prime minister – Welcome To Poole http://welcometopoole.co.uk/ Sat, 19 Mar 2022 12:17:30 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.9.3 https://welcometopoole.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/cropped-icon-32x32.png prime minister – Welcome To Poole http://welcometopoole.co.uk/ 32 32 Russian strategy of blockading Ukrainian cities will fail – Zelensky https://welcometopoole.co.uk/russian-strategy-of-blockading-ukrainian-cities-will-fail-zelensky/ Sat, 19 Mar 2022 10:00:57 +0000 https://welcometopoole.co.uk/russian-strategy-of-blockading-ukrainian-cities-will-fail-zelensky/ Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russian forces were blockading his country’s biggest cities to subjugate the population, but he warned the strategy would fail and Moscow would lose in the long run if it did not end its war.

Mr Zelenskyy accused the Kremlin of deliberately creating ‘a humanitarian catastrophe’ and called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to meet him, using a huge rally at a Moscow stadium where Mr Putin praised Russian forces on Friday to illustrate what was at stake.

“Imagine that in this stadium in Moscow there are 14,000 corpses and tens of thousands more wounded and mutilated. These are the Russian costs throughout the invasion,” Zelenskyy said in a statement. Nightly video address to the nation recorded outside the presidential office in Kyiv.

(PA graphics)

The rally and a concert in Moscow were held to commemorate the anniversary of Russia’s annexation of Crimea, which it seized from Ukraine in 2014.

The event included patriotic songs such as “Made In The USSR”, with the opening lines “Ukraine and Crimea, Belarus and Moldova, this is my whole country”.

“We haven’t had such unity for a long time,” Putin told the cheering crowd.

The rally came as Russia faced heavier-than-expected battlefield casualties and an increasingly authoritarian regime at home.

Russian police have arrested thousands of people during protests against the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Fighting continued on several fronts in Ukraine. In the beleaguered port city of Mariupol, the site of some of the war’s greatest suffering, Ukrainian and Russian forces fought over the Azovstal steelworks, one of the largest in Europe, Vadym Denysenko said , adviser to the Ukrainian Minister of the Interior.

Day of Russia's war in Ukraine in photos
A policeman walks past the site of a bomb attack that damaged residential buildings in Kyiv (Felipe Dana/AP)

“I can say that we have lost this economic giant,” Denysenko said in televised remarks. “In fact, one of the biggest metallurgical plants in Europe is being destroyed.”

Ukrainian and Russian officials have agreed to establish 10 humanitarian corridors to deliver aid and residents – one from the beleaguered port city of Mariupol, several in the Kyiv region and several in the Lugansk region, the deputy said on Saturday. – Ukrainian Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk.

She also announced her intention to provide humanitarian aid to the city of Kherson, which is under the control of Russian forces.

In his nightly video address, Mr Zelensky said Russian forces were blockading major cities in an attempt to create conditions so miserable that Ukrainians would cooperate.

He said the Russians were preventing supplies from reaching surrounded towns in central and southeastern Ukraine.

Anniversary of Russian reunification in Crimea
Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted a celebration in Moscow (Vladimir Astapkovich/Sputnik Pool Photo via AP)

He said Friday’s rally in Moscow to celebrate Russia’s annexation of the Crimean peninsula from Ukraine in 2014 had gathered around 200,000 people, the same number of Russian servicemen involved in the current invasion of Ukraine.

“The time has come to restore territorial integrity and justice for Ukraine. Otherwise, the costs from Russia will be so high that you will not be able to recover for several generations,” Zelenskyy said.

Ms Putin’s appearance at Friday’s rally marked a change from his relative isolation of recent weeks, when he was shown meeting with leaders and his staff either at extraordinarily long tables or via video conference.

Seeking to portray war as just, Putin paraphrased the Bible to say of Russian troops: “There is no greater love than to lay down your soul for your friends.

Taking the scene where a sign read ‘For a world without Nazism’, he railed against his enemies in Ukraine with a baseless claim that they were ‘neo-Nazis’ and insisted his actions were necessary to prevent “genocide” – an idea outright rejected by world leaders.

