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Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Lib Dem leader urges the public to 'buy local' - as he makes pasta in Dorset
THE leader of the Liberal Democrats called on the Government and the public to back a campaign to support Dorset businesses - as he visited a bakery in Dorchester. Sir Ed Davey tried his hand making pasta at Peppina's Bakery off Peverell Avenue East in Poundbury during a county visit to support local businesses. He was accompanied by West Dorset MP Edward Morello. CEO of Peppina's Angelo Fichera gave the pair a tour of his bakery before both took on the challenge of making pasta types from scratch. Edward Morello MP and Sir Ed Davey MP being toured in Peppina's in Poundbury (Image: Alfie Lumb) Earlier in the day Sir Ed made bath bombs at the Lush factory in Poole with another Dorset MP, Vikki Slade. Speaking to the Echo, Sir Ed said: 'We really want people to think about buying Dorset first. We have this appalling American president who is undermining trade, putting up tariffs, hitting our economy, and the Liberal Democrats are saying people can fight back. People can figure out what they can do themselves." He added: 'There's some amazing produce made in Dorset and we've just been shown how you can make pasta here in Poundbury. 'Dorset's one of those amazing counties that has got a brilliant population, but a bigger population during the tourist season and it would be brilliant to get them buying Dorset as well. It will be really good for the economy." Edward Morello MP and Sir Ed Davey MP in Poundbury (Image: Alfie Lumb) When asked what needs to be done to help support local businesses, Sir Ed said: 'The government has to stop making mistakes. The jobs tax and increase in National Insurance Employers Contributions has hit so many businesses – like Angelo's – he hires 19 people here. "The unemployment figures are going up and small businesses are struggling." Sir Ed continued: 'You have to make it easier to trade. I was speaking to Lush and they were saying how difficult and expensive it was to operate around the world and found Brexit very difficult. "We're saying let's have a special bespoke customs union. A way of making it easier to trade. Lots of businesses and farmers would welcome that." Edward Morello MP and Sir Ed Davey MP being toured in Peppina's in Poundbury (Image: Alfie Lumb) Sir Ed has links to Dorset, as he explained: 'I come to Dorset at least once a month and my mother-in-law lives in Shillingstone. 'When I met my wife, Emily, she was living in Shaftesbury and was the Liberal Democrat candidate for North Dorset. So I have come to Dorset many, many times." He added: "I came to meet Edward (Morello) and we were delighted when he pulled off this amazing victory in west Dorset. We fielded candidates in local elections and people have turned to us for a party based in the community and which understands local people's problems. Edward Morello MP and Sir Ed Davey MP trying pasta (Image: Alfie Lumb) "People know you can't solve everything, we haven't got a magic wand and it's still a tough climate but if you have politicians who really understand and care about the community that's a big start and we can rebuild that trust that people have lost.' Mr Morello said: 'Farmers are getting assaulted from all sides by a government that doesn't understand rural Britain - the family farming tax is outrageous. Farmers need confidence to make the decisions when investing in our food. "We have to increase our food security by producing more for farmers to plant the food and make sure there's a market for them where buying locally wherever possible." Edward Morello MP and Sir Ed Davey MP making pasta (Image: Alfie Lumb) Mr Fichera said: "We opened two years ago and it was a test in the beginning but we have been welcomed by the community. 'Supporting local businesses is very important. We were in a very difficult moment because of Brexit for staff and goods as we import a lot from Italy. It's not been easy." Pasta made by the pair (Image: Alfie Lumb) Speaking about the pasta making experience, Sir Ed joked: 'I'm not sure if Angelo would take me on but he was very generous. It was one of those Blue Peter moments of 'here's one we've made earlier'." Echo reporter Alfie Lumb trying pasta made by Edward Morello MP and Sir Ed Davey MP (Image: Alfie Lumb) Mr Morello added: "I feel I have done a disservice to my Morello ancestry - I have been so poor at making pasta but I also believe that I will take these skills away and work on them.'
