Penny Mordaunt considered withdrawing from a television debate unless she was allowed to issue an apology for her error regarding D-Day. On Sky's Electoral Dysfunction podcast, the ex-cabinet member additionally alleged that her peers attempted to coerce her into taking over Rishi Sunak's position before the elections.

Political journalist @fayebrownSky

Friday, December 20, 2024, 5:

Ex-cabinet member Penny Mordaunt disclosed that she considered withdrawing from a televised general election debate unless she was allowed to issue an apology on behalf of Rishi Sunak for his absence at a D-Day commemoration.

The former Leader of the House of Commons, who subsequently lost her seat to a Labour candidate, conveyed to Sky News' Electoral Dysfunction podcast that Downing Street was opposed to her criticizing the decision.

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She expressed her point by stating, "If you object to my comments, feel free to invite someone else to join the discussions."

Mr. Sunak faced criticism shortly into the general election campaign after he departed early from an 80th anniversary celebration in Normandy to conduct a television interview.

Despite his apology, the intensity of the backlash compelled him to refute speculation that he had thought about resigning following the scandal.

Ms. Mordaunt participated in a BBC seven-person television debate following the incident, and described her superior's decision at the time as "entirely incorrect."

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She mentioned on the podcast that she anticipated it being the initial query directed at her, and acknowledged that it might divert attention from critiquing Labour's taxation proposals unless she addressed it directly.

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She explained, "Our emphasis was on the tax issue and the higher taxes that Labour planned to introduce. Regardless of the questions posed to me, I was instructed to respond in a way that highlighted those points. That was the key message they aimed to communicate."

The conversation went like this: "So, what will your remarks be regarding D-Day?" I responded, "I plan to declare it a complete mistake and express our apologies. Really, what more is there to say?" To which they replied, "Perhaps, could you consider not saying that?"

"I asked, 'Do you really expect me to effectively convey our worries about Labour's tax plans to the public if you're setting me up for a wild goose chase on D-Day?'"

"I told them, 'That's not allowed. It's clearly a matter of right and wrong. If you're not willing to hear that, you might as well invite someone else to these discussions'."

'Individuals attempted to pressure me into opposing Sunak'

In the recent election, Ms. Mordaunt was one of several prominent Conservative figures to be unseated, alongside former Prime Minister Liz Truss and the then-Defence Secretary Grant Shapps.

However, her loss was especially disheartening for Conservative moderates who had viewed her as a potential successor to Mr. Sunak as the leader of the party, especially amid the broad anticipation that he would not win the upcoming election.

Prior to initiating the vote, whispers of a scheme to supplant him with Ms. Mordaunt were already circulating.

The ex-MP for Portsmouth North described those meetings as "crazy" and claimed that certain MPs had attempted to "blackmail" and "intimidate" her into running against the Prime Minister.

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On the podcast, she mentioned that "a lot of colleagues" approached her with plans to remove Mr. Sunak from leadership. However, she expressed her belief that another leadership contest would not be beneficial and advised that the party should concentrate on achieving results.

She also mentioned, "A few other colleagues arrived and intimidated me by saying, 'If you don't comply, we will ruin you.'"

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When questioned about whether they attempted to coerce her, she responded, "Yes, they approached me and stated, 'You have to do this and assign these specific individuals to these specific positions'."

She continued, "It was simply a ridiculous manner to act. I was quite upset by it."

Disappointing news on the general election announcement

Ms. Mordaunt was featured in the podcast with Gillian Keegan, the previous education secretary who lost her seat during the Liberal Democrats' sweep through the traditionally Conservative stronghold in the southwest.

The duo disclosed that they were unaware of Mr. Sunak's plans to announce an early general election until he had already decided and notified the King, leaving them no opportunity to change his mind.

Ms. Keegan expressed her opinion that it was "the worst possible time" to hold elections, and described the moment the news was delivered – in the midst of heavy rain and with a protester blaring D:Ream's "Things Can Only Get Better" – as terrible.

She expressed: "I was hoping he would just speak up. Maybe say something like, 'At least I'm not a fair-weather politician,' or perhaps joke, 'Can we switch the song to It's Raining Men?' Anything, just to break the silence."

"He couldn't deny the downpour, yet he persisted and completed the task, and it was a disaster. His suit, which was quite elegant, was drenched, with water collecting on his shoulders. Despite the rain, his hair remained perfectly in place."

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Potholes: Authorities Urged to Address 'Damaged Roads' Promptly

Data from RAC indicates that motorists come across roughly six potholes for every mile traveled on roads in England and Wales, with each pothole-related vehicle damage incident costing approximately £500.

Friday, December 20, 2024, at 4

Sir Keir Starmer has stated that councils need to address the issue of roads riddled with potholes promptly.

