Westminster

The SNP's Westminster leader Ian Blackford is facing fresh calls to step down amid mounting criticism over his reaction to one of his MPs sexually harassing a staff member. The victim, who was inappropriately touched by SNP MP Patrick Grady at a party in 2016, told Sky News: "Ian's position right now is untenable, and it will continue to be so. It will only get worse." He added: "Ian always talks about wanting to achieve independence, and that's his main goal, right now he's not doing the independence movement any favours by staying in post. "It's time for him to go." Mr Blackford has been under pressure after a leaked recording emerged in which he encouraged colleagues to support Mr Grady, the perpetrator in the harassment case. Advertisement In a statement released on Wednesday evening, the SNP Westminster leader apologised for the "completely unacceptable" behaviour the victim was subjected to. He announced the launch of an external review of … [Read more...] about Ian Blackford: SNP’s Westminster leader facing calls to resign over handling of sexual harassment case

Steve Bray appears behind GMB reporter brandishing anti Boris signs Sign up for FREE now and never miss the top politics stories again SUBSCRIBE Invalid email We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info Steve Bray, an anti-Brexit protester who has been campaigning outside Westminster for several years, released a video of his conversation with a police officer outside the House of Commons alongside the caption “F**k the law”. The officer was issuing a “friendly warning” to the protester that come June 28, his activism may fall under new legislation that could result in police action if ignored. Mr Bray responded by holding his hands out and saying if he crosses the line, he will readily accept being arrested. Related articles Strike chaos … [Read more...] about ‘F**k the law!’ Brexit-bashing Westminster activist vows to ignore new protest rules

Now this hound has something to toot his horn about. A bloodhound named Trumpet won the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show on Wednesday night. Trumpet beat a French bulldog, a German shepherd, a Maltese, an English setter, a Samoyed and a Lakeland terrier to take the trophy. "I am so excited for Trumpet," said handler Heather Helmer, who co-owns and bred the 4-year-old. Trumpet became the first bloodhound to win Westminster. Winston, a French bulldog co-owned by NFL defensive lineman Morgan Fox, took second in the nation's most prestigious dog show. The competition drew more than 3,000 purebred dogs, ranging from affenpinschers to Yorkshire terriers. The goal is to crown the dog that most represents the ideal for its breed. Usually held in winter at New York City's Madison Square Garden, the show moved to the suburban Lyndhurst estate last year and this year because of the coronavirus pandemic. Westminster is often described as the Super Bowl of U.S. dog shows, and … [Read more...] about Bloodhound wins Best in Show at Westminster dog show

Published 2 December 2016 Share close Share page Copy link About sharing Philip Larkin has been commemorated in Poets' Corner in Westminster Abbey on the 31st anniversary of his death. Actor Sir Tom Courtenay and artist Grayson Perry both read from Larkin's work during the unveiling ceremony. It marked the end of a long campaign by the Philip Larkin Society to have him added to the existing names in Poets' Corner. The memorial floor stone contains two lines of poetry, his name and birth and death dates. The chosen lines are from the end of An Arundel Tomb which was first published in the 1960s. The stone has been sculpted by Martin Jennings, whose previous work includes the Larkin Statue and roundels on Hull's Paragon Station. Professor Edwin Dawes, chair of the Philip Larkin Society, said: "We are delighted that Philip Larkin has finally taken his place at the very … [Read more...] about Westminster Poets’ Corner memorial for Philip Larkin

By Gareth Gordon Published 11 May 2018 Share close Share page Copy link About sharing A bill to bring same-sex marriage to Northern Ireland has been blocked from moving to the next stage in the legislative process at Westminster. It was brought by Labour MP Conor McGinn who said he had expected the government to object to the bill. The bill was introduced for its second reading at the House of Commons. A conservative MP objected and the bill was re-listed for a date in October. Mr McGinn, is originally from south Armagh. The bill was brought as a so-called Ten Minute Rule Bill. Bills introduced in this way rarely become law. How a bill becomes law To become law a bill has to pass through a number of stages in the House of Commons and the House of Lords. Most bills start life in the House of Commons, where they have a first reading. This is a short process … [Read more...] about NI same-sex marriage bill blocked at Westminster

