Latest news with #LiberalDemocrats
BBC News
17 hours ago
- BBC News
Citywide crackdown plea to tackle Peterborough car cruisers
Harsher punishments for car cruising should be handed out in a city, local politicians want powers allowing police to issue fines for vehicle-related anti-social behaviour to be granted throughout this month, a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) giving police these extra powers was introduced at Pleasure Fair Meadow Car Park, south of the city Christian Hogg, leader of the Liberal Democrat group on Peterborough City Council, said the "actual solution" to the issue was a "city-wide injunction". "Pleasure Fair Meadow Car Park acts as a magnet to bring these vehicles into town from all over," he said. "This was never going to be the solution."This PSPO, implemented on 19 July, allows police to issue £1,000 fines for anti-social behaviour associated with car meets. The force issued nine tickets on the first day of enforcement, the Local Democracy Reporting Service cruising can take various forms including authorised and unauthorised meets, which are associated with stunts, street racing and excessive noise. Independent councillor Julie Stevenson said introducing smaller PSPO areas risked shifting the problem from "place to place". "We need to push the problem out of Peterborough," she City Council's Labour administration said it would look into the possibility of a city-wide Jones, cabinet member for communities, said she was "aware" smaller injunctions could push car cruising to elsewhere in the city."We are also talking to some of the car cruising events people that put them on to try and work with them," she are other PSPOs in place in Peterborough, including one covering the city centre and another in Millfield, but these do not relate specifically to car cruising. Follow Peterborough news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
The Independent
a day ago
- Business
- The Independent
Water companies enforcing hosepipe bans leak over one billion litres of water a day
The four water companies with hosepipe bans currently in effect in the UK are leaking over one billion litres of water a day, new analysis has revealed. Thames Water, Yorkshire Water, Southern Water and South East Water have been criticised for enforcing the bans in the wake of water shortages while leaking massive amounts of water every day. The 1.031 billion litres of water leaked daily in 2024/25 was enough to fill 400 Olympic swimming pools, the figures from the companies' recent annual performance reports show. Bringing attention to the issue, the Liberal Democrats called it a 'scandal,' especially in light of the 'eye-watering' salary and bonuses given to water bosses despite ongoing sector-wide issues. They pointed to the chief executive of Southern Water Lawrence Gosden's pay package rising to £975k in 2024/25, an increase of 35 per cent. Of all the water companies operating in the UK, Thames Water leaked the most in 2024/25, at 569.1 mega litres a day (ML/d). This was down slightly from 570.4 ML/d, but still keeps the London water supplier in the top spot. According to most recent figures, Yorkshire water is leaking 260.2 ML/d, Southern Water 97.7 and South East Water 104.8. Recent analysis by The Independent found that no household has been fined for breaking hosepipe bans over the last five years, calling into question how seriously water companies are taking water-saving measures. Regulator Ofwat says that around a fifth of water running through pipes is still lost to leakage, although this amount has been cut by 41 per cent since 1989, when water companies were privatised. Officially, leakage is water that companies cannot account for; it has entered their systems but not been delivered to homes or businesses used in their operations. It can be driven by factors like the condition of pipes or companies' operational strategies, such as how they manage water pressure. Commenting, Liberal Democrat Environment Spokesperson Tim Farron MP said: 'It is an absolute scandal that families are being told to limit their water use this summer, while these failing water firms are letting over a billion litres a day go to waste through leaky pipes.' A Thames Water spokesperson said: 'Leakage is at its lowest ever level on our network, down 13.2% since 2020, but we know we have more work to do. The extended warm weather also brings increased risks of leaks and bursts due to pipe stress and shifting foundations in the ground.' A Southern Water spokesperson said: 'Last year, we reduced leakage by almost 20% and are seeking the same cut this year, saving 17 million litres more water every day - enough to serve 35,000 customers.' A Yorkshire Water spokesperson said: "We understand how frustrating leaks are for our customers and would like to assure them that reducing leakage on our networks is a priority for us. Leakage is the lowest it has ever been in Yorkshire, and it's something that we work on all year round.' A Water UK spokesperson said:'Water companies are doing everything they can to prevent further restrictions. Leakage is currently at the lowest level on record, with reductions every year since 2020, and will be cut by a further 17% by 2030. 'However, after one of the driest springs on record, recent heatwaves and more dry weather forecast, we're asking everyone to use water wisely and cut back where they can.'
