How the Liberal Democrats conquered Middle England
The Liberal Democrats' foreign affairs spokesperson Calum Miller, elected as the new MP for Bicester and Woodstock last year, joins James Heale to talk about the ambitions of the party that became the largest third party in Parliament in 100 years at the 2024 general election. They want to overtake the Conservatives to be the second party in local government – could they one day overtake the Tories to become the official opposition?
A former civil servant, Oxford University policy manager and councillor, Calum joins Coffee House Shots to talk about why he got into politics, how Brexit radicalised his desire for good governance and why, for all the fun, there is a serious point behind Ed Davey's stunts.
Produced by Patrick Gibbons.
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Sky News
an hour ago
- Sky News
Foreign sec flies to Gibraltar - with hopes of securing a post-Brexit deal with Spain
Foreign Secretary David Lammy is in Gibraltar ahead of a potential post-Brexit deal with Spain. Ever since the UK left the EU, the situation in the British Overseas Territory has been up in the air, with London, Madrid and Gibraltar all engaged in negotiations on a path forward. Spain disputes the UK's ownership of the territory, which is located on the south of the Iberian peninsular opposite North Africa. Known for its strategic importance at the entrance to the Mediterranean, Gibraltar is also home to an RAF base. Mr Lammy arrived in Gibraltar overnight on a ministerial plane. A government spokesperson told Sky News last night: "The foreign secretary is in Gibraltar to meet chief minister Fabian Picardo to discuss the latest on negotiations, as all sides look to conclude an agreement as soon as possible." It is possible a deal could be announced in Brussels at some point in the future. Foreign secretaries visiting Gibraltar is unusual, with the last official visit appearing to have been from Dominic Raab in March 2021. Mr Picardo was in London last week to discuss negotiations with UK ministers. Local media has reported that a deal could be announced "imminently". Earlier on Tuesday, the EU proposed removing Gibraltar from its list of "high risk third countries" when it comes to money laundering. If a deal is announced on Wednesday, it would coincide with the UK government's spending review. Any agreement would be closely scrutinised by eurosceptics in Reform and the Conservative Party, who have criticised Sir Keir Starmer's EU reset deal and the handing over of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. How to deal with border crossings A bespoke agreement on Gibraltar - which was captured by the UK in the early 18th century - was required after Brexit as Spain objected to it being included in the EU wide negotiations. Since the UK left the EU, a reciprocal agreement to not stamp passports has been in place on both sides of border for Gibraltar residents entering Spain and Spaniards travelling the other way. However, all sides have wanted to get a proper deal in place before the EU's new entry/exit system comes into place, which is now slated for October this year - despite it being delayed multiple times. In proposals made in 2021, the EU said it wanted to see Spanish authorities get extensive powers over immigration into Gibraltar from outside the Schengen free movement area, with EU institutions given the power to enforce the relevant laws in the territory. Both the UK and Gibraltar have opposed such an extensive presence, and amended proposals were made. The previous Conservative government and current Labour administration have said they would not agree to any deal that handed Gibraltar over to another state, or one that Gibraltar was not happy with. In September last year, Mr Lammy and Mr Picardo met in London. The foreign secretary said afterwards he "reaffirmed our support to them in all eventualities and reiterated that we will only agree to terms that Gibraltar is content with". Since Labour took power just under a year ago, negotiations have continued. In October, Mr Picardo said proposals had been made that "guarantee the safety and security of the Schengen Area and the integrity of the single market".
Edinburgh Reporter
3 hours ago
- Edinburgh Reporter
First Minister meeting with EU Ambassador to the UK
First Minister John Swinney will meet European Union Ambassador to the United Kingdom Pedro Serrano at Bute House on Wednesday to discuss the challenges and opportunities to arise from the recent deal between the UK and the EU. They will be joined by the Slovenian Ambassador Sanja Štiglic and Bulgarian Ambassador Tihomir Stoytchev, as part of a delegation to Scotland. Later today the First Minister will also meet the Minister-President of Flanders at an event to celebrate 25 years of Flemish trade and investment in Scotland. The First Minister views both engagements as opportunities to reinforce the strong relationship that exists between Scotland and the EU. He said: 'The European Union is one of our most important economic and security partners. While the deal struck on the 19 May represents long-overdue progress in rebuilding our relationship, no agreement can deliver the economic, social and security benefits we lost with Brexit in 2020. 'That is why I firmly believe Scotland's best future lies as an independent country within the EU. More than ever, the current uncertain economic and geopolitical environment reinforces the importance of Scotland having the security, stability and opportunity that comes with EU membership. 'In the meantime we will continue to engage with nations and regions across Europe to maximise opportunities through trade, investment, innovation and academia. As we enter the next phase of negotiations, we stand ready to be closely involved as the UK Government develops its future priorities for working with the EU.' Bute House PHOTO © 2024 The Edinburgh Reporter Like this: Like Related
Powys County Times
5 hours ago
- Powys County Times
Welsh railways to get £445m investment in spending review
Welsh railways are set to receive a £445 million investment when the Chancellor announces her spending plans for the coming years on Wednesday. Rachel Reeves is expected to announce the additional funding as part of her spending review, aiming to address what the Treasury sees as years of underinvestment in Welsh infrastructure. Understood to be a combination of direct funding and additional money for the Welsh government, the investment is expected to be spent on projects such as fixing level crossings, building new stations and upgrading railway lines. A Treasury source said: 'With this Government, Wales will thrive, and the Chancellor has prioritised bringing forward a package that has the potential to be truly transformative.' On Tuesday, Welsh First Minister Eluned Morgan told members of the Senedd that her government was 'expecting something positive from the spending review'. She said: 'I've been clear and I've been consistent when it comes to rail funding that we have not been getting our fair share of funding, in a position that the Tories left us with for over a decade. 'The difference between the Tories and the UK Labour Government is that they've recognised that injustice.' Baroness Morgan's comments came in response to criticism from Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth of a decision to classify the £6.6 billion Oxford-to-Cambridge line as an England and Wales project. The designation means Wales will not receive the additional rail funding it would get if branded an England-only project. Mr ap Iorwerth said Wales had been 'getting our share until Labour actively moved the goalposts'. The expected announcement of additional funding for Welsh railways is one of several transport-related investments set to be confirmed on Wednesday. Ms Reeves has already announced plans to spend a total of £15.6 billion on public transport projects in England's city regions, and is understood to be preparing to extend the £3 cap on bus fares in England until March 2027.
