Starmer Challenges Regulators to Boost Economy

Prime Minister Starmer, along with the Chancellor and the Business Secretary, has issued a directive to regulatory bodies such as Ofgem, the FCA, and the CMA, urging them to propose strategies for economic expansion and investment, according to Sky News.

City editor @MarkKleinmanSky

Saturday, December 28, 2024, at 10

Sir Keir Starmer has directed the UK's main regulatory bodies to eliminate obstacles that hinder economic expansion, aiming to rejuvenate the nation's faltering economy.

Sky News has reported that the prime minister sent letters to over ten regulatory bodies, such as Ofgem, Ofwat, the Financial Conduct Authority, and the Competition and Markets Authority, on Christmas Eve. The letters requested that these agencies present various proposals aimed at boosting economic growth to Downing Street by mid-January.

A person who received the letter, also bearing signatures from Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor, and Jonathan Reynolds, the Business Secretary, mentioned that the message was clear in instructing regulators to focus on growth and investment.

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It is believed that the communication was also delivered to Ofcom, the Environment Agency, and various healthcare regulatory bodies.

The Prime Minister has faced a challenging start to their term, grappling with numerous scandals and erratic policy decisions that have put them on the defensive.

October's budget announcement, which included commitments to increase taxes significantly, sparked severe criticism from the business community. Leaders across various industries cautioned that these hikes could drive inflation higher and lead to layoffs and shutdowns of businesses.

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During a pivotal period of transformation, Sky News dedicated a year to documenting life on a farm.

A source familiar with regulatory matters stated over the weekend that the initiative to reach out to oversight bodies, along with a broader push for regulatory changes stemming from Downing Street, originated from Varun Chandra, the Prime Minister's special adviser on business and investment.

Sir Keir's correspondence reportedly emphasized the importance of all government departments and regulators aiding in economic expansion, and he urged each addressed party to propose five strategies to achieve this objective by January 16.

The correspondence further prompted officials to determine ways in which the government could eliminate obstacles to economic expansion and pinpoint areas where regulatory goals were either contradictory or unclear.

Sources close to the government claim that Mr. Chandra has caused a stir in Whitehall following his appointment, which occurred soon after the Labour Party's significant win in the general election in July.

A previous senior executive at Hakluyt, the consultancy group, Mr. Chandra has been consistently stressing the need to change business attitudes to spur growth, as mentioned by an insider from Whitehall.

The source noted that the communication sent to regulatory bodies is anticipated to initiate a wider series of supply-side changes that Downing Street will manage in the upcoming months.

As of March 2017, the majority of the UK's economic regulators are mandated by law to promote growth, a requirement that was established by the Deregulation Act passed in 2015.

The call for regulatory bodies to prioritize economic competitiveness more has led to a number of contentious issues, especially within the financial services sector, where there have been significant disagreements between government ministers and officials from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) over various policies.

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Sir Keir has indicated his goal to eliminate bureaucratic hurdles, stating at the government's premier International Investment Summit in the fall: "For me, the primary measure for regulation is certainly growth.

"We need to examine regulations as a whole to identify areas where they unnecessarily impede the investments crucial for advancing our nation."

"If it hinders our ability to construct homes, data centers, warehouses, grid connectors, roads, or railways, rest assured – we will eliminate it."

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On Saturday, a spokesperson for the government refrained from discussing the details of the letter sent to regulatory bodies, but stated, "Our Plan for Change is designed to stimulate economic expansion nationwide and increase the financial well-being of our citizens."

"Implementing regulations that promote expansion while managing risks is crucial to this objective, aiming to prevent unnecessary impediments to investment and quality employment in the UK."

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Labour or Liz? A Fiscal Dilemma That Might Trouble Sir Keir Starmer

Is it possible to support economic growth while increasing taxes? Can you reduce regulations and still safeguard workers and the environment? In other words, can you align with both Labour and Liz?

Political reporter @robpowellnews

Saturday, December 28, 2024, at 3

Who's up for a holiday round of Labour or Liz?

The guidelines are straightforward – I will present a series of quotes, and you need to determine whether they were spoken by a member of the current Labour government, known for increasing taxes and enhancing workers' rights, or by the notorious right-wing former Prime Minister Liz Truss, who opposed the anti-growth coalition.

Set aside your turkey sandwiches, and let's get started:

1. "We are getting down to work and cutting through bureaucracy"

Eliminating bureaucratic hurdles will stimulate business investment and enhance economic expansion.

3. "[Oversight in the financial sector] has become excessive"

4. "If [regulation] is a barrier to our construction efforts, rest assured – we will eliminate it."

5. "It was essential to halt our movement towards increased regulation, which was leading to slow economic expansion."

That's everything. Believe you've caught every detail? Here are the solutions.

Entries 1, 3, and 4 represent the Labour Party, whereas 2 and 5 correspond to Liz Truss.

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Certainly, this isn't Trivial Pursuit. However, I'm trying to make a somewhat nuanced point.

The rhetoric surrounding growth and regulation from the present government closely mirrors that of the prime minister with the briefest term in office, who is widely regarded by members of the Labour Party as the complete opposite of what this administration represents.

Sir Keir Starmer has issued a directive in his Christmas Eve correspondence to regulators, giving them a deadline until mid-January to propose ways to eliminate obstacles that hinder economic expansion.

