|
|
Post by northwestman on May 16, 2023 20:09:25 GMT 1
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/may/16/asylum-seekers-to-lose-basic-housing-protections-in-move-to-cut-hotel-useMinisters are removing basic housing protections from asylum seekers under new rules designed to move tens of thousands out of hotels and into the private rented sector. The changes would exempt landlords from regulations governing everything from electrical safety to minimum room sizes, leading campaigners to warn that the government is preparing to cram people into small spaces in an effort to alleviate the crisis in asylum seeker accommodation. MPs are set to vote as soon as Wednesday on the plans, which have been put forward by Suella Braverman, the home secretary, and Michael Gove, the housing secretary. Under the changes, landlords of asylum seekers in England and Wales would no longer have to register with local authorities. The rules would allow landlords to house asylum seekers for two years without obtaining a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) licence, a standard requirement for any landlord renting to more than one household in a single property. Braverman is already planning to house asylum seekers on redundant cruise ships, barges and ferries in an effort to ease the crisis.
|
|
|
|
Post by zenfootball2 on May 17, 2023 7:40:36 GMT 1
The return of slum landlords
|
|
|
|
Post by mattmw on May 17, 2023 16:53:39 GMT 1
There were a lot of concern from commercial property owners during covid that they were losing income from people working from home, so town centre office accommodation was not being used, so property owners income suffered
This seems a good way to solve that problem as without the multiple occupation rules applying those redundant offices and shops can cheaply be converted into asylum seeker accommodation, and with the backlog in the system it should bring a large number of town centre properties back into use, and give property firms an income source.
Much like PPE contracts direct fast track contracts from central government to property firms seems ideal. If it works for asylum seekers the general rules on multiple occupation properties can also be relaxed and we should have homeless issues sorted too
|
|
|
|
Post by mattmw on May 21, 2023 20:29:28 GMT 1
Looks like Braverman might have more free time to plan her Leadership bid for the Conservatives, as the PM has asked a independent ethics advisor to investigate another potential break of the Ministerial code.
This time for potentially asking Civil Service officials to arrange a private speed awareness course for her whilst she was Attorney General.
|
|
|
|
Post by staffordshrew on May 21, 2023 20:37:27 GMT 1
Doesn't really bother me too much that she enquired about a one to one speed awareness course. But it sure is sweet when our leaders get hassled by all the money grabbing traps set up by our leaders, Sunak fined for being near a piece of cake during Covid, hassled for his dog being off the lead in the park, now Bravermn puts her foot down and gets a speeding ticket 
Good to see them get a taste of what ordinary people have to put up with.
|
|
|
|
Post by wookeywombat on May 21, 2023 23:10:42 GMT 1
And yet again they think that they can abide by different rules than the rest of us. How arrogant.
|
|
|
|
Post by northwestman on May 22, 2023 13:14:25 GMT 1
|
|
|
|
Post by block12massive on May 22, 2023 14:00:58 GMT 1
The latest row over whether she broke the ministerial code by requesting a private speeding awareness course is seen as a spectacular own goal – with several MPs saying she would deserve her fate if it costs her her job for a second time. 'Seen as a spectacular own goal' by who? My understanding is she has taken the points and paid the fine instead - which everyone who gets caught speeding is entitled to do. Nothing more to see is there? |
|
|
|
Post by mattmw on May 22, 2023 14:29:34 GMT 1
The latest row over whether she broke the ministerial code by requesting a private speeding awareness course is seen as a spectacular own goal – with several MPs saying she would deserve her fate if it costs her her job for a second time. 'Seen as a spectacular own goal' by who? My understanding is she has taken the points and paid the fine instead - which everyone who gets caught speeding is entitled to do. Nothing more to see is there? Its more the issue of why as Atterney General that Braverman was asking Civil Servants to interveen in setting up a speed awareness course, as it was a personal matter unrelated to her Government role. The ministerial code sets out quite clearly the roles and responsibilities of Ministers and the Civil Service and seperates public and private roles. Even at the level of government I work at we are governed by a similar code between staff and Councillors, and extensive training all round on where responsibilities lie. There is no way an issue of a personal speeding fine or course could be considered a work issue, so its very odd why she allegedly asked advisors and the Civil Service to interveen. In an interview today she again refused to say if she had made such a request She can't claim to not know abou the rules, so presumably had a lapse in asking for it which is why its being described as an own goal Its a relatively minor breach, so I'm not quite sure why she hasn't apologised, reveled the circustances behind it and agreed to review future behaviour in relation to the code. Seems to not want to even admit an error occured. All very odd |
|
|
|
Post by block12massive on May 22, 2023 14:42:23 GMT 1
