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  • NEWS FROM 100 YEARS AGO : 19 March 1925

    NEWS FROM 100 YEARS AGO : 19 March 1925

    19 MARCH 1925

    Attention having been called in the House of Lords to the demoralisation resulting from juvenile unemployment, Viscount Peel stated that the Government was considering a proposal to empower Local Authorities to compel attendance between the ages of 14 and 16 at juvenile unemployment centres in areas where the central authority was satisfied unemployment of this kind was sufficient to justify the step.

    The British Sugar Subsidy Bill passed third reading in the House of Commons by 346 to 56. The Former Enemy Aliens Bill was read a second time and the financial resolution for the Church of Scotland Property and Endowments Bill passed Report stage.

    The Glasgow Boundaries Bill was read a second time in the House of Commons by a majority of 118.

    A cyclone in Southern Illinois has caused serious loss of life.

    Thirty-three men were entombed in a coal mine at Fairmont, West Virginia, United States, as a result of a terrific explosion.

    A great fire in the northern section of Tokio has destroyed 3000 buildings. Twenty thousand people are homeless.

    Trujillo, the third largest city of Peru, is reported to have been destroyed by floods.

    On the question of North Atlantic shipping fares the Canadian Premier stated in the Dominion House of Commons that the Government’s decision finally to take action was reached long before the Preston report was made. The same subsidy as that given to the Petersen lines would be granted to other Companies if they would submit to control of rates by the Government. If the scheme succeeded, he predicted, it would not be long before other parts of the Empire joined in a common effort to reduce rates.

    The King and Queen leave London for their Mediterranean trip to-day.

  • NEWS STORY : UK Parliament Recalled to Debate Emergency Nationalisation of British Steel

    NEWS STORY : UK Parliament Recalled to Debate Emergency Nationalisation of British Steel

    STORY

    In a rare move, the UK Parliament will be recalled from its Easter recess on Saturday, April 12, to debate emergency legislation aimed at safeguarding the future of British Steel. The decision underscores the urgency of addressing the potential closure of the company’s Scunthorpe plant, which employs approximately 3,000 workers.​ The Government plans to introduce the Steel Industry (Special Measures) Bill, granting ministers the authority to intervene directly in steel companies operating in England. This legislation is designed to prevent the shutdown of British Steel’s blast furnaces in Scunthorpe, a move that could have significant economic and strategic implications for the UK.

    British Steel, owned by China’s Jingye Group since 2020, has been facing severe financial challenges, reportedly losing around £700,000 daily. The company’s difficulties have been exacerbated by high energy costs and recent 25% tariffs imposed by the United States on all steel imports.​ The recall of Parliament for this debate marks the 35th such instance since 1948, highlighting the critical nature of the situation.​ The House of Commons will convene at 11 a.m., followed by the House of Lords at noon, to deliberate on the proposed legislation.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Government extends ban on personal meat imports to protect farmers from foot and mouth [April 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Government extends ban on personal meat imports to protect farmers from foot and mouth [April 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 11 April 2025.

    Ban on personal imports of meat and dairy products extended to cover all EU countries to safeguard the UK food system and farmers against food and mouth disease.

    The Government has taken measures to prevent the spread of foot and mouth disease (FMD) following a rising number of cases across Europe.

    From tomorrow (Saturday 12th April), travellers will no longer be able to bring cattle, sheep, goat, and pig meat, as well as dairy products, from EU countries into Great Britain for personal use, to protect the health of British livestock, the security of farmers, and the UK’s food security.

    This includes bringing items like sandwiches, cheese, cured meats, raw meats or milk into Great Britain – regardless of whether it is packed or packaged or whether it has been bought at duty free.

    Whilst FMD poses no risk to humans and there are no cases in the UK, it is a highly contagious viral disease of cattle, sheep, pigs and other cloven-hoofed animals such as wild boar, deer, llamas and alpacas, and the outbreak on the continent presents a significant risk to farm businesses and livestock.

    FMD can cause significant economic losses due to production shortfalls in the affected animals, as well as loss of access to foreign markets for animals, meat and dairy.

