ALEX BRUMMER: Labour has trapped us all in a doom loop of ever higher taxes and welfare spending. Things are bad now but, with four years to go, this is how much worse they can get
As every football fan knows, the moment the club chairman is forced to quell rumours of the manager's imminent demise by issuing a vote of confidence, the gaffer's days are numbered.
And so, as Sir Keir Starmer approaches the end of his first year in power, his Chancellor Rachel Reeves looks like a dead woman walking.
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Reuters
26 minutes ago
- Reuters
US revokes visas for Bob Vylan after music duo's Glastonbury chants
WASHINGTON, June 30 (Reuters) - The United States has revoked visas for members of Britain's Bob Vylan punk-rap duo after they led chants during their set at the Glastonbury music festival in England over the weekend that the State Department and the BBC, who broadcast the event, said were antisemitic. "The @StateDept has revoked the US visas for the members of the Bob Vylan band in light of their hateful tirade at Glastonbury, including leading the crowd in death chants. Foreigners who glorify violence and hatred are not welcome visitors to our country," U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau said in a post on X on Monday. On Monday, the British broadcaster said it regretted not stopping its livestream of Saturday's event, which included on-stage chants of "death, death to the IDF," a reference to the Israel Defense Forces fighting a war in Gaza, and "From the river to the sea, Palestine must be, will be, inshallah, it will be free." That phrase is often taken in Israel as a call for Israel's destruction and denial of its right to exist, although many Palestinians dispute that characterization. Bob Vylan, known for mixing grime and punk rock, tackles a range of issues including racism, homophobia and the class divide in their songs and has previously voiced support for Palestinians. Its lead vocalist, who goes by the stage name Bobby Vylan, appeared to refer to the weekend performance in a post on Instagram, writing: "I said what I said." "Teaching our children to speak up for the change they want and need is the only way that we make this world a better place," he added. The State Department did not immediately give more details as to the names of those who had visas revoked and what kind of visas they were. Bob Vylan is scheduled to play some concerts in the U.S. in November.
The Independent
32 minutes ago
- The Independent
Government demands investigation after Lindsey oil refinery owner collapses
The Government has called for an urgent investigation after the group behind one of Britain's largest oil refineries collapsed into administration, putting hundreds of jobs at risk. State Oil – the parent company of Prax Group, which owns the Lindsey refinery in North Lincolnshire – appointed administrators on Monday. A separate winding-up order has also been made against the Lindsey oil refinery and related businesses and a liquidator has been appointed. More than 180 staff are employed by State Oil, while it is thought that around another 420 work at the Lindsey refinery. Energy minister Michael Shanks said the firm's collapse was 'deeply concerning' and that the company had left the Government with 'little time to act'. He said the Government is demanding an investigation into the conduct of the company's directors and the circumstances surrounding its failure. The Lindsey site is one of only five large oil refineries remaining in the UK after the recent closure of the Grangemouth plant in Scotland. Prax Group is led by majority owner and chairman and chief executive Sanjeev Kumar Soosaipillai, who bought the Lindsey oil refinery from French firm Total in 2021. Mr Shanks said: 'There have been longstanding issues with this company and workers have been badly let down. 'The Secretary of State is today writing to the Insolvency Service to demand an immediate investigation into the conduct of the directors and the circumstances surrounding this insolvency. 'The Government will ensure supplies are maintained, protect our energy security, and do everything we can to support workers and the local community, including engaging with trade unions and industry bodies.' He added: 'The Government believes that the business's leadership have a responsibility to the workers and the local community. 'We call on them to do the right thing and support the workers through this difficult period.' Trade union Unite said the Government needed to urgently intervene to help protect UK fuel supplies and jobs. Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: 'The Lindsey oil refinery is strategically important and the Government must intervene immediately to protect workers and fuel supplies. 'Unite has constantly warned the Government that its policies have placed the oil and gas industry on a cliff edge.' Built in 1968, the Lindsey refinery can process around 113,000 barrels of oil a day. Clare Boardman, joint administrator of State Oil and Prax, said: 'We appreciate that this is a very difficult and uncertain time for the employees and everyone involved and we will be on site to support them during this challenging period. 'We will be considering all options for the group, including the prospect of a sale for the group's upstream business and retail operations in the UK and Europe, all of which remain outside of insolvency. 'We thank the group's team members and other stakeholders for their continued support.' Prax Group was not immediately available for comment.
The Independent
37 minutes ago
- The Independent
Criminal investigation launched into Kneecap and Bob Vylan Glastonbury shows
Avon and Somerset Police have launched a criminal investigation into public order incidents during performances by Bob Vylan and Kneecap at Glastonbury Festival. Bob Vylan led chants including "death, death to the IDF," while a Kneecap member suggested a "riot" and used offensive language towards Keir Starmer. The BBC expressed regret for broadcasting Bob Vylan's performance, calling the sentiments "utterly unacceptable," prompting an inquiry from Ofcom. Glastonbury Festival condemned the chants by Bob Vylan, and the rap-punk duo has been banned from the US due to the "hateful tirade." Police are conducting an investigation, considering hate-crime legislation.