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Mirror
Tory and Lib Dem peers accused of 'cynical attacks' on workers' rights - 'get out the way'
The TUC has warned Tory and Lib Dem Peers to 'get out of the way' and 'stop trying to block' stronger employment rights for millions of workers in the House of Lords The TUC has warned Tory and Lib Dem Peers to 'get out of the way' and 'stop trying to block' stronger employment rights for millions of workers. The union body is urging the government to 'stand firm' in the face of what it calls 'cynical attacks' on the Employment Rights Bill. The landmark legislation, which is currently going through the House of Lords, was a key pillar of Labour's election campaign. Spearheaded by Deputy PM Angela Rayner, the workers' rights package will end exploitative zero hours contracts, ban bad bosses from using agency staff to replace sacked employees and give expectant parents bereavement leave if they lose a pregnancy before 24 weeks. READ MORE: New workers rights law - all changes from sick pay to parental leave and how they affect you But the TUC has warned that the Tories and Lib Dems are 'doing the bidding of bad bosses' by trying to water down the legislation in the Lords. It hit out at opposition peers voting to 'attack' teaching assistants' pay and exempt voluntary work on heritage railways from restrictions on employment of children. The Bill will return to the House of Commons in September for MPs to consider the House of Lords' proposed changes to the legislation. The two Houses will continue to vote on amendments in a process known as 'ping-pong' until a way forward is agreed. A recent TUC mega poll revealed huge support across the country – including among Conservative voters – for key policies in the Bill. More than seven in 10 (72%) of UK voters support a ban on zero hours contracts – including 63% of Tory voters, the survey found. And three quarters (73%) of voters support giving all workers protection from unfair dismissal from the first day in the job - including 62% of Conservative. The TUC said peers who are trying to water down the legislation are not just 'out of touch" but are "actively defying" voters across the country. TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak said: "It's time for Tory and Lib Dem Peers to get out of the way and stop trying to block stronger rights for millions of workers. They are doing the bidding of bad bosses by voting to keep workers on zero hours contracts, allowing bosses to sack workers unfairly and attacking teaching assistants' pay.' He added: "Banning zero-hours contracts and protecting workers from unfair dismissal are common-sense protections that the vast majority of the people, including Tory and Lib Dem voters, want to see become law. "These Peers are not just out of touch, they are actively defying their own voters – and the public at large. The government must stand firm in the face of cynical attacks and deliver the Employment Rights Bill in full.' A Liberal Democrat spokesman said: ' Liberal Democrats have always championed stronger rights at work, and it's disappointing that Labour chose to block (/vote against) our proposals to support carers and whistleblowers. 'Unfortunately we fear parts of Labour's rushed bill would be bad for workers in small businesses and family farms. 'They were badly let down by the Conservative Party, and Labour seems to have a blindspot when it comes to farms and small businesses too. We support the bill as a whole and have worked constructively to try and improve it.' The Tories were contacted for comment. ::: Focaldata conducted a poll of 21,270 UK adults for the TUC from Nov 30 to Jan 8.
Metro
2 days ago
- Sport
- Metro
Will there be a bank holiday and trophy parade if England win Euro 2025?
England are gearing up to play Spain in today's blockbuster Women's Euro 2025 final in Switzerland. Sarina Wiegman's side defend the title they won three years ago at Wembley after a memorable win over Germany against an all-conquering Spanish side. The Lionesses will be significant underdogs against the reigning world champions but the comeback queens are no strangers to overcoming significant odds. After losing their opening group stage game against France, England roared back with wins over Netherlands and Wales, before being taken to the brink by Sweden and Italy in the knockout rounds. And in the event that England gain revenge for the painful World Cup final defeat they suffered against Spain two years ago, many will be keen to know if an extra bank holiday, and indeed a trophy parade, will be in the offering. The Prime Minister's spokesperson has said there are 'no plans' for an extra bank holiday if England win Euro 2025. Sir Keir Starmer's stance was different when he was in opposition back in 2023, when England were last in a showpiece final. 'It's almost 60 years since England won the World Cup,' he wrote on X before the clash with Spain. 'I'm never complacent about anything… but there should be a celebratory bank holiday if the Lionesses bring it home.' After the men's side reached the Euros final last summer, meanwhile, he said: 'We should certainly mark the occasion, I don't want to jinx it.' The decision not to give the country a bank holiday has split opinion across the political spectrum, with the Liberal Democrats leading the pressure on the Prime Minister to grant the country an extra day off work. Liberal Democrat culture, media and sport spokesman Max Wilkinson said: 'The Lionesses can make history on Sunday and retain the Euros title they won so memorably three years ago. 