Political news

• Business chiefs flock to build bridges with Saudi prince

  09-03-2018 21:20 via ft.com
  British companies keen to help in delivering Mohammed bin Salman’s reforms
  
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• Sergei Skripal Probe: Salisbury Locals In Shock After Huge Military Convoy Arrives To Aid Investigation

  09-03-2018 21:11
  Around 180 troops have been deployed to Salisbury to aid with poisoned spy probeA huge military convoy has also been spotted in the city, shocking residents Police have also cordoned off the graves of Sergei Skripal’s late wife and sonHome Secretary Amber Rudd to chair meeting of government’s emergency Cobra committee tomorrow Skripal and his daughter Julia remain in a “critical condition” Hospitalised police officer Detective Sergeant Nick Bailey is also i
  
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• Legatum Institute parts ways with pro-Brexit trade expert

  09-03-2018 20:28 via ft.com
  Shanker Singham and team will join Institute of Economic Affairs after negative press
  
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• The unanswered questions over the attack on a Russian double agent

  09-03-2018 20:24 via ft.com
  The poisoning of Sergei Skripal involved the use of a nerve agent. With suspicion of Russian involvement, the attack strains relations between London and Moscow
  
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• Corbyn: Westminster bullying claims require independent investigation

  09-03-2018 19:50
  Comments follow allegations of bullying behaviour towards Commons clerks by MPsJeremy Corbyn has called for allegations of systematic bullying at Westminster to be independently investigated, with sanctions imposed against any MP found guilty of ill-treating House of Commons staff.But the Labour leader said he would not suspend Paul Farrelly, an MP alleged to have bullied Commons clerks, unless any claims against him were investigated and substantiated. Continue reading...
  
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• Saudi moves towards buying 48 Typhoon fighters from BAE

  09-03-2018 19:30 via ft.com
  A defence deal will prove controversial amid claims of involvement in Yemeni conflict
  
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• Children’s health demands a strong anti-obesity drive

  09-03-2018 19:28 via ft.com
  If voluntary cuts in food calories fail, compulsion should follow
  
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• Child health demands a strong anti-obesity drive

  09-03-2018 19:28 via ft.com
  If voluntary cuts in food calories fail, compulsion should follow
  
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• Jeremy Corbyn Locked In Brexit Row With Pro-EU Scottish Labour Members

  09-03-2018 18:51
  Jeremy Corbyn was on a collision course with pro-EU Scottish Labour members on Friday after flatly ruling out EU single market membership in the wake of a row. The Labour leader used a speech in Dundee to declare joining the single market would be “wrong” if it blocked his “radical plans” for public ownership. He chose to underline the policy after the party’s ruling body banned a motion on the issue due to take place on Sunday - something which has riled
  
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• Jeremy Corbyn Locked In Brexit Row With Pro-EU Arm Of Scottish Labour

  09-03-2018 18:51
  Jeremy Corbyn was on a collision course with pro-EU Scottish Labour members on Friday after flatly ruling out EU single market membership in the wake of a row. The Labour leader used a speech in Dundee to declare joining the single market would be “wrong” if it blocked his “radical plans” for public ownership. He chose to underline the policy after the party’s ruling body banned a motion on the issue due to take place on Sunday - something which has riled
  
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• 'A national disgrace': fury over £100m aid deal between UK and Saudi Arabia

  09-03-2018 18:26
  Unveiling of plan to create infrastructure in poor countries overshadowed by unease over Saudi role in Yemen conflictThe controversial aid deal between the UK and Saudi Arabia announced on Friday has been branded a “national disgrace”.Amid further outcry over Britain’s relationship with the Gulf state, government ministers have signed a £100m aid agreement with Riyadh to coincide with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to London this week. Continue reading...
  
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• How Corbyn Changed Politics By Empowering The Young

  09-03-2018 18:17
  Liam Young is an activist, writer and author of Rise: How Jeremy Corbyn Inspired the Young to Create a New Socialism.In this vlog for HuffPost UK, Liam explains how Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn revolutionised politics by energising Britain’s young voters in both leadership elections and last summer’s General Election - and why events like the Parkland school shooting show it’s more important than ever for young people to use their voices to change society.Rise: How Jeremy C
  
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• Stay and reform the EU is easier said than done | Letters

  09-03-2018 18:06
  Views on Brexit from Dr Michael Holmes, Ian James, Christopher Rainger, Yugo Kovach, Patrick Cosgrove and Derrick CameronI share Gary Younge’s assessment of Brexit (Opinion, 9 March) and the EU when he says, “I wish we hadn’t left; I wish it were much better”. The referendum highlighted that there are two rather dysfunctional unions, the European one and the UK. But there are two significant obstacles to reform of the EU. First, while there is wide agreement that it
  
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• Saudi Arabia nears Typhoon jet deal with BAE

  09-03-2018 18:05 via bbc.co.uk
  Saudi Arabia moves closer to a deal for 48 jets as Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman wraps up a UK visit.
  
