg, a finance-focused website, managed to obtain a growth forecast indicating that Rachel Reeves might need to implement budget reductions.

The projection provided by the Office for Budget Responsibility was handed to the chancellor last week. However, to avoid public humiliation, she preferred to withhold its release until March 26.

"Every hint of a leak is treated with utmost seriousness, and we will conduct a thorough investigation," Mr. Bowler declared emphatically.

In classic Yes Minister style, he stated, "We need to encircle those predictions and ensure they remain confidential."

Certainly not. Investigations into leaks, on the other hand, are famously ineffective at identifying the source of the leak.

In an episode of Yes Minister, Sir Humphrey announced, "I'll immediately initiate an investigation into the leak." To this, the befuddled Minister Jim Hacker responded, "I'm not interested in an inquiry; I want to know who's responsible."

It's merely a blend of fiction and satire, obviously. Or could there be some truth to it?

In 2016, the actual cabinet secretary, Sir Jeremy Heywood, who earned the nickname "Sir Cover-up" for his penchant for confidentiality, initiated an investigation into the disclosure of a letter he penned instructing civil servants against leaking information.

It sounds almost too good to be true, akin to a civil servant in Whitehall being named Bowler!

He mentioned that a probe into the officials of the OBR is probable, despite the agency being autonomous from the government.

Downing Street has maintained a confident stance on the state of the economy.

A spokesperson from Number 10 stated: "Over the past several weeks and months, both the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and the International Monetary Fund have revised their growth projections for us upward for the coming three years."

They continued, "The government is unwaveringly committed to growth, viewing it as the sole method to sustainably improve living standards and provide the necessary investments in our public services."

Explore further:Reeves faces setback as growth projections are reducedStarmer grapples with economic expansion challengesReeves convenes meeting with banking leaders to discuss growth strategies

The two organizations marginally raised their growth projections, yet they continue to be under 2%.

Recently, the Bank of England significantly reduced its growth forecast for the UK, projecting an expansion of just 0.75% in 2025. This is expected to rise to 1.5% annually over the following two years.

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The predictions made by the OBR significantly influence government decisions, as the Treasury relies on these forecasts to determine whether they are adhering to their financial regulations.

Economic growth data for the UK will be released tomorrow, revealing the performance of the nation's economy up until the close of 2024.

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Press Briefing: Appeal for EU Assistance to the International Criminal Court (ICC)

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The head of the Human Rights Subcommittee is set to conduct a press briefing in Strasbourg today. This follows an executive order by President Trump that enforces sanctions against the ICC.

**Event Details:**

– **Date and Time:** Tuesday, February 11 at 3:00 PM CET

– **Location:** European Parliament, Strasbourg, Daphne Caruana Galizia Press Conference Room (WEISS N -1/201)

**Speakers:**

– Mounir Satouri, Chair of the Subcommittee on Human Rights (DROI), representing the Greens/EFA from France

– Mama Bea, member of "Association des mamans Anti-Bwaki" (AMAB), which partners with the ICC Trust Fund for Victims in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

– David Yambio, a victim of Almasri in Libya and President and spokesperson for the Refugees in Libya Association

**Language Services:**

Interpretation will be available in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, and Polish.

**Media Participation:**

Accredited journalists are welcome to attend the press conference in person. Those wishing to participate remotely can do so via Interactio. The event will be live-streamed and recorded, accessible through the Parliament’s Multimedia Centre.

**Context:**

On February 6, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order that imposed sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC). These sanctions included the suspension of entry into the United States for ICC officials, employees, agents, and their immediate family members. In response, a delegation from the European Parliament's Subcommittee on Human Rights visited The Hague on October 29-30, 2024. They met with representatives from the International Court of Justice, the ICC, EUROJUST, and other significant entities. Following this mission, the DROI Chair expressed concerns regarding threats to these institutions, emphasizing the ICC's vital role in supporting victims and affirming that ICC rulings are obligatory for all EU member countries. In their 2023 annual report, Members of the European Parliament criticized efforts to weaken the ICC's work and legitimacy. They urged the EU and its member states to advocate for the ratification of the Rome Statute and its amendments by their partners, thereby broadening the Court’s authority.

**Media Instructions:**

To submit questions remotely during the press conference, journalists can join via Interactio at this link: https://ep.interactio.eu/s871-h7gf-91mi. The platform is compatible only with iPad (using Safari) and Mac/Windows (using Google Chrome). Upon joining, please enter your name and the media organization you represent in the designated fields. For optimal audio quality, it is recommended to use headphones and a microphone. Video is required for interpretation services. Journalists new to Interactio should log in 30 minutes before the event starts to test their connection. IT support will be available if needed. Once connected, open the chat window in the upper right corner to view service messages.

Contact Details:

Elodie LABORIE

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