UK Treasury chief in position of power as PM Truss struggles
As British Prime Minister Liz Truss struggles to retain her authority, one man is seen to be in the real position of power to restore order and credibility to the Conservative government and limit the damage caused by Truss’ economic plans.
Beloved Balmoral: Elizabeth leaves Highlands for last time
When the hearse carrying Queen Elizabeth II’s body pulled out of the gates of Balmoral Castle on Sunday, it marked the monarch’s final departure from a personal sanctuary where she could shed the straitjacket of protocol and ceremony for a few weeks every year.
Lord Heywood's widow warns the Greensill inquiry will 'dump the blame' on him
The widow of Lord Heywood has warned that the Government’s inquiry into lobbying will “dump all the blame” on him, as she protested that his perspective has not been represented in the probe. Lady Heywood, 52, spoke out in an interview with The Telegraph ahead of the conclusion on Wednesday of the Boardman review into Greensill Capital. She raised concerns that her late husband Jeremy, who was Cabinet secretary at the time the controversial Australian banker Lex Greensill enjoyed access to No 10
news.yahoo.comMichael Gove's wife Sarah Vine speaks of the 'pressures' on political marriages
Sarah Vine has spoken about the difficulties of sustaining a political marriage in the wake of revelations about Matt Hancock's affair with his aide. Michael Gove's wife, a newspaper journalist, wrote in her column for the Mail on Sunday: "Climbing that far up Westminster’s greasy pole changes a person. And when someone changes, they require something new from a partner. "Namely, someone who is as much a courtesan as a companion, one who understands their brilliance and, crucially, is personally
news.yahoo.comGeorge Osborne appointed as new British Museum chairman
George Osborne has been chosen as the new chairman of the British Museum. The former Chancellor was sought out and shortlisted for the role by a committee of eight trustees at the museum, five of whom were appointed by ex-Prime Minister David Cameron. His appointment was announced on Thursday after being signed off unanimously by the British Museum's 19-strong board, which comprises eight appointees signed off by his former government colleague Mr Cameron. The new role for Mr Osborne, who was on
news.yahoo.comThe biggest by-election swings in recent years and what they meant
The Conservative Party's loss to the Liberal Democrats in Chesham and Amersham is their largest defeat at a by-election since its 2014 losses in UKIP-voting constituencies. A fierce campaign centred on the Tories’ planning reforms and the construction of the HS2 rail line saw voters swing to Sir Ed Davey’s party by 25 points on Thursday, giving the Liberal Democrats 56.7 per cent of the vote. The party is claiming to have punched a hole in the Blue Wall - a band of southern Tory-voting constitue
news.yahoo.comState pension bill could rise by £5bn as recovery 'boosts' wages
Pensioners are on track to receive the largest ever rise in state benefits next April at a cost of £5bn to the government because of Covid. The state pension rises every year by the highest of average wage growth, inflation or 2.5pc under the triple lock, which the Tories committed to in their manifesto. Average weekly wages rose 8.4pc in the 12 months to April, Office for National Statistics figures published on Tuesday showed, a record increase which means in 2022 the benefit will likely incre
news.yahoo.comBan ministers from lobbying for five years after office, recommends anti-corruption watchdog
Ministers should be banned from political lobbying for up to five years after leaving office, the anti-corruption watchdog is set to recommend ministers in the wake of the Greensill scandal. Lord Evans, chairman of the committee on standards in public life, will air the proposal in an emergency review of lobbying guidelines to be published on Monday, following the saga involving David Cameron, the former prime minister. With the controversy sparking intense public scrutiny of the rules governing
news.yahoo.comExtreme Islamist group flexes its muscles in UK
An Islamist extremist group which David Cameron and Tony Blair both attempted to ban has been stepping up its activities in Britain, and is behind a campaign urging the country's Muslims to support the "liberation" of Palestinians by "Muslim armies". Hizb ut-Tahrir Britain, the UK branch of Hizb ut-Tahrir, a global Islamist party which calls for the foundation of an Islamic caliphate and has been banned in some Arab countries, appears to be increasing its presence across the country. Last month
news.yahoo.comPeter Cruddas gave Tories £500,000 three days after becoming a Lord
A Tory donor ennobled by Boris Johnson against advice of the appointments committee has since given £500,000 to his party, it has emerged. According to the Electoral Commission records, Lord Cruddas donated £500,000 to the Conservative Party on Feb 5, three days after he took his seat in the House of Lords. The donation, which was the second largest given by an individual in the first quarter of 2021, was suggested by Labour to have been connected to the Prime Minister's decision to hand the for