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• Just A Quick Reminder: Transphobia Has No Place In Modern Feminism

  09-03-2018 18:04
  This week, we celebrated International Women’s Day - a day to reflect on the achievements of women around the world, and the strides we have taken towards equality. But of course, it was also a day to face up the enduring strength of the patriarchy, and bring women together for the next stage of the struggle. And make no mistake, for trans women like me, the fight for equality is far from over. For us, and for so many of our sisters, it’s not enough to come together just one day a ye
  
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• We Need A Mental Health Revolution To Secure Gender Equality

  09-03-2018 18:03
  This year, International Women’s Day, which was observed on Thursday, is poised to be one of the most widely celebrated in its history.The past twelve months have seen women’s rights take centre stage as stories of sexual harassment, abuse and discrimination have shaken several industries out of their patriarchal indifference to gender equality. The #MeToo and #TimesUp movements, instigated by celebrities, have given ordinary women a platform to add their voices to the chorus of chan
  
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• We Need To Fully Understand The Extent Of Loneliness To Know How To Tackle It

  09-03-2018 18:00
  At some time or another we’ve all felt lonely. Usually it’s just temporary, but for some it can become chronic, with serious consequences for well-being and even health. Loneliness has been in the news a lot recently, with the appointment of the world’s first minister for loneliness in the UK and the work of the Jo Cox Commission on Loneliness, continuing the venture started by the British MP before she was murdered in 2016.  For the first time loneliness is being ope
  
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• 'The Voice' Coaches Fail To Hide Who They Want To Win This Year's Series

  09-03-2018 17:57
  We’re still quite a way off this year’s final of ‘The Voice UK’, but it seems like we may already have our winner - at least if the coaches (very unsubtle) predictions are anything to go by. Will.i.am, Jennifer Hudson, Sir Tom Jones and Olly Murs are tipping 16-year-old Donel Mangena, who has proved to be one to watch on the ITV talent show this year, for big things. When the coaches dropped by the ‘BUILD’ studio for a chat about the series, we press
  
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• BME label insulting, says ex-minister Priti Patel

  09-03-2018 17:54 via bbc.co.uk
  Former cabinet minister says common acronym for black and minority ethnic people is "insulting".
  
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• The Law Must Protect All Victims Of Image-Based Sexual Abuse - Not Just Upskirting

  09-03-2018 17:53
  Significant progress has been made this week in the campaign to introduce a new law criminalising ‘upskirting’, with Wera Hobhouse MP laying before Parliament a new Bill to update our voyeurism laws. A great result from many months of campaigning pointing out that current laws on outraging public decency are neither appropriate nor effective. Victims’ voices, spearheaded by Gina Martin, are being heard, with change afoot.If this Bill were to be adopted, it would be a welcome st
  
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• Can Tech Giants Be Global Agents Of Change For Women?

  09-03-2018 17:43
  In recent weeks, Google, Amazon, and Apple announced plans to launch technology partnerships in Saudi Arabia. Tech firms have already come under scrutiny for alleged gender pay discrimination and for fostering work environments hostile to women professionals. Now they seek to expand their businesses in a country that has a well-known track record for oppressing its female population.What are the legal, ethical, and corporate social responsibilities of publicly traded companies that invest in cou
  
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• I Am 28 And Have Never Owned A Smartphone

  09-03-2018 17:40
  In Autumn 2008, a university friend was one of the ‘lucky’ early possessors of the first iPhone. I paid a passing interest as my friend was clearly proud of it - and made sure to give it the attention he felt it deserved - but with no desire of one of my own; the same way I might act when shown pictures of a colleague’s child.Ten years, and various iterations of the iPhone later, I still do not have one. In my pocket, I carry a Nokia C2-01. I own it outright with a monthly cost
  
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• 'We're Lucky For Now' - What It's Like To Run School Shooting Drills As A Teacher

  09-03-2018 17:34
  There’s a tannoy system at my school in DC. And that intercom has become the bane of my life: I swear, most of the whole-school messages could have been directed just to one classroom’s tannoy, or sent via email. It’s the spring of 2013. It’s been irritating me for years. Perhaps it will be silent for just a few hours. But, nope. Interrupt me again, why don’t you?It bleeps. I only half pay attention. I’m trying to teach multiplication tables to not-overly enth
  
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• We Need To Make Politics Less ‘Do Or Die’ If We Want To Encourage The Young To Take Part

  09-03-2018 17:14
  Recently, I have been reflecting on my time in politics and it has shocked me to realise how long I have stuck around for – ten years as a Conservative Party member and seven years as an elected Councillor. What has shocked me more, however, is thinking back to how few of the younger members I’ve grown up with are still actively involved.I know plenty of young, politically interested people across all parties and they are genuinely inspiring. Many of these young members are some of t
  