]]> Attorney General pledges to put Russian war criminals ‘behind bars’ https://welcometopoole.co.uk/attorney-general-pledges-to-put-russian-war-criminals-behind-bars/ Sun, 13 Mar 2022 06:27:51 +0000 https://welcometopoole.co.uk/attorney-general-pledges-to-put-russian-war-criminals-behind-bars/ The Attorney General has pledged to put behind bars Russian soldiers convicted of war crimes in Ukraine.

Writing in the Sunday Telegraph, Suella Braverman stressed the urgency of gathering evidence of Russia’s war crimes now.

She added that she had just signed a joint statement with the Attorney General of Ukraine, Iryna Venediktova, to reaffirm the British government’s support for holding “Russia accountable for the crimes it commits on Ukrainian soil”.

Ms Braverman said: “Russia’s crimes could be tried in the courtrooms of Kyiv, The Hague or even the UK; but whatever the forum, it is essential to gather the evidence now… The evidence is there, the world can see it piling up. Our job now is to collect it, keep it and use it when the time comes.

“We have a clear message to Russian leaders and Russian soldiers on the ground in Ukraine; your actions will have consequences and the UK will stand firmly with Ukraine on its journey to justice.

“We will always defend the right of the Ukrainian people to choose their own future. They chose freedom and justice. And Russian war criminals chose to be behind bars.

Ms Braverman went on to say that the Metropolitan Police had appealed for evidence to anyone in the UK who may have direct evidence of war crimes in Ukraine.

Attorney General Suella Braverman has warned Russia that its action in Ukraine ‘will have consequences’ (PA)

She concluded by saying, “We have a clear message to Russian leaders and Russian soldiers on the ground in Ukraine; your actions will have consequences and the UK will stand firmly with Ukraine on its journey to justice.

“We will always defend the right of the Ukrainian people to choose their own future. They chose freedom and justice. And Russian war criminals chose to be behind bars.

It comes as the Deputy Prime Minister prepares to travel to The Hague on Monday to help the international effort to gather evidence of war crimes.

Justice Secretary Dominic Raab, a former barrister who prosecuted war crimes, previously said the UK had acquired intelligence during previous investigations which would prove ‘absolutely critical’ for the International Criminal Court (ICC).

The ICC has already opened an investigation that could target senior officials suspected of being responsible for war crimes, crimes against humanity or genocide following the Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24.

]]> What the Newspapers Say – March 8 https://welcometopoole.co.uk/what-the-newspapers-say-march-8/ Tue, 08 Mar 2022 03:08:42 +0000 https://welcometopoole.co.uk/what-the-newspapers-say-march-8/ Fleeing civilians are once again splashed across the country’s newspapers after another failed ceasefire.

The Guardian splash is Kiev’s response to Vladimir Putin’s offer of a humanitarian corridor to Russia.

The sun, The temperature and The Independent the front pages all feature different images of civilians caught up in the conflict.

While Ithe DailyMirror and Subway report on calls for the UK to take in more Ukrainian refugees.

the Daily Express says Britons will face skyrocketing energy and food bills to try to end Mr Putin’s war. the Daily mail adds that the Prime Minister’s energy supply strategy will involve more drilling in the North Sea.

During this time, the FinancialTimes leads with the destabilizing effect that the conflict has had on energy markets.

Russian president demands Kyiv surrender to Russian rule in Crimea and eastern breakaway regions, reports The Daily Telegraph.

And the daily star reports of “terrified animals” in the war zone.

]]> Don’t underestimate the West, Wallace tells Putin https://welcometopoole.co.uk/dont-underestimate-the-west-wallace-tells-putin/ Sat, 05 Mar 2022 23:11:06 +0000 https://welcometopoole.co.uk/dont-underestimate-the-west-wallace-tells-putin/ Defense Secretary Ben Wallace has warned Vladimir Putin not to underestimate the West, as he said if the allies stick together he is sure the Russian leader will fail in his invasion of Ukraine.

In an interview with the Sunday Telegraph, Mr Wallace said the West ‘must not be afraid of Putin’.

He warned the Russian leader – who he said was “acting irrationally and inflicting horrors on Ukraine” – not to “test” the UK.

“The thing to tell Putin is don’t underestimate us, don’t test us,” he told the newspaper.

“History is littered with authoritarian leaders underestimating the wider West and the UK. He clearly underestimated the international community.

