Tories split on Ricky Jones' verdict
Some senior Conservatives certainly see it this way. Chris Philp, the Shadow Home Secretary, made that comparison explicit, writing that 'the development of two tier justice is becoming increasingly alarming.' He added that ministers 'must come forward with plans to ensure justice is handed out equally, regardless of the background or views of the perpetrator' but 'this Labour government seems to be quite happy with two tier justice'. His colleague James Cleverly, the Housing spokesman, called the verdict 'unacceptable', writing on X that 'decisions like this are adding to the anger that people feel and amplifying the belief that there isn't a dispassionate criminal justice system'.
Clearly, this decision is a controversial one. But there is a crucial difference between the Jones trial and the punishment meted out to Lucy Connolly: she pleaded guilty so she did not receive a jury trial. Had she done so, she might well have been acquitted. Take the case of former Royal Marine Jamie Michael. Charged with stirring up racial hatred after Southport, he was acquitted by his jury after just 17 minutes. It was only five weeks' ago that Robert Jenrick was leading a big campaign against proposals to limit jury trials. For some of his fellow Tories to now rush to condemn them, off the back of one verdict, is an overreaction, given the essential pressure valve they function.
All this matters because judicial reform is likely to be a cornerstone of the next government of the right. Kemi Badenoch is reviewing how Britain to leave the European Court of Human Rights; others want her to go much further. The last Tory administration found itself fighting endless battles in the courts, in a fruitless bid to halt illegal migration. Picking the right battles over the right principles is essential if the next government is to avoid repeating that fate.
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The Sun
2 hours ago
- The Sun
Tens of thousands of renters booted out of homes as ‘no-fault' evictions surge – despite government plan to crack down
TENS of thousands of renters have been booted out of their homes amid a rise in "no-fault" evictions. Section 21 notices enforced by bailiffs have risen by 8% over the last year, according to Ministry of Justice figures. 2 That's despite the Labour Government promising to crack down on "no-fault" evictions, which allow landlords to force renters out during their tenancy without needing a specified reason. A total of 11,402 repossessions by county court bailiffs following a Section 21 notice were reported in the year up to June 2025. That's up from 10,576 over the previous 12 months. Labour had pledged to push through new rules that would give more power to tenants and ban Section 21 notices. The rules mean landlords will need to apply for a hearing before they can evict a tenant. But the Renters' Rights Bill hasn't been made into law yet and some landlords have been selling off their properties ahead of the reforms. It was due to come into force this autumn but a report in the Financial Times has suggested it will be pushed back because of delays in Parliament. Campaign group the Renters Reform Coalition raised fears the delay could mean the bill until spring next year. Director Tom Darling said at the time: "Renters will feel let down yet again on hearing that Section 21 no fault evictions are now unlikely to be scrapped until 2026 - a year and a half since the government was elected on a manifesto pledge to 'immediately abolish' them… "Everyone needs a decent, secure home, but with every month that passes thousands more renters are faced with a no-fault eviction." Landlord Responsibilities Homelessness charity Shelter has reacted angrily to the latest Section 21 figures. Spokesperson Mairi MacRae told The Telegraph: "It is unconscionable that more than a year after the Government came to power, thousands of renters continue to be marched out of their homes by bailiffs because of an unfair policy that the Government said would be scrapped immediately." A Government spokesman told the paper: "No one should live in fear of a Section 21 eviction and these new figures show exactly why we will abolish them through our Renters' Rights Bill, which is a manifesto commitment and legislative priority for this Government. "We're determined to level the playing field by providing tenants with greater security, rights and protections in their homes and our landmark reforms will be implemented swiftly after the Bill becomes law." What else is included in the Renters' Rights Bill? It's not just a ban on Section 21 evictions covered in the Renters' Rights Bill. A host of other changes are included in the legislation. These are just a few of the major ones: Ensuring possession grounds are fair to both parties - this will give tenants more security but also allow landlords to recover their properties "when reasonable" Providing stronger protections against backdoor eviction - this will ensure tenants can appeal above-market rents which are designed to force them out Introduce a new Private Rented Sector Landlord Ombudsman - this will mean renters can get impartial help if they have a grievance with their landlord Give tenants strengthened rights to request a pet in the property - a landlord will have to consider this and cannot refuse it unreasonably Apply " Awaab's Law" to the sector - this will set clear legal expectations about the timeframes