Political Skew - UK Politics

Conservatives - David Cameron Launches Local Election Campaign

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 18:06:00 +0000

David Cameron has today launched the Conservative Party's local election campaign with a speech in Derbyshire.

In his speech, the Prime Minister told supporters that Conservatives are working in the national interest. He highlighted key measures such as freezing council tax for the second year running, reforming the welfare system, and taking millions out of income tax - delivered by a government "that cares about working for the long-term good".

He said:

"Every single person you meet has a reason to vote Conservative. The worker no longer paying income tax - because we're putting up the personal allowance, soon to almost £10,000.

"The pensioner getting the biggest-ever cash rise in the state pension - that's right, an increase of £5.30 a week, that started this month. The entrepreneur boosted by cuts in corporation tax - soon to be 22 per cent, the lowest in the G7. The homeowner saving money on their mortgage - thanks to low interest rates. The 24 million households are better off - thanks to changes we've brought in.

"To all of those people we must say this: There's only one box in which to put your cross on May the 3rd, and that is for the party that cares about the strivers, the battlers, the family-raisers, the community-builders - the Conservative Party.

"And in case that pencil should hover over Labour's box, let's remind them just what a complete and utter disaster Labour were for this country.

"Theirs was an age of absurdity, when everything was turned upside down. Where some people were paid more to stay at home than to go to work. Where police spent more time filling in forms than on the beat. And where the solution to debt was, yes: debt, debt and more debt.

"So our message has got to be clear: if you look at what Labour did to our country why on Earth would you let them anywhere near your council?"

Read the full speech here.

Plaid Cymru Launch 2012 Local Government Campaign

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 18:44:14 +0000

Plaid Cymru has called on voters, ahead of the local elections, to defy the path of decline and failure by voting for the only party which is working to build a better Wales.

Plaid will focus its campaign on its strong local record in building economic recovery, supporting families and improving local services. With its record number of candidates, the party will also say that, as Wales’ only ‘local party,’ Plaid will work tirelessly to provide a powerful voice and vision for the whole of Wales.

At its campaign in launch in Carmarthenshire Plaid will also unveil some of its key commitments to voters in every part of the country, and how, despite unprecedented cuts, the party will build on its record and do more for local communities.

Key Wales-wide commitments will include:

• Providing paid apprenticeship, skills and training schemes – to support our young people.
• Helping local businesses secure public contracts and providing grants and loans to fund business start-ups.
• Campaigning to save vital local services currently under threat from closure and centralisation.
• Bringing empty properties back into use and investing in more affordable homes.
• Introducing schemes to allow local communities to benefit from the ownership and control of our natural resources.

Download Plaid 2012 Maniffesto [pdf]

Commenting ahead of today’s launch, Plaid’s Local Government campaign manager, Alun Ffred Jones AM said:

“Local councils have more power than we think to make a difference to our lives. To make Wales stronger economically, councils have to pull their weight and use their powers to change lives for the better: to create work, stimulate business, encourage investment, prioritise education and take care of the environment. As a nation, we can build resilience to future threats by building up a network of Plaid councils run for the people and not the political parties – creating local economies that put people first.”

“These are difficult times economically, but Wales needs to be given every opportunity to build a better future. We need to think differently about our communities, and about how we get things done. In our cities, towns and villages, we cannot afford more of the same. It’s not about politics, it’s about pride and determination and self-belief. It’s about seeing beyond the failures of the London parties and believing in a Welsh alternative and believing in Wales.

Plaid’s leader on Gwynedd Council, Dyfed Edwards, said:

"If ever there was a time when Wales needed its local party to be in a strong position to fight for our communities it is now. In Gwynedd we are proud to have invested in the future of our communities - both urban and rural showing ambition despite the austerity we're being dealt.

"When Plaid is strong, Wales is stronger and we are proud in this election to be sharing with the people of our communities, our strong record, team and vision for the next 5 years."

Plaid’s leader on Caerphilly Council, Allan Pritchard said:

“Plaid has not and will not stand by and watch decline take its course. In Caerphilly we are proud that we have already provided 0ver 160 young people with apprenticeships. We know that the priority for most people is providing and protecting jobs, particularly for young people and this is why party is now committed to building on our successful scheme in Caerphilly and creating apprenticeship schemes in each local authority where we lead or share power over the next five years.”

Neil McEvoy, Plaid’s Deputy leader on Cardiff Council added:

“For the London parties, these elections are yet another opportunity for them to play out their Westminster pantomime, playing politics with people's lives for narrow party gains. For Plaid Cymru, these elections present a chance to implement a programme of action to protect Welsh communities from the assault of the cuts which are too deep and are being implemented too quickly.

“Plaid is committed to using the powers of local authorities to the full to help families through these times. Vote for your local champions, vote Plaid – the only party with the ambition to see beyond the tribalism and inertia of today’s politics.”

Nick Clegg Announces Plans to Force Energy Companies to Disclose Best Tariffs

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 18:40:29 +0000

Nick Clegg has announced that the big six energy companies – EDF, E.On, British Gas, Southern, Scottish Power and NPower, who supply 99 per cent of British homes with energy - will now write to customers every year to specifically tell them what the best tariff is for them and how to get it.

‘Going Green has never made so much sense’

The Deputy Prime Minister made the announcement in a speech where he also hit out at people who believe you must dismiss the green agenda in order to deliver growth.
In his speech Nick Clegg said:

“There is a myth doing the rounds in political debate today; that here in the UK environmentalism has hit a wall; that green is for the good times; and that we cannot up our efforts to protect our environment while simultaneously growing our economy.

“But this new wisdom, however persuasive, is utterly wrong. Yes, right now climate change may be lower down some people’s thoughts. Yes, we need to be sensitive to businesses’ needs. But in so many ways, for so many consumers, for so many firms, going green has never made so much sense.”

You can read the full speech here.

Cheaper Bills

Currently there are more than 120 different tariffs on offer by the energy companies and seven out of 10 people aren’t on the best tariff for them. The average customer tends to stay on theirs for years, despite the amount of energy they use varying over time. In 2010, 75 per cent of people did not change their tariff.
The Government wants people to save money on their bills whilst also becoming more switched on to the idea of saving energy through green measures to make further savings and protecting the environment.

Nick Clegg said:

“We need to get bills as low as possible. I know that many families are struggling with rising energy bills. We can't control volatile world energy prices. But we can still help people get their bills down.

“We want to see consumers saving money and engage with the energy they use. Precisely the kind of thrift that is good for pockets as well as the planet.”

Bills can be further reduced with energy efficiency measures such as installing loft and cavity wall insulation – which the Government requires the big energy suppliers to help households with and provide free to some of the most vulnerable consumers.

