Sir Keir Starmer has stated that providing compensation to Waspi women would place a strain on taxpayers. Critics have labeled this decision a "day of shame" for the Labour government, accusing them of abandoning women of pensionable age.

Political journalist @fayebrownSky

Tuesday, December 17, 2024, 5:

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Sir Keir Starmer has justified the choice not to offer financial redress to women impacted by alterations to their pension age, arguing that it would impose a "burden" on taxpayers.

The Prime Minister acknowledged the grievances of the Women Against State Pension Inequality, commonly referred to as Waspi women, but stated that meeting their demands was financially untenable.

He made his remarks following an apology from Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall, who expressed regret over a 28-month delay in dispatching letters to individuals born in the 1950s who were affected by changes to the state pension.

She expressed her disagreement with the idea of issuing compensation.

Stay updated on political developments: Responses to the Waspi ruling

Ms. Kendall stated that the "vast majority of women were aware that the state pension age was on the rise," and she argued that a state-funded pay-out would not be "just or economical for the taxpayers."

The Liberal Democrats labeled the announcement as a "day of shame," criticizing the Labour government for abandoning numerous elderly women who they claim were treated unfairly.

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

The coalition government subsequently accelerated the schedule as a component of its budget reduction strategies.

The Waspi organization claims that many women faced financial difficulties due to inadequate notice regarding the delay in retirement age.

A recent probe by the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) revealed that failures in properly communicating changes could have negatively affected thousands of women.

The oversight body recommended that women be awarded damages ranging from £1,000 to £2,950, although the conclusions were not enforceable by law.

Discover Further: Who are the Waspi women and what are their experiences?

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Ms. Kendall stated that meeting that financial demand could reach as high as £10.5 billion, a sum she described as neither "fair nor proportionate."

She also expressed disagreement with the notion that earlier correspondence would have been impactful, pointing out that studies presented to the Ombudsman indicate "merely about 25% of recipients recall receiving or reading unsolicited letters."

She acknowledged that there were failures in communication regarding the changes and committed to fully understanding the mistakes to prevent them from recurring.

Addressing reporters later on, Ms. Kendall stated that the report would lead to "real and concrete actions," featuring a "comprehensive action plan aimed at preventing such delays in the future."

Addressing the media following the declaration, Sir Keir remarked, "I certainly recognize the worries of the Waspi women. However, I must also consider if it is currently appropriate to place an additional load on the taxpayers, as that would be the consequence."

The Waspi advocacy group expressed strong disapproval of the decision on X, pointing out that Ms. Kendall had earlier advocated for a "just resolution for everyone involved."

Angela Madden, the chairwoman of Waspi, described the refusal to offer compensation as a "strange and completely unwarranted action."

She stated: "A significant number of MPs support Waspi's demand for just compensation, and all alternatives are still being considered. Parliament must now find a different method to bring this matter to the agenda, ensuring justice is served."

This could rank as one of the largest political missteps, similar to the chancellor's reduction in winter fuel allowances.

Chief political correspondent

In the Commons, Liz Kendall announced that the WASPI women would not receive any compensation, prompting cries of "shame!" from fellow MPs.

Certainly, it's no surprise. Might this rival Rachel Reeves' decision to cut winter fuel payments for the elderly in terms of political missteps? It very well could, especially with the strong negative reactions it has already provoked.

Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and his shadow chancellor, John McDonnell, had pledged compensation during the campaign leading up to the December 2019 general election.

Mr. McDonnell announced a compensation plan worth £58 billion aimed at rectifying a long-standing injustice, stating that there is a "debt of honor" due to women who were born in the 1950s.

Indeed, Sir Keir Starmer led the Labour Party into this year's election with a transformed agenda. Furthermore, this year's election manifesto did not include the previous commitments made during the Corbyn-McDonnell era.

In a 2022 radio call-in session, the prime minister expressed to a listener, "This is a genuine wrong that must be addressed."

In 2019, while serving in Mr. Corbyn's shadow cabinet, Angela Rayner accused the Conservative government of having "taken this money" from women born in the 1950s, asserting that Labour intended to "correct this wrong."

Additionally, Liz Kendall was present at a WASPI campaign event in 2019, where she stated, "This injustice cannot continue. I have consistently supported the WASPI campaign…”

It's hardly shocking, therefore, that numerous recently elected MPs from the Labour Party now sense a feeling of betrayal. "It seems as though we built this massive alliance during the election, only to now be determined to dismantle it bit by bit," one freshman Labour MP expressed to Sky News.

If it was deemed unfair in both 2019 and 2022, doesn't it remain unfair today? Should other affected communities, such as sub-postmasters and victims of infected blood, feel concerned now?

Members of the Labour Party voiced their criticism of the decision within the House of Commons.