He added: “If we stick together and refuse to be bullied, I think he will fail.”

Mr Wallace’s comments come after growing warnings that intervention in the war in Ukraine by the West would be seen as entry into the conflict by the Kremlin.

Mr Putin warned on Saturday that the Kremlin would consider any third-party declaration of a no-fly zone over Ukraine as participation in the conflict.

Mr Putin said Russia would view “any move in this direction” as an intervention that “will pose a threat to our military”.

“This very second, we will consider them as participants in the military conflict, and it doesn’t matter which members they are,” he said.

People take part in a protest in Trafalgar Square (Ian West/PA)

However, Ukraine has repeatedly said the move is the only way to prevent more deaths.

NATO allies have ruled out setting up a no-fly zone over Ukraine, fearing it could spark an all-out war with nuclear-armed Russia.

Foreign Secretary Liz Truss, in an interview with the Sunday Express, called the Ukraine conflict the “struggle of our generation”.

She said: “We will continue to support them (Ukrainians) through thick and thin. We are here for the long term.

“This is the fight of our generation. What we see happening on the streets of Europe is something we have never experienced before in my lifetime. This is the fight for freedom and democracy, the sovereignty and self-determination.

Earlier Prime Minister Boris Johnson praised the British public’s reaction to the war in Ukraine as he echoed the notion that Mr Putin would fail.

The Prime Minister said it was ‘absolutely vital that Vladimir Putin understands that this hideous and barbaric assault cannot and will fail’.

In a video message on Twitter, Mr Johnson said: “I want to thank the businesses, community groups, individuals, sports clubs, who have come together in support of Ukraine.

“I’m thinking of the group in Northern Ireland who have a local warehouse as a supply hub to go to the war zone, I’m thinking of Inna Schorr, a London-based Ukrainian who is raising thousands of pounds, while her own family is still back in Ukraine.

“And don’t forget, for all Ukrainian families here in the UK, we have ways to bring your loved ones back to the UK.”

More than £85million has now been raised to provide aid to Ukraine through the Disaster Emergency Committee (DEC), in what has been described as an ‘absolutely incredible’ show of support from the British public.

The government has pledged to match public donations to the pound-for-pound appeal of up to £25million.

Mr Johnson’s message of thanks came as hundreds gathered in cities across the country to protest against Russia’s assault on Ukraine.

In London’s Trafalgar Square, the Ukrainian national anthem was sung and “Stop Putin, Stop the War” chanted, as protesters draped themselves in the country’s flag.

Volodymyr Shevetovskyy, 31, and his girlfriend Nadiia Soshenko, 27, from Kiev, said they were grateful for support from Western countries, but called for the imposition of a no-fly zone over from Ukraine.

Ms Soshenko told the PA news agency: “There are already a lot of deaths in our country.

“NATO is afraid of closing the sky by saying that it is afraid of starting the third world war.

“Excuse me, what’s going on right now?” Why can’t the whole world stop a crazy madman? Honestly, I just don’t understand why our people are dying, dying for what?

Russian invasion of Ukraine
Kyiv’s Nadiia Soshenko and Volodymyr Shevetovskyy call on Western countries to impose a no-fly zone (Sophie Wingate/PA)

Earlier on Saturday, it was announced that a temporary ceasefire had been called so that civilians in Mariupol, a strategic southeastern port, and the eastern city of Volnovakha, could escape the fighting.

However, that did not hold up, with Mariupol Mayor Vadym Boychenko saying thousands had gathered to get out of the city safely and buses were leaving when the shelling began.

Mr Putin accused Ukraine of sabotaging the evacuation.

The Ministry of Defense (MoD) said the proposed ceasefire was “probably an attempt to deflect international condemnation while resetting its strength for renewed offensive activity”.

In an intelligence update on Saturday afternoon, the Department of Defense said: “By accusing Ukraine of breaking the agreement, Russia is likely seeking to shift responsibility for current and future civilian casualties in the city.” .

]]> YouTube takes action against RT after access to Twitter was restricted in Russia https://welcometopoole.co.uk/youtube-takes-action-against-rt-after-access-to-twitter-was-restricted-in-russia/ Sat, 26 Feb 2022 21:29:22 +0000 https://welcometopoole.co.uk/youtube-takes-action-against-rt-after-access-to-twitter-was-restricted-in-russia/ YouTube has announced it is taking action against Russian public broadcaster RT after access to Twitter was restricted in the country amid the invasion of Ukraine.