Labour Party Set to Move Offices Friday

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 18:38:53 +0000

The Labour Party will be moving on Friday to a new modern office.

The move to the open-plan office building at One Brewer’s Green is part of the party reorganisation to create a unified organisation focused on winning the next election.

Ed Miliband will work out of a new office in the headquarters on a regular basis as will the Leaders’ Office staff and Deputy Leader Harriet Harman, Campaign Coordinator Tom Watson and Shadow Chancellor Ed Balls.

All of the new executive directors will work from One Brewer’s Green and Shadow Cabinet and NEC meetings will be held there.

The building provides 12,294 square foot of modern office working space including open plan, contemporary methods of working and a flexible meeting space to accommodate all our internal and external meeting requirements, including NEC and Shadow Cabinet meetings and press conferences.

Iain McNicol, Labour’s General Secretary, said: “This is another big step in the process of modernising our campaigning and election operation. After establishing a new structure for the party last month, this move physically brings together the key functions of the party into one office.

“The new building provides one open space for the party to work from. Months of careful work has gone in to finding the right building for our needs and purpose. Brewer’s Green ensures we have a working environment with open plan, contemporary working and flexible meeting spaces required for a 21st century election campaign.”

Plaid Cymru Demands Control over Welsh Water

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 18:32:54 +0000

Plaid Cymru has repeated calls for control over Welsh resources as Severn Trent aims to strike a deal with Anglian Water over supplying the drought-hit South-west.

Plaid Cymru Economy spokesperson, Alun Ffred Jones AM, said that the potential of Wales’s natural resources needs to be harnessed for the benefit of the people of Wales. He added that it was ironic that a private company could profit from Wales’s water but that the people of Wales could not.

The Severn Trent water company, which gets 50% of its supply from Wales, will aim to sell 30 million litres per day to Anglian Water - a deal that would not be possible without the water from Wales.

This development comes less than two weeks after it was announced as part of the Water Industry (Financial Assistance) Bill in the House of Lords that Welsh taxpayers will be paying to reduce water-rates in South-west England and towards the construction of a £4.1 billion project to improve sewerage services in London.

Plaid Cymru’s economy spokesperson, Alun Ffred Jones AM said:

"It is ironic that a company like Severn Trent is in a position to make a profit from Wales’s water, but the people of Wales cannot. This is our water and we should be able to make the most of it. This resource will be of great economic and strategic importance and the people of Wales should be able to maximise its potential.

"Plaid Cymru has always campaigned for full powers over Welsh water resources to be held here in Wales so that we can make the most of all our natural resources in a sustainable yet profitable manner.

The potential of Wales’ natural resources should be harnessed for the benefit of the people of Wales and that it is the Welsh government that is best placed to ensure that this happens. Labour has always resisted these calls and, back in 2006, insisted on including a clause in the Government of Wales Act to retain ultimate control over water resources in Westminster, effectively tying our hands behind our backs. 　

"Recent events highlight the need to devolve full powers over water resources to Wales. 　Bringing Wales’ natural resources under Welsh control would allow us to benefit in the same way that other nations benefit from their resources. In Plaid Cymru’s evidence to the Silk Commission we have called for the transfer of responsibilities for our natural resources including water."

UKIP - Meat Ban Wasteful and Unfair

Fri, 06 Apr 2012 11:31:44 +0000

UKIP MEP Stuart Agnew has condemned the European Commission’s abrupt decision to ban de-sinewed meat even though there is no evidence that it is dangerous to human health.

Mr Agnew, the Party's Agriculture Spokesman, described the decision as “wasteful of perfectly good meat” pointing out that it “should be for the British government to make such decisions, not unelected European Commissioners sitting in Brussels”.

Mr Agnew said: “The DSM process made sure that there was a minimum of waste after cattle have been slaughtered.

"If the animals have been properly cared for and well-fed, it is very wasteful not to use quantities of meat left on the bones of the carcass, particularly when demand for food has never been higher.

"Why should unelected European Commissioners be telling us what we can eat? It should be a matter for the British Government.

“Other issues that should have been taken into account by the Commission before abruptly issuing this thoughtless and arbitrary ban; are the cost of altering labelling and the fact that the food industry hasn’t been given time to adapt to the change.

"I would also question whether some EU member states will even bother to comply. We could end up with another situation like the battery cage egg ban, where UK meat producers have invested heavily to comply with the DSM ban only to find themselves against unfair competition from EU member states who ignore the ban and carry on producing meat in this way.

“I am also concerned about the disproportionate effect this will have on low income families, who are much more likely to buy meat products that have been made using the DSM technique.

"When there is increasing poverty and hardship being generated by unemployment and pay cuts, this unnecessary ban is singularly ill-timed.”

Conservatives - David Cameron's Easter Message

Fri, 06 Apr 2012 11:30:33 +0000

Following this week's No10 Easter Reception, David Cameron has sent his best wishes for Easter.

David Cameron said: "Easter week is a very important moment in the Christian calendar, so I would like to extend my best wishes to everyone here in the United Kingdom, and across the world, at this special time of year.

"This is the time when, as Christians, we remember the life, sacrifice and living legacy of Christ. The New Testament tells us so much about the character of Jesus; a man of incomparable compassion, generosity, grace, humility and love. These are the values that Jesus embraced, and I believe these are values people of any faith, or no faith, can also share in, and admire.

"It is values like these that make our country what it is - a place which is tolerant, generous and caring. A nation which has an established faith, that together is most content when we are defined by what we are for, rather than defined by what we are against. In the book of Luke, we are told that Jesus said, "Do to others as you would have them do to you" - advice that when followed makes for a happier, and better society for everyone.

"So as families and friends get together this week, I would like to send my best wishes to you all, and I hope and pray you have a very happy and peaceful Easter."

Green Party Responds to Budget 2012

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 21:44:26 +0000

Today's budget announcement from George Osborne does nothing to help the green agenda. Cameron's promise to be the greenest government ever has been shown up for what it is - a sham.

A clean energy policy is nowhere to be seen and the opportunity to promote the renewable sector has been sadly forsaken in favour of helping the rich by cutting the 50p tax rate.

Greens have shown that investment in the renewable energy sector would bring about a million jobs and importantly guarantee Britain's energy security. Instead, the Chancellor has ensured that the UK will remain reliant on fossil fuels for years to come.

Fiscal responsibility and investment in renewable energy are not mutually exclusive. On the contrary it is vital for the UK's economy that we wean ourselves off this destructive dependence on fossil fuels, prevent ourselves being held to ransom by energy companies and instead invest in clean renewable energy for the future

Greens want a fair and sustainable economy that puts investment in clean energy, public transport, safe and warm homes, and protection for our natural environment at the heart of our policies.

