Deputy Prime Minister Unveils £1 Billion Support Package for Local Authorities to Combat Homelessness

The funding initiative is announced amid reports that 160,000 children may experience an irregular housing situation this Christmas.

Political correspondent @alexrogerssky

Wednesday, December 18, 2024, 3:

Local authorities in England are set to benefit from an almost £1 billion funding boost next year to address homelessness, announced Angela Rayner.

The vice premier and head of housing stated that due to systemic shortcomings, 160,000 children were at risk of experiencing Christmas without a stable home. He committed to tackling the escalating issue of homelessness and permanently resolving it.

Ms. Rayner characterized the funding as the "most substantial" investment to date and a pivotal moment. It is designed to enable local authorities to take early action to prevent families from facing homelessness by, among other strategies, facilitating mediation with landlords to avert evictions.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) announced that the funds might also be allocated to services dedicated to providing stable social housing to individuals who have repeatedly experienced homelessness and have struggled with drug and alcohol addiction.

Latest in Politics: Decision on Waspi compensation could rival the winter fuel cut as a major political error.

Recent figures reveal that the number of homeless individuals, encompassing those residing in provisional housing, has reached an unprecedented high, with 123,100 households in England documented in temporary lodging during the quarter ending in June.

The data shows a 16.3% rise compared to the same timeframe last year.

Further Insight on Homelessness

Investigation Uncovers Children Residing in Temporary Housing for Over Five Years

Prince William participated in serving Christmas lunch at The Passage, a shelter for the homeless, where he once visited

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Data from the same period revealed that 159,380 minors were residing in provisional housing from April to June of this year.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has described the current housing situation as "the worst housing crisis in living memory," noting that around 40% of homeless families are residing in bed and breakfasts or nightly-rented accommodations. This marks a doubling in the use of emergency housing over the past three years.

Ms. Rayner stated, "The system has repeatedly let down too many individuals."

This holiday season, 160,000 kids are at risk of not having a secure home. I am committed to interrupting the ongoing increase in homelessness and firmly on the path to eradicating it permanently.

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"This unprecedented funding represents a pivotal moment, equipping local authorities with the necessary resources to swiftly implement measures that address, diminish, and avert homelessness. The moment has come to reverse the trend.

"This significant financial support aligns with our efforts to advance a comprehensive governmental approach aimed at eradicating homelessness. We are utilizing all available resources to move beyond temporary fixes and establish a sustainable strategy."

Starting in April, the government will roll out new funding initiatives, allocating over £633 million to the homelessness prevention grant, marking a £192 million rise from this year's budget. This increase will be distributed according to local needs.

Further reading: Prince William discusses homelessness with kids during school commute. Upcoming changes in planning regulations: Starmer faces significant challenges ahead.

Five million is allocated for pilot programs aimed at decreasing the reliance on emergency housing, specifically in regions where bed-and-breakfast accommodations are most frequently utilized.

Housing charity Shelter described the funding boost as "crucial for enabling local authorities to assist those dealing with homelessness."

The report emphasized that the government must construct 90,000 houses annually over the next decade, stating, "Homelessness cannot be addressed without the availability of homes."

A key objective for the newly elected Labour administration is the construction of 1.5 million homes before the current parliament session concludes. Recently, local authorities were instructed to establish compulsory housing quotas promptly as a component of this initiative.

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Could rail strikes impede Keir Starmer?

Wednesday, December 18, 2024 07:52, UK

👉Check out the Politics At Jack And Sam's podcast on your favorite podcast platform👈

Sky News' assistant political editor, Sam Coates, along with Politico’s Jack Blanchard, present a daily overview of the upcoming political events in less than 20 minutes.

Today marks the final Prime Minister's Questions session before the holiday break, and Jack and Sam are analyzing Keir Starmer's current standing in Westminster. This includes the upcoming RMT strike on Avanti West Coast scheduled for the end of December and continuing into the new year.

The duo delves into the present condition of Britain's railway system and emphasizes the importance of the prime minister honoring his commitment to revamp the nation's train services.

Additionally, there's speculation that a substantial political donation may be directed towards the Reform Party following Nigel Farage's encounter with Elon Musk at Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate.