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This revelation should hardly be unexpected.

The Prime Minister has limited options to stimulate the UK's slow economic growth, and one effective strategy could be to modify regulations to foster a more business-friendly climate.

What one individual considers a "hindrance to progress," another might view as a "critical protection."

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For instance, activist organizations are urging that the "Growth Duty" currently assigned to the water regulatory body be substituted with a mandate that prioritizes environmental concerns.

This adds to the ongoing criticism OFWAT has received for being too lenient in its oversight of private water companies.

Worries are also mounting within the financial services industry.

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Earlier in the month, a group of 50 economists and policy specialists sent a letter to the chancellor, expressing concerns over her proposed deregulation strategies.

Companies are expected to respond more favorably to these developments.

However, this will also be considered in light of broader worries about the economic pressure businesses are facing due to significant tax increases outlined in the budget.

The timeline for regulatory changes suggests that it may be several years before we can accurately assess if the initiatives introduced by Labour are indeed promoting economic expansion.

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For Sir Keir Starmer, the risk lies in his failure to harmonize the conflicting political and economic elements within his broader set of policies.

Is it possible to support economic expansion while also increasing taxes? Is it feasible to reduce regulations while continuing to safeguard employees and the environment? Or to phrase it more straightforwardly, is it achievable to embody both Labour ideals and Liz's policies?

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During a pivotal year, Sky News documented life on a farm amidst an era of transformation. As profits from agriculture decline, the Bower family finds themselves making less money from their crops and increasingly relying on alternative sources of income, such as a children's play center.

By Ed Conway, economics and data editor, and Aoife Yourell, economics producer

Friday, December 27, 2024, 07:

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Long before farmers grabbed headlines by demonstrating in Whitehall over the government's new inheritance tax regulations, we at Sky News had already initiated a project.

Much of our journalism typically consists of brief segments prepared for nightly broadcasts. We document brief moments from homes, workspaces, and neighborhoods across the nation. However, this year we decided to diverge from our usual approach by dedicating an entire year to documenting the experiences of a family-owned farm.

At the outset, it was not apparent that agriculture would seize major headlines. Yet, as early as January, it was clear that 2024 would be a pivotal year for the industry. This was primarily due to the full implementation of the new post-Brexit agricultural payment system. Previously reliant on subsidies for cultivating specific land areas, farmers were now transitioning to programs that emphasized environmental objectives over traditional agricultural production.

2023 marks the inaugural complete year since the implementation of the fresh trade agreements with New Zealand and Australia. The consequence of these agreements is that British farmers are now facing competition from two of the globe's leading food exporters, both of whom have the capacity to increase their exports to the UK beyond current levels.

Discover more: The impact of climate change and bureaucratic hurdles may threaten the availability of cost-effective food in the UK. Tensions escalate in the debate over farmer inheritance taxes, as both parties appear unyielding.

Additionally, the recent winter season proved especially harsh, particularly for crop farmers. The weather was colder, wetter, and more erratic than the typical British climate, setting the stage for a difficult growing season.

Bearing these considerations in mind, we embarked on a mission to capture the true essence of this year from the perspective of a farm, specifically Lower Drayton Farm located in Staffordshire. This farm, which is representative of many across parts of the UK, engages in diverse agricultural activities. They raise animals and cultivate wheat, while also leasing out some of their land to growers of potatoes and carrots.

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Exploring innovative agricultural practices

However, in different aspects, Ray and Richard Bower, representing two generations of their family, are taking a unique approach. Faced with significant drops in agricultural income, they are exploring new visions for modern farming. For them, this includes creating a children's play area and developing what could be considered "agritourism" attractions.

The essence of the situation is that although traditional agriculture still occupies a large portion of their daily activities, a growing fraction of their revenue is derived from activities not related to food production. This emphasizes a wider trend: nationwide, farmers are increasingly required to engage in new practices to sustain their livelihood. Some, such as the Bowers, are welcoming these changes, while others find it difficult to adjust. Given the forecast of more rainy years and shifts in government assistance, the future appears to be a constant series of ups and downs for the farming sector in Britain.

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Bearing this perspective in mind, I urge you to view our annual film considering the context of this farm. We believe it offers a captivating and detailed portrayal of rural existence.

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Children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) are often placed in inappropriate schools and face neglect due to cost-cutting measures. Local authorities are responsible for arranging SEND placements, but they are currently overwhelmed by the demand and constrained by limited budgets, compounded by an increase in parents recognizing and exercising their right to challenge these decisions.

Political reporter @AliFortescue

Friday, December 27, 2024, at 2

Parents have informed Sky News that children requiring special education are being isolated and facing difficulties in inappropriate schools as local authorities aim to cut expenses.

Maire Leigh Wilson, the mother of a four-year-old son with Down syndrome, expresses deep concern, stating she dreads to imagine his current situation had she not been persistently fighting issues with her local council.

"She believed that without assistance, he would likely be isolated at the back of the room, unable to sign or communicate, simply wandering around," she stated.

Mrs. Leigh Wilson was intent on having her son Aidan attend a regular school that offered extra specialized assistance. However, her local council, responsible for determining the details of a child’s Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP), preferred that he be placed in a special school.