The Prime Minister stated that compromised roadways could endanger lives and lead to car repair expenses ranging from hundreds to thousands of pounds.

His remarks coincided with the announcement by the Department for Transport (DfT) detailing the allocation of funds to each local authority in England for road maintenance for the upcoming fiscal year.

In the October Budget, the Treasury declared that funding for local road maintenance in 2025/26 is set to reach almost £1.6 billion, marking an increase of £500 million from the preceding year.

The projected rise in funds should adequately cover the repair of approximately seven million potholes.

Get further details from Sky News: Minister Tulip Siddiq embroiled in corruption investigation. Hospices across England are set to receive an additional £100 million.

Sir Keir stated: "Damaged roads can endanger lives and can cost families hundreds or even thousands of pounds in repairs."

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"Investing adequately in our infrastructure could easily prevent such expenses.

"Our Plan for Change is focused on increasing the financial well-being of diligent individuals and enhancing the quality of life.

"We are providing local governments with the funds necessary to fix our roads, aiming to improve transportation across Britain. We expect them to promptly address these issues."

The distribution of financial resources involves:

• Over £327 million allocated to North West, North East, and Yorkshire and Humber regions

• In excess of £372 million earmarked for East Midlands and West Midlands

• Allocation surpassing £244 million for the East of England

• Local authorities in the South East and London to receive over £378 million

• South West local authorities are set to get more than £300 million

The estimated expense to repair the deteriorated local roads in England and Wales is £16.3 billion.

Statistics from the RAC indicate that on average, drivers in England and Wales come across six potholes per mile, with each pothole-related damage incident costing approximately £500 to repair.

According to the AA, addressing the problem is a top concern for 96% of drivers.

The Department for Transport has committed to ensuring that highway authorities efficiently utilize funds, gather precise data, and implement preventative maintenance to address potholes before they develop.

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Transport Minister Heidi Alexander conveyed optimism that the substantial investment made will lead to noticeable enhancements in the state of the roads for drivers.

"Local authorities have the discretion to allocate funds as they see fit. This can include pothole repairs, road resurfacing, pavement enhancements, or bridge maintenance," she stated.

AA president Edmund King referred to the funding as a "substantial financial boost."

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Government debt in November reaches its lowest point in three years

This unexpected boon for the Labour Party may not last, as the expense of government debt has reached its highest level in over a year.

Business and economics correspondent @taaffems

Friday, December 20, 2024 11:18

Official data reveals that government borrowing for November dropped to its lowest level in three years.

According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), government borrowing in November decreased by £3.4 billion compared to the same month the previous year, totaling £11.2 billion more than its revenues.

Analysts were surprised by the decrease in the deficit, having predicted it would reach approximately £13 billion.

Debt levels in November have not reached such heights since 2021. Back then, the significant borrowing was primarily to support a COVID-19 furlough program and to manage the challenges of a worldwide health crisis.

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Last month's decline was influenced by larger tax revenues and reduced debt payments, offset by a rise in government expenditures, which drove the total higher.

This development could be advantageous for Labour, who have been aiming to reduce government debt.

However, this pattern is not expected to persist, and expensive borrowing could increase debt and widen the disparity between earnings and spending.

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Yields on government-issued bonds have climbed to levels not witnessed in over a year, indicating an increase in the interest rates that investors demand for loaning funds to the government.

UK bond yields, which represent the cost of managing government debt, have surged in December following a series of reports indicating a slowing economy.

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Treasury deputy Darren Jones echoed the chancellor's earlier declaration of inheriting a £22 billion deficit in the public finances, highlighting the disparity between spending and income.

"The administration will always handle the nation's budget responsibly," he stated. "Having cleared our debts, our priority now lies in investing and reforming to spur economic growth."

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The government intends to revive the concept of the family doctor by allocating an additional £889 million to general practitioners, aiming to resolve an ongoing conflict. General practitioners have been engaged in collective action due to a disagreement regarding their funding, which they argue is insufficient for maintaining their practices.

Political journalist @alixculbertson

Friday, December 20, 2024, 2:

The administration is set to reintroduce the concept of the "family doctor" by allocating an additional £889 million to general practitioners. This funding boost is aimed at allowing doctors more time with their patients and is intended to resolve an ongoing disagreement.

Under the proposed terms for the 2025/26 GP contract, currently under consultation, there is a plan to motivate GPs to consistently pair the most vulnerable patients with the same physician for each visit.

The authorities announced an additional allocation of £889 million to the current budget for general practitioners, aimed at cutting down bureaucratic hurdles and facilitating smoother operations for doctors.

Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting announced that the strategy includes cutting the number of "obsolete performance targets" from 76 to 44, allowing GPs to dedicate more time to patient care.

