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North Wales Live
25-07-2025
- Politics
- North Wales Live
Readers call for by-election after councillors defect to Reform
The recent switch by Llandudno councillors from the Conservative Party to Reform UK has seen some intense discussion among North Wales Live readers, with a flurry of social media and online commentary. This political shift is seen by some as indicative of broader transformations within local and national political landscapes. Two Conwy councillors have crossed the floor to join Reform UK, leaving the Conservatives behind. Llandudno representatives Louise Emery and Tom Montgomery cited their dissatisfaction with the nation's lack of progress as their reason for defecting, expressing a desire to "stand up for Britain" upon announcing their decision. Addressing the Local Democracy Reporting Service, both councillors voiced their discontent with the current state of governance. As they departed the Conservative party, they extended gratitude towards their former colleagues, while Cllr Emery levelled criticism at the previous Tory-led UK Government for being "not good enough". Cllr Emery stated: "I have resigned from the Conservative Party and joined Reform UK. I have not taken this decision lightly." She continued, emphasising her commitment to her constituents: "For the past eight years, I have worked tirelessly for the residents of the Gogarth Mostyn ward and the town of Llandudno; I am enthusiastic, and more than ever driven to deliver for residents and businesses. "But I am so frustrated at how our country is stagnating and declining. We need a shake up; we need a government that listens to its people and is prepared to stand up for Britain – its history, its place in the world, its future. "I am tired of defending the legacy of the Conservative Government – they weren't good enough. I am horrified at the first year of Labour Government. "There is only one party that can deliver the change we so desperately need and that is Reform UK." She added: "Reform have a manifesto of common-sense policies which are the only way to set this country back on course and ensure that both local and national government work as they should - for the taxpayer." Cllr Emery also referenced additional "common sense" Reform policies behind her decision. These encompassed social care overhauls, a fresh curriculum, assessments of council expenditure, employment incentives, a "reward-based benefits" structure, and immigration controls, including "halting illegal crossings". One reader, Totemlad1 simply says: "And so it starts." While Chucker writes: "More Conservatives going over. Looks like Conservatives doomed. Maybe it's an easy way out for them." Underdog_1 believes: "Sooner Reform are in, the better Britain will be and illegal immigration will reduce/stop." Dewibach replies and asks: "And how exactly will Reform stop illegal immigration?" PedroD says: "I'm worried about the state of our county (Conwy) and its lack of effective leadership." Redsheep writes: "How is it a change when most of them are ex-Conservatives - Reform are just ultra right wing Conservatives, I think its going to be a case of 'be careful what you wish for' if Reform ever get in. People read 'Reform' and think this limited company is going to change things, all they have are carbon copies of Trump policies and look how they are going down in America. "There will have to be international agreements in place with places like France first before we can send anyone anywhere and Reform have already stated if France does not comply then they would remove fishing rights, then we end up in stale mate situation that will never be resolved because Reform are too stubborn to negotiate a deal." EllVis says: "They were voted in on the policies of their party. Defection should mean resignation and a fresh election should be called. Totally unacceptable to have party in that didn't win." Dewibach comments: "It doesn't matter what label is on the tin of paint when it comes to the issue of immigration no party can resolve it without friends on the continent." Froggyfrogs writes: "Louise Emery is one of our councillors in Llandudno. Now she has defected to she should resign, because she is no longer representing the people who voted for her. I didn't vote for her as it happens, but I certainly wouldn't vote for or Farage, so we don't want the likes of her representing our town without a new election. If she wins that, fair enough, but I doubt she will." BarnettFormulaSpongers says: "Fantastic news. Reform is on course to take all councils and Senedd next year. Time for change in wales." Everyyear feels: "Disappointing and somewhat undemocratic. Although it is quite common for politicians to change parties, I feel they should do that at election time not mid-term. My reasoning is that many will have voted for the party being represented - because they do not know the person. Personally, I would never vote for the Reform Party."
