Investigatory Powers Bill officially passes into law, giving Britain the ‘most extreme spying powers ever seen’

UncategorizedBy hardwood_adm29th November 2016

The Independent The Bill received large opposition from petitions, but not within parliament Theresa May addresses the Confederation of British Industry’s (CBI) annual conference in London REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth Britain’s intelligence services have officially been given the “most extreme spying powers ever seen”. The Investigatory Powers Act has now been given royal assent, meaning that those…

MoJ retreats on immigration fee hike

UncategorizedBy hardwood_adm28th November 2016

The Law Gazette The Ministry of Justice has reversed plans for six-fold increases in some fees for asylum and immigration cases, it told parliament today. The announcement was warmly welcomed by the Law Society. In a written ministerial statement, justice minister Sir Oliver Heald said the department had listened to the representations it received on…

Landlords and letting agents react with rage to ban on agency fees

UncategorizedBy hardwood_adm23rd November 2016

The Independent Landlords pledged to raise rents in response to the policy Tenants and housing charities rejoiced at the move Reuters Letting agents and landlords have reacted with rage to the Government’s announcement that it will ban charging tenants agency fees. The hated charges, levied on renters on top of deposits and rent, cost hundreds…

Thousands of prison officers just decided to go on strike

UncategorizedBy hardwood_adm15th November 2016

The Independent Prisoners at HMP Pentonville walk through an atrium Getty Thousands of prison officers will stop working today in protest over health and safety concerns, their union has announced. The Prison Officers Association (POA) has directed all its members to take part in a day of protest after negotiations with the Government broke down.…

Police crackdown on use of mobiles when driving

UncategorizedBy hardwood_adm14th November 2016

BBC News Police in England and Wales are conducting a week-long crackdown on motorists who use their mobile phones while driving. The operations will include dedicated patrols and messages on road signs. The move follows government plans to double fines and points for using a mobile while driving. The National Police Chiefs’ Council said the…

Student Finance loans ‘illegal and unenforceable’, says top lawyer

UncategorizedBy hardwood_adm11th November 2016

The Independent Equity laws restated during the recent High Court Brexit case could provide hope for those being ‘exploited’ by ‘mis-sold’ student loans, argues Estelle Clarke Graduates in England rack up debts higher than anywhere else in the English speaking world Getty Government student loans are “illegal” and “unenforceable”, a top lawyer has said, arguing…

Doubts cast on Theresa May’s pledge to protect workers’ rights post-Brexit

UncategorizedBy hardwood_adm7th November 2016

Prime minister repeatedly attacked Labour for signing up to EU social chapter that includes part-time workers’ directive In a column for ConservativeHome in 2007, May cited Labour’s decision to sign up to the EU’s social chapter as a sign it had capitulated to trade union pressure. Photograph: Ben Birchall/PA Theresa May’s commitment to protect workers’…

Forest Bank prison to introduce body scanners in fight against drug and phone smuggling

UncategorizedBy hardwood_adm1st November 2016

Manchester Evening News The move comes after the M.E.N revealed the use of smuggled smartphones and a drug known as ‘spice’ is widespread within the facility Salford’s Forest Bank prison is to introduce new body scanners in a bid to stem the flow of drugs and phones getting into the jail. The move comes after…