Political Headlines – Terrorists, manufacturing, public-sector payrises

Today’s Political Headlines includes British terrorists potentially facing the death penalty, Corbyn accusing May of not supporting manufacturers, and the Government announcing public sector pay rises.

May willing to let British terrorists face execution
The Times claims that Theresa May pushed for the prosecution of two British terrorists by the USA despite the risk that they could be executed, in a decision which it claims caused ‘cross-party uproar in Westminster yesterday’. The Daily Telegraph says that when Boris Johnson was Foreign Secretary, he warned that the move could prevent the UK from demanding that others are spared the death penalty in future, but ultimately decided that ‘the benefits outweighed the risks’. It also claims that David Cameron had waived assurances in an earlier case, so the decision does not set a new precedent. The paper adds that terrorists who enter no-go areas such as Syria will face prosecution under new laws to be proposed by the Government.

Corbyn to criticise May for not supporting manufacturers
The Guardian reveals that Jeremy Corbyn will use a speech in Birmingham today to criticise the Government for not introducing an industrial plan to help manufacturers make the most of the weak pound following the EU referendum. He will also urge Theresa May to reconsider negotiating a new customs union with the EU.

Government to announce public sector pay rises
The Sun says the Government is to announce pay rises for a million public sector workers, but these are likely to be funded from savings made by departments not by the Treasury. In 2018-19 staff will see an increase of between 1.5% and 3.5%, with most getting a 2% rise.

US banks call for taxes and regulations to be cut after Brexit
The Financial Times claims that US banks have called for the Government to cut taxes and red tape in order to prevent financial assets and jobs leaving the UK after Brexit. One top executive said, having met Chancellor Philip Hammond, that the Government knew that ‘there is a ticket to pay’ if it wants to maintain London’s status as a financial centre.

Labour MPs defer vote on antisemitism definition
The Guardian says that Labour MPs have deferred a vote on whether or not to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of antisemitism until September, although a preliminary motion was passed which means that they are ‘ultimately all but certain to adopt’ it. Lord Prescott apparently raised objections to the motion.

Hunt warns of ‘no deal’ if EU negotiators don’t change their approach
The Daily Mail reports that Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt has insisted that only Vladimir Putin would celebrate a no-deal Brexit, but warned that if the EU failed to compromise the UK would not ‘blink’ and it would ‘change British attitudes to Europe for a generation’. He said that if the bloc did not change approach, there was ‘a real risk of a no deal by accident’.

Rules on foreign takeovers to be tightened
According to the Financial Times, proposals unveiled today would see increased scrutiny of foreign takeovers if they raise national security concerns. Those involved in relevant deals will be encouraged to notify the government ahead of the deal and breaches of the Government’s recommendations will become a criminal, not a civil, offence.

MPs to vote on Paisley suspension
The BBC reports that MPs are to vote on suspending DUP MP Ian Paisley for 30 days after he failed to declare two family holidays paid for by the government of Sri Lanka and then lobbied on behalf of Sri Lanka. If the suspension is approved and 10% of his constituents sign a petition, a by-election could then be held in the seat.

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