The National
10-07-2025
- Politics
- The National
How Scottish Labour MPs voted on disability cuts bill
Keir Starmer saw off a rebellion which saw 47 Labour MPs vote against the Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill at its final reading in the Commons on Thursday night. The bill will increase the basic Universal Credit standard allowance at least in line with inflation until 2029/30. But the Government has proposed freezing the 'limited capability for work' (LCW) part of the benefit until 2030 – a measure which triggered a separate rebellion of 37 Labour MPs. New claimants who sign up for the 'limited capability for work and work-related activity' payment would receive a lower rate than existing claimants after April 2026, unless they meet a set of severe conditions criteria or are terminally ill, which the same rebels also opposed. READ MORE: Ed Miliband ditches plans for cheap energy in Scotland, reports say Rachael Maskell, who helped see off proposed cuts to Personal Independence Payments that the Government was forced to take out of the bill, said: 'No matter what spin, to pass the Bill tonight, this will leave such a stain on our great party, founded on values of equality and justice.' LibDem MP Christine Jardine (below) lost her role in the party's front bench as Scotland spokesperson for voting against a Tory-led amendment to the bill. A party spokesperson said the official position was to abstain, as 'a vote against was effectively a vote to implement this shambolic bill in full'. They added: 'Instead LibDems voted to oppose the welfare bill altogether. Christine decided to take a different view and therefore is no longer on the front bench.' How Scottish Labour MPs voted on the Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill at third reading For Zubir Ahmed, Glasgow South West Douglas Alexander, East Lothian Scott Arthur, Edinburgh South West Richard Baker, Glenrothes and Mid Fife Johanna Baxter, Paisley and Renfrewshire South Torcuil Crichton, Na h-Eileanan an Iar Graeme Downie, Dunfermline and Dollar Patricia Ferguson, Glasgow West Alan Gemmell, Central Ayrshire John Grady, Glasgow East Lillian Jones, Kilmarnock and Loudoun Chris Kane, Stirling and Strathallan Douglas McAllister, West Dunbartonshire Martin McCluskey, Inverclyde and Renfrewshire West Blair McDougall, East Renfrewshire Gordon McKee, Glasgow South Frank McNally, Coatbridge and Bellshill Kirsty McNeill, Midlothian Chris Murray, Edinburgh East and Musselburgh Ian Murray, Edinburgh South Katrina Murray, Cumbernauld and Kirkintilloch Gregor Poynton, Livingston Joani Reid, East Kilbride and Strathaven Martin Rhodes, Glasgow North Michael Shanks, Rutherglen Kenneth Stevenson, Airdrie and Shotts Elaine Stewart, Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock Kirsteen Sullivan, Bathgate and Linlithgow Alison Taylor, Paisley and Renfrewshire North Imogen Walker, Hamilton and Clyde Valley Melanie Ward, Cowdenbeath and Kirkcaldy Against Maureen Burke, Glasgow North East Irene Campbell, North Ayrshire and Arran Tracy Gilbert, Edinburgh North and Leith Brian Leishman, Alloa and Grangemouth Euan Stainbank, Falkirk No vote recorded
Press and Journal
12-06-2025
- Politics
- Press and Journal
Exclusive: Huntly councillor becomes SIXTH Aberdeenshire Tory to join Reform
A Huntly councillor has become the SIXTH Tory in Aberdeenshire to join Reform as momentum continues to build for Nigel Farage's party. Lauren Knight became the latest Conservative in the north-east to make the switch just hours after leader Russell Findlay branded defectors 'opportunists'. Ms Knight said she believes the Conservative Party has 'left her' and she 'feels let down by so many broken promises'. 'I am honoured to have joined Reform UK', she exclusively told The Press and Journal. Ms Knight, who represents the Huntly, Strathbogie and Howe of Alford ward, previously battled Aberdeenshire Council over a deferral for her premature son starting school. Her son, Henry, was born three months early and spent five months fighting to survive in the neonatal unit while he was unable to breathe by himself. Ms Knight, who lives in Forgue, said: 'As the mother of a child with additional support needs, I have experienced firsthand the challenges families face when navigating a system that too often overlooks the most vulnerable.' Speaking to the P&J, the Aberdeenshire mum said local cuts to additional support needs services passed by the ruling Tory-led administration influenced her defection. Ms Knight felt she was unable to speak out against her own party on the topic. 'It wasn't an environment where you could have a voice,' she said. Ms Knight said she was 'sad' to leave behind some Tory colleagues, but said many of her allies were the councillors who had already left the party. She told the P&J: ' I realised of the people I aligned with and was friends with have all decided to move to Reform.' Her defection to Reform represents another blow for the Tories in a region where they are losing multiple councillors. Former Aberdeenshire council chief Mark Findlater and Mearns councillor Laurie Carnie became the first to join Reform in Scotland last year. Ellon councillor John Crawley and Dominic Lonchay, who represents East Garioch, later followed them over to Mr Farage's party. Robbie Withey, another councillor in Ms Knight's Huntly ward, continues to sit as an independent but has joined Reform. John Cox, a former SNP councillor, has also signed up to Reform UK – but also still sits as an independent. And Aberdeen councillor Duncan Massey announced his defection from the Tories last week when Mr Farage visited the city. The defection comes one day after Scottish Tory chief Mr Findlay exclusively told the P&J he 'despairs' at councillors leaving his party for Reform and believes they will later regret it. 