The Scottish people must be allowed to have "the democratic choice they have voted for", with another referendum on independence, Scotland's First Minister has said. Nicola Sturgeon made the comments ahead of laying out what she has called the "route map" to another independence vote, even if Westminster tries to block the plans. Under the Scotland Act, the UK government would need to make a so-called section 30 order to permit a referendum. Such an Order in Council was issued ahead of the 2014 independence vote under the the Edinburgh agreement between Westminster and Holyrood. Boris Johnson insists that, in the interest of stability, no section 30 order will be issued, while Ms Sturgeon asserts that one cannot be reasonably refused. She says SNP's victory in the 2021 Holyrood election gives her the mandate to hold another referendum, which she wants before the end of 2023. Advertisement SNP failed to win overall control in the Scottish Parliament … [Read more...] about Nicola Sturgeon to lay out ‘route map’ to new independence vote, even if Westminster says no

THE annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is a popular all-breed conformation show held at New York City's Madison Square Garden. The 146th event marked the second year in a row when the famous dog show was held outside New York City due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Who won Best in Show in 2022? During the 2022 event, around 3,500 dogs competed, but only one was crowned the winner. This year, Trumpet, a 4-year-old bloodhound, took the prize at Lyndhurst Estate in Tarrytown, New York. Trumpet is owned by Chris and Bryan Flessner, Heather Buehner, and Tina Kocar. According to Purina Pro Plan , Trumpet is the first bloodhound in history to win Best in Show. Read More on The US Sun WOOFED UP Breed competitions begin TODAY after Masters Agility Champion crowned Individual group winners included: Hollywood the Maltese (Toy) Winston the French Bulldog (Non-sporting) River the German Shepherd (Herding) Belle the English Setter … [Read more...] about Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show 2022: Who won Best in Show?

Published 3 hours ago Share close Share page Copy link About sharing A council is trying to bypass the hold on new road developments in Wales by getting help from Westminster. Gwynedd Council will bid for UK government cash to try and restore hopes of getting a new road built around a village in Snowdonia. The Welsh government withdrew financial support last year for a £14m bypass around Llanbedr, citing climate change. But supporters of a scheme first mooted 60 years ago said a solution to traffic problems was needed. Wales' deputy minister for climate change, Lee Waters, said building more roads was not the way forward. All new road-building projects in Wales were frozen last year while a review is carried out. Beautiful beaches fail to entice one job applicant Mountain path covered in human faeces, says guide Second homes hotspot council could buy empty … [Read more...] about Snowdonia: Council asks Westminster to revive Llanbedr bypass

Sadiq Khan delivered the perfect response to Donald Trump Jr’s snarky rant in the wake of the London terror attack . The President’s son lashed out at the London Mayor within hours of the deadly attack in the capital yesterday. He dug out an old article, which quoted the Mayor as saying terror attacks were ‘part and parcel’ of living in a major city. In an interview for the Evening Standard last September, Mr Khan warned that people living in major cities “have to be prepared” for terror incidents to happen when people least expect them. ( Image: Getty Images North America) ( Image: REUTERS) He added: “That means being vigilant, having a police force that is in touch with communities, it means the security services being ready, but it also means exchanging ideas and best practice.” Mr Trump tweeted the link along with a comment: “You have to be kidding me?!” Sadiq Khan was asked about the tweet during an interview with CNN. Asked for his … [Read more...] about London Mayor Sadiq Khan had the perfect response for Donald Trump Jr’s rant about the Westminster terror attack

Legislative filibuster, mass MP expulsion and the loss of a working majority were all in a day’s work for the Brexit storm that returned to shake Westminster to its foundations this week. Some called the loss of the Prime Minister’s power unprecedented, but the loss of a brother's support may yet prove to be more damning. Opposition MPs blocked both a no-deal departure from the EU and a snap election. Jacob Rees-Mogg, meanwhile, broke the internet. As ever, Telegraph readers were quick to provide their perspectives on the week's biggest moments in politics. Read on for the highlights and then take to the comments section to have your say. Jacob Rees-Mogg lounges The Leader of the House became the lounger of the House on Tuesday afternoon, when Jacob Rees-Mogg positioned himself almost horizontally on the Commons front bench. Green MP Caroline Lucas called it “contemptuous of this House and of the people”. Political meme-makers, meanwhile, set about reimagining Mr Rees-Mogg … [Read more...] about ‘Long may Jacob Rees-Mogg lounge’ – Telegraph readers review the week in Westminster