Political news

• Hillfoot Train Station Death Sparks Police Appeal For Help In Identifying Mystery Man

  28-10-2017 22:45
  Police are appealing for help to identify a man who died after being hit by a train in Glasgow on Friday.The man, who is in his mid twenties and has a heavy build, died shortly before 8.15pm at Hillfoot Station.Police said that “extensive enquiries” have been undertaken in order to identify the man, but to no avail.His death is not being treated as suspicious.The man is described as approximately 5ft8, with facial stubble and short brown hair.He was wearing a grey North Face top with
  
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• Tory donors tell May: no deal is better than a bad Brexit

  28-10-2017 22:30
  Senior supporters urge prime minister to keep open the option of walking away from negotiations with BrusselsSenior Tory donors have warned that Theresa May should walk away from Brexit talks rather than accept an “unsatisfactory and unfavourable deal” that would poison relations with Europe for another generation.In a sign of growing frustration among pro-Brexit Tories over the lack of progress made in talks with Brussels, one donor said he feared some pro-Remain cabinet ministers w
  
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• Self-Employed Universal Credit Claimants Told They're 'Better Off Jobless'

  28-10-2017 22:00
  Self-employed people claiming in-work benefits through Universal Credit have been told by government advisors they’d be better off jobless, risking further turmoil for the crisis-hit benefit reform.The shock advice emerged as thousands of sole traders, from window cleaners to hairdressers and others, move onto the flagship programme to receive entitlements such as working tax credits.But the changes introduce demands so stringent some entrepreneurs are being told they may as well shut down
  
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• Sopranos Actress Annabella Sciorra Accuses Harvey Weinstein Of Rape

  28-10-2017 21:54
  Actress Annabella Sciorra, who appeared in the popular US TV series The Sopranos, has become the latest woman to accuse disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein of rape.The Italian-American actress told The New Yorker that Weinstein also harassed her years after the alleged incident, which she says happened in 1992 after he allegedly forced his way into her flat one night.Sciorra said that Weinstein “shoved” her onto the bed before getting on top of her and forcing intercourse o
  
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• Threat Of North Korea Nuclear Attack 'Accelerating', US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis Warns

  28-10-2017 20:46
  The threat of nuclear attack from North Korea is increasing, US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis said on Saturday.During a trip to North Korea, Mattis said that the the US would never accept the state as a nuclear power, adding that any use of military weapons would result in a “massive military response” from the White House.Mattis has been at pains during his week-long trip to Asia to stress that diplomacy is America’s preferred course as tensions between Washington and Pyongyang
  
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• MPs who abuse women 'must be held to account' - Jeremy Corbyn

  28-10-2017 19:14 via bbc.co.uk
  The Labour leader says a "culture" that tolerates harassment also exists at Westminster.
  
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• Universal credit is an attack on aspiration

  28-10-2017 19:00
  The new benefit is right in principle, but damaging in practice
  
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• Barack Obama To Show Up For Jury Duty After Being Called To Serve In Cook County

  28-10-2017 18:30
  Barack Obama reportedly plans to show up for jury duty next month after being called to serve in Illinois.The former US President has said that he will fulfill his obligations on the jury, the chief judge of Cook County Circuit Court said on Friday.“He made it crystal-clear to me through his representative that he would carry out his public duty as a citizen and resident of this community,” Tim Evans, chief judge of the court, told the Chicago Tribune.“Obviously we will ma
  
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• Jeremy Corbyn: sexually abusive MPs must be held to account

  28-10-2017 17:07
  Labour leader urges anyone with complaints to tell their party organisations, Commons authorities or policeA “warped and degrading culture” of sexual harassment and abuse exists and thrives in Westminster, Jeremy Corbyn has said.In a speech to members of the Unite union in Scotland, the Labour leader urged anyone who has experienced harassment or abuse to come forward. Continue reading...
  