'Some of them you know personally and you know their politics – you're left to conclude they're doing so because it's complete opportunism,' he said on our weekly politics podcast, The Stooshie. He added: 'A lot of our members are very angry at those who defect. 'Those who defect are only in the post they're in because of the fact they were wearing a Tory blue rosette. 'I just feel disappointed. I suspect what we'll see is some regret.' Reform councillor Thomas Kerr welcomed Ms Knight to the party. 'Lauren Knight brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to Reform UK,' he said. A Scottish Tory spokesperson said: 'Under Russell Findlay, we're reconnecting with common sense conservative values of enterprise, self-reliance, fiscal responsibility and the rule of law. 'Every poll shows that Reform will only help the SNP. 'As we saw in last year's general election, they handed several seats to the SNP which would have otherwise gone to a pro-UK party. 'Reform are likely to stand pro-independence candidates in the 2026 election and Nigel Farage has even said he's not worried about the SNP getting another five years in power.'
Daily Mirror
02-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
UK 'ready for war' with lasers, robots and AI multi-billion pound army overhaul
Defence Secretary John Healey said the new-look military will include an Army 'ten times more lethal than before' by combining 'drones, technology, autonomy and tanks' Britain has unveiled a 'warfighting readiness' multi-billion pound overhaul of its Armed Forces aimed at building a 'more lethal' military to prepare for war with greater use of artificial intelligence, robots and lasers. A small boost in troop numbers of 3,000 extra soldiers will increase UK forces for the first time in decades in a bid to stop the Tory-led hollowing out of the UK's defences. And Defence Secretary John Healey announced the new-look military will include an Army 'ten times more lethal than before' by combining 'drones, technology, autonomy and tanks.' A near year-long government imposed study of the UK military singles out Russia as the prime enemy with other hostile states China, Iran and North Korea increasingly becoming a threat. The Strategic Defence Review is, according to a senior defence source, 'the most profound change in our Armed Forces' in about 150 years. The source said it is the biggest shift in the UK military since the Franco Prussian war because of the rapid development in technology and artificial intelligence. And the insider added: 'This is the equivalent of the arrival of the submarine, aircraft, the telegraph, nuclear weapons - all arriving at once in the same taxi.' The Strategic Defence Review, published on Monday, recommends more troops, attack submarines, a badly-needed UK 1.5bn air defence system and a boost in cyber weaponry as well as the recommendation to embrace new technologies, such as artificial intelligence, robots and lasers. Introducing the SDR Mr Healey pledged to this was the first defence reviews in a generation to expand the military with more troops and better armoured vehicles. He vowed it will make Britain safer. But the 140 page dossier lays into the state of our 'hollowed out' military which has been vastly under staffed, as the Mirror understands the army has fewer than 73,000 soldiers. The SDR took almost a year by former NATO chief Lord George Robertson, former US government adviser to Donald Trump Dr Fiona Hill and General Sir Richard Barrons. Britain's two £3.5bn aircraft carriers HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales will be transformed into 'hybrid air wings' launching war-jets, long-range weapons and drones. These will lead the UK's new 'hybrid navy' which will eventually have nuclear-armed Dreadnought and non-nuclear armed Aukus submarines but there will also be the introduction of 'autonomous vessels' or Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships which operate without humans. It also announces the building of Britain's 12 new SSN Aukus attack submarines to be ready in the 2030's, replacing the current Astute-class attack subs. The Aukus will be produced at the rate of one every 18 months. There will be a £6bn boost to missile production in six weapons factories throughout the UK, creating thousands of new jobs. This will produce 7,000 long-range weapons. The SDR says the MoD has presided over a crisis-hit military which is struggling to retain troops because of poor conditions and plummeting 'morale.' It says: 'Poor recruitment and retention, shoddy accommodation, falling morale and cultural challenges have created a workforce numbers of UK regulars and reservists have been in persistent shortfall impacts disproportionately on the skills most critical to UK advantage as it does for allies and partners.' Included within the SDR the RAF will be promised more F35 fighter jets, upgraded Typhoon warplanes and Britain's main warplane hub RAF Brize