Queen's Speech reflects Theresa May's fall from grace
- 21 June 2017
- From the section UK Politics
It was meant to be Theresa May's political coronation, but the Queen's Speech has confirmed the reality of her fall from grace.
The prime minister's ambitions for significant change at home have been culled, disappearing with her majority.
But the complexity of all the work the government has ahead administratively, as the UK prepares to leave the EU, is plain to see.
Eight bills on Brexit - whether on customs, agriculture, fisheries, or immigration - and each requires no less than a redesign of systems that have been in place for decades.
Each will require careful political handling, at a time when the government cannot be sure of its majority and a Labour Party with wind in its sails is determined to be a guerrilla opposition, putting down amendments wherever it can, stirring political trouble because it believes power could be in reach.
Read full article Queen's Speech reflects Theresa May's fall from grace
Theresa May and the election gamble that failed
- 21 June 2017
- From the section UK Politics
Prime Minister Theresa May goes into the Queen's Speech having suffered serious political damage in the general election.
But have we fully unpicked the lessons of a tumultuous campaign and a chaotic aftermath?
Read full article Theresa May and the election gamble that failed
Who is in charge?
- 19 June 2017
- From the section UK Politics
Who is in charge? Nope, not in Number 10, although that is a fair question right now.
But in our talks with the EU? There was lots of joshing in the first official appearance of the two chief negotiators after their meetings - and red mullet and asparagus lunch - lots of "David", "Michel" - friendly use of first names.
Huge challenge of Grenfell will test fragile government
- 15 June 2017
- From the section UK Politics
Any government trying to deal with a terrible event like the Grenfell Tower disaster needs sensitivity and nimbleness.
Ministers have a complicated "to do" list - make sure help gets to where it is required, turn on the taps for emergency cash and show that it is willing and brave enough to work out how it could have happened, in order to give any credible answer to the common cry of "something must be done".
Read full article Huge challenge of Grenfell will test fragile government
Will Tories and DUP seal a deal?
- 15 June 2017
- From the section UK Politics
For four days we've been told the deal between the Tories and the DUP was pretty much complete.
Number 10 even jumped the gun with an administrative cock-up late on Saturday night that announced the pact had been signed.
Will Theresa May now have to change Brexit plans?
- 13 June 2017
- From the section UK Politics
Enthusiastic Remainers have been quick to jump on the election result as their latest opportunity to mould the UK's departure from the EU.
The various lobby groups, including former ministers still close to some in government, have been whirring with chatter and tactical planning about how to get their voices heard. There are ideas about commissions or "neddies" - groups of advisers from business and all political parties that met in years gone by.
Read full article Will Theresa May now have to change Brexit plans?
PM survives first bout of battle for control
- 12 June 2017
- From the section Election 2017
In the slightly sweaty committee corridor outside the meeting of Tory MPs tonight, MPs were queuing to praise the prime minister.
She had come prepared to own up to her mistakes, apologising to the gathered throng just as a few hours earlier she had apologised to the cabinet.
Read full article PM survives first bout of battle for control