Gareth Snell, representing Stoke-on-Trent Central, expressed today as a "sad moment" and urged the government to reconsider its stance should economic conditions get better.

Brian Leishman, representing Alloa and Grangemouth, expressed his shock and dismay at the decision not to compensate the women, describing it as "a tremendous disappointment."

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Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, visited Donald Trump's residence where he encountered both Elon Musk and JD Vance, the newly elected vice president. During this gathering, there were discussions suggesting that Musk might contribute as much as £78 million to Farage's political party.

Political journalist @alexrogerssky

Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at 2

Nigel Farage and his party's financial officer held their first meeting with Elon Musk at Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate, following speculations about a substantial monetary contribution from the technology magnate.

The leader of Reform UK and Nick Candy, a billionaire and husband to singer Holly Valance, who is set to begin his role as the party's fundraiser in the upcoming year, had a meeting on Monday, December 16, according to the party's statement.

The gathering occurs amid claims that Mr. Musk was contemplating a donation of £78 million to Mr. Farage, a supporter of Mr. Trump, as a provocative gesture directed at Mr. Starmer.

Subsequently, Mr. Farage shared on Twitter that he had a meeting with JD Vance, who is poised to assume the role of vice president

According to a report from The Times last month, should Mr. Musk choose to proceed with the donation, he plans to channel the funds via the UK division of his social media company X, previously known as Twitter, as a strategy to navigate around British regulations that restrict political contributions from overseas sources.

Latest in Politics: Labour Declines Compensation for Women Affected by Pension Age Adjustment

Shortly following his win in the election, the incoming President Trump announced that Mr. Musk, owner of Tesla and X and the wealthiest individual globally, has been appointed to help direct the newly established government efficiency agency, abbreviated as DOGE.

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Mr. Farage and Mr. Candy have both rejected claims regarding a possible donation. The leader of Reform informed Sky News' political editor, Beth Rigby, that there was no truth to the story.

"Elon Musk is highly supportive of Reform's objectives and of me personally. We have established connections with him, and Nick also maintains strong ties with him."

Subscribe to our channel to stay updated with all the latest news

"He is providing us with political backing. At this point, we have not requested nor received any financial contributions."

Nonetheless, both individuals have stated that they would accept a contribution from Mr. Musk should he propose one.

After their discussion, Mr. Farage and Mr. Candy remarked, "We had a fantastic one-hour session with Elon Musk yesterday."

"We gained significant insights into Trump's campaign strategies and will continue to explore various other topics."

"There's just one opportunity remaining to rescue the West, and together, we can achieve remarkable feats."

"We also extend our gratitude to President Trump for providing Mar-a-Lago as the venue for this significant gathering. The unique bond remains strong and intact."

Reports of Reform's meeting with Mr. Musk may raise alarms over external interference in local political affairs.

Earlier in the month, Sky News obtained a recording from a video conference where the co-chair of the Conservative Party, Lord Johnson, was heard accusing Mr. Musk of trying to "purchase" Reform UK during a discussion with Tory activists.

Lord Johnson of Lainston described Mr. Musk's action of purchasing one of the political parties as "extraordinary."

Further details: Sir Keir Starmer clarifies stance on China following espionage controversy. Conservative co-chair alleges Elon Musk attempted to 'purchase' Reform UK.

He stated that Mr. Farage ought to feel "quite ashamed" and suggested that he may turn into a "tool for an overseas political figure" should he receive any contributions from Mr. Musk.

Highlighting the strain between the Conservative Party and the Reform Party, Lord Johnson expressed his annoyance about the rumored contribution from Mr. Musk to the Reform Party. He described it as "irritating because it diverts attention, and I'm quite conscious that today's discussions focus on Reform instead of Kemi Badenoch and the Conservative's latest initiatives."

"He emphasized the need to capture and hold the public's focus to ensure they reconsider us as their primary option instead of turning to what he described as an impractical substitute."

The spokesperson for the prime minister stated that the appropriateness of a sizable contribution from Mr. Musk to a UK political party falls under the jurisdiction of the regulatory guidelines, in response to inquiries about whether such a donation would concern Sir Keir Starmer.

He further stated, "Current regulations on foreign contributions are in place, yet the government has pledged to enhance these regulations."

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Nigel Farage was recently at Donald Trump's residence for a gathering that included Elon Musk and newly elected Vice President JD Vance. During this meeting, there are circulating rumors that Musk might contribute £78 million to Farage's Reform UK party.

Political correspondent @alexrogerssky

Wednesday, December 18, 2024, 2:

Nigel Farage and the financial overseer of his party convened with Elon Musk at Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate, marking their first encounter since speculation arose about a substantial financial contribution from the technology mogul.

According to the party, the leader of Reform UK and Nick Candy, the wealthy entrepreneur married to singer Holly Valance, who is set to assume a fundraising position for Mr. Farage’s party, had a meeting on Monday, December 16.