'Seen as a spectacular own goal' by who? My understanding is she has taken the points and paid the fine instead - which everyone who gets caught speeding is entitled to do. Nothing more to see is there? Its more the issue of why as Atterney General that Braverman was asking Civil Servants to interveen in setting up a speed awareness course, as it was a personal matter unrelated to her Government role. The ministerial code sets out quite clearly the roles and responsibilities of Ministers and the Civil Service and seperates public and private roles. Even at the level of government I work at we are governed by a similar code between staff and Councillors, and extensive training all round on where responsibilities lie. There is no way an issue of a personal speeding fine or course could be considered a work issue, so its very odd why she allegedly asked advisors and the Civil Service to interveen. In an interview today she again refused to say if she had made such a request She can't claim to not know abou the rules, so presumably had a lapse in asking for it which is why its being described as an own goal Its a relatively minor breach, so I'm not quite sure why she hasn't apologised, reveled the circustances behind it and agreed to review future behaviour in relation to the code. Seems to not want to even admit an error occured. All very odd I would imagine she was keen to avoid a situation which would provide an opportunity for the press or a mole within the civil service to leak details of said speed awareness course to outside media. Rightly or wrongly, being a prominent public figure does often buy you a way out of things or special dispositions when you need them. I think this is one of those purposely ever-egged stories that may cause a slight ripple in Westminster, but in terms of what the average man on the Clapham Omnibus thinks they have much bigger concerns. Without playing party politics, it was interesting to see Rachel Reeves upload a photo of her sitting in first class on a BA flight to New York, and then quickly delete it and replace it with a photo that distorts the seat number. www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/rachel-reeves-new-york-first-class-flight-b2343360.htmlIf only there was a ministerial code for 'taking people as mugs'. |
|
|
|
Post by mattmw on May 22, 2023 15:15:57 GMT 1
Its more the issue of why as Atterney General that Braverman was asking Civil Servants to interveen in setting up a speed awareness course, as it was a personal matter unrelated to her Government role. The ministerial code sets out quite clearly the roles and responsibilities of Ministers and the Civil Service and seperates public and private roles. Even at the level of government I work at we are governed by a similar code between staff and Councillors, and extensive training all round on where responsibilities lie. There is no way an issue of a personal speeding fine or course could be considered a work issue, so its very odd why she allegedly asked advisors and the Civil Service to interveen. In an interview today she again refused to say if she had made such a request She can't claim to not know abou the rules, so presumably had a lapse in asking for it which is why its being described as an own goal Its a relatively minor breach, so I'm not quite sure why she hasn't apologised, reveled the circustances behind it and agreed to review future behaviour in relation to the code. Seems to not want to even admit an error occured. All very odd I would imagine she was keen to avoid a situation which would provide an opportunity for the press or a mole within the civil service to leak details of said speed awareness course to outside media. Rightly or wrongly, being a prominent public figure does often buy you a way out of things or special dispositions when you need them. I think this is one of those purposely ever-egged stories that may cause a slight ripple in Westminster, but in terms of what the average man on the Clapham Omnibus thinks they have much bigger concerns. Without playing party politics, it was interesting to see Rachel Reeves upload a photo of her sitting in first class on a BA flight to New York, and then quickly delete it and replace it with a photo that distorts the seat number. www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/rachel-reeves-new-york-first-class-flight-b2343360.htmlIf only there was a ministerial code for 'taking people as mugs'. But the ministerial code is expressely about Ministers not using their position to get special dispositions. Thats the whole point about it! Going on a speed awareness course may well have been a bit embarashing for her but thats the whole point of the rule of law that it applies to everyone. By asking Civil Servants to make the request on her behalf to avoid her losing face thats using her position for special disposition. This is really basic stuff for a Minister to know so why she got civil servants involved, rather than just pay the find is a mystery, and has ended up causing her more issues than just paying the fine. She is clearly a bright woman so knew the rules. Its similar to Owen Paterson and Boris Johnson that they broke small parts of the Ministerial code, which brought small punishments. But instead of just admitting them and saying sorry, started up a whole series of excuses that ended up with them both losing their jobs. |
|
|
|
Post by wookeywombat on May 22, 2023 17:08:49 GMT 1
Let's not forget that she has history for flouting rules:-
"She was Home Secretary for just six weeks
She was appointed home secretary, responsible for overseeing UK borders and policing, when Liz Truss became the new prime minister. She then resigned after sending an official document from her personal email, which was against the rules."
