Latest news with #Autumn
The Independent
10 hours ago
- Business
- The Independent
Warnings of tax rises after Downing Street welfare U-turn
There are predictions of tax rises in the Autumn budget after Sir Keir Starmer U-turned on welfare reforms in the face of a backbench rebellion. The Prime Minister said that the concessions strike 'the right balance', but think tanks have warned that the changes announced in the early hours of Friday morning have made Rachel Reeves's 'already difficult Budget balancing act that much harder'. Downing Street declined to rule out the possibility of increases in the autumn, telling reporters on Friday that 'tax decisions are set out at fiscal events'.The concessions on offer include protecting personal independence payments (Pip) for all existing claimants, while all existing recipients of the health element of Universal Credit will have their incomes protected in real terms. The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) said on Friday that the changes make tax rises in the budget expected in the autumn more likely. Associate director Tom Waters said: 'These changes more than halve the saving of the package of reforms as a whole, making the Chancellor's already difficult Budget balancing act that much harder.' Ruth Curtice, chief executive at the Resolution Foundation, said that 'the concessions aren't cheap, costing as much as £3 billion and more than halving the medium-term savings from the overall set of reforms announced just three months ago'. She added: 'This adds to the already mounting pressure to deliver fresh consolidation in the Budget this Autumn.' The Resolution Foundation noted that extending a freeze in personal tax threshold by one year would save '£4 billion a year'. Labour backbenchers that signed an amendment that would have halted the Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill in its tracks when it faces its first Commons hurdle on July 1" data-source=""> Asked about how the climbdown would be funded, Downing Street said on Friday that 'There'll be no permanent increase in borrowing, as is standard. 'We'll set out how this will be funded at the budget, alongside a full economic and fiscal forecast in the autumn, in the usual way.' Asked whether they could say there would be no tax rises, a Number 10 spokesman said: 'As ever, as is a long-standing principle, tax decisions are set out at fiscal events.' Some 126 Labour backbenchers had signed an amendment that would have halted the Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill in its tracks when it faces its first Commons hurdle on July 1. The list of Labour MPs putting their name to the amendment had been growing throughout the week, as Downing Street said that they would be pressing on with next week's vote. After the late-night U-turn, Sir Keir said that 'the most important thing is that we can make the reform we need'. 'We talked to colleagues, who've made powerful representations, as a result of which we've got a package which I think will work, we can get it right,' he added. 'For me, getting that package adjusted in that way is the right thing to do, it means it's the right balance, it's common sense that we can now get on with it.' While leading rebels believe the concessions are likely to be enough to win over a majority, some remain opposed to the plans in their current form. Dr Simon Opher, who represents Stroud, said in a statement that he is glad the Government 'are listening', but that the changes 'do not tackle the eligibility issues that are at the heart of many of the problems with Pip'. 'The Bill should be scrapped and we should start again and put the needs of disabled people at the centre of the process,' he said. It is also understood that talks are underway over rebel attempts to lay another amendment to seek to delay the plans, as reported by The Guardian. The fallout also threatens to cause lasting damage, with some backbenchers having called for a reset of relations between Number 10 and the parliamentary party. Speaking to the PA news agency, a number of Labour backbenchers expressed deeper frustration with how Downing Street has handled its backbenchers since last year's election. The Government's original package had restricted eligibility for Pip, the main disability payment in England, as well as cutting the health-related element of universal credit. Existing recipients were to be given a 13-week phase-out period of financial support in an earlier move that was seen as a bid to head off opposition. Now, the changes to Pip will be implemented in November 2026 and apply to new claimants only, while all existing recipients of the health element of universal credit will have their incomes protected in real terms. The concessions on Pip alone protect some 370,000 people currently receiving the allowance who were set to lose out following reassessment.
