TikTok Enthusiasts Rally Around Nigel Farage

Tuesday, December 3, 2024, 17:48, UK

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Young males are increasingly turning away from traditional political parties like Labour and the Conservatives, gravitating instead towards Nigel Farage and Reform UK, a trend not as prevalent among young females.

Our political reporter Serena Barker-Singh has been engaging with key individuals to explore the reasons behind this gender-based political split and why major parties are finding it difficult to resonate.

Niall Paterson teams up with Serena and producer Isobel Losseff, along with Dr. Jilly Kay, a senior lecturer in communications and media from Loughborough University, to delve into the growing impact of TikTok and the phenomenon known as the "bro vote". They examine why young male adults from Generation Z are increasingly supporting polarizing personalities such as Farage.

Producer: Emma Rae Woodhouse and Rosie Gillott

Editor: Philly Beaumont

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'Of no consequence': Reform party deputy downplays court documents claiming MP assaulted his partner

Richard Tice argues that James McMurdock, found guilty of attacking his girlfriend in 2006, should not be "eternally condemned" as the UK upholds "Christian" values.

Political correspondent @alexrogerssky

Tuesday, December 3, 2024, 9:

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Richard Tice is facing scrutiny for seemingly questioning the validity of legal documents outlining the conviction of a party MP, who was imprisoned for assaulting his girlfriend multiple times.

The deputy leader of Reform UK stood up for James McMurdock, who was imprisoned 18 years ago for repeatedly assaulting his girlfriend, by stating that the UK is a "Christian nation" that values "redemption."

During an interview on the Politics Hub with Sophy Ridge, Mr. Tice expressed his view that Mr. McMurdock, the party’s representative for South Basildon and East Thurrock, should not be perpetually branded as a sinner.

Mr. McMurdock, previously an investment banker, was found guilty of attacking his girlfriend at the time in 2006, during an incident involving alcohol outside a nightclub.

He served a 21-day sentence in a juvenile detention center following his confession to the assault.

Prior to his election as a Member of Parliament, the former investment banker had not revealed his past criminal record. It came to light in July that he had served time in prison for assaulting his girlfriend at the age of 19, an act he later referred to as a "teenage indiscretion".

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Further Details on Reform UK

Activists against domestic violence express outrage over Tice's justification for Reform MP's assault on girlfriend

Why TikTok Fans Admire Nigel Farage

'Gen-Z is undergoing a significant shift' – is Reform UK capturing the 'bro vote'?

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Additional information about the event was revealed when The Times requested access to court documents. These records indicated that he was handed a prison term for assaulting the victim by "kicking them approximately four times."

Mr. Tice stated that his colleague serves as an example of a person who "faced significant challenges early in life, yet has made a complete turnaround."

He described the UK as a "great Christian nation" and questioned: "Do you really believe that a poor decision made at 19 means there's no chance for redemption, and they're condemned as a sinner for eternity? No."

He continued, "The fundamental principle of Christianity revolves around the concept that if you commit a wrongdoing, you face the consequences. Once you have served your designated punishment, in a way, you have fulfilled your obligation and endured your penalty, whatever it may be."

"It's quite astonishing how someone encountered significant problems early in life, yet has managed to come full circle."

"Isn't it evident to other youths that negative experiences occur – one can make poor decisions and be greatly mistaken. Yet, years down the line, there's still the chance to achieve great success.

"He secured an excellent position and ultimately became a parliamentarian. I believe that's a positive outcome."

When running for office, Members of Parliament are not required to reveal any past criminal convictions to the electorate. The only individuals disqualified from standing are those who are currently incarcerated for a term exceeding one year at the time of the election.

A week following his election, the mother of McMurdock's victim exposed the incident, stating that he "caused bruises on her body" and "required the intervention of two security guards to restrain him."

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Following the emergence of the accusations, McMurdock stated that there had been an argument between them and he had pushed her.

