Tag: News Story

STORY

The European Parliament’s Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee is due to vote on proposals for the review of EU excise duties on tobacco and related products. The work is linked to the EU’s target of a “tobacco-free generation” by 2040.

The recommendations cover newer products including e-cigarettes, as well as raw tobacco. The debate reflects the difficulty of updating EU tax and public health rules at a time when nicotine markets are changing more quickly than the legislation designed to regulate them.

Any changes to tobacco excise rules would have implications for public health, national tax revenues and cross-border sales. Member states have differing tax systems and public health priorities, meaning the file is likely to require careful negotiation.

STORY

The European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee is due to vote on reports assessing the latest developments in the EU membership application process for Ukraine and Moldova. The votes are part of Parliament’s continuing scrutiny of enlargement policy as the bloc considers how to manage future expansion.

The draft report on Ukraine praises the country’s efforts to strengthen democratic institutions during wartime, while also calling for further improvements on the rule of law and the fight against corruption. Moldova’s report is expected to highlight its progress with EU-related reforms while warning of continued malign Russian interference.

The votes come as enlargement remains one of the most strategically important questions facing the EU. Brussels is trying to maintain momentum for candidate countries while also confronting the institutional and budgetary consequences of taking in new members.

STORY

European Parliament and Council negotiators are expected to try to reach a deal on the long-running reform of EU air passenger rights. The talks will cover issues including compensation thresholds, pre-filled claim forms and hand baggage allowances.

The existing EU air passenger rights regime has been in force since 2004, but the proposed update has been repeatedly delayed because of divisions over how far the rules should go. Airlines have argued for clearer and more workable rules, while MEPs have pressed for stronger consumer protection and simpler compensation procedures.

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola is due to take part in the conciliation committee for the file on Tuesday. Any agreement would be closely watched by travellers, airlines and consumer groups across the bloc.

STORY

European Parliament and Council negotiators are due to try to reach an agreement on updated EU rules for returning third-country nationals who do not have the right to remain in the bloc. The talks form part of the EU’s wider effort to make its migration and asylum system more effective after years of political pressure over irregular arrivals and low return rates.

The return regulation is politically sensitive because it sits at the point where migration control, fundamental rights and relations with non-EU countries all meet. Governments have repeatedly called for faster returns, while parliamentary groups and campaigners have warned that any new powers must be accompanied by safeguards and proper legal oversight.

The negotiations come during a week in which migration is again high on the Brussels agenda. Home affairs ministers are also expected to discuss the implementation of the migration pact, the external dimension of migration and the future legal status of displaced people from Ukraine.

STORY

Jeremy Hunt has used a new interview to reflect on the personal cost of political life and to argue that Britain still faces deep economic challenges. The former Chancellor, now on the Conservative back benches, said politics had made him a poor husband, father and friend, according to The Times.

Hunt also used the interview to discuss his new book on the British economy and the need for long-term reform. He criticised both Conservative and Labour failures, while arguing that the country’s economic problems required difficult choices on taxation, welfare, pensions and productivity.

His comments add to the wider debate over whether either main party has a credible plan for growth. Although Hunt is no longer in frontline politics, his intervention will be read in the context of Conservative attempts to rebuild after defeat and Labour’s own internal argument about economic direction.

STORY

The House of Commons and House of Lords are due to return on Monday 1 June after the Whitsun recess. UK Parliament’s business papers showed that neither House was sitting on Sunday 31 May, with Commons business scheduled to resume at the start of the new week.

The return of Parliament will bring ministers back under direct scrutiny after a period dominated by Labour leadership speculation, questions over public spending and continuing pressure on Government delivery. The House of Commons has listed business for the week of 1 to 5 June, with MPs expected to return to the usual pattern of debates, questions and committee work.

The timing is awkward for the Government, as the national political agenda has moved quickly during recess. Ministers are likely to face questions on the rail public ownership programme, Labour’s internal divisions, economic policy and the continuing consequences of recent local and devolved election results.

STORY

Wes Streeting has set out a series of policy positions that put him at odds with both Sir Keir Starmer and Sir Tony Blair. In an interview reported by The Independent, the former Health Secretary said Labour should consider cutting national insurance and issuing new North Sea oil and gas licences.

Streeting also criticised Starmer’s leadership, saying voters did not have an emotional connection with the Prime Minister and that the Government had a problem of substance as well as presentation. He said Labour should stick to its manifesto commitments on Europe in the short term, while still supporting the UK’s eventual return to the European Union.

His comments come ahead of a possible Labour leadership contest later this year and after he resigned from Government to prepare for a challenge. Streeting also criticised elements of Blair’s recent intervention, arguing that the former Prime Minister’s approach did not sufficiently address inequality and the political forces driving public discontent.

STORY

Andy Burnham is reportedly considering calling a snap general election if he becomes Prime Minister, according to a report cited by Reuters. The report said Labour insiders believed Burnham could seek an electoral mandate if he were to succeed Sir Keir Starmer as party leader and enter Downing Street.

The same report said Burnham was considering Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood as a possible Chancellor and that Angela Rayner could return to Cabinet. Reuters said it had not independently verified the claims and that Burnham, Rayner and Mahmood had not immediately responded to requests for comment.

Burnham would first need to win the Makerfield by-election on 18 June before any leadership move could be launched. His potential return to Westminster has intensified pressure on Starmer, whose leadership has been under renewed scrutiny following Labour’s poor local election performance.

STORY

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper is due to travel to China and India for talks covering global security, trade and international health issues. Reuters reported that Cooper will meet Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Vice President Han Zheng before travelling to Shenzhen for discussions focused on science and technology.

The visit follows the Government’s attempt to reset relations with China after Keir Starmer’s trip earlier this year. The talks are expected to cover issues including the Strait of Hormuz, the war in Ukraine and the recent Ebola outbreak, with ministers arguing that engagement with major powers is necessary during a period of heightened international instability.

Cooper is then expected to travel to India, where she will meet External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and other figures connected with the UK-India Vision 2035 initiative. The visit comes after the two countries signed a free trade agreement last year, although implementation has faced difficulties linked to UK steel import restrictions.

STORY

Former Marks & Spencer chief executive Marc Bolland has been appointed as Lead Non-Executive Director at the Department for Work and Pensions to support the Government’s Youth Guarantee. He has been asked to convene business leaders and help improve the route into employment, education or training for young people.

The appointment follows interim findings from the Government-commissioned review led by Alan Milburn into youth inactivity. The DWP said around one million young people are not in employment, education or training, and that Bolland’s experience through Movement to Work would help bring employers into the design and delivery of support.

Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden said Bolland’s appointment showed that the Government was serious about tackling the issue. Bolland will advise ministers on the response to the Milburn review and work with businesses, charities, disabled people’s organisations and young people themselves as part of the wider programme.