Over 347,000 unemployed people on benefits have found work in just four months through the government’s Way to Work campaign – an ambitious national push to get half a million more people into jobs by the end of June.
new figures show 347,000 people have moved into work since January – thanks to a government-backed drive to fill vacancies
with one month to go until the campaign ends, the government is calling on UK employers to join forces with Jobcentres to help more people find work
alongside vital job support to lift incomes, the new £15 billion package to help with the cost of living will help millions of households
The Prime Minister and Work and Pensions Secretary haveurged employers of all sizes to use the free recruitment support from their local Jobcentre to help fill the record number of vacancies in the jobs market and support the continued economic recovery by getting people into work.
Since January, DWP jobcentres across the UK have been ramping up operations with weekly jobs fairs – bringing employers in for face-to-face appointments and offering jobs on the spot to thousands of people.
Jobseekers walking away with roles have also secured an income, with those getting full time work set to be thousands of pounds better off than if they were on benefits. Helping households improve their finances and manage current cost of living pressures is a key priority for the government, with a £15 billion package announced on Thursday to support almost all of the eight million most vulnerable households across the UK.
On a visit to the North East of England, the Prime Minister and Work and Pensions Secretary Therese Coffey visited CityFibre, a new employer to the Way to Work campaign who have already benefitted from 200 new recruits from around the UK, hired through their local Jobcentres.
During the visit, they also met local employees who have secured skilled jobs as a result of the campaign and the support of their local Jobcentre.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: ““I was only ten years old when unemployment was last this low.
“But with a vast number of vacancies in the jobs market, it is more critical than ever to access the huge pool of untapped talent in towns and cities right across the country, which is why I am thrilled with the progress we have made with the Way to Work scheme.”
Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Thérèse Coffey said: “Unemployment is at its lowest since the 1970s with full time workers across the UK £6000 better off than if they were on benefits.
“And there are still vacancies to fill. That’s why our jobcentres are helping employers short circuit the recruitment process so they can get talent in fast.
“So, if you’re hiring, make the most of the help on offer from us.”
Greg Mesch, Chief Executive at CityFibre said: “CityFibre is rolling out the UK’s finest digital infrastructure to millions of homes and businesses nationwide. To build these new Full Fibre networks, we’re creating thousands of new network construction jobs and providing industry training to those that need it.
“We and our construction partners are working closely with DWP nationally, and local Jobcentres, by engaging with schemes like Way to Work. We look forward to increasing our involvement in the future.”
Alongside vital job support to help jobseekers secure an income, the new £15 billion cost of living support package will help almost all of the eight million most vulnerable households across the UK as they are set to receive help of at least £1,200 this year, including a new one-off £650 cost of living payment.
The government has also announced a £500 million increase for the Household Support Fund, delivered by local authorities, extending it to March 2023. This brings the total Household Support Fund to £1.5 billion.
To find out more about how DWP can help fill vacancies with quality candidates, please visit the Way to Work page on GOV.UK
A trickle of Tory MPs have submitted letters of no confidence in Boris Johnson following the publication of the Sue Gray report.
Unless that trickle becomes a flood over the weekend as MPs attend constituency surgeries it appears Johnson has got away with it. Again.
SNP VOWS TO HOLD ‘RIGHT WING COALITION’ TO ACCOUNT
Edinburgh’s Labour Group has formed an administration to lead the City of Edinburgh Councilfollowing a controversial deal with the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats.
Detailed discussions have been ongoing across political groups since the Local Government Elections on 5 May and, following a vote at today’s Council meeting, Labour councillors will convene the Council’s six executive committees.
Cllr Cammy Day has become Leader of the Council with Cllr Mandy Watt appointed as Depute Leader.
Cllr Robert Aldridge had earlier been appointed as Lord Provost, taking the chair for the first time, with members of the Liberal Democrat and Conservative groups appointed as Conveners and Vice Conveners of quasi-judicial committees, including the Licensing and Development Management Sub-Committees.
The full list of appointments is below.
The convener of the Governance, Risk and Best Value committee will be decided at the next Council meeting on 30 June.
Council Leader Cammy Day said: I’m delighted and extremely honoured that we’ve reached agreement to lead the City of Edinburgh Council today.
“We’re committed to addressing the issues that matter the most to the people of Edinburgh, making the case for the funding we deserve as a Capital City and protecting our front-line services; taking forward the work of the Poverty Commission to tackle the cost of living crisis, promoting fair work and ensuring our children and young people get the best possible start in life.
“We’ll continue to focus on the fight against climate change and our ambitious target of being net zero by 2030, boosting our affordable house-building programme, taking Trams to Newhaven and delivering the pioneering regeneration of the Granton Waterfront and north Edinburgh.
“I’m confident our collaborative approach will lead to far more consensual and co-operative decision-making and I look forward to working closely across all parties, delivering positive changes and policies for the good of our great Capital City and its residents.”
The Lib-Dems, who doubled their number of councillors at this month’s election, justified their reasons for voting as they did:
Chief Executive, Andrew Kerr, said: I would like to congratulate Councillor Day and the Labour Group on forming an administration today.
“I look forward to working with all councillors over the next five years to deliver the best possible services for the people of Edinburgh.”
