Latest news with #CarlaDenyer
BBC News
05-07-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
West MPs working 74-hour weeks in 'rollercoaster' first year
The general election of 4 July 2024 produced dramatic change – not least for the many new of the West Country's seats changed hands, propelling many novices to the Palace of Westminster.A year on, they have been reflecting on what it has meant for the country – and for them."It's been a rollercoaster, absolutely crazy," says Labour MP Matt Bishop, of the Forest of Dean. "No two days are the same. Everyone wants to see you, everyone wants to meet you, everyone wants to talk to you." Just finding their way around has been a challenge."I'm still pinching myself I'm here half the time," says Liberal Democrat MP Gideon Amos, elected for Taunton and Wellington."It's the only building in the world where you can go up the wrong staircase and change the law by mistake," he Al-Hassan, North Somerset's first Labour MP, relishes the job – but warns there are downsides."My average week is about 74 hours. I haven't seen my family as much as I would like." South Cotswolds MP Roz Savage is no stranger to challenges – having rowed solo across several oceans – but being an MP is different."It's been amazing, it's been everything," she says. "The highs, the lows, the intensity. It is incredibly hard work."As Green Party co-leader, the Bristol Central MP Carla Denyer is astonished that the Commons chamber can only seat two-thirds of MPs."That is really dysfunctional," she states."You're not allowed to speak, you're not allowed to take part in a debate unless you're seated in one of the main benches." The one-year anniversary has had MPs reflecting on their parties' performances, and the Labour government's troubles are new Bridgwater MP Ashley Fox reckons the Conservatives have not benefitted that much."The Labour Party have become unpopular very quickly, people have become very disenchanted," he said. "But the population are not yet ready to trust the Conservatives."One year is still early in a Parliament. It could be 2029 before the public get to deliver their verdict.
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Business Standard
17-06-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
UK reconsiders 'Tax on Love' rule, NRI sponsors may benefit: What it means
The UK government is considering easing the income threshold for sponsoring family visas after public backlash over what critics have called a 'tax on love.' The move, currently under review by the UK Home Office, could have far-reaching consequences for thousands of British families — especially those of Indian origin — separated due to tough immigration policies. Currently, British citizens and residents sponsoring a spouse or partner must earn at least £29,000 annually, a rule introduced in 2024. The proposed change could lower this requirement to £23,000–£25,000, based on recommendations from the UK's Migration Advisory Committee (MAC). Why this matters Families across the UK, including many NRI households, have called the current threshold 'unfair,' especially for women, ethnic minorities, and part-time workers. Critics argue it disproportionately affects low-income British citizens married to foreign nationals and separates parents from their children. 'This judgment is not about relaxing borders — it's about reuniting families and supporting mental well-being of children and spouses,' said Carla Denyer, UK MP and Green Party leader, who has led calls to reverse the rule. What's Changing Current threshold: £29,000/year (as of April 2024) Proposed threshold: £23,000–£25,000/year Previous plan under review: £38,700 (was to take effect in 2025) According to the MAC, a reduced threshold will increase net migration by only 1–3%, adding around 8,000 more family members per year. Importantly, the report stressed that this minor fiscal impact is outweighed by the emotional and social benefits of family reunification. Why Current Rules Are Called 'Tax on Love' Since 2024, British citizens or permanent residents sponsoring a spouse or partner need a minimum income of £29,000 annually—a rule originally tied to skilled-worker salary levels. Critics argue it has forced families apart, causing psychological strain on children across the UK. One critic told BBC: 'Children are the biggest victims… we ask her to look to that evidence… those very real-life experiences.' The threshold is termed a 'tax on love' by MPs and campaigners, including Carla Denyer of the Green Party, who argue it discriminates against working-class families, women, and people of colour. The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC)—an expert panel advising the government—has recommended reducing the minimum income to £23,000–£25,000, as per The Guardian. MAC said: The current £29,000 requirement is among the highest globally, akin to Norway's Lowering it would ease family separations without significantly increasing net migration—by an estimated 1–3% (8,000 people annually) While reducing it may slightly impact public finances, this mirrors the reality of many self-sufficient British households. Legal, Humanitarian & Economic Considerations As per The Guardian, The MAC cautioned that raising the threshold further—such as the proposed £38,700—'may conflict' with Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which protects the right to family life Prof. Brian Bell, MAC Chair, said the choice is political: 'There is a cost to the UK economy and UK taxpayers… but… ignoring the massive impact that has on families.' MAC also highlighted cases from The Guardian, including families with children and British partners who were forced to spend months apart due to the income rule. What Happens Next? The Labour government paused the previous Conservative plan to increase the income to £38,700 and asked MAC to review the rule MAC's report is now with the Home Office, which will formulate new policy likely to be announced later this year Campaigners from Reunite Families UK argue even the new minimum wage-level threshold could still separate some deserving families What it means for you? If you're a UK citizen married to a foreign partner, the rule may change soon, making family reunification easier. If you're close to the threshold now, you might still need time to meet the lower adjusted requirement. Campaigners will watch closely—some push for removing the income requirement entirely, citing a right to family life What you should do? If you are: A UK citizen or settled person hoping to sponsor a family member — monitor Home Office announcements for official policy updates. Earning close to the proposed £23,000–25,000 band — consider preparing your documents now, as the rule may change within months.