Reach out to Jack and Sam via WhatsApp at 07511 867 633 or send an email to jackandsam@sky.uk.

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Who are Waspi women and what is their story?

Waspi women are part of a movement that originated in response to legislation introduced by the government, which aimed to equalize the retirement age between women and men.

Wednesday, December 18, 2024, 1:

The Labour administration is currently under scrutiny for declining to offer financial restitution to the women impacted by the increase in the state pension age.

The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) has suggested a recommendation following arguments from the Women Against State Pension Inequality (Waspi) group, which claimed that inadequate notice regarding the adjustment to a higher retirement age left millions of women financially disadvantaged.

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On Tuesday, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer acknowledged the worries of Waspi women, yet noted that meeting their demands was financially unfeasible.

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Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall apologized for the two-year-plus delay in distributing notifications to individuals born in the 1950s affected by changes to the state pension. However, she expressed her opinion that compensating women with a flat rate, which could cost as much as £10.5 billion, would not represent a fair or reasonable allocation of taxpayer funds.

Cries of "shame" echoed through the Commons as Ms. Kendall delivered her announcement, eliciting a wave of criticism from MPs, including several from her own Labour Party.

Who are the members of Waspi?

In the mid-1990s, legislation was enacted to incrementally increase the retirement age for women over a decade to align it with that of men.

The coalition administration led by David Cameron and Nick Clegg accelerated the schedule as a component of its budget reduction strategies.

In 2011, the government enacted a revised Pensions Act which accelerated the equalization of the pension age for women to 65, advancing it by two years, and further extended the pension age to 66 by October 2020, resulting in approximately £30 billion in savings for the government.

Numerous women voiced concerns that the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) did not adequately inform them of the alterations made in 1995, with some reporting that they only received notification 14 years following the enactment of the law.

Some reported that they were only informed a year before their anticipated retirement at age 60, while others stated that they did not receive any notification from the department whatsoever.

In 2015, a collective of women affected by the circumstances, specifically those born in the 1950s, established the Waspi campaign.

The organization expressed no objections to the proposal for aligning retirement ages. However, they argued that countless women faced economic hardships due to insufficient time to prepare for their retirement.

As of October 2018, Waspi successfully initiated an extensive investigation by the PHSO into the conduct of the DWP.

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After a five-year investigation, their findings were published in March 2024, revealing severe criticisms.

The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman reported that a significant number of women could have been affected due to the Department for Work and Pensions not properly notifying them about the alterations to their state pension age, determining that these women are entitled to compensation.

The study recommended that the amount of compensation for each individual, derived from the example cases reviewed by its authors, should range from £1,000 to £2,950.

Stay informed with the most recent updates from the UK and across the globe by tuning into Sky News.

During that period, Rebecca Hilsenrath, the chief executive of the ombudsman's office, expressed substantial worries that the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) might ignore the conclusions and suggestions from their report, which are not mandatory. Consequently, the Public Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) took the initiative to request that Parliament step in and ensure the department was held responsible.

"An Embarrassing Day"

During an interview with Ali Fortescue on Sky News' Politics Hub, Waspi campaigner Frances Neil expressed that the government's decision has left members of the group feeling both "angry" and "devastated."

"Ms. Neil stated, "We are contributors to the tax system, and we have rightfully earned our retirement benefits."

She stated that the reduction in the winter fuel allowance has contributed to a challenging few months for the elderly under the Labour government.

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Ms. Neil urged the 350 members of parliament who have backed the initiative to "take action and advocate on our behalf."

Angela Madden, the chair of Waspi, stated: "Today, the government has made an extraordinary political decision to disregard the explicit advice of an independent oversight body, which nine months ago directed the government to promptly provide compensation to Waspi women.

"This decision is strange and completely unwarranted, and it will have everyone questioning the purpose of having an ombudsman if their rulings can just be disregarded by government officials."

The Liberal Democrats voiced their disapproval of the decision, labeling it a "day of immense disgrace."

Steve Darling, the Liberal Democrat spokesperson for work and pensions, commented: "The new administration has disregarded the plight of countless women of pension age who have been unfairly treated without any fault of their own, by overlooking the independent Ombudsman's suggestions, and this is quite shameful."