UKIP - Budget Does Little for Business or Families

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 21:32:54 +0000

Today's Budget from Chancellor George Osborne does little for business and continues to pile on the financial pain for families, says UKIP Leader Nigel Farage.

Mr Farage said: "In his Budget the Chancellor promised the 'biggest reduction in business red tape ever', but this is mere tinkering at the edges.

"For the government to effectively help small business it needs to tackle legislation such as the Agency Workers Directive which is predicted to cost the economy 100,000 jobs and the Working Time Directive which has cost the NHS alone £2billion over the last 2 years.

"The government is impotent when tackling the real barriers to growth because of the UK's insistence on adhering to these damaging EU laws. If the government really wanted to support UK business it would repudiate such EU legislation.

"The Chancellor's refusal to cut the proposed 3p per litre increase in fuel duty for August is a kick in the guts for hardworking families across the country. Refusing to budge on this demonstrates that he and his government do not understand the challenges facing real people in this country. Cutting this duty would have boosted growth, instead he continues to clobber the hard pressed motorist on top of the road tolls he plans to introduce.

"Increasing the personal income tax threshold to £9,025 is a step in the right direction but does not go nearly far enough. To boost growth anyone on the minimum wage who works a full week should be taken totally out of the tax system, which would mean a threshold of £12k pa. This would take four and half million people out of tax. UKIP have been calling for this for five years.

"The Chancellor's revealed that the UK economy will grow this year by 0.8%, whilst the eurozone contracts. This goes to show that we should cut our ties to this sinking ship."

Conservatives - Council Tax Cut Helps Hard-working Families

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 21:30:30 +0000

New figures released today reveal that council tax across England has been cut in real terms this year.

Council tax doubled under Labour hitting hard-working families and squeezing household budgets. Under the Coalition Government's council tax freeze initiative bills were frozen last year and this year the change will be just 0.3 per cent - well below the rate of inflation.

This will save the average family up to £72 a year, thanks to the Government reversing the trend set by Labour.

Commentating, Eric Pickles, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, said:

"Under Labour, council tax doubled and bills would have gone through the roof further had Labour clung to power. Labour oppose the council tax freeze and would have given a green light to yet more council tax hikes.

"By contrast, this Government has frozen council tax, scrapped Labour's council tax revaluation and given residents new rights to veto excessive tax rises in the future.

"Conservative councils deliver lower council tax and are making sensible savings to do their bit to pay off Labour's budget deficit. By contrast, Ed Miliband's councils are reveling in politically-motivated and cynical cuts to frontline services, and they continue to charge more on council tax bills because they are badly run."

Conservatives - Chancellor Launches Scheme to Boost Small Business

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 20:42:06 +0000

Chancellor George Osborne has launched a scheme to help small businesses access cheaper finance.

The National Loan Guarantee Scheme (NLGS) will help businesses with an annual group turnover of up to £50 million.

Using the UK's budget credibility in financial markets, the Government will provide up to £20 billion of government guarantees on unsecured borrowing by banks, enabling them to borrow at a cheaper rate.

Participating banks will pass on the entire benefit that they receive from the guarantees to smaller businesses across the UK through cheaper loans. Businesses that take out an NLGS loan will receive a discount of 1 percentage point compared to the interest rate that they would otherwise have received from that bank outside the scheme.

George Osborne said:

"The Government promised to help small businesses get access to lower interest rates. Today, we deliver on that promise with a nationwide scheme. It's only because we've earned credibility with our deficit reduction plan that we have low interest rates, and it's only because of this scheme that we can pass the benefits of those low rates onto businesses."

Cab Firm Interviews Top Three London Mayor Candidates on Transport Issues

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 20:24:49 +0000

The race for London’s next mayor has taken a unique turn with the release of the top three candidates being interviewed on the Capital’s most pressing transport issues.

At separate times, standing Mayor and Conservative Party candidate Boris Johnson, Labour’s Ken Livingstone, and Liberal Democrat Brian Paddick took to the back seat of a Radio Taxis Group cab to address their proposed transport plans.

As the cab rolled through London’s busy streets, RTG Chairman Geoffrey Riesel interviewed the three candidates.

“Twenty years ago we would have found mayoral candidates at Speaker’s Corner,” Riesel said. “Today they know one of the best ways to reach Londoners and especially to speak to the taxi trade, is from inside one of our iconic taxis and then have the interview released out through social media channels. It’s an informative and fun way to talk about the issues that matter most to us in London and to the taxi trade.”

The three videos, each about 10 minutes in length, can be seen at www.youtube.com/RadioTaxisGroup.

All three candidates praised London’s exemplary black cab industry and the professionalism of the drivers and they all touched on a host of other transport themes, including:

Johnson said that “unlicensed minicabs are a menace to London, they are undermining the taxi trade, they are very often a threat to women [and] it is vital that people are aware of the risks and that unlicensed minicabs are driven off our streets.”

Addressing regulation, Livingstone explained: “If it was up to me, it wouldn’t just be that I’d keep the regulation of the cab trade in the Mayor’s office, I’d actually declare independence and run the whole city. They can’t even run hospitals in London; everything government does in London it gets wrong.”

Touching on the Olympics, Paddick mentioned: “The Liberal Democrats at the London Assembly have been quite clear on this…If I become Mayor, taxis will be able to use the Olympic routes.”

All three candidates agreed on one thing: Pedicabs pose a public safety danger and are in their sights, although the Mayor’s office does not have the legislative power to regulate the burgeoning and unlicensed rickshaw trade.

RMT's Bob Crow Responds to 2012 Budget

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 20:21:17 +0000

RMT General Secretary Bob Crow said: “This is a budget of the rich for the rich. The tax changes mean that a banker on half a million pounds gets a kick back from George Osborne of £17,500, money robbed from our public services and the neediest in our divided society.

“The tinkering at the lower end of the tax scale will be swallowed up by increased utility bills and travel costs while the rich will just engage another army of accountants and lawyers to dodge the so-called clampdown on tax avoidance by inventing another barrage of scams.

“This budget unleashes savage cuts to jobs, wages, welfare and services in the public sector while pandering to the private greed of those same people who dragged us into this economic crisis. It will spark an upsurge in protest and resistance across the country as the vast majority realise that they have been mugged by this Government of the wealthy elite.”

Conservatives - High Speed Rail Network Announced

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 22:14:49 +0000

Britain will have a national high speed rail network providing vital new capacity and faster journeys across the country from 2026, Transport Secretary Justine Greening has announced.

