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Farage: right is not split in UK as ‘Conservative party not on the right in any measurable way’
Nigel Farage, the head of Reform UK, addressed attendees at the Alliance for Responsible Citizenship (ARC) conference in London, engaging in a dialogue with Canadian author Jordan Peterson.
During the discussion, Farage dismissed Peterson’s claim that the political right in the UK is fractured. He asserted, “the Conservative party is not on the right in any measurable way.”
Farage criticized the Conservative party’s performance over its 14-year governorship, noting an increase in the nation’s tax burden to levels not seen since 1947, significant legal immigration, and challenges with illegal migration, particularly citing the inabilities to manage small boats crossing the English Channel. He emphasized that the Conservative government had enshrined net zero policies into law during this period.
When questioned about energy production and net zero policies, Farage declared, “our platform is to reindustrialise Britain. Let’s produce all the necessities within our borders and aim for energy independence, potentially transforming the UK into an energy exporter.”
A segment of the conversation centered around environmental concerns, with Peterson referencing what he termed “carbon apocalypse mongering,” while Farage described this phenomenon as “carbon dioxide hysteria.” He identified himself as an “old school environmentalist,” arguing that excessive focus on carbon emissions has obscured other environmental crises.
Farage says Labour government is ‘miserable’ and ‘declinist’ in attack on Rachel Reeves
Nigel Farage critiqued Chancellor Rachel Reeves, expressing that her policies evoke a desire to reach for “cry tissues,” labeling the Labour government as “miserable” and “declinist” in a conversation with Peterson in London.
When discussing the importance of family, a core element of a functional society, Farage reflected on his motivations for re-entering politics prior to the last general election, highlighting “family, community, and country” as his driving forces.
He expressed concern over the UK’s declining birth rates, stating:
“Family holds immense significance. We need to foster higher birth rates, but optimism is crucial. A radical shift in cultural attitudes is necessary. We need to reinvigorate that sense of optimism, reminiscent of the late 1980s and much of the 1990s.”
“Under our current leadership… doesn’t Rachel Reeves make you want to reach for the cry tissues? The outlook is grim and the narrative is one of decline. The Conservatives have not offered a better alternative.”
“If we can reshape attitudes in Britain positively, people will be more inclined to have children.”
A report from the ONS in October 2024 indicated a significant drop in fertility rates in England and Wales, noting that “the number of children born has been decreasing over the past decade to its lowest since 1977, with the average age of first-time mothers reaching a historic high.”
During a somewhat uncomfortable moment in the interview, Peterson posed a complex question regarding traditional family structures, stating that stable, committed heterosexual relationships are fundamental to societal cohesion. Farage responded with self-awareness, saying, “I may not be the best advocate for monogamous heterosexuality, having been divorced twice.”
Government warns ‘only matter of time’ before prisons in England and Wales exceed capacity again
In light of pressing concerns about prison overcrowding, the chair of the independent sentencing review has alerted the government that it is “only a matter of time” before prison populations in England and Wales peak once more.
David Gauke, a former justice secretary, shared his insights on BBC Radio 4’s Today Programme, emphasizing that the government has recently been compelled to act but is likely to encounter similar overcrowding problems in the near future.
“We need to take a more strategic approach to these issues. The tendency to hastily release prisoners is counterproductive, especially when political parties engage in a bidding war over stricter sentencing policies,” he argued.
Gauke highlighted that the prison population in the UK has doubled over the past 30 years, leading to the highest incarceration rates in Western Europe, with significant fiscal implications.
His review noted that successive governments’ reliance on punitive prison sentences has pushed the justice system in England and Wales toward potential collapse.
Transport secretary: Labour aiming to ‘fundamentally rewire’ railways after decades of ‘leaking money’ to private sector
Transport secretary Heidi Alexander outlined Labour’s vision for a comprehensive overhaul of England’s railways, aimed at addressing years of inefficiency linked to privatisation.
In launching a public consultation on the proposed Great British Railway, Alexander noted that this initiative represents a return to centralised management of trains and infrastructure.
She confirmed plans to create a more empowered passenger watchdog with greater authority than existing travel oversight bodies, ensuring that consumer interests are prioritised.
“For too long, finances have been diverted to private firms in management fees,” she stated, emphasizing the need for efficiency and value for taxpayer funds.
Alexander acknowledged the problems plaguing various segments of the rail network and stressed the importance of executing the overhaul diligently.
UK pay growth rises 6% and unemployment remained unchanged
Richard Partington is economics correspondent for the Guardian
Despite warnings from the business sector regarding job losses following the autumn budget proposed by Rachel Reeves, UK pay growth has increased, with unemployment holding steady.
Recent data from the Office for National Statistics revealed that average weekly earnings rose by 6% in the three-month period concluding in December, surpassing projections.
The rate of unemployment held stable at 4.4%, defying forecasts of a slight rise to 4.5%.
Liz McKeown, an ONS director, commented on the findings, noting consistent pay growth across both public and private sectors and a slight uptick in real pay after accounting for inflation.
Sadiq Khan: ‘Brexit was a mistake that continues to have a negative impact’
London Mayor Sadiq Khan is anticipated to address diplomats, asserting that “Brexit was a mistake” while advocating for a new youth mobility scheme.
In remarks prepared for an upcoming meeting with the EU ambassador and representatives of the 27 EU member states, Khan is expected to highlight Brexit’s ongoing adverse effects on the UK and Europe.
Khan will reportedly champion a youth mobility initiative, arguing that it would foster economic growth and provide valuable experiences for young people in both the UK and the EU.
Welcome and opening summary …
Good morning, as defence secretary John Healey concludes his speech, here’s a quick overview of the significant developments in UK politics from today.
John Healey announced a significant reform in UK defence management, aiming for enhanced accountability and streamlined processes, projected to save taxpayers up to £10 billion over the next decade.
Amid discussions of potentially deploying UK troops in a peacekeeping capacity in Ukraine, Labour officials recognize the need for immediate action from Parliament.
Unemployment figures remain stable at 4.4%, but growing wages signify a commitment to improving economic conditions, with emphasis on support for the unemployed.
Sadiq Khan is poised to express his views on Brexit’s ramifications while continuing to advocate for youth engagement initiatives.
With these various developments, attention will remain on the responses from the political landscape as the UK navigates complex challenges domestically and internationally.
Source
www.theguardian.com