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• Noxious Odour In Seaford Causes Stinging Eyes And Nausea As Residents Told To Stay Indoors

  28-10-2017 16:56
  Residents in Seaford were told to stay indoors after reports of a noxious odour led some to complain of stinging eyes and nausea.Emergency services advised people to keep doors and windows shut after several people contacted Sussex Police on Friday to say they smelt “burning plastic”.The odour was first noticed in The Ridings area at about 6pm but failed to disperse, Sussex Police said.East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said on Saturday that they had been unable to ascertain the sou
  
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• Catalans Urged To Oppose Spanish Government's Takeover By Sacked President Carles Puigdemont

  28-10-2017 16:46
  Catalonia’s sacked president has urged the region’s people to show “democratic opposition” to Spain’s takeover after Madrid fired the region’s government for declaring independence.The Spanish Government took the unprecedented step of dissolving  Catalonia’s parliament on Friday after it passed a motion declaring independence that triggered jubilation in Barcelona and anger in the capital.It is Spain’s worst constitutional crisis for 40 years.
  
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• Gove sparks outcry for Weinstein joke that 'trivialises sexual assault'

  28-10-2017 15:53
  MP criticised for comparing Today programme interview with John Humphrys to entering the film producer’s bedroomMichael Gove has apologised following an outcry over an ill-judged joke comparing tough interviews on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme to going into Harvey Weinstein’s bedroom.The environment secretary said his “clumsy attempt at humour ... wasn’t appropriate. I’m sorry and apologise unreservedly.” Continue reading...
  
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• Police Halloween Crackdown On Motorcyclists Driving 'Recklessly' In London In Organised 'Ride Out' Events

  28-10-2017 15:36
  Police are planning a crackdown on anti-social behaviour over the Halloween period carried out by “ruthless” motorcyclists in central London.The operation comes after police attended “ride out” events for the past two years, which saw large numbers of motorcyclists gathered in several locations across the capital and rest of UK.The Metropolitan Police Service said the drivers’ intent was to “cause disruption and anti-social behaviour”.Such incidents incl
  
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• Anti-abortion Life charity will get cash from UK tampon tax

  28-10-2017 15:35
  Government confirms group will receive £250,000 despite outcry from MPs and women’s groupsThe government has confirmed that it is to award a quarter of a million pounds from an unpopular levy on women’s sanitary products to an anti-abortion organisation, despite objections from women’s groups and MPs.There was an outcry earlier this year after the Observer revealed that £250,000 of the money raised from the so-called tampon tax – the 5% rate of VAT that is lev
  
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• Michael Gove apologises for 'clumsy' Weinstein joke on Today

  28-10-2017 14:07 via bbc.co.uk
  The minister says comparing a BBC interview with a Harvey Weinstein encounter was an "attempt at humour".
  
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• Woody Harrelson’s Dinner Date With Donald Trump Did Not End Well

  28-10-2017 13:53
  Actor Woody Harrelson has recalled the “brutal” meal he once had with President Donald Trump.
  On Friday’s broadcast of “Real Time with Bill Maher,” the star of the upcoming Lyndon B. Johnson biopic “LBJ” explained how he was invited along to the 2002 dinner with the future president by retired pro-wrestler Jesse Ventura.Trump was trying to convince Ventura to be his running mate on the 2004 Democratic presidential ticket, said Harrels
  
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• UK Weather Forecast Predicts First Widespread Frost Of The Autumn

  28-10-2017 13:36
  Temperatures could fall as low as minus 4C (25F) this weekend as the autumn’s first widespread frost spreads across the country.Sunday night will see temperatures plummet, with many people waking up to frost on the ground on Monday morning. Parts of Scotland will get down to minus 2C (28F) and minus 3C (27F) on Sunday night, with Met Office forecaster Greg Dewhurst warning it could get as low as minus 4C (25F), the Press Association reports.It's already rather #chilly out there for so
  
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• World Psoriasis Day: This Is What People With Psoriasis Want You To Know

  28-10-2017 12:48
  “The impact the condition has on your mental wellbeing is often overlooked.”Pete, 32, began suffering from psoriasis at the age of eight.“I suffer with psoriasis on my face, scalp, ears, back, legs, knees, arms and elbows so hiding it from public view is at most times impossible.“I often find myself being very self-conscious, covering my skin to avoid awkward looks from the scars left by the condition, which are a permanent reminder that this autoimmune disease will be wi
  
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• Tory Eurosceptics ‘reassured’ by ministers over Brexit

  28-10-2017 12:46
  Leave campaigner Matthew Elliott reportedly joining Conservative headquarters
  