news.yahoo.comExclusive: Government will refuse to do any work on legalising euthanasia
Ministers will refuse to consult or issue a call for evidence on weakening assisted suicide laws in a boost for MPs who do not want change to law, The Telegraph can disclose. Justice Secretary Robert Buckland, who is in charge of the policy, has made clear that the Government will not do any work on legalising euthanasia. The news comes after The Telegraph revealed Matt Hancock, the Health Secretary, wrote to the chief statistician of the ONS to ask for figures on how many people with terminal illnesses are killing themselves every year, in a move which was seen as opening the door to legalising assisted suicide. However a senior source at the Ministry of Justice said: “The Government has no position on this. We have no plans to consult or call for evidence or anything on this issue.” Instead ministers want to allow MPs to have a free vote first on the issue, and then use that to guide the Government on whether legislation needs to be drawn up. Ministers would also be pleased to see either the Health select committee or Justice select committee gather evidence on the issue. The same source said: “It is a matter for Parliament. This is genuinely an issue for MPs and their consciences and members of the Lords to vote upon accordingly.” Mr Buckland is understood to believe that the guidance issued by the Crown Prosecution Service in 2010 “strikes the right balance”. The source added: “You don’t see loving couples ending with the surviving member of the couple going to court. That does not happen. “We don’t choose to be born, we don’t choose the time of death, and once you start ascribing value to somebody’s life you are taking things into a new dimension.” Previous attempts by MPs and peers, including Lord Falconer of Thoroton in 2014, who was Lord Chancellor in Tony Blair's Labour government, failed to win the support of Parliament. In 2014 then-Prime Minister David Cameron said he was "not convinced that further steps need to be taken" and was concerned that "people might be being pushed into things that they don't actually want for themselves". Last month members of a newly formed All Party Parliamentary Group for Dying Well wrote to Mr Buckland urging him not to weaken the law on whether people can legally be helped to die. Tory MP Danny Kruger, the group’s chairman, which held its first meeting for 50 MPs last week, said: “It is right that the Government is being cautious about any moves in this direction - there are many causes for concern about any weakening in the law. “Instead of legalising assisted suicide we should be investing in a proper system of palliative care.” However Andrew Mitchell, the former Conservative Cabinet minister who chairs the pro-assisted suicide All Party Parliamentary Group for Choice at the End of Life, added: “The ONS figures will show that large numbers of people who are killing themselves are terminally sick. “They are trying to end their lives, they cannot afford to go to Switzerland, there is no change in the law so far and therefore they determine they have no option but to end their lives themselves - sometimes in horrific circumstances. “The Government is of course neutral - it is for us as members of the House of Commons to decide and vote on what is an issue of conscience."
news.yahoo.comUK fraud agency probes Liberty Steel owner's Greensill links
Britain’s Serious Fraud Office says it's investigating suspected fraud, fraudulent trading and money laundering within the business empire of Liberty Steel owner Sanjeev Gupta, including its financing arrangements with bankrupt Greensill Capital U.K. Because this is an ongoing investigation, the fraud office said Friday it will not be providing any further comment into its probe into the activities of businesses within the Gupta Family Group Alliance.
UK fraud agency probes Liberty Steel owner's Greensill links
The business empire of Liberty Steel owner Sanjeev Gupta, including its financing arrangements with bankrupt Greensill Capital U.K., is being investigated by Britain's Serious Fraud Office, the agency said Friday. The SFO said in a statement that it is investigating suspected fraud, fraudulent trading and money laundering within Gupta Family Group Alliance, including links to Greensill, the supply chain finance firm that went bankrupt earlier this year. Because this is an active investigation, the agency said it won't be providing any further comment on its probe.
news.yahoo.comUK apologizes for 1971 Belfast deaths; families want more
The families of 10 civilians killed during a British military operation in Belfast half a century ago have sharply criticized Prime Minister Boris Johnson after he sent a member of his Cabinet to Parliament to apologize for the deaths, instead of doing so himself.