HS2 will be a Y-shaped rail network with stations in London, Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester, Sheffield and the East Midlands linked by high speed trains conveying up to 26,000 people each hour at speeds of up to 250mph.

High speed trains will also connect seamlessly with the existing West Coast and East Coast main lines to serve passengers beyond the HS2 network in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Newcastle, Durham, York, Darlington, Liverpool, Preston, Wigan and Lancaster.

It will be built in two phases. The first will see construction of a new 140 mile line between London and Birmingham by 2026, the detailed route of which is published today. The second phase will see lines built from Birmingham to Leeds and Manchester by 2033. A formal consultation on second phase routes will begin in early 2014 with a final route chosen by the end of 2014.

The first phase of HS2 will include a connection to Europe via the Channel Tunnel. On completion of HS2 the network will include a direct link to Heathrow Airport.

Transport Secretary, Justine Greening MP, said:

'A new high speed rail network will provide Britain with the additional train seats, connections and speed to stay ahead of the congestion challenge and help create jobs, growth and prosperity for the entire country.

'HS2 will link some of our greatest cities - and high speed trains will connect with our existing railway lines to provide seamless journeys to destinations far beyond it. This is a truly British network that will serve far more than the cities directly on the line.

'More than a century ago the Victorians built railways that continue to serve us to this day and just over 50 years ago the post-war generation chose to invest in motorways, bringing higher road capacity and faster journeys to millions. Both transformed the economic and social fabric of this country: HS2 is our generation's investment in Britain and our children.'

Conservatives - New Focus on Quality and Nursing Care

Sun, 08 Jan 2012 11:59:52 +0000

A new drive to free up nurses to provide the care patients and relatives expect has been announced today by Prime Minister David Cameron and Health Secretary Andrew Lansley.

The Prime Minister announced the following priorities:

Patients not paperwork: getting rid of a swathe of bureaucracy that stops nurses from doing what they do best.
Regular nursing rounds: to systematically and routinely check that patients are comfortable, are properly fed and hydrated, and are treated with dignity and respect, with the Royal College of Nurses (RCN) helping to make it happen.
Leadership on the wards: people want to see a figure of authority on the ward. To help do so, a Nursing Quality Forum of front line nurses and nursing leaders will be set up, charged with taking a national leadership role in promoting excellent care and ensuring good practice is adopted across the NHS.
New patient-led inspections of hospital wards: local people will go in as part of teams assessing cleanliness, dignity and nutrition and their findings will be published.
New 'friends and family test': this will ask whether patients, carers and staff would recommend their hospital to their families and friends in their hour of need. We will publish the results and hospital leaders who fail this test will be held to account.

The Prime Minister said:

"We know the vast majority of patients are very happy with the care provided by the NHS. And I've seen the NHS at its very best. But we have heard recently that in some hospitals patients are not provided with the level care or respect they deserve and I am absolutely appalled by this.

"If we want dignity and respect, we need to focus on nurses and the care they deliver. The whole approach to caring in this country needs to be reset. And it needs to start with this simple fact. Caring for patients is what nurses do. Everything else comes second."

Lib Dems - Business Leaders Back Nick Clegg's 'Youth Contract'

Sun, 08 Jan 2012 11:52:06 +0000

Backing for the plan to tackle youth unemployment comes from The Confederation of British Industry (CBI), British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), British Retail Consortium (BRC) and Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), who will also urge their members to back the initiative.

Liberal Democrats in the Coalition Government are determined to tackle the growing problem of youth unemployment, which Nick Clegg described as “an economic waste and a slow burn disaster”. The aim of the Youth Contract is to ensure that all jobless young people are earning or learning again before long-term damage is done. Over three years, the Youth Contract will provide at least 410,000 new work places for 18 to 24-year-olds into work.

The Youth Contract includes:

160,000 wage subsidies and 250,000 new work experience placements.
There will be at least 20,000 more incentive payments to encourage employers to take on young apprentices.
And there will be a new programme to help the most disengaged 16 and 17-year-olds – getting them back to school or college, onto an apprenticeship or into a job with training.

Nick Clegg said: “Supporting people into work is my priority for 2012 and helping young people get proper, lasting jobs is especially important.

“The Youth Contract will make sure every unemployed young person starts earning or learning again before long term damage is done.

“But government can’t do this alone, we need businesses to play their part too. That’s why the support of the Confederation of British Industry, British Chambers of Commerce, British Retail Consortium and Federation of Small Businesses is such good news.”

The Deputy Prime Minister Thursday hosted a roundtable discussion with business leaders, including senior representatives from some of the UK’s top businesses including Marks and Spencer, John Lewis, BT and Asda, to hear from them about how they offer young people work, training and apprenticeships in their organisations and discuss the Youth Contract.

Nick Clegg also launched new website - dwp.gov.uk/youth-contract for employers across Britain to sign up to the Youth Contract.

John Cridland, CBI Director-General, said: "The Youth Contract is good news for young people up and down the country. It will encourage firms to give a young inexperienced person a chance so that the scourge of youth unemployment can be tackled.

"We sincerely hope that employers of all sizes looking to hire staff will see the Youth Contract as a real incentive to invest in our young people.”

Dr Adam Marshall, Director of Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said: “Youth unemployment is a huge challenge for Government and business alike. Firms up and down the country are concerned about the record numbers of young people currently out of work, and tell us they are ready to do their bit.

“That’s why we warmly welcome the Youth Contract, which will help growing businesses offer more young people real jobs and work experience. We will work closely with the Government to ensure that these initiatives help to overcome the obstacles that stop young people and potential employers from connecting.”

Director General of the British Retail Consortium, Stephen Robertson, said: “Nearly a million young people are employed by retailers in the UK and they’re keen to take on even more. The sector employs a quarter of all 20 to 24 year olds who are in work and the proportions are even higher for teenagers. Retail also has an excellent record on staff development and is one of the highest spending sectors on training per employee.

“The Government’s focus on helping young people into work and training has the potential to make a real and very welcome contribution to reducing youth unemployment. There needs to be an accompanying set of initiatives to drive growth which will help create new jobs for people of all ages.”

Mike Cherry, Policy Chairman, Federation of Small Businesses, said: “Youth unemployment continues to be a major problem and so we welcome the Government’s Youth Contract initiative. Small businesses want to create jobs but need help overcoming the risks associated with taking on staff, especially in the current climate. We also need to see enterprise education in schools and colleges so that young people are given the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in the world of work.”

Conservatives - Business Boosting Measures Announced

Sun, 08 Jan 2012 11:48:50 +0000

Prime Minister David Cameron has announced a series of measures to tackle the compensation culture and free small and medium enterprises (SMEs) from the stranglehold of health and safety red tape.