|
|
|
|
Post by Minormorris64 on May 23, 2023 10:24:03 GMT 1
And yet again they think that they can abide by different rules than the rest of us. How arrogant. A friend of mine's Wife did a Speed Awareness course online so as far as I can see the rules are not different ? |
|
|
|
Post by wookeywombat on May 23, 2023 11:52:24 GMT 1
And yet again they think that they can abide by different rules than the rest of us. How arrogant. A friend of mine's Wife did a Speed Awareness course online so as far as I can see the rules are not different ? As far as I can see the online sessions involve a group whereas Braverman wanted an individual session |
|
|
|
Post by mattmw on May 23, 2023 15:29:58 GMT 1
And yet again they think that they can abide by different rules than the rest of us. How arrogant. A friend of mine's Wife did a Speed Awareness course online so as far as I can see the rules are not different ? Attending the course online would be fine. It was asking Civil Service staff to arrange it on her behalf that is the issue. Does appear the Civil Servant refused to help and reported it to the Cabinet office so will be documented Oddly a further issue about not declaring running a charity in Rwanda has also come up today, that could if true be more damaging than the speeding issue |
|
|
|
Post by northwestman on May 23, 2023 15:44:13 GMT 1
Suella Braverman has sparked fresh controversy amid claims she asked civil servants to help her avoid attending a speeding course.
Here are all the other times that Suella Braverman has been at the centre of controversy:
Sacked by Truss – Ms Braverman was sacked just 43 days after being appointed as Liz Truss’ home secretary on 19 October – the day before Ms Truss resigned as Prime Minister – after she admitted she had breached the ministerial code.
Reappointed by Sunak – Only a day after Mr Sunak entered Downing Street, he reappointed Ms Braverman to her previous role as Home Secretary just six days after she was forced to resign.
Cabinet splits over migration – In recent weeks, there have been reports of tensions between Mr Sunak and Ms Braverman over her hardline stance on tackling immigration, which is one of the Government’s five key pledges.
Controversial leadership speech – Amid the Cabinet splits, the Home Secretary was also criticised for giving a speech at the National Conservatism conference in Westminster on Monday.
India trade deal jeopardy – The Home Secretary was accused of plunging a trade deal with India into jeopardy last October after saying that “an open borders migration policy with India” was not “what people voted for with Brexit.”
‘Obsession’ with Rwanda flights – During a fringe event at the Conservative Party conference last year, Ms Braverman said that successfully deporting migrants to Rwanda was her “dream” and “obsession”.
‘Benefit street’ Britain – Speaking at another Conservative Party conference event, the Home Secretary made headlines when she claimed the UK had a “Benefits Street culture”.
Accusations of ‘coup’ by Tory MPs – Ms Braverman drew fury from her peers when she described opposition from Tory MPs to then-PM Liz Truss’s plan to scrap the top tax rate as a “coup”.
‘Guardian-reading, tofu-eating wokerati’ – Shortly before she was forced to resign as Ms Truss’ Home Secretary in October 2022, she criticised the “Guardian-reading, tofu-eating wokerati” in the Commons.
