image_pdfimage_print

Author Archives: GovWorldMag

It is completely unacceptable that Kensington and Chelsea would rather cancel their meeting than obey court ruling to provide for a basic level of transparency – Gwynne

Commenting on the adjournment of Kensington and Chelsea London Borough Council’s cabinet meeting last night, Andrew Gwynne MP, Labour’s Shadow Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, said:

“It is completely unacceptable that Kensington and Chelsea would rather cancel their meeting than obey court ruling to provide for a basic level of transparency.

“I welcome that Sajid Javid has supported Labour’s call in urging for the democratic process to be open and transparent but the response from the Government falls short of actually doing anything to address the utter chaos in the way this tragedy has been handled.  

“Sajid Javid needs to immediately ensure that all residents who are now homeless or in temporary accommodation are getting the support they need, and undertake an immediate review into the adequacy of corporate governance with a view to sending in commissioners to take control of the council if necessary.”

read more

Labour •

Xi meets former HK chief executive Tung Chee-hwa

 

Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) meets with Tung Chee-hwa, vice chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, in Hong Kong, south China, June 30, 2017. (Xinhua/Ma Zhancheng) 

President Xi Jinping met with Tung Chee-hwa, the first chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), Friday, calling him “a pioneer” in practicing “one country, two systems” in Hong Kong.

Xi praised Tung for the large amount of trailblazing work he has done in this regard.

Tung, now vice chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), became the first chief executive of the HKSAR when Hong Kong returned to China from British rule on July 1, 1997.

As vice chairman of the CPPCC National Committee, Tung has continued to dedicate himself to the development and progress of the country and Hong Kong, Xi said, adding that Tung has set a good example for his successors.

The president expressed his hope that Tung could continue to play a positive role in the development of the country and Hong Kong in the future.

Tung said he is confident in the sustained prosperity and stability of the HKSAR under the “one country, two systems” principle, and he would do what he can to contribute more to the country and Hong Kong.

Xi arrived here Thursday to attend celebrations for Hong Kong’s 20th return anniversary and the inauguration of the HKSAR’s fifth-term government. Inspection of the HKSAR is also on the schedule for his three-day stay.

read more

East Asia

These figures are very concerning, with the trade deficit growing at a time when we are negotiating our exit from the EU further exposing the lack of direction at the top of government – McDonnell

John McDonnell MP, Labour’s Shadow Chancellor, commenting on today’s ONS publications that show the savings rate falling, the trade deficit growing, sluggish growth in consumer spending and falling wages, said:

“These figures are very concerning, with the trade deficit growing at a time when we are negotiating our exit from the EU further exposing the lack of direction at the top of government.

“What is deeply worrying, in a week when we have also seen figures on soaring consumer borrowing, is that today’s data show a stark drop in savings alongside sluggish growth in consumer spending and a fall in disposable income. This suggests that the crisis in earnings not keeping up with prices means that many working households are struggling to make ends meet.

“Only a Labour government will introduce a £10 per hour minimum wage and build a high wage, high skill economy of the future.”

read more

Labour •