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• Trident Submarine HMS Vigilant Crew Discharged After 'Testing Positive For Cocaine'

  28-10-2017 12:38
  Nine service personnel on a nuclear submarine have been discharged from the Royal Navy after testing positive for drugs.Compulsory drugs tests on HMS Vigilant – one of four Vanguard Class submarines which maintain the UK’s nuclear deterrent – produced nine positive results, leading to nine individuals being discharged, the Press Association reports.A Royal Navy spokesman said: “We do not tolerate drugs misuse by service personnel. Those found to have fallen short of our h
  
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• Gove makes Harvey Weinstein 'joke'

  28-10-2017 12:34 via bbc.co.uk
  The environment secretary compared appearing on the Today programme to encountering Harvey Weinstein.
  
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• ‘Strictly Come Dancing’s Susan Calman Receives Message From Daenerys Targaryen Ahead Of ‘GoT’-Themed Dance

  28-10-2017 12:20
  There’s nothing better than when two seemingly-mismatched areas of the entertainment world meet, which is why this video uploaded by Susan Calman has made our day.The ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ star is taking on a ‘Game Of Thrones’-themed dance to ‘Killer Queen’ for tonight’s (Saturday 28 October) Halloween special - something that we’ve already been shrieking with excitement about - so who better to send a good luck message than Daenerys Targar
  
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• Labour MP Frank Field calls for pension freedoms to be restricted

  28-10-2017 11:35
  Retirees blowing funds and falling back on the state, says pensions committee chief
  
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• Michael Gove Jokes About Harvey Weinstein Allegations During Today Programme Tribute

  28-10-2017 11:09
  Michael Gove has been criticised for joking about the sex abuse and harassment allegations against Harvey Weinstein during a radio appearance.The minister and former journalist appeared on the 60th anniversary special edition of The Today Programme on Satuday and said submitting to interview by host John Humphrys was “like going into Harvey Weinstein’s bedroom - just pray you emerge with your dignity intact.”Going into the studio is “like going into Harvey Weinstein&
  
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• ‘Strictly Come Dancing’: Anton Du Beke Weighs In On Same-Sex Couples Row

  28-10-2017 10:49
  Anton Du Beke has become the latest star to wade into the ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ same-sex couples row, giving his verdict on whether competing celebrities should be allowed to be paired with someone of the same gender.The discussion has been ongoing during the current series, and the likes of Susan Calman, Judge Rinder and Will Young have all had their say on the matter.Now, veteran pro dancer Anton has shared his thoughts, expressing concern over how same-sex couples would affect t
  
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• Michael Gove's Harvey Weinstein Joke Called 'Appalling' As Minister Apologises For 'Clumsy' Humour

  28-10-2017 10:42
  Michael Gove has been criticised for joking about the sex abuse and harassment allegations against Harvey Weinstein during a radio appearance.The minister and former journalist appeared on the 60th anniversary special edition of The Today Programme on Saturday and said submitting to interview by host John Humphrys was “like going into Harvey Weinstein’s bedroom - just pray you emerge with your dignity intact.”Former Labour leader Neil Kinnock, who appeared alongside Gove,
  
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• Russell Brand On Why Economics Will Never Change The World (And What Actually Can)

  28-10-2017 10:13
  Part-comedian, part-activist, part-political commentator, Russell Brand is not afraid of attempting to answer some of life’s biggest questions.In his ‘Re:Birth’ show, the 42-year-old takes on a series humongous topics each night, using audience participation as a vehicle for conversations on everything from - in no particular order - modern media, politics and addiction, to sex, fatherhood and death.And while this might initially seem like a lot for one man to take on in one ev
  
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• ‘Coronation Street’ Spoilers: Pat Phelan Actor Connor McIntyre Reveals What’s Next After Double Murder

  28-10-2017 09:57
  Just when we thought Pat Phelan couldn’t possibly get any worse in ‘Coronation Street’, Friday’s (27 October) episode saw him orchestrate a double murder.After forcing Andy Carver to shoot Vinny Ashford, Pat went back on his promise to free Andy and turned the gun on him too, before dumping both of their bodies into a lake.Following the explosive scenes, Connor McIntyre - who plays Phelan - has revealed at what’s to come, hinting that his character will face justice
  
