Political Headlines – May, Macron and Corbyn

Today’s Political Headlines include May to meet Macron, further anti-Semitism claims against Labour, gender pay gap report and criticism of the Home Office’s approach to child refugees from Calais. 

May to meet Macron after cutting short summer holiday
The Times reports that Theresa May is set to meet Emmanuel Macron on Friday for a Brexit summit at his summer residence in the south of France. May is seeking to persuade Macron to agree to her Chequers deal, and to soften his stance on security cooperation and financial services. The Guardian claims that Macron is unlikely to make an agreement without the approval of Brussels.

Further anti-Semitism claims against Labour
The Times’ Henry Zeffman has revealed that Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn hosted an event at the House of Commons in 2010 which compared the Israeli government to the Nazis. Jeremy Corbyn has since released an apology for the event. The latest revelations come after leading figures in the party condemned NEC member Peter Willsman for questioning the legitimacy of anti-Semitism claims in Labour.

Report on gender pay gap calls for new approach to pay negotiation
The Telegraph is reporting on guidance set to be released today by the Government Equalities Office, which aims to address the issue of pay disparity. The guidance suggests women should seek salary increases by focusing on ‘pay ranges’ rather than specific figures. It also calls for employers to increase the number of women on job shortlists, in order to increase selection of female candidates.

Home Office criticised for approach to child refugees from Calais
The Telegraph reports on the recent Court of Appeal ruling which criticised the Home Office for its treatment of child refugees. Judges said there were flaws in the assessment process, saying that inadequate reasons were provided for their refusal, with the Government acting in an ‘unfair and unlawful’ manner.

Hunt says possibility of no-deal Brexit is increasing
The Telegraph has reported on Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt’s remarks that the likelihood of the UK leaving the EU without a deal are ‘increasing by the day’. Hunt met with counterpart Jean-Yves Le Drian in Paris on Tuesday and called for the European Commission to change its approach to Theresa May’s Chequers deal.

Kent lorry park may remain in place years after Brexit, Conservative councils say
Sky have obtained Brexit impact reports from Conservative-run Dover District Council and Kent County Council, that suggest the conversion of the M20 motorway into a lorry park could remain in place for ‘many years’ after the UK leaves the EU. The report from Dover District Council also expressed exasperation at the pace of the Government’s preparations for Brexit.

Latest Tory leadership contenders
The FT reports that Home Secretary Sajid Javid is the favourite to succeed Theresa May as Prime Minister, following a strong return to ministerial office after previously being described by an ally of May as a ministerial flop. However, The Times reports that Boris Johnson is the favourite among Conservative party members, despite being backed by just 8% of members a month ago in a poll by ConservativeHome.

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