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Women from the Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI) group claim that Keir Starmer has deceived the public regarding how many were aware of the pension age increase from 60 to 65 during the 2010s. They argue that they weren't adequately informed about the change, and an ombudsman has suggested they should each receive compensation up to £2,950.

Political correspondent @alixculbertson

Wednesday, December 18, 2024, 1:

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Activists from Waspi have charged Sir Keir Starmer with deceiving the public by claiming that 90% of women impacted by the pension age adjustment were aware of it.

On Tuesday, authorities announced they will not provide financial restitution to the numerous women born in the 1950s, referred to as Waspi women, who claim they were inadequately informed about the increase in the state pension age for women from 60 to 65.

Initially set to be implemented gradually over a decade starting in 2010, the plan was accelerated in 2011 to achieve completion by 2018. Subsequently, it was adjusted to increase the age to 66 by the year 2020.

According to the government, an investigation by an ombudsman revealed that 90% of the impacted women were aware of the modifications, thereby negating the need for compensation, which was projected to cost £10.5 billion. During Prime Minister's Questions, Sir Keir stated, "The taxpayers simply can't handle the financial strain."

Stay updated on politics: PM acknowledges concerns of Waspi supporters

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Angela Madden, the chair of the Waspi (Women Against State Pension Inequality) campaign group, pointed out that the 90% statistic represents women who had a general sense that the change in state pension age could potentially affect others eventually.

She stated that the ombudsman discovered that 60% of women were completely unaware of the increase in the state pension age, and she criticized the government for selectively using data, which she described as "clearly disseminating harmful misinformation."

She added that Sir Keir's use of the 90% statistic "is not only misleading but also a slap in the face to the millions of women born in the 1950s who were caught off guard by these changes."

"Ms. Madden stated that Sir Keir Starmer will continue to face this problem. She emphasized that the Labour government needs to take immediate action to rectify this unfairness."

Labour MPs criticized Sir Keir, pointing out that the party had pledged to secure compensation for women.

Prominent Labour MP Diane Abbott, who is also a member of the Waspi group, voiced her disapproval of the decision, highlighting the party's earlier commitment to deliver justice to them.

She addressed the Commons during Prime Minister's Questions, stating, "I get the concern over expenses, but does the prime minister truly grasp the extent of disappointment felt by Waspi women right now?"

Officials confirm there are currently 'no intentions' to hold a vote regarding compensation

Independent MP Ian Byrne inquired whether the Prime Minister would allow Members of Parliament to vote on compensating Waspi women, but a spokesperson for Sir Keir stated that the government had no intentions of holding such a vote.

Additional Labour Party members echoed Ms. Abbott's disapproval, with Emma Lewell-Buck expressing her ongoing support for the Waspi women and sharing her "shock and disappointment" upon discovering on Tuesday that they would not receive compensation.

Kate Osborne stated that disregarding the ombudsman's advice to compensate Waspi women with amounts ranging from £1,000 to £2,950 "establishes a risky precedent."

"Women frequently bear the cost; they are the buffers against poverty," she stated.

Discover more from Sky News: £1 billion allocated to combat homelessness. Farage encounters Musk following rumors of a £78 million contribution.

Reeves: 'I need to keep track of every single cent'

Chancellor Rachel Reeves stood by the decision when she spoke earlier. She commented, "I recognize that the women impacted by the alterations to the state pension age may be upset with this outcome, but we thoroughly reviewed the ombudsman's recommendations, which indicated that 90% of the women were aware of the impending changes.

"As the chancellor, it is my duty to oversee and justify the expenditure of every single penny of public funds."

"Considering that most people were aware of the impending changes, I concluded that it wasn't a prudent expenditure of taxpayers' money to cover a hefty compensation cost for something that was widely anticipated."

Earlier in the year, a probe conducted by the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) revealed that failures in properly communicating changes could have negatively affected thousands of women.

The oversight body recommended that women be awarded damages ranging from £1,000 to £2,950, although these recommendations do not carry legal force.

Government has 'declined to rectify the situation'

In the wake of the government's refusal to provide compensation to the women, the ombudsman issued a critique of the government's

Rebecca Hilsenrath, Chief Executive of the PHSO, expressed to Times Radio, "It's encouraging to hear the government acknowledge that our involvement will result in enhancements to services, and it's also accurate to note that the majority of individuals who approach us are driven by the desire to see improvements for others."

