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At the Liberal Democrats' conference, Daisy Cooper criticized Conservative leadership candidates for focusing on niche culture war issues instead of pressing public concerns like healthcare. Meanwhile, Sir Ed Davey emphasized the need for reform and investment in the NHS, positioning the Lib Dems as a constructive opposition to the government.
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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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Hedge fund tycoon Sir Paul Marshall has acquired The Spectator magazine for £100 million, following a lengthy auction process. The deal comes after a failed bid by an Abu Dhabi-backed consortium, which was blocked by UK legislation prohibiting foreign ownership of British media assets. Marshall aims to enhance the magazine's potential while maintaining editorial independence.
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Sir Ian Bauckham, head of Ofqual, has expressed significant concerns regarding the rollout of digital exams in England. He highlighted issues with school infrastructure, including weak Wi-Fi and security, which could hinder fair assessments. Major exam boards have proposed digital assessments, but regulatory approval is still pending.
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In the latest round of voting, Mel Stride has been eliminated from the Conservative leadership contest, leaving Robert Jenrick, Kemi Badenoch, James Cleverly, and Tom Tugendhat as the final four candidates. The next stage will occur at the party conference later this month, where they will present their visions to party members.
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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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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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The final report of the Grenfell Inquiry has accused cladding firms of 'systematic dishonesty' in the 2017 fire that killed 72 people. Former Housing Secretary Michael Gove has called for accountability and criminal prosecutions, highlighting failures in government action against these companies. Families of victims demand justice after years of inaction.
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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.