House Of Comments's Posts

In recent weeks Labour has had some policy wobbles. These are not full-blown u-turns, but certainly a shift in position in a few key areas. However, nobody has really noticed because every time this happens the Conservatives have another disaster. On Thursday alone there was another Privileges Committee report dealing with the Partygate fallout and the Government's Rwanda policy was ruled to be unlawful by the Court of Appeal. Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell look at how Sir Keir Starmer is getting lucky and being rather ruthless. Things are not going in favour of Rishi Sunak, though... Labour postpones £28bn green plan as it seeks to be trusted on public finances - Guardian Labour ditches £3bn tax on big tech amid fear of US retaliation - The Times Labour scraps pledge to bring in rent controls in latest U-turn - Independent Matter referred on 21 April 2022: Co-ordinated campaign of interference in the work of the Privileges Committee Rwanda policy: Suella Braverman says plan to stop th

Rishi Sunak started the week by declining to vote, or even give a view, on the Privileges Committee report on Partygate and Boris Johnson. In then end, leader of the House of Commons Penny Mordaunt and four other cabinet colleagues marched over 100 Tory MPs through the lobby to vote for it.  The economic situation is as difficult for the prime minister as the political one. Interest rates are up to 5% and mortgage payers are being squeezed. At the same time, savers don't seem to be benefiting. Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell look at the implications of it all. Keir Starmer’s dark secret: A brush with the French police over illegal ice creams - Politico How did my MP vote on Boris Johnson? Who voted against Partygate report and how many joined debate -  i Banks summoned on mortgages after interest rate shock - BBC News  Charlotte Henry on Twitter Charlotte Henry's newsletter, The Addition Emma Burnell on Twitter Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left House of Comment

Boris Johnson should be banned for 90 days from Parliament. That's what the Privileges Committee would have recommended had he not already resigned as an MP. In a forensic and highly detailed report about statements he made in the Commons about partygate, they also recommend that he should not be given a former member's pass to the Parliamentary estate. These sanctions are so serious they have no real precedent. MPs will vote on them on Monday.  Over in the US, Donald Trump is back in court, this time facing federal charges. Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell discuss the past, present and future of the two blonde bombshells. Privileges Committee Report Judge sets January 2024 trial date for E. Jean Carroll's original defamation case against Trump - ABC News Trump pleads not guilty to 37 federal criminal counts in Mar-a-Lago case - Guardian Most Conservative MPs Expected To Abstain On Boris Johnson Partygate Vote - PoliticsHome Charlotte Henry on Twitter Charlotte Henry's newsletter, The Addition Em

It has been a chaotic weekend in UK politics. First, Nadine Dorries resigned as an MP after her nomination for a peerage was rejected. Former prime minister Boris Johnson followed her out of the Commons hours later with another ally, Nigel Adams, quitting on Saturday.  If that wasn't enough, former Scottish first minister Nicola Sturgeon was arrested and faced questions from police in Scotland as part of their investigation into the SNP's finances. She denies all allegations and insisted on her innocence in a strongly worded statement.  Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell discuss it all in this special episode. Key allies rewarded in Johnson resignation honours list - BBC News Boris Johnson quits as member of parliament with blast at Partygate probe - Politico Boris Johnson asked me to intervene in honours list, says Rishi Sunak - BBC News Nicola Sturgeon Statement Nicola Sturgeon arrest: SNP urged to suspend ex-leader - The Times Charlotte Henry on Twitter Charlotte Henry's newsletter, The Additi