    The Government has already banned personal imports of cattle, sheep and other ruminants and pig meat as well as dairy products, from Germany, Hungary, Slovakia and Austria earlier this year in response to confirmed outbreaks of FMD in those countries.

    Today’s new EU-wide restrictions better safeguard the UK against the changing disease risk, and provide clear rules for travellers, helping them to comply with the regulations. The new restrictions apply only to travellers arriving in Great Britain, and will not be imposed on personal imports arriving from Northern Ireland, Jersey, Guernsey, or the Isle of Man.

    Farming Minister Daniel Zeichner said:

    This government will do whatever it takes to protect British farmers from foot & mouth.

    That is why we are further strengthening protections by introducing restrictions on personal meat and dairy imports to prevent the spread of the disease and protect Britain’s food security.

    UK Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer for international and trade affairs Dr Jorge Martin-Almagro said:

    Following the detection of foot and mouth disease in EU countries resulting in a rising risk of introduction into Great Britain, we have extended restrictions on the personal imports of food products that pose a risk in FMD transmission.

    Robust contingency plans are already in place to manage the risk of this disease to protect farmers and Britain’s food security. This biosecurity measure combined with all others we have implemented are critical to limit the risk of FMD incursion.

    I would urge livestock keepers to continue exercising the upmost vigilance for signs of disease, ensure scrupulous biosecurity is maintained and to report any suspicion of disease immediately to the Animal and Plant Health Agency.

    Information for travellers entering the UK

    From Saturday 12 April, it will be illegal for travellers from all EU countries entering Great Britain to bring items like sandwiches, cheese, cured meats, raw meats or milk into the country. This is regardless of whether it is packed or packaged or whether it has been bought at duty free.

    Detailed information is available for the public which [sets out a limited set of exemptions from these rules](https://www.gov.uk/bringing-food-into-great-britain](https://www.gov.uk/bringing-food-into-great-britain). For example, a limited amount of infant milk, medical foods and certain composite products like chocolate, confectionery, bread, cakes, biscuits and pasta continue to be allowed.

    Those found with these items will need to either surrender them at the border or will have them seized and destroyed. In serious cases, those found with these items run the risk of incurring fines of up to £5,000 in England.

    Information for animal keepers

    There are currently no cases of FMD in the UK, though the UK Chief Veterinary Officer is urging livestock keepers to remain vigilant to the clinical signs of FMD following an incursion of the disease in Germany, followed by an unrelated incursion affecting Hungary and Slovakia.

    If you’re an animal keeper, read about how to spot foot and mouth disease and report it.

    If you’re an importer or exporter, read about the import restrictions for foot and mouth disease.

    Clinical signs to be aware of vary depending on the animals, but in cattle the main signs are sores and blisters on the feet, mouth and tongue with potentially a fever, lameness and a reluctance to feed. In sheep and pigs, signs tend to manifest with lameness with potential for blistering.

    While horses and companion animals are not susceptible to FMD, hay feed or straw bedding, if sourced from an infected area, could act as a fomite and therefore also prevented from entering GB.

    Maintaining good biosecurity is essential to protecting the health and welfare of herds and critical to preventing the spread of diseases such as FMD and preventing an outbreak spreading.

    Foot and mouth disease is a notifiable disease and must be reported. If you suspect foot and mouth disease in your animals, you must report it immediately by calling:   * 03000 200 301 in England   * 0300 303 8268 in Wales         * your local  Field Services Office in Scotland .

  • PRESS RELEASE : Appointment of Lord Latz in New Role [April 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Appointment of Lord Latz in New Role [April 2025]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 11 April 2025.

    The King has been pleased to approve the following appointment:

    • The Lord Katz MBE as a Lord in Waiting (Government Whip)
  • PRESS RELEASE : Tax treatment of predevelopment costs: update on consultation [April 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Tax treatment of predevelopment costs: update on consultation [April 2025]

    The press release issued by HM Treasury on 11 April 2025.

    Following the Court of Appeal judgement on 17 March on matters with significant readout across to this issue, the government is updating on the publication of the consultation on the tax treatment of predevelopment costs.

