Today’s Political Headlines – 8 January 2018

A round-up of the latest political headlines, including the expected cabinet reshuffle, a cabinet minister for no deal, May on Marr and the UK’s hopes for EU medicine regulation after Brexit.  

Cabinet reshuffle expected
Today’s main political story is that Theresa May is expected to reshuffle the cabinet today, with junior ministerial appointments to be announced on Tuesday. The Times reports that May will dismiss Sir Patrick McLoughlin, replace Justine Greening and move Greg Clark, while a new First Secretary of State will be appointed. However, Boris Johnson, Amber Rudd, Philip Hammond and David Davis are all expected to retain their roles. The paper identifies junior ministers Anne Milton and Dominic Raab as being likely to be promoted.

New cabinet minister for no deal Brexit
The Daily Telegraph claims that Theresa May is to create a ‘cabinet minister for no deal’. Whilst the minister would have a ‘significant budget’ and attend cabinet, they would not be a secretary of state. The paper suggests that Steve Baker, currently a minister at the Department for Exiting the European Union is ‘widely expected’ to be given the role.

May on Marr
Yesterday, Theresa May appeared on the BBC’s Andrew Marr Show. She defended funding of the NHS and rail fare increases, pledged to bring ‘greater openness’ to the parole system, set out plans for a new Northern Forest, warned Toby Young about his language, dropped her pledge to hold a vote on the fox-hunting ban, confirmed that Donald Trump is to visit the UK, and said that she wanted to fight the next general election.

UK hopes for EU medicine regulation after Brexit
The Financial Times claims that it has been told by ‘three senior government figures’ that the UK hopes to continue to be regulated by the European Medicines Agency, after Brexit. This would break one of May’s red lines, European Court of Justice jurisdiction, but the paper adds that this has become less ‘rigid’ since Nick Timothy’s departure as chief of staff.

Brexit VAT
The Times says the companies may be forced to pay VAT upfront after Brexit on goods imported from the EU, bringing them into line with imports from elsewhere. Nicky Morgan, chair of the Treasury Select Committee has written to HMRC to ask for clarity, whilst the British Retail Consortium has expressed concern.

Grenfell inquiry cancels KPMG contract
The Guardian reports that the Grenfell Tower inquiry has cancelled its contract with KPMG, after an open letter signed by 70 individuals and organisations called on Theresa May to cancel the appointment. KPMG’s appointment had proved controversial because it audits the parent company of Celotex (which manufactured the building’s insulation), the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, and Rydon Group (which refurbished the building).

Centre for Policy Studies calls for NHS Royal Commission
According to The Daily Telegraph, the Centre for Policy Studies thinktank has called for a Royal Commission on the NHS, which would investigate improvements in productivity and clinical outcomes – potentially worth an extra £5.6billion.

Labour launches new community unit
The BBC says that the Labour Party is launching a new community unit today, aiming to target seaside towns and traditional Labour heartlands where the party needs to rebuild support. The unit will help constituency Labour parties and trade unions build alliances outside the party and campaign on local issues. Jeremy Corbyn said that following this approach ‘we can make real, practical differences to people’s lives’.

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