within which landlords in the private rented sector have to take action to make homes safe where they contain serious hazards. What to do if you've been served a Section 21 notice Here is what you can do, according to the Renters' Reform Coalition… Check the form - a Section 21 notice must be on an official form, known as a 6a form. Your landlord can't issue an eviction notice just by telling you in person or by text/email. Check if the form is valid - you must be given at least two months notice to vacate a property. You also can't be given a Section 21 if your tenancy started less than four months prior. If you are on a fixed-term contract you can't receive a Section 21 unless there is a break clause in it. These things can also make a Section 21 notice invalid: The council has given your landlord an improvement notice to fix things, or an emergency works notice, in the last six months Your deposit isn't in a deposit protection scheme. In that case the landlord must return it to you before they can issue a Section 21 The property is a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) but it doesn't have a HMO licence from the council. In some areas all rented properties need a licence - check with your council The landlord has charged you illegal fees - such as a deposit worth more than five weeks rent, or admin fees. In this case they must return the money to you before serving a Section 21 You never received key paperwork for the property - the Energy Performance Certificate, the 'How to rent' guide, and a gas safety certificate (if there is gas) What to do if the Section 21 is valid You don't have to leave the property at the end of your Section 21 notice. Your landlord still has to apply to court for a possession order and a warrant for eviction, to use court bailiffs to evict you. If you are remaining in your property after the end of a Section 21 notice, make sure you inform your landlord and continue to pay rent while you look for another place to live. If you can't find somewhere to rent and are facing homelessness, tell your council immediately. They should be able to advise you on what to do and provide emergency temporary accommodation or other support. What is the section 21 rule and what are your rights as a renter? THE law - known as Section 21 - means a landlord can ask you to move out without needing a particular reason. The first step of every procedure is the section 21 notice - a letter of notification that the landlord must serve to the tenant, prior to the eviction. The notice to quit is purely informational and doesn't carry any legal power. If you've got a good relationship with your landlord, it might be worth asking them if you can stay in your home for longer. Send a letter to your landlord explaining your situation and keep a copy of any reply you get. Your landlord can't make you leave your home unless they've gone to court to get a possession order and a warrant for eviction. You might be able to challenge your eviction and stay in your home. A section 8 notice can require you to move sooner, but can only be served if the landlord has a reason, such as you breaking the terms of your tenancy. New rules introduced in October 2015 have made it harder to evict you for reporting problems with the property. If you're asked to leave because you've asked for repairs then you should see advice immediately. You can find more tips on how to challenge your eviction on Citizens Advice. 2
Telegraph
3 hours ago
- Telegraph
Rayner embroiled in hypocrisy row over war on allotments
Angela Rayner has campaigned for allotments in her own constituency while overseeing the sell-off of communal gardens elsewhere, it has emerged. The Deputy Prime Minister has been accused of hypocrisy for praising local allotments as vital spaces for children and adults to socialise, while allowing councils to sell off such assets elsewhere. Last month, The Telegraph revealed her department, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, has given the green light for cash-strapped councils to sell off allotments to raise funds. The decision fuelled a backlash from MPs, including Jeremy Corbyn, the former Labour leader, who said it would 'fill many with deep dismay'. The selloff is at odds with comments Ms Rayner made in April that championed a community allotment in her constituency that helps special needs children. She told the Tameside Correspondent the allotment gave the children 'the chance to have fun and meet other local families in an environment that was secure'. While serving in opposition, Ms Rayner Minister also praised the role that allotments in her Ashton-under-Lyne constituency in Greater Manchester played in helping to build a community spirit. In April 2024, just before the election, she visited Curzon Ashton football club which runs an allotment programme for veterans. Ms Rayner praised the scheme, funded by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust, which is aimed at helping ex-servicemen and women suffering from loneliness. In October 2022, she visited a community garden allotment in Droylsden, describing it as a 'fantastic initiative'. Writing on her website at the time, she said: 'Those that work on the allotment say the initiative has also helped them through some tough times and reduced loneliness and isolation in the area. 'Members have used donated wood to make planters, trestles and troughs to grow tomatoes, strawberries, corn and pumpkins. 