The amount of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) being contested by parents has significantly increased, says education lawyer Alice De Coverley.

She noted that local authorities are finding it difficult to cope with the high level of demand due to limited budgets, and that parents have become increasingly knowledgeable about their rights to challenge decisions.

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Mrs. De Coverley noted that parents prevail in over 90% of tribunal cases, partially due to the fact that many councils lack the necessary resources to adequately defend their positions.

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Labour is being prompted to concentrate on the issue of student absenteeism following a report revealing that as many as 300,000 children were not attending school last year.

According to Ofsted, kids have faced unconventional educational methods since the pandemic began.

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According to her, parents of children who require special education are often willing to risk everything, including their homes and careers.

Asked about her views on the system being biased against parents, Mrs. De Coverley responded, "I don't believe it was intentionally designed that way. However, it's clear that parents are experiencing significant challenges."

She noted that the increasing amount of "improper rulings" by local governments is causing parents with financial means to become completely exhausted from engaging in legal battles.

Discover further: Seventy-five percent of parents with SEND children have had to quit their jobs or reduce their working hours.

The legal matter involving Mrs. Leigh Wilson was settled prior to a court hearing.

The local government of Hounslow, located in southwest London, reported that they finalize over 80% of new Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) within the required 20-week period, a rate that is double the national average.

Hounslow Council emphasized its commitment to prioritizing families in their decision-making processes, pointing out that youth in the region with special educational needs and disabilities tend to outperform their national counterparts on average.

They acknowledged that certain aspects of their proposal require additional enhancement and emphasized their collaboration with families to strengthen these areas.

"A Hounslow Council representative stated, 'We possess a transparent and reliable strategy for reaching our goals, and by examining the past 18 months of targeted enhancements, we can observe significant advancements in the experiences of children, young people, and their families.'"

He noted that the council has observed a twofold increase in Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) over the past ten years. He acknowledged the growing frustration among parents due to escalating national demand and what is generally recognized as a flawed system for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

Emma Dunville, who is a friend of Mrs. Leigh Wilson and has a child with Down's syndrome as well, shared that securing appropriate educational services for her child was both mentally and physically draining.

She expressed: "For his entire life, it's going to be a constant struggle; everything seems to be aligned against us."

In contrast to Mrs Leigh Wilson, Mrs Dunville was eager for her son Albie to attend a specialized school. However, she faced a delay of over a year for an evaluation by an educational psychologist, a necessary step for the council's approval process. Consequently, this delay caused her to miss the deadline for securing an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).

"Those in charge of these choices fail to recognize that every child with Down's syndrome is unique and shouldn't be generalized."

According to the guidelines, in the absence of a sufficient number of education psychologists employed by the local authority, a private assessment should be pursued. However, her local authority failed to follow this directive.

Mrs. Dunville expressed that her son is being isolated in a conventional school which, despite its efforts, is simply not the appropriate environment for him.

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Reform UK surpasses Tory membership figures – Nigel Farage declares it a 'historic' moment, while Kemi Badenoch dismisses the figures as 'fraudulent'

There have been heated online interactions between Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, and Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch.

Friday, December 27, 2024, 4:

Nigel Farage claims that Reform UK has surpassed the Conservative Party in membership numbers, positioning itself as "the real opposition." Meanwhile, Kemi Badenoch has dismissed these figures as "fake."

A digital tally displayed on Reform UK's website indicated that the party's membership had surpassed 131,680 members by midday on Boxing Day, exceeding the number of members reported by the Conservative Party prior to their leadership election last fall.

Mr. Farage, the party leader and representative for Clacton-on-Sea, celebrated the significant milestone, stating on X: "British politics' newest party has now surpassed the world's oldest political party. Reform UK has become the genuine opposition."

However, Conservative head Kemi Badenoch criticized the party for distributing deceptive statistics, stating: "Deceiving your followers during Christmas, Nigel? It's not genuine. It's a fraud… [the website is] programmed to increase numbers on its own."

On the platform X, she mentioned that since the leadership election, the Conservative Party has seen an influx of thousands of new members.

Reform UK posted a video showing their membership tracker being displayed on the facade of the Conservative Party headquarters in London throughout the night.

Zia Yusuf, the party leader, declared that "history has been made today," asserting that the longstanding dominance of the Tories in the center-right of British politics has at last been shattered.

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Mr. Farage responded to Ms. Badenoch's challenge regarding the accuracy of Reform UK's data by asserting he had evidence. He shared a screenshot from what he claimed was an online database displaying 'active memberships'.

"He expressed his understanding of the frustration and anger stemming from their party becoming the second largest in British politics, suggesting that the decline of the Conservative brand was a result of their leadership. Despite this, he emphasized that it was unjustified to levy accusations of fraud against them, as stated in his post on X."

Mr. Yusuf escalated the discussion by challenging Ms. Badenoch regarding an audit, stating, "We are happy to have one of the Big 4 audit firms confirm our membership figures, provided you agree to do the same."

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The number of members in the Conservative party, revealed following Kemi Badenoch's leadership victory on November 2, hit a historic low, decreasing from the approximately 172,000 members reported during the 2022 leadership race.