Western Telegraph
6 days ago
- Politics
- Western Telegraph
No 10 defends Healey amid accusations he misled Commons over Afghan data leak
Number 10 said the Defence Secretary's statement to the Commons, in which he said that 'to the best my knowledge' no serving armed forces personnel were put at risk by the breach, was 'accurate'. Opposition critics have demanded the minister 'correct the record' after it emerged days later that MI6 spies and members of the SAS were among those affected. Asked whether Mr Healey had misled MPs, a Number 10 spokesman said: 'I believe it was an accurate statement.' He said the Government is 'committed to transparency' and 'in terms of security of our personnel, we take take that extremely seriously, particularly those in sensitive positions.' On Thursday, it emerged that details of more than 100 Britons, including those working for MI6 and in special forces, were included in a spreadsheet sent out 'in error' by a defence official in February 2022. Defence sources have said information relating to personnel was included in the spreadsheet after they had endorsed Afghans who had applied to be brought to the country. Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey urged the Defence Secretary to come back before Parliament An injunction over the breach was sought by then defence secretary Sir Ben Wallace, and a wider-ranging superinjunction, which prohibits disclosure not just of the information but of the order itself, was granted in 2023. The initial breach saw a dataset of 18,714 people who applied for the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (Arap) scheme released via a file that was emailed outside authorised government systems. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) became aware of the blunder only when excerpts from the dataset were posted anonymously on a Facebook group in August 2023. The leak also led to the creation of the secret Afghanistan Response Route, which is understood to have cost about £400 million so far, with a projected final cost of about £850 million. The gagging order was granted by the High Court in an attempt to prevent the Taliban finding out about the breach, and lifted on Tuesday. Speaking to the Commons following the revelations, Mr Healey said: 'To the best of my knowledge and belief, no serving member of our armed forces is put at risk by the data loss.' Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said: 'Three days ago John Healey claimed no-one serving in the armed forces was put at risk by the data breach. Today we found out that appears to be false. 'We need to know if any serving members of the armed forces were impacted – and the Defence Secretary must urgently come before Parliament to answer the question of whether he knowingly misled MPs and the public.' Lib Dem MP Ian Roome said: 'It is really important to restore public trust that he now clarifies his remarks. It is the least that our brave armed forces personnel along with the thousands of Afghans impacted deserve.' The Lib Dems said Mr Healey should 'urgently come to Parliament and correct the record.' Meanwhile, Tory ex-ministers have sought to distance themselves from the handling of the breach after Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said members of the previous government had 'serious questions to answer' over the episode. Former immigration minister Robert Jenrick said he and former home secretary Suella Braverman had 'strongly opposed' plans for the Afghan Response Route in 'internal meetings'. Ex-defence secretary Sir Grant Shapps said he had kept the superinjunction in place in order to 'save lives' and err 'on the side of extreme caution.' But speaking to BBC Radio 4's Today programme on Friday, the ex-MP for Welwyn Hatfield said: 'I would do the same thing all over again. I would walk over hot coals to save those lives.' Asked whether he supported calls from the Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC) for the publication of an intelligence assessment which formed the basis of the superinjunction, he said: 'Yes, I would.' He added he knew the committee 'won't like' the fact the incident had been kept secret but 'it was just so sensitive that if anything had got out at all, it would put those lives at risk'. Despite having kept the order in place during his tenure as defence secretary, which lasted just under a year, Sir Grant said he was 'surprised' it had remained for 'so long'. He added: 'I don't think it should have carried on as long as it had. I'm surprised that it has. Those questions are for others. 'But I came in, the problem was there, I dealt with it, and as a result I think that we saved lives.' Meanwhile, the chairman of the ISC said the previous government had ignored the usual process whereby the committee is able to see sensitive information to ensure there is scrutiny. Lord Beamish told BBC Radio Scotland: 'I think there are serious constitutional issues here.' A total of about 6,900 people are expected to be relocated by the end of the relocation scheme. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch apologised on behalf of her party (Stefan Rousseau/PA) The official responsible for the email error was moved to a new role but not sacked. The superinjunction was in place for almost two years, covering Labour and Conservative governments, before it was lifted on Tuesday. Tory leader Kemi Badenoch has apologised on behalf of the Conservatives for the leak, telling LBC: 'On behalf of the government and on behalf of the British people, yes, because somebody made a terrible mistake and names were put out there … and we are sorry for that.' Former armed forces minister James Heappey, himself an ex-Army officer who served in Afghanistan, said ministerial colleagues offered no 'fierce opposition' to the relocation scheme. Mr Heappey also said claims he had backed a 'new entitlement' for people affected by the breach but not eligible for other schemes were 'untrue'. Ms Braverman has said there is 'much more that needs to be said about the conduct of the MoD, both ministers and officials'. Former veterans minister Johnny Mercer claimed he had 'receipts' regarding the previous government's actions in relation to Kabul, and has described the handling of the breach as 'farcical'. Sir Ben has said he makes 'no apology' for applying for the initial injunction because the decision was motivated by the need to protect people in Afghanistan whose safety was at risk. An MoD spokesperson said: 'It's longstanding policy of successive governments to not comment on special forces. 'We take the security of our personnel very seriously and personnel, particularly those in sensitive positions, always have appropriate measures in place to protect their security.'