The gathering follows claims that Mr. Musk was contemplating a donation of £78 million to Mr. Farage, a supporter of Mr. Trump, as a provocative gesture aimed at Mr. Starmer.

Subsequently, Mr. Farage posted on Twitter that he had a meeting with JD Vance, who is poised to assume the role of vice president

According to a report by The Times last month, should Mr. Musk choose to contribute, he plans to channel his donation via the UK branch of his social media company X, previously known as Twitter, to bypass British regulations that prohibit political contributions from overseas donors.

Latest in Politics: Labour Declines Compensation for Women Affected by Pension Age Alteration

Following his successful election campaign, President-elect Trump announced that Mr. Musk, owner of Tesla and X and currently the wealthiest individual globally, will help spearhead the newly established department focused on improving government operations, abbreviated as DOGE.

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Mr. Farage and Mr. Candy have both refuted claims of a possible contribution, with the leader of Reform informing Sky News' political editor Beth Rigby that it is a "story with no foundation in reality".

"Elon Musk is highly supportive of Reform's objectives and of me personally. We maintain connections with him, and Nick also has strong ties with him."

Subscribe to our channel to stay updated with all the latest news

"He is providing us with political backing. As of now, we have not requested nor received any financial contributions."

Both individuals indicated that they would accept a contribution from Mr. Musk should he propose one.

After their discussion, Mr. Farage and Mr. Candy stated, "We had a wonderful hour-long meeting with Elon Musk yesterday."

"We gained significant insights into Trump's grassroots strategies and will continue conversations on various other topics.

"We have just one final opportunity to rescue the West, and by uniting, we can achieve remarkable feats."

"We are also grateful to President Trump for granting us the use of Mar-a-Lago for this momentous event. The unique bond remains strong and intact."

Reports of a meeting between Reform representatives and Mr. Musk could raise alarms over potential foreign interference in local political affairs.

Earlier in the month, Sky News obtained access to an audio recording from a virtual meeting where the co-chair of the Conservative Party, Lord Johnson, was heard alleging that Mr. Musk tried to "purchase" Reform UK during a discussion with Tory supporters.

Lord Johnson of Lainston described Mr. Musk's action of purchasing a political party as "extraordinary."

Discover more: Sir Keir Starmer stands by his stance on China following espionage controversy. Conservative co-chair alleges Elon Musk attempted to 'purchase' Reform UK.

He stated that Mr. Farage ought to feel "quite ashamed" for considering it, noting that accepting donations from Mr. Musk could make him a "tool of an international political figure."

Highlighting the strain between the Conservative Party and the Reform Party, Lord Johnson expressed his annoyance regarding rumors of a possible contribution from Mr. Musk to the Reform Party. He described these speculations as "irritating as they divert attention, and I'm conscious that today's discussions are focused on Reform rather than Kemi Badenoch and the Conservative's latest initiatives."

"He emphasized the importance of capturing and maintaining public interest to ensure that people focus on us once more instead of turning to what he described as an impractical option."

The spokesperson for the prime minister stated that when it comes to a sizable contribution from Mr. Musk to a British political party, the issue falls under the jurisdiction of the relevant regulations, in response to inquiries about whether such a donation would concern Sir Keir Starmer.

He noted: "While rules on foreign donations are already in place, the government has pledged to enhance these regulations."

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Nigel Farage has a gathering with Elon Musk and JD Vance at Trump's residence, following rumors of a possible £78m contribution to Reform

The head of Reform UK also disclosed his Monday encounter with Vice President-elect JD Vance. This rendezvous with Musk occurs amidst speculation that the technology magnate might contribute £78m to Mr. Farage's political group.

Political journalist @alexrogerssky

Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at 2

Nigel Farage and the financial officer of his party recently convened with Elon Musk at Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate. This meeting marks their first interaction following speculations about a substantial monetary contribution from the tech magnate.

The leader of Reform UK and billionaire Nick Candy, who is married to singer Holly Valance and will soon begin his role as the fundraiser for Mr. Farage's party, had a meeting on Monday, December 16, according to the party's announcement.

The gathering was convened after claims surfaced that Mr. Musk was contemplating a donation of £78 million to Mr. Farage, a supporter of Mr. Trump, as a defiant gesture aimed at Mr. Starmer.

Subsequently, Mr Farage posted on Twitter that he had a meeting with JD Vance, who is poised to assume the role of vice president.

According to a report by The Times last month, should Mr. Musk choose to proceed with the donation, he plans to channel it via the UK branch of his social media company X, previously known as Twitter, as a strategy to bypass British regulations that prohibit foreign contributions to political parties.

