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Tories claim local government reorganisation will hinder efforts to expedite planning applications
The Conservative Party has expressed concern that the current government’s initiative to reorganize local government structures may obstruct efforts aimed at expediting planning application processes.
In response to the government’s recent announcement regarding limitations on the use of judicial reviews, Kevin Hollinrake, the shadow levelling up secretary, affirmed the Conservatives’ support for a streamlined planning system. However, he voiced skepticism about Labour’s commitment to executing these changes effectively. He remarked:
Labour officials have been inactive in following through on the measures introduced by Conservatives to reduce bureaucratic hurdles and provide more clarity for local residents and developers. The decision to abolish and restructure numerous local councils, along with requiring all their personnel, including planning officers, to reapply for their positions, certainly does not seem to foster faster decision-making.
The Conservative Party, now under new leadership, is preparing to present substantive proposals that aim to enhance construction activities in the UK.
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UK declines EU proposal for joining pan-European customs union ‘at this time,’ minister states
In today’s economic discourse, the government has heightened its pursuit of measures that may stimulate growth. Yesterday at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor, was posed a question about the prioritization of growth over climate objectives, to which she responded affirmatively, stating that growth is indeed a critical focus. Today, the government is unveiling plans that might limit the application of judicial reviews as a means of propelling growth forward. For detailed information, refer to Pippa Crerar, Kiran Stacey, and Sandra Laville.
Economists suggest that a rational approach to fostering growth could involve tighter trade relations with the EU. Nonetheless, the government has dismissed the possibility of rejoining the single market or customs union, and the concept of rejoining the EU itself remains largely off the table in UK political discussions. In this light, a government minister has ruled out a proposal for the UK to join, not the customs union, but a customs union with the EU.
This suggestion was put forward by Maroš Šefčovič, the European Commission’s vice president responsible for post-Brexit negotiations with the UK. During an interview with Faisal Islam, the BBC’s economics editor, he noted that the establishment of a “pan-European customs area” is a concept that could be explored as part of ongoing reset discussions between the UK and the EU.
In his report, Islam highlighted the idea of the UK potentially aligning with the Pan-Euro-Mediterranean Convention (PEM).
This framework establishes common regulations that allow for the sourcing of components and materials across various nations in Europe and North Africa, facilitating tariff-free trade.
Despite the opportunities presented by PEM, the Conservative government did not include it in its post-Brexit plan. Nevertheless, some industry representatives believe that joining PEM could assist the UK in reintegrating into complex supply chains adversely affected by new customs barriers.
During his address at the World Economic Forum, Mr. Šefčovič noted that the UK has yet to clearly articulate its position regarding this proposal, indicating that “the ball is in the UK’s court.”
According to Islam, the government has initiated discussions with businesses regarding the potential advantages of the PEM arrangement, which could help streamline trade and reduce bureaucratic impediments.
However, Matthew Pennycook, the housing minister, firmly rejected the suggestion in interviews this morning while discussing the reforms to judicial review processes. Addressing the Šefčovič offer on the Today programme, he stated:
We’re not pursuing involvement in that specific arrangement.
It’s clear the government is committed to cultivating a closer relationship with our European neighbors in trade, as well as in security and defense cooperation, where collaboration is essential. However, concerning this arrangement, we are not looking to engage at this current time.
This response appeared to be a definitive rejection; nevertheless, Pennycook’s phrasing of “at the present time” could suggest a possibility for future reconsideration.
Here’s a glimpse of today’s agenda:
9.30am: Questions from Cabinet Office minister Pat McFadden in the Commons.
10am: London Mayor Sadiq Khan addresses questions at the London assembly.
10am: Former Health Secretary Sajid Javid provides evidence to the Covid inquiry regarding vaccines.
After 10.30am: Lucy Powell, the leader of the Commons, presents a statement on the upcoming Commons business.
11.30am: Briefing session held by Downing Street.
Noon: Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney takes questions at Holyrood.
Meanwhile, Rachel Reeves remains at Davos, actively participating in various discussions and media events. Graeme Wearden is there, providing extensive coverage on the business live blog from Davos.
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www.theguardian.com