Latest news with #LabourGovernment
The Independent
an hour ago
- Politics
- The Independent
Orgreave miners prioritised over grooming gang victims, Tories claim
The Government has been accused of prioritising the Orgreave miners over 'the minors who suffered horrific exploitation at the hands of grooming gangs'. Shadow policing minister Matt Vickers told the Commons that 'this Labour Government's union paymasters should not determine the pecking order of justice in this country'. His comments, which policing minister Dame Diana Johnson branded 'extremely distasteful', came after a public inquiry was announced this week into the violent confrontation at Orgreave during the miners' strike in 1984. The inquiry, expected to launch in the autumn, will investigate the events surrounding clashes at the Orgreave Coking Plant in South Yorkshire on June 18 1984, which caused 120 injuries. In total, 95 picketers were arrested and initially charged with riot and violent disorder, but all charges were later dropped after evidence was discredited. Meanwhile, last month the Government announced that there will be a full statutory inquiry into grooming gangs, after initially dismissing calls for one. Responding to the Orgreave inquiry announcement, Tory frontbencher Mr Vickers said: 'I note from the Government's publication that the inquiry will be statutory, with powers to compel individuals to provide information where necessary. 'This sounds remarkably similar to a request we've made to the Government, one which was repeatedly rejected. 'The victims and survivors of rape gangs deserve detailed updates on the progress of that inquiry, yet the lack of information about how this new inquiry will be set up and how it will compel evidence leads me to conclude that the Government has prioritised the miners over the minors who suffered horrific exploitation at the hands of rape gangs. 'This Labour Government's union paymasters should not determine the pecking order of justice in this country. 'There are still perpetrators of child sexual exploitation and those who have covered it up who have gone unpunished. 'And yet this Government has chosen to prioritise this inquiry.' Mr Vickers also claimed there are 'serious questions' about whether the chairman of the inquiry – the Rt Rev Dr Pete Wilcock, the Bishop of Sheffield – will be able to 'act in a politically neutral and independent manner'. He asked: 'Can the minister assure the House that the inquiry will not be political in nature and that it will listen to the views of all parties present on the day, so that this is not merely an example of the Government putting the interests of the unions ahead of the police?' Responding, Dame Diana said she was 'surprised' by these remarks because 'I know the shadow minister is a good man'. But she added: 'I must say to him that I found his comments extremely distasteful and also not accurate or correct.' Dame Diana told MPs: 'Our manifesto commitment was to ensure that there was a thorough investigation or inquiry, that the truth about the events at Orgreave came to light, and that is what we are doing today.' She added: 'He will know that there has been a great deal of work to make sure that the hideous, appalling situations that have been uncovered around the grooming gangs are now going to be dealt with. 'The safeguarding minister has given statements to the House. The Home Secretary has given statements to the House. 'There has been a clear list of the action that is being taken, and it seems to me that that work is absolutely right. 'And of course, under the previous government, when the independent child abuse inquiry was set up, there was support across the House for that work of Professor Alexis Jay. 'It's just a great pity that the previous government did not actually enact any of the recommendations that Professor Alexis Jay came forward. 'And I think that is a hugely shameful state of affairs that this Government then inherited. 'But I'm absolutely clear that this Government is dealing with grooming gangs and that that is absolutely the right thing to do but, equally, it's absolutely the right thing to do to set the Orgreave inquiry up today.' Addressing the issue of the chairman of the inquiry, the minister said: 'I was really disappointed again with the remarks about the bishop. 'I think Bishop Pete has previously supported calls for an inquiry and I think it's important to note that that was in the context of his pastoral role in supporting members of the Diocese of Sheffield, who were impacted by the events at Orgreave. 'And he certainly didn't show any favour for either the police or the picketers when calling for that inquiry. 'And I don't think that that call detracts from the necessary credibility, the impartiality and independence that I believe that he will bring to this role as the chair of the inquiry, and I know that he has the backing and the support of the key stakeholders for taking forward that role.' Dame Diana said she wanted the inquiry to be done 'as quickly as possible, but as thoroughly as possible', adding that a time frame of two years was indicated in early discussions. This came in response to Independent MP Jeremy Corbyn (Islington North), who asked for an 'idea of roughly how long she expects the inquiry to report'. The minister added that Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has written to all police forces, the National Police Chiefs' Council, the College of Policing and all Government departments to ask that all material they hold relating to the events of Orgreave be retained. DUP MP Jim Shannon raised concerns about the 'retraumatisation' that elderly retired police officers will 'undoubtedly suffer' when asked to recall details of that day in 1984. Dame Diana said the Bishop of Sheffield will look into what support needs to be in place to help witnesses, whether they be from the police, picketers or their families.