Latest in Politics: Labour Declines Compensation for Women Affected by Pension Age Adjustment

Shortly following his win in the election, President-elect Trump announced that Mr. Musk, the owner of Tesla and X and currently the wealthiest individual globally, will help spearhead the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency, abbreviated as DOGE.

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Mr. Farage and Mr. Candy have both refuted claims regarding a possible contribution, with the leader of Reform informing Sky News' political correspondent Beth Rigby that the story is "completely unfounded."

"Elon Musk is highly in favor of Reform's objectives and shows personal support for me. We maintain links with him, and Nick also has strong connections with him."

Subscribe to our channel to stay updated on all the latest news

"He is providing us with political backing. At this point, we haven't requested or received any financial contributions."

Both individuals have stated that they would accept a contribution from Mr. Musk should he propose one.

After the discussion, Mr Farage and Mr Candy remarked, "We had a fantastic hour-long meeting with Elon Musk yesterday."

"We gained significant insights into Trump's grassroots strategies and will continue to explore various other topics."

"There's just one final opportunity remaining to rescue the West, and united, we can achieve remarkable feats."

"We are also grateful to President Trump for providing Mar-a-Lago as the venue for this significant event. The special bond remains strong and intact."

Reports of Reform's meeting with Mr. Musk may raise alarms over external interference in local political affairs.

Earlier in the month, Sky News obtained an audio from a video conference where the co-chair of the Conservative Party, Lord Johnson, was heard telling Tory activists that he believed Mr. Musk was trying to "purchase" Reform UK.

Lord Johnson of Lainston described Mr. Musk's action of purchasing one of the political parties as "extraordinary."

Discover further: Sir Keir Starmer supports stance on China following espionage controversy. Conservative co-chair claims Elon Musk attempted to 'purchase' Reform UK.

He mentioned that Mr. Farage ought to feel "quite ashamed" for considering it, noting that accepting funds from Mr. Musk could potentially reduce him to a "tool of an international political figure."

Illustrating the strained relations between the Conservative Party and the opposing Reform Party, Lord Johnson expressed his annoyance, noting that the rumored financial backing from Mr. Musk to Reform was distracting. He lamented that this speculation diverted attention, leading to discussions about Reform instead of focusing on Kemi Badenoch and the new initiatives of the Conservative Party.

"He emphasized the importance of capturing and holding the public's focus to ensure they reconsider our position instead of turning to what he described as an impractical option," he stated.

The spokesperson for the prime minister stated that it is an issue concerning the regulations when questioned about whether a significant contribution from Mr. Musk to a British political party would concern Sir Keir Starmer.

He further stated, "While regulations on foreign donations are in place, the government has pledged to enhance these rules."

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A fatal theme permeates the Sara Sharif case, and the government's immediate reaction overlooks it. The case of Sara Sharif is fraught with atrocities. Following the verdict, there's a rush to point fingers, with criticisms directed at the agencies that might have intervened more effectively. But, is the government focusing on the incorrect issue?

Political reporter @wizbates

Tuesday, December 17, 2024, 3:

As one follows the sentencing in the Sara Sharif trial, feelings of outrage and astonishment are difficult to suppress.

Each piece of the story is more chilling than the one before – the account of her tiny shattered form, the message from her father, also her murderer, which read "I lost it", and the extensive measures her tormentors took to hide their wrongdoing.

The subsequent response often includes assigning responsibility, seeking explanations, and an urgent call for actions that will prevent such an occurrence in the future.

Public opinion, as is often the case, has spurred allegations against various entities believed to have fallen short, including her school, social services, the local council, and the police.

Criticism has been leveled at their failure to act during key times, and in response, the government insists that measures are being taken to address and repair the vulnerabilities in the safety system.

Today, the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill was introduced in parliament, featuring provisions that ministers claim are tailored specifically for this situation.

Coverage of Sara Sharif's Sentencing Live

A fresh registry and distinct ID number will be implemented to improve monitoring of children who are not attending school, and local authorities will have the authority to deny home-schooling requests for students considered at risk.

However, it wasn't the simplicity of being educated at home or the absence of information exchange that led to Sara's demise; rather, it was the pervasive misogyny intertwined throughout this case that proved fatal.

During the sentencing, the judge detailed how she was compelled to assume responsibilities for both childcare and housekeeping, suffered continuous beatings for her assertiveness rather than docility, and how her older brother was exempt from such treatment.

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It's important to highlight that her father's history of aggressive behavior towards women was well-documented by the authorities, marked by several accusations of domestic violence. Ultimately, his only repercussion was being required to attend a course.

When activists label violence against women and girls as an epidemic, they're referring to situations like these: women overlooked, girls regarded as inferior within their own families, a community that observes silently, and a pervasive, disheartening sense of predictability surrounding the tragic outcomes.

Sky News reports that the Prime Minister acknowledges there are 'questions to be answered' regarding the Sara case, and experts claim 'the system failed Sara'.

