Industry News
5th July 2008
London's Deputy Mayor for Young People Resigns
Ray Lewis has resigned as London's Deputy Mayor for Young People over allegations of financial misconduct. Read the resignation statement in full here
3rd July 2008
New Seven Day Cooling-Off Period for Doorstep Selling
Parliament has approved new doorstep selling Regulations, designed to improve consumer protection when buying products and services from traders at home. The new rules provide the legal protection of a seven day cooling-off period. The new rules will come into force on 1st October. Consumer Affairs Minister Gareth Thomas said "The winners here are honest businesses as well as customers. The regulations will put an end to underhand tactics used by rogues who take advantage of current loopholes in the law to beat their rivals". Read the press release and more information on the BERR website
3rd July 2008
Scottish LibDem Leader Quits Post
The Scottish Liberal Democrat Leader, Nicol Stephen, has resigned his post after three years in the job. Stephen named strain upon family life as the reason behind the decision, but will remain an MSP for Aberdeen South. He said in a statement "Everyone involved in politics knows that there are stresses and strains on family life. But when it goes beyond that, when it crosses a line, something has to be done. The health and wellbeing of your family has got to come first". Scottish MP Michael Moore has taken over the leadership until an internal election is held. Read the full personal statement
2nd July 2008
Constitution Unit Devolution Update: 2 New Reports Published
The Constitution Unit is pleased to announce the publication of the final two instalments of the spring wave of Devolution Monitoring Reports, covering developments in territorial politics from January to May 2008.
The Devolution and the Centre Monitoring Report, edited by Akash Paun at the Constitution Unit, discusses emerging tensions in British territorial politics as developments in the 'periphery' cause problems for a UK government reluctant to reopen the 1999 devolution settlement.
And the Wales Devolution Monitoring Report, edited by Richard Wyn Jones and Richard Scully of the Institute for Welsh Politics, discusses events including the resignation of Peter Hain as Welsh Secretary, the ongoing piecemeal devolution of legislative powers, the Welsh local election results and their consequences, and the establishment of the new All-Wales Convention.
Both these reports, and all previous outputs of the Constitution Unit's Devolution Monitoring Programme, can be downloaded here
2nd July 2008
Government Housing Measures to Fight Credit Crunch
Housing Minister Caroline Flint has announced increased and immediate measures designed to respond to the impact of the credit crunch on the housing market with a focus on the delivery of new affordable housing. Flint said "I am determined that we do everything possible to continue to promote stability and fairness in the housing market, and maintain our long term focus on increasing housing supply". Read more here
1st July 2008
Financial Stability Consultation Launched
HM Treasury, the Financial Services Authority and the Bank of England have launched a consultation on proposals that will strengthen the framework for financial stability and protect depositors. Focussing on five key objectives, the plans include measures that aim to ensure the resilience of financial systems as well as reducing the impact if a bank gets into difficulties and ensuring consumer confidence in effective compensation arrangements. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Alistair Darling, said "No system of regulation can or should prevent the failure of each and every institution, but we must do everything possible to prevent problems which could pose a wider threat to stability. The challenge is to ensure that the authorities can act quickly and decisively where necessary to support financial institutions. These proposals will give the authorities the full range of powers they need". Read the press release and download the consultation documents.
1st July 2008
France Takes EU Presidency Helm as Polish President Speaks Out Against EU Treaty
The French Government has taken over the six month rotating European Union Presidency, and immediately hit problems with the Lisbon Treaty as the Polish President Lech Kaczy?ski spoke out about the 'pointless' continued ratification following the Irish No vote. He has so far refused to put his signature of assent to the text which had been approved by the Polish Parliament in April.
Downloads for French EU Presidency: Main Work Programme, Official Calendar, Provisional Agendas prepared by Coreper 1 and Coreper 2 and the French EU Presidency website
30th June 2008
NHS Review & Reform Plans Launched
Plans have been unveiled to raise the quality of healthcare for patients and reform the NHS as it celebrates 60 years. Following a 12-month review which has been led by 2,000 clinicians and staff across the NHS, and with the involvement of 60,000 patients, public and staff, proposals for change have been brought forward that are intended to provide more patient choice and information, whilst rewarding the hospitals and clinics that offer both the highest quality of care. Health Minister Lord Darzi's final report of the NHS Next Stage Review entitled 'High Quality Care for All' has been published today. Lord Darzi said "This report will enable frontline doctors, nurses and patients - who provide and use NHS services - to put into practice their visions for high quality care. As a surgeon I know how vital it is to balance the quality of the patient's experience - a clean and safe environment, being treated with compassion dignity and respect - with the success of the treatment they receive". Read all about it
30th June 2008
Glasgow East MP Steps Down from Commons
Glasgow East MP David Marshall has resigned from the Commons due to ill health. The date for the by-election may be set for before the end of July.
30th June 2008
Wendy Alexander Quits as Scottish Labour Leader
Scottish Labour leader Wendy Alexander has resigned following the ruling of the Scottish Parliament's Standards Committee over donations. Cathy Jamieson has become acting leader until an internal election can be carried out. Read all about it
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