The full list of appointments is
Leader of the Council – Cllr Cammy Day (Lab) Depute Leader of the Council – Cllr Mandy Watt (Lab) Lord Provost – Cllr Robert Aldridge (Lib Dem) Depute Lord Provost – Cllr Lezley Marion Cameron (Lab) Convener of Culture and Communities – Cllr Val Walker (Lab) Convener of Transport and Environment – Cllr Scott Arthur (Lab) Convener of Housing and Economy – Cllr Jane Meagher (Lab) Convener of Education, Children and Families – Cllr Joan Griffiths (Lab) Convener of Finance and Resources – Cllr Mandy Watt (Lab) Licensing Board Convener – Cllr Louise Young (Lib Dem) Licensing Board Vice Convener – Cllr Jason Rust (Cons) Convener of Government, Risk and Best Value – to be decided 30 June Planning Committee Convener – Cllr James Dalgleish (Lab) Regulatory Committee Convener – Cllr Neil Ross (Lib Dem) Convener or Vice-Convener of Integration Joint Board – Cllr Tim Pogson (Lab) Development Sub Committee Convenor – Cllr Hal Osler (Lib Dem) Licensing Sub Committee Convenor – Cllr Joanna Mowat (Cons)
The SNP has run the city with Labour as a ‘Capital Coalition’ for ten years, and the SNP was the biggest party once again following this month’s election.
Capital Coalition III was very much on the cards until Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar announced that there would be no coalition deals with the SNP or the … em, Tories!
Former council leader Adam McVey said: “The Lab/Tory/Lib coalition is held together by nothing more a burning hatred of the SNP & a carve up of jobs.
“We will keep our focus on delivering the change needed for Edinburgh & will hold this right-wing coalition to account.”
Green Group Co-convener Cllr Claire Miller said: “We are disappointed not to have passed our proposal for a council which would have delivered on the climate emergency and the cost of living crisis.
“However Greens will continue to work constructively in the council, as we have always done.”
SPECIAL RESPONSIBILITY PAYMENTS
Lord Provost – Robert Aldridge (Liberal) – £44.039.
Madam Deputy Speaker, The high inflation we are experiencing now is causing acute distress for the people of this country. I know they are worried, I know people are struggling. I want to explain what is happening, why it is happening, and what we propose to do about it.
I trust the British people, and I know they understand no government can solve every problem, particularly the complex and global challenge of inflation.
But this government will never stop trying to help people, to fix problems where we can, to do what is right – as we did throughout the pandemic.
We need to make sure that for those whom the struggle is too hard…and for whom the risks are too great…they are supported.
This government will not sit idly by whilst there is a risk that some in our country might be set so far back… they might never recover.
This is simply unacceptable. I will never allow that happen.
And I want to reassure everybody – we will get through this.
We have the tools and the determination we need to combat and reduce inflation.
We will make sure the most vulnerable and the least well off get the support they need at this time of difficulty.
And we will turn this moment of difficulty into a springboard for economic renewal and growth.
With more jobs, higher skills, greater investment – our plan for a stronger economy.
Madam Deputy Speaker, Before I turn to the details of our plan, let me put into context for the House, the challenge we face.
This country is now experiencing the highest rate of inflation we have seen for forty years.
The Bank of England expect inflation to average around 9% this year.
Our exposure to global shocks continues to explain most of the inflation above the 2% target.
Supply chain disruption as the world reopened from Covid…
…combined with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine…
…and potentially exacerbated by recent lockdowns in China…
…are all contributing to significant price increases for goods and energy.
However, over the course of this year, the situation has evolved and has become more serious.
There are areas of particular concern.
Even excluding energy and food, core inflation has become broader based and elevated.
Of the basket of goods and services we use to measure inflation, a record proportion are seeing above average price increases.
Also, we are acutely exposed to the European energy price shock and, like the US, we have a tight labour market.
Make no mistake – the lowest unemployment in almost 50 years, just months after averting a jobs crisis during the pandemic, is good news.
But combined with the shock to European energy prices, it does contribute to the UK’s relatively high rate of inflation.
And lastly, as the Bank have noted, longer-term inflation expectations have risen above their historical averages, by more than they are in the US and Europe.
We cannot and must not allow short term inflationary pressures to lead people to expect that high inflation will continue over the long term.
Because Madam Deputy Speaker
We can get inflation under control.
It is not some abstract force outside our grasp.
It may take time, but we have the tools we need and the resolve it will take to reduce inflation.
Madam Deputy Speaker,
We have three specific tools available to combat and reduce inflation – and we are using them all.
Independent monetary policy. Fiscal responsibility. And supply side activism.
First, our primary tool is a strong, independent monetary policy.
Since control of monetary policy was taken out of the hands of politicians 25 years ago, inflation has averaged precisely 2%.
It is right the Bank of England are independent.
And I know the Governor and his team will take decisive action to get inflation back on target and ensure inflation expectations remain firmly anchored.
Second, we need responsible fiscal policy.
That means providing fiscal support where required but not making the situation unnecessarily worse…causing inflation, interest, and mortgage rates to go up further than they otherwise would.
Excessively adding fiscal stimulus into a supply constrained economy…
…especially one in which households and businesses have built up over £300 billion of excess savings…
…risks being counterproductive and increasing inflationary pressures.
In other words, fiscal support should be timely, targeted, and temporary.
Timely, because we need to help people when the shock is at its worst.
Targeted, because unconstrained stimulus will make the problem worse.