General practitioners affiliated with the British Medical Association (BMA) are engaging in a "collective action" following a vote in August. They argue that their annual budget increases have consistently been below the rate of inflation over the last five years. This has made it challenging for doctors to cover the escalating costs of running their practices, leading to the closure of numerous medical offices.

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Medical professionals have various options at their disposal, from canceling data-sharing contracts to capping the number of daily patient interactions at 25, a figure that the BMA identifies as the safe upper limit but is significantly less than the current average seen by GPs.

Mr. Streeting expressed his anticipation that the forthcoming contract proposals, set to be revealed in the spring, will resolve the ongoing collective action by GPs.

Health Minister Stephen Kinnock announced that the additional £889 million was sourced by reallocating funds internally and through reprioritization efforts.

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Dr. Katie Bramall-Stainer, the leader of the BMA's GP committee in England, described the announcement as an encouraging initial step for ongoing discussions, and mentioned that GPs are keenly looking forward to more specifics on how the plans will be implemented.

She mentioned that GP offices are overwhelmed with concern regarding the severe increase in employers' national insurance contributions they will face starting in April, following the government's decision to hike these rates in the October budget.

Professor Kamila Hawthorne, leader of the Royal College of General Practitioners, described the £889 million funding as a "positive development for patients and the broader NHS." However, she cautioned that significant challenges persist, noting that the existing GP contract is "inadequate" and expressing ongoing worries about the increase in national insurance.

"She expressed satisfaction with the initiatives aimed at reducing the administrative load on GPs, thus allowing them more patient time. She appreciated the added flexibility in recruiting doctors and nurses, and the emphasis on assisting general practitioners and their teams in providing consistent care, which is beneficial for both patients and the NHS," she noted.

"Although we are optimistic that the initiative unveiled today will bring stability to general practice and offer essential assurance for our dedicated GPs and their teams, we acknowledge that there's still a significant journey ahead."

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Mr. Streeting stated, "General practice is overwhelmed by excessive paperwork, leaving doctors to handle forms rather than care for their patients. It's evident that the system is failing, which is why we're cutting down on bureaucratic procedures, eliminating old-fashioned performance benchmarks, and instead allowing doctors to focus on their primary responsibilities."

"We committed to reinstating the family doctor and we seek to be assessed based on outcomes, not merely pledges. Therefore, we plan to motivate general practitioners to increase the likelihood that patients consistently consult the same physician at every visit."

He stated that the government has initiated the process of recruiting an additional 1,000 NHS general practitioners and urged these doctors to collaborate in revitalizing the NHS and halting their group protests.

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While serving as the shadow pensions minister, Chancellor Rachel Reeves actively campaigned for compensation for the Waspi women alongside her mother. During a debate in 2016, she expressed that women impacted by the raised state pension age had suffered an injustice and called on the government to reconsider their stance.

Political correspondent @alexrogerssky

Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at 7

During her time as shadow pensions minister, the chancellor actively advocated for compensation for Waspi women, sharing that her own mother was impacted by the alterations to the pension age.

In a 2016 debate in Westminster Hall, Rachel Reeves stated that the rise in the state pension age from 60 to 65 during the 2010s unfairly impacted women, describing it as an "injustice".

The Member of Parliament for Leeds West suggested a remedy to the problem by advocating for a return to the 2011 schedule for the qualifying age for pension credit aligned with women's state pension age, thereby offering minimal financial relief to those most adversely affected by this unjust change.

This follows allegations of treachery against the government for its refusal to offer compensation to countless women born in the 1950s, part of the Women Against State Pension Inequality group or Waspi women, who argue they weren't adequately informed about the increase in the state pension age from 60 to 65.

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Originally set to gradually take effect over a decade starting in 2010, the adjustment was accelerated in 2011, establishing a revised deadline of 2018. Subsequently, the pension age increased to 66 by 2020.

Officials stated that compensation was unnecessary for the women impacted by the policy changes after a review by an ombudsman revealed that 90% were aware of the alterations. The estimated cost of such compensation was £10.5 billion. Addressing the Prime Minister during Parliamentary questions, Sir Keir emphasized that this financial burden was too great for taxpayers to bear.

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Ms. Reeves, who held the position of shadow pensions minister from 2010 to 2011 under Ed Miliband, supported the government's decision, even though an image surfaced showing her participating in a 2020 rally with Waspi women.

She acknowledged that while Waspi women might feel let down by the outcome, it was her duty to ensure every cent of taxpayer money was accounted for.

"She contended that since most people were aware of the impending changes, she believed it wasn't a prudent use of public funds to issue a costly compensation for something that was widely anticipated."

Angela Madden, the chair of the Waspi campaign group, indicated that the 90% statistic mentioned by the government represents women who had only a general idea that the state pension age could potentially change for others eventually.

