January 15, 2025

The Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, announced a revised approach to the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023, focusing on implementing key elements while proposing to repeal others deemed unworkable. She emphasized the importance of protecting academic freedom and free…

The parliamentary session focused on the Non-Domestic Rating (Multipliers and Private Schools) Bill, which aims to reform business rates and end tax breaks for private schools. MPs debated amendments to assess the impact of new business rate multipliers on various…

In a heated parliamentary debate, MPs passionately called for compensation for the WASPI women, affected by changes to the state pension age, arguing that the government’s refusal to act on the ombudsman’s recommendations was a betrayal of trust. Despite acknowledging…

The session covered several critical issues facing Northern Ireland, including the aerospace and shipbuilding sectors, with a focus on Spirit AeroSystems and Harland and Wolff. The Secretary of State discussed ongoing negotiations and government support for securing future contracts and…

The government is pushing forward with plans for local government reorganisation and devolution, aiming to simplify structures and improve services by creating new unitary councils across England. Several councils have requested to postpone local elections to facilitate this transition, sparking…

The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Wes Streeting, acknowledged the severe winter pressures on the NHS, citing a “toxic cocktail” of under-investment, rising demands, and increased respiratory infections. He outlined government efforts to address the crisis, including…

MPs passionately debated the severe decline in water quality across the UK’s rivers, lakes, and seas, highlighting widespread pollution issues. They criticized the previous Conservative Government for inaction and welcomed the new Labour Government’s initiatives, such as the Water (Special…

Jerome Mayhew urged the government to enhance nature-based solutions for managing farmland flooding, highlighting the need for clearer watercourses and compensation for farmers who allow their land to flood. He stressed the importance of the Environmental Land Management scheme, which…

The UK Parliament discussed the government’s response to a foot and mouth disease outbreak in Germany, emphasizing the need for urgent action to protect British farmers. The government has suspended imports of susceptible animals from Germany and increased the UK’s…

Dr Rupa Huq raised concerns about a controversial report issued by an all-party parliamentary group on the Commonwealth, which criticized Bangladesh’s interim government and was seen as damaging to Parliament’s reputation. Madam Deputy Speaker clarified that such reports do not…

James MacCleary, a Liberal Democrat MP, introduced a Bill to extend the UK’s Youth Mobility Scheme to EU countries, aiming to reverse the restrictions imposed by Brexit. The proposed scheme would allow young Brits like Alex, who was forced to…

On January 16, the House of Commons decided that business scheduled by the Backbench Business Committee could continue until 5:00 pm or for 90 minutes, whichever was later. If not completed by then, the business would lapse. The proceedings could…

Women with endometriosis face significant challenges in the workplace, often suffering in silence due to stigma and lack of employer understanding. MPs urged for better workplace support, including flexible working and time off for medical appointments, highlighting the need for…

In a parliamentary session focused on revitalizing Stoke-on-Trent’s town centres, Gareth Snell passionately advocated for more government support, emphasizing the city’s centenary and the need for a new partnership between local and national government to drive regeneration. Snell highlighted the…

The UK Parliament held a spirited discussion on the vital role and future of the UK’s submarine fleet, highlighting its historical significance and current challenges. MPs lauded the bravery and dedication of submariners, while addressing issues like recruitment, retention, and…

The Committee discussed new regulations aimed at improving transparency in construction contract payment practices, particularly focusing on retention money. Gareth Thomas, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business and Trade, emphasized the need for these amendments to help small businesses…