Here's why the government's enduring strategy to tackle violence against women, designed to shift cultural norms gradually and spearheaded by dedicated officials such as Jess Phillips, stands a greater chance of success compared to recent legislative measures.

The unfortunate truth is that numerous women, like Sara Sharif, live in fear of the men around them, with many facing abuse and neglect.

Additional authority granted to local councils alone may not be sufficient, but a commitment to the issue that extends all the way to the highest levels could indeed make a difference – a glimmer of optimism in otherwise bleak circumstances.

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Scottish authorities to prohibit WhatsApp on government phones

The Scottish government has decided to forbid the use of WhatsApp by ministers and staff for state matters following an investigation that found messages were erased amid the COVID pandemic.

Scotland correspondent @Jenster13

Tuesday, December 17, 2024, 4:

The Scottish government has decided to prohibit its ministers and employees from using casual messaging applications like WhatsApp on state-issued devices.

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes revealed the initiative on Tuesday, subsequent to the release of an independent report commissioned by former First Minister Humza Yousaf.

The revelation emerged from the UK COVID inquiry, which found that ministers and senior civil servants had erased WhatsApp communications from the time of the pandemic.

Starting in spring 2025, Scottish government devices will no longer support any messaging technology that isn't officially sanctioned, with new guidelines and training to be introduced beforehand.

The deputy first minister stated, "The reliance on mobile messaging applications grew as employees adapted to remote work under the challenging and unique conditions brought on by the pandemic."

"After reviewing our operational procedures, we have decided to update our policies regarding the use of mobile messaging applications."

The investigation was conducted by Emma Martins, who previously served as the data protection commissioner for the Channel Islands.

Ms. Forbes noted, "Ms. Martins' prompt analysis addresses some of the toughest challenges that confront every government."

"Efforts are underway to put suggested measures into action, and we plan to enhance these initiatives to guarantee that data handling, particularly concerning emerging technologies, is extremely reliable, thereby maintaining the delivery of efficient and effective public services."

Ms. Martins put forward 20 suggestions covering various aspects of corporate governance, such as the principles upheld by the Scottish government, its training and growth mechanisms, its hiring practices, how it manages records, and its policies on mobile messaging applications.

Upgrades are currently in progress, which involve enhancing the Scottish Ministerial Code and updating the policy on mobile messaging apps.

Discover further details on Sky News: Humza Yousaf plans resignation as MSP by 2026. Nicola Sturgeon speaks on police investigation 18 months following arrest.

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Ms. Martins stated, "Technologies are transforming the way we live and work."

"No company can afford to remain passive and expect that adapting to those changes will happen effortlessly.

"Clarity in values is essential, participation from individuals is necessary, and governance must be efficient."

The Scottish government is already aware of this issue and has initiated several enhancements.

"I genuinely hope that the suggestions in this report provide further impetus for this crucial endeavor."

Tap to follow the Sky News Daily on your preferred podcast platform.

In 2022, the UK COVID inquiry's chief lawyer, Jamie Dawson KC, stated that the majority of communications within the Scottish government were erased.

Subsequently, it emerged that several high-ranking officials, such as John Swinney and Nicola Sturgeon, had erased messages. Both asserted, however, that these messages were not pertinent to government affairs.

Ex-national clinical director Jason Leitch faced criticism for referring to the deletion of WhatsApp messages as a nightly routine. Additionally, another top clinician cautioned colleagues about the potential for messages to be disclosed under freedom of information laws.

Ms. Forbes, who held the position of finance secretary throughout the pandemic, informed the panel that she retained all her WhatsApp messages until January 2022, by which time all significant COVID-related decisions had already been concluded.

Responding to the announcement, the Scottish Conservatives accused the SNP of believing that the Scottish people "are easily fooled."

Dr. Sandesh Gulhane, the health secretary for the opposition, stated that the "nationalists were erasing WhatsApp messages on a massive scale during the pandemic."

The MSP further commented, "The deputy first minister, even in her announcement of this new policy today, failed to acknowledge that deleting those messages was ethically incorrect."

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The Ministry of Defence plans to repurchase 36,347 military residences, ceasing the yearly £230 million rental costs funded by taxpayers, according to government officials.

Tuesday, December 17, 2024, at 5

The government plans to invest nearly £6 billion to repurchase thousands of military residences, bringing them back under public control.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) is set to repurchase 36,347 residential units from real estate company Annington, undoing the privatization that took place in 1996.

The agreement will eliminate the annual £230 million rental expense for the properties, according to statements from ministers and officials.

Defence Secretary John Healey characterized the privatization of the service family estate as a "dreadful deal," labeling it a "fire sale" conducted by the Conservatives just before the 1997 general election.

"Today marks the conclusion of one of the most disastrous government agreements in history," he stated.