Speaking to an audience of small businesses and entrepreneurs at Intuit UK in Maidenhead, David Cameron announced that:

to tackle the compensation culture and address the fear from businesses of being sued for trivial or excessive claims - we will extend the current scheme that caps the amount that lawyers can earn from small value personal injury claims, and reduce overall costs in cases funded by 'no win no fee' deals. This will help bring down the cost of many cases and deter the speculative health and safety claims made against good businesses that would appear not to have done anything wrong.
the health and safety law on strict liability for civil claims will be changed so that businesses are no longer automatically at fault if something goes wrong.
we will investigate the demands made by insurance companies on businesses to ensure that levels of compliance do not force businesses to go far beyond what is actually required by the the law to secure their insurance cover.
we will write to the Chief Executives of all major insurance companies, asking them to set out what they will do to deal with this problem - and they will be invited to a meeting at Downing Street next month to set out their plans.

The Prime Minister has also announced that next month we will ask organisations to bid to manage the £1bn of Government funding available through the Business Finance Partnership. This fund will help businesses access the finance they need to grow.

David Cameron said:

"I am determined that we do everything possible to take the brakes off business: cutting taxes; slashing red tape; putting billions into big infrastructure projects; making it much easier for British firms to get out there and trade with the world.

"And there is something else we are doing: waging war against the excessive health and safety culture that has become an albatross around the neck of British businesses.

"Talk of 'health and safety' can too often sound farcical or marginal. But for British businesses - especially the smaller ones that are so vital to the future of our economy - this is a massively important issue. Every day they battle against a tide of risk assessment forms and face the fear of being sued for massive sums. The financial cost of this culture runs into the billions each year.

"So this coalition has a clear New Year's resolution: to kill off the health and safety culture for good. I want 2012 to go down in history not just as Olympics year or Diamond Jubilee year, but the year we get a lot of this pointless time-wasting out of the British economy and British life once and for all."

UKIP - Cameron Admits Veto is No Safeguard

Sat, 07 Jan 2012 21:12:30 +0000

The Prime Minister has finally admitted that his 'veto' during the last Brussels summit has done absolutely nothing to protect British businesses and the UK's financial industry.

When challenged on what safeguards he had secured for the UK during an interview on Radio 4's Today programme this morning, David Cameron said: "What I stopped was that if you have a treaty within the framework of the European Union that didn't have safeguards on the single market and on financial services, Britain would have been in a worse position.

He continued: "I am not making some great claim to have achieved a safeguard but what I did do was stop a treaty without safeguards. Is that clear enough?"

In response to his comments Nigel Farage, UKIP Leader, said: "As the smokescreen starts to clear it becomes obvious that the so-called 'veto' is no more than a fudge which will anger the British public.

"David Cameron has finally admitted that he has not achieved some great safeguard for British business - nothing has changed.

"It is also clear that he has no idea of the details of what is planned in Brussels for the new treaty, yet earlier this week the European Commission announced that both it and member states had forwarded proposed changes to the treaty.

"Cameron appears not to know this which shows he is totally out of the loop."

Conservatives - Government Sets Out Strategy to be Positive for Youth

Sat, 07 Jan 2012 13:07:57 +0000

Children's Minister, Tim Loughton, has announced that young people across the country should be able to inspect their local youth services and advise on how to improve them.

The Government has published a new vision for young people and youth services, Positive for Youth, in which Mr Loughton calls on every local authority to get young people involved in local decision-making.

The Government also wants local authorities to build stronger partnerships with voluntary organisations and local businesses to develop opportunities for young people in their local communities. Many businesses, such as Starbucks, 02 and the Co-operative are leading the way with innovative projects that are inspiring young people. Positive for Youth brings together everything the Government is doing to support young people. It has been produced with youth professionals and young people themselves.

To build a society that is more Positive for Youth, the Government is:

Providing £320,000 to Business in the Community to build links between businesses and young people in their local areas.
Giving young people the chance to 'youth proof' government policy. A new national scrutiny group and youth select committee will monitor and advise on government policy.
Calling on all local authorities to give young people a voice in local decision-making. Local authorities should introduce programmes like youth mayors or youth inspectors to give youngsters a say. This could include: auditing local services such as youth clubs and leisure services to make them more youth-friendly.
Establishing four new Youth Innovation Zones to develop new, creative approaches to youth services across the country. The first four areas, Devon, Hammersmith and Fulham, Haringey, and Knowsley will each get £40,000 to set up the zones.
Publishing revised statutory guidance for consultation in the New Year on local authorities' duty to secure activities and services for young people.
Providing capital investment to complete 63 myplace centres by April 2013, and developing a national approach to exploit their potential to be led by communities and businesses.
Expanding National Citizen Service to offer 30,000 places to young people in 2012, 60,000 in 2013, and 90,000 in 2014.

Tim Loughton said: "For too long young people in this country have had a raw deal. The vast majority are law-abiding, want to do well at school and are making a positive contribution to their communities. More youngsters volunteer than any other group in society. We must recognise their achievements.

"I want Positive for Youth to be a turning point in how we view and treat young people, and in how we think about youth services. In a tough economic climate, bringing in charities and businesses to help develop and provide youth services is the way forward. There are some superb projects run by organisations like British Youth Council, O2, Starbucks and the Co-operative, building links between young people and their local communities.

"Councils should also think about how to get young people involved in decisions that affect them. I want them to open their doors to young people and get them involved - auditing and inspecting local services and listening to their ideas on how to improve things."

Raising young people's aspirations and educational attainment is crucial to their success in life. The Government has already announced in the Schools White Paper: The Importance of Teaching, significant reforms and investment to radically improve educational standards. The Government has also set out a new strategy to increase young people's participation in learning and work, Building Engagement, Building Futures.

The Government will be measuring progress by local authorities, and central government, in delivering better, more targeted opportunities for young people. Without creating new burdens on local authorities, the Government will publish annual data on positive and aspirational measures for young people. The Government will also publish at the end of 2012 a 'one year on' progress update towards creating a society which is more positive for youth.

Kris Engskov, Managing Director of Starbucks UK & Ireland, said: "There are growing pressures facing youth today, but there are still many reasons to be optimistic about the large number of incredible young people with the ambition and enthusiasm to make a difference in their communities.

"They deserve our support and they deserve to be heard. That's why we're backing the Positive for Youth initiative and why we are giving funding and training to young people across the country through our Starbucks Youth Action Programme."

Ronan Dunne, Chief Executive Officer, Telefonica UK Ltd said: "We believe in young people. That is why we run O2 Think Big - a social action programme that provides funding, training and support for young people who are running projects across the UK to improve their local communities."

