7 January 2019 | UK NEWS
Leading the agenda:
– May to launch a new NHS long-term plan with the Head of NHS England Simon Stevens. It will cover the next 10 years and could save up to 500,000 lives by focusing on disease prevention and early detection. GPs and mental health facilities will see a considerable increase in funding.
– May has confirmed the vote on her Brexit deal will take place on the 15th January, despite pressure for her to consider various alternatives, including delaying the vote for a second time. Sources close to May have confirmed the PM is committed to the vote taking place this month and will not seek another delay.
– Work and Pensions Secretary Amber Rudd has delayed the next phase of the Government’s universal credit rollout. This comes after the scheme was blamed for increasing poverty in areas it has already been introduced. Sources close to Rudd have stated the delay is the appropriate thing to do, and that Rudd is listening to the concerns of other Parliamentarians.
Movements:
– MPs return to Westminster today after the Christmas recess.
– MPs have created cross-party groups to campaign for different Brexit options. Two of which are lobbying to prevent a no-deal, one is lobbying for no-deal, another for a “Common Market 2.0” agreement and a final one for a second referendum.
– A cross party amendment to the Finance Bill was tabled. The amendment would restrict the Government’s access to capital in the event of a no-deal Brexit. This would be a significant blow to the autonomy of May’s Government and its ability to pass legislation.
– Conservative MP Caroline Spelman and Labour MP Jack Dromey are sending a letter to May arguing for the creation of a mechanism which would ensure a no-deal Brexit could not take place. The letter has been signed by over 200 MPs.
– May to meet with Brexit Secretary Stephan Barclay and Chief Whip Julian Smith. They will consider whether to cancel the February recess or force MPs to work overtime to ensure adequate legislative preparation for Brexit.
– The Parliamentary Labour Party will meet this evening.
General:
– The think-tank Onward has concluded many university courses are not financially beneficial for students or for taxpayers.