‘Does he not feel he disrespected himself?’: David Cameron faces Greensill grilling
MPs are set to ask David Cameron on Thursday whether he feels he has demeaned himself and his position as a former British prime minister by lobbying for Greensill Capital. The Treasury committee will take evidence from Mr Cameron from 2.30pm over lessons learned from the debacle engulfing the collapsed lender. The Telegraph understands that members of the committee plan to interrogate the former prime minister over what checks he performed on the controversial finance firm before taking on a role as a paid adviser. Greensill Capital is now under investigation by the Financial Conduct Authority, which warned this week that some of the allegations about its collapse are “potentially criminal in nature”. MPs are also set to quiz Mr Cameron about the amount of time he demanded from ministers and officials at the height of the pandemic last spring, as he sought to secure access for the firm to a state coronavirus loans scheme.
news.yahoo.comI am ‘v free’: David Cameron sent 68 messages to ministers and mandarins about Greensill Capital
David Cameron bombarded ministers and officials with 68 messages about the collapsed lender Greensill, it has emerged, as the scale of his intense lobbying campaign has been laid bare. The communications fired off by the former Conservative prime minister on behalf of the controversial finance firm - totalling up to 19 calls, text and emails in a single day - were published on Tuesday afternoon by a committee of MPs. The Treasury committee, which is one of three Commons select committees conducting an inquiry into Greensill Capital and its collapse, released the messages supplied by Mr Cameron ahead of his appearance before its panel on Thursday. Australian banker Lex Greensill, the eponymous founder of Greensill Capital, faced questions from MPs on Wednesday. He is expected to be quizzed about the 5,000 jobs put at risk by the collapse of the company.
news.yahoo.comSoftBank-backed Greensill Capital reportedly files for administration
LONDON — British financial services firm Greensill Capital has filed for administration, according to a report from the Financial Times. Filing for administration in the U.K. aims to help a company pay off its debts and avoid insolvency. Greensill, which counts former U.K. Prime Minister David Cameron as an advisor, provides capital to businesses and individuals worldwide. The company's main financial product is known as supply chain finance, which allows businesses to borrow money to pay their bills. Last week, Credit Suisse suspended $10 billion of funds linked to Greensill and GAM Holdings closed its $842 million GAM Greensill supply chain finance fund.
cnbc.comSoftBank-backed Greensill Capital is reportedly preparing to file for insolvency
Greensill Capital is preparing to file for insolvency in the U.K., according to a report from The Financial Times on Wednesday, citing sources familiar with the matter. The insolvency filing will reportedly allow private equity firm Apollo Global Management to acquire parts of the business out of administration. Greensill, which employs former U.K. Prime Minister David Cameron as an advisor, did not immediately respond to a CNBC request for comment. The company's main financial product is known as supply chain finance, which allows businesses to borrow money to pay their bills. Credit Suisse suspended $10 billion of funds linked to Greensill on Monday and GAM Holdings said on Tuesday that it was closing its $842 million GAM Greensill supply chain finance fund.
cnbc.comUK's chief mouser celebrates 10 years on the prowl
Monday, Feb. 15, 2021 marks the 10th anniversary of rescue cat Larry becoming Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office in a bid to deal with a rat problem at 10 Downing Street. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein, file)LONDON – Larry the cat, a four-legged inhabitant of London’s 10 Downing St., is marking a decade as Britain’s mouse-catcher in chief on Monday. The former stray, adopted from London’s Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, was given the title Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office, an unofficial pest control post. However, despite the prime minister moving Jack Russell cross Dilyn into Downing Street, Larry remained in office. Larry became known for his occasional scraps with neighboring cats -- especially Palmerston, chief mouser to the Foreign Office across the street -- and fondness for sleep.
