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Kemi Badenoch, a leading candidate for the Tory leadership, has faced significant backlash after calling statutory maternity pay 'excessive' during a radio interview. Her comments have sparked criticism from rivals and unions, highlighting ongoing debates about maternity rights in the UK. Badenoch later attempted to clarify her statements, asserting her support for maternity pay.
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On October 4, 2024, Prime Minister Keir Starmer unveiled plans for two carbon capture clusters in Merseyside and Teesside, committing nearly £22 billion over 25 years. This initiative aims to create 4,000 jobs, attract £8 billion in private investment, and support the UK's climate goals by capturing and storing carbon emissions from industrial processes.
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At the Conservative Party conference in Birmingham, members expressed unexpected optimism despite recent electoral defeat. The leadership contest among Kemi Badenoch, James Cleverly, Robert Jenrick, and Tom Tugendhat is energizing the party, while Labour's early struggles in government provide a backdrop for discussions on future strategies.
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As Labour prepares for its first budget on October 30, Chancellor Rachel Reeves faces a £16 billion financial deficit inherited from the Conservatives. The government is considering tax increases, spending cuts, and potential borrowing to address the fiscal challenges while aiming to promote growth and investment.
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Sarah Burton has been appointed as the new creative director of Givenchy, succeeding Matthew Williams. Known for designing the Princess of Wales's wedding dress, Burton aims to bring her vision to the iconic French luxury house. Her first collection will debut at Paris Fashion Week in March 2025.
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At the TUC Congress, Labour leader Keir Starmer promises significant reforms to workers' rights, including banning zero-hours contracts and enhancing sick pay. While union leaders express cautious optimism, business groups voice concerns about the potential impact on flexibility and economic growth. Key legislation is expected by mid-October.
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Shigeru Ishiba has been confirmed as Japan's new prime minister following his leadership victory in the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). He faces immediate challenges, including a snap election on October 27 and addressing rising living costs and regional security threats. Ishiba's cabinet includes notable figures, but only two women were appointed.
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At the Reform UK conference in Birmingham, Nigel Farage declared the party has 'come of age' with five MPs now in Parliament. The event showcased a brash, entertainment-focused approach, drawing significant crowds and emphasizing a challenge to both Labour and the Conservatives. Criticism arose over the party's voting record and Farage's second job earnings.
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Recent art exhibitions in the UK have ignited debates over artistic expression and public decency. Glenn Ligon's show at the Fitzwilliam Museum explores identity through text and visual art, while a provocative painting by Poppy Baynham in Hay-on-Wye has drawn police attention for alleged obscenity. Both cases highlight tensions between art and societal norms.