Daily Record
17-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Wishaw MP calls on SNP to improve frontline services after spending review
Pamela Nash says the buck now stops with the SNP Scottish Government – and called on Motherwell and Wishaw MSP Clare Adamson to explain to their constituents why they have yet to see any tangible improvements in their communities. Motherwell, Wishaw and Carluke MP Pamela Nash has welcomed the UK Labour Government's Spending Review as 'transformational for the country'. Overall, the settlement for the Scottish Government is the largest in real terms since devolution began. With £1.4 billion already confirmed by the Chancellor in last year's Autumn Budget, the UK Labour Government is now investing almost £1.7 billion in growth schemes across Scotland over the next decade. Pamela says the buck now stops with the SNP Scottish Government – and called on Motherwell and Wishaw MSP Clare Adamson to explain to their constituents why they have yet to see any tangible improvements in their communities. She said: 'While Labour has been building new homes in England, Scotland's housing crisis continues under the SNP. A year after declaring a housing emergency, 10,000 children are shamefully still living in temporary accommodation. 'Labour has been investing in regional transport across England, yet rail fares in Scotland continue to rise with three increases since March 2024, and 1,400 bus routes cut since the SNP came to power. '£1.7bn has also been invested by the UK Labour Government in local growth projects to improve Scotland's town centres, but the SNP has undermined public services with successive cuts to core council budgets. 'And despite more money than ever before, on the SNP's watch, the NHS is still on its knees – with one in six Scots on an NHS waiting list and record numbers of people being forced to turn to private healthcare. 'The Autumn Budget delivered a record-breaking sum for Scotland, but SNP economic failure and waste means it is failing to improve frontline services.' She continued: 'The people of Motherwell and Wishaw deserve better. 'The funding package for Scotland delivered by Labour is transformational, and the SNP has run out of excuses not to deliver. 'Clare Adamson needs to explain to our constituents why the effects of these record levels of funding for Scotland are not being felt in local GP surgeries, in our schools, and in our local streets, roads and parks.' Ms Adamson hit back saying it was 'alarming to see such delight at the Chancellor short-changing Scotland to the tune of £1.1 billion compared to spending on UK Government departments'. She continued: 'Ms Nash hasn't read any of the independent analysis of the Spending Review. She has bought into Labour's headlines hook, line, and sinker. 'The detail beyond the headlines is much more stark and we can expect dwindling budgets and belt tightening for years to come. 'It is because of the SNP that Scots have been shielded from the very worst of Westminster policy. 'Whether it's the baby box, the Scottish Child Payment, maintaining free tuition, bus passes, scrapping peak rail fares, mitigating the bedroom tax, or the best performing A&E services in the UK, people in this community and across Scotland know the SNP is on their side. 'The last Labour Government in Scotland built 6 council houses in total. The SNP has overseen completion of 136,000 affordable homes across Scotland - 6,000 in North Lanarkshire alone. 'And we will take action against the two child cap - a key driver of poverty - because Labour refuses to act. 'Labour has broken promise after promise after promise since getting into power: people are struggling with higher energy and grocery bills; stagnant growth; unsustainable UK debt; businesses and charities closing due to Labour's national insurance hike; and sick and disabled people are fearful for their future due to Labour's appalling welfare cuts. 'Brexit continues to wreak havoc on all of us and Pamela Nash gleefully supports all of this. 'I will always stand up for this community and demand better from this failing UK system. My team and I will get on with the job of helping people across Motherwell and Wishaw, from our office, electronically and in our regular community visits.'
Yahoo
15-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Shooting during large march through Salt Lake City leaves 1 critically injured
A shooting during a large 'No Kings' protest that left one person critically injured 'does not define our city,' Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall said. 'The purpose of today's demonstration was a powerful and peaceful expression until this event, and that cannot be overshadowed or silenced by a single act meant to harm,' she told reporters a few blocks from the shooting in downtown Salt Lake City on Saturday night. 'I want to urge everyone in the public to be calm, to give one another grace and to look out for one another tonight in the coming days.' Three people also believed to be part of the incident were taken into custody, one of whom was also apparently shot as everything unfolded, according to Salt Lake police. He was transported to a hospital in serious condition. A motive has yet to be determined, and it was unclear if any of the people knew each other, Salt Lake City Police Chief Brian Redd added. Officers responded to a report of a shooting near 151 S. State shortly before 8 p.m. It took place as an estimated 10,000 people marched downtown to protest recent federal policy decisions. At least three shots rang out, causing some people in the immediate area to flee, according to videos near the incident obtained by KSL. Several other videos were also uploaded to social media. A woman identified only as Autumn said she and her nephew heard the shots fired downtown, ducked into a nearby garage and saw a person on the ground. 'I was shaking, I was very nervous. I've heard gunshots before, I've seen shootings before, but in such a big crowd, not knowing where they're coming from, it's a lot more scary,' she told KSL. John Cedarland was in the middle of a conversation when the shooting happened. He didn't hear the shots but saw people running and screaming in response. 'I'm old and I've seen scary things, but there were moments there that I was truly gripped with fear,' Cedarland said. Many others in the area helped officers, who were already in the area to monitor the protest, track down the shooter and take him into custody, Redd said. The person who was shot, whose name and age have not yet been released, was transported to a nearby hospital with injuries believed to be life-threatening. Police said one of the 'involved parties' was taken into custody near 200 East and 100 South. They believe there are no other 'outstanding individuals associated with the incident.' Officers have already interviewed over a dozen witnesses and are aware of videos circulating online, Redd said. The many videos will also be used in the department's investigation. It's unclear yet if the shooting had any ties to the event or anything related to politics, he added. 'It appears they were involved at some level in the protest or at least part of the group that was walking, he said. Witnesses or anyone with any information about the incident are asked to call Salt Lake police at 801-799-3000. Gov. Spencer Cox posted on social media that he had spoken with Mendenhall about the incident. Mendenhall said she called the governor to update him on the situation, and he relayed his support for the city's first responders. 'The shooting at tonight's protest in Salt Lake City is a deeply troubling act of violence and has no place in our public square,' Cox wrote. 'This is an active situation, and we're working closely with law enforcement to ensure accountability.' The Saturday evening march began at Pioneer Park. It was one of many throughout the state and the country Saturday protesting the Trump administration. About 4,000 Utahns attended a protest at the University of Utah earlier in the day. 'This is your home. Do not be driven from it. We can make America what America must become,' said Sarah Buck, who is with the organization Salt Lake Indivisible, which helped organize Saturday's 'No Kings' protest outside the J. Willard Marriott Library. 'Right now, many of our actions seem to be falling on deaf ears, but we must persist. We have to wear them down,' she said, adding that everyone needs to continue showing up at events to show the will of the people. 'Join us in standing up for our democracy.' From chants about democracy to immigration, the crowd held up signs, cheered the various speakers and waved American flags. Protesters filled the library plaza and surrounding grassy areas. Talks of tyranny, defying courts, the power of the people and more proliferated through the speeches that were given. The protest included musical numbers 'You'll Be Back' from Broadway's 'Hamilton' and 'Do You Hear The People Sing' from 'Les Misérables.' 'Our democracy is not yet dead, but it is barely breathing,' University of Utah law professor Teneille Brown said. The 'Democratic Party has lost its compass and the Republican Party has lost its soul.'