"I am constantly struck by the desire of young people to contribute to society, to make a positive difference to the world around them. Thousands of our staff gets involved in their local Think Big projects and many of the young people we support spend time inside the company to learn more about our business and the world of work. Giving young people the support and opportunities they need to fulfil their potential is one of the biggest challenges facing the country. We welcome the Government's Positive for Youth initiative."

Labour - We Would Protect Commuters from Increasing Rail Fares

Sat, 07 Jan 2012 11:04:43 +0000

Labour has called on the Government to ban train operating companies from raising rail fares above strict limits.

The measure, which Labour would implement now urgently if it was in government, is part of a package being designed to prevent commuters and other hard-pressed passengers being exploited so that fairness and simplicity are restored to rail fares.

Under Labour’s plan, no fare could rise next week by more than 1% above inflation. However, because of decisions taken by this Tory-led government, a number of the most popular routes will see fares soar by as much as 9% in the New Year.

Although ministers claimed they were limiting fare increases to an average of 1% above inflation, the reality is that they have quietly reversed decisions by the last Labour government to enforce such limits.

By giving train companies the ‘flexibility’ to add up to 5% to some fares - on top of the inflation-plus-1% increase already announced by George Osborne - it is possible that some ticket prices will increase by up to 11 per cent.

The cap on average fare rises has been set even higher at 3% above inflation in future years, meaning passengers may face fare rises of as much as 13% in 2013 and 2014.

David Cameron’s decision to side with the powerful private train operator lobby against commuter and passengers shows he is desperately out of touch with the spiraling cost-of-living crisis facing so many hard-working families.

The National Audit Office this month warned that the increases in rail fares were likely to lead simply to higher profits for private train companies - with no benefit to the Exchequer.

The urgent action Labour is proposing to help passengers now follows a warning from Ed Miliband in September that he would set tough new tests for train companies wishing to retain or apply for franchise - in the same way that he has signaled his determination to tackle predatory practices by banks and energy companies.

Maria Eagle MP, Labour’s Shadow Transport Secretary said:

“Life is already tough enough for families and commuters struggling with the increasing cost of living. But many commuters are in for an unwelcome New Year surprise this week when they discover that the price of their rail ticket has risen by much more than George Osborne promised.

“Instead of price rises being limited to 1% above inflation, some of the most popular commuter routes will see the cost of a season ticket soar by hundreds of pounds. This is a direct consequence of the Tory-led government caving in to pressures from lobbyists and deciding to side with the train operators.

“It shows how utterly out of touch the Tories are with the impact of spiraling commuting costs on household budgets. Under Ed Miliband, Labour will take on powerful vested interests and stand up for commuters against this sort of predatory exploitation.”

Measures to stop excessive fare increases are expected to be a key component of Labour's rail policy review.

Other proposals being considered include:

1. A single definition of “peak and off-peak”: to prevent unwitting passengers being given additional charges for having the ‘wrong’ ticket – or train operators stretching “peak time” simply to increase profits.

2. A right to the cheapest ticket: by which the lowest price is clearly advertised and passengers are entitled to a refund if they do not get it.

3. A right to a single price for the same ticket: apply the same fare structure to tickets purchased at train stations and other outlets as those bought online, ending the ‘digital divide’ which raises costs for older passengers in particular.

4. A more flexible way of changing your travel plans: Allow passengers to pay the difference between what they have paid already for an Advance ticket and the appropriate new ticket if they miss their train or need to change their plans, rather than facing a massive additional charge on the train.

5. A right to a discount for a rail replacement bus service: Introduce a replacement bus service discount so your train fare is reduced if your journey does not take place by train and is consequently longer. Planned work to the rail network is often known about at the time of ticket purchases, yet there is no requirement to offer a reduced price despite the often significant change to journey time and increased inconvenience to passengers.

Plaid - Welsh Election Boundary Map Set to Change

Sat, 07 Jan 2012 10:41:41 +0000

Proposals for new Welsh constituencies for Westminster will be released this month, following the publication of proposals for other three countries in the UK.

It is expected that there will be 30 seats for MPs to represent Wales, following the changes which cut the number of MPs from 650 to 600 and introduce a population criterion to determine constituency boundaries.

Plaid Cymru MP Jonathan Edwards said:

“Plaid Cymru fought strongly against the 25% cut in Welsh representation at Wales which was forced through by the Conservatives and Liberal Democrat coalition.

“We disagreed with the cut in the number of MPs at Westminster from 650 to 600 and the way of doing this – ignoring community links or history as the most important criterion for a seat and replacing them with a population criterion which will mean constant change in boundaries to keep the numbers right.

“Plaid Cymru have, of course, contributed our thoughts to the consultation and will respond accordingly when the proposals are published.

“However, it is not certain that these changes will take place.

“Many Conservative and Lib Dem MPs who went through the lobbies to back the cut have now begun to realise that they might lose their own seats through these changes, and have to started to fight against them.

“On the one hand, I hope that they are successful because that would be the right thing to do, but it is worrying that ConDem coalition MPs will fight so hard for their own job while consigning more than 700,000 public sector workers to the dole queue.”

Obama Weekly Address - Honoring Those Who Served in Iraq, as the War Comes to An End

Sat, 17 Dec 2011 12:10:51 +0000

In this week’s address, President Obama expressed the gratitude of the entire nation to the brave men and women who have served in the war in Iraq, and welcomed our troops home as we mark the official end to the war.

This historic achievement would not be possible without the skill and dedication of the men and women of the United States Armed Forces. They prove every day that when we come together, there is nothing we cannot do. Now it’s time to follow their example, put aside partisanship, and rebuild our economy so that every American who wants to work can find a job, and everyone has the opportunity to make it if they try.

Remarks of President Barack Obama - December 17, 2011

This week marked an historic moment in the life of our country and our military.

For nearly nine years, our nation has been at war in Iraq. More than 1.5 million Americans have served there with honor, skill, and bravery. Tens of thousands have been wounded. Military families have sacrificed greatly – none more so than the families of those nearly 4,500 Americans who made the ultimate sacrifice. All of them – our troops, veterans, and their families – will always have the thanks of a grateful nation.

On Thursday, the colors our Armed Forces fought under in Iraq were formally cased in a ceremony in Baghdad before beginning their journey back home. Our troops are now preparing to make their final march across the border and out of the country. Iraq’s future will be in the hands of its own people. Our war there will be over. All of our troops will be out of Iraq. And this holiday season, all of us can finally say: welcome home.

This is an extraordinary achievement – one made possible by the hard work and sacrifice of the men and women who had the courage to serve. And there’s a lesson to learn from that – a lesson about our character as a nation.

