Government hopes to get off scot-free
Chris Grayling, the recently appointed Leader of the House of Commons, last week announced controversial government plans to introduce measures giving MPs from English constituencies veto powers over legislation that only affects England. According to Grayling, the new changes would bring “real fairness to our constitutional arrangements” and supportive Conservative MPs have hailed the proposals as a long overdue answer to the West Lothian Question; the constitutional anomaly whereby non-English MPs can vote on legislation that only affects England.
It should come as no surprise to anyone that first to criticise the proposals was the SNP. Pete Wishart, MP for Perth and North Perthshire, described the idea as a “cobbled together unworkable mess”. However, the Labour Party has also been vocal in their opposition to the plans, begging the question; where exactly do Labour stand on English votes for English laws? There appears to be a degree of discontent within the party on the issue - just one of the many challenges facing the incoming Labour leader.
Another delayed departure
Last Wednesday the Airports Commission, led by Sir Howard Davies, finally released its report with a conclusion that surprised no one; a new runway at Heathrow would be best but they’re all credible options.
Labour’s Acting Leader Harriet Harman confirmed Labour support for a third runway at PMQs the same day, and not only because the Commission recommended it. Prominent Tory MPs such as eco-warrior Zac Goldsmith and Boris ‘Island’ Johnson are very vocal in their opposition to any expansion at Heathrow, but cabinet ministers such as Justine Greening, Theresa May, Greg Hands and Philip Hammond are also said to be against another runway. Any division within the Conservative Party can only help Labour while they struggle to regroup after a disappointing general election.
Harriet Harman couldn’t help but twist the knife, telling the PM he’s in a “holding pattern above Heathrow and Boris won’t let you land… Will you stand up for Britain’s interests or will you just be bullied by Boris?” But David Cameron seems content to allow Harriet to sow the seeds of discord in his own party – replying “a decision will be made by the end of the year.”
It’ll be over by Christmas then.
The Neverending Story, by Sir John Chilcot
Once upon a time in 2009, Sir John Chilcot started to produce a report that looked into the UK’s controversial participation in the US-led Iraq invasion in 2003. He decided to call it the Chilcot Inquiry.
As the years went by, Sir John and his report came in for a bit of stick from MPs and Lords simply because he hadn’t finished it yet. His masterpiece has even been the target of the Prime Minister’s dislike, with Mr Cameron stating he was “fast losing patience” with the time taken to complete the inquiry.
Yesterday, Mr Cameron’s hand was forced further by Lord Morris’s call for him to intervene and discharge the committee. Former Defence Secretary Lord King told peers that time limits should be placed on future public inquiries. In response, Sir John was heard to have said “you can’t put a deadline on a magnum opus.”
It remains to be seen whether Sir John Chilcot, or his inquiry into the Iraq war, will live happily ever after.
Sturgeon's a prize catch
Following her party’s impressive electoral victory in May, Nicola Sturgeon has topped off an extraordinary year, coming top in BBC Radio 4‘s Woman’s Hour annual ranking of the top 10 most influential and powerful women.
The formidable Scot was selected for the number one spot ahead of humanitarian ambassador Angelina Jolie, and British journalist and policy advisor Camilla Cavendish. Judges concluded that Sturgeon was the “woman of the moment”, and “wields a huge amount of influence right now because of the state of both the UK union and the European one”.
While her colleagues were full of gushing praise for the First Minister, and the work that she has done in leading “the charge for gender equality,” Sturgeon welcomed the accolade by simply tweeting “Many thanks BBC Woman’s Hour. An honour.”
Ones to watch
Building BRICS - On the 8th and 9th this week the BRICs countries will be holding a summit in the Russian city of Ufa. An expected topic of discussion is the New Development Bank (NDB), a rival to the IMF, and the possibility of inviting Greece to join it.
The Budget - On the 8th July George Osborne will announce the Budget in the House of Commons.
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