In a reaction, a spokesperson for the Conservative Party stated: "The changes have resulted in a Labour Government that has harshly reduced winter fuel allowances for 10 million elderly individuals, jeopardized the sustainability of family-owned farms and the nation's food supply, and initiated a severe attack on employment, which will burden working individuals financially."

"Casting a ballot for Reform in the upcoming May elections equates to endorsing a Labour-led council – the Conservatives are the only party capable of preventing this."

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Research from the House of Commons Library indicates that there is no widely accepted definition of what constitutes party membership, nor is there a standard procedure or authoritative organization tasked with tracking the membership counts of political parties.

Reform UK, initially established as a limited company, will transition to a member-owned structure in September, according to Mr. Farage.

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Following Mr. Farage's proposal to assist, Lord Mandelson, the newly appointed U.S. ambassador, is poised to engage with the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump.

A close ally of Mr. Trump, he has made appearances at numerous Republican gatherings both during and following the presidential campaign.

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Reform UK surpasses Conservative Party membership figures – Nigel Farage describes it as 'monumental', while Kemi Badenoch claims the figures are 'fabricated'

There has been a heated online debate between Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, and Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch.

Friday, December 27, 2024, 4:

Nigel Farage claims that Reform UK has surpassed the Conservative Party in membership numbers, positioning it as "the real opposition." Meanwhile, Kemi Badenoch has dismissed his claims as "fake."

As indicated by a digital tally displayed on their official website, Reform UK's membership surpassed 131,680 – a figure previously reported by the Conservative Party prior to their leadership contest in the fall – shortly before noon on December 26.

Mr. Farage, the party leader and representative for Clacton-on-Sea, celebrated the significant milestone, stating on platform X: "British politics' newest party has now surpassed the world's oldest political party. Reform UK has become the true opposition."

However, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch criticized the party for releasing deceptive statistics: "Deceiving your own followers during Christmas, Nigel? It's not genuine. It's a fabrication… [the website is] programmed to increase automatically."

On her X post, she noted that since the leadership election, the Tories have welcomed thousands of new members.

Reform UK recently posted a video showing their membership tracker being displayed on the facade of the Conservative Party headquarters in London throughout the night.

Zia Yusuf, the party's chair, declared that "history has been made today," emphasizing that the longstanding dominance of the Tories in the center-right of British politics has at last been shattered.

Further Discussion on Conservatives

Kemi Badenoch must choose her conflicts wisely and determine the extent to which she is willing to engage in rough tactics.

Nigel Farage is considering suing unless Kemi Badenoch retracts her statement that the membership ticker was fraudulent.

Harriet Harman forecasts that Nigel Farage might become the leader of the opposition following the upcoming election.

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Mr. Farage responded to Ms. Badenoch, who vigorously challenged the statistics provided by Reform UK. He asserted that he had evidence and shared a screenshot from what appeared to be an online registry displaying 'active memberships'.

"He pointed out that while it's clear they are frustrated and angered by our rise to become the second largest political party in Britain, and the diminishing appeal of the Conservative party under their leadership, it doesn't justify making fraudulent accusations against us," he stated on X.

Mr. Yusuf escalated the discussion by challenging Ms. Badenoch regarding an audit: "We are more than willing to have one of the Big 4 audit firms confirm our membership figures, provided that you agree to do the same."

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The number of members in the Conservative party, revealed following Kemi Badenoch's leadership victory on November 2, hit an all-time low, decreasing from about 172,000 during the 2022 leadership race.

In reaction, a spokesperson for the Conservative Party stated: "The changes have resulted in a Labour Government that has harshly reduced winter fuel allowances for 10 million elderly individuals, jeopardized the sustainability of family-owned farms and the nation's food supply, and initiated a severe attack on employment, ultimately burdening working individuals with the consequences."

"Choosing Reform in the upcoming May elections equates to choosing a Labour-led council – the Conservatives are the only ones who can prevent this."

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Research conducted by the House of Commons Library indicates that there is no widely accepted definition of what constitutes party membership, nor is there a standard procedure or official organization tasked with tracking the membership figures of political parties.

Reform UK, initially established as a limited company, will transition to a member-owned structure in September, according to Mr. Farage.

For further details, visit Sky News: Memorial service held for five reporters deceased in Israeli airstrike; plane brought down by 'Russian air defense system', reports Reuters.

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This follows Mr. Farage proposing his assistance to Lord Mandelson, the newly appointed ambassador to the US, in dealings with the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump.

A longstanding ally of Mr. Trump, he has made appearances at numerous Republican gatherings both during and following the presidential campaign.

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Automatic firearms, handguns, and numerous gadgets have been misplaced by the Ministry of Defence. The Liberal Democrats are calling for an immediate investigation into the lost weaponry and devices, citing concerns that "sensitive national security information" might "fall into the wrong hands," although the government maintains that it prioritizes security "very seriously."

Friday, December 27, 2024, 1:

Handguns, an inoperative World War I-era machine gun, and a rifle were among the equipment reported missing or stolen from the Ministry of Defence (MoD) over the past two years.

The Liberal Democrats are calling for an immediate investigation following the discovery of missing firearms.

Information released by the party indicates that over the same timeframe, the department misplaced or had stolen more than 700 devices including computers, laptops, phones, and USB drives.

The defense representative for the party, Helen Maguire, criticized the government for its clumsiness in handling national security matters, comparing it unfavorably to Goldfinger, as she demanded an investigation.

