-
As the UK Labour Party prepares for a crucial vote on assisted dying legislation scheduled for November 29, internal divisions have surfaced. Key figures, including Harriet Harman and Wes Streeting, express conflicting views on the bill's implications for NHS resources and moral considerations, complicating the party's stance.
-
Chancellor Rachel Reeves' recent budget has sparked significant criticism and market reactions, with rising gilt yields and concerns over Labour's fiscal policies. The budget's tax increases and spending reforms have raised fears of economic stagnation, impacting the housing market and investor confidence as job losses loom in various sectors.
-
Following Donald Trump's recent election victory, his transition team is reportedly seeking legal advice regarding the UK's agreement to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. This deal has raised concerns about potential security implications, particularly regarding China's influence in the region, and could lead to a veto from the incoming administration.
-
Chancellor Rachel Reeves delivered Labour's first Budget on October 30, 2024, addressing a £40 billion fiscal shortfall. The Budget included significant tax hikes and spending cuts, with a focus on addressing the economic challenges stemming from Brexit and the pandemic. The government's approach has sparked debate over austerity measures and their impact on public services.
-
As the UK prepares for a significant vote on the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill on November 29, 2024, key figures express their positions. Health Secretary Wes Streeting and Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood oppose the bill, citing concerns over palliative care and potential coercion, while Labour leader Keir Starmer supports it, promising a free vote for MPs.
-
Chinese human rights lawyers Yu Wensheng and Xu Zhiyong are facing severe sentences for their activism. Yu received three years' detention, while Xu's health deteriorates amid a hunger strike. International calls for their release grow, highlighting ongoing human rights abuses in China and beyond.
-
The Scottish High Court has overturned an 87-year-old corroboration rule, allowing statements made by victims shortly after an alleged crime to serve as corroborative evidence. This change, advocated by Lord Advocate Dorothy Bain, aims to improve access to justice for victims of sexual offences and could lead to more cases being prosecuted.
-
The UK government is reviewing its sentencing policies amid a prison crisis, with nearly 3,000 offenders released early. Labour's David Gauke leads the review, focusing on alternatives to incarceration and the use of technology in monitoring offenders. The review aims to reshape the justice system by Spring 2025.