"It's surprising when a public institution admits its mistakes but then chooses not to correct them for those impacted."

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Conservative Andrew Griffith, the opposition's business secretary, described to Sky News what he sees as a significant act of betrayal by the Labour government.

"He acknowledged, 'It's true, I'm not claiming that we would have definitely acted on it.'"

"The issue at hand is that the current administration led people to believe they would take certain actions, but upon assuming office, they are now indicating they will not. This has become a significant concern."

"I get why people, especially the Waspi women, might feel deeply disappointed by this."

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Is Rachel Reeves taking risks with inflation management?

Recent inflation figures and projections for 2025 suggest that interest rates may decrease at a slower pace than initially anticipated.

Business and economics reporter @gurpreetnarwan

Wednesday, December 18, 2024 11:55

Rachel Reeves has consistently emphasized that Labour will handle public finances responsibly, but is the government being careless with inflation management?

The inflation rate, currently at 2.6%, remains significantly lower than the double-digit peaks experienced in 2022. However, it continues to exceed the set target, a trend expected to persist due to recent governmental policies.

In the October financial statement, the chancellor announced a significant rise in government expenditure aimed at stimulating economic demand, alongside numerous tax hikes on businesses that are expected to be transferred to consumers.

In reaction, economic experts have increased their inflation projections, indicating that the main inflation rate will remain higher than the desired level for an extended period. Analysts from urban financial centers anticipate that the index may reach 3.1% by April.

Financial Update: The Impact of Current Inflation Rates on Individuals

We've come a long way from our past circumstances, yet it's important to remember that we are still recovering from the recent turbulent years.

Although the rate of inflation has decreased, cost levels remain elevated – there has not been a reduction in prices.

Indeed, they have risen by over 20% since 2021.

Salary levels have increased, yet the increments have not been substantial. In terms of purchasing power, they remain below the levels seen in 2021 on average.

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The government remains optimistic that inflation will remain manageable, yet should it escalate, our diminished economic standing compared to previous times means we have less capacity to handle rising prices.

Predictions indicate that inflation will return to its intended level, yet recent experiences have shown that inflation can be unpredictable and persistent, rapidly turning unfavorable.

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How do interest rates factor in?

The current headline rate has surpassed the latest forecasts from the Bank of England.

This implies that the decline in interest rates will be more gradual than previously anticipated. It is expected that the Bank will maintain the interest rate at 4.75% on Thursday.

Higher-than-expected inflation and rising wages suggest that the Bank's monetary policy committee will probably adopt a careful strategy.

Given that the economy is barely holding steady and urgently needs stimulation, it's a disappointing compromise.

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At Prime Minister's Questions, Badenoch criticized Starmer for 'elevating expectations only to shatter them' through 'unfulfilled commitments.' The Conservative leader lambasted Sir Keir and his Labour administration for choosing not to offer financial redress to Waspi women and for reducing winter fuel allowances. However, he responded by targeting her party’s historical performance.

Political correspondent @fayebrownSky

Wednesday, December 18, 2024, 1:

Kemi Badenoch has charged Sir Keir Starmer with elevating expectations only to shatter them, citing numerous "unfulfilled promises."

At the start of Prime Minister's Questions, the Conservative leader criticized the government for choosing not to provide compensation to the Waspi women, contradicting the prime minister's earlier promise of "quick justice" for these individuals.

She shifted her focus to the reduction in winter fuel payments, but it was pointed out that she had previously criticized the subsidy as an unnecessary burden and had advocated for its means-testing.

Politics Now: Prime Minister Addresses Criticism Regarding Waspi Ruling

Ms. Badenoch stated, "The prime minister and his cabinet have long politicized the issue of the Waspi women, while the deputy prime minister, Angela Rayner, accused the Conservatives of pilfering their pensions."

"She vowed to fully reimburse them. Yet another promise unkept. Now, they concede that we had been correct from the start."

On Tuesday, the government stated that providing compensation to women born in the 1950s who were impacted by the rise in retirement age would impose a £10.5 billion cost on taxpayers.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has stood by the declaration, pointing out that the majority of women were anticipating it.