The Ministry of Defense emphasized its commitment to equipment security, stating that it has strong measures and protocols in place to avoid any loss or theft.

All incidents of missing and stolen firearms are thoroughly examined

Information regarding the lost equipment was disclosed to the Liberal Democrats through a set of parliamentary inquiries posed by Ms. Maguire.

In 2023, a pair of decommissioned World War II firearms went missing, and a Glock 19 handgun was taken.

An SA80 rifle, commonly employed by the British Armed Forces in numerous engagements since its debut in the early 1980s, was temporarily misplaced but later found, along with a decommissioned World War I-era machine gun.

Defense Minister Luke Pollard emphasized that the Ministry of Defense (MoD) prioritizes firearm security highly, implementing stringent measures to mitigate and avoid any potential losses or thefts.

"He further emphasized that every incident involving the loss or theft of firearms and ammunition is thoroughly and strictly investigated."

Information for the year 2024 has not been

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Numerous gadgets have gone missing or have been

In 2024, the Ministry of Defense misplaced a total of 447 items, such as computers, laptops, phones, and USBs, marking an increase of over 50% from the 297 devices lost the previous year, according to information revealed by the Liberal Democrats.

In 2023, there were no instances of computers going missing, but in 2024, a total of 25 computers were either lost or stolen, with

In 2023, there were 20 incidents of USBs being lost or stolen. This number surged by more than 500% to 125 incidents in 2024.

In 2023, the department reported 101 lost or stolen phones, a number which rose to 159 by 2024.

In 2024, the number of laptops reported lost or stolen decreased to 138, a drop from 176 in the

Defence Procurement Minister Maria Eagle stated that Ministry of Defence staff are consistently advised of their duty to protect defense assets and that appropriate security measures are implemented on their equipment.

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Disappearance of arms 'ought to sound the alarm'

In a statement, Ms. Maguire expressed serious concerns, noting, "The disappearance of these vital resources is particularly alarming given the current increase in global security threats."

She warned that "sensitive national security information" might "fall into the wrong hands," and the disappearance of the weapons "should be a significant cause for concern regarding security."

She further emphasized that the party is demanding "a prompt investigation into the mismanagement of these resources and the measures being implemented to reduce losses and thefts in the upcoming year."

A spokesperson from the Ministry of Defence stated, "The protection of defense assets is a priority for us, and we have implemented strong measures and protocols to prevent any losses or thefts."

"Whenever there are reports of assets being lost or missing and criminal activity is suspected, we initiate the appropriate actions to investigate, prosecute, and retrieve those items."

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Automatic weapons, handguns, and numerous gadgets have gone missing from the Ministry of Defence

The Liberal Democrats are calling for an immediate investigation into the lost equipment and arms, citing concerns that "sensitive national security information" might "fall into the wrong hands" – even as the government maintains that it prioritizes security "very seriously".

Friday, December 27, 2024, 1:

Over the past two years, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has reported the loss or theft of several items, including pistols, a decommissioned machine gun from World War I, and a rifle.

The Liberal Democrats are calling for an immediate investigation following the discovery of the missing firearms.

Information gathered by the group indicates that over 700 electronic devices including computers, laptops, phones, and USB drives from the department were either misplaced or stolen during that time frame.

Defense spokesperson for the party, Helen Maguire, criticized the government for being clumsier than the fictional character Goldfinger in handling national security issues, demanding an investigation.

The Ministry of Defense emphasized its commitment to equipment security, stating it has stringent measures and protocols in place to avoid any losses or thefts.

All incidents of missing and stolen firearms are thoroughly examined

The information regarding the lost equipment was disclosed to the Liberal Democrats following a set of parliamentary inquiries submitted by Ms. Maguire.

In 2023, a pair of decommissioned World War II firearms went missing, and a Glock 19 handgun was taken.

An SA80 rifle, commonly employed by the British Armed Forces in numerous engagements since its debut in the early 1980s, was misplaced and later retrieved, along with a decommissioned World War I-era machine gun.

Defense Minister Luke Pollard emphasized that the Ministry of Defense (MoD) prioritizes firearm security highly, implementing strong measures to thwart and avoid any losses or thefts.

"He further emphasized that every incident of firearms and ammunition loss or theft is thoroughly and strictly examined."

Information for the year 2024 was not accessible

For optimal video playback, it is recommended to use the Chrome browser.

Numerous gadgets have either gone missing or been

In 2024, the Ministry of Defense misplaced 447 items such as computers, laptops, phones, and USB drives, representing a more than 50% increase from the 297 devices lost in the previous year, according to data revealed by the Liberal Democrats.

In 2023, there were no reports of computers being missing, but in 2024, a total of 25 computers were either lost or stolen, with

In 2023, there were 20 incidents of USBs being either lost or stolen. This number soared by more than 500% to 125 missing USBs in 2024.

In 2023, the department reported 101 lost or stolen phones, a number which rose to 159 in 2024.

In 2024, there was a decrease in the number of laptops lost or stolen, totaling 138 compared to 176

Defence procurement minister Maria Eagle stated that personnel at the Ministry of Defence are consistently informed about their duties to protect defense assets and that appropriate security measures are implemented on their devices.

