Tag Archives: politics

The current system of rail franchising isn’t working, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has admitted. Mr Shapps made it clear that he plans major changes to the way our rail industry works, as he announced that private sector operator Arriva was to be stripped of the Northern rail franchise, which will …

It seemed like a good idea. Up until now, the Government had produced three special 50p pieces – in 1973, 1992 and 1998 – marking key stages in Britain’s membership. So why not a fourth to commemorate its exit? I called Craig Mackinlay, a Eurosceptic Conservative backbencher, and asked him …

Workers during the previous national ballot – the CWU union is hoping to dodge another legal challenge (Pic: CWUnews/Twitter) Workers at several Royal Mail workplaces are set to start ballots for local strikes after bosses pushed ahead with major attacks on jobs and working conditions. CWU union members in at least …

Sleaford’s MP says she was left in fear after a campaign of harassment and abuse by one of her constituents. Dr Caroline Johnson was sent threatening emails and YouTube videos saying ‘it’s your turn to die doctor’ and ‘exterminate the doctor’ by tormentor Justin Blair. The 50-year-old of North Drive …

Post workers in Bootle during an unofficial walkout last year (Pic: John Carr) Postal workers in Merseyside have called off a planned strike after bosses backed down in a dispute over victimisations. CWU union members at the Bootle and Seaforth delivery office had been set to strike on Saturday of …

Remember ‘Failing Grayling’? The former Transport Secretary will go down as one of the most unpopular cabinet ministers of all time. Among other things, he took the blame for bungled timetable changes which led to cancelled trains and general chaos on rail services across much of the country. After three …

A Derby Brexit Party councillor has welcomed the flying of the Union flag on the Council House on January 31, the day earmarked for Britain to leave the EU. Councillor Alan Graves claims he had personally asked for the flag to be flown because “it marks independence for Britain” and …

CWU union members at a gate meeting in north London during the last strike ballot (Pic: Guy Smallman) The fight for the future of Royal Mail is heating up again after a union leader announced plans for another national strike ballot. CWU union members could hold a second ballot for …

A £1 million travellers’ site close to homes in one of Wolverhampton’s most deprived areas was already a ‘done deal’ before councillors formally approved it, claim “disgusted” residents living nearby. The temporary encampment, located on a former quarry between Dunstall Hill Trading Estate and Gorsebrook Road, had already been decided …

Labour leadership hopefuls and their supporters are wooing union executive members as they seek to make the final ballot which will decide who will lead the party. Representatives of the five remaining candidates – Rebecca Long-Bailey, Lisa Nandy, Sir Keir Starmer, Emily Thornberry and Jess Phillips – have approached general …