South Wales Guardian
3 hours ago
- Business
- South Wales Guardian
Scots to ‘foot the bill' for Sizewell C, SNP claims
The nuclear power plant is set to cost £38 billion, according to an announcement on Tuesday by UK Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, with a levy to be placed on energy bills to help cover the cost. Mr Miliband said the charge would be limited to an average of around £1 per month. The SNP-led Scottish Government has long been against new nuclear power and has said it would block plans north of the border through the devolved planning system. 16 years ago I identified Sizewell as a site for new nuclear power. Today I am delighted that Sizewell C has finally been given the green light. We're delivering the biggest nuclear building programme in a generation 👇 — Ed Miliband (@Ed_Miliband) July 22, 2025 Speaking in the wake of the announcement, the SNP's energy spokesman at Westminster Graham Leadbitter said nuclear power was 'extortionate, takes decades to build and the toxic waste is a risk to local communities'. 'Just months ago, the Labour Government rubbished the £38 billion figure for Sizewell C, yet today Ed Miliband snuck out a statement that confirmed they've lost control of this project before spades are even in the ground,' he said. 'To make matters worse, Scots will be left to foot the bill with a levy on energy bills – you simply couldn't make it up, yet Anas Sarwar and Scottish Labour back this extortionate and wasteful plan that energy-rich Scotland will pay for through the nose.' Mr Leadbitter also hit out at the spending of the UK Government south of the border compared to Scotland, pointing to the closure of the Grangemouth refinery with the loss of 400 jobs. 'Be it Prax refinery, British Steel or Sizewell C, when it comes to projects south of the border it seems the pot of cash never runs out,' the SNP MP said. 'Meanwhile, Grangemouth has been shut down and Westminster's fiscal regime has ruined Scottish energy jobs – Scotland isn't just an afterthought, it's barely a thought at all. 'It is absurd that energy-rich Scotland is home to fuel-poor Scots and that while energy bills go up, Scottish energy jobs are going down – that's directly as a consequence of Westminster policy, and the further squandering of cash on expensive nuclear won't change that.' Scottish Secretary Ian Murray said Scotland was 'losing out' because of the opposition of the Government to new nuclear energy. 'This deal will bring jobs to and investment in the local economy, as well as helping us meet our clear power ambitions,' he said. 'The UK Government is driving forward nuclear power in other parts of the UK, but in Scotland the Scottish Government continues to block new nuclear sites. 'That means that Scotland is being left behind, missing out on jobs and growth, as well as affordable energy. 'I urge the Scottish Government again to put Scotland's interests first and drop their ideological objections.' And Mr Miliband talked up the scale and ambition of the project as he announced it, with the UK Government taking a near-45% stake. 'It is time to do big things and build big projects in this country again – and today we announce an investment that will provide clean, homegrown power to millions of homes for generations to come,' he said. 'This Government is making the investment needed to deliver a new golden age of nuclear, so we can end delays and free us from the ravages of the global fossil fuel markets to bring bills down for good.' New Sizewell C investors include Canadian investment fund La Caisse with 20%, British Gas owner Centrica with 15%, and Amber Infrastructure with an initial 7.6%. It comes alongside French energy giant EDF announcing earlier this month it was taking a 12.5% stake – lower than its previously stated 16.2% ownership. The total investment, which is split between equity funding from investors and debt financing, exceeds the target construction cost of £38 billion, therefore acting as a buffer in case costs overrun.