Discover further: Over 13,000 UK military personnel 'unfit for deployment' due to health issues. British forces might be sent to Ukraine for training purposes. The chief of the armed forces alerts that the world is approaching a new era of nuclear challenges.

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Disappearance of weapons 'ought to sound the alarm'

In a statement, Ms. Maguire expressed her concerns, stating, "It is deeply troubling to lose such essential resources, particularly during a period of increased global security tensions."

She expressed concerns that "sensitive national security information" might fall into inappropriate hands, emphasizing that the loss of the weapons should be a significant security alert.

She further stated, "The party is demanding a prompt investigation into the mismanagement of these resources and the measures being implemented to reduce losses and thefts in the upcoming year."

A spokesperson from the Ministry of Defence stated: "The protection of defence assets is a top priority for us, and we have strong measures in place to avoid any losses or thefts."

"In the event that any assets are declared lost or unaccounted for due to potential criminal actions, we initiate the appropriate measures to investigate, bring legal action, and retrieve the items."

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Starmer Honors His 'Remarkable' Brother Who Passed Away on Boxing Day

Nick Starmer passed away calmly on the afternoon of December 26 following a struggle with cancer, according to the prime minister's spokesperson.

Political journalist @realBenBloch

Friday, December 27, 2024, at 4

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has honored the memory of his brother Nick, who passed away at the age of 60 on Boxing Day following a battle with cancer.

The prime minister portrayed his brother as an exceptional individual, stating, "He faced every obstacle in life with bravery and a sense of humor. He will be deeply missed."

"I am grateful to everyone who provided treatment and care to Nick. Their expertise and kindness are deeply valued."

A representative for Sir Keir stated, "We are deeply saddened to inform you of the death of Nick Starmer."

Nick, aged 60, passed away calmly on the afternoon of December 26 following a struggle with cancer. We request that Nick's extended family be given privacy during this period.

It was initially planned for the prime minister to take a vacation with his family this Friday; however, it is now believed that he will remain at home instead.

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Leader of the Conservative Party, Kemi Badenoch, expressed her sympathy towards Sir Keir and his relatives, stating, "This is such terrible news. It's especially heartbreaking during the Christmas season."

Additional Details on Sir Keir Starmer

Sir Keir Starmer to Travel Internationally for New Year's Day Celebrations

Starmer notes that enhancing living standards will be a gradual process.

During PMQs, Badenoch charged Starmer with building expectations only to disappoint with 'unfulfilled commitments'

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'Nick received a unique hand'

Nick Starmer experienced difficulties at birth. He departed from school without obtaining any official certifications and faced significant health challenges throughout his life, preventing him from maintaining steady employment.

In 2022, he faced severe health issues and encountered critical problems during significant surgery, necessitating emergency medical intervention, as detailed in a biography of the prime minister written by ex-journalist Tom Baldwin.

Sir Keir temporarily paused his campaign for the local elections to make several visits to him in the hospital, where hospital personnel allowed him to enter through a rear gate to evade the press.

At a gathering of the Pancreatic Society, he expressed his gratitude to several members of the medical staff responsible for saving his brother's life, saying, "I hope you understand the significance this holds for me and my family."

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Sir Keir, who is the third of four children, opened up about his connection with his brother for the first time last year in a biography by Tom Baldwin. He acknowledged, "Nick received a different set of cards than I did—challenges I've never encountered."

He recounted stepping in to defend Nick during their childhood when others would taunt him with names like "thick" or "stupid," and mentioned, "Even today, I make it a point not to use such terms about anyone."

Sir Keir reflected on how Nick was labeled "remedial" by his school, noting, "They held no aspirations for him, and I believe he may not have even taken exams, leaving him with no qualifications after his schooling."

He also mentioned that their parents were impartial in their treatment, with his father stating, "Nick has accomplished just as much as you, Keir."

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Since 2018, over 150,000 migrants have made their way to the UK across the Channel in small vessels. On December 25, over 450 migrants reached the UK aboard 11 small boats, followed by approximately 400 individuals on December 26.

Friday, December 27, 2024, 10:

Since 2018, over 150,000 migrants have reached the UK by traversing the English Channel in diminutive vessels.

The administration started keeping track of the individuals embarking on perilous trips since the start of 2018, specifically from January 1.

The landmark was achieved on December 26, when 407 individuals made the crossing of the Channel in 10 vessels, pushing the government's count to 150,243.

On December 25th, over 450 migrants reached the UK shores aboard 11 vessels.

Addressing the statistics, opposition home secretary Chris Philip described them as "an insult" and stated, "It's evident that a new strategy is required."

The National Crime Agency has expressed that halting the influx of migrants across the Channel is unachievable without implementing a strategy similar to Rwanda's. The decision by Labour to scrap our preventive measure before it was initiated was a grave error.

"Since the Labour Party assumed power, crossings have increased by 20%. The government needs to quickly implement a deterrent similar to Rwanda's removal strategy."

A source from the Home Office maintained that the former Conservative administration left behind a disastrous record of compromised border security.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper stated that it is ethically imperative for the government to address the issue of Channel crossings, though a specific deadline has not been established for a significant reduction in their numbers.

Ms. Cooper has seemingly dismissed the idea of establishing additional safe and legal pathways for asylum seekers to reduce the number of small boat crossings.

