# westminster
Last month
November 2023
UK to grant new oil and gas licences in North Sea annually despite climate change
Rishi Sunak’s Conservative government plans to introduce legislation called the Offshore Petroleum Licensing Bill.
This year
2023
Conservative MP Peter Bone suspended over bullying and sexual misconduct
Another by-election looms for the Conservative Party.
Labour wins Nadine Dorries’ former seat in momentum building double by-election win over Tories
In the 105 years of the constituency’s existence, Labour has never won Mid Bedfordshire before.
One year on, Liz Truss defends her mini-budget that sparked an economic crisis
Truss was forced out of office last October following the effects of the Budget.
Westminster’s alleged Chinese spy says he is ‘completely innocent’
The man said he had spent his career highlighting the “challenge and threats presented by the Chinese Communist Party”.
Troubles Legacy Bill: 'It's almost as if the UK is writing itself out of the North's history'
Professor Laura McAtackney examines how the UK government’s controversial legacy bill will affect the writing of accurate and balanced histories.
SDLP submits motion to mandate Ireland-UK cooperation on northern financing
The SDLP said that the motion aims to encourage cooperation and prevent a “stealth return” to direct rule.
BBC faces fresh allegation against unnamed presenter from young person – report
The presenter was suspended following reports he had paid a teenager thousands of pounds for sexually explicit images.
Former Tory deputy chief whip faces suspension as groping claims upheld
Conservative MP Chris Pincher resigned as deputy whip in July 2022, compounding the scandals that forced Boris Johnson to step down.
Christmas party video of Tory staff joking about Covid restrictions 'terrible', says Michael Gove
“They had obviously behaved in a way which is unacceptable.”
Boris Johnson 'deliberately misled' MPs on whether No. 10 broke Covid-19 rules, committee finds
The Privileges Committee found: “His own knowledge was such that he deliberately misled the House and this committee.”
Labour pushes Sunak to call snap election after MP resignations, including Boris Johnson
Three Conservative MPs have quit in 24 hours.
Former leader of the SNP in Westminster, Ian Blackford, to stand down at next UK general election
Blackford stood down from his role heading up the Scottish National Party at Westminster in December in what some people described as a coup.
'I paid the fine': Braverman plays down speeding offence amid claims she tried to avoid penalty points
UK Prime Minister is considering whether to order an investigation into allegations the secretary breached the ministerial code
UK govt is 'extremely reluctant' to reintroduce direct rule for Northern Ireland, minister says
Northern Ireland Office minister Steve Baker urged the DUP to end its boycott of the Stormont institutions.
Johnson rejects criticism as 'complete nonsense' at committee over Partygate
‘If anyone thinks I was partying during lockdown, they are completely wrong,’ said Johnson.
DUP will only sign up to Windsor framework if it 'safeguards the union', says Sammy Wilson
Wilson, an MP and the DUP chief whip, sharply criticised the ‘Stormont brake’ clause in the deal.
Daithí's Law: Westminster to pass opt-out organ donation law for Northern Ireland
The political impasse at Stormont means local Assembly members have been unable to pass the regulations required.
UK Legacy Bill ‘not the way to address Northern Ireland’s past’, says victims commissioner
Ian Jeffers said that 25 years after the Good Friday Agreement a process for reconciliation is needed.
Tory chairman sacked by Rishi Sunak after ‘serious breach’ found in tax affairs investigation
It comes after an investigation into Mr Zahawi’s tax affairs.
Tearing up Northern Ireland legacy Bill risks five-year delay, UK minister warns
Johnathan Caine holds out the prospect of further changes to the proposed law in a bid to meet the concerns of victims and survivors.
Majority of Scottish people in favour of independence, poll finds
Research for The National found 54% in favour of independence when ‘don’t knows’ were excluded.
Last year
2022
Opinion: Are we finally seeing the end of 'Brexit mania' in Britain?
Peter Flanagan asks if the tide is now turning against the great Brexit experiment across the water.
Keir Starmer plans to abolish House of Lords
The UK Labour leader wants to radically reform constitutional politics with a new elected chamber.
Portrait of Nobel Peace Prize winner John Hume unveiled at Westminster
Painted by the critically acclaimed artist Colin Davidson, the portrait of the former SDLP leader will hang in Portcullis House.
Rishi Sunak confirmed as new UK Prime Minister
The new Prime Minister will appoint a Cabinet this afternoon.
PM hopefuls need 100 nominations from Tory MPs to enter race to replace Truss
Truss has been Prime Minister for just 44 days.
Channel 4 News’ Krishnan Guru-Murthy taken off air for swearing at Steve Baker
The broadcaster said the remark followed a ‘robust interview’ with the Tory MP but it was ‘beneath the standards I set myself’.
'I will lead the Conservatives into the next election', Truss declares
The British prime minister said her fiscal policies “went too far and too fast”.
Truss defends vast tax cuts will herald 'decade of dynamism' amid hostile reception
British Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng unveiled the biggest programme of tax cuts for 50 years yesterday.
Heathrow airport cancels flights to reduce noise near queen's funeral procession
More flights are expected to be axed during the queen’s funeral on Monday.
Liz Truss rewards allies in cabinet reshuffle following first speech as UK PM
Truss set out the agenda for her premiership in her first speech since taking office earlier today.
UK parliament closes TikTok account after MPs raise China concerns
A pilot scheme aimed at using the app to get young people interested in Parliament has ended early.
Sacked Labour spokesman says he ‘absolutely’ believes Starmer should become UK Prime Minister
Sam Tarry was sacked from the front bench on Wednesday hours after joining strikers at an RMT picket line at Euston station.
Call for investigation into claims Johnson lobbied for job for young woman in abuse of power
Eight Tories have so far put themselves forward to replace Johnson as prime minister.
Brian Rowan: Boris Johnson's damage to Northern Ireland cannot be easily repaired
The former BBC correspondent says the soon-to-be ex-PM has left in Northern Irish politics in chaos.
Boris Johnson: Four recent polls indicate where the UK crisis is heading
Hannah Bunting and Daniel Devine look at the embattled UK prime minister and why his mandate no longer exists.
Neale Richmond: Boris' Protocol Bill is an insult to everyone in Northern Ireland and the EU
The Fine Gael TD says the latest Tory moves in Westminster show a blatant disregard for the will of the people.
Westminster pushes forward with NI Protocol Bill after lengthy debate
MPs voted 295 to 221 to give the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill a second reading, clearing the way for more detailed scrutiny in the coming weeks.
