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NEWS STORY : St George’s Day Festival Returns to Trafalgar Square with Music, Dance and Family Fun

STORY

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has announced the return of the capital’s St George’s Day Festival to Trafalgar Square on Monday, April 21. Running from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM, the free, family-friendly event will celebrate England’s rich heritage through live music, dance, and interactive workshops. Hosted by singer-songwriter Harley Moon Kemp, the festival will feature performances by The Nigel Grice Jazz Collective, the English Folk Dance and Song Society, singer-songwriter Matilda Garcia, dance company Bird and Gang, spoken word artist Palacio de Poetas, the West End Kids, and harmony group Vocal Shack. Attendees can also enjoy traditional Morris dancing from the Belles of London City and meet the famous Pearly Kings and Queens.

Throughout the afternoon, St George and his Dragon will be roaming across the Square, adding to the festive atmosphere. A variety of food and drink stalls will be available, and the day will conclude with a ceilidh led by Cut A Shine, a troupe of traditional musicians and dancers. Mayor Sadiq Khan expressed his enthusiasm for the event, stating, “I’m delighted that our St George’s Day celebrations return to Trafalgar Square this month. Londoners and visitors can enjoy an afternoon of free, family-friendly entertainment in the heart of our capital. It’s an event that brings our communities together and showcases all that’s brilliant about England, as we build a better London for everyone.”

11/04/2025
PRESS RELEASE : Mayor’s St George’s Day Festival returns to the heart of the capital [April 2025]

The press release issued by the Mayor of London on 10 April 2025.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has announced the capital’s St George’s Day Festival will return to Trafalgar Square on Monday 21 April. Londoners and visitors can look forward to a free, family-friendly event celebrating England’s rich heritage through music, dance, and workshops.

Running from 12-6pm, this year’s festival promises an exciting main stage line up hosted by singer-songwriter Harley Moon Kemp, who returns after a fantastic event in 2024.

The festival features an eclectic programme of live music, dance, spoken word, and interactive workshops.

Main stage acts include The Nigel Grice Jazz Collective, the English Folk Dance and Song Society, singer-songwriter Matilda Garcia, South London-based dance company Bird and Gang, spoken word artist Palacio de Poetas, West End Kids who will perform musical theatre numbers and harmony group Vocal Shack.

Throughout the afternoon St George and his Dragon will be roaming across the Square, with traditional Morris dancing from the Belles of London City, and the chance to meet the famous Pearly Kings and Queens.

A wide variety of food and drink stalls will be available and the day will conclude with a ceilidh led by Cut A Shine, a troupe of traditional musicians and dancers.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “I’m delighted that our St George’s Day celebrations return to Trafalgar Square this month. Londoners and visitors can enjoy an afternoon of free, family friendly entertainment in the heart of our capital. It’s an event that brings our communities together and showcases all that’s brilliant about England, as we build a better London for everyone.”

Presenter and singer Harley Moon Kemp said: “Can’t wait to be back this year, hosting and performing for London’s St George’s Day celebrations! Looking forward to a full day of entertainment, great food, and fun for all! See you there!”

11/04/2025
NEWS FROM 100 YEARS AGO : 21 March 1925

21 MARCH 1925

Lord Curzon is dead.

In their comments on the late Lord Curzon the French newspapers acknowledge his devotion to the interests of the British Empire, but they criticise his attitude to France in the post-war period.

Mr Neville Chamberlain, speaking at the anniversary dinner of the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce, emphasised the unsatisfactory condition of our industries which had to meet competition abroad, and the disparity in wages between those engaged in sheltered and unsheltered trades. He urged the necessity of united effort to restore our trade.

King George and Queen Mary arrived at Genoa and embarked on the Royal yacht Victoria and Albert for their Mediterranean cruise.

In the Dominion House of Commons Mr Meighen denounced as an ill-considered and reckless blunder the Canadian Government’s project to subsidise the Petersen Fleet in an attempt to force a reduction in North Atlantic shipping rates.

There were scenes of uproar in the French Chamber of Deputies when M. Herriot replied to an interpellation on the recent letter issued by the Cardinals and Archbishops of France denouncing the French laicity laws. The Chamber passed a vote of confidence in the Government by 325 to 251.

The death is announced of M. S. Carmichael, a prominent French industrialist. He was of British descent.

There are seven candidates for the German Presidency. The election takes place on Sunday, 29th inst.

11/04/2025
NEWS FROM 100 YEARS AGO : 20 March 1925

20 MARCH 1925

The death-roll in the Southern Illinois tornado is put, in the latest accounts, at about 1000, the number of injured at 2500, and the homeless at 10,000.

The First Lord of the Admiralty, in submitting the Navy Estimates to the House of Commons, dealt at length with the Singapore base scheme, and gave figures of cost under main heads. He emphasised the purely defensive character and purpose of the project. To talk of the British naval programme as provocative was, he said, sheer nonsense. Out of 352 warships building or projected our contribution was 20 ships.

The British Sugar Subsidy Bill was brought from the Commons and read a first time in the House of Lords. A first reading was given to the Government of India Civil Service Bill, introduced by Lord Birkenhead. The Therapeutic Substances Bill and the Merchant Shipping Equivalent Provisions Bill were read a third time.

Lord Curzon’s condition has become worse.

The Earl of Ypres (formerly Sir John French) underwent a serious operation in London.

The death is announced of Sir George Donaldson, a well-known musical amateur and art patron.

11/04/2025
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.

11/04/2025
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.

11/04/2025
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 .

11/04/2025
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)
11/04/2025
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

11/04/2025
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.
11/04/2025