She informed the Commons' home affairs select committee earlier this month that expanding choices was not a substitute for targeting criminal organizations.

The home secretary emphasized to Parliament members her commitment to continue efforts in reducing the reliance on hotels for accommodating asylum seekers, describing these arrangements as "utterly unsuitable and highly expensive."

A spokesperson from the Home Office commented, "It is a collective desire to halt perilous crossings by small boats, which endanger lives and compromise the security of our borders.

"Human trafficking networks are indifferent to the survival of the exploited individuals they profit from, as long as they receive payment.

"We are determined to completely break down their operations and ensure they face legal consequences."

Since Sir Keir Starmer assumed office as Prime Minister in July, over 22,000 individuals have reached the UK shores via small boats.

He has made collaborating with law enforcement agencies throughout Europe a central element of his strategy to reduce incoming numbers.

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He previously stated that his administration "took over under challenging circumstances," facing unprecedented levels of migration in the first half of the year.

Sir Keir criticized the former administration for concentrating on what he referred to as the "Rwanda scheme," asserting that there was "insufficient focus on dismantling the criminal networks orchestrating this despicable trade."

Further coverage from Sky News: Dover locals share their views on small boat arrivals; Prime Minister offers condolences following the death of his brother.

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As of 2024, provisional data from the Home Office reveals that 35,898 migrants have entered the UK via the channel, marking a 22% rise from the same period last year. Nonetheless, this number represents a 22% decrease compared to 2022.

This year marks the highest death toll since the onset of the Channel crisis, with around 50 individuals losing their lives during the attempt to cross, based on records from the French coastguard.

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Nigel Farage is considering suing unless Kemi Badenoch retracts her claim that his membership ticker was 'fraudulent'. The head of Reform UK asserts that Badenoch's accusations of "fraud and dishonesty" are serious, and he refuses to ignore them.

Political correspondent @realBenBloch

Friday, December 27, 2024, 6:

Nigel Farage has warned that he may sue Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch unless she retracts her claim that he shared a fabricated graphic indicating Reform UK's membership surpassing that of the Conservatives.

The leader of Reform UK has responded angrily to Ms. Badenoch's claim that he was "deceiving [his] own followers" by using a counter that is "programmed to automatically increase." This reaction came after the counter indicated that the membership of the rising right-wing party had surpassed 131,680, the total number of Conservative Party members eligible to vote in their leadership contest last fall.

He is insisting on an apology from Ms. Badenoch for what he described as "disgraceful" allegations of fraud and dishonesty, stating that he will "not take this lying down."

During a conversation with reporters from Sky News, when questioned about potential legal actions against the Conservative leader for defamation, Mr. Farage stated, "I plan to take some measures in the coming days. I still need to determine the exact response, but I definitely won't let it go unchallenged."

"He continued, expressing his disbelief, "It's completely unacceptable for her to make such a statement. I'm aware of her quick temper and her reputation for attacking others, but this has made me very unhappy, and I plan to respond accordingly."

He also mentioned that he will specify within two days the precise measures he will take if she fails to apologize for her "intemperate outburst."

Analysis: Badenoch Must Choose Her Conflicts Wisely

Reform revealed to Sky News the programming that connected the ticker to the membership numbers in their NationBuilder account. Their demonstration convincingly proved that the ticker was manually controlled. See below for a detailed breakdown.

A Conservative source informed Sky News: "It's evident that the stunt Farage planned for Boxing Day is causing him distress, especially as it's marred by allegations regarding a counterfeit clock and the suspicious influx of hundreds of 'members' overnight.

"Like many others across the UK, Kemi is spending the Christmas season with her loved ones and is eager to tackle the task of revitalizing the Conservative Party as the New Year approaches."

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"This isn't real"

The dispute began when Reform UK announced on December 26 that its membership numbers had surpassed those of the Conservative Party. Mr. Farage, the party leader and MP for Clacton-on-Sea, celebrated this achievement as a "historic moment" and called his party "the real opposition."

Reform UK posted a video showing their membership tracker being displayed on the facade of the Conservative Party headquarters in London.

However, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch criticized the party for distributing deceptive statistics, saying, "Deceiving your own followers during Christmas, Nigel? It's not genuine. It's a fraud… [the website is] programmed to increase numbers on its own."

On her X post, she mentioned that the Tories have attracted thousands of new members following the leadership contest.

Reform UK responded to Ms. Badenoch by posting a screenshot from an online registry that they said proves there are "active memberships".

Are Reform's assertions credible?

Data Reporter

Certain digital counters are programmed to increment on their own. This typically occurs when the data they rely on isn't refreshed frequently, prompting the system to simulate realistic updates by advancing the count at set intervals.

Indicators such as government debt, unemployment rates, or global temperatures are likely increasing steadily, following a consistent, predetermined pattern.

Sky News conducted an analysis on the membership ticker of Reform UK to verify its accuracy.

We analyzed a video shared by Nigel Farage on X, displaying a continuous shot of the counter from 4 PM on Christmas Day to 2 PM the following day, Boxing Day.

The graph displayed indicates the frequency of new members joining every half hour over a period of 22 hours.

Observations indicate significant fluctuations in participation, with minimal overnight sign-ups and a substantial increase starting at about 11 a.m. on Boxing Day.

