National politics

[BrianP]

I hope they make an example of both these men. A heavy fine at the very least.

[Hugo]

Coronavirus: Tory MP Sir Desmond Swayne refuses to apologise over Covid claims

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-55839252

[SteveH]

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have confirmed to the Queen they will not be returning as working royals, Buckingham Palace confirmed.

Buckingham Palace said in a statement: “The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have confirmed to Her Majesty The Queen that they will not be returning as working members of The Royal Family.

“Following conversations with the Duke, The Queen has written confirming that in stepping away from the work of The Royal Family it is not possible to continue with the responsibilities and duties that come with a life of public service.

“The honorary military appointments and Royal patronages held by The Duke and Duchess will therefore be returned to Her Majesty, before being redistributed among working members of The Royal Family.

“While all are saddened by their decision, The Duke and Duchess remain much loved members of the family.”

The decision was made after conversations between Harry and members of the royal family.

The military, Commonwealth and charitable associations which will revert to the Queen are:
The Royal Marines, RAF Honington, Royal Navy Small Ships and Diving.

The Queen’s Commonwealth Trust, The Rugby Football Union, The Rugby Football League, The Royal National Theatre and The Association of Commonwealth Universities.

A spokesperson for Harry and Meghan said: “As evidenced by their work over the past year, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex remain committed to their duty and service to the UK and around the world, and have offered their continued support to the organisations they have represented regardless of official role.                                          ref Pioneer

[Hugo]

Cronyism case: Dominic Cummings denies requesting £840,000 Covid-19 contract for “my friends”       If this type of thing happened in Asia or Eastern Europe we would quickly call it corruption but in the UK  cronyism is alive and well under the Tories



https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk/2021/02/cronyism-case-dominic-cummings-denies-requesting-840000-covid-19-contract-my

[SteveH]

The United Kingdom “is over” and a new union should be crafted to reflect a “voluntary association of four nations”, Wales’ First Minister has said.

Mark Drakeford warned the break-up of the UK was possible if politicians only offered a “tweaking of the status quo”, and said Boris Johnson’s lack of engagement with the devolved nations undermined efforts to keep them together.

“What we have to do – to quote a Conservative member of the Senedd, David Melding – is we have to recognise that the union as it is, is over. We have to create a new union.

“We have to demonstrate to people how we can recraft the UK in a way that recognises it as a voluntary association of four nations, in which we choose to pool our sovereignty for common purposes and for common benefits.”

Mr Drakeford said the “relatively random basis” on which the UK Government engages with the devolved Welsh, Scottish and Northern Ireland administrations “is not a satisfactory basis to sustain the future of the United Kingdom”.

cont https://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/19138003.waless-first-minister-says-boris-johnsons-lack-engagement-devolved-nations-undermines-efforts-keep-uk-together/

[Hugo]

I had my first leaflet for the elections in May and it was from Darren Miller AM.     I must admit that for a Conservative he has been very good in the few instances that I've experienced with him.
I'm not sure who to vote for this time but I'll gladly have a drink with Darren afterwards         

[SteveH]

25 law changes coming into force in April - from Universal Credit to driving lessons
All these changes will apply from next month across the UK

April marks the start of a new financial year, a new year usually comes with new rules, and this one is no exception.

The likes of Council tax, utility bills and mobile phone charges are all set to rocket as inflation-linked hikes come into force affecting millions of households.

But reports that alongside price hikes, there will also be dozens of law changes that will also affect everything from house purchases to employment rights.

Meanwhile, benefits are rising, while extra rules will come in to help you use your money better.

full article https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/uk-world-news/25-law-changes-coming-force-20253183

[SteveH]

THE MS for Aberconwy has been appointed as a Commissioner for the Senedd.

Janet Finch-Saunders MS will take on the role for the Welsh Conservative group, which involves providing the Welsh Parliament with the staff and resources they need to carry out their roles.

The Senedd is required by law to appoint Commissioners each term. It includes the Llywydd, or Presiding Officer, who is the speaker of the Senedd, plus four other MSs nominated by each of party group in the Senedd.

cont https://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/politics/19395380.janet-finch-saunders-ms-appointed-commissioner-senedd/

[Ian]

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[Hugo]

It would appear that the UK has no proper policy on immigration despite all the big talk given before and after Brexit.     Up to the 20th July 2021    8,452 people had illegally crossed the Channel to come to the UK.but how many have been returned to where they came from?
The UK also appears to have no policy whatsoever for integrating genuine asylum seekers into our country.
When the Jewish people left Europe to go to Israel,  Israel had a policy where everyone learnt to speak Hebrew so that they could integrate with the Israeli people and contribute to that country.
Theresa May when she was Home Secretary said in 2010  " As well as tackling abuse of the marriage route we need to ensure that those who come here can integrate successfully into society and play a part in their local community.
So from 29 November, those applying for marriage visas will have to demonstrate a minimum standard of English"

It is obviously not being implemented because I was watching a Police reality programme yesterday and the Asian man could speak no English although he had lived in the UK for 13 Years..       The UK has always welcomed genuine asylum seekers in the past and they had to learn the English language so something needs to change

From a personal point of view I cannot understand why this is happening as this is a barrier for integration.    It's also annoying because in living memory Welsh speaking children were banned from speaking their own language in their own country and made to speak English.   If they were caught speaking Welsh they were forced to wear a " Welsh not"as a way to shame any child who was caught speaking Welsh.
How times have changed in the UK

[SteveH]

Political map of Wales to be redrawn - this is what it means where you live
Proposals have been put forward by the Boundary Commission to reduce the number of MPs by creating larger constituencies

Plans to shake up Westminster constituency boundaries will radically redraw the political map of Wales.
It will end political careers and see electoral wards move across county borders to join new, enlarged constituencies.

Old constituency names will disappear, such as Arfon, Vale of Clwyd, Clwyd West and Clwyd South.

New proposals from the Boundary Commission for Wales, published today, follow a decision to reduce the number of Welsh seats in Westminister from 40 to 32.

Under rules set out in the Parliamentary Constituencies Act 1986, each constituency proposed by the Boundary Commission for Wales must contain between 69,724 and 77,062 electors.

The only exception to this rule is Ynys Môn, which recently became a protected constituency and so will see no changes to its name, designation or boundaries.

cont  https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/political-map-wales-redrawn-apart-21509434

[Ian]

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[SteveH]

Very true..........

[Hugo]

Jackie Weaver has embarked on a mission impossible.    The zoom star who won fame calmly supporting a toxic online council wants  "Politicians to be banned from lying"         
I'm afraid that she's got no chance of that,  seeing that Boris is at the helm and has made a career out of lying.     She won't get any support from Hancock,  Cameron, Osborne and the like either


https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/politics/jackie-weaver-mission-clean-up-25227722

[Ian]

All too true, sadly. When not lying, obfuscation is the tool of choice for politicians.