COVID-19 Inquiry
— Good Law Project challenged the Cabinet Office’s refusal to disclose Rishi Sunak’s WhatsApps on the “Eat Out to Help Out” scheme, which caused COVID surge in cases and deaths.
TODAY
Asylum Seekers
— Westminster council leader questioned the Home Office over asylum seekers’ accommodation as 40 of them are left in the streets of London for two nights running.
COVID-19 & Discrimination
— A UK study shows that black people were three times more likely to be fined for COVID-19 rule violations than white people, with higher rates in poorer areas. Racial disparities were found across all forces from March 2020 to May 2021.
UK Politics
— After Liam Fox lobbied PM Sunak on behalf of a group that paid him £16k for 21 hours’ work, Bradshaw Advisory faced a penalty for violating legislation, while Fox was cleared due to the fee payment structure.
Health
— The health secretary has announced a delay in the delivery of the 40 new hospitals in England that Boris Johnson had pledged as Prime Minister until beyond 2030.
UK Politics
— Foreign Secretary James Cleverly recently used a luxury business jet for his eight-day tour of the Caribbean and Latin America despite the cost of living crisis.
Investigation
— WhatsApp messages reveal VIP COVID testing contracts awarded to Tory donors. Conversations expose lobbying efforts and raise concerns about political donations influencing government decisions during the pandemic.
UK Politics
— Labour is currently reviewing voting issues. Keir Starmer wants to give EU citizens in UK voting rights, saying it is unfair to exclude long-term migrants who pay taxes. The Tories oppose the idea and accuse Labour of pro-EU agenda.
UK Politics
— Former Tory minister Rees-Mogg calls voter ID law “gerrymandering”, saying it hurt elderly Conservative voters in the recent local elections. Government ministers have denied partisan motives.
Turkey
— Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who has been in power for two decades, is set to face a runoff on May 28. This is an unprecedented situation in Turkish politics.
Accountability
— What if Rishi Sunak has invested his wealth in Oil and Gas shares? This is worth considering because if he has, his reluctance to impose a substantial windfall tax on Oil companies’ excessive profits would have a new significance.
UK Politics
— Rishi Sunak’s use of a taxpayer-funded helicopter to Southampton on Tuesday, costing around £6,000 to the taxpayers, has been criticised as wasteful and environmentally damaging. Number 10 defends it as necessary for effective time management.
Stats
— Russia’s support base is slowly growing while countries condemning it have decreased, particularly from emerging economies.
UK Media
— GB News violated the broadcasting code by letting Naomi Wolf make unfounded claims comparing the COVID-19 vaccine to mass murder. Concerned, Ofcom has requested a meeting with the controversial channel.
Right to Protest
— Scotland Yard is accused of violating the right to protest after arresting the head of a republican movement and other organisers of a peaceful demonstration before the coronation.
COVID-19
— COVID-19 is no longer a global health emergency, according to the WHO. However, it still poses a threat and countries are urged to remain vigilant and not let their guard down against the virus.