When asked if there was a significant difference between Mr. McMurdock's account and the reported events, Mr. Tice responded that his interpretation of the incident differed from that described by The Times.

When asked about his opinion on the matter, Mr. Tice responded, "It actually doesn't matter."

"He expressed his trust in James," he stated.

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"He's absolutely correct, and I agree with his statements. He witnessed it firsthand. Neither the court nor The Times were present.

"Legal statutes are absolute. The judicial system found him in violation, leading to his conviction. He completed his sentence."

After the accusations came to light, Mr. McMurdock confessed to Sky News that the incident was "the greatest regret of my life."

He stated, "Though I completely reject the terrible elements of this story, I must admit there is one aspect of it that I cannot and will not refute or conceal."

Discover more: Is Reform UK capturing the male demographic? British food exports suffer a £3 billion annual loss due to perplexing Brexit regulations.

A forgiving individual could label it a youthful mistake, although I don't assume all will be as lenient.

Almost two decades ago, when I was just 19, following an evening out, we had a disagreement and I pushed her. She stumbled and got injured. Now, at 38, having experienced much more of life, I continue to carry a deep sense of shame and regret for my actions.

"Although we were both heavily intoxicated, I surrendered to the police right away and confessed to my wrongdoing. I was prosecuted for my actual actions, not for the allegations made against me, and I have since accepted the repercussions and fully compensated for my behavior."

"This is my greatest regret, and I would give anything to turn back the clock and make amends."

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Test administrators are accused of pressuring evaluators to go easy on candidates to clear the pandemic-related backlog, according to examiners speaking to Sky News. They reported facing potential disciplinary actions if their pass rates were not sufficiently high and were instructed to choose simpler driving routes.

Political journalist @alixculbertson

Wednesday, December 4, 2024, 08:

Sky News has received reports that driving test supervisors are pressuring examiners to go easy on learners in order to clear the backlog of driving tests caused by the pandemic.

Accusations have surfaced against leaders at the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), alleging that they are pushing examiners to conduct driving tests using vehicles provided by the test takers themselves, which may not be roadworthy or possess current MOT certificates, rather than using the vehicles of the examiners.

It is reported that managers are employing a strategy that involves mapping various exam pathways to pinpoint those with poor success rates. The goal is to gradually eliminate the less successful routes and replace them with ones that exhibit higher pass rates.

According to testimony presented to the parliamentary transport committee by members of the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS), certain examiners for heavy goods vehicles have been instructed to omit complex maneuvers from tests to improve pass rates.

Examiners have identified another significant problem: the practice of unofficial websites bulk reserving exam slots. These sites are reportedly utilizing individuals' driver's license numbers to secure appointments without their consent, subsequently charging them as much as £600 for a test that typically costs only £62.

Due to the suspension of driving exams amid the COVID pandemic, there's an ongoing backlog, causing new drivers to face delays of up to five months to schedule their driving tests.

Documentation submitted to the transport committee by the PCS indicated: "The PCS has been approached by several driving examiners who report experiencing coercion and intimidation from their supervisors to elevate the rates of successful driving tests."

Morale is at an all-time

A driving examiner who requested to remain unnamed told Sky News, "Morale is at an all-time low. There's intense pressure to conduct as many tests as possible and to also ensure a high number of passes."

"Efforts are being ramped up to scrutinize examination paths to determine if they require restructuring."

He mentioned that supervisors are reevaluating their evaluations of the individuals they are dismissing and indicating that their judgments may be overly stringent, thereby urging them to approve candidates they previously would not have.

When questioned about whether employees feel they might be penalized for failing too many applicants who are not competent to drive, the examiner confirmed: "Some of our staff do think that, indeed."

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Inspectors affiliated with the PCS who have raised concerns about these methods report that there is a "deliberate plan" by upper management to "adhere to strategies aimed at boosting passing scores."

According to the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS), this problem has been occurring in examination centers throughout the northern region for several months, and examiners fear it will become more widespread due to the significant backlog.