In a statement on Saturday, a YouTube spokesperson said it was taking action against a number of accounts, including Russian channels affiliated with recent sanctions.

The platform said it had limited the ability of RT and other Russian channels to make money from ads, following a similar move by Facebook.

He also said access to these channels will be restricted in Ukraine after a “government request” and their videos will appear less often in recommendations.

Citing “extraordinary circumstances,” the YouTube spokesperson said: “We are suspending the ability of a number of channels to monetize on YouTube, including several Russian channels affiliated with the recent sanctions.

“We will significantly limit recommendations to these channels. And in response to a government request, we have restricted access to RT and a number of other channels in Ukraine.

The platform said it “will continue to monitor new developments and may take further action.”

It comes after Ukrainian Digital Minister Mykhailo Fedorov tweeted earlier on Saturday: “I contacted @YouTube to block Russian propaganda channels – such as Russia 24, TASS, RIA Novosti.

“If they are afraid to tell the truth, then we should stop this flow of poisonous lies.”

Earlier on Saturday, Twitter said it was “aware” that access to the platform had been restricted for some people in Russia, adding that it was “working to keep our service safe and accessible”.

NetBlocks, a London-based company that monitors web outages and internet access around the world, reported that access to Twitter and its main servers was “restricted to major networks” in Russia.

He added, “Circumvention is currently possible using VPN services, which can help users circumvent online censorship.”

Russia also restricted access to Facebook on Friday after the social media provider refused to stop fact-checking and labeling content from public organisations, former deputy prime minister Sir Nick Clegg said. .

Russian authorities announced the ‘partial restriction’ after the social media network restricted the accounts of several Kremlin-backed media outlets about the invasion of Ukraine.

Russia’s state communications watchdog Roskomnadzor said it demanded that Facebook lift restrictions it imposed on state news agency RIA Novosti on Thursday. State Zvezda and pro-Kremlin news sites Lenta.Ru and Gazeta.Ru.

Sir Nick, vice-president of global affairs at Facebook’s parent company Meta, said “ordinary Russians use our apps to speak out and organize for action” and that the company wants “they continue to make their voices heard.

Sir Nick Clegg says Facebook has refused to stop checking content from public organizations in Russia (Stefan Rousseau/PA)

He tweeted: “Yesterday Russian authorities ordered us to end independent fact-checking and labeling of content on Facebook by four Russian public media organizations.

“We refused. As a result, they announced that they would restrict the use of our services.

“Ordinary Russians use our apps to speak out and organize to take action.

“We want them to continue to raise their voices, share what’s happening and organize through Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and Messenger.”

RT has been contacted for comment.

]]> Bournemouth officials back removing Covid restrictions https://welcometopoole.co.uk/bournemouth-officials-back-removing-covid-restrictions/ Wed, 23 Feb 2022 05:00:00 +0000 https://welcometopoole.co.uk/bournemouth-officials-back-removing-covid-restrictions/ Residents of DORSET have reacted to the news that England will lift Covid restrictions this week.

Under the new plan for ‘Living with Covid’, the legal requirement to self-isolate after testing positive for the virus will end on Thursday. Free lateral flow tests will also be removed from April 1.

The news has been greeted with concern by many, who say vulnerable people will be left at risk by the changes.

However, Conor Burns, MP for Bournemouth West, said: “I think it’s good news that we’re going to be the first country to be completely restrictions-free and to move on from Covid. It’s really, really good, in especially for an economy like ours that relies heavily on the tourism and leisure industries.”

On the end of free Covid testing for the majority of the population, Mr Burns said: ‘I think the Prime Minister has made it very clear that there will be further announcements about the categories of people who can benefit from free tests from April.

“The reality is that we have to learn to live with this. We have to continue to care for those with weakened immune systems and vulnerable people.”

Christchurch MP Sir Christopher Chope said Boris Johnson’s statement in the House of Commons was “one of the best announcements I have heard in a long time”.

“It was music to my ears,” Sir Christopher added.