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• 24 Hours In A 'No-Deal' Brexit Britain

  28-10-2017 09:33
  517 days and counting...That’s how long Britain has to negotiate a deal with the EU -  and make no mistake, every single second of it will count.Just this week Brexit Secretary, David Davis, said: “It’s no secret that the way the EU makes its decisions tends to be at the 59th minute of the 11th hour of the 11th day and so on.“That’s precisely what I expect to happen here.”Tweets by brexitcountdow1With a bit of luck and some silver-tongued negotiating from
  
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• Jeremy Corbyn Condemns 'Warped And Degrading' Westminster As MPs Accused Of Sexual Misconduct

  28-10-2017 08:59
  MPs who engage in the abuse and sexual harassment of women must be held accountable for their actions, Jeremy Corbyn will warn.The Labour leader says a “warped and degrading culture” – where the abuse of women is accepted and normalised – is thriving in the corridors of power.His warning comes as it was reported that four MPs, including a minister, had been caught up in allegations of sexual misconduct at Westminster, The Press Association reports.The MPs, two Labour and
  
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• Britain is caught in a storm. We shall need to make the best of things | Ian Jack

  28-10-2017 07:00
  Brexit teaches a frightening lesson in the pain of separation. Is there more to come of the same? The Scottish referendum was held only a little more than three years ago, but it belongs to a different political age – the all-male era of Cameron, Clegg, Miliband, Osborne and Salmond – and in my case, a different emotional one. In the run-up to the yes/no vote on Scottish independence, I wrote a long piece on what Britain meant to me as a place and Britishness as an identity, ending w
  
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• Hurricane Irma: Aid rule change to be considered

  28-10-2017 06:17 via bbc.co.uk
  Some islands that were hit by Hurricane Irma were deemed too wealthy to qualify for aid.
  
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• Unpicking the Universal Credit crisis and Brexit wars, continued

  28-10-2017 03:19
  Is the government's welfare programme about to come off the rails, or can tweaks be made to ensure the poorest in society receive the support they need?
  
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• Robert Mueller’s Russia Election Meddling Probe Files First Charges

  28-10-2017 03:05
  The first charges have been filed in Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation into alleged Russian meddling in the 2016 US presidential election.Anyone charged could be arrested as soon as Monday, reports CNN.The documents, approved by a federal grand jury in Washington, are sealed under orders from a federal judge, the network said.It is not known what the charges are at this time or who they relate to, reports Reuters.Mueller has filed charges? Arrests as soon as Monday? We're
  
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• First Charges Filed In Robert Mueller’s Russia Election Meddling Probe

  28-10-2017 03:05
  The first charges have been filed in Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation into alleged Russian meddling in the 2016 US presidential election.Anyone charged could be arrested as soon as Monday, reports CNN.The documents, approved by a federal grand jury in Washington, are sealed under orders from a federal judge, the network said.It is not known what the charges are at this time or who they relate to, reports Reuters.Mueller has filed charges? Arrests as soon as Monday? We're
  
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• Canvey Island: An Essex community's independence bid

  28-10-2017 02:42 via bbc.co.uk
  Canvey Island in Essex is calling for independence from the rest of the county.
  
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• UK at risk as more than 500,000 missing out on flu jab, says Labour

  28-10-2017 01:01
  Government is accused of failing to take threat seriously after vaccination targets missed and publicity spending cutMore than half a million adults over 65 and almost 350,000 toddlers could miss out on their flu vaccinations after a failure to meet government targets, Labour has said.The warning comes amid fears that Britain could be hit by its biggest flu outbreak in years this winter following major outbreaks in Australia and New Zealand.Continue reading...
  
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• Sexual harassment claims still not being taken seriously, say MPs

  28-10-2017 00:21
  Several parliamentarians believe staff members are set to go public, which could lead to ‘number of resignations’Senior MPs have raised complaints that allegations of sexual harassment are still not being taken seriously enough by their parties and whips despite years of warnings about inappropriate behaviour in Westminster, the Guardian has learned.MPs made their fears known to their parties after the Labour MP Jared O’Mara was suspended over allegations of misogynistic abuse,
  
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