British diplomats have been instructed to find at least 50% cuts in UK overseas aid in the next six weeks in advance of the next financial year, the Labour party has said. Sarah Champion, the chair of parliament’s international development select committee, said: “Our ambassadors have today been instructed by the Foreign Office to cut … Read more UK diplomats told to cut up to 70% from overseas aid budget | Aid
The government has delayed the long-awaited environment bill, which redraws rules after the UK’s departure from the EU, provoking fury from campaigners who said it would harm action on air pollution and water quality, as well as other key issues. The proposed legislation would be the biggest shake-up of green regulation in decades. Ministers said … Read more Fury as long-awaited UK environment bill is delayed for third time | Environment
England’s much-hyped £2bn green homes grant is in chaos, renewable energy installers say, with some owed tens of thousands of pounds and struggling to stay in business. Members of the public have been left waiting nearly four months, in some cases, to take advantage of the scheme to fit low carbon heating systems. Some installers … Read more Government plans to turn England homes green ‘in chaos’ with debt and job losses | Environment
When the great reckoning is made as to why Britain did so badly in Covid-19 infections and deaths, the grand inquisitors will point to the threadbare NHS and public services, to crippled councils and civil service capacity. But inequality will bear much of the blame: the infection spread more easily among the people least able … Read more Government neglect of those in need has deepened the UK’s Covid crisis | Poverty
It’s been encouraging to hear for yonks now that this idea of quarantining overseas arrivals in hotels will finally get around to being discussed at today’s meeting of the government’s Covid-O committee. The O stands for “Oh my God, I hate Mondays, let’s sack it off till Tuesday instead”. I know none of us wishes … Read more When will Boris Johnson stop giving Covid variants a sporting chance? | Marina Hyde | Opinion