See, there’s a reason our military is the most respected institution in America. They don’t see themselves or each other as Democrats first or Republicans first. They see themselves as Americans first.

For all our differences and disagreements, they remind us that we are all a part of something bigger; that we are one nation and one people. And for all our challenges, they remind us that there is nothing we can’t do when we stick together.

They’re the finest our nation has to offer. Many will remain in the military and go on to the next mission. Others will take off the uniform and become veterans. But their commitment to service doesn’t end when they take off the uniform – in fact, I’m confident the story of their service to America is just beginning.

After years of rebuilding Iraq, it is time to enlist our veterans and all our people in the work of rebuilding America.

Folks like my grandfather came back from World War II to form the backbone of the largest middle class in history. And today’s generation of veterans – the 9/11 Generation of veterans – is armed with the skills, discipline, and leadership to attack the defining challenge of our time: rebuilding an economy where hard work pays off, where responsibility is rewarded, where anyone can make it if they try.

Now it is up to us to serve these brave men and women as well as they serve us. Every day, they meet their responsibilities to their families and their country. Now it’s time to meet ours – especially those of us who you sent to serve in Washington. This cannot be a country where division and discord stand in the way of our progress. This is a moment where we must come together to ensure that every American has the chance to work for a decent living, own their own home, send their kids to college, and secure a decent retirement.

This is a moment for us to build a country that lives up to the ideals that so many of our bravest Americans have fought and even died for. That is our highest obligation as citizens. That is the welcome home that our troops deserve.

Thank you.

Plaid - The Welsh Government Needs to Start Preparing for Scottish Independence

Sat, 10 Dec 2011 14:26:00 +0000

Plaid Cymru MP for Carmarthen East and Dinefwr, Jonathan Edwards has said that the Welsh Government needs to start preparing for Scottish Independence now as opposed to the First Minister's current unnaceptable policy of waiting on events to happen elsewhere before reacting.

Plaid's Jonathan Edwards said:

“The Scottish independence referendum will fundamentally realign the political structure of the British state. The multi option nature of the referendum question means that Scotland will either be fully independent or be fully sovereign in all policy fields apart from defence and foreign affairs. There is no way the Scottish people are going to vote for the status quo.

"The wait and see attitude of the current Welsh Government is deeply irresponsible. In politics you either shape events or they shape you. Whichever option chosen by the Scottish people will have significant consequences for the people of Wales.

"The Welsh Government needs to be positioning itself in preparation for the realignment that will happen on these isles following the referendum vote to make sure the people of Wales don’t lose out.

"I’m not holding out much hope. The Welsh Government seems incapable of putting together a coherent response to the economic challenges we face let alone the consequences of the break of the state. The Welsh First Minister can’t even persuade his bosses in London to support fair funding for Wales let alone to lead our country towards a fairer political settlement following Scottish independence.

The Labour party, split down the middle between its unionist and nationalist factions can’t lead. It’s up to the national movement as always to make the case for our country to make sure our people via our own democratically elected institutions are empowered with more responsibility over our lives."

Plaid - Isolationist Cameron Leaves Wales and Rest of UK Exposed

Sat, 10 Dec 2011 14:21:11 +0000

Commenting on the latest Euro developments, Plaid Cymru leader Ieuan Wyn Jones AM has criticised the UK Government for following isolationist policies.

The Plaid leader said:

"The crisis in the Eurozone has a massive impact on all of us. The Welsh economy is especially vulnerable at this time and Welsh jobs and businesses are at risk unless an early resolution can be found.

"It is essential therefore that European leaders take urgent action to deal with the sovereign debt crisis which is in danger of engulfing the Euro.

"David Cameron’s decision today to veto a new treaty and his failure to secure significant concessions at the European Council leaves us particularly exposed.

"The UK Government is going to be isolated – it will not be a key player in the forthcoming negotiations. Yet all nine other countries outside the Eurozone are likely to take an active part in trying to reach an agreement.

"Given the importance of these decisions for the future of the Welsh economy, and especially our exports, the interests of Wales can, for the present, only be protected if the UK is playing an active part in negotiations.

"David Cameron has decided that the interests of his own backbenchers are more important than Welsh jobs.

UKIP - Real EU Debate is Just Beginning

Sat, 10 Dec 2011 14:17:51 +0000

Following David Cameron's use of a veto at the European Council, UKIP Leader Nigel Farage at the Justus Lupsius building in Brussels said the real debate on the EU was just beginning.

"It is tempting to say well done David Cameron for standing up for British interests, but then we realise that he has actually gained nothing," he said.

"His attempt to safeguard Britain's biggest industry has led to Mr Sarkozy telling him where to go.

"The argument that we can repatriate powers from the EU died last night. We cannot have an á la carte menu in future with Europe. They have made it abundantly clear, we can either take it or we can leave it.

"Of course there will be a heavy price to pay for the City for every time there is a crisis with the Euro the City of London will get the blame. The Euro elite have their permanent scapegoat.

"I fear we will now see an avalanche of financial market regulations over which we will now be in a permanent voting minority.

"The real debate on the European Union in Britain is about to begin. Whether David Cameron knows it or not, his actions last night marked the beginning of the end of Britain's membership of this union.

"Just like when Tony Blair gave devolved powers to Scotland and Wales believing that it would satisfy nationalist ambitions; in fact it bred them, leading to the SNP being the biggest party in Scotland.

"The same is true on the European debate - expect in the coming weeks and months for there to be an overwhelming demand in Britain for an in/out referendum."

Plaid Calls on Government to Build for Wales' Future

Sat, 10 Dec 2011 13:57:50 +0000

Government must bring forward capital projects such as the building of new schools, hospitals and transport infrastructure in order to ensure Wales’ recovery from the current economic crisis. That was the message from Plaid Cymru in a Senedd debate.

During the debate, the party’s economy spokesperson, Alun Ffred Jones AM, criticized the Conservative/Lib Dem Westminster government for failing to provide sufficient economic stimulus for Wales. But he also hit out at the lack of action from the Labour Welsh Government during the economic crisis. Pointing to Plaid Cymru’s Build4Wales proposal which would invest £500m pounds and create up to 50,000 jobs, he also argued that the bold and innovative action could reap long term rewards.

Plaid Cymru Economy Spokesperson Alun Ffred Jones AM said:

“Plaid Cymru has consistently warned that the Conservative/Lib Dem government’s cuts are too deep and too fast and that they are stifling economic recovery risking a double dip recession. The UK government has failed to provide sufficient economic stimulus for Wales in order to deliver an economic boost and therefore we are seeing the situation worsen.