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She stated that the ombudsman discovered that 60% of women were completely unaware of the increase in the state pension age, and she criticized the government for selectively using data, claiming it amounted to "the dissemination of harmful misinformation, pure and simple."

During the 2016 discussion, Ms. Reeves concurred strongly with a colleague's statement that their voters were "completely uninformed by any correspondence about these developments" and criticized the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) for its "negligence."

The present chancellor stated that numerous women were adversely affected by the adjustments to the state pension age first in 1995 and once more in 2011.

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During the discussion, she mentioned that she had been actively campaigning on this matter with her mother and various unions. She called on the government to reconsider their stance.

She stated, "Back in 2011, when I served as the shadow pensions minister, I was honored to collaborate with Age UK, USDAW—the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers—and numerous women, my mother included, to urge the government to reconsider their stance."

We were satisfied to have secured a partial agreement ensuring that no woman would face a delay of more than 18 months to start receiving her pension.

Explore further: Who are Waspi women and what occurred in their situation? Prime Minister faces allegations of 'elevating expectations only to shatter them' due to 'unfulfilled commitments'

"Nevertheless, I maintained previously and reiterate now that the measures taken are insufficient to rectify the injustice. Currently, 2.6 million women are adversely affected due to changes in government policy, and 300,000 of them will face an additional 18-month delay before they are eligible for retirement."

She continued, "I've heard from friends—women who make just above minimum wage and frequently can't work full-time due to caregiving duties, and who are fervently preserving whatever savings they can to maintain a basic standard of living when they retire—that they are extremely concerned."

"For these women, shifting the benchmarks again, as the authorities have, can severely disrupt their financial stability, family dynamics, and future aspirations."

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Authorities pledge increased efforts as police respond to less than 25% of shoplifting cases

Retailers express concern over inadequate police response to shoplifting, fostering an environment where thieves feel emboldened to commit crimes with minimal consequences.

Political reporter @robpowellnews

Thursday, December 19, 2024, 7:

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The Minister of Policing has expressed a desire for police departments to significantly increase their efforts in addressing retail theft. This statement comes in response to data revealed by Sky News, which indicated that in 2023, police responded to less than 25% of reported shoplifting cases.

Baroness Diana Johnson attributed the fall in police personnel to the former administration, while emphasizing her desire for retail theft to be addressed with gravity, insisting on the importance of police involvement in this issue.

Her response was prompted by data revealed by Sky News through a Freedom of Information Act request, which showed a declining trend in police responses to incidents over the past ten years.

In 2023, police responded promptly to only 22% of shoplifting cases, according to data from 22 out of the 39 police forces in England.

In 2016, statistics from 17 police forces indicated a response rate of 52%, which is over double the rate reported in 2023.

In 2013, data from 11 police forces indicated a 72% response rate, which was more than triple the rate ten years later.

Examining the data from 2013 and 2016 reveals an apparent downward trend in attendance figures.

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Several of the law enforcement agencies that replied to our inquiry mentioned that this was due to the adoption of newer, more distant methods of investigation.

Some individuals noted that although police might not respond to crime scenes right away, they typically return later if there are substantial leads to investigate.

Retail shop owners and employees have voiced concerns that insufficient police focus on shoplifting has fostered an environment in which offenders feel they can commit thefts with little consequence.

Earlier in the year, the British Retail Consortium reported a significant increase in the number of violent and abusive incidents involving retail staff, with figures reaching 1,300 incidents daily in the 2022/23 period

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Sky News obtained surveillance footage that captured an incident in south London where a store employee was menaced by a trio of individuals on Christmas Day 2023.

The robbers take lottery tickets and alcohol, and try to attack a store clerk who defends himself using what seems to be a wrench.

Another shopkeeper in London mentioned that he previously had a baseball bat and pepper spray stored behind his counter for security, but the police instructed him to take them away.

"Shopkeepers are incredibly exposed right now; we can't stop them, we can't hold them back at all," remarked Dennis Mariyaesan.

He further criticized the police for their failure to respond to retail thefts and for not treating the offenses with sufficient seriousness.

Metropolitan Police Commander Owain Richards stated, "Our operators evaluate each report individually, determining the next steps based on the available investigative avenues."

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Last year, the National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) released a strategy for addressing retail crimes, focusing on responding to situations involving violence or where a suspect was in custody.

Recent years have seen a sharp rise in incidences of retail theft, putting a strain on law enforcement resources.

A representative from the NPCC stated: "We have achieved considerable progress in tackling retail crime through enhanced collaboration with store owners and better exchange of intelligence, leading to the apprehension and prosecution of several severe offenders."

Dame Diana conveyed to Sky News, "Over the past year, there has been a 29% rise in incidents of shoplifting. This trend cannot continue; action is required, and the police must contribute their efforts."