Powys County Times
3 hours ago
- Business
- Powys County Times
Scots to ‘foot the bill' for Sizewell C, SNP claims
Scotland has become an 'afterthought' for the UK Government, the SNP has claimed, as those north of the border are set to 'foot the bill' for Sizewell C. The nuclear power plant is set to cost £38 billion, according to an announcement on Tuesday by UK Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, with a levy to be placed on energy bills to help cover the cost. Mr Miliband said the charge would be limited to an average of around £1 per month. The SNP-led Scottish Government has long been against new nuclear power and has said it would block plans north of the border through the devolved planning system. 16 years ago I identified Sizewell as a site for new nuclear power. Today I am delighted that Sizewell C has finally been given the green light. We're delivering the biggest nuclear building programme in a generation 👇 — Ed Miliband (@Ed_Miliband) July 22, 2025 Speaking in the wake of the announcement, the SNP's energy spokesman at Westminster Graham Leadbitter said nuclear power was 'extortionate, takes decades to build and the toxic waste is a risk to local communities'. 'Just months ago, the Labour Government rubbished the £38 billion figure for Sizewell C, yet today Ed Miliband snuck out a statement that confirmed they've lost control of this project before spades are even in the ground,' he said. 'To make matters worse, Scots will be left to foot the bill with a levy on energy bills – you simply couldn't make it up, yet Anas Sarwar and Scottish Labour back this extortionate and wasteful plan that energy-rich Scotland will pay for through the nose.' Mr Leadbitter also hit out at the spending of the UK Government south of the border compared to Scotland, pointing to the closure of the Grangemouth refinery with the loss of 400 jobs. 'Be it Prax refinery, British Steel or Sizewell C, when it comes to projects south of the border it seems the pot of cash never runs out,' the SNP MP said. 'Meanwhile, Grangemouth has been shut down and Westminster's fiscal regime has ruined Scottish energy jobs – Scotland isn't just an afterthought, it's barely a thought at all. 'It is absurd that energy-rich Scotland is home to fuel-poor Scots and that while energy bills go up, Scottish energy jobs are going down – that's directly as a consequence of Westminster policy, and the further squandering of cash on expensive nuclear won't change that.' Scottish Secretary Ian Murray said Scotland was 'losing out' because of the opposition of the Government to new nuclear energy. 'This deal will bring jobs to and investment in the local economy, as well as helping us meet our clear power ambitions,' he said. 'The UK Government is driving forward nuclear power in other parts of the UK, but in Scotland the Scottish Government continues to block new nuclear sites. 'That means that Scotland is being left behind, missing out on jobs and growth, as well as affordable energy. 'I urge the Scottish Government again to put Scotland's interests first and drop their ideological objections.' And Mr Miliband talked up the scale and ambition of the project as he announced it, with the UK Government taking a near-45% stake. 'It is time to do big things and build big projects in this country again – and today we announce an investment that will provide clean, homegrown power to millions of homes for generations to come,' he said. 'This Government is making the investment needed to deliver a new golden age of nuclear, so we can end delays and free us from the ravages of the global fossil fuel markets to bring bills down for good.' New Sizewell C investors include Canadian investment fund La Caisse with 20%, British Gas owner Centrica with 15%, and Amber Infrastructure with an initial 7.6%. It comes alongside French energy giant EDF announcing earlier this month it was taking a 12.5% stake – lower than its previously stated 16.2% ownership. The total investment, which is split between equity funding from investors and debt financing, exceeds the target construction cost of £38 billion, therefore acting as a buffer in case costs overrun.