Numerous members of the cabinet and Sir Keir have previously shown backing for the Women Against State Pension Inequality (Waspi) campaign group, which has consistently maintained that they were inadequately informed about the changes to the pension age.

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During Prime Minister's Questions, Ms. Badenoch extended her critique, pointing out that another segment of the elderly population felt betrayed by the government — those who are no longer eligible for winter fuel allowances.

"She stated that the harsh truth this Christmas is that elderly people will endure hardship and could possibly lose their lives due to this harsh policy."

Sir Keir responded by stating he needed to "restore financial stability after the previous administration's mismanagement," which resulted in a "£22 billion deficit."

The Prime Minister emphasized that securing the economy safeguards the guaranteed increases in pensions, highlighting that despite Conservative commitments during the recent election, shadow chancellor Mel Stride labeled the policy as "unsustainable."

"The Prime Minister remarked, 'Now she claims they're dedicated to the triple lock… perhaps they could resolve it over a sandwich or a steak and then update us on what their actual policy is,' poking fun at Ms. Badenoch's earlier comments about sandwiches.

Sir Keir stated: "She previously described the [winter fuel payments] as an unnecessary burden. She mentioned that there were people in her own constituency who did not require them, and in 2017, they all campaigned on a Conservative manifesto that pledged to eliminate the universal winter payments for the elderly."

Discover further: Who are the Waspi women and what events affected them? Is Rachel Reeves taking risks with inflation policy?

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Ms. Badenoch responded sharply, "Due to the choices made by his administration, retirees will struggle to warm their homes. They lift people's expectations only to shatter them with unfulfilled commitments."

"She added that they are essentially striking the British public directly, and in one instance involving one of his MPs, this was quite literal," she said, seemingly alluding to the claims made against Mike Amesbury MP.

Sir Keir responded: "A £22 billion deficit, unprecedented NHS waiting times… unmanaged immigration, with close to a million in net migration. She was a major supporter of all these issues. She’s asking for the truth. There it is."

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Wednesday, December 18

Speech Delivered by Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili

At 8:30, Georgia's President, Salome Zourabichvili, is scheduled to deliver a speech to the European Parliament. The nation of Georgia has experienced significant demonstrations after the government opted to halt its progression towards joining the European Union. This decision followed controversial parliamentary elections held in October 2024, which Ms. Zourabichvili has labeled as rigged and unlawfully conducted. On November 28th, Members of the European Parliament passed a resolution dismissing the election results and demanded that a new election be held within a year.

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Members of the European Parliament to Discuss Key Issues for Upcoming EU Summit

At 9:00, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) will engage in a debate with Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, and Barna Zsigmond, Hungary’s Deputy Minister for EU Affairs. During this session, MEPs will share their viewpoints and expectations for the European Council meeting on Thursday, December 19. The discussions will center on the Middle East situation, the EU's backing of Ukraine in its conflict with Russia, and strategies for crisis prevention and managing migration. Following this, a separate debate will take place in the plenary session focusing on the EU's relations with the countries of the Western Balkans, setting the stage for today's summit.

Andreas KLEINER

Phone number: +32 498 98 33 22

European Parliament News

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Phone number: +32 498 98 39 85

European Parliamentary Press

New permanent committees focused on Defence and Health have been established, along with special committees dedicated to Housing and Democracy

At midday, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) are expected to approve the establishment of two permanent committees focused on Security and Defence, as well as Health. In addition, two temporary special committees will be set up to concentrate on housing and the European Democracy Shield. Following a proposal from Parliament’s Conference of Presidents, the plenary session must determine the number of members and the responsibilities for each committee. The political groups will select the committee members, who will be announced in the plenary session scheduled for January 20-23.

Kyriakos Klosidis

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Human rights concerns in Crimea under occupation, Kyrgyzstan, and Azerbaijan are set for discussion. This evening, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) will engage with Commissioner Roswall to examine the human rights situation in Crimea and Sevastopol, with particular attention to the cases involving Iryna Danylovych, Tofik Abdulhaziiev, and Amet Suleymanov. In Kyrgyzstan, the focus will be on Temirlan Sultanbekov's case, while in Azerbaijan, the cases of Sakharov Prize 2024 finalist Dr. Gubad Ibadoghlu, Anar Mammadli, Kamran Mammadli, Rufat Safarov, and the media outlet Meydan TV will be scrutinized. On Thursday, three resolutions related to these issues are scheduled for a vote.