She also suggested that the decrease in the number of officers might be a contributing factor to the lower attendance rates.

Between 2010 and 2017, the number of police officers dropped by approximately 20,000, but then increased by 25,000 by 2023 following a recruitment initiative started by Boris Johnson.

The Labour administration has committed to increasing the number of community police officers by an additional 13,000 by the year 202

Sir Keir Starmer has pledged to provide a "designated, reachable police officer" for each community, and to repeal the 2014 legislation that applies lighter penalties for thefts under £200, deemed "low value."

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Starmer Faces Pre-Holiday Questioning?

Thursday, December 19, 2024, 06:36, UK

🎧 Tune into the Politics At Jack And Sam's podcast on your favorite podcast platform! 🎧

Sky News' assistant political editor Sam Coates and Politico's Jack Blanchard deliver a daily briefing on upcoming political events, all in less than 20 minutes.

As the legislative session comes to a close, Jack and Sam are wrapping up their term as well. They delve into the obstacles Keir Starmer is set to encounter ahead of his first meeting with the liaison committee. They ponder whether he might face more scrutiny from his fellow party members than from the Conservatives.

After a somewhat uninspiring Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday, Jack and Sam delve into Labour's proposals for NHS reform, housing, and economic policy. They examine whether these plans withstand critical examination.

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Who might be London's next mayor? Potential Labour candidates start to surface

While Sadiq Khan has not confirmed if he will pursue an unprecedented fourth term as London's mayor, speculation is already mounting about who could be his possible replacements within the Labour Party.

Political correspondent @alexrogerssky

Thursday, December 19, 2024, 4:

Following Labour's triumph in the general election, attention is now shifting to the upcoming contest: determining the party's nominee for the London mayoral race.

Sadiq Khan has yet to declare if he will pursue an unprecedented fourth term as the Mayor of London. However, speculation within the Labour Party is already rife, with several candidates being discussed as possible replacements if he chooses not to run.

Speculated contenders for the upcoming race feature Stella Creasy, representative for Walthamstow, Florence Eshalomi, serving Vauxhall and Camberwell Green, along with Dawn Butler, the Brent East representative and ex-shadow minister, all affiliated with the Labour Party.

Dr. Rosena Allin Khan, the current MP for the previously held constituency of Tooting by Mr. Khan and a past shadow minister for mental health, is also being considered as a possible contender.

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A representative for Dr. Allin-Khan informed Sky News: "We are proud to have an exceptional Labour mayor in London, Sadiq, who has recently won re-election and is effectively serving London by implementing measures such as freezing bus fares and providing free school meals for all."

"Rosena is dedicated to her role advocating for the people of Tooting, combating crime, managing the cost-of-living crisis, and taking shifts in the emergency room."

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In the May local elections, Mr. Khan achieved an unprecedented third consecutive term as the Mayor of London, defeating Conservative candidate Susan Hall by a margin of almost 276,000 votes.

This year marked the inaugural use of the "first past the post" voting system in the mayoral race, in which voters select one candidate each, with the candidate receiving the most votes declared the winner.

Prior to an amendment in government regulations, the electoral process for the Mayor of London involved the supplementary vote system. In this method, voters would select both a primary and a secondary candidate of choice. Candidates with the least amount of support were progressively removed from contention until one candidate secured at least 50% of the total votes

Insiders indicate that there is increasing agreement among Labour members that the forthcoming London mayor should be female.

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Sources have informed Sky News that Georgia Gould, who previously headed Camden Council and chaired London Councils, is being urged to enter the race for London mayor. However, her current secure position representing Queen's Park and Maida Vale might deter her from pursuing the mayoral bid.

Mete Coban, the Deputy Mayor of London for Environment and Energy under Mr. Khan, is also considered a potential contender, alongside David Lammy, the Foreign Secretary, who has long been thought to aspire to the position.

His stance on Gaza during his tenure as foreign secretary might, however, jeopardize any bid he makes for the capital, given the left-leaning tendencies of the Labour membership.

An individual familiar with the situation informed Sky News, stating, "It has only been a short time since Sadiq was historically re-elected.

"His primary goal is to create a more equitable, secure, and environmentally friendly London for all."

Discover more: Reeves joined her mother in advocating for Waspi redress. The government remains uncertain about the total cost of HS2.

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The upcoming election for London's mayor is scheduled for 2028, with the possibility of additional candidates entering the race.

Prior to that event, London will host its local elections in 2026, marking four years since the previous local elections in the city. During the last elections, significant councils such as Wandsworth, Westminster, and Barnet shifted from Conservative to Labour control.

Sky News has reached out to the individuals mentioned in this article for their responses.