    At Autumn Budget 2024, the government committed to publishing a consultation on the tax treatment of predevelopment costs. On 17 March, the Court of Appeal handed down its judgement in the case of Orsted West of Duddon Sands (UK) Limited and others v HMRC.

    Following the Court of Appeal judgement on 17 March on matters with significant readout across to this issue, the publication of the consultation on the tax treatment of predevelopment costs is being postponed. The government is considering the implications of the judgment for the consultation. To give stakeholders and government time to reflect on the judgement, the government will determine its next steps in respect to this consultation in due course.

    In the interim, the government welcomes views on what this judgement means for you or the businesses you represent. Do let us know via predevcosts@hmtreasury.gov.uk

  • NEWS STORY : Rishi Sunak’s Resignation Honours Spark Debate Over Political Patronage

    NEWS STORY : Rishi Sunak’s Resignation Honours Spark Debate Over Political Patronage

    STORY

    In his final act as Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak has awarded a series of peerages and honours to political allies and public figures, igniting a debate over the use of the honours system for political patronage. The list, published on 11 April 2025, includes the elevation of several former Conservative cabinet ministers to the House of Lords and the conferral of knighthoods to prominent figures.​

    Key Appointments to the House of Lords

    Among the most notable peerages is that of Michael Gove, the former Levelling Up Secretary and long-serving Conservative politician. Gove, who retired as an MP at the last general election, has held multiple cabinet positions under various prime ministers and remains an influential figure within the party.

    Other appointments to the House of Lords include:

    • Mark Harper, former Transport Secretary​

    • Simon Hart, former Chief Whip​

    • Alister Jack, former Scottish Secretary

    • Victoria Prentis, former Attorney General​

    • Stephen Massey, former Conservative Party Chairman

    • Eleanor Shawcross, former No. 10 Policy Head​

    Additionally, Amanda Spielman, former HM Chief Inspector of Education, Children’s Services and Skills, has been nominated for a life peerage, recognising her contributions to education and public service.

    Knighthoods and Other Honours

    The honours list also includes knighthoods for several senior politicians:​

    • Jeremy Hunt, former Chancellor of the Exchequer​

    • James Cleverly, former Foreign and Home Secretary​

    • Grant Shapps, former Defence Secretary​

    Notably, England cricket legend Jimmy Anderson and filmmaker Matthew Vaughn have also been knighted for their contributions to sports and the arts, respectively.

    Criticism and Calls for Reform

    The honours have drawn criticism from opposition parties and political commentators, who argue that the list rewards political loyalty over merit. Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader Daisy Cooper described the appointments as a “parade of political flunkies,” suggesting that the honours system is being used to benefit political allies rather than recognise genuine public service.

    Labour leader Keir Starmer has previously advocated for reforming the House of Lords, proposing measures such as introducing a retirement age and ending hereditary peerages to modernise the institution.

    The Honours System and Its Implications

    The British honours system allows outgoing prime ministers to recommend individuals for peerages and other honours, a tradition that has often been criticised for promoting political patronage. Life peerages grant individuals the right to sit in the House of Lords, contributing to the legislative process and influencing national policy.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Political Peerages Announced [April 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Political Peerages Announced [April 2025]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 11 April 2025.

    The King has been graciously pleased to signify His intention of conferring Peerages of the United Kingdom for Life.

    Nominations from the Leader of the Conservative Party:

    Amanda Spielman – Former HM Chief Inspector of Education, Children’s Services and Skills.

    Citation provided by the Leader of the Conservative Party

    Amanda Spielman has worked in the public, voluntary and private sectors. Her main interests are in education, children’s services and regulation, where she has worked for 20 years. She served two terms as His Majesty’s Chief Inspector at Ofsted, promoting substance and integrity in education for all children and young people, and also high-quality social care. She previously chaired the exam regulator Ofqual, overseeing the programme of qualification reform.

    She spent a decade with the ARK Schools academy trust, mainly as Research and Policy Director. She led a cross-government review of non-economic regulators. Her earlier career was in accounting, investment banking and private equity. She is now a trustee of the Victoria & Albert Museum and chair of the Academic Council at GEMS Education. She is also a Visiting Professor in Practice at LSE. She was born in London and brought up in Glasgow. She is married with two children.

