Stories of the week 5 May
Local Elections took place this week and in no uncertain terms it was a Remain backlash against pro-Brexit parties particularly the Conservatives and the Labour