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Hospices across England are set to receive an additional £100 million in funding, though the government has not clarified whether this amount will offset the recent tax increase. England is home to approximately 170 hospices for adults and 40 for children. Although these facilities do get a portion of their funding from public sources for NHS services, the majority of their funding comes from charitable contributions.

Political correspondent @alixculbertson

Thursday, December 19, 2024, 12:

The government has announced that hospices across England will benefit from an additional £100 million in funding to enhance facilities, upgrade equipment, and better their accommodation.

The authorities have declared that £100 million will be allocated to hospices for both adults and children in the upcoming year, with funding extending through to April 2026, the conclusion of the next fiscal year.

The government announced an additional allocation of £26 million to children's hospices for the fiscal year 2025/26.

Current political update: The Prime Minister readies for intense questioning by influential members of parliament's backbench.

The government has declined to confirm whether the budget allocation will absorb the increase in employers' national insurance, which is set to rise from 13.8% to 15% following the chancellor's announcement in the October budget.

In England, approximately 170 hospices offer end of life care specifically for adults, and around 40 cater to children and young individuals, with certain facilities serving both groups.

Most hospices operate as nonprofit, autonomous entities but receive partial government funding due to their provision of NHS services.

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Authorities have announced that the funds will be allocated to enhance bedrooms and bathrooms, ensuring that families have cozy accommodations for overnight stays, and to upgrade IT infrastructure, facilitating the exchange of crucial patient information between general practitioners and hospitals.

Funds will also be allocated to enhance gardens and outdoor areas for patients and their families, as well as to expand outreach programs that assist individuals in their own residences.

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When repeatedly questioned in parliament on Thursday about whether the budget allocation would offset the national insurance increase—a cost that charities and voluntary organizations estimate at £1.4 billion—Health Minister Karin Smyth declined to respond.

She expressed her approval, noting, "This announcement is a positive development that will help the industry handle existing challenges and provide the services they aim to offer moving forward."

Dr. Caroline Johnson, the Conservative shadow health minister, informed members of Parliament that the Labour Party is removing millions of pounds from hospices and charities dedicated to palliative care, only to expect gratitude when they return a portion of the funds.

Helen Morgan, the spokesperson for health and social care from the Liberal Democrats, expressed approval of the new funding but criticized the government for failing to shield key health and care services such as hospices, general practitioners, dentists, pharmacists, and care homes from the increase in national insurance contributions.

During this week's Prime Minister's Questions, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch raised concerns that hospices are facing an additional £30 million in expenses due to recent increases. She questioned whether the government plans to provide financial support to cover these costs.

Sir Keir Starmer stated that his administration had allocated an unprecedented amount of funding to the NHS in the budget, and announced that they would detail the financing plans "in the new year."

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Conservative shadow health secretary Ed Argar welcomed the funding for hospices as "positive news," but he expressed concern that if the funds aren't allowed to cover increased employer national insurance costs, it could result in Labour "giving with one hand while taking away with the other."

A Conservative insider stated that the tax increase will "instantly eliminate a third of these funds, resulting in a £40 million deficit in hospice finances." This will force hospices into the "difficult decision of either reducing nursing staff or failing to assist patients enduring extreme pain and distress."

Healthcare minister Stephen Kinnock expressed his gratitude, stating, "I deeply appreciate the efforts of NHS personnel and volunteer groups, such as hospices, for their profoundly empathetic care and assistance provided to terminally ill patients and their loved ones."

"Today, the government is unveiling a £100 million capital investment aimed at enhancing the facilities and operations of hospices, which will empower them to deliver optimal care to their patients."

Read more: Waspi women claim Starmer misrepresented how many were aware of the pension age adjustment

Toby Porter, the chief executive of Hospice UK, an organization that advocates for UK hospices, expressed that the additional funding is greatly appreciated.

"He emphasized that hospices play a crucial role in supporting both patients and their families, while also alleviating strain on the NHS."

"This financial support enables hospices to consistently provide high-quality, compassionate care to hundreds of thousands of individuals annually."

"We are eager to collaborate with the government to ensure that all individuals nearing the end of their lives receive the necessary care and support, precisely when and where it is required."

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Officials are unclear on the total expenses and timeline for HS2's completion

A top government official stated that the projected costs for the HS2 route from London to Birmingham, which may reach £66 billion, are outdated figures from 2019 and are not considered dependable.

Political journalist @fayebrownSky

Thursday, December 19, 2024, 2:

Officials have acknowledged uncertainty regarding the final expenses and the operational timeline for the high-speed trains on the troubled HS2 railway project.

Dame Bernadette Kelly, the principal official at the Department for Transport, informed members of Parliament that the projected costs ranging from £54 billion to £66 billion for the London to Birmingham section cannot be considered dependable.