Yahoo
17-06-2025
- Yahoo
Low water levels and flash flood damage
Here's our daily pick of stories from across local websites in the West of England, and interesting content from social media. A medieval bridge is to get new protection as part of a £150,000 flood protection scheme, Somerset Live reports. The Tarr Steps on Exmoor, near Withypool has had to be rebuilt four times in the last 13 years. Swans and their cygnets are getting caught in a silt trap at a pond in Saintbridge, according to Gloucestershire Live. Low water levels caused the birds to get stuck when they were foraging for food. The building of the former Lloyds Bank in Burnham-on-Sea is up for sale, the town's news site states. The bank closed the branch last autumn due to "declining use". Pictures of Exmoor National Park after heavy rains swept away a footbridge features on ITV West Country. The footbridge over the Danesbrook near Hawkridge was scattered as far downstream as Dulverton. Family of Air India crash victims feel 'abandoned' Father calls for gas heater ban after son's death Man charged with murder after 'DNA match' 60 years on A bat survey in the Avon Gorge recorded 54,000 calls from 11 different species. The research was conducted to determine what kind of lighting to install on the Clifton Suspension Bridge to ensure it has the least impact on the environment as possible. Carla Denyer, Green MP for Bristol Central, has been snapped with Queen guitarist Brian May as part of a campaign to end the culling of badgers to tackle TB in cattle. In a post on X she accused the Labour government of reneging on a pledge to end the cull. A campaign to save old fashioned ironmonger WH Mogford & Son in Westbury-on-Trym is popular in the neighbourhood's Facebook group. We Love Westbury on Trym is urging locals to use the store to prevent its closure. Rumours Bristol City are close to appointing Austrian Gerhard Struber as new head coach abound in several Bristol City fan groups. Follow BBC West social channels in Bristol, Gloucestershire, Somerset and Wiltshire. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.
BBC News
17-06-2025
- Climate
- BBC News
Headlines: Low water levels and flash flood damage
Here's our daily pick of stories from across local websites in the West of England, and interesting content from social media. Our pick of local website stories A medieval bridge is to get new protection as part of a £150,000 flood protection scheme, Somerset Live Tarr Steps on Exmoor, near Withypool has had to be rebuilt four times in the last 13 and their cygnets are getting caught in a silt trap at a pond in Saintbridge, according to Gloucestershire water levels caused the birds to get stuck when they were foraging for building of the former Lloyds Bank in Burnham-on-Sea is up for sale, the town's news site bank closed the branch last autumn due to "declining use".Pictures of Exmoor National Park after heavy rains swept away a footbridge features on ITV West footbridge over the Danesbrook near Hawkridge was scattered as far downstream as Dulverton. Our top three from yesterday What to watch on social media A bat survey in the Avon Gorge recorded 54,000 calls from 11 different research was conducted to determine what kind of lighting to install on the Clifton Suspension Bridge to ensure it has the least impact on the environment as Denyer, Green MP for Bristol Central, has been snapped with Queen guitarist Brian May as part of a campaign to end the culling of badgers to tackle TB in a post on X she accused the Labour government of reneging on a pledge to end the cull.A campaign to save old fashioned ironmonger WH Mogford & Son in Westbury-on-Trym is popular in the neighbourhood's Facebook Love Westbury on Trym is urging locals to use the store to prevent its Bristol City are close to appointing Austrian Gerhard Struber as new head coach abound in several Bristol City fan groups.
Time of India
12-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
UK may ease family visa income rule after 'Tax on Love' criticism
The UK government is reviewing its family visa rules, including the current minimum income requirement of £29,000, after strong public and expert criticism. The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has submitted its findings to the Home Office, recommending changes to ease the burden on British citizens and settled residents who wish to bring their foreign spouses to the UK, according to a report by BBC. First introduced in 2012 and raised in 2024, the income threshold is meant to reduce net migration. However, it has been criticised for breaking up families and ignoring the economic contributions of foreign partners once in the UK. Campaign group Reunite Families UK, based in Bristol, shared evidence with MAC highlighting the mental health toll on children who are separated from one parent due to the rules. "Children are the biggest victims of these rules," said Caroline Coombs, co-founder and executive director of the group. She urged the government to consider the lived experiences behind the numbers: "We ask her to look to that evidence – those very real-life experiences – when it comes to making her decisions which could ultimately make or break British citizens and settle residents' family life." The MAC review received over 2,000 responses, the highest in its consultation history. It explored income ranges between £23,000 to £25,000 as more realistic for maintaining family life without imposing economic strain. It noted that a lower threshold could increase migration by up to 8,000 people but stressed that this must be weighed against the social cost of family separation. (Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates) As per the BBC report, Green Party MP Carla Denyer called the income threshold a "cruel tax on love" that "tears families apart and puts untold stress on those with the misfortune to simply fall in love with someone who is not from this country." Live Events MORE STORIES FOR YOU ✕ UK job market slowdown raises concerns for international students UK tightens student visa rules: Shorter stays, stricter checks, fewer perks « Back to recommendation stories I don't want to see these stories because They are not relevant to me They disrupt the reading flow Others SUBMIT Professor Brian Bell, Chair of MAC, acknowledged the challenge of balancing economic costs with family rights. "There is a cost to the UK economy and UK taxpayers of having this route, and we should just be honest about that and say there is a trade-off," he said. "But... people who say 'we should set it at very high numbers to make sure that we don't lose any money' ignore the massive impact that has on families." The Home Office stated it is reviewing the committee's recommendations and will respond in due course.