And temporary, because if we do not meet our fiscal rules, and ensure the public finances are resilient in the longer run…
…we create even greater risks on inflation, interest rates, and the trend rate of economic growth.
And third, we are taking an activist approach to supply side reforms.
This will increase our productive capacity, ease inflationary pressures, and raise our long-term growth potential.
The PM’s energy security strategy will, over time, reduce bills by increasing energy supply and improving energy efficiency.
The W&P Secretary is moving half a million jobseekers off welfare and into work…
…and doing more to support older people back into the jobs market.
The Home Secretary is making our visa regime for high-skilled migrants one of the most competitive in the world.
And, in the autumn, we will bring forward tax cuts and reforms to encourage businesses to invest more, train more, and innovate more – the path to higher growth.
So, independent monetary policy.
Fiscal responsibility.
Supply side reform.
The country should have confidence, that using these three tools…
…we will combat inflation – and reduce it over time.
But of course, we know that households are being hit hard, right now.
So today, Madam Deputy Speaker, we will provide significant support to the British people.
But as I have said, a critical part of how we are dealing with inflation is responsible fiscal policy.
What this means in practical terms is that as we support people more, we need to think about the fairest way to fund as much of that cost as possible.
The oil and gas sector is making extraordinary profits.
Not as the result of recent changes to risk taking or innovation or efficiency.
But as the result of surging global commodity prices – driven in part by Russia’s war.
And for that reason, I am sympathetic to the argument to tax those profits fairly.
But as ever, there is a sensible middle ground.
We should not be ideological about this…we should be pragmatic.
It is possible to both tax extraordinary profits fairly…and incentivise investment.
And so, like previous governments, including Conservative ones – we will introduce a temporary, targeted, Energy Profits Levy.
But, we have built into the new Levy a new Investment Allowance, similar to the super-deduction…
…that means companies will have a new and significant incentive to reinvest their profits.
The new Levy will be charged on profits of oil and gas companies at a rate of 25%.
It will be temporary, and when oil and gas prices return to historically more normal levels, the Levy will be phased out – and with a sunset clause written into the legislation.
And, crucially, with our new investment allowance, we are nearly doubling the overall investment relief for oil and gas companies.
This means that, for every £1 a company invests, they’ll get back 90 per cent in tax relief.
So the more a company invests, the less tax they will pay.
And we understand that certain parts of the electricity generation sector are also making extraordinary profits.
The reason for this is the way our market works.
The price electricity generators are paid is linked not to the costs they incur in providing that electricity…but rather to the price of natural gas – which is extraordinarily high right now.
Other countries like France, Italy, Spain and Greece have already taken measures to correct this.
As set out in the Energy Security Strategy, we are consulting with the power generation sector and investors…
…to drive forward energy market reforms and ensure that the price paid for electricity is more reflective of the costs of production.
Those reforms will take time to implement.
So, in the meantime, we are urgently evaluating the scale of these extraordinary profits…and the appropriate steps to take.
So, Madam Deputy Speaker,
Our Energy Profits Levy will encourage investment, not deter it.
It raises around £5bn revenue over the next year so that we can help families with the cost of living.
And it avoids having to increase our debt burden further.
Because there is nothing noble in burdening future generations with ever more debt to pay…
…because politicians of the day were too weak to make the tough decisions.
Madam Deputy Speaker,
I know the whole House will agree we have a responsibility to help those who…
…through no fault of their own…
…are paying the highest price for the inflation we face.
To help with the cost of living, we are going to provide significant, targeted support to millions of the most vulnerable people in our society:
Those on the lowest incomes, pensioners, and disabled people.
First, people on the lowest incomes.
Over eight million households already have incomes low enough for the state to be supporting their cost of living through the welfare system.
They could be temporarily unemployed and looking for work.
Unable to work because of long-term sickness or disability.
Or on low pay and using benefits to top up their wages.
Right now, they face incredibly difficult choices.
So, I can announce today we will send, directly to around eight million of the lowest income households, a one-off Cost of Living Payment of £650.
Support worth over £5bn to give vulnerable people certainty that we are standing by them at this challenging time.
DWP will make the payment in two lump sums – the first from July, the second in autumn, with payments from HMRC for those on Tax Credits, following shortly after.
There is no need for people to fill out complicated forms or bureaucracy – we will send the payment straight into their bank accounts.
Our policy will benefit over eight million households in receipt of means-tested benefits, from July.
Uprating, in that time frame, could only be done for those on Universal Credit.
And our policy will provide a larger average payment this year of £650.
Whereas uprating the same benefits by 9% would only be worth, on average, £530.
There are two further groups who will need targeted extra support.
Many pensioners are disproportionately impacted by higher energy costs.
They can’t always increase their incomes through work.
And, because they spend more time at home, and are more vulnerable, they often need to keep the heating on for longer.
And we estimate many people who are eligible for Pension Credit are not currently claiming it…
…which means there will be many vulnerable pensioners not receiving means-tested benefits.
So, I can announce today that, from the autumn, we will send over eight million pensioner households who receive the Winter Fuel Payment – an extra, one-off Pensioner Cost of Living Payment of £300.
Disabled people also face extra costs in their day-to-day lives – like having energy-intensive equipment around the home or workplace.
So, to help the 6 million people who receive non-means tested disability benefits, we will send them, from September…
…an extra, one-off Disability Cost of Living Payment, worth £150.