Further reading: Deputy of reform party refutes judicial documents claiming MP assaulted his partner. Reeves acknowledges the challenge for employers in accommodating the increase in National Insurance.

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Never seen before and deeply troubling

Lyndsey Marchant, the industrial officer for the PCS, informed Sky News, "We are receiving information about a renewed emphasis on individuals who are considered to have 'too low pass rates'."

Reports indicate that individuals have been informed that they must improve their pass rates or they will face disciplinary actions.

"This situation is unparalleled and deeply troubling for us, given that the DVSA is the governing agency responsible for ensuring that those who pass the tests are adequately qualified to drive."

The Public and Commercial Services Union is advocating for a division within the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency between the entities evaluating examiner performance and those tasked with reducing the backlog. Currently, both roles are managed by the same department, leading to what the PCS identifies as a conflict of interest.

The union is demanding a halt to the practice of permitting external vendors to offer driving test appointments. It argues that this contributes to the existing backlog, as these websites claim to secure tests quickly in a local area by purchasing large numbers of slots and reselling them at higher prices.

Post-pandemic, the government has revised the rules for provisional driving licenses, limiting the number of bookings from 20 slots to just five.

It has come to light that websites are repurposing license numbers from past users or acquiring these details to reserve test slots, which they then reassign to other users upon selection.

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A spokesperson from the Department for Transport stated, "We strictly do not tolerate bullying and harassment, and it is anticipated that the DVSA will thoroughly look into any claims of improper behavior.

"We are collaborating with the DVSA to implement strategies aimed at decreasing wait times for driving tests."

"Over the past fiscal year, the DVSA has administered close to two million tests and has implemented advanced bot protection measures to prevent candidates from being excessively charged for these tests."

A spokesperson from the DVSA stated: "Ensuring the safety of our roads is our top concern. Our dedicated and skilled examiners uphold the strictest standards. We have strong measures in place to guarantee that all examinations are carried out fairly and securely, including automatic inspections of vehicle conditions.

"The DVSA is committed to addressing complaints and thoroughly investigates claims that regulations are not being followed. We have a strong policy in place to safeguard whistleblowers, and the DVSA urges anyone with concerns to report them to us."

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Has Nigel Farage become a central figure in the establishment?

Wednesday, December 4, 2024 08:29, UK

👉Tune into the Politics At Jack And Sam's podcast on your preferred podcast platform👈

Sky News' assistant political editor Sam Coates and Politico's Jack Blanchard provide a daily briefing on political developments, all within 20 minutes.

Following a convergence of politicians from various parties at a London hotel for the Spectator Parliamentarian of the Year awards, Jack and Sam discuss the top highlights from the event and delve into how it underscored the emergence of a new phase of financial influence in politics.

They explore the influence of Nigel Farage's Reform UK party on the political landscape in Britain and debate whether Sir Keir Starmer is the most suitable leader to counter its growing prominence.

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

Check out Sky's analysis on the growth of Reform in this report.

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Scotland to eliminate two-child limit on benefits as SNP unveils fiscal strategy for next year

In a presentation at Holyrood, Finance Secretary Shona Robison outlined the Scottish administration's financial blueprint for 2025-26.

Scotland correspondent @Jenster13

Wednesday, December 4, 2024, 5:

Scotland's treasury chief has introduced the country's preliminary budget for the next year, which includes proposals to eliminate the two-child limit on benefits set by Westminster and an unprecedented level of funding for the National Health Service.

Shona Robison presented the Scottish government's financial plans and taxation agenda for the year 2025-26 during a session at Holyrood.

The MSP previously stated that the budget is designed to prioritize "the people of Scotland."

Ms. Robison addressed the assembly on Wednesday, stating, "This budget allocates funds to public services, raises children above the poverty line, responds to the climate crisis, and promotes employment and economic expansion."

"This budget is infused with optimism for the future of Scotland."

