Mayhem at Manston

Politics news w/c 31st October 2022

It was another week of controversy in Westminster.

The Prime Ministers decision on COP27 attendance

Rishi Sunak caused a bit of a squabble with his decision to not attend COP27 to “focus on domestic issues”. Climate activists, opposition MPs and Conservative MPs did not approve of this decision.

After a couple of days, the Sunak decided to U-turn this decision stating:

“There is no long-term prosperity without action on climate. There is no energy security without investing in renewables. That is why I will attend COP27 next week to: deliver on Glasgow’s legacy of building a secure and sustainable future”.

However, the question remains whether climate change is a true priority for the new Prime Minister. Throughout his leadership campaign he said very little about how climate change fits in to his long-term plan for the United Kingdom and when appointing his cabinet, removed Alok Sharmer (COP26 President) and the climate minister.

The Prime Minister is rightfully focused on the current economy and cost of living crisis but where will climate fall in his list of overall priorities?

Scrapping the plan to cut Civil Service jobs

This wasn’t the only U-turn from the Prime Minister this week as Sunak scrapped the plan introduced by former Secretary of State for Business, Jacob Rees-Moggs, to cut the Civil Service by 91,000 jobs.

Manston detention centre

Another main talking points this week was on Manston detention centre in Kent and Home Secretary, Suella Braverman.

It was reported on Sunday 30th October 2022 that petrol bombs had been thrown at a UK Border Force migrant centre in dover, which coincidentally occurred following the arrival of 1000 migrants in Dover, after crossing the English Channel on Saturday.

The Manston detention centre has a maximum capacity of 1500-1800 people and migrants should be detained for no more than 24 hours before being processed. It was reported on Monday that there are around 4000 migrants being held inside Manston processing centre, with some families being held for up to 32 days. There are also reported of Scabies and Diphtheria circulating due to the poor condition of the centre.

Supposedly, the Home Secretary had been informed several weeks ago that the Manston processing centre was in crisis and that the government was in breach of the law. Suella Braverman addressed MPs in a statement to in the commons saying, “on no occasion did I block hotels or veto to procure extra emergency accommodation.” She also denied ignoring legal advice – despite this being disputed by several Home Office staff.

Bank of England interest rates

If that wasn’t enough drama for one week, on Thursday the Bank of England raised interest rates and has warned that the UK is heading for its longest recession since the 1930s.

It is expected that the UK is entering a recession that could last up to two years and that unemployment rates are likely to double over the same period to 6.4%. It is expected that interest rates will rise to 4.75% next year and mortgages repayments will continue to soar, in some cases, up to £3000 per month.

Inflation is at an 80 year high, there’s a humanitarian crisis on home soil, former Health Secretaries are seeking fame on reality TV and the Government is struggling to get a grip. The UK holds its breath for some kind of relief.

Surely it can’t get any worse?

(Source: Sky News)