Elodie LABORIE

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European Parliament on Human Rights

Summary

There is a pressing requirement to act quickly and openly when it comes to accusations of corruption. Starting at approximately 5 PM, there will be a discussion involving both the plenary session and Commissioner McGrath. The focus of this debate will be on improving the way corruption charges are tackled throughout the European

Discussions on social dialogue, the right to strike, and improper subcontracting practices are on the agenda. Starting at approximately 2:00 PM, a plenary session will engage in two debates with Commission Executive Vice-President Mînzatu. The first debate will focus on enhancing social dialogue, collective bargaining, and the right to strike within the EU. The second will address issues related to abusive subcontracting and the role of labor market intermediaries.

Addressing the risk of species extinction. During a nighttime discussion with Commissioner Roswall, starting at approximately 9 PM, the full assembly will evaluate the critical necessity for the European Union to implement measures aimed at conserving natural environments and safeguarding biodiversity to prevent the disappearance of at-risk species.

The European Union's competitive advantage and the Green Deal are set to take center stage in this session's focused discussion. Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) will engage in dialogue with Commissioner Ribera and Barna Zsigmond, Hungary's Deputy Minister for European Union Affairs. The conversation will address the necessity of conducting an impact assessment on the Green Deal's policies to ensure they do not compromise the EU's competitiveness.

Ballots

At midday, the plenary session will cast their votes on several matters, including the selection of the new head for the Anti-Money Laundering Authority (AMLA). You can view the complete list of topics scheduled for voting during the plenary here.

You can watch the live broadcast of the plenary session through Parliament’s webstreaming service and EbS+.

For more comprehensive details about the session, kindly refer to our newsletter.

Seek additional details about the plenary session.

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MEPs Endorse Bruna Szego for Leadership Role in EU Anti-Money Laundering Authority

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During a plenary session on Wednesday, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) voted in favor of appointing Bruna Szego from Italy as the Chair of the EU Anti-Money Laundering Authority.

Ms. Szego, presently heading the Bank of Italy's unit responsible for overseeing and regulating anti-money laundering efforts, garnered 569 supportive votes, while 20 opposed her appointment, and 61 chose to abstain.

Situated in Frankfurt, the recently established EU Authority for Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AMLA) is responsible for aligning the efforts of national financial intelligence units and providing direct supervision over certain high-risk financial institutions operating across several member countries.

Upcoming Actions

For Ms. Szego to take on the role of AMLA Chair, she must first gain backing from a qualified majority within the Council.

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New EP Panels to Focus on Security, Defense, Health, Democracy, and Housing

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The Parliament has given the green light to proposals from its Conference of Presidents, creating two permanent committees and two temporary ones.

The subcommittees focused on Security and Defence as well as Public Health have been elevated to full committee status. Additionally, in 2025, two new special committees are set to be established. One committee will address the "Democracy Shield" initiative outlined in the Commission's political guidelines for 2024-2029, while the other will focus on tackling the ongoing housing crisis in the EU.

The proposed modifications, introduced by President Metsola along with the heads of the political factions in Parliament, aim to tackle the present issues facing Europe. These changes also reflect the priorities of Parliament, considering the concerns of citizens and the outcomes of the European elections.

Members of the European Parliament in Strasbourg cast their votes on the proposals that define the duties and composition of the four committees, as well as the one-year duration of office for the two special committees.

Future actions

The makeup of the two standing committees and the two special committees, which should mirror the composition of Parliament, will be decided by each political group along with independent MEPs. The list of committee members will be revealed at the plenary session scheduled for January 20-23, 2025.

On the first day of the January plenary session, the subcommittees focused on Security and Defence and Public Health will be dissolved. On the same day, four new committees will be officially established. During their initial meetings, each committee will select its Chair and Vice-Chairs.

Context

Modifications to the lineup and duties of standing committees, outlined in Annex VI of the Parliament's procedural rules, along with the formation of special committees, must be approved by the Conference of Presidents and receive a plenary vote. Special committees, which are set up to tackle particular matters, have a lifespan of up to 12 months, unless an extension is granted through a parliamentary vote.