Many disabled people will also receive the payment of £650 I have already announced, taking their total cost of living payments to £800.
And I can reassure the House that next year, subject to the Secretary of State’s review, benefits will be uprated by this September’s CPI…
…which, on current forecasts, is likely to be significantly higher than the forecast inflation rate for next year.
Similarly, the triple lock will apply for the state pension.
Of course, we recognise the risk that, as with any policy, there may be small numbers of people who fall between the cracks.
For example, it is not possible right now for DWP or HMRC to identify people on Housing Benefit who are not also claiming other benefits.
So, to support them and others, we will extend the Household Support Fund, delivered by Local Authorities, by £500m from October.
This is a significant set of interventions to support the most vulnerable in our country.
We will legislate to deliver this support on the same terms in every part of the United Kingdom – including Northern Ireland.
And, taken together, our direct cash payments, will help one third of all UK households with the cost of living, support worth over £9bn.
So, Madam Deputy Speaker,
We are meeting our responsibility to provide the most help to those on the lowest incomes.
I believe that is fair and I’m confident the House would agree.
But there are many other families who do not require state support in normal times.
They are also facing challenging times.
Is it fair to leave them unsupported?
The answer must surely be no.
While it is impossible for any government to solve every problem, we can and will ease the burden as we help the entire country through the worst of this crisis.
So, we will provide more support with the rising cost of energy – and that support will be universal.
Earlier this year, we announced £9bn to help with the cost of energy.
Including a Council Tax rebate of £150 for tens of millions of households.
And we plan to provide all households with £200 off their energy bills from October, with the cost of that repaid over the following five years.
Since then, the outlook for energy prices has changed.
I’ve heard people’s concerns about the impact of these repayments on future bills.
So I have decided that those repayments will be cancelled.
So, for the avoidance of doubt, this support is unambiguously a grant.
And furthermore, I have decided that the £200 of support for household energy bills will be doubled to £400 for everyone.
We’re on the side of hard-working families, with £6bn of financial support.
So, Madam Deputy Speaker,
To summarise:
Our strategy is to combat and reduce inflation over time through independent monetary policy, fiscal responsibility, and supply side activism.
We are raising emergency funds to help millions of the most vulnerable families who are struggling right now.
And all households will benefit from universal support for energy bills of £400 – with not a penny to repay.
In total, the measures I’ve announced today provide support worth £15bn.
Combined with the plans we’ve already announced…that means we are supporting families with the cost of living to the tune of £37bn or 1.5% of GDP.
That’s higher or similar to countries like France, Germany, and Italy.
And I’m proud to say that around three quarters of the total support will go to vulnerable households.
As a result of the measures we’ve announced today, and the action we’ve already taken this year:
The vast majority of households will receive £550.
Pensioners will receive £850.
And almost all of the eight million most vulnerable households in the country will, in total, receive support of at least £1,200.
Let me put this into context.
The House will have noted the news from Ofgem earlier this week.
They currently expect the energy price cap to rise in October to £2,800.
That’s an average increase in people’s bills this year of just under £1,200.
The same amount our policies will provide for the most vulnerable this year.
I know there are other pressures.
I am not trying to claim we have solved the entire problem for everyone.
No government could.
But I hope that when people hear the significant steps we are taking…
…the millions we are helping…
…they will feel some of the burden eased, some of the pressures lifted.
And they will know, this Government is standing by them.
And Madam Deputy Speaker in conclusion,
Supporting people with the cost of living is only one part of our plan for a stronger economy…
…A plan that is creating more jobs…
…Cutting taxes for working people…
…Reducing our borrowing and debt…
…Driving businesses to invest and innovate more…
…unleashing a skills revolution…
…Seizing the benefits of Brexit…
…And levelling up growth in all parts of the United Kingdom.
The British people can trust this government because we have a plan for a stronger economy and I commend this Statement to the House.
The 2021 results of Northern Ireland’s leading social attitudes survey are released today (Thursday 26 May) by ARK – a joint initiative between Queen’s University Belfast and Ulster University. It shows rising support for Irish unification, nationalist identification and for the NI Protocol compared to 2020.
The NI Life & Times (NILT) Survey shows 48 per cent support for NI remaining in the Union, but this has been declining since 2016.
Unionist and nationalist identities have become stronger, and the proportion of those who are ‘neither’ unionist nor nationalist has decreased since 2018.
These results are analysed in a report released today: ‘Political attitudes in NI after Brexit and under the Protocol’, co-authored by Professor Katy Hayward, Dr Milena Komarova and Ben Rosher of Queen’s University Belfast.
Key points
Belfast/Good Friday Agreement is seen as the best basis for governing Northern Ireland, with only 6 per cent expressing absolute opposition to it.
There has been an increase in reporting of nationalist identities (from 19 per cent in 2020 to 26 per cent in 2021).
Nearly half of respondents (48 per cent) believe that the long-term policy for Northern Ireland should be to remain part of the UK (down from 54 per cent in 2020).
One third (34 per cent) state they would vote for a united Ireland tomorrow.
63 per cent of respondents believe that a united Ireland is more likely after Brexit (a rise of five percentage points on 2020).
The plurality of unionists (47 per cent) and majority of nationalists (83 per cent) and those who are ‘neither’ unionist nor nationalist (67 per cent) believe that this is the case.