‘Invasion of the South Coast’ – Shortly after she was reappointed as Home Secretary by Mr Sunak, she was condemned for her comments about migrants arriving via small boat crossings.
Grooming gang comments – Last month, Ms Braverman was forced to defend her claims that most grooming gang members are British-Pakistani as she pledged to crack down on child abusers.
‘Gleeful’ Rwanda interior design joke – During a recent visit to Rwanda, the Home Secretary was criticised after she quipped about wanting interior design advice while being shown houses for those deported to the country.
The i.
|
|
|
|
Post by davycrockett on May 23, 2023 15:45:21 GMT 1
Doesn't really bother me too much that she enquired about a one to one speed awareness course. But it sure is sweet when our leaders get hassled by all the money grabbing traps set up by our leaders, Sunak fined for being near a piece of cake during Covid, hassled for his dog being off the lead in the park, now Bravermn puts her foot down and gets a speeding ticket
Good to see them get a taste of what ordinary people have to put up with.
You forgot a couple, Sunak’s a serial offender, fixed penalty for no seat belt, oh and don’t forget Boris although probably best to wait until all the cases have been ‘settled’…. |
|
|
|
Post by northwestman on May 23, 2023 15:53:41 GMT 1
inews.co.uk/opinion/if-micromanager-rishi-sunak-doesnt-trust-suella-braverman-to-do-her-job-why-should-the-public-2356579In the Commons, Braverman’s robotic responses to questions about her conduct saw her repeat the same formulation: “Last summer I was speeding. I regret that. I paid the fine and I accepted the points, and at no point did I seek to evade the sanction.” Six times she was asked about the issue, and six times the wording was almost identical. It wasn’t so much “computer says no” as “computer says nothing of value”. Even the Artificial Intelligence tool ChatGPT manages to learn and vary its answers when asked similar questions. Some backbenchers suggest Braverman’s problem is not artificial intelligence, it’s superficial intelligence. “She never would have made QC but for being a minister,” one said, referring to the outdated practice of allowing Cabinet ministers to take the legal title of Queen’s Counsel [now King’s Counsel] automatically rather than earning it in the courts. “She’s a C class lawyer, not A class.”
|
|
|
|
Post by mattmw on May 23, 2023 16:47:33 GMT 1
inews.co.uk/opinion/if-micromanager-rishi-sunak-doesnt-trust-suella-braverman-to-do-her-job-why-should-the-public-2356579In the Commons, Braverman’s robotic responses to questions about her conduct saw her repeat the same formulation: “Last summer I was speeding. I regret that. I paid the fine and I accepted the points, and at no point did I seek to evade the sanction.” Six times she was asked about the issue, and six times the wording was almost identical. It wasn’t so much “computer says no” as “computer says nothing of value”. Even the Artificial Intelligence tool ChatGPT manages to learn and vary its answers when asked similar questions. Some backbenchers suggest Braverman’s problem is not artificial intelligence, it’s superficial intelligence. “She never would have made QC but for being a minister,” one said, referring to the outdated practice of allowing Cabinet ministers to take the legal title of Queen’s Counsel [now King’s Counsel] automatically rather than earning it in the courts. “She’s a C class lawyer, not A class.” Her statement does kind of read as though she was speeding all through the summer! As always with a statement prepared by a lawyer its the bits that aren't siad thats the most interesting. Asking the Civil Service to interveen on her behalf is the key issue - the fact that she hasn't answered that element suggests problems could lie in wait for her |
|
|
|
Post by northwestman on May 23, 2023 21:11:32 GMT 1
More on Braverman. www.theguardian.com/politics/2023/may/23/civil-servants-have-to-fact-check-suella-bravermans-claims-to-cabinetSuella Braverman is facing fresh controversy after it was claimed civil servants in her department were forced to “fact-check” the home secretary’s statements to cabinet on up to six occasions. Concerns have been raised about the under-fire minister’s competence, as Downing Street denied Rishi Sunak was dithering about whether to launch an investigation into a potential breach of the ministerial code over her bid to avoid a speeding fine. Government sources told the Guardian Braverman has repeatedly got things wrong, including during cabinet talks about King Charles’s coronation in March and in meetings held this week on migration, in which she overstated the number of Ukrainians and Hongkongers who had come to the UK by tens of thousands. One insider said she made “basic errors”, while another said she “keeps getting facts wrong”. After meetings with other senior ministers, the Cabinet Office was said to have had to contact officials from the Home Office, who were asked to “factcheck” her claims. |
|
|
|
Post by mattmw on May 24, 2023 10:50:02 GMT 1
Statement released today saying the PM doesn’t believe she breached the code, but sends a shot across the bows that the course of action taken could have been considered inappropriate and future behaviour needs to be moderated
Kind of the final warning from the referee to a player on a yellow card already, which seems a fair course of action.