Mr. Healey cautioned that issues with military housing wouldn't be resolved immediately, but described the action as a "clear departure from the unsuccessful strategies of the past and a significant advancement in this effort."

He stated: "This represents a unique chance for us to address the critical issues in military housing while also advancing our economic growth agenda by generating employment and enhancing the British construction sector."

Our military personnel and their loved ones endure remarkable hardships, epitomizing the highest form of civic duty.

As Christmas approaches, it's disheartening to see that numerous military families are contending with issues of dampness, mold, and below-par housing conditions—problems that have accumulated over the last ten years.

"We are committed to reversing this situation and revitalizing the agreement between the nation and its service members."

"The significant reductions in the defense budget will assist in addressing the longstanding issues that were passed down to us."

Discover additional details on Sky News: Sara Sharif's father and stepmother receive prison sentences for her murder. Explore the drug production sites financing Assad's narco-state. Illegal gambling dens exploit video games to lure children into betting.

Agreement halts destruction of historic buildings

The estate that belonged to the service family was sold in 1996 and is currently estimated to be worth £10.1 billion, free of any leases. It is now being bought for £5,994,500,000.

The former Conservative administration initiated the reintegration of the properties into public control, with the Ministry of Defence successfully reclaiming several homes through a legal victory in 2023.

The Addington deal involved leasing homes at rates below the market price, while the responsibility for upkeep expenses fell on the taxpayer, and any enhancements could lead to higher rental prices.

Despite the majority of the properties being built in the 1950s and 1960s, the agreement with Annington has restricted the Ministry of Defense from tearing them down to construct new housing.

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Net financial obligations are capped at £1.7 billion.

The Ministry of Defence reported that the earlier agreement resulted in a loss close to £8 billion for the taxpayer. This included £4.3 billion in lease payments and vacant properties valued at approximately £5.2 billion that were returned to Annington. However, this loss was somewhat mitigated by the £1.7 billion revenue generated in 1996 from the initial deal.

Despite the significant expenditure of nearly £6 billion, the agreement to remove lease liabilities means that the net financial debt will only increase by £1.7 billion.

Treasury Chief Secretary Darren Jones stated, "This significant agreement will begin to reduce costs for taxpayers right away and simultaneously propel our goal to stimulate expansion throughout the nation."

"It not only paves the way for significant advancements and enhancements within military residential areas, but crucially, it aids in our goal to construct additional homes and provide our service members with the quality housing they are entitled to."

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Tuesday, December 17th

Sakharov Prize to be Awarded to María Corina Machado and Edmundo González

At noon, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola is set to present the 2024 Sakharov Prize to María Corina Machado, a key figure in Venezuela's democratic movement, and Edmundo González Urrutia, the President-elect. This award recognizes their efforts, along with those of Venezuelans globally, in advocating for the return of freedom and democracy in their country. Prior to the ceremony in the parliament's main chamber, a press seminar will be held featuring the Sakharov laureates, the finalists, and several Members of the European Parliament. At 11:35, a press briefing will be conducted with President Metsola, Mr. González Urrutia, and Ana Corina Sosa Machado, who will speak on behalf of her mother, María Corina Machado.

Elodie LABORIE

Phone number: +32 477 990 670

European Parliament on Human Rights

Syria: Full Assembly to Evaluate the Impact of the Fall of Assad's Government

Beginning at 9:00, members of the European Parliament and High Representative Kaja Kallas are set to discuss the recent developments, geopolitical consequences, and possible results of the overthrow of the Assad regime in Syria. A decision on a resolution will be made by the MEPs during an upcoming plenary meeting.

Snjezana Kobescak Smodis

Phone number: +32 470 96 08

EP_ForeignAff refers

Online misinformation and threats to the fairness of European elections

Starting at approximately 1:30 PM, Members of the European Parliament will engage in a dialogue with Commission Executive Vice-President Virkkunen about the increasing spread of false information and deceptive content on social media platforms, especially TikTok. This phenomenon poses a threat to the independence and integrity of elections across Europe.

Yasmina Yakimova

Phone number: +32 470 88 10

EP_SingleMarket

Selection Process for the European Ombudsman

At 12:30, the plenary session is set to choose the next European Ombudsman from a list of six candidates, potentially requiring up to three rounds of confidential voting. To win the position, a candidate needs to secure more than half of the votes cast. The role of the European Ombudsman is to serve as an unbiased entity responsible for ensuring accountability within the EU’s bodies and advocating for effective governance.

Alessio Incorvaia

Phone number: +32 470 688 461

@EUPetitions

Summary

Discussions on Russian misinformation regarding Ukraine. Beginning at approximately 4:00 PM, members of the European Parliament (MEPs) will engage in a debate focusing on Russia's distortion of historical facts and the propagation of misleading stories to rationalize its conflict with Ukraine. This discussion will include EU's top diplomat, Kaja Kallas. A proposed resolution on this issue is slated for a vote in the plenary session scheduled for January 20-23.