The backbench MP said it was ‘reasonable’ for people who want to take a test from April to pay for it, while vulnerable residents could still access it free of charge.

Sir Christopher said: “You’ve had to pay for a test if you’re traveling overseas, so if people want to get tested for any reason in the future they should pay for it.”

Some local businesses in the hospitality industry are welcoming the removal of Covid restrictions.

Andy Lennox, Founder of The Wonky Table, said: “All of our members are thrilled that the restrictions are finally over and we can get back to some kind of normality.”

Mark Cribb, owner of Urban Guild venues in Bournemouth, said: “For hospitality, this will be our first full summer exchange for three years, so we’re really delighted the Easter holidays are starting and I’m delighted that this been the best we’ve had since 2019.”

Speaking of Covid advice for his staff, he said: “I guess where we’re not testing we won’t know when people have Covid so I guess it’s inevitable that there will be people at the working with Covid, but I guess the government are aware of that.

“I think if people test positive for Covid we’ll ask them to stay home for a few days, wait to see if any symptoms develop, and then depending on how that progresses, maybe they can come back to work a little earlier. could but obviously people who test positive and have symptoms we will insist that they stay away.

Tom Doherty, managing director of the human resources department at Bournemouth, Poole, East Dorset and New Forest, said: “It is obviously up to companies themselves to review their own rules.

“At the end of the day, there is no legal basis after February 24 for people to continue self-isolating, but the advice to everyone would probably always be if you are not feeling well enough, whatever the nature of the illness, to go to work, then you shouldn’t and always have.

“What actually happened is the government didn’t give huge notice for this to end and like a lot of businesses everyone is going to have to figure that out, within the confines of their staff , its business and rules. are.

“We advise you to be considerate, to think about people’s views, to clearly communicate the rules you are going to put in place and to be transparent in what you are trying to accomplish.”

Members of the public had mixed views on the removal of restrictions on Thursday.

Jamie Evans, 32, who works in retail, said: “It’s a good thing the restrictions are being lifted. I worked in a supermarket during the worst, but I’m done with everything now. We have to move forward.

Mary Wilkinson, 71, retired, said: “I don’t think we should get rid of the restrictions. I will always wear my mask, but if we all stop isolating ourselves when we test positive, how will we know if new variants appear? »

Student Lucy Bradshaw, 20, said: “I understand why some people will feel uncomfortable, so I think we should all be considerate and see how it goes.”

]]> Johnson’s new chief of staff promises ‘smaller state’ under party pressure https://welcometopoole.co.uk/johnsons-new-chief-of-staff-promises-smaller-state-under-party-pressure/ Sat, 12 Feb 2022 22:39:20 +0000 https://welcometopoole.co.uk/johnsons-new-chief-of-staff-promises-smaller-state-under-party-pressure/ Boris Johnson’s new chief of staff has promised it is now a ‘priority to restore a smaller state’ as the Prime Minister struggles to keep the Tories on his side while facing questions from police investigating alleged breaches of the lockdown.

Steve Barclay, who was given the role as part of No 10’s reshuffle in response to the partygate scandal, said the changes would include “stepping back from people’s lives” as the threat of the coronavirus pandemic is waning.

Steve Barclay (Jane Barlow/PA)

The Prime Minister will leave Westminster this week insisting he’s ‘getting to work’ while touting his personnel changes as helping him focus on his ‘levelling up’ policy as he bat to stay on.

The No 10 said he was due to start the week with a tour of a manufacturing site in Scotland before heading to an oncology center tackling coronavirus backlogs in the North West of England .

But the trip comes within seven days of Mr Johnson having to avoid a fine by answering a legal questionnaire from Scotland Yard officers investigating whether he broke his own Covid laws.

Mr Barclay wrote in the Sunday Telegraph: “Now it is a priority to restore a small state – both financially and by taking a step back from people’s lives. It is time to return to a more empowering approach. Trusting people, empowering communities, and freeing businesses to deliver.

The Cabinet Minister pledged to ‘ensure that the center of government performs like the best run businesses’.

In a statement, Mr Johnson said: ‘I am leaving London this week and I take with me a simple message – this government continues its work of unifying and leveling the country.