This week, co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell discuss Sir Keir Starmer's latest intervention on Brexit. He wrote an opinion piece for the Express laying out his position, but did it actually contain anything new? Meanwhile, Boris Johnson continues to toy with the Covid inquiry and the government over submitting his WhatsApp messages and notebooks from the pandemic. The show ends with a brief discussion about the allegations made against Labour MP Geraint Davies. UK's future is outside the EU but we need to act now to make Brexit work - KEIR STARMER - Express Boris Johnson says he has handed over Covid WhatsApps - BBC News Government to take legal action against Covid inquiry over Johnson WhatsApps - Guardian Boris Johnson to give Covid inquiry unredacted WhatsApps - BBC News Labour MP accused of sexually harassing junior colleagues - Politico Charlotte Henry on Twitter Charlotte Henry's newsletter, The Addition Emma Burnell on Twitter Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Sof

Boris Johnson continues to cast a long shadow over the Conservative Party. He is now under investigation for alleged lockdown rule-breaking at Chequers, something he denies. His allies are furious and threatening to trigger by-elections. Over in the US Ron Desantis is officially in the race to be the Republican presidential nominee. Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell also discuss the ongoing debate over immigration statistics. Boris Johnson's allies threaten to trigger by-elections over new Covid rule-breaking row - The Telegraph Ron DeSantis 2024 campaign launch hit by Twitter tech glitch - BBC News Long-term international migration, provisional: year ending December 2022 - Office for National Statistics Charlotte Henry on Twitter Charlotte Henry's newsletter, The Addition Emma Burnell on Twitter Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left House of Comments on Twitter House of Comments is a C.A.H Multimedia production in association with Political Human.

Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell discuss the National Conservative Conference, which was held in London this week. Various Tory MPs and ministers took the stage, including the home secretary Suella Braverman and levelling up secretary Michael Gove. Despite many of the speakers saying some deeply troubling things, there has been no sanction against the MPs and ministers who joined the event. Elsewhere, Rishi Sunak may be facing a number of by-elections, as Boris Johnson looks set to appoint a number of MPs to the House of Lords. Helpful. Exclusive: Matt Hancock on NatCon, Covid, WhatsApps and “being human” - "The News Agents" Boris Johnson creates by-election chaos for Rishi Sunak by handing peerages to MP pals - Mirror Voters Are Ready to Hear the Case for Building on the Green Belt - Times Charlotte Henry on Twitter Charlotte Henry's newsletter, The Addition Emma Burnell on Twitter Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left House of Comments on Twitter House of Comments is a C.A.

Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell are back together to discuss all the fallout from the local elections. Can the Conservatives recover from such a terrible set of results? Are Labour on course for Government? And why are we talking about coalitions?  They also look ahead to the ongoing ping pong between the House of Lords and House of Commons over migration legislation, following an intervention from the Archbishop of Canterbury. Local election results - BBC News Charlotte Henry on Twitter Charlotte Henry's newsletter, The Addition Emma Burnell on Twitter Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left House of Comments on Twitter House of Comments is a C.A.H Multimedia production in association with Political Human.

In another special interview, House of Comments is joined by Professor Tim Bale of Queen Mary University of London. Prof Bale is the author of various politics books, most recently "The Conservative Party After Brexit: Turmoil and Transformation". As we wait for the latest local election results to come in, he talks to co-host Emma Burnell about the changing fortunes of the Tory party, and what might come next for them. Prof Tim Bale's Books on Amazon Prof Tim Bale's Books on Waterstones Conservative Euroscepticism: The Etiology of an Obsession Prof Tim Bale on Twitter Charlotte Henry on Twitter Charlotte Henry's newsletter, The Addition Emma Burnell on Twitter Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left House of Comments on Twitter House of Comments is a C.A.H Multimedia production in association with Political Human.

Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell sit down with two of the groups affected by Diane Abbott's now infamous letter on racism to in the Observer. Charlotte talks about antisemitism with Dr Dave Rich of the Community Security Trust. He is also the author of the book "Everyday Hate".  Emma speaks with Sam McLaren from Friends, Families and Travellers and Chris McDonagh from Travellers Against Racism.   Diane Abbott's letter Community Security Trust Everyday Hate: How antisemitism is built into our world – and how you can change it Friends, Families and Travellers Travellers Against Racism on Twitter Charlotte Henry on Twitter Charlotte Henry's newsletter, The Addition Emma Burnell on Twitter Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left House of Comments on Twitter House of Comments is a C.A.H Multimedia production in association with Political Human.

Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell are back after an Easter break, and it's a packed show. Dominic Raab has resigned as justice secretary and deputy prime minister after two allegations of bullying against him were upheld following an investigation by Adam Tolley KC. Judging by the tone of his resignation letter, he is not happy about it.  North of the border, the SNP's struggles continue. Colin Beattie resigned as treasurer after being arrested as the police continue to look into the party's funding and finances. Dominic Raab resignation statement Dominic Raab’s gone — so who could replace him in the UK Cabinet? - Politico Colin Beattie stands down as SNP treasurer after arrest - Guardian Charlotte Henry on Twitter Charlotte Henry's newsletter, The Addition Emma Burnell on Twitter Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left House of Comments on Twitter House of Comments is a C.A.H Multimedia production in association with Political Human.

It's a blockbuster episode this week. Former US President Donald Trump is set to face criminal charges over a payment made to former pornstar Stormy Daniels, and maybe more. Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell discuss the consequences this might have for American politics. Back on this side of the Atlantic, they analyse the fallout from the SNP leadership election and what Margaret Ferrier's suspension might mean for Labour, the SNP and Boris Johnson. Donald Trump indictment: Ex-US president to be charged over hush money - BBC News Results: SNP Leadership Election 2023  Ferrier faces suspension and possible by-election over Covid breach - STV UK Plan to Put Migrants on Ships Was Rejected As Too Costly - Bloomberg News Charlotte Henry on Twitter Charlotte Henry's newsletter, The Addition Emma Burnell on Twitter Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left House of Comments on Twitter House of Comments is a C.A.H Multimedia production in association with Political Human.

It has been a big week in politics. Senior figures have had to respond to the devastating findings of Baroness Casey's review of the Metropolitan Police and Boris Johnson had to face the Privileges Committee. Elsewhere, the SNP leadership race is coming to an end. Who is going to replace Nicola Sturgeon and what will her legacy be? (Sidenote - some audio gremlins made Charlotte sound like a bit of a robot. Apologies.) Met Police: Women and children failed by 'boys' club', review finds - BBC News Mayor of London statement following Baroness Louise Casey Review Charlotte Henry on Twitter Charlotte Henry's newsletter, The Addition Emma Burnell on Twitter Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left House of Comments on Twitter House of Comments is a C.A.H Multimedia production in association with Political Human.

Before analysing this week's Budget, co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell breifly unpick the remains of the BBC's row with Gary Lineker. How did the execs ever think they would win? Chancellor Jeremy Hunt's speech wasn't exciting, but maybe that's what we needed and the show highlights the good announcements as well as the bad. Also, the SNP leadership is coming to a close but, after an acrimonious few weeks, can the party unite behind it's new leader? What the Lineker Moment Means - Hard Thinking on The Soft Left Gary Lineker is Not the Story [updated] - The Addition Gary Lineker Row: Bbc Backtracks After Wasting Weekend of Sports Coverage - The Addition Spring Budget 2023 SNP race sliding into 'paranoia and mistrust' amid vote rigging row - The Herald Charlotte Henry on Twitter Charlotte Henry's newsletter, The Addition Emma Burnell on Twitter Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left House of Comments on Twitter House of Comments is a C.A.H Multimedia production in as

Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell discuss the Government's new proposals to stop small boats crossing the Channel. Will it work? Is it the right thing to do? Why can't ministers actually answer straight questions about it? They also look at the latest delay/cancellation to befall HS2 and preview the upcoming Budget. Suella Braverman insists UK asylum plan lawful amid criticism - Politico HS2 line between Birmingham and Crewe delayed by two years - BBC News Charlotte Henry on Twitter Charlotte Henry's newsletter, The Addition Emma Burnell on Twitter Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left House of Comments on Twitter House of Comments is a C.A.H Multimedia production in association with Political Human.