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• Parents Vs The Porn Industry Isn't A Fair Fight

  09-03-2018 17:12
  A French pornography performer has taken to Twitter to slam parents for failing to teach their children about sex. After receiving messages of a sexual nature from boys as young as twelve, Nikita Belluci wrote, “I’m getting sick of educating your kids. There is a complete lack of teaching and prevention, and it’s not our job to educate your kids.”“Reflect on what your kids are doing in private, and the consequences of that.”Belluci’s sentiments have been
  
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• Has The Extinction Event Already Begun For Minority Subjects In UK Education?

  09-03-2018 17:09
  I was recently explaining to my students that the asteroid that killed the dinosaurs was not the only event that caused their demise. For thousands of years the climate had been changing, resources such as water and food were becoming scarcer and volcanic activity was changing the atmosphere. That is not to say that the asteroid did not play a part, it just did not result in all dinosaurs dying the day after impact. It would have been a long drawn out process over millennia and generations. It w
  
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• UK may have breached human rights over Grenfell Tower, says UN

  09-03-2018 17:07
  Special rapporteur says views of survivors have not been heard before and after the fire
  The UK government may have failed to comply with its international human rights obligations over the Grenfell Tower fire, which killed 79 people and left hundreds homeless, the United Nations’ housing investigator has said.Leilani Farha, the UN special rapporteur on the right to adequate housing, told the Guardian she was concerned that international human rights standards on housing safety may have be
  
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• More Than 33,500 People Ask The Government To ‘Get A Grip’ On PIP

  09-03-2018 16:58
  Over 33,500 people have sent a message to the Government to get a grip on a key disability benefit by protecting people with Parkinson’s from nightmarish assessments.By signing Parkinson’s UK’s petition, which we handed in to Downing Street this week, the thousands of voices are calling on the Government to end stressful and unnecessary Personal Independence Payment (PIP) assessments for people with Parkinson’s – a condition that will only get worse. We know that a
  
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• Rediscovering Mothers' Day

  09-03-2018 16:57
  Life is a roller-coaster or, at least, that’s what the venerable Mr Ronan Keating once told us.I must admit I’m not a huge fan of the former Boyzone singer’s work – just not my cup of proverbial hot liquid. That said, I must agree with the sentiment of his song.Life IS a roller-coaster. It has ups and downs aplenty, taking you from the highest of highs to the lowest of lows.For me, the lowest of lows would be the death of my mother (some 18 years ago) struck down by
  
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• Saudi Arabia: Shura Council's Hoda Al-Helaissi on women's rights

  09-03-2018 16:54 via bbc.co.uk
  A member of Saudi Arabia's Shura Council challenges how long it took for British women to achieve levels of equality.
  
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• Slovenian philosopher Slavoj Zizek on the political Left

  09-03-2018 16:52 via bbc.co.uk
  Slovenian philosopher Slavoj Zizek looked at how to rejuvenate the fortunes of left-leaning political parties.
  
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• Corbyn: Labour Brexit approach 'sensible'

  09-03-2018 16:30 via bbc.co.uk
  The Labour leader was speaking at his party's Scottish conference, which has featured a row over single market membership.
  
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• Brexit: Scotland and Wales face battle for fish and farm policy

  09-03-2018 16:09
  Quotas and subsidies among 24 areas Westminster says will need UK-wide control after Brexit
  The UK government has told Scottish and Welsh ministers they are likely to be barred from controlling policy in areas such as genetically modified crops, fishing quotas and farm payments after Brexit. Mike Russell, Scotland’s Brexit minister, accused Westminster of undermining the constitution after the Cabinet Office published a list of 24 areas it said were likely to need UK-wide common agreements
  
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• Week in Review: Back to the Cold War

  09-03-2018 16:01
  
  It feels like a return to the past, but the latest Russian scandal reflects a more dangerous present.
  
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• Westminster must take responsibility for a bullying culture

  09-03-2018 16:00 via ft.com
  Most parliamentarians are excellent mentors, but too often bad behaviour is ignored
  
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• John McDonnell: Ministers 'must wake up' to austerity misery

  09-03-2018 15:57 via bbc.co.uk
  The shadow chancellor says "abstract national figures" don't show "pain" of spending cuts.
  