But traveling north of the border will present its own challenges, with ally Jacob Rees-Mogg accusing Douglas Ross of being ‘light-hearted’ after the Scottish Conservative leader called for Mr Johnson’s resignation.

Calls for the prime minister to quit will only intensify and become more widespread if he fails to convince police that he has not breached regulations in up to six events.

As he employs the help of personal lawyers, the Telegraph quoted Mr Johnson’s allies as reporting he planned to argue he was working at his official Downing Street flat on the night of the alleged ‘party Abba” in November 2020.

The Times said that even if fined he would not resign, likely prompting Tory MPs to impose a vote of confidence in his leadership.

Scotland Yard says the questionnaires ask for an “account and explanation of the recipient’s attendance at an event” and have “formal legal status and must be answered honestly”.

Fifteen Tory MPs have publicly called on Mr Johnson to resign, while others are said to have written privately to the 1922 committee of backbench Tories asking for a vote of no confidence.

Others are set to do so if the Prime Minister is found to have broken his own coronavirus laws, or if other damaging details emerge from the Sue Gray investigation.

He will face a vote of no confidence if 54 Tory MPs write to the chairman of the 1922 committee, Sir Graham Brady, and would be ousted if more than half of his MPs subsequently vote against him.

]]> Tesla submits request for former Ferndown Porsche site https://welcometopoole.co.uk/tesla-submits-request-for-former-ferndown-porsche-site/ Sat, 05 Feb 2022 05:00:00 +0000 https://welcometopoole.co.uk/tesla-submits-request-for-former-ferndown-porsche-site/ Electric vehicle manufacturing giant Tesla has filed a planning application to take over a former Porsche garage in Ferndown.

Tesla presented plans on January 19 to convert the New Road site, Ferndown, into a large showroom and service center with electric vehicle superchargers.

If approved, the site would be the first Tesla Supercharger in Dorset.

Visual proposals include the option of installing a lighted totem at the entrance to the site, fabric banners on new masts, side elevation mounted load panels and more.

The plans also show customer parking, a wash bay and charging stations.

Plans for a Tesla Supercharger service station in Ferndown. Photo: Tesla Council/Dorset

The current Porsche Center moved the short distance from New Road to Ferndown Industrial Estate last year due to the requirement for more space, leaving the old site empty despite objection from the town council which had issues noise and ecology.

The idea of ​​a Tesla service center has already drawn praise from residents. Nigel Stockley commented: “Support this wholeheartedly. Excellent use of the former Porsche site and provides the local community with a much needed and requested facility as the nearest is currently Winchester and an 80 mile round trip.

A resident on social media was equally thrilled. They said: “This will make it easier to visit the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole areas and could help increase visitor numbers and local tourism. Local residents typically charge from home, but faster chargers are always welcome, and some Tesla locations are even opening up to non-Tesla vehicles.

Bournemouth Echo: Plans for a Tesla Supercharger service station in Ferndown. Photo: Tesla Council/DorsetPlans for a Tesla Supercharger service station in Ferndown. Photo: Tesla Council/Dorset

“This sales hub will likely help make the South Coast one of the most EV-dense areas in the country and that’s just awesome.”

The need for larger electric vehicle installations was reinforced in November 2020, as part of the government’s environmental plans. Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced that the sale of new petrol and diesel cars will be phased out by 2030 and that all new cars and vans will be zero emissions by 2035.

Members of the public can comment on the plans until Thursday, February 17. The application can be found on Dorset Council’s planning website by searching P/ADV/2022/00351.

]]> What is the upgrade strategy? https://welcometopoole.co.uk/what-is-the-upgrade-strategy/ Wed, 02 Feb 2022 19:59:36 +0000 https://welcometopoole.co.uk/what-is-the-upgrade-strategy/ Michael Gove has finally drawn up plans to “level” the country and reduce the great disparities facing the UK.

But what are the details of the 330-plus-page white paper that was released by the Leveling Up Secretary on Wednesday.

– What is upgrading?

It was a key slogan of Boris Johnson’s election campaign in 2019, but ministers have too often struggled to define what it really is.

The ambition is to tackle vast regional inequalities across the UK but without, as the Prime Minister puts it, ‘cutting the big poppies’ or trying to ‘block off’ wealthy areas.