Norton is now 'a high priority for investment and improvement.' It also calls for a new £1bn investment into a homeland air and missile defence system, although this defence will be in the form of Type 45 destroyers and fighter jets. And troops housing and accommodation will receive a £7bn funding boost, including £1.5bn of 'rapid work' to 'fix the poor state of forces family housing.' There has also been a recommendation to embrace new technologies such as artificial intelligence, robots and lasers. The paper warned the UK must develop ways to defend against emerging threats, including biological weapons, warning of "pathogens and other weapons of mass destruction". But it also calls for Keir Starmer 's government to take on a bigger army whose numbers have dwindled to around 73,000 in recent years through poor retention and recruitment.. The SDR declares: 'Overall, we envisage an increase in the total number of regular personnel when funding allows. This includes a small uplift in Army Regulars as a priority.' Introducing the SDR Defence Secretary John Healey said: 'We will end the hollowing out of our Armed Forces and lead in a stronger, more lethal NATO. We will protect the homeland with up to £1bn new funding invested in homeland air and missile defence and creating a new CyberEm Command to defence Britain from daily attacks in the grey zone.' And it said that 'the number of Active Reserves' will be boosted by 20% and that more desk-working troops in 'back office functions' will be released to 'front line roles.' The government also hopes to massively improve recruitment by boosting the numbers of young people joining 'Cadet Forces.' The document recommends 'reconnecting defence with society.' And it adds: 'This can be achieved in part through expanding Cadet Forces by 30% by 2030- with an ambition to reach 250,000 in the longer term and working with the department of education to develop understanding of the Armed Forces among young people in schools.' On recruitment a senior source told the Mirror: 'Look, we had 160,000 people try to join the Army last year and we took on 9,000. We are not short of people wanting to join up.' The British Armed Forces became massively hollowed out after years of Tory-led cuts. Under Labour salaries for troops have been boosted by more than 30%. The source added: 'Under this new government no member of the Armed Forces will not earn less than the national living wage. That was not the case before the general election.' UK's new defence plan analysis by Chris Hughes This has been called the biggest change to UK defence in around 150 years - and on the face of it that could well be the case. That is if any of the much-vaunted changes actually come about and within the time it is being suggested they need to happen. Take the army numbers for instance. Many hoped these would be boosted from less than 73,000 as they currently stand. This is by no means intentional even though numbers were brutally cut over years of Tory rule. It is a result of poor recruitment and retention. There is only the possibility of a 'small uplift.' It says: 'Overall we envisage an increase in the total of Regular personnel when finding allows. This includes a small uplift in Army Regulars as a priority.' But there is mention of 'increasing the number of Active Reserves by 20% - when funding allows - most likely in the 2030s…' There is no promise to increase troop numbers and it merely means they might be increased if we can afford it if and when the need arises. The SDR - the most important one in decades - comes at a time of soaring hostility with Russia, whilst China, Iran and North Korea are also threats of varying degrees. And it promises a great deal whilst the big question is whether it will deliver too. One of the biggest problems for the UK in time of war would be air defences, how to shoot down incoming missiles. Currently, if it were large and fast incoming missiles this might be undertaken by one the UK's Type 45 destroyers, as a sea to air defence or F35B or Typhoon fighter jets as in air-to-air. Or the Army may use Sky Sabre, a lorry mounted air defence system which replaced Rapier. That system fires anti-air missiles. In his introduction Mr Healey clearly says: 'We will protect the UK homeland with up to £1bn new funding invested in homeland air and missile defence and creating a new CyberEM Command to defend Britain from daily attacks in the grey zone.' But it turns out this is not a shiny new air defence system such as Israel had, like the Iron Dome or David's Sling. It is merely a continuation of the Type 45 - fighter jet defences, just with better communication and integration. Like many reviews, the lack of granularity could make you suspect there's not much in it. The emphasis on AI, the risk of space wars, combating the threat from cyber assaults is all there and alarming and reassuring at the same time. It is reassuring the weapons production is being stepped up with six new missiles factories being created, boosting jobs and UK defences. But we don't know what they are, if they are new or what will fire them. The very fact this review happened is good and shows the government is getting things done on defence. But there will be huge trade-offs, perhaps with manning moving aside for new high-tech weaponry. Cost is going to be a huge issue and it remains to be seen if all of this can be afforded.
