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Petroineos announced the refinery would cease operations in the second quarter of next year.
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As Keir Starmer prepares for the Labour conference in Liverpool, he confronts significant challenges, including public discontent and economic difficulties. Despite a historic election victory, Labour's narrative struggles to inspire hope amid concerns over cronyism and fiscal constraints. Starmer's performance will be crucial for shaping the party's future direction.
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Labour's Jonathan Reynolds has announced plans for an Employment Rights Bill aimed at enhancing workers' rights, including a default right to flexible working and protections against unfair dismissal. This comes as Amazon mandates a full return to office work, igniting a debate on workplace culture and productivity.
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A group of prominent Republicans, including former officials, have publicly endorsed Kamala Harris for president, citing Donald Trump's behavior and policies as disqualifying. The letter highlights concerns over Trump's affinity for authoritarianism and his actions surrounding the January 6 Capitol attack. This endorsement aims to attract moderate Republicans and independents ahead of the election.
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On August 14, 2024, the Scottish government announced the end of universal winter fuel payments for pensioners, shifting to a means-tested system. This decision follows significant funding cuts from the UK government, leading to broader spending restrictions in Scotland. The new policy will impact around 900,000 pensioners this winter.
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A recent fire in Dagenham, London, has reignited concerns over building safety and the slow pace of cladding remediation since the Grenfell Tower disaster. Despite legislation aimed at improving safety, many buildings remain at risk, leaving residents in fear. The final report of the Grenfell Inquiry is set to be published soon.
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Japan and the UK are both considering four-day workweeks to improve work-life balance and address labor shortages. Japan's initiative has seen slow adoption, while the UK government is proposing legislation to allow employees to request compressed hours. Both countries face cultural and economic challenges in implementing these changes.
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Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner faced criticism for dancing at an Ibiza superclub after a meeting with mayors. She defended her actions, highlighting the scrutiny women in politics face. Michael Gove supported her, suggesting critics should 'lighten up.' Rayner is set to return to Parliament on Monday.
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Angela Rayner, Deputy Prime Minister, has ruled out scrapping the Right to Buy scheme but promises reforms to prevent depletion of social housing. Local councils are urging for an overhaul, citing a £2.2 billion shortfall in housing budgets by 2028. The government is reviewing the scheme amid rising concerns over housing availability.
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In the ongoing Conservative leadership contest, Robert Jenrick leads with 28 votes, while Priti Patel has been eliminated. The contest coincides with the release of the Grenfell Tower inquiry report, which found systemic failures leading to the tragedy that claimed 72 lives in 2017. Angela Rayner is also proposing changes to housing policy.
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Seven years after the Grenfell Tower fire, over 2,000 buildings in the UK still have unsafe cladding. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Housing Secretary Angela Rayner express frustration over the slow remediation process, emphasizing the need for urgent action to protect residents. A recent inquiry report highlights systemic failures in safety regulations.
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Angela Rayner, the Deputy Prime Minister, has come under fire for dancing in Ibiza, sparking a debate about gender bias in political scrutiny. Critics, including former Tory MP Nadine Dorries, have condemned her actions, while Rayner defends her right to enjoy downtime. This incident highlights ongoing issues of misogyny in politics.
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The UK government has introduced the Renters' Rights Bill, aiming to ban no-fault evictions and enhance tenant protections. Key provisions include outlawing rental bidding wars and preventing discrimination against tenants on benefits. The bill is expected to be debated in Parliament soon, with hopes for implementation by summer 2025.
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As the TUC conference opens in Brighton, unions demand reforms to address £2 billion in lost holiday pay and exploitative working practices. General Secretary Paul Nowak emphasizes the need for a Fair Work Agency to enforce workers' rights under the new Labour government, while Labour prepares to respond to union demands at its upcoming conference.
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In a speech to the TUC, Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized the need for economic stability while addressing union leaders. He acknowledged the challenges inherited from the previous government and outlined a cautious approach to public sector pay, balancing pro-business and pro-worker policies. Union leaders expressed mixed reactions to his message.
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On September 10, 2024, MPs voted to means-test winter fuel payments, limiting support to the poorest pensioners. This decision, backed by Chancellor Rachel Reeves, will reduce recipients from 11.4 million to 1.5 million, raising concerns over increased poverty levels among the elderly during winter. The government cites a £22 billion financial shortfall as justification.
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Petroineos has confirmed the closure of the Grangemouth oil refinery by June 2025, resulting in significant job losses. The site will transition to a fuels import terminal, impacting Scotland's energy supply and local economy. The Scottish government has announced a £100 million support package for affected workers.
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The UK High Court has ruled against the proposed Whitehaven coalmine, marking a significant legal precedent for fossil fuel projects. The ruling follows a Supreme Court decision emphasizing the need to consider greenhouse gas emissions from burning fossil fuels in planning decisions. The Labour government has withdrawn support for the mine, citing legal errors in its approval.