During this period, it emerged that Reform UK had surpassed the Conservatives in membership numbers, generating a significant surge in media attention for the party.

If the counter were merely progressing on its own, the graph would likely show a more even trajectory.

In the United Kingdom, political parties are not obligated to disclose the size of their membership, nor are they required to offer information that can be confirmed through independent sources.

Reform UK provided Sky News with access to its Nation Builder account, a popular independent platform utilized by various political parties and campaigns for monitoring and handling their membership data.

Sky News confirmed that the membership figures in Reform's NationBuilder account corresponded with the numbers displayed on their live ticker.

As of the November leadership contest, the membership of the Conservative Party stood at 131,680, whereas the Labour Party reported having 366,604 members as of March 2024.

Reform UK leader Zia Yusuf has also joined the controversy, stating that individuals whose memberships had expired still participated in the fall leadership contest that resulted in Ms. Badenoch's election to the position.

During a recent conversation with reporters, he reiterated his claim. Furthermore, after requesting on social media for individuals who participated in the leadership vote but had since left the party to reach out to him, he reported receiving an overwhelming number of responses that he has yet to confirm.

For further reading: Since 2018, over 150,000 migrants have made the journey across the Channel in small boats. Additionally, the Ministry of Defence has reported the loss of a machine

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Ms. Badenoch and representatives from the Conservative Party were reached out to for their comments.

Reform UK has announced their willingness to have their membership figures audited by one of the major accountancy firms, provided that the Conservative Party agrees to the same scrutiny.

Stay informed on the most recent developments in the UK and globally by tuning into Sky News.

Farage Makes It Personal

Addressing the media today, Mr. Farage sharply criticized Ms. Badenoch on a personal level, stating that her allegation of their falsifying membership counts "mirrors her character."

He described her as "confrontational" and "prone to react harshly," suggesting that her tweet was likely motivated by a "mild feeling of anger."

"He emphasized that she must completely refute these claims, and if not, she'll find her life becoming significantly harder and deeply regret releasing this information on the afternoon of Boxing Day."

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Kemi Badenoch must carefully choose her conflicts – and determine the extent she's willing to engage in them. For years, Nigel Farage has successfully pulled his adversaries into confrontations that favor his agenda. This is a battle Kemi Badenoch likely should have avoided.

Political reporter @robpowellnews

Friday, December 27, 2024, 5:

Don't bother trying to fight a pig. You'll just end up messy, and the pig enjoys it anyway.

Observing the heated exchange that has erupted between Kemi Badenoch and Nigel Farage, one might question whether the Conservative leader should heed this well-known saying, as it was clear from the start that only one could emerge victorious from this conflict.

The leader of Reform UK has dedicated nearly 30 years to pulling his political adversaries into confrontations that ultimately serve his interests. This situation is no exception.

A Christmas event that might have gone unnoticed has been transformed into headline-worthy news.

Sources within Reform UK suggest that this is attracting additional supporters and boosting their membership numbers even more.

Further Developments with Conservatives

Nigel Farage considers suing unless Kemi Badenoch retracts her claim that the membership counter was 'fraudulent'

Reform UK surpasses Conservative Party membership – Nigel Farage labels it 'unprecedented', Kemi Badenoch claims figures are 'fabricated'

Harriet Harman forecasts that Nigel Farage might become the leader of the opposition following the upcoming election.

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This phenomenon can be attributed to news editors seizing any political story available during the typically slow news period between Christmas and New Year.

It may confound several of her party members why Badenoch and her group failed to notice this and refrain from acting.

A debate the Conservatives ought to have avoided

Additionally, the Conservative leader is presently on the defensive about her primary claim that the Reform party's membership count is not accurate.

Reform consented to provide Sky News with access to their NationBuilder account information, a service widely used by various political parties to handle memberships and donations.

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The count of current subscribers on the account portal aligned with the numbers shown on the ticker, and their website's metrics expanded shortly after the figures from NationBuilder saw a rise.

Sky News conducted its own review of the ticker and found no irregularities at present (see the complete analysis here).

Kemi Badenoch claimed that Reform altered the programming code after accusations of discrepancies emerged, yet she has not presented any proof to support her statement.

Regardless, this is likely a debate the Conservatives should have avoided.

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Politicians must carefully choose which issues to engage with

Indeed, while an increase in party membership often results in greater financial resources, it does not automatically lead to broader success at the polls. For instance, even though the Labour Party saw a significant rise in its membership during Jeremy Corbyn's leadership, this did not prevent his defeats in two general elections.

However, this doesn't mean the two major parties shouldn't be keeping a watchful eye on Reform through the rearview mirror.

The party's response to this dispute demonstrates a significantly more polished and efficient organizational framework compared to the earlier, less organized versions of the political group led by Farage.

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Converse with seasoned supporters of the Reform leader, and you'll find that even they are taken aback by how polished their initiative has become.

They also highlight upcoming electoral events where the party's performance will be measurably assessed, starting with next year's local elections in May and continuing up to the Welsh Assembly elections in 2026.

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Nigel Farage is expected to engage in numerous confrontations with his political adversaries in the future.

The challenge for both Conservative and Labour leaders is to choose their battles wisely and assess the extent to which they are willing to engage in aggressive tactics.

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