Fears about the Indian variant and a ceasefire in the Middle East
Indian Strain The Indian variant of Covid-19 is unsettling many in Whitehall. Just as Boris Johnson was announcing the relaxation of Covid rules across England, others, primarily SAGE scientists, were raising their concerns over the new variant. The new, highly transmissible, mutation is most prevalent in Bolton, where local authorities have broken with government advice […]
The Queen’s Speech, election fallout and trouble in the Middle East
The Queen’s Speech The Queen’s Speech outlined a number of government priorities for the coming year. In a stripped down version of the traditional ceremony, the Queen appeared without the pomp and ceremony that usually surrounds this event. Opting for a Bentley over bloodstock and a hat instead of the crown. The priorities for this […]
Smith Square Special: Election results and what they mean
Mayoral Results As widely predicted, Sadiq Khan (Labour) won his second term as Mayor of London rather comfortably. He won 55.5% of the popular vote after heading into a run-off with Conservative candidate Shaun Bailey. In third place was Green Party candidate, Sian Berry. Further down the scoresheet were the Liberal Democrats who lost their […]
Mayoral Elections, Sleaze Scandal and India in need
Boris denies sleaze allegations Leading the week are allegations that the PM said: “let bodies pile high in their thousands” in reference to avoiding a third national lockdown. He and his allies are denying the allegations. The trouble is, not many people believe the Prime Minister, after all, he does have a checkered history of […]
Green New Deal, an Indian variant and fears for European football
Boris cancels trip to India Prime Minister Boris Johnson has cancelled a scheduled trip to India this week after the emergence of a new variant in the country was linked to India’s recent surge in Covid cases. The country has been reporting over 200,000 cases per day since the middle of April, the capital Delhi […]
Troops out of Afghanistan and more Greensill gossip
Dame Shirley Williams Former Labour cabinet minister and one of the ‘Gang of Four’ Baroness Shirley Williams has died at the age of 90. A former Paymaster General and Secretary of State for Education when a Labour MP, Shirley left the Party in 1981 and formed the SDP along with Roy Jenkins, David Owen and […]
Tensions in Northern Ireland and over the vaccine, tributes paid to Dame Cheryl Gillan
Dame Cheryl Gillan The Conservative MP for Chesham and Amersham, Dame Cheryl Gillan, has died at the age of 68. The former Secretary of State for Wales had been an MP since 1992 and was joint Chair of the 1922 Committee. After her initial election, she was a minister at the Department of Education in John Major’s government, […]
George Floyd’s trial, vaccinations and trouble in the Suez Canal
George Floyd’s murder trial begins Court proceedings against the policeman on trial for the murder of George Floyd began in central Minneapolis this week. Derek Chauvin, who denies murder and manslaughter charges, could face up to 40 years in prison if found guilty. Mr Floyd’s death sparked protests around the world, with demonstrators […]
Back-tracking Boris, Asylum reform and Sturgeon the survivor
Reform to asylum seeker rules imminent Home Secretary Priti Patel has announced landmark reforms to the process by which those seeking to claim asylum in the UK can do so. The reforms, which Labour say lack both compassion and competence, afford greater entitlements to those who arrive in the UK through the proper channels rather […]
A by-election, falling emissions and Global Britain
Hill resignation triggers red wall election Hartlepool MP Mike Hill has resigned with ‘immediate effect’ after it was revealed he had used taxpayer money to challenge sexual harassment claims made against him. The 57-year-old Labour MP’s resignation comes two years after he was suspended by the Party over allegations of sexual harassment and unfair dismissal and four years after […]