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
MPs ask Nandy to intervene over Palace demotion
A group of Liberal Democrat MPs have asked the culture secretary Lisa Nandy to intervene over Uefa's "disgraceful" decision to demote Crystal Palace from the Europa League for breaching its multi-club ownership rules. The seven politicians from London - including party leader Sir Ed Davey - wrote to express "deep concern" over what they called "a highly unusual and severe punishment on the club that raises serious questions about fairness and transparency in the governance of English football". The Eagles, who qualified for the Europa League by winning the FA Cup - their first major trophy - in May, were demoted to the lower tier Conference League on Friday. The rules of European football's governing body state that clubs owned, to a certain threshold of influence, by the same person or entity cannot compete in the same European competition. American businessman John Textor owns a stake in Palace and is the majority owner of French club Lyon, who have also qualified for the Europa League. Uefa's rules set a deadline of 1 March 2025 to show proof of multi-club ownership restructuring - a deadline which Palace missed. In a letter seen by BBC Sport, the group of Lib Dems described the saga as "heart-breaking for fans". "Other clubs seem to go through much more protracted disputes with less severe outcomes," they said. "Many believe that this process has been opaque and disproportionately punitive [and] risks undermining not only the club's achievement but also public confidence in the fairness of football governance." Palace Euro demotion 'biggest injustice in history of football' Why are Forest set to take Palace's place in Europa League? Palace fans protest over Conference League demotion Nandy was urged to ensure "the decision-making process is reviewed for transparency and fairness" and that "the club is given a fair opportunity to appeal or respond to any allegations". Nottingham Forest, who finished seventh in the Premier League last season, are set to replace Palace in the Europa League. On Tuesday, Palace supporters staged a protest against Uefa's decision with hundreds marching to Selhurst Park carrying banners and chanting against European football's governing body. Meanwhile, Palace chairman Steve Parish has confirmed the club will appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas) over Uefa's decision. "We are still fighting," Parish told the The Rest is Football podcast. "There's an appeal process, so we go to Cas, and we're very hopeful. We think we've got great legal arguments. "We don't think this is the right decision by any means. We know unequivocally that John didn't have decisive influence over the club. "We know we proved that beyond all reasonable doubt because it's a fact." Textor is currently in the process of selling his stake in Crystal Palace to New York Jets owner Woody Johnson. Uefa has been approached for comment. Latest Crystal Palace news, analysis and fan views Get Crystal Palace news sent straight to your phone
The Independent
16-07-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Davey vows to challenge Farage and calls for ‘Swedish-style' budget changes
Sir Ed Davey has vowed to take the fight to Nigel Farage by challenging his 'snake-oil sales' with 'thought-through' policy. In a wide-ranging speech, the Liberal Democrat leader accused his Reform UK rival of having 'no answers' to the problems facing Britain and said voters 'can't bank on anything that man says'. He also set out calls for a major shake-up of economic and net-zero policy, including a Swedish-style approach to Government whereby MPs are allowed to debate tax and spend changes – and propose alternatives and amendments – before the measures are finalised. Speaking at the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) in central London, Sir Ed said his party had considered its proposed reforms carefully beneath the headline announcements. Asked if a focus on technical detail would cut through to voters enough to combat a populist threat in the polls, he said: 'The truth is, Nigel Farage has no answer, right? 'Nigel Farage will tell you about all the problems, but when you ask him about his answers, he's just got nothing to say.' He added: 'We've got to hold these people to account for getting away with their snake-oil sales… the difference with us is we have thought through the policies underneath the headlines, which is why people can bank on them. 'They can't bank on anything that man says.' Asked if he saw Reform UK as the main political threat, Sir Ed said: 'He has to be taken on… I think he keeps misleading people.' The Lib Dem leader said Mr Farage's approach to renewable power 'would only benefit foreign dictators like Vladimir Putin'. He unveiled a package of pledges which he claimed could cut energy bills in half within 10 years, including a proposed switch of all green power contracts on to a subsidy scheme guaranteeing generators a fixed price. Such contracts for difference (CfD), awarded at a Government auction, would mean the 'link can be broken' between electricity costs and market fluctuations caused by the price of gas, Sir Ed said. He also proposed an Office for the Taxpayer, based in Parliament and designed to hold policy-makers to account, a 'bespoke' UK-EU customs union, an 'economic coalition of the willing' aimed at fostering more international trade, and a tougher approach to US President Donald Trump.