The duties assigned to the newly established standing committees will align with the revised objectives of the Foreign Affairs (AFET) and Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI) committees, which have served as the main committees for the former subcommittees. As a result, the ENVI committee will undergo a name change to become the "Committee on the Environment, Climate, and Food Safety."

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Georgia: President Zurabishvili Urges EU to Stand Firm on European Values

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On Wednesday morning, the President of Georgia, Salome Zurabishvili, delivered a speech to the European Parliament in Strasbourg.

Bei der Begrüßung von Präsidentin Surabischwili im Plenarsaal äußerte Roberta Metsola, die Präsidentin des Europäischen Parlaments: „Während Ihres letzten Besuchs in diesem Haus sprachen wir über die Fortschritte Ihres Landes hin zur europäischen Gemeinschaft. Dieser Fortschritt ist momentan bedroht. Ich bin mir bewusst, dass viele Menschen in Georgien sich Sorgen um die Zukunft ihres Landes machen. Im Namen dieses gesamten Hauses möchte ich allen Georgierinnen und Georgiern versichern, die in Europa Unterstützung und Zukunftsperspektiven suchen: Sie sind nicht allein. Wir sehen Sie, wir hören Sie und wir stehen an Ihrer Seite. Dieses Haus unterstützt Georgien fest auf seinem Weg nach Europa.“

During her address to the legislators, President Zurabishvili discussed the protest movement that has swept across Georgia following the disputed parliamentary elections last October. She remarked, "In some ways, it feels like we are reliving 1921," highlighting the repetitive nature of the events. She further explained, "This accounts for the courage and determination the Georgian people are showing today. Given the present circumstances, citizens feel deprived of their freedom, their future, and, to some extent, their sovereignty."

She emphasized that the movement is not revolutionary but rather very peaceful. "We are asking for just two things: return our voice to us because the elections were rigged, and restore our European future through new elections."

President Surabishvili characterized Georgia not as a society divided in half, but rather as a nation where the Georgian people stand on one side and the oppressive system of a political party on the other. She also highlighted how Georgia has been sliding toward a more authoritarian path in recent years, cautioning lawmakers: "Europe has so far met this challenge only half-heartedly. It has taken a long time to wake up and a long time to respond. Much more could and should be done." Surabishvili urged Europe and the West to provide steadfast political support to democratic forces in Georgia, assist in ensuring justice, advocate for the release of political prisoners, and clearly support the call for new elections.

In ihrem abschließenden Statement unterstrich Präsidentin Surabischwili, dass die Entwicklungen in Georgien nicht allein die demokratische Lage und politischen Entscheidungen des Landes betreffen. Vielmehr gehe es auch um Europa und dessen strategische Belange. Sollte Georgien „in russische Hände geraten, würde dies weitreichende Konsequenzen haben: von der Sicherheit im Schwarzen Meer über freie Verkehrswege bis hin zur europäischen Perspektive für Armenien. (…) Die Herausforderungen sind groß.“

You can watch the discussion here (December 18, 2024). This marked President Zurabishvili's second speech in the plenary chamber following her appearance on May 31, 2023.

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Metsola at EU-Western Balkans Meeting: A Call for Expansion

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During her speech to leaders from the EU and the Western Balkans in Brussels, Metsola emphasized the urgency of accelerating the enlargement process in response to current global geopolitical challenges.

Statement by European Parliament President Roberta Metsola at the EU-Western Balkans Meeting:

Hello team,

Over the past ten years, the European Union has seen a decrease in its membership rather than an increase. For twenty years, our promises about expanding into the Western Balkans have not been met with corresponding action. However, given the current global geopolitical situation, it is imperative that we accelerate our efforts. Naturally, this must be a merit-driven process with defined standards, but genuine advancement is irreplaceable.

Consider the situations in Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia. Russia's unlawful meddling has turned expansion into an urgent geopolitical and strategic need. Should Europe hesitate to respond at this moment, it risks creating an empty space that other powers will eagerly occupy. Ignoring this opportunity would be a strategic error.

Expanding our influence has consistently been our strongest geopolitical strategy. However, achieving this requires bravery, determination from political leaders, and changes from all parties involved.