'They hold regular open days where residents can turn up and take food for free. The fruit and veg bags are topped up with store cupboard essentials to help those struggling with the cost of living crisis. 'The ultimate NIMBY' However, since Labour came to power, Ms Rayner has personally approved the sale of eight allotment sites. Those that have already been sold include a site in Storrington, West Sussex, that will make way for 78 new homes. Two allotments and two in Bolsover, Derbyshire, are also to be closed. Paul Holmes MP, the shadow housing minister, said: 'Rayner has been exposed as an arch-hypocrite, the ultimate NIMBY who thinks selling off everyone else's allotments is fine – just not in her back yard. 'By declaring war on Jeremy Corbyn's treasured allotments, she has sown the seeds for the next iteration of Labour's Left-wing civil war. 'Rather than trying to prune her rivals by any means necessary, perhaps she should grow up and focus on what the country really needs to cultivate.' Under the Allotment Act 1925, any disposal of allotment sites requires Westminster to give the go-ahead. 'No need to sacrifice vital green spaces' Mr Corbyn, who is forming a new Left-wing party to challenge Labour, accused her of hammering a 'nail in the coffin' of community allotments. Writing for The Telegraph, he said: 'Of course, social housing is desperately needed, but we need not sacrifice these vital green spaces to build it. 'We can build on ex-industrial land and take over empty properties. Even then, we should ensure social housing is accompanied by community gardens and adequate growing space.' Ms Rayner's department said in response to the controversy that the rules surrounding the sale of allotments had been in place since 2016. It added that ministerial approvals for sales in 2024, only the second half of which Labour was in power for, had been lower than in previous years. A spokesman said: 'Councils have been able to sell assets since 2016 and these rules have not changed. They should only do so where it is clearly necessary and offers value for money. 'We know how important allotments are for communities and that is why strict criteria are in place to protect them, as well as school playing fields.'
Daily Mirror
3 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Reform accused of 'amateur and irresponsible' approach to nation's defence
Organised by Labour MP Graeme Downie, the letter also questioned Mr Farage's understanding of shipbuilding, which directly employs almost 40,000 people across the UK Labour MPs have claimed Reform UK's failure to mention shipbuilding in their manifesto shows an 'amateur and irresponsible approach to defending our nation'. A dozen MPs, which includes a number who hold coastal seats, accused Nigel Farage of a 'gross betrayal' of both national security and British industry. Organised by Scottish Labour MP Graeme Downie, the letter also questioned Mr Farage's understanding of shipbuilding, which directly employs almost 40,000 people across the UK with an economic output of almost £3 billion. It says: 'Although I lose track of which MPs are in your party these days, it appears none of your current MPs at least have even mentioned their support of either the Royal Navy or shipbuilding in the House of Commons since the General Election in July 2024. In addition, Reform MPs are often noted to be absent when opportunities to support this vital part of our economy and security are available. " It comes after Nigel Farage is branded 'farcical' as alien and UFO enthusiast defects to Reform UK. The letter continues: "For example, neither you or any of your colleagues spoke during the debate on the Strategic Defence Review on 2 June, nor in a debate in Westminster Hall on 18 March with the title: 'Shipyards: Economic Growth.' 'It is disappointing that someone who says he aspires to becoming Prime Minister of this fantastic country can fail to support the vital work of our shipbuilding industry. To continue to fail to do so would be a gross betrayal of both our national security and one of our most vital industries. It would display an amateur and irresponsible approach to defending our nation along with a reckless, and perhaps wilful, misunderstanding of the role of the sea in our national story. 'I know consistency, principles and understanding of complex situations are not something you are best known for but I hope you understand that in order to defend an island nation, you need ships and that it is best for those ships to be built in the UK. Perhaps at the very least you could confirm this understanding?' The Chancellor Rachel Reeves previously hailed the UK's "extraordinary shipbuilding industry", and committed to a "Britain first" policy for new naval ships. The letter was signed by numerous MPs who sit on Westminster's Defence Select Committee, and a number with seats where shipbuilding is a key industry. The MPs included Amanda Martin, Tracey Gilbert, Gregor Poynton and Calvin Bailey. Responding, Reform Deputy Leader Richard Tice said: 'Reform were the only party with a plan at the last election to vastly increase defence spending. Nigel and I lead the way on saving British steel after Labour let Port Talbot blast furnaces close and dragged their feet with Scunthorpe. 'We are the only party with a serious plan to use British steel for shipbuilding in the country. If it was left to Labour without pressure from Reform, all ships would be built with foreign steel.'