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Meet the North Jersey adoptable pet of the week for June 13: Autumn
Meet adoptable pets of the week for June 13! Each week, would like to highlight adoptable animals from local shelters and rescues. If you foster, work at, or volunteer with a North Jersey animal shelter or rescue and know of some animals who are in need of a loving fur-ever home please send a photo, description and adoption information to amwallace@ to have your adoptable pets featured in the next edition. This week we are featuring Autumn from Treasure Fur-Ever Animal Rescue. Autumn is a Labrador retriever mix who is described by the rescue as gorgeous, smart, loyal and athletic. Although she seems to love women and children, Autumn would thrive in a home with an adult male. She is very friendly and affectionate with the people she knows and loves to snuggle up on the couch. She is also very playful and protective, making her a great companion. Autumn is an adult dog with a lot of love and energy to give. She is currently residing in a foster home in New Jersey. If you are looking for a funny, loyal companion, Autumn is the dog for you! For adoption information, visit This article originally appeared on Adoptable dog Autumn from Treasure Fur-Ever Animal Rescue
Iraqi News
12-06-2025
- Business
- Iraqi News
UK economy shrinks in April as US tariffs kick in
London – Britain's economy shrank more than expected in April following a tax hike on UK businesses and a record drop in exports to the United States due to President Donald Trump's tariffs, official data showed Thursday. Gross domestic product contracted 0.3 percent in the month, compared to 0.2 percent growth in March, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said in a statement. Analysts' consensus had been for a GDP contraction of 0.1 percent in April. Exports of British goods to the United States fell by a record £2 billion ($2.7 billion) the same month, the ONS revealed, following the introduction of Trump's tariffs onslaught. The data comes one day after Prime Minister Keir Starmer's Labour government laid out its priorities for the coming years, hoping that changes to day-to-day spending amounts and longer-term investment will spur Britain's sluggish economy. – 'Clearly disappointing' – Finance minister Rachel Reeves injected the ailing National Health Service with billions of pounds and pumped funds into defence and housing, while making cuts to other departments. Reeves said Thursday's figures were 'clearly disappointing' but insisted that her spending plans would deliver growth for Britain. Paul Dales, chief UK economist at research group Capital Economics, noted that the economy faced 'subdued overseas demand and domestic businesses cutting back on spending to compensate for the rise in costs driven by April's increase in taxes'. Following Labour's return to power last July, following years of Conservative rule, Reeves announced a tax rise for UK businesses which entered force in April. Official data this week showed that the hike had contributed to a small rise in Britain's unemployment rate and slowdown to growth in average wages. – Record drop – Britain's economy had expanded by 0.7 percent in the first three months of the year. 'With the economy now weakening, we can expect to see concerns around further tax rises increase as we near the Autumn Budget — which is likely to weigh on growth even more,' said Lindsay James, investment strategist at Quilter. The latest data follows also the introduction of a baseline 10-percent tariff imposed on the UK and other countries by Trump at the start of April. The UK and US have since struck a trade agreement that cuts tariffs on British cars and scraps them on steel and aluminium. Britain in return has agreed to open up its markets to US beef and other American farm goods. But the UK remains subject to a 10-percent tariff on most goods exported to the United States. Decreases in exports to the United States in April were seen 'across most types of goods, following the recent introduction of tariffs', said ONS director of economic statistics, Liz McKeown. Machinery and transport equipment, including cars, took a notable hit, after four months of consecutive increases for exports of British goods to the US. Official data earlier this year showed trade in goods between the UK and US remained balanced in 2024. Britain imported £57.1 billion ($77 billion) worth of American goods last year and exported products worth a total of £59.3 billion.