  • NEWS FROM 100 YEARS AGO : 18 March 1925

    NEWS FROM 100 YEARS AGO : 18 March 1925

    18 MARCH 1925

    Lord Carson’s Moneylenders Bill, which proposes that all proceedings with reference to moneylending transactions shall be taken in the County Court instead of the High Court, the prohibition of moneylenders’ circulars, and the restriction of interest on loans, was discussed on the motion for second reading in the House of Lords. The Bill was welcomed on behalf of the Government by Lord Desborough, who suggested that Lord Carson should agree to his Bill and a similar Bill before the Commons going to a Joint second reading was agreed to.

    The British Sugar (Subsidy) Bill passed Report Stage in the House of Commons. A Unionist private member’s motion on the undesirability of allowing unrestricted importation of foreign manufactured goods made under sweated or other conditions was carried by 240 to 137.

    Mr Austen Chamberlain has returned to London from the Continent. It is reported that a missile smashed the window of the compartment in the Paris-Calais express in which Mr Chamberlain was sitting. No one was injured.

    Rioting occurred during the Delhi municipal elections between Mohammedans and Hindus. One rioter died from his injuries, and twenty people were taken to hospital.

    The Parliamentary Labour party passed a resolution that this country should do everything in its power to obtain the acceptance of the principles of the Protocol and the holding of the Disarmament Conference.  

  • NEWS FROM 100 YEARS AGO : 17 March 1925

    NEWS FROM 100 YEARS AGO : 17 March 1925

    17 MARCH 1925

    Mr Austen Chamberlain discussed the security question with M. Herriot, the French Premier, in Paris.

    The chief topic discussed on the Army Estimates in the House of Commons was the obstacle raised to recruiting for the Supplementary Reserve by two large Trade Unions apprehensive of the use to which the Reserve might be put in the event of industrial disputes.

    The War Office announces that it has been decided to reintroduce forthwith Section A of the Army Reserve.

    The King and Queen are leaving London on Thursday morning for Genoa, where they will embark on the Royal yacht.

    It is officially announced that Prince George underwent an operation for enucleation of tonsils. The condition of His Royal Highness is satisfactory.

    Mr Cosgrave, in a St Patrick’s Day message to the Irish peoples in America, says the Government of the Irish Free State recently received from the people a further endorsement of their satisfaction with the terms of the Anglo-Irish Treaty.

  • NEWS STORY : OSCE States Condemn Georgia’s Human Rights Decline, Urge Democratic Reforms

    NEWS STORY : OSCE States Condemn Georgia’s Human Rights Decline, Urge Democratic Reforms

    STORY

    A coalition of 35 OSCE participating states, including the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and the United States, has expressed deep concern over the deteriorating human rights situation in Georgia. In a joint statement delivered at the OSCE Permanent Council in Vienna, the group criticised the Georgian government’s recent actions that undermine democratic principles and civil liberties.

    The statement highlighted three primary areas of concern:​

    • Legislative Restrictions on Civil Society: The introduction of the Foreign Agents Registration Act mandates that individuals and organisations receiving foreign funding register as “foreign agents,” imposing financial sanctions and criminal penalties for non-compliance. The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) has warned that this law could severely limit the activities of civil society organisations and human rights defenders.

    • Targeting of Independent Media: The Georgian government has been accused of suppressing independent media outlets, thereby restricting freedom of expression and access to unbiased information.​

    • Lack of Accountability for Excessive Use of Force: Reports indicate that law enforcement agencies have employed excessive force against peaceful protesters, with instances of indiscriminate violence by unidentified groups. Concerns have also been raised about unnecessarily long pre-trial detention periods and the reported ill-treatment of detainees.

    The coalition called on the Georgian government to cease the use of repressive tactics, release individuals detained for peacefully exercising their rights, and hold accountable those responsible for unlawful use of force. They urged Georgia to engage in inclusive dialogue with political parties, civil society, and OSCE institutions to address these issues.  While reaffirming their support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, the OSCE states emphasised the importance of adhering to democratic values and human rights commitments. They encouraged Georgia to return to the path of European integration, reflecting the aspirations of the majority of its citizens.