Tensions rise as peaceful demonstrations in Georgia face a harsh response. At approximately 10:30, members of the European Parliament will discuss the ongoing street protests in Georgia with Commissioner Šuica, which have erupted in the wake of controversial election results.

At 12:30, Parliament is expected to approve a decision to delay by one year the implementation of new EU rules aimed at combating deforestation. This legislation will prohibit the sale of certain products, including cattle, cocoa, coffee, palm oil, soy, wood, rubber, charcoal, and printed paper, in the European market if they originate from deforested areas.

The condition of Mayotte post-cyclone will be the focus of a debate later today. Members of the European Parliament and the Commission are set to discuss the aftermath of the destructive Cyclone Chido and emphasize the importance of collective support.

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The plenary session is scheduled to cast votes at 12:30 on various matters, including:

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

For more in-depth details about the session, be sure to check out our newsletter.

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Press Briefing on Sakharov Prize 2024 Scheduled for Today at 11:35

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Roberta Metsola, the President of the European Parliament, is set to conduct a press briefing alongside the recipients of the 2024 Sakharov Prize. This event is slated for Tuesday, December 17, at 11:35 Central European Time in Strasbourg.

DATE AND TIME: Tuesday, December 17th at 11:35 AM

LOCATION: The Daphne Caruana Galizia Press Conference Room at the European Parliament in Strasbourg

Journalists will have the opportunity to meet the winners and delegates of the 2024 Sakharov Prize at the upcoming press briefing.

– Mr. Edmundo González Urrutia, the newly elected leader of Venezuela

– Ana Corina Sosa, who is both the daughter and the spokesperson for María Corina Machado, the head of Venezuela's "Unity Democratic Platform"

The ceremony to present the awards is scheduled for Tuesday, December 17, at noon. It will be held in the hemicycle in Strasbourg, following the press conference.

Translation services will be provided in the languages of English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, and Maltese.

The event will be streamed live starting at 11:35 on Tuesday from the Daphne Caruana Galizia press room in Parliament, and it will also be available through Parliament's online streaming service.

Context

The Sakharov Prize for 2024, given by the European Parliament, has been bestowed upon María Corina Machado and Edmundo González Urrutia. The announcement was made by Roberta Metsola, the President of the European Parliament, during a session in the plenary chamber in Strasbourg on Thursday, October 24.

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Teresa Anjinho has been chosen as the new European Ombudsman

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On Tuesday, Teresa Anjinho from Portugal was endorsed by the Parliament to serve as the European Ombudsman for a term of five years. This decision came after a confidential plenary vote, where she received the backing of 344 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs).

Following two voting sessions, Teresa Anjinho successfully obtained the required majority of the ballots. Initially, six candidates were involved in both the first and second rounds: Teresa Anjinho from Portugal, Emilio De Capitani from Italy, Marino Fardelli also from Italy, Julia Laffranque from Estonia, Claudia Mahler from Austria, and Reinier van Zutphen from the Netherlands.

The recently appointed Ombudsman for Europe

Teresa Anjinho is a specialist in human rights and conducts academic research. She holds a position on the Supervisory Committee for the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) and has formerly worked as the Deputy Ombudsman in Portugal.

At the Petitions Committee's public meeting on December 3, 2024, Anjinho committed to enhancing the bond between the European Union and its citizens. He emphasized the importance of maintaining top-tier standards in integrity, accountability, and attentiveness to achieve this goal.

During her address to Members of the European Parliament, she emphasized that the contemporary world is intolerant of hesitation caused by needless red tape or administrative procedures, nor does it tolerate unwarranted postponements. While it is crucial to honor due process, adhere to regulations, and follow necessary formal procedures, it is equally important to produce results. Ultimately, this is about maintaining confidence not only in the institution but also in the European Union as an entity.

Subsequent

After receiving approval from the European Parliament, the incoming European Ombudsman is set to begin their role with a swearing-in ceremony scheduled for February 27, 2025, at the EU Court of Justice, marking the start of a five-year term.

Context

Emily O'Reilly, hailing from Ireland, began her role as the EU Ombudsman in July 2013 and was reappointed for another term in December 2019. Before her tenure, the position was held by Greece's Paraskevas Nikiforos Diamandouros from 2003 to 2013, and prior to him, by Finland's Jacob Söderman between 1995 and 2003.

The European Ombudsman, created in 1995, looks into issues of poor administration across various EU entities, including institutions, agencies, and offices. They conduct investigations either on their own accord or based on grievances filed by EU residents.

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€700,000 in EU Support for Jobless Workers in Belgium

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Members of the European Parliament have endorsed financial assistance from the EU for 632 workers who lost their jobs at machinery and paper manufacturing plants located in Limburg, a province in Flanders.