Rhyl Journal
3 hours ago
- Business
- Rhyl Journal
Scots to ‘foot the bill' for Sizewell C, SNP claims
The nuclear power plant is set to cost £38 billion, according to an announcement on Tuesday by UK Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, with a levy to be placed on energy bills to help cover the cost. Mr Miliband said the charge would be limited to an average of around £1 per month. The SNP-led Scottish Government has long been against new nuclear power and has said it would block plans north of the border through the devolved planning system. 16 years ago I identified Sizewell as a site for new nuclear power. Today I am delighted that Sizewell C has finally been given the green light. We're delivering the biggest nuclear building programme in a generation 👇 — Ed Miliband (@Ed_Miliband) July 22, 2025 Speaking in the wake of the announcement, the SNP's energy spokesman at Westminster Graham Leadbitter said nuclear power was 'extortionate, takes decades to build and the toxic waste is a risk to local communities'. 'Just months ago, the Labour Government rubbished the £38 billion figure for Sizewell C, yet today Ed Miliband snuck out a statement that confirmed they've lost control of this project before spades are even in the ground,' he said. 'To make matters worse, Scots will be left to foot the bill with a levy on energy bills – you simply couldn't make it up, yet Anas Sarwar and Scottish Labour back this extortionate and wasteful plan that energy-rich Scotland will pay for through the nose.' Mr Leadbitter also hit out at the spending of the UK Government south of the border compared to Scotland, pointing to the closure of the Grangemouth refinery with the loss of 400 jobs. 'Be it Prax refinery, British Steel or Sizewell C, when it comes to projects south of the border it seems the pot of cash never runs out,' the SNP MP said. 'Meanwhile, Grangemouth has been shut down and Westminster's fiscal regime has ruined Scottish energy jobs – Scotland isn't just an afterthought, it's barely a thought at all. 'It is absurd that energy-rich Scotland is home to fuel-poor Scots and that while energy bills go up, Scottish energy jobs are going down – that's directly as a consequence of Westminster policy, and the further squandering of cash on expensive nuclear won't change that.' Scottish Secretary Ian Murray said Scotland was 'losing out' because of the opposition of the Government to new nuclear energy. 'This deal will bring jobs to and investment in the local economy, as well as helping us meet our clear power ambitions,' he said. 'The UK Government is driving forward nuclear power in other parts of the UK, but in Scotland the Scottish Government continues to block new nuclear sites. 'That means that Scotland is being left behind, missing out on jobs and growth, as well as affordable energy. 'I urge the Scottish Government again to put Scotland's interests first and drop their ideological objections.' And Mr Miliband talked up the scale and ambition of the project as he announced it, with the UK Government taking a near-45% stake. 'It is time to do big things and build big projects in this country again – and today we announce an investment that will provide clean, homegrown power to millions of homes for generations to come,' he said. 'This Government is making the investment needed to deliver a new golden age of nuclear, so we can end delays and free us from the ravages of the global fossil fuel markets to bring bills down for good.' New Sizewell C investors include Canadian investment fund La Caisse with 20%, British Gas owner Centrica with 15%, and Amber Infrastructure with an initial 7.6%. It comes alongside French energy giant EDF announcing earlier this month it was taking a 12.5% stake – lower than its previously stated 16.2% ownership. The total investment, which is split between equity funding from investors and debt financing, exceeds the target construction cost of £38 billion, therefore acting as a buffer in case costs overrun.
Daily Mail
3 hours ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
ANDREW NEIL: Broke Britain's on the edge of financial disaster, Labour's out of its depth - and people are angry. I'm scared for what's to come
After only a year of lacklustre Labour Government, Britain is broke. When you're forced to borrow just to pay the interest on previous debts you've accumulated – which is what Keir Starmer and his miserable band of under-performing brothers and sisters are doing – there is really no other way to put it. We'll only borrow to invest and grow the economy, promised Labour during last summer's election campaign. You can forget all that. The grim reality is that Labour is borrowing to meet the spiralling cost of interest on the debts we've already accumulated as a nation.