Key points from the proposed budget plan:

• The Scottish administration intends to counteract the effects of the UK government's two-child limit on benefits. Ms. Robison has called on Westminster to supply the essential information needed to implement this adjustment. She stated, "I want to make it absolutely clear, our government will terminate the two-child limit and by doing that, we will raise more than 15,000 Scottish children out of poverty."

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• A historic allocation of £21 billion has been designated for the country's NHS and associated social services, marking an uplift of £2 billion specifically for frontline NHS boards. This funding boost arrives amid cautions from Audit Scotland, the financial oversight body, which has declared the current model of the NHS as unsustainable, emphasizing the critical need for immediate and profound transformation.

• Close to £200 million is set to be allocated towards cutting down waiting periods within the NHS. Ms. Robison announced that by March 2026, the wait for a new outpatient appointment, inpatient treatment, or day case treatment will not exceed 12 months.

• The Scottish National Party has abandoned its hallmark policy of freezing council taxes. Funding for local governments will see a rise of over £1 billion, pushing the overall funding to exceed £15 billion. Ms. Robison mentioned that although local authorities have the autonomy to decide how to use the funds, there should be "no reason for significant hikes in council tax next year."

• Over £300 million from ScotWind proceeds will be allocated towards job creation and initiatives addressing climate change.

• An investment of £768 million is set to fund the construction or acquisition of over 8,000 new properties, spanning social rent, mid-market rent, and low-cost home ownership, within the next year.

• In collaboration with the City of Edinburgh Council, the Scottish government aims to facilitate the development of over 800 new net zero homes at the council's Granton site.

• An investment of £4 million is being allocated to address homelessness and to support trial prevention initiatives.

• An extra £800 million is set to be allocated to welfare benefits.

• Over £2.5 million is set to be allocated for initiatives under the Disability Equality Action Plan.

• Investment in education and skills will rise by 3% beyond inflation, marking an additional £158 million.

• Headteachers will receive £120 million to fund programs aimed at reducing the educational disparities caused by poverty.

• Complimentary school lunches will now be available to children in grades 6 and 7 from financially disadvantaged families.

• The "Bright Start Breakfasts" program is being launched to support the expansion of breakfast clubs in elementary schools nationwide.

• The government is allocating £29 million towards a plan for additional support needs (ASN), aimed at keeping teacher staffing at the current 2023 levels and also facilitating the training of new ASN educators.

• A total of nearly £4.2 billion is set to be funneled into the justice system. This investment aims to sustain current police force levels. Furthermore, an extra £3 million will be allocated to address rising concerns over retail theft.

• A total of £4.9 billion is set to be allocated for addressing both climate change and environmental issues.

• £25 million is set to be invested to boost job creation within Scotland's green energy sector. Additionally, £300 million will be dedicated to enhancing heating systems and insulation in residential and commercial buildings.

• A sum of £90 million is allocated to safeguard, preserve, and expand the country's forests and peat bogs.

• An investment of £190 million is set to enhance bus operations and improve accessibility for walking, cycling, and wheelchair use. Additionally, the network for charging electric vehicles will be expanded.

• Close to £1.1 billion is set to be invested in the upkeep and modernization of the country's railway system.

• A total of £237 million is earmarked for the enhancement and maintenance of the country's ports, aimed at creating a ferry fleet that is both more resilient and efficient.

• Over £660 million is allocated to aid farmers, crofters, and the broader economic landscape in rural areas.

• Funding for cultural initiatives is set to rise by £34 million.

• Scottish income tax levels will remain unchanged through 2026.

• The Scottish National Party has announced plans to reinstate a general winter fuel allowance for retirees in the coming year. Pensioners who are beneficiaries of pension credit or similar benefits will get either £200 or £300 based on their age. Meanwhile, other retirees will get a smaller sum of £100.

The financial plan for Scotland is primarily supported by the block grant in addition to the taxes collected within the country.

The Scottish Parliament will see its budget increase by £3.4 billion in 2025-26, following a funding boost from UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves' October budget, bringing the total budget to £47.7 billion.

