Telegraph deal: stake promised to UAE before legislation approved "puts the cart before the horse" With just weeks to go, 125,000 meters still need replaced UK Government admits it doesn't know how much Welsh Rail electrification would cost Telegraph deal: stake promised to UAE before legislation approved "puts the cart before the horse" Responding to reports that the Telegraph has agreed a deal with a US private equity firm but that the UAE will retain a 15% stake, Chris Fox, Liberal Democrat Lords' Spokesperson for Business and sponsor of the fatal motion to block the legislation allowing foreign state stakes ...
That Norwegian guy with a container ship in his front garden has reminded me of an incident on the River Nene last summer. On 25 June the Baltic Arrow ran aground with its cargo of timber just downstream of the port of Wisbech, blocking the river navigation. You can see it being refloated in the video above, and because safety standards are so much higher on railways and waterways than roads, you can read the Marine Accident Investigation Branch's report on the incident online.
"For centuries, this country has been synonymous with segregation - by class, education, manners, dress, accents, leisure habits and housing. Since the early 1980s, when Thatcherism began to erase the more integrated and equal postwar Britain, these ancient divisions have been compounded by a further polarisation in incomes and between regions." The least integrated part of British society isn't immigrants but the elite, argues Andy Beckett. Ellie Quinlan Houghtaling finds that the whole of Trump's team hated Elon Musk: "'Fuck you! Fuck you! Fuck you!' a typically mild-mannered Bessent was heard shouting after Musk as they charged down the halls ...
"My mission in life is not merely to survive but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humour, and some style". If someone told me exactly 20 years ago that I would become a Deputy Mayor of Welwyn Hatfield, I wouldn't have believed. Although I completed my MA Degree in History in Poland and Croatia, which included learning about the UK Parliament and its democratic processes, I don't think that I understood the function of Mayor as well as the role of the Local Authorities. Starting in Greggs, then moving to a well-known retailer, Hertfordshire ...
Three by-elections on Thursday 22nd May, and a trio of Liberal Democrat defences. In Horsham, there was a by-election to fill the seat vacated by new Liberal Democrat MP John Milne. Congratulations to Cllr Louise Potter and the team on a good hold! West Sussex County Council, Horsham Riverside Liberal Democrats (Louise Potter): 1193 (45.7%) Conservative: 569 (21.8%) Reform UK: 547 (21.0%) Labour: 181 (6.9%) Green Party: 118 (4.5%) Liberal Democrats HOLD A successful defence too on Eastleigh Council, where Cllr John Shepherd was elected to be Lib Dem group leader Keith House's latest ward colleague. Congratulations! Eastleigh Borough Council, ...
The Labour government have announced a U-turn on winter fuel payment cuts. Pondering over Sir Keir's leadership of Labour and now his current premiership, I've noticed that he is fighting a battle which I feel is being overlooked. What I currently find is that there is a polarising divide for politicians where they seem to try and find a balance between technocracy and populism. What do I mean by these terms? Well, for us political nerds, I think we all know what populist politics is. It can come in many forms, from the Corbyn era to the MAGA movement, it ...
As someone who is a great believer that the way forward for my city and my country to develop is to strengthen our ties with Europe. I welcome what he has done but I am concerned that what he thinks is job done is what I think of a job started. Liverpool showed the way with this with a superb European event attended by 60+ diplomats and many other people who can contribute to furthering those ties. As so often happens the rest of the UK is following Liverpool's lead. On Monday the Prime Minister made an announcement with a ...
That is the title of a new piece of research out from academic Chris Butler and myself, looking at how people can donate directly to election candidates and so avoid much of the scrutiny that should apply to donors: The UK generally has a relatively transparent political finance regime, with donations to political parties being published quarterly, and more regularly during general election periods. However, we identify a notable lack of transparency regarding donations made directly to candidates as opposed to parties during the election period. Based on an analysis of candidate returns provided to us by the Electoral Commission, ...
I love publishing guest posts on Liberal England, whether they're on politics or wider culture. I'm happy to entertain a wide range of views, but I'd hate you to spend time writing something I really wouldn't want to publish, so please get in touch first. These are the 10 most recent guest posts on Liberal England:When Syd Barrett met Nick Drake - Rob ChapmanCouncillors changing party: Christmas update - Augustus CarpOld Carp's Almanack: Councillor defections in 2024 - Augustus CarpHow Dune anticipated Deep Seek - Peter ChambersDefections of local councillors have doubled in 2025 - Augustus CarpWhen Doctor Who saved ...
There were three principal authority council by-elections this week, all Liberal Democrat defences and all resulting in a Lib Dem win. [IMG: Lisa Webster and Sutton Lib Dems] https://bsky.app/profile/electionmaps.uk/post/3lps7dgzxpc22 The previous four elections to the three member Carshalton South and Clockhouse ward all saw the ward split two Conservative councillors and one Lib Dem. Which makes Lisa Webster's victory but such a large margin all the more impressive; congratulations! Hedge End South (Eastleigh) Council By-Election Result: [IMG: 🔶] LDM: 44.4% (-8.7) [IMG: 🌳] CON: 25.8% (-3.8) [IMG: ➡] RFM: 25.5% (New) [IMG: 🌹] LAB: 4.3% (-6.6)No GRN (-6.4) as previous.Liberal ...
With thanks to Open Close Dundee : "Substations make some of the best canvases, and Lauren Morsley has completely transformed Milnbank Park with this piece! Taking inspiration from workshops held earlier this year, this design represents local community, diversity, friendship and nature - all brought together with a warm, cheerful palette. There are so many thoughtful details within this design that came from workshop suggestions, such as the sunflower to highlight those with hidden disabilities. A special shout out to Dundee Changemakers and Uppertunity for their vision in commissioning this project, and all the community participants who made this happen." ...
The Independent reports that net migration to the UK almost halved last year, new figures have revealed, sparking concerns over a worker shortage in the UK. The paper says that the Office for National Statistics said 948,000 people came to Britain in 2024, with 519,000 leaving in the year to December 2024: Net migration to the UK almost halved last year, new figures have revealed, sparking concerns over a worker shortage in the UK. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said 948,000 people came to Britain in 2024, with 519,000 leaving in the year to December 2024. The 431,000 net ...