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• New PlayStation Update Includes Play Time Management For Parents

  09-03-2018 15:40
  The latest software update for the PlayStation 4 has arrived and while we wouldn’t normally cover a simple update, version 5.50 does introduce a very useful new tool for parentsStarting today, parents will now have the option to impose a time limit on their children when using the PlayStation 4 console. Once the limit is reached the child can no longer launch any games and will be booted out of any games they’re currently playing.The feature, called Play Time Management lets parents
  
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• After Losing My Boyfriend I Want To Find Hope For Others With Mental Illness

  09-03-2018 15:11
  For someone who was about to embark on a 300 mile Sport Relief bike ride my thought process on the start line at Blackpool was remarkably simple.Don’t fall off.I’d been introduced to the cleats a few weeks earlier - not a three piece folk band, but a two piece device designed to keep your feet attached to the pedals to make you more of an efficient power generator.Only trouble is, when you stop you have to do a funny manoeuvre in order not to fall flat on your face - a technique whic
  
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• Ministers question 'latte levy' on cups

  09-03-2018 15:09 via bbc.co.uk
  The government says it is better for coffee shops to offer discounts to those who bring their own cups.
  
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• What does Theresa May really think about Brexit?

  09-03-2018 14:49 via ft.com
  British prime minister has evaded giving a straight answer
  
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• UK ministers want temporary control of devolved areas post-Brexit

  09-03-2018 14:40 via bbc.co.uk
  Ministers say they will need temporary control over 24 devolved areas after the UK leaves the EU.
  
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• GKN takeover row reveals UK doubts about open markets

  09-03-2018 14:26 via ft.com
  Britain is haunted by past industrial decline and the buccaneering raids of the 1980s
  
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• Holyrood vexed by return of MSP who apologised for harassing women

  09-03-2018 14:17
  Mark McDonald’s decision to continue as independent after resigning from SNP prompts widespread angerWomen from across Scotland’s political spectrum have described their growing anger and frustration at Mark McDonald, the former childcare minister who resigned from the Scottish National party over inappropriate behaviour but refuses to stand down from parliament.McDonald resigned from the SNP on Tuesday after an internal party investigation found he was responsible for persistent and
  
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• Crémant's Popularity Is Rising In UK, Here's The Lowdown On Prosecco's Rival

  09-03-2018 14:15
  Move over Prosecco, sales of French crémant are on the rise in the UK - and there’s no stopping the underdog now. Earlier this month Waitrose revealed crémant sales were up 72% last year compared to 2016, and up 28% so far this year. Majestic wine and Marks and Spencer also saw an increase. The sparkling wine provides a cheaper alternative to Champagne and is drier than Prosecco (great news if you don’t have a sweet tooth). Katie Smith, wine developm
  
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• Downing St 'concern' at MP bullying claims

  09-03-2018 14:07 via bbc.co.uk
  PM's spokesman responds to a BBC Newsnight report into complaints Commons staff were bullied by MPs.
  
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• Theresa May 'Concerned' Over Claims MPs Bullied Commons Staff

  09-03-2018 13:33
  Theresa May is “concerned” over reports of bullying of Commons staff by MPs - including Speaker John Bercow, a Downing Street spokesman said today.But the PM has “confidence” in Bercow - who has denied any wrongdoing - to continue in his role, despite a BBC Newsnight report which claimed one female clerk suffered post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after working for him. “The report from Newsnight is concerning,” the spokesman said.“The prime mini
  
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• Donald Trump’s Import Tariffs Could Be Seriously Bad News For Post-Brexit Britain

  09-03-2018 13:21
  Donald Trump’s steel tariffs could have a devastating effect on the UK steel industry - and could compound the possible negative economic effects of Brexit, campaigners have warned.The measure, which the US President said was aimed at protecting national security and American jobs, could trigger a full-blown trade war if the European Union responds with countermeasures.This could have a significant impact on the UK, at a time when the government is anxious to secure a “mutually
  
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• UK to seek exemption from US steel tariffs

  09-03-2018 13:11 via bbc.co.uk
  International Trade Secretary Liam Fox will visit Washington to discuss President Trump's tariffs.
  
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• Mum Whose Child Died After Being Turned Away By GP For Being Late, Calls For Change On 'Good Morning Britain'

  09-03-2018 13:09
  The mother of a five-year-old who died of an asthma attack after being turned away from a GP appointment because she arrived late, is calling for a change in the way emergency appointments are handled. Shanice Clark, who was with her daughter Ellie-May when they arrived 10 minutes late to the appointment back in January 2015, said she wished she stood her ground at the time. “I think there needs to be procedures put in place that emergency appointments don’t get turned
  
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• Super Smash Bros. Announced For Nintendo Switch In 2018

  09-03-2018 13:05
  One of Nintendo’s most-loved games, Super Smash Bros, is coming to the Switch in 2018, the company announced.Nintendo confirmed the game with a mysterious launch trailer that shows two new characters from the game Splatoon 2 duking it out with each other.The world goes dark and the flaming symbol of the Smash Bros. series can then be seen floating above an ensemble of characters.Nintendo hasn’t confirmed exactly when the game will be launching but we do know it will be some time this
  
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