Tag: News Story

STORY

Former British diplomat Simon Wilson has criticised the conduct of the former Prince Andrew during his time as the UK’s trade envoy, saying officials found his behaviour difficult during overseas visits. Wilson, who served as deputy ambassador in Bahrain between 2001 and 2005, said he had helped organise visits by Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and was surprised by what he described as his “cocky” manner.

Speaking to 60 Minutes Australia, Wilson said embassy staff received detailed instructions about Andrew’s preferences, including food and drink requirements, and claimed that his staff appeared “petrified” of him. He said this contrasted with his experience of other royal visits, where private secretaries and support staff were usually proud and comfortable in their roles.

Wilson also alleged that Andrew preferred private aircraft and luxury hotels rather than commercial flights or ambassadorial residences. He said he was surprised Andrew remained in the trade envoy role for as long as he did, given concerns about his conduct. Andrew served as the UK’s special representative for international trade and investment from 2001 until 2011.

Mountbatten-Windsor has yet to respond to the latest allegations made against him.

STORY

A South African biscuit producer has secured UK-linked contracts worth more than R1.4 million with support from a UK Government-funded trade programme. Khayelitsha Cookies, based in Cape Town, will supply baked goods for British Airways flights and private-label shortbread products for sale in the UK.

The agreements were supported by the UK Trade Partnerships programme, which helps developing countries use the UK’s Economic Partnership Agreement to increase exports. The Government said preferential terms under the agreement allow about 95% of South African goods to enter the UK market tariff-free.

The announcement gives the story a UK trade and development policy link, with the programme aiming to help businesses in partner countries access British markets. Khayelitsha Cookies said the support had helped it secure two UK-based commercial opportunities and expand its export presence.

STORY

The Government’s Greater Together LA trade mission is opening in Los Angeles, bringing hundreds of UK business leaders to the United States. The event runs from 18 to 22 May and is being led by Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle.

The Government has described the event as the largest ever UK trade mission to the US. It says the mission will bring together policymakers, investors, business leaders and creative figures, with sectors linked to the Government’s Modern Industrial Strategy represented by senior industry figures.

The UK Government has said the trade mission is intended to support economic growth and strengthen commercial ties with the United States. Officials have highlighted UK-US investment stock of around £1.2 trillion and the role of the relationship in supporting jobs in both countries.

STORY

HMS Tamar has returned to Honiara in a visit intended to underline the UK’s relationship with Solomon Islands. The Government said the ship would first anchor at Tulagi, the historic site where the British Protectorate established the first capital of Solomon Islands.

British High Commissioner Paul Turner said the visit showed the importance the UK attaches to its relationship with Solomon Islands and to closer cooperation on issues such as maritime security. The visit follows earlier UK engagement in the region, including the role of HMS Tamar and HMS Spey in supporting partnerships in the Pacific.

The Government said HMS Tamar can support a range of tasks, including deterring illegal fishing, intercepting drug traffickers and providing humanitarian assistance after disasters. The visit forms part of wider UK foreign policy engagement with Commonwealth and Pacific partners.

STORY

Members of the House of Lords are due to question ministers this week on issues including healthy life expectancy, the Windrush Compensation Scheme, paternity leave for the self-employed and youth offending in England and Wales. The questions form part of the Lords programme for 18 to 21 May.

On Monday, peers are scheduled to question the Government on the fall in healthy life expectancy in England, a new local government pension fund guide and inconsistent decision-making for victims under the Windrush Compensation Scheme. Peers will also raise regulatory flexibilities and innovation linked to the proposed UK-EU sanitary and phytosanitary agreement.

The Lords will also continue debating the King’s Speech during the week. The Monday debate is focused on justice, home affairs and the Union, before later debates cover education, culture, technology, energy security, health, housing, transport, foreign affairs and defence.

STORY

MPs are continuing the debate on the King’s Speech this week, with the House of Commons sitting from 14:30 today. The main subject for Monday’s debate is backing business to create economic growth.

The parliamentary schedule for the week also includes debate on energy security on Tuesday, Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday and the conclusion of the King’s Speech debate on defence readiness. Justice questions, science questions and business and trade questions are also due to take place across the week.

The Steel Industry (Nationalisation) Bill is scheduled for second reading on Thursday. The bill is expected to be one of the key legislative measures watched closely during the new parliamentary session, following recent Government interventions in the steel sector.

STORY

New mandatory registration rules for paid tax advisers have begun rolling out, with HM Revenue and Customs introducing a single digital system for advisers who interact with HMRC on behalf of clients. The new requirement came into effect from Monday 18 May 2026.

HMRC said the reforms are intended to raise standards in the tax advice market, protect taxpayers and make advisers easier to identify. Registration will be free and phased between May 2026 and March 2027, with different categories of advisers invited to register during separate windows.

The first registration window, from 18 May to 18 August, applies to new tax advisers and advisers interacting with HMRC without an agent services account, Self Assessment account or Corporation Tax account. HMRC said eligible advisers who fail to register by the relevant deadline could face sanctions.

STORY

The Government has announced new reforms aimed at stopping waste criminals from exploiting loopholes in the regulatory system. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said the measures would introduce stricter background checks for waste carriers and tougher penalties for illegal dumping.

The reforms form part of the Government’s Waste Crime Action Plan and are intended to make it harder for rogue operators to remain active in the sector. Waste Minister Mary Creagh (in photo) said that the changes would help remove corrupt operators from the industry and strengthen action against those responsible for fly-tipping and illegal waste activity.

The Environment Agency said the reforms would give it stronger powers to revoke permits and issue enforcement notices. The Government said lawbreakers could face up to five years in prison under tougher penalties for waste crime.

STORY

A new National Conversation project has been launched to examine what unites and divides people across Britain. The initiative is being led by the Independent Commission on Community and Cohesion, co-chaired by former Conservative Chancellor Sajid Javid and former Labour policy chief Jon Cruddas.

The commission is asking members of the public to complete a survey and record a short voice note setting out their vision for their community and country. The project will look at questions of British, English, Scottish and Welsh identity, as well as what connects people to their neighbours and makes places feel like home.

The work is being convened by the Together Coalition and is expected to run until the end of August. A report later this year will combine public evidence with academic research, expert testimony and the commission’s own deliberations.

STORY

David Lammy has criticised calls for Labour to reopen the question of UK membership of the European Union, describing the issue as a distraction from the Government’s immediate priorities. The Deputy Prime Minister said Labour had been elected on a manifesto that ruled out joining the single market or customs union.

The comments followed remarks by Wes Streeting, who has argued that the UK should rejoin the EU in the future. Lammy said Labour should focus on delivery rather than internal arguments, warning that extended party infighting would risk weakening the Government and strengthening Reform UK.

The intervention came as Labour faces wider internal tension over its direction after recent electoral losses. The issue is also politically sensitive because Andy Burnham is seeking a return to Parliament through the Makerfield by-election, in a constituency where Brexit remains a significant electoral factor.