There are now a dozen national “missions” to be completed by 2030 to give substance to the slogan.

– What are the missions of Mr Gove?

Wages, employment and productivity must rise in “all areas” of the UK, while local public transport across the country must become “significantly closer” to London standards.

Other targets include 90% of primary school children in England reaching expected standards in reading, writing and maths, while homicides, serious violence and neighborhood crime are to drop.

The gap in healthy life expectancy between the best and worst performing areas needs to narrow, with the measure increasing by five years by 2035.

– What else?

Mr Gove has set out plans for 20 new urban regeneration projects across the Midlands and North of England, with £1.8billion of new housing projects.

He also highlighted £5bn of investment in bus services and ‘active travel’.

More than £100m has been committed to ‘innovation accelerators’ aimed at replicating Silicon Valley success in the West Midlands, Glasgow and Greater Manchester.

More regional mayors in England could be created as part of a strategy to increase devolution and devolve powers held in Whitehall to local leaders.

– Is this all new?

Shadow Upgrade Secretary Lisa Nandy argued the plan fell far short of what the country needed.

“Ministers have had two and a half years to get it right and all we have been given are more slogans and strategies, with few new ideas,” she said.

“Boris Johnson’s response to our communities calling for change is to mix up deckchairs, new government structures, recycled pots of money and a small payback on the money this government has taken from us.

“This is not what we were promised.

“We deserve a lot more ambition than that.”

Labor also highlighted the Conservatives’ record in power since 2010 “energizing the decline of our communities”.

– Where is the money?

The coronavirus has presented a major disruption in defining the flagship aspiration, but the exorbitant sums spent to protect people and livelihoods have now limited the upgrade strategy.

Rather than new funding from the Treasury, the money to cover the strategy’s programs all comes from allegations previously laid out in the spending review.

– What is the view outside of Westminster?

Liverpool area mayor Steve Rotheram said the strategy lacked fresh ideas and funding.

The Labor politician said: “If ‘leveling up’ was supposed to be the prime minister’s defining mission, I’m sorry to say it will be mission impossible with this light mush on offer.

“While there were some encouraging elements, it’s largely a rehash of things we’ve heard before.

“Overall though, it reads like a recipe concocted during Veganuary – something sorely lacking in meat.”

North of Tyne Mayor Jamie Driscoll said the missions were “solid”, but said the government needed to “write out a cheque” to deliver them.

Conservative West Midlands Mayor Andy Street said the white paper would “finally resolve the imbalance of opportunity across the UK”.

]]> Boris Johnson ‘should be very worried’, warns former Tory leader https://welcometopoole.co.uk/boris-johnson-should-be-very-worried-warns-former-tory-leader/ Tue, 01 Feb 2022 06:50:35 +0000 https://welcometopoole.co.uk/boris-johnson-should-be-very-worried-warns-former-tory-leader/ William Hague said the Prime Minister had a chance to deliver real change in response to Sue Gray’s report and squandered it.

Writing in The Times, Mr Hague said the Prime Minister had plenty of time to draft a comprehensive and substantive response which gave his critics “pause to think” but instead “decided to do the minimum”.

“The Prime Minister could have taken the lead, advancing his position on a broader front to ensure the integrity of government,” he said.

(PENNSYLVANIA)

“Yet for some reason this very savvy politician decided to do the minimum in responding to the report rather than go any further with his apologies and proposals.

“Instead of building momentum in his favor, he most likely blocked it.

“If I were him, I would be very worried about how many of his own MPs asked unnecessary questions at the end of his statement.”

Mr Hague – who previously said he was ‘appalled’ by Mr Johnson’s failure to tackle the drinking culture at No 10 – reiterated remarks he had made to Times Radio last month that the party would not have taken place under any former Tory leader.

“As illustrated by Theresa May’s devastating question in the Commons,” he added.

Ms May had asked Mr Johnson whether he had ‘read the rules’, understood them or ‘didn’t think the rules applied to No 10’.

Mr Hague added: “He had the opportunity to emphasize that he recognized that the responsibility was his and that he had to change his own management methods. It would have cost him nothing to point it out.

“The mystery to me, after helping many prime ministers with difficult statements and giving hundreds of speeches myself in the Commons, is why he didn’t go further and do a job more complete.”

]]>