Why is nicola sturgeon not a westminster mp

Published 2 hours ago Share close Share page Copy link About sharing The Scottish Parliament "plainly" does not have the power to set up an independence referendum, UK government law officers have argued. The Supreme Court is to look at whether MSPs can legislate for a vote without Westminster's backing in October. The Scottish government has argued that any vote would be "advisory" and would not directly break up the union. But UK law officers said there was "no secret" that Scottish ministers would want the vote to lead to independence. Papers published on Wednesday said a referendum was "not designed to be an exercise in mere abstract opinion polling at considerable public expense", and it would clearly be used to push for "the secession of Scotland" from the UK. Judges will hear arguments at the court in London on 11 and 12 October. The SNP has also applied to … [Read more...] about UK government argues MSPs do not have power to set up indyref2

By Emaan Warraich Published 22 minutes ago Share close Share page Copy link About sharing Related Topics Tory leadership Liz Truss's campaign has predicted an "exodus of MPs from Sunak to us" as 10 more MPs back her leadership bid. MP Chris Skidmore had been supporting Rishi Sunak but switched his support, saying he was "concerned by his [Mr Sunak's] consistently changing position, especially on the economy". Sunak ally Theresa Villiers MP said people would "inevitably change their mind" during the campaign. But speaking to Sky News, she said Mr Sunak had "a huge amount of support". The results of the contest to replace Boris Johnson as the next leader of the Conservative Party, and the next prime minister, are due to be announced on 5 September. So far, polls have suggested that Ms Truss is more popular among Conservative Party members. Her campaign … [Read more...] about Tory Leadership: 10 more MPs announce support for Liz Truss

By Richard Black Published 19 February 2012 comments Comments Share close Share page Copy link About sharing The government should increase support for wave and tidal power to preserve the UK's global leadership, say MPs. The Energy and Climate Change Committee says the UK had in the past lost its early lead on wind power through lack of support, and must not make the same mistake again on marine energy. Its report recommends increasing funding and improving links between UK and Scottish programmes. The Carbon Trust recently said marine power could create 10,000 jobs by 2020. By 2050, it said, the global market could be worth £340bn, with the UK claiming about one-fifth of the business. And with the UK possessing seven out of the eight large-scale prototypes deployed anywhere in the world, it was well-placed to lead the global race, the MPs said. … [Read more...] about Wave and tidal power need support, say MPs

Victoria Beckham opened up about her fears of “having a bad relationship with her first grandchild” amid Nicola Peltz feud. For the unversed, the Transformers actress tied the knot with the fashion designer’s eldest son Brooklyn in April. According to Mirror UK , the actress’ crying post about how her “heart is hurt” on Instagram sparked speculations that all is not well between her and former Spice Girls star. A source close to Victoria told outlet that Brooklyn’s mum wanted to “make it right” between her and Nicola. “Vic's biggest fear is not having a relationship with her first grandchild,” claimed the source. The source further added, “She doesn't really know what's happened between her and Nicola and clearly wants to make it right before the issue deepens even further.” Victoria feels like her worst nightmare is coming true amid the reality of Brooklyn's new life and fears the family is drifting apart,” added the source. … [Read more...] about Victoria Beckham’s biggest fear is having a bad relation with first grandchild, claims source

By Dan O'Brien Published 14 minutes ago Share close Share page Copy link About sharing A woman who uses an electric wheelchair said she was left feeling stressed and humiliated by the way she was treated by an airline on a holiday flight. Geraldine Freeman, from Swindon, flew from Bristol Airport to Tenerife in the Canary Islands with Jet2 in July. She said her outbound journey was "embarrassing, uncomfortable, stressful and humiliating" because of the "very undignified way" she was treated. The airline has apologised and said it is improving staff training. Ms Freeman told BBC Radio Wiltshire she is no stranger to foreign travel and like many passengers with disabilities, she has endured some horror stories over the years, but her recent experience has prompted her to speak out. She has disabilities caused by thalidomide and has no legs, and told Jet2 about her … [Read more...] about Swindon wheelchair user ‘humiliated’ by airline treatment

Published 7 January 2019 Share close Share page Copy link About sharing After years at the heart of government, Mark Drakeford today starts in the top job. BBC Wales' political correspondent Daniel Davies has spoken to friends, colleagues and opponents of the Welsh Labour leader about his politics, personality and the sort of first minister he will be. Mark Drakeford's political awakening came early. Nationalist fervour swept his home town of Carmarthen when Gwynfor Evans was elected as Plaid Cymru's first MP in 1966. At grammar school, Mr Drakeford remembers groups of pupils marching around chanting political slogans. English-only road signs lay piled on the ground, torn down the night before. The political climate fired the imagination of the young Drakeford, a clarinet-playing cricket fan. Trashing road signs was, he thought, a "fantastic thing to be doing", he told me. … [Read more...] about Mark Drakeford: From Latin degree to Wales’ leader

By Justin Parkinson Published 15 April 2015 Share close Share page Copy link About sharing In 1955 the first McDonald's franchise restaurant opened in the US. Now it is the world's biggest fast food chain, employing 1.9 million people. The word "McJob" has become a term of derision, but what's it like to actually work there? "Hello, can I help you?" asks the smiling young woman behind the counter. Within about 20 seconds of receiving the order, an Egg and Sausage McMuffin is on the counter. The woman smiles again and moves on to the next customer. The restaurant's only part-full but the serving area is still busy. That's the way McDonald's likes it. Staff are set time targets for service. Efficiency and profit margins are key. It's fair to say that, in the 60 years since the first franchised McDonald's restaurant opened, portrayals of its workplaces have not been universally … [Read more...] about What’s it really like to work at McDonald’s?