“The Labour Welsh Government cannot avoid their responsibilities in driving for recovery. What Wales needs, and what the construction industry is crying out for, is a coherent and comprehensive capital investment programme. The Labour Welsh Government still has not brought forward any new construction projects – there is a complete lack of direction. Blaming the Lib Dems and Tories in London is a cop-out. Labour's inaction when youth unemployment is at such a high level is having a real impact for thousands of our young people.

“Plaid Cymru has set out radical and innovative action in order to enable the government to invest in new schools, hospitals and infrastructure via our Build4Wales proposal. At a time of cuts from Westminster the Welsh government cannot sit back and do nothing. It has to come up with an alternative way to respond to the downturn in the economy.”

Plaid Cymru Leader Ieuan Wyn Jones AM also warned of further severe cuts to come as a result of the Chancellor’s recent Autumn Statement:

“The implications of the Chancellor’s statement are going to mean further serious funding cuts for Wales by the UK government. The Labour Welsh Government clearly hasn’t yet grasped the depth of the situation which faces us. Another £800m will be slashed from the Welsh Budget next year – dwarfing the additional sum allocated to Wales in the Autumn Statement.

“The First Minister may have bought the Lib Dems support for his budget for £20m – but he did not spot that the Lib Dems and Conservatives were taking a massive £800m out of the Welsh budget at the same time.”

Conservatives - Safeguarding British Interests

Sat, 10 Dec 2011 13:53:33 +0000

Prime Minister David Cameron has spoken of his decision to veto a new European treaty following a round of discussions with European leaders in Brussels.

Speaking at a press conference after the talks, David Cameron said:

"I said before coming to Brussels that if I couldn't get adequate safeguards for Britain in a new European treaty, then I wouldn't agree to it. What is on offer isn't in Britain's interests, so I didn't agree to it.

"Let me explain why this matters. Of course, we want the Eurozone countries to come together and to solve their problems. But we should only allow that to happen inside the European Union treaties if there are proper protections for the single market and for other key British interests.

"Without those safeguards, it is better not to have a treaty within a treaty, but to have those countries make their arrangements separately. That is what is now going to happen. Britain's interests in the European Union - keeping markets open, free trade, selling our goods and services with rules over which we have a major say - all those things are protected."

Green Party - Brighton MP Named Biggest Influencer In UK Politics This Year

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 11:18:37 +0000

Brighton Pavilion MP Caroline Lucas has been recognised by a prestigious political body as the MP who has most influenced the political agenda in 2011.

Since her election to the constituency of Brighton Pavilion in 2010, the UK's only Green MP has made a significant impact through her work on a range of issues - from putting pressure on the Government to tackle fuel poverty and drop Trident, to campaigning for Parliamentary reform and fairer rail fares.

Lucas received the Political Studies Association award for ‘Influencing the Political Agenda 2011' from Channel 4 News presenter Jon Snow at a packed ceremony in Westminster this week.

Caroline Lucas said:

"I am honoured and delighted to collect this award from the Political Studies Association - and appreciate the judges' recognition that having even one Green in Parliament can make a positive difference."

The panel of judges at the Political Studies Association said:

‘Caroline Lucas has made unprecedented steps forward in raising the profile of the Green Party. The achievement of winning a seat in Parliament under the First-Past-The-Post electoral system should not be underestimated.

"When considering these factors alongside her role in influencing the AV debate, we felt she was a worthy winner of the 2011 award for Influencing the Political Agenda."

UKIP - UK Banks on Eurozone Red Alert

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 18:54:44 +0000

Hector Sants, head of the Financial Services Authority (FSA), has reportedly told some of Britain's biggest banks to prepare for a break-up of the eurozone.

The comments were made during a private meeting with senior executives from Standard Chartered, RBS, Santander UK, Lloyds Banking Group, Barclays and HSBC.

A representative from the FSA has told Sky News that the comments were "the kind of contingency planning expected in a situation like this".

This development comes on the same day that Economic and Monetary Affairs Commissioner Olli Rehn declared that there were only ten days to save the euro.

A break-up of the eurozone would affect British banks differently depending on their exposure to sovereign debt of member countries. Barclays, for example, is exposed to billions of pounds worth of European government bonds, whilst other banks have comparatively little exposure.

Nigel Farage, UKIP Leader, said: "The FSA are right to unofficially prepare British banks for the worst.

"Summit after summit produces no credible solution to the eurozone debt crisis, just a papering over the cracks.

"The time has come to face facts, the euro-vanity project is in its dying days and everything must be done to ensure that British banks do not go down with the sinking ship.

"Mr Sants is becoming quite the voice of honesty, recently he admitted that the FSA was essentially a branch office of the new European Banking Regulatory Authorities, now he is admitting that the Euro is likely to break up".

Conservatives - Francis Maude Calls Strikes 'Indefensible'

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 12:42:35 +0000

Francis Maude, Minister for the Cabinet Office, has condemned the strikes happening across the country today.

He expresses regret that the unions have chosen to strike, despite ongoing negotiations, and reassures the public that the Government has done everything it can to minimise disruption.

Francis Maude said:

"Today's strike is inappropriate, untimely and irresponsible, especially while talks are ongoing. Responsibility for any disruption which people may experience today lies squarely with union leaders.

"We have listened to the concerns of public sector workers and that is why at the beginning of this month we put an improved offer on the table. The offer ensures that public sector pensions will remain among the very best available while also being fair and affordable to taxpayers.

"While discussions are continuing I would urge public sector workers to look at the offer for themselves rather than listening to the rhetoric of their union leaders. These are the sort of pensions that few in the private sector can enjoy.

"This morning, I want to reassure the public that we have done everything we can to minimise disruption. Rigorous contingency planning is in place across all sectors to try and limit the impact of the strike action and to ensure that key public services remain open.
"However, we now estimate today that around three quarters of schools in England will be closed or partially closed today. Council services such as refuse collection, street cleaning and libraries are also likely to be affected. For information about public services I would urge people to visit www.direct.gov.uk/strikes

"We expect that passengers may face longer than normal waiting times at airports and ports, however, robust contingency plans are in place. Overnight the borders have been managed without any major problems, and are currently operating normally. There have already been several seizures this morning, for example 1.5 kg of cocaine seized at Stansted.

"There will also be an impact on health services and some organisations have had to reschedule elective surgery and outpatients appointments so that urgent cases can be prioritised. But, emergency and critical care services will be operating normally and 999 calls will be responded to as usual.

"Let me say again that the timing of this strike is indefensible and wrong. Union leaders should be responding in a responsible manner to reach agreement. A strike will not achieve anything other than causing inconvenience to hard working people at a time when we are trying to get the economy back on its feet."