Timeline of events in Britain's exit from the European Union
July 13: Following a Conservative Party leadership contest, Home Secretary Theresa May becomes prime minister. June 8: A general election called by May to bolster her party’s representation in Parliament to help with the Brexit negotiations backfires. Her Conservative Party loses its majority and continues in a weakened state as a minority government. Jan. 15, 2019: The Brexit deal comes back to Parliament, where it is overwhelmingly defeated on a 432-202 vote. Sept. 3: Rebel Conservative Party lawmakers vote against the government in protest of Johnson’s strategy.
Poles voice fears of 'Polexit' as govt defies EU over budget
The flags of the European Union, Poland and the city of Warsaw hang in Warsaw, Poland, on Wednesday Dec. 9, 2020. Trzaskowski said the city wants to show to the rest of the EU that the Polish government's tough position "is not the position of the whole of Poland". The fears of a hypothetical Polexit are fueled by Brexit, Britain's messy divorce from the EU, which is seen as accidental. “I cannot imagine Poland outside of the European Union remaining a democratic and liberal country,” Buras said. On the eve of the EU summit, Warsaw city hall ordered EU flags, along with national and city flags, to be displayed in many places.
UK's Liberal Democrat party elects Ed Davey as new leader
Ed Davey speaks after he was elected as the leader of the Liberal Democrats party, in London Thursday Aug. 27, 2020. The left-of-center Liberal Democrats' acting leader, Ed Davey, comfortably defeated challenger Layla Moran in a campaign that was mostly conducted online because of the coronavirus pandemic. (Stefan Rousseau/PA via AP)LONDON Britains Liberal Democrats announced former Cabinet minister Ed Davey as the party's new leader Thursday, in hopes that he could turn its fortunes around after a series of poor election results. He is the Liberal Democrats fourth leader in five years. Last year, leader Jo Swinson stepped down after she lost her own seat to the Scottish National Party in the general election.
Scotland's handling of virus boosts support for independence
The handling of the coronavirus pandemic by Scottish leader Nicola Sturgeon has drawn praise, in contrast to the sometimes-chaotic approach of U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson. That has catapulted the idea of Scottish independence from the U.K. back up the political agenda. The four parts of the U.K. England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland acted together to impose a nationwide lockdown in March. If Sturgeons Scottish National Party wins the anticipated majority, she is likely to demand a new independence referendum. I would love to have independence, but I think maybe now is not the time.___Follow AP coverage of the virus outbreak at https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak
AP Was There: Murray ends Britain's 77-year Wimbledon wait
One of their seven Grand Slam finals is known for ending a drought: Murray became the first British man in 77 years to win Wimbledon. By HOWARD FENDRICHAP Tennis WriterAndy Murray needed one more point, one solitary point, to win Wimbledon a title he yearned to earn for himself, of course, and also for his country. Up 40-love, Murray failed to convert his first match point. On match point No. Djokovic put the ball in the net, and Murray was at match point No.
Bank of England says sorry for slave links as UK faces past
FILE - In this Wednesday, March 11, 2020 file photo, pedestrians wearing face masks pass the Bank of England in London. The Bank of England has apologized for the links past governors of the institution had with slavery. The decision comes after two British companies on Thursday, June 18 promised to financially support projects assisting minorities after being called out for past roles in the slave trade. The decision comes after two British companies on Thursday promised to financially support projects assisting minorities after being called out for past roles in the slave trade. It reveals that many businesses, buildings and art collections that still exist today were funded by the proceeds of the slave trade.
Prince Andrew accused of using n-word by former government aide
(CNN) - Prince Andrew has been accused of using the n-word at a 2012 meeting in Buckingham Palace by a former senior government aide, a claim that is being vehemently denied by a royal source. A royal source told CNN that the claims are strenuously denied, and that point was made clear in a legal letter to the Evening Standard. CNN has asked the Evening Standard for a response to the letter. Silva, who is of Sri Lankan descent, is now an Evening Standard columnist. He said it was the second time he had heard the Prince using unacceptable language in a palace meeting, which was attended only by himself, the Prince and a royal aide.