Politics Live: Anticipated grandstanding as Starmer confronts 'super committee'

During a recent board meeting in June, HS2 Ltd cited a figure based on 2019's pricing, which fails to include any adjustments for inflation.

Dame Bernadette stated that the department does not consider it a dependable and consensual cost assessment.

"She expressed deep remorse as she addressed the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on Thursday, confirming the circumstances," she said.

She mentioned that devising a consensus on the cost estimate would be "incredibly complicated" and wouldn't be finalized until "deep into 2025".

Adjusting for inflation, £66 billion in current value equates approximately to £83 billion.

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During the committee meeting, the recently appointed CEO of HS2 Ltd acknowledged that the organization struggled to control escalating costs due to three persistent and deep-rooted issues.

Mark Wild stated that construction commenced prematurely, risk management was inadequate, and the initial productivity expectations were not met.

Mr. Wild, who assumed his position recently, has been assigned by government officials to evaluate HS2's present status regarding budget, timeline, and performance as an element of the new Labour administration's initiative to overhaul the project.

He informed members of parliament that he must be cautious in specifying when the project would be finalized.

"One might expect that by the 2030s, our railways would be fully operational, yet it turns out there's still significant work to be done," he remarked.

Further Reading: Over £232 million in compensation has been disbursed for an HS2 route that will not be constructed. Government officials and HS2 contractors are under scrutiny as costs are permitted to escalate unchecked.

Trains are anticipated to begin operations sometime between 2029 and 2032, though both Mr. Wild and Dame Bernadette acknowledged that this schedule is "challenging."

Concluding the discussion, the chairman of the Public Accounts Committee, Conservative Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, stated, "The timing of the reset remains unclear, the expenses are unknown, and the date it will become operational is still uncertain."

It's deemed suitable to construct a bat tunnel costing £100 million.

Mr. Wild faced questions about the construction of a £100 million bat tunnel and stated it was the "most suitable" method to "adhere to legal requirements."

"He acknowledged the public's worry, noting, 'It does appear to be a tremendous sum of money.'"

"As the day concludes, it is imperative that HS2 Ltd adheres to legal requirements, which mandate the minimization of detrimental impacts on protected wildlife species."

Last month, Sir Jon Thompson, the chairman of the company, disclosed the expense of the bat "shed," stating that it was necessary despite the lack of proof that high-speed trains affect bats.

Addressing a railway conference, he highlighted a "real issue" in the UK with finishing large-scale infrastructure endeavors. He noted that the state-owned enterprise needed to secure 8,276 approvals from various governmental agencies concerning planning, transportation, and environmental matters, simply to construct the first phase of the railway.

The initial stage of the project will establish a high-speed rail link between London and Birmingham. However, the extension of this line to Northern England, originally planned as phase two, has been canceled by the Conservative government, a decision that sparked significant controversy last year.

Since its inception in 2009 under Gordon Brown's Labour administration, the project has faced escalating expenses and postponements.

Initially, the total cost estimate for the project, based on prices from 2009, was projected at £37.5 billion.

Revised plans now propose that the terminal at London's Euston station will have just six platforms instead of the initially planned 11.

Authorities indicate that the reduced design may not be adequate for potential expansions of high-speed rail to the northern UK, a development that remains a priority for many regional politicians.

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Economic Secretary Tulip Siddiq embroiled in Bangladesh legal inquiry into corruption

The Prime Minister's official representative stated that his economic secretary to the Treasury has "rejected any connection to the allegations" of misappropriation and remains committed to her duties as a minister in charge of UK anti-corruption initiatives.

Political journalist @robpowellnews

Thursday, December 19, 2024, at 3

Court papers have implicated the Labour Party's minister for anti-corruption, alleging her relatives siphoned off billions of pounds from a nuclear power initiative in Bangladesh.

Economic Secretary Tulip Siddiq, who oversees financial crime and illicit finance, is reportedly involved in organizing discussions with the Russian government concerning the Rooppur nuclear power plant initiative.

According to a legal document viewed by Sky News, which was filed with the High Court Division of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh, Ms. Siddiq and her aunt, former Prime Minister Shaikh Hasina of Bangladesh, are both named.

The papers reference a digital news article from August and indicate that Ms. Siddiq was the recipient of misappropriated funds resulting from the exaggerated expenses in building a power plant, a project largely financed by the Russian government.

It is claimed that $5 billion (£3.9 billion) was illicitly diverted from the project's funds in cooperation with Russian authorities.

'Grandstanding' anticipated as Prime Minister confronts powerful panel – latest in politics

Ms. Siddiq was contacted for her comments regarding the incident, which the Conservatives have described as "a new mark against Keir Starmer's decision-making."

Shadow Home Office minister Matt Vickers stated that it was necessary for Sir Keir's "anti-corruption minister" to be transparent.