There has been a sharp rise in unionists saying Brexit has made them less in favour of a united Ireland – from 11 per cent in 2019 to 32 per cent in 2021.
The proportion who think the Protocol is ‘on balance a good thing’ has more than doubled to 33 per cent (15 per cent in 2020). 33 per cent think it a ‘mixed bag’ while 21 per cent think it ‘on balance a bad thing’.
Different identity groups have different opinions on the Protocol. The plurality of unionists think it on balance bad for NI (44 per cent) although 40 per cent think it ‘a mixed bag’. The plurality of ‘neithers’ think it is ‘a mixed bag’ (41 per cent). A large majority of nationalists think that it is on balance good (69 per cent).
Contrary to the Legacy and Reconciliation Bill currently under consideration by the UK Parliament, only 29 per cent support an ending of Troubles-related investigations and prosecutions.
There is majority support for progress in full implementation of the 1998 Agreement. 62 per cent want to see a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland and 59 per cent want to see the re-establishment of the Civic Forum.
The report covers four main themes:
Belfast/Good Friday Agreement
Support for the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement remains strong in Northern Ireland (65 per cent), with only six per cent wanting to see it gone altogether.
In something of a boost for Alliance Party demands, 59 per cent want to see key votes in the Assembly passed on the basis of a weighted majority (not necessarily with a cross-community requirement). Only 19 per cent support the current rules for the use of Petition of Concern to block legislation in the Assembly.
Political identities
An exclusively Irish (i.e., ‘Irish not British’) identity is now held by the largest proportion of the population (26 per cent, up seven percentage points on 2020), compared to 21 per cent holding an exclusively British (‘British not Irish’) identity (slightly lower than in 2020).
Those who self-identify as ‘neither’ unionist nor nationalist remain the largest group in Northern Ireland. However, the proportion of this group has shrunk since 2019, and now stands at 37 per cent. There has also been a slight drop in the reporting of unionist identities (from 35 to 32 per cent), and a significant increase in those holding nationalist identities (from 19 to 26 per cent) compared to 2020.
Constitutional status
The proportion of respondents who believe the UK will exist in its current form in 20 years’ time is equal to that believing that there will be a united Ireland in the same timeframe (just under four in ten).
A plurality of respondents (48 per cent) continues to believe that the long-term policy should be for Northern Ireland to remain part of the UK. This is six percentage points lower than in 2020. At the same time, support for a united Ireland as a long-term policy has increased by four percentage points (30 per cent).
Brexit and the Protocol
Awareness of, and support for, the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland has increased markedly since 2020. 65 per cent claim knowledge of it. 37 per cent of respondents feel that Brexit has made them more in favour of a united Ireland (73 per cent of nationalists and 37 per cent of neithers).
There has been a steep rise in the proportion of unionists saying that Brexit makes them less in favour of Irish unity (32 per cent compared to 11 per cent in 2019).
Commenting on the report findings, Katy Hayward, Professor of Political Sociology Queen’s and Senior Fellow, UK in a Changing Europe, said: “If the NI Assembly election of 5 May was a defining moment, it only compounded the the political flux that has troubled Northern Ireland since the Brexit referendum.
“The NI Life and Times Survey offers a unique insight into how the local population is responding to the realisation that things won’t and can’t be the same again. The differing expectations and concerns reflected in this data will no doubt prove testing for our democratic institutions as well as for our politicians in the months and years to come.”
The results of the report will be presented in a webinar at 5pm BST on Thursday 26 May by Paula Devine (co-director of ARK), Ben Rosher, Professor Katy Hayward, and Professor Sir John Curtice.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s response to Sue Gray’s scathing report into multiple parties in Downing Street during lockdown
Earlier today Sue Gray published her final report, which I commissioned to get to the bottom of things and set the record straight, and I’m grateful to her for her work.
She has identified a number of failings, some official, some political, – and some that I accept are entirely my own, for which I take full responsibility.
I want to start by saying that I am humbled by what happened, and I renew my wholehearted apology for the gathering in the Cabinet Room on the 19th June 2020 – my birthday, for which I received a Fixed Penalty Notice.
Now that Sue Gray has completed her inquiry and everyone can read her report, I want in all humility and without mitigating what has happened to offer a few points of context.
10 Downing Street is not just my official residence but the headquarters of the Government, where hundreds of people work, and because they directly support the Prime Minister, the regulations allowed them to continue attending their offices for work purposes throughout the lockdowns.
Sue Gray describes them as “tight knit groups of officials and advisers” who “worked long hours under difficult conditions”.
These were the public servants who secured the PPE that saved many lives, established the biggest testing programme in Europe, and enabled the development and distribution of the vaccines that succeeded in protecting so many people.
When some of these officials and advisers were leaving their jobs, I briefly attended gatherings to thank them for everything they had done because I believe that recognising achievement and preserving morale are essential duties of leadership.
The police did not find my attendance at these occasions to be in breach of the rules, but they found otherwise in respect of some of those gatherings after I had left, or when I was not in the building.
Downing Street and the Cabinet Office together have hundreds of rooms, and again I say this not in any way to extenuate my personal responsibility, but to give the context of these events.
And I was appalled to learn that there have been “multiple examples” in Sue Gray’s phrase of disrespectful and poor treatment of cleaning and security personnel, and this afternoon, I personally apologised to those dedicated members of staff for what happened. and I expect anyone who behaved in that way to do the same.