Ex-UK PM Cameron: It's right to be tough on China, but Trump's tariffs carry 'dangers'
Former U.K. Prime Minister David Cameron said Monday that President Donald Trump is right to adopt a tougher stance on China but warned that the president's tariff escalation is dangerous. Cameron said as prime minister he sought to establish a positive relationship with China "through opening up and through partnerships." Even so, Cameron said he understood Trump's desire to crack down on China because he also has concerns about its behavior. "I think actually America benefits from Chinese companies coming to list here, just as Britain benefits from Chinese companies wanting to invest in Britain, grow in Britain and list on the London Stock Exchange." White House trade advisor Peter Navarro told CNBC on Monday that recent reports that the U.S. is considering restrictions on Chinese companies are "fake news."
cnbc.comHow will new U.K. leader Theresa May handle Brexit?
Britain is getting a new prime minister much earlier than expected. Theresa May will replace David Cameron Wednesday. May was confirmed as Britain's new leader after her last opponent dropped out of the race. Elizabeth Palmer reports from 10 Downing Street in London, where the transition is underway.
cbsnews.comEuropean Union in murky situation after Brexit vote
The fallout from Britain's vote to leave the European Union could mean that other other nations might decide to leave as well. Fifty-two percent of Britain's voters decided to depart, sending stock markets falling. Prime Minister David Cameron plans to leave by October. Mark Phillips reports from Britain's Parliament.
cbsnews.comU.K. shocks world with vote to leave EU
The U.K. shocked the world after voting to leave the European Union. After the vote, British Prime Minister David Cameron, who wanted to stay in the EU, announced his resignation. David O'Sullivan, European Union Ambassador to the U.S., joins CBSN with the latest.
cbsnews.comPresident Obama dives into U.K. leaving EU controversy
President Obama took the side of British Prime Minister David Cameron and said the U.K. should remain in the European Union during a visit to London Friday. Detractors of the idea were quick to let Obama hear their umbrage. Mark Phillips has more.
cbsnews.comU.K. to vote on expanding air campaign against ISIS
Prime Minister David Cameron said anyone who voted against airstrikes are terrorist sympathizers. Meanwhile, Defense Secretary Ash Carter announced about 200 Special Operations Forces will launch raids from a base in northern Iraq. The troops’ mission will be to capture ISIS leaders and gather intelligence. Charlie D’Agata reports.
cbsnews.comU.K. busts alleged ISIS plot to attack on VJ Day anniversary
Britain is defending a drone strike that killed two British men fighting with ISIS. Prime Minister David Cameron told Parliament the men were planning deadly attacks against Britain. One target reportedly could have been an event attended by Queen Elizabeth. Clarissa Ward reports from London with details of the drone attack in Syria last month.
cbsnews.comDesperate migrants in standoff with Hungarian police
As British Prime Minister David Cameron said the U.K. is ready to accept thousands more migrants flooding into Europe, hundreds of families stranded in Hungary are in a stand-off with police. The central European nation is being overwhelmed by thousands of migrants trying to escape war in Syria and other countries. Charlie D'Agata reports from Bicske, Hungary.
cbsnews.comBritish prime minister David Cameron re-elected after tough race
Cameron is headed for a second term. His conservative party won a surprise victory in Thursday's elections. It sets him up to lead the first majority conservative government in nearly 20 years. Mark Phillips reports from London.
cbsnews.comJanuary 18: Cameron, Rubio and Pfeiffer
January 18: Cameron, Rubio and Pfeiffer The latest on the fight against terrorism, the new Congress, and the 2016 presidential race, with British Prime Minister David Cameron, Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Florida, White House senior adviser Dan Pfeiffer, and others.
cbsnews.comSchieffer's take on President Obama and his "bro" David Cameron
Schieffer's take on President Obama and his "bro" David Cameron Cheif Washington correspondent Bob Schieffer talks to CBSN's Elaine Quijano and Michelle Miller about President Obama's meeting with British Prime Minister David Cameron. Obama and Cameron will mainly discuss terror and cyber security.
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