Will have to see if the Home Secretary heeds the advice or goes steaming into the opposition with a two footed tackle in the coming weeks and gets an early bath
|
|
|
|
Post by northwestman on May 24, 2023 10:59:24 GMT 1
|
|
|
|
Post by mattmw on May 24, 2023 11:05:50 GMT 1
I think the likelihood of an autumn reshuffle and moving her on from the Home Secretary post seems likely - rather than a direct sacking now. Her letter about the speeding issue refers to her not understanding protocol very well which this issue points to as well. These are pretty basic issues a competent and experienced minister would avoid, the fact she keeps making so many errors points to a move out of the home office job in the not too distant future |
|
|
|
Post by northwestman on May 24, 2023 11:10:44 GMT 1
Although Suella Braverman’s letter to Rishi Sunak is quite lengthy, it does not address the claim that her special adviser lied to a Daily Mirror journalist when he denied that she had been caught speeding. This seems to have been a breach of the code of conduct for special advisers, which says they must not “deceive or knowingly mislead ministers, parliament or others”.
In the Commons on Monday Braverman refused to say whether she authorised her adviser to respond as he did to the question from the Daily Mirror.
This issue is likely to come up again at PMQs.
|
|
|
|
Post by mattmw on May 24, 2023 11:28:07 GMT 1
Although Suella Braverman’s letter to Rishi Sunak is quite lengthy, it does not address the claim that her special adviser lied to a Daily Mirror journalist when he denied that she had been caught speeding. This seems to have been a breach of the code of conduct for special advisers, which says they must not “deceive or knowingly mislead ministers, parliament or others”. In the Commons on Monday Braverman refused to say whether she authorised her adviser to respond as he did to the question from the Daily Mirror. This issue is likely to come up again at PMQs. Its interesting in her letter that she refers to speeding "at some point in June". rather than give the specific date it occurred, which would clearly have been stated on the fine notice. Think if I was a journalist I'd be interested in where and when the offence took place. It also implies it was her first offence, so I'm not quite sure why she just didn't accept the fine and points and get on with it. On a Ministers wages should could afford it, and anyone who drives in and around London knows how easy it is to pick up a speeding fine even when driving carefully, so hardlly the crime of the century However this was of course just around the time Johnson's Cabinet were resigning and Leadership challenges were starting, including one from Braverman herself which, may have explained why admitting an offence whilst bidding to me Leader would have been bad PR and she tried to bat it down the road and deal with it later. Which ironically has I think caused more problems than just taking the points, as she has now had to paint herself as a inexperienced Minister not knowing the rules, which actually gives the opposition more ammunition to attack her than the 3 speeding points would. Politicians love to control the narrative but I think in all these cases they would save themselves a lot of trouble by just being transparent and honest from the start, rather then these swerves and u-turns trying to justify an action |
|
|
|
Post by staffordshrew on May 29, 2023 13:36:38 GMT 1
I thouhgt Suella was meant to be a toughe? Under her watch the Just Stop Offensive Irritating Loitering people have made walking the quickest way to get round London and now, with Heathrow's problems, the quickest way to get through immigration is to land in a dinghy. The coronation was an advert for visiting Britain, but that credit has all been frittered away now. She talks the talk, but it's time for action Ms Braverman!
|
|
|
|
Post by northwestman on Jul 24, 2023 19:37:40 GMT 1
|
|