As Sue Gray acknowledges, I have acted on her recommendations to make a series of changes.
10 Downing Street now has its own Permanent Secretary charged with upholding the highest standards.
I have appointed a new leadership team, including a new Chief of Staff and a new Principal Private Secretary and I have made it easier for any member of staff to voice any worries they may have and Sue Gray writes that she is “reassured” by this reform.
And it is precisely because I have learned this lesson that I feel an even greater weight of responsibility to deliver on the priorities of the British people, and lead our country through some of the most challenging times in recent history.
I will work every hour to ease the hardship caused by the rising cost of living, To protect our nation from the aftershocks of Covid, stand firm against Putin’s aggression, and to unite and level up across our United Kingdom, that is the mission that drives this government and that is the mission that I will continue to pursue.
The Scottish Greens co-leader and Lothian MSP, Lorna Slater, has called for Labour and Liberal Democrat councillors in Edinburgh to work together with other progressive parties, rather than lining up in an alliance with the Tories.
Her call comes as Edinburgh Councillors vote to form an administration. This week the membership of the Edinburgh Green Party voted to support a draft coalition agreement with SNP councillors and will take the proposal to today’s Council meeting.
Scottish Greens MSP Lorna Slater said: “The last 24 hours have seen Labour and Liberal Democrat politicians in Westminster and Holyrood taking a stand against the cruel and out of touch Tory government and rightly calling for the Prime Minister to resign.
“We are living in a cost of living crisis and thousands of people across our city are struggling to make ends meet. The Tories do not have any solutions, and are actively making it worse. Energy bills are skyrocketing and the Tory solution is more cuts and austerity.
“This month’s election saw the Conservatives losing half of their councillors and thousands of votes in Edinburgh. Many people across our city will be shocked to see Labour and Liberal Democrat Councillors lining up in alliance with the Tories to form an administration.
“It is time for progressive parties to work together and build on the achievements that were made over the last term. That is why, even at this late stage, I am urging Edinburgh’s Labour and Liberal Democrat councillors to work with us, rather than lining up with the Tories.
“We must grasp this crucial opportunity to build the fairer, greener city that our communities voted for.”
The SNP is the biggest party in Edinburgh, returning 19 councillors at this month’s elections.
The SNP has ran Edinburgh with the support of Labour in a so-called ‘Capital Coalition’ for ten years, but Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar ruled out any further coalitions in the run up to the local government elections.
Speaking after Labour launched it’s manifesto for the council elections, Mr Sarwar was emphatic: “And I think it’s right for us to say we shouldn’t be picking and choosing which is the good versus the bad. Both are bad for our country. Both are decimating local communities. And therefore I think it’s right that we see no formal coalition with the SNP or the Tories.”
That seemed clear enough – but it now appears Mr Sarwar actually ruled out coalitions with the SNP, but finds partnerships with the Tories quite acceptable? For some disgusted Labour supporters that really is a step too far.
Mr Sarwar denies misleading voters.
5th MAY ELECTION RESULTS (62 councillors elected)
SNP – 19
LIB – 13
LAB – 12
GRN – 10
CON – 8
The council meeting takes place this morning at 10am. We will know who will be running our city later today.
PM hails £10 billion Qatari ‘vote of confidence’ in the UK
The PM hosted the Amir of Qatar yesterday to develop our historic partnership and agree new joint work on trade, energy and defence
Strategic Investment Partnership will see Qatar invest up to £10 billion in key industries across the UK, creating jobs and growth
UK and Qatar agreed to work together improve the stability of energy supply chains and support security at the 2022 World Cup
It was all smiles when The Prime Minister welcomed the Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani, to Downing Street yesterday for discussions on driving economic growth and addressing global challenges together.
The meeting was surely a welcome distraction from the latest Partygate revelations and the imminent publication of the Sue Gray report into Downing Street lockdown parties, which is expected to be extremely critical of Boris Johnson’s conduct.
The UK and Qatar signed a new Strategic Investment Partnership (SIP) which will see Qatar invest up to £10 billion over the next five years in key sectors of the UK economy, including fintech, zero emissions vehicles, life sciences and cyber security. The investment is expected to create high-quality jobs in new industries across the country.
The Prime Minister and the Amir also had a wide-ranging discussion on geopolitical issues. They were united in their condemnation of Russia’s aggression in Ukraine and discussed issues of regional security, including relations with Iran.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “Today’s announcement of up to £10bn in new investment from our Qatari friends is another vote of confidence in the UK’s brilliant businesses and cutting-edge industry.
“The new UK-Qatar Strategic Investment Partnership will create quality job opportunities across the country in key sectors, delivering on our vision of economic growth through trade and investment.
“Qatar is a valued partner for the UK, supported by Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad’s leadership. We had a rich discussion on the issues that matter to both of our countries, including boosting the economy, ensuring regional stability and improving energy security following Russia’s appalling invasion of Ukraine.”
UK-Qatar trade was worth £4.8 billion last year and Qatari investment in the UK economy is already estimated to be worth over £40 billion, supporting jobs and growth across the country.
Minister for Investment Lord Grimstone said: “It is excellent news that Qatar is targeting up to £10 billion investment into the UK through our new Strategic Investment Partnership.
