“Michael Gove has reportedly told European fishermen they will still be able to catch “large amounts” in British waters after Brexit. The Environment Secretary is said to have told fishermen during a trip to Denmark that Britain’s fish industry is too small to process all the fish itself. According to those present at a meeting with Mr Gove, he said: “Britain has no fish cutters [employed to clean, trim and bone fish] or the production facilities enough to catch all the fish in British waters.”” – Daily Telegraph
“Britain is setting up a body to tackle trade disputes when it leaves the EU, government advertising has revealed. The Department for International Trade is creating the UK Trade Remedies Organisation, which it hopes will be operational by October 2018, six months before Brexit in March 2019. The body wants to recruit about 130 staff, but may have little to do immediately after Brexit if Britain has an association with the EU customs union that prevents trade deals during a transition.” – The Times (£)
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Editorial:
Comment:
>Yesterday: Torydiary: Brexit is now clearly bad news for separatists – will Remainers admit it?
“The Tory benefit cap has helped 34,000 families back into work, official figures showed yesterday. Work and Pensions Secretary David Gauke said it proved the success of the policy. The Cabinet Minister said it was “right that people who are out of work are faced with the same choices as those who are in work”. At least 150,000 households have had their benefits capped since the policy was introduced in 2013 to limit the amount in state benefits one household can claim in a year.” – The Sun
>Today: ToryDiary: Voters relied on the Conservatives to fix the deficit – fluffing it will do lasting damage
“… Our justice reforms are based on three principles. We want to protect the most vulnerable, and deliver better services for every citizen who comes into contact with the court system. We need a step-change in the use of technology to achieve this. And, by modernising the way court services are provided, we can also deliver far better value for taxpayers’ money. The first principle of any Conservative reform is to protect the most vulnerable. The extension of video links for virtual hearings can shield vulnerable witnesses from the fear and anguish of coming face to face with a violent assailant – while ensuring justice is properly done.” – Daily Telegraph
Technology comment:
“Almost one in four of the most disadvantaged schoolchildren now go to university, the highest figure on record. Among pupils on free school meals, the standard measure of poverty, 24 per cent went on to study at university in 2014-15 compared with only 13 per cent a decade earlier. The increase is a result of a huge expansion of university education by successive governments, as well as concerted efforts by both schools and universities to get poorer children to go on to higher education.” – The Times (£)
“The NHS needs to put its “house in order” and improve standards before it can justify asking central government for more cash, the man leading a review of efficiency within healthcare has said. Prof Tim Briggs, the national director of clinical quality and efficiency, said the service wasted too much money on poor care. He told the Times: “I do not think at the moment we deserve more money until we put our house in order and we actually make the changes that will improve the quality of care.” – Guardian
Editorial:
“Labour was yesterday gripped by in-fighting over the Venezuelan crisis as a key ally of Jeremy Corbyn was accused of backing the wrong side. Graham Jones, a Labour MP, criticised Chris Williamson, a shadow home office minister, for condemning US activity in Latin America rather than focusing on the Maduro regime. Mr Williamson had said that the US had a “very shady record” of interference in Latin America, including funding opposition groups in Venezuela.” – The Times (£)
Comment:
>Today:
Senior Labour figures set up pro-free movement grouping
“Allies of Jeremy Corbyn have publicly urged the Labour leader to commit to retaining the free movement of workers between Britain and the European Union – as the party’s Brexit stance comes under increasing scrutiny. Senior figures on the left of the party have set up a new grouping, the Labour Campaign for Free Movement, and issued an ultimatum to the leadership that says Labour must be “the party of all working people, regardless of where they were born”.” – Independent
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“The investigation into links between Donald Trump’s advisers and Russia escalated last night with the establishment of a grand jury that will decide if criminal charges should be brought. It has issued subpoenas demanding information about a meeting between President Trump’s eldest son, Donald Jr, and a Kremlin-linked lawyer. The jury was set up at the request of Robert Mueller, the former FBI director who is leading the investigation into alleged Russian meddling in last year’s presidential election.” – The Times (£)
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