BBC News
16-07-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Lib Dem leader Ed Davey backs 'pot zero' plan to cut energy bills
The Liberal Democrats have backed a plan to household energy bills by changing how new renewable projects are paid plan, dubbed "pot zero" by researchers, would see greater use of contracts where ministers negotiate a guaranteed price with renewables Sir Ed Davey said the proposals could help break the link between electricity and wholesale gas prices, halving bills by 2035 in combination with other Secretary Ed Miliband has already started a switchover process, but the Lib Dems want to see this accelerated to include all renewable energy generators. Sir Ed pioneered Contracts for Difference (CfD) when he was energy secretary in the Conservative-Lib Dem coalition government that came into power in work by guaranteeing a set price for electricity – known as a strike price – that generators receive per unit of power output, in the hope of encouraging private companies to invest in new electricity prices are above the price set, the companies pay the excess back to energy suppliers, which should help to cut bills. If prices fall below the guaranteed price the energy suppliers - and customers - pay the company the 15% of the UK's renewable energy generators are currently on CfD contracts since their introduction in remaining 85% are on Renewables Obligation Certificates (ROCs), which tie electricity to gas prices, and then add a subsidy on Lib Dems are backing a plan from researchers at the UK Energy Research Centre (UKERC) under which existing renewable schemes could enter "pot zero" auctions for fixed price contracts. 'Manifestly unfair' Speaking at an Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) event, the Lib Dem leader said the system needs reform because "97% of the time in 2021, the cost of electricity was set by the price of gas".He said: "It means we're all paying that higher gas price in our bills, even though most of the energy we're using comes from much cheaper, renewable sources. "Not only is that manifestly unfair, but it is also undermining public support for the investment we need in renewable power."So we have got to break the link between gas prices and electricity costs."The party argues that by 2035, this and other policies could knock around £850 off the typical household energy bill of £1,720, made up of:£200 a year from the UKERC "pot zero" plan, assuming it saves around £15bn £30 a year from extending the life of CfDs to 25 years, from the government's current plan for 20 years, according to climate change think tank E3Ga £250 reduction in bills for the average household with a gas boiler by 2035 due to more electricity being generated from renewables, according to the Climate Change Committee's Seventh Carbon Budget£180 a year by improving energy efficiencyconsumer savings of about £200 a year from more flexible energy use and making use of lower off-peak tariffs, according to Cornwall Insights UK-EU cooperation would allow more efficient electricity trading and reduce wholesale prices, according to Energy UK, saving an average £10 annually Responding, Miliband said securing better outcomes for consumers was already at the heart of Labour's approach, and switching to CfDs was already government has agreed to expand the number of clean energy projects that can bid for contracts at competitive prices, from next said: "We need to go further and faster to make Britain a clean energy superpower, end our reliance on volatile global gas prices, and make working people better off with homegrown power we control."These reforms will give developers the certainty they need to build in Britain, helping deliver more clean power projects and supporting thousands of jobs – all part of the mission to bring bills down for good through our Plan for Change."He added the move would help his department put the UK on track to generate at least 95% of its power from clean sources by 2030. Sign up for our Politics Essential newsletter to read top political analysis, gain insight from across the UK and stay up to speed with the big moments. It'll be delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