On Tuesday, the European Parliament gave the green light to Belgium's application for €704,135 in assistance from the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Displaced Workers (EGF). This financial support will benefit 632 former employees from the machinery and paper companies, Purmo and Sappi, located in Limburg, a province in Flanders. Members of the European Parliament highlighted that the backgrounds of these displaced workers present significant challenges in finding new employment, as one-third are aged 55 or older and 30% have limited educational qualifications.

The funding from the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) is allocated to support services such as counseling, career guidance, job search support, and training in vocational, digital, and language skills. These initiatives have an estimated total cost of €1.2 million. The EGF will cover 60% of this cost, amounting to €700,000, while the remaining 40%, or €500,000, will be provided by the Flemish Employment and Vocational Training Service (VDAB).

The proposal supporting the aid, authored by Matjaž Nemec from the S&D party in Slovenia, received approval with 599 votes in favor, 50 votes against, and 7 abstentions.

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According to the EGF regulation for the years 2021 to 2027, financial assistance is provided to employees and self-employed individuals who have lost their jobs because of unforeseen large-scale restructuring events. Since its inception in 2007, the EGF has been involved in 181 instances, distributing €698 million to aid over 169,000 individuals across 20 Member States. The initiatives funded by the EGF are designed to work alongside national active labor market programs.

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Deforestation Law: Companies Granted an Extra Year for Implementation

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Businesses have been given an additional year to comply with the new EU regulation aimed at halting the sale of products derived from deforested areas within the EU.

Das Parlament hat die vorläufige Vereinbarung mit dem Rat über die Verschiebung der neuen Regeln mit 546 Ja-Stimmen, 97 Nein-Stimmen und 7 Enthaltungen gebilligt.

Ab dem 30. Dezember 2025 sind große Marktakteure und Händler verpflichtet, die Bestimmungen dieser Verordnung zu befolgen. Für Kleinst- und Kleinunternehmen gilt diese Verpflichtung ab dem 30. Juni 2026. Dieses zusätzliche Jahr soll Unternehmen weltweit unterstützen, die Vorschriften von Beginn an reibungsloser umzusetzen, ohne die Absichten des Gesetzes zu beeinträchtigen.

Staaten, Länder außerhalb der EU, Händler und Beteiligte am Markt haben ihre Sorgen geäußert, dass sie möglicherweise nicht bis zum 31. Dezember 2024 alle Regelungen vollständig umsetzen können. Daher hat die Kommission vorgeschlagen, den Beginn der Anwendung der Entwaldungsverordnung zu verschieben.

Infolge des Drucks des Parlaments hat sich die Kommission dazu verpflichtet, das Informationssystem für Betreiber und Marktteilnehmer sowie den Vorschlag zur Risikobewertung von Ländern und Regionen so rasch wie möglich, spätestens jedoch bis zum 30. Juni 2025, bereitzustellen. Eine umfassende Überprüfung der Verordnung soll spätestens bis zum 30. Juni 2028 erfolgen. Dabei wird die Kommission auch zusätzliche Schritte zur Vereinfachung und Reduzierung der bürokratischen Belastung für Unternehmen in Betracht ziehen.

Quote

After the vote, rapporteur Christine Schneider (EPP, DE) stated: "We have fulfilled our commitment. We listened to the industries facing challenges and ensured that affected businesses, foresters, farmers, and authorities receive an extra year to prepare. This time must be effectively utilized to guarantee that the measures promised in the Commission's binding declaration, including the data platform and risk classification, are consistently implemented to enhance predictability throughout the supply chain. During the review phase, an impact assessment and additional simplifications for low-risk countries or regions will be undertaken. This provides countries with an extra incentive to improve their forest protection practices."

Das Parlament plant, den Vorgang sorgfältig zu beobachten, um den bürokratischen Aufwand zu reduzieren und sicherzustellen, dass die Kommission ihren Ankündigungen auch wirklich nachkommt. Unser Ziel ist eindeutig: Weder die Interessenvertreter noch die Verbraucher sollen durch die Einführung dieser Regelung benachteiligt werden.

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In order for the one-year postponement to take effect, the agreed-upon text needs to be approved by the Council and published in the EU's Official Journal by the end of 2024.

Context

According to estimates by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), approximately 420 million hectares of forest, an area larger than the European Union, were destroyed due to deforestation from 1990 to 2020. The consumption within the EU contributes to roughly 10% of worldwide deforestation, with over two-thirds of this being linked to the production of palm oil and soy.

The EU's regulation on deforestation aims to address climate change and biodiversity loss by stopping deforestation linked to the EU's consumption of products such as beef, cocoa, coffee, palm oil, soy, wood, rubber, charcoal, and printed paper.

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