'If they do that, the Prime Minister should give us a Public Holiday to honour their achievement. 'Retaining the title would be one of our country's greatest sporting achievements. 'Fans and patriots across the country deserve the chance to celebrate the talent, success and historic achievement of this amazing team. 'A Bank Holiday would also give our hospitality industry a much-needed assist and boost. 'The Prime Minister is a football fan – we've all seen the pictures of him enjoying a kick around with his mates. 'If Wiegman's heroes deliver glory, we'll all be hoping he'll put the ball into an empty net by giving the Lionesses and the rest of us a chance to mark the occasion. 'A Bank Holiday would also give our hospitality industry a much-needed assist and boost.' Plans for a possible trophy parade will only be confirmed if England triumph in Switzerland on Sunday evening. According to The Guardian, a parade in central London and a visit to Downing Street have been discussed amongst officials, whilst a trip to Buckingham Palace could also be in the offering for the squad. More Trending England's victory at the last Euros was marked with a large fan celebration in Trafalgar Square, a day after the Lionesses beat Germany 2-1. Around 7,000 were in attendance in central London to help England celebrate their first-ever major trophy. MORE: Lionesses' Ella Toone and Alessia Russo's friendship will warm your heart MORE: It feels like no-one is wearing their England shirt for the Lionesses MORE: How Arsenal can inspire England to beat Spain in the Euro 2025 final
ITV News
4 days ago
- Politics
- ITV News
PM suggests UK will play role in Gaza aid airdrops amid mounting calls for Palestinian statehood
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has suggested the UK will play a role in dropping aid into Gaza by air, as he faces calls from 221 cross-party MPs to recognise a Palestinian state. Israel said on Friday it will allow airdrops of aid by foreign countries into Gaza to alleviate starvation in the Palestinian territory. Starmer said the UK will 'do everything we can to get aid in via this route'. Meanwhile, he faces growing calls to recognise a Palestinian state immediately. Some 221 MPs from Labour, the Conservatives, Liberal Democrats, SNP, Greens, Plaid Cymru, SDLP and independents, have signed a letter calling on the government to take the step at a UN meeting next week. France's president Emmanuel Macron announced his nation would formally recognise Palestine at the UN General Assembly in September, leading UK politicians to question whether the British government would follow suit. US President Donald Trump suggested Macron's announcement 'doesn't matter' as he left America for a visit to Scotland. But Sarah Champion, the senior Labour MP who organised the letter by parliamentarians, said recognition 'would send a powerful symbolic message that we support the rights of the Palestinian people'. Other senior Commons figures who signed the letter include Labour select committee chairs Liam Byrne, Dame Emily Thornberry and Ruth Cadbury. Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey, as well as Tory former minister Kit Malthouse, and Sir Edward Leigh – Parliament's longest-serving MP – also signed it. The majority of those who have signed, 131, are Labour MPs. In a video statement released on Friday, Starmer made plain his desire for a ceasefire in the war. He said: 'I know the British people are sickened by what is happening. The images of starvation and desperation are utterly horrifying. 'The denial of aid to children and babies is completely unjustifiable, just as the continued captivity of hostages is completely unjustifiable.' Signalling the UK is willing to help get aid into Gaza via air, the prime minister added: 'News that Israel will allow countries to airdrop aid into Gaza has come far too late, but we will do everything we can to get aid in via this route. 'We are already working urgently with the Jordanian authorities to get British aid on to planes and into Gaza.' Children who need specialist medical treatment will be evacuated from Gaza to the UK, Starmer added. He also called for an international coalition to 'end the suffering' in Gaza, similar to the coalition of the willing aimed at helping Ukraine. Starmer had earlier responded to calls for the recognition of a Palestinian state, insisting such a move needed to be part of the 'pathway' to peace in the Middle East, which he and allies are working towards. He added: 'Recognition of a Palestinian state has to be one of those steps. I am unequivocal about that. But it must be part of a wider plan which ultimately results in a two-state solution and lasting security for Palestinians and Israelis.' In a statement released on Friday alongside the leaders of France and Germany, the prime minister urged Israel to stop restricting the flow of aid into Gaza. Charities operating in Gaza have said Israel's blockade and ongoing military offensive are pushing people there towards starvation, warning that they are seeing their own workers and Palestinians 'waste away'. The prime minister will meet the US president during his trip to Scotland, where he arrived on Friday evening. US-led peace talks in Qatar were cut short on Thursday, with Washington's special envoy Steve Witkoff accusing Hamas of a 'lack of desire to reach a ceasefire'. The deal under discussion is expected to include a 60-day ceasefire in which Hamas would release 10 living hostages and the remains of 18 others in phases in exchange for Palestinians imprisoned by Israel.