The recently implemented phased accession approach is beginning to yield positive outcomes. However, there is a need to take additional steps. In the Western Balkans, electoral outcomes are heavily influenced by attitudes towards the EU. It is crucial for the people in this region to experience the advantages of integration ahead of full membership, as this will bolster the EU's credibility and foster trust.

Our systems, methods of making decisions, and financial structures need to adapt in order to accommodate a bigger Union. The upcoming Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) should prioritize expansion. The Parliament has advocated for these changes and is prepared to take the initiative.

Simultaneously, changes in the Western Balkans need to be authentic. Nations must adhere to EU principles, utilize the Growth Plan to revamp their economies, and address any bilateral conflicts. It is essential for everyone to let go of past constraints and focus on moving forward collectively, rather than dwelling on the past individually.

In the end, the focus will be on how these changes are executed. If not carried out effectively, these reforms will be meaningless, merely existing in written form.

The European Parliament is prepared to support your journey towards EU membership. We are committed to building relationships with parliaments in the Western Balkans, and I am pleased with our choice to establish a European Parliament office in that area. Early in the coming year, I plan to travel to the Western Balkans, where I am eager to meet with leaders and have you present to the European Parliament to further this initiative.

Each expansion has presented difficulties, certainly, but it has also delivered significant advantages. Furthermore, with every addition of new members, our Union has been fortified.

A new Parliament and Commission have been established, tasked with creating a safer and more progressive Union. Now is the moment to expand and make it clear that the idea of enlargement is not a far-off aspiration for those in the Western Balkans or throughout Europe. This expansion benefits everyone involved, as it will enhance both Europe and the surrounding region.

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Iain Duncan Smith Criticizes Cameron and Osborne for Seeking Close Relations with China

The ex-Conservative leader argues that the UK's national security has suffered due to efforts to strengthen bonds with China.

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Tuesday, December 17, 2024, 8:

Sir Iain Duncan Smith expressed to Sky News that David Cameron and George Osborne committed a "massive mistake" by pursuing close relations with China between 2010 and 2016.

The ex-Conservative chief stated that the scandal involving Yang Tengbo's espionage demonstrates that elements of national security had been neglected, resulting in consequences for the UK.

Sir Iain, a former member of Lord Cameron's cabinet between 2010 and 2016, discussed his concerns with Sky News following his pressing inquiry in the Commons regarding allegations of espionage by China.

Latest in Politics: Beijing Rejects 'Baseless Rumors'

When questioned about whether the efforts by Lord Cameron and Mr. Osborne to engage with China could be held accountable for the current national security issues in the UK, he responded, "It was a huge error."

"I distinctly expressed my concerns back then. During my tenure in office, I felt quite uncomfortable with their actions. I was skeptical about the effectiveness of their plan, and indeed, it proved to be unsuccessful."

"I believed it was a significant error since President Xi is certainly aware that our intention is to court his favor. However, this comes at a cost. The cost we incur involves neglecting elements of national security."

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Sir Iain indicated that he thinks Sir Keir Starmer's administration is currently yielding to demands from Members of Parliament to implement a foreign influence registration scheme (FIRS), a plan first suggested by the Conservatives prior to the election.

"Sir Iain mentioned that just a couple of months back, the prime minister had declined to respond to inquiries regarding their plans for action."

"Now he has finally relocated, likely due to our pressure, prompting him to take action. The main issue remains whether China will ascend to the top level of the registration scheme, potentially becoming the greatest threat?"

Discover more: The case of Yang Tengbo highlights the complex ties between the UK and China. Who exactly is Yang Tengbo?

Addressing security minister Dan Jarvis, who responded to his pressing inquiry, Sir Iain stated: "I believe the minister is inclined to take action. I have no doubts about his willingness, nor that of the security personnel, who are equally eager to act.

I have concerns that various sectors, including corporations, financial institutions, and certain governmental bodies, were exerting pressure on the security officials to refrain from implementing the FIRS due to fears that it might displease the Chinese authorities.

"It seems that following the espionage incident and our sustained lobbying from various angles, the government is finally intervening to revisit the issue. It appears that changes will be implemented, albeit delayed."

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