This week. New Statesman columnist Jonn Elledge joins co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell. First up, they discuss Sir Keir Starmer's decision to appoint top civil servant Sue Gray, of partygate-report fame, to be his chief of staff. The conversation then turns to Rishi Sunak's Windsor win - the new framework for UK-EU relations around Northern Ireland. Boris Johnson, as ever, is lurking... Steve Baker: ‘I haven’t felt happy since Brexit vote’ - The Times Jonn Elledge at the New Statesman Jonn Ellege's newsletter, The Newsletter of (Not Quite) Everything Jonn Elledge on Twitter "Conspiracy: A History of Boll*cks Theories, and How Not to Fall for Them", by Tom Phillips and Jonn Elledge "Not Buying It" by Charlotte Henry Charlotte Henry on Twitter Charlotte Henry's newsletter, The Addition Emma Burnell on Twitter Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left House of Comments is a C.A.H Multimedia production in association with Political Human.

Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell discuss how, mere days after it started, the race to replace Nicola Sturgeon as leader of the SNP and First Minister of Scotland has turned nasty. Kate Forbes has been questioned on her religious and social views... and is that the sound of a dog whistle you can hear?  Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is trying to get a new deal on the Northern Ireland Protocol, an issue brought into sharp focus by a shooting in Omagh this week. Meanwhile, Sunak's predecessor, Boris Johnson, is causing trouble. Who could ever imagine such a thing? Will he find his way back into Number 10?  Amidst all the political back and forth in the UK, the show pauses to remember the ongoing war in Ukraine. Charlotte Henry on Twitter Charlotte Henry's newsletter, The Addition Emma Burnell on Twitter Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left House of Comments is a C.A.H Multimedia production in association with Political Human.  

Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturrgeon caused a stir this week when she announced that she was going to be standing down. Whatever you think about Sturgeon herself, or the issue of Scottish independence, this is undoubtedly a moment of huge signficance. She has been a dominant figure in the SNP and Scottish politics for 16 years, so co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell discuss what comes next for her party, her country and her dream of an independent Scotland. They also look at whether Sturgeon's resignation makes the likelihood of a Labour majority government led by Sir Keir Starmer more likely. Nicola Sturgeon: To the people of Scotland, thank you from the bottom of my heart UK and Scottish Governments Clash Over Gender Recognition Reform Bill - "House of Comments" Who will replace Nicola Sturgeon as next SNP leader? - BBC News Charlotte Henry on Twitter Charlotte Henry's newsletter, The Addition Emma Burnell on Twitter Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left Donations

Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell dissect a busy week for prime minister Rishi Sunak who reshuffled his Cabinet, creating two new departments in the process, and welcomed Volodymyr Zelensky to the UK. The Ukrainian president also spoke with King Charles and addressed both Houses of Parliament before meeting EU leaders. MP Lee Anderson: New deputy Tory chairman clashes with radio presenter - BBC News Turn Off the News (Sometimes) - The Addition Charlotte Henry on Twitter Charlotte Henry's newsletter, The Addition Emma Burnell on Twitter Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left Donations for Turkey/Syria Earthquake Appeals DEC White Helmets House of Comments is a C.A.H Multimedia production in association with Political Human

Three years after Britain left the EU, what does Brexit actually mean? Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell discuss what has happened, and what might come next, as Britain navigates life outside the bloc. But first... a quick return to Conservative sackings and scandal. Nadhim Zahawi has gone, will deputy PM Dominic Raab be next? Nadhim Zahawi sacked as Tory party chair over tax affairs - Guardian Dominic Raab: Simon Case ‘was told of bullying before Sunak brought minister back’ - Times Charlotte Henry on Twitter Charlotte Henry's newsletter, The Addition Emma Burnell on Twitter Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left House of Comments is a C.A.H Multimedia production in association with Political Human.