11 January 2019 | UK NEWS
Leading the agenda:
– May is expected to lose heavily in the Parliamentary vote on her Brexit deal next week. She has approached the leaders of Unite and GMB in an attempt to gain trade union support. It’s looking increasingly likely she will offer further assurances on workers’ rights to win the support of Labour MPs.
– UK economic growth has hit a six month low in the three months to November. The economy grew by a sluggish 0.3% in the timeframe, with the manufacturing sector performing worse than expected.
– Work and Pensions Secretary Amber Rudd has announced universal credit payments will go directly to a household’s main carer in a move that is expected to help more women. Four working single mum’s have won a High Court challenge over the scheme, arguing there are fundamental problems in its financial delivery.
Movements:
– A cross-party group of MPs have met today to discuss the prospect of a second EU referendum.
– Eurosceptic Tory MPs met this morning at the Emmanuel Centre in Westminster to discuss campaign strategy in the event of a second referendum.
– Eurosceptic Tory MP Steve Baker to publish a new version of the Withdrawal agreement in an attempt to break the Brexit deadlock.
General:
– Tory MP Dominic Grieve, architect of the Grieve Amendment, has urged May to delay Brexit if her deal fails to pass Parliament next week.
– Civil servants are being urged to begin preparing in earnest for a no-deal Brexit.
– Fiona Bruce hosted her first Question Time last night, the first episode in the post-Dimblebey era. She’s received widespread support from viewers for her performance.
– A report on mental health services for young people was published today by the Public Accounts Committee.