For the fiscal year 2023-24, Scotland's budget was approximately £59.7 billion.

Ministers at Holyrood are legally required to maintain a balanced budget and possess restricted borrowing capabilities to generate extra capital.

The proposed budget is set to undergo detailed examination in the Scottish parliament in the upcoming weeks, with a vote anticipated in February. The SNP, operating as a minority government, will require backing from other parties for approval.

Discover further details on Sky News: Prime Minister declines to disclose information received regarding the incident of Louise Haigh's phone 'theft' which resulted in a resignation, while the Bank of England's chief expresses concerns about the budget's effects and Trump's comeback.

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After making her announcement, Ms. Robison expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with the rival parties.

She stated, "I am honored to introduce a budget that fulfills the priorities of the Scottish people.

Parliament can demonstrate its awareness of the challenges that citizens are encountering.

"We have the option to unite and inspire hope among individuals, rejuvenate our government services, and create numerous fresh opportunities within our economy."

In their response, the Scottish Greens stated that they will not support the proposed budget in its current form.

Ross Greer, the finance representative for the party, pointed out its inability to extend free school meal programs to all students in grades P6 and P7.

The MSP stated: "The government has consented to implement less ambitious Green initiatives such as complimentary ferry rides for young island residents, no-cost bus transportation for asylum seekers, and increased taxes on the acquisition of vacation properties. However, these steps fall short of compensating for the reductions made in other areas."

"Significant adjustments are necessary to secure backing from the Scottish Greens."

IPPR Scotland and Oxfam Scotland both expressed support for the proposal to eliminate the two-child limit on benefits.

The organization has expressed disappointment with the Scottish government's lack of action on imposing a tax on "pollution-emitting private jets." It is urging officials to intensify discussions with the UK government to secure approval for the tax implementation as quickly as possible.

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In a recent statement, the Scottish Conservatives criticized the SNP, dismissing their actions as simply a continuation of their usual policies.

Craig Hoy, the finance spokesperson for the opposition, commented: "Taxpayers are footing the bill for the SNP's prolonged mismanagement in areas like ferry services, gender policy changes, unsuccessful attempts at independence, and a National Care Service that has already accumulated a £30m expense."

The Member of the Scottish Parliament stated that the National Health Service is struggling severely and requires immediate changes.

He stated: "While the additional funds are appreciated, our NHS requires not just financial support but also strong leadership and a concrete strategy to tackle the issue of lengthy waiting times. Unfortunately, the SNP's sole suggestion is to recycle an earlier unfulfilled commitment."

"The Nationalists lack a clear plan for the nation's future, and it's evident that John Swinney has run out of new ideas."

The Scottish Conservatives have described the two-child limit on benefits as "essential."

MSP Liz Smith, serving as the party's shadow social secretary, stated: "It is crucial that social security payments are equitable for both the individuals in need and the taxpayers who fund them."

"We are of the opinion that the two-child limit is essential and appropriate for the current period.

"The swiftly increasing costs of welfare benefits are presently unmanageable, primarily due to the SNP's elevated tax policies and poor handling of our economic and fiscal affairs."

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

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

Wednesday, December 4, 2024, 12:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Further information: Claims arise of driving test supervisors pressuring evaluators for leniency. Chancellor acknowledges the challenges businesses face with the impending National Insurance increase.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Security and Defense Editor @haynesdeborah

Wednesday, December 4, 2024, 2:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Political journalist @alixculbertson

Wednesday, December 4, 2024, 2:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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2024 Sakharov Prize: Conversations with the Winners and Nominees

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Statement

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

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

Future actions

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

Introduction

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

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

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Law on Deforestation: Council Agreement Extends Compliance Deadline for Companies

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

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

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

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

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

C

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

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

Subsequent

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

Context

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

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

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New EU Deforestation Rules: Companies Granted Additional Year for Compliance

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

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

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

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

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

Statement

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

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

Future actions

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

Context

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

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

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Thomas HAAHR

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