Political Headlines – Johnson backs Veterans Pledge while Hunt promises to expand navy

Today’s political headlines includes Johnson backing the Veterans Pledge, Hunt Promises to expand navy, 30 whistleblowers to give evidence on Labour antisemitism and May’s last interview. 

Johnson backs ‘Veterans Pledge’
The Sun reports that Boris Johnson has backed its ‘Veterans Pledge’, promising to pass a new law to end ‘unfair trials’ of soldiers who served in Northern Ireland during the Troubles. The pledge also means that he has backed creating an independent veterans department and enshrining the military covenant into law.

Hunt promises to expand navy
Writing in The Daily Telegraph, Jeremy Hunt claims the Royal Navy has been ‘run down too much’, and should be ‘expanded’ to tackle ‘deeply troubling’ events in the Middle East. He promises to increase the number of warships and carrier-based jets as ‘boosting our hard power is the surest way to keep Britain respected overseas’.

30 whistleblowers to give evidence on Labour antisemitism
The Guardian says that over 30 whistleblowers, including current staff, are to submit evidence to the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) about antisemitism in the Labour Party. Some members of Labour’s National Executive Committee (NEC) are worried that it isn’t doing enough to prepare for the EHRC investigation. Deputy leader Tom Watson has written to general secretary Jennie Formby calling for the party’s submission to the EHRC to be released to the shadow cabinet and the NEC.

May gives last interview
Theresa May has given her last interview at 10 Downing Street to the Daily Mail. Referring to her resignation speech, she tells the paper that ‘If a male Prime Minister’s voice had broken up, it would have been said “what great patriotism, they really love their country”. But if a female Prime Minister does it, it is “why is she crying?”.’ She admits that she hadn’t expected Brexiteers to vote against her deal but defends her achievements on modern slavery, plastic waste and mental health.

Prisoners to be given incentives for good behaviour
The Times reports on a new Ministry of Justice policy, which will mean that prison governors can reward prisoners with the ability to lock their own cells, giving them more privacy. Under the new arrangements, prisoners who behave well will also be allowed to cook their own food, shower when they choose, receive higher pay and get cash bonuses.

New inquiry calls for action to stop MPs bulling and harassing staff
The Guardian reports that MPs will vote next week on extending allegations of bullying and harassment by MPs to include historic allegations. This follows yesterday’s publication on an inquiry by Gemma White QC which recommended new employment measures to protect staff better, including details of staff being shouted at, groped, and things thrown at them.

Less than half of Tory members have voted in leadership election
According to The Times, less than half of Conservative members have yet returned their leadership ballots, despite there being just over a week left to do so, despite Boris Johnson’s campaign having claimed that two-thirds of members had voted. Jeremy Hunt’s campaign is pleased with the low turnout so far, Hunt having told members to wait until after today’s interviews of the candidates by Andrew Neil before voting.

Brexiteers demand seats in Johnson’s Cabinet
The Sun claims Brexiteers are demanding seats in Boris Johnson’s Cabinet, amid concerns he will make minor changes and might not stick to his pledge to leave on 31 October. Steve Baker wants to be Brexit Secretary, while a Eurosceptic expressed concern to the paper about Sajid Javid as Chancellor and Liz Truss as Business Secretary as they voted to remain.

Don’t miss the latest policy promises that matter to you, get Vuelio Political Services.