Representatives from the Labour Party and the government did not provide any comments.

There are no indications that Bangladeshi officials have contacted the minister regarding the accusations.

A source within the party indicated that the claims stemmed from an "unreliable US aviation website".

Downing Street announced that Sir Keir Starmer trusts Ms Siddiq.

Bobby Hajjaj, a rival in the political arena, has filed a lawsuit against Hasina.

Hasina departed from Bangladesh in August and stepped down from her role as prime minister after serving for two decades.

She left office after a series of fatal demonstrations rocked the nation. The newly installed government has leveled various criminal allegations against Hasina for her actions during her tenure.

In 2013, Ms. Siddiq was captured in a photo with Hasina during a signing event at the Kremlin, where they were joined by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

At that period, she served as a council member in the Camden district of London.

According to reports from Russian media cited by The Associated Press, Moscow intends to provide Bangladesh with a loan of $1.5 billion to support the construction of nuclear power plants and the purchase of Russian military equipment.

The Prime Minister's official representative stated that Ms. Siddiq has refuted all allegations of embezzlement and remains committed to her duties as the minister responsible for leading anti-corruption initiatives in the UK.

When questioned on the possibility of a conflict of interest due to Ms. Siddiq's participation in a 2013 nuclear power agreement between Bangladesh and Russia prior to her ministerial appointment, the spokesperson stated, "I am not in a position to comment on incidents that occurred before the minister's tenure in office."

Sky News reached out to the Awami League Party in Bangladesh, still under the leadership of Sheikh Hasina, to request a statement.

A representative for the party stated that the allegations of embezzlement are "unfounded."

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Treasury Economic Secretary Tulip Siddiq Ensnared in Bangladesh Corruption Investigation

The Prime Minister's official spokesperson stated that the economic secretary to the Treasury has "refuted all allegations" related to embezzlement and remains committed to her duties as a minister in charge of the UK's anti-corruption initiatives.

Political reporter @robpowellnews

Thursday, December 19, 2024, 3:

Court filings have implicated the Labour Party's minister for anti-corruption, alleging that her relatives misappropriated billions of pounds from a nuclear energy initiative in Bangladesh.

Economic Secretary Tulip Siddiq, who oversees issues related to financial crime and illegal financing, is accused of facilitating discussions with Russian officials concerning the Rooppur nuclear power plant initiative.

According to a legal document viewed by Sky News, which was filed in the High Court Division of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh, Ms. Siddiq and her aunt, former Prime Minister Shaikh Hasina of Bangladesh, are both named as parties.

The papers reference a digital news article from August, indicating that Ms. Siddiq allegedly obtained funds that were misappropriated through the overstatement of construction expenses for the power station, a project predominantly financed by the Russian government.

Reports claim that in collaboration with Russian officials, $5 billion was embezzled from the project's funds.

'Grandstanding' anticipated as Prime Minister confronts powerful panel – latest in politics

Ms. Siddiq was contacted for her comments regarding the matter, which the Tories described as "the newest mark against Keir Starmer's decision-making."

Shadow Home Office Minister Matt Vickers stated that the moment had arrived for Sir Keir's "anti-corruption minister" to be transparent.

Both the Labour Party and the government have refused to make any statements.

Sources indicate that Bangladeshi officials have yet to contact the minister concerning the accusations.

A source within the party indicated that the claims stemmed from an unreliable U.S. aerospace website.

Downing Street announced that Sir Keir Starmer trusts Ms. Siddiq.

The lawsuit was filed by Bobby Hajjaj, who is a rival of Hasina in the political arena.

Hasina left Bangladesh in August and stepped down from her role as prime minister, having held the position for two decades.

She left office after the nation experienced several weeks of fatal demonstrations, and the incoming administration has leveled numerous criminal allegations against Hasina for her actions during her tenure.

In 2013, Ms Siddiq was captured in a photograph with Hasina during a signing event at the Kremlin, where they were joined by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

At that period, she served as a council member in the London Borough of Camden.

According to the Associated Press, Russian news outlets have stated that Moscow intends to provide Bangladesh with a loan of $1.5 billion to support the construction of nuclear power plants and the purchase of Russian military equipment.

The Prime Minister's official representative stated that Ms. Siddiq has refuted any participation in the allegations of embezzlement and continues to fulfill her duties as the minister in charge of the UK's anti-corruption initiatives.

Asked if Ms. Siddiq's participation in a 2013 nuclear power plant agreement between Bangladesh and Russia posed a conflict of interest with her current ministerial duties, the spokesperson stated, "I am not able to comment on incidents that occurred before the minister's appointment to the government."

Sky News has reached out to the Awami League Party of Bangladesh, still under the leadership of Sheikh Hasina, for a statement.

A representative from the party stated that the accusations of embezzlement are "made up."

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