“Not only will it boost local economies and support jobs, but it supports our green economy and decarbonisation – crucial in meeting our Net Zero targets. It also strengthens our relationship with Qatar ahead of our UK-Gulf Cooperation Council trade negotiations.”
Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng also signed an MoU on energy cooperation with Qatar’s Minister of State for Energy Affairs at Downing Street. Qatar is a major energy supplier for the UK, providing 40% of our liquefied natural gas – the new MoU commits us to work together to boost innovation and collaboration, supporting the security of global energy supplies.
UK Secretary of State for Business and Energy, Kwasi Kwarteng, said: “I am delighted to further the UK’s energy cooperation with the State of Qatar as we work to stabilise international energy markets and boost energy security in the context of Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine.
“Qatar is already a valued trading partner, recently investing in the future of British low-carbon nuclear technology through the Rolls Royce consortium developing small modular reactors. Today’s meeting will deepen our relationship even further, reinforcing the UK’s energy security and delivering cleaner and affordable energy in the years ahead.”
The Prime Minister and Amir discussed the upcoming 2022 Qatar World Cup this winter, and the UK committed significant new military and counter-terrorism support for the safe running of the event.
A joint UK-Qatar Typhoon Squadron will provide additional air security, and the Ministry of Defence with advanced venue search training and operational planning support.
The Prime Minister also confirmed that the UK will ensure Qatari nationals can access the UK’s new Electronic Travel Authorisation system from early 2023, facilitating easier travel for business visitors and tourists.
The challenge of reaching net zero in Scotland’s communities is to be explored in a series of visits by a Scottish Parliament committee.
Holyrood’s Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee is looking at the role of local government and its partners in making a real and lasting impact on the environment. Now the Committee want to see this work in action by visiting projects across Scotland.
The Committee will begin the series of visits by going to Stirling, Orkney and Aberdeen where they will explore how the private sector, third sector, social enterprises and local communities are working with local government to meet net zero targets.
Speaking ahead of the visits, Committee Convener, Dean Lockhart MSP, said: “So many of the key areas in helping Scotland reach its net zero targets sit with local government. Issues such as travel, housing, recycling and the circular economy have a huge impact on Scotland’s environment.
“But we know that local government can’t make this change alone. That is why we want to see how councils across Scotland are working with their communities and building relationships with business and the voluntary sector to embed these changes and make a difference to climate change.
“Our visits will allow us to see first-hand the positive work happening across this country as well as finding out what more needs to be done to make the net zero targets a reality.”
The Committee will be visiting Stirling tomorrow (23 May), Aberdeen on 30 May and Orkney on 6 June.
Payments made to over 3,000 children and young people across Scotland
More than £3.25 million has been issued in disability payments to children and young people since Child Disability Payment launched.It is estimated that as of 31 March 2022 a total of 3,050 children and young people were in receipt of the payment.
The total number receiving payments includes 555 people who have had their Disability Living Allowance for children payment transferred from the Department for Work and Pensions.
Figures for 26 July 2021 to 31 March 2022 include an initial pilot period where Child Disability Payment was only available in Dundee City, Perth and Kinross and the Western Isles local authority areas. The benefit opened to people across Scotland in November 2021. Payments began in February for children and young people whose awards transferred from DWP.
Almost three quarters (74%) of applications were made online, with 16% by phone.
Minister for Social Security Ben Macpherson said: “Social security is a shared investment in building a fairer Scotland and we encourage those who are eligible for support to apply.
“It is excellent to see that Child Disability Payment is already making a difference to the lives of thousands of children and young people, and their families. Families who find themselves in need of support can access this help in a way that suits them best.
“For the first time anywhere in the UK, we have an online application facility for applying for our disability benefits , and the high number of people choosing to use this demonstrates that we have been responsive to the way people want to access social security.
“We are determined to ensure there is a seamless process for all recipients whose payments are moving from DWP to Social Security Scotland, and we will continue to transfer cases in a safe and secure manner. Importantly, the process is automatic – people do not need to reapply and they will be kept informed at all times.”
Mark Ballard, Head of Policy for the National Deaf Children’s Society Scotland, said: “It’s been very important to have such positive and productive discussions with Social Security Scotland around our shared goal of making the new Child Disability Payment work for deaf children.
“Social Security Scotland has consistently taken on board our feedback, which is based on both the lived experience of the families we work with and our own specialist knowledge.
“We look forward to continuing to work with them to develop and enhance Scottish benefits for deaf children and their families.”
COP26 PRESIDENT ALOK SHARMA RETURNS TO GLASGOW TO DELIVER SPEECH
The First Minister will urge countries to ensure current strains placed on the international order, including by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, do not result in the promises made at COP26 being broken on a visit to the USA this week.
In a keynote address to the Brookings Institution in Washington DC, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon will today call on global partners to lead by example as they step up actions to keep global temperature rise below 1.5 degrees whilst addressing concerns over energy security.
The speech is part of a series of engagements the First Minister will undertake in Washington DC. In meetings with policymakers and business leaders, the First Minister will stress that policy and economic goals must align to ensure a just transition to a decarbonised economy.
The First Minister will also meet with Congressional Caucuses including the Caucus for Women’s Issues, the Friends of Scotland Caucus, the European Union Caucus and members who attended COP26.
During Monday’s address, the First Minister is expected to say: “Six months on from COP26, the world looks very different, but many of the challenges we faced then remain. As things stand, the world is on course to exceed both 1.5 degrees of global warming and the 2 degree threshold – and scientific consensus is overwhelming that this will be catastrophic.
“We have seen the rules-based international order come under increasing strain, made more severe due to Russia’s brutal, illegal and entirely unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. Many European nations are reassessing their defence and security priorities – however, the security debates in Europe are not just about military capabilities and strategic alliances. The invasion of Ukraine is also forcing countries in Europe to rethink long-held assumptions about energy policy and energy security.
“Countries must prioritise, as far as we can, an approach to energy security that focuses on sustainability, with measures to promote energy efficiency, and to accelerate the development renewable and low carbon energy. In many countries those options are already the most secure and sustainable ways of meeting our needs, and increasingly they are becoming the most affordable options too – for example wind power is already the cheapest form of power in Scotland’s energy mix.
“Scotland is positioning ourselves as a testbed for green technologies – we are the location for the world’s largest floating windfarm, we are an established centre for the development and testing of new wave and tidal technologies, we have developed plans to trial carbon capture and storage, and we produced a hydrogen action plan last year. Our hope is that this innovation can benefit other countries, and create jobs and opportunities at home in Scotland.
“We need to move at pace to develop clean energy sources and act in a way which shows solidarity with communities in our countries who might otherwise get left behind, and with the global south.
“Europe’s debates on energy security matter to the wider safety and security of the entire world. Where we can, will be a constructive partner in those discussions. We will lead by example in our own actions, we will contribute to international energy security, and we will work with allies across the globe as we strive, together, to build a fairer, more secure and more sustainable world.”
While the First Minister makes her speech in Washington, COP 26 President Alok Sharma will be speaking closer to home – he’s back in Glasgow, home of the COP 26 event …
COP President Alok Sharma marks six months since landmark COP26 conference with Glasgow speech
Mr Sharma expected to say that while Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine has put unprecedented pressure on global energy security, the fundamental challenge of climate change must remain a top priority of governments around the world
The event follows last week’s productive May Ministerial on Implementation, hosted by the Danish Government in Copenhagen and co-chaired by the UK and Egypt, as COP27 President-designate
COP President Alok Sharma will today (16 May 2022) return to Glasgow’s Scottish Event Campus to mark six months since the conclusion of COP26 to warn world leaders that failure to honour commitments made at COP26 would be an ‘act of monstrous self-harm’.
Mr Sharma will set out his vision for the second half of the UK’s COP Presidency, as he is joined by representatives from business, civil society and young people in Scotland, alongside a virtual global audience.
Mr Sharma will outline the crucial importance of addressing the chronic climate crisis alongside more immediate concerns.
He will say that the world is facing serious crises. Russia’s brutal and illegal invasion of Ukraine has shifted geopolitics. As governments are responding to rising prices, food and energy security challenges and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, Mr Sharma is also expected to say that ‘the current crises should increase, not diminish, our determination to deliver on what we agreed here at COP26, and honour the Glasgow Climate Pact.’ He is expected to urge world leaders to show that ‘though the world has changed our resolve has not’
The COP26 President is expected to stress the urgency of countries fulfilling promises made at COP26 and that the global community must move much faster in taking climate action over the next six months, than over the last. ‘Work to deliver on the commitments made here in Glasgow has quietly continued.’ he is expected to say, yet “we need every nation to pick up the pace”.
Mr Sharma will also outline the increasingly stark scientific warnings of the impacts of climate change as recently set out in two major reports by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
This evidence, Mr Sharma is expected to say, ‘demonstrates unequivocally that the window of time we have to act is closing fast, that we must urgently adapt and reduce emissions, because current targets are not enough.’
Mr Sharma will also highlight the devastation caused by extreme weather conditions around the world, including ongoing heatwaves in India and Pakistan, where a billion people have been exposed to extreme heat of almost 50C.
While welcoming progress made in the six months since COP26, Mr Sharma will look ahead to priorities in the lead up to COP27 and the UK’s work with Egypt to drive delivery ahead of the Summit in Sharm-El-Sheikh later this year.
Underscoring this urgent priority, Mr Sharma is expected to say: ‘Every country must respond to the call to revisit and strengthen their nationally determined contribution (NDC). And they must do so in 2022. The Glasgow Pact calls on countries to look again at their NDCs, not at some vague point in the future, but this year, in 2022.’
The Ministerial, held in Copenhagen on May 12 and 13, saw over 40 countries renew their urgent focus on implementation and practical action to deliver commitments and pledges made at COP26 and within the Glasgow Climate Pact.
At the meeting countries agreed that, despite the challenging global context, climate ambition and commitments remain serious and credible, from adapting to climate impacts, averting, minimising and addressing loss and damage, to reducing emissions and keeping 1.5C alive and mobilising finance.
Today, May 16, also sees the publication of the COP26 Sustainability Report, which demonstrates the lasting, positive legacy of COP26 on the city of Glasgow and beyond.
The report sets out the conference’s impact on Scottish charities and low-income families, including donations of 6,000 items of furniture, 15,000 square metres of carpets, and 600 laptops, some of which it is hoped will soon go to Ukrainian refugees.
It also confirms the UK’s achievement in implementing the International Standard for Event Sustainability Management making it the first COP summit to meet the international standard for carbon neutrality, PAS 2060.