Press and Journal
30-05-2025
- Politics
- Press and Journal
Exclusive: Aberdeen FC beach stadium talks back on track as Dons hit out at 'slap in the face' comments from councillor
Aberdeen FC and the council could be poised to launch 'more constructive and collaborative' talks about building a new seaside Dons stadium. It comes after planning vice-convener Martin Greig suggested the project 'is unlikely to happen', adding that the second phase of the beach revamp 'was all visionary'. The project – which was initiated by the previous Tory-led administration in 2021 – has been in stalemate for years as the council and the club fight over who needs to pay for it. It has attracted large support from fans, with chairman Dave Cormack arguing there would be no 'meaningful benefit' of the multi-million-pound beach upgrades without a new stadium there. But the tide appeared to change when the SNP and Lib Dems took over the council – with talks being pushed down the line over and over again. And with the Dons' historic win over Celtic last weekend, the club's chief executive Alan Burrows has now broken the silence on where they stand on the matter… In a letter to city chiefs seen by The Press and Journal, Mr Burrows says the suggestion that the project was 'only an idea' – especially after their win – is a 'slap in the face'. Thousands lined the streets donning their best red attire to celebrate the city's football club as the Hampden heroes waved at the crowds from an open-top bus. The proud winners made their way from Albyn Street to Marischal College to greet fans before celebrating with a civic reception at the Town House. And while Mr Burrows thanked the council for the organising the 'fantastic parade', he was taken aback to find their hopes for a new stadium dashed just days later. In his letter to city chiefs, he writes: 'Looking out from the Town House balcony at a sea of red was a magnificent sight and something only Aberdeen FC could have achieved. 'It was therefore disappointing to read in the press the next day that the stadium part of the beach regeneration was only a 'visionary' idea and unlikely to happen. 'Having invested considerable executive time over several years, working with the council to develop plans for an integrated leisure complex and community stadium, this felt like a slap in the face.' Mr Burrows is now urging the council to get round the table once again, however, this time for 'more constructive and collaborative' conversations. He argues this could be key to unlocking the second phase of the beach regeneration, hoped to draw more visitors to the city and boost traders. And to make his statement even stronger, he reiterated the millions of pounds the new complex is believed to plug into the local economy. An independent study, commissioned by the club and the council, suggested that building a seaside stadium would inject at least £1 billion into the city over 50 years. This is on top hundreds of jobs that will be created in the process of getting the complex up and running, and potentially attracting an extra 38 million of visitors to the area. 'There is no better time to build on the momentum and legacy of winning the Scottish Cup,' Mr Burrows adds. 'Rather than a new stadium at the beach being a political football, we'd welcome the opportunity to try to build consensus. 'Major projects can be achieved more effectively and more quickly when there is buy-in from all parties and a united approach to doing what's in the best interests of the city. 'But making this happen and raising the funding requires a shared ambition and political will.' Conservative leader Richard Brooks, who has been advocating for the plans from the start, has already agreed to join talks and help get the project off the ground. He said: 'The club look on board to meet with councillors, to iron out any issues and to work together to move on a new stadium as part of the Beach Masterplan forward' 'This is the sort of footfall our beleaguered city yearns for, so now seems an excellent time to 'literally' build on the Aberdeen Football Club's Scottish Cup success' Earlier this week, council co-leader Christian Allard said he was 'always willing to engage and work cross party'. And last night a spokesperson for the SNP and Lib Dem administration appeared to open the door for a fresh round of discussion. They said: 'Co-leaders will be delighted to meet Mr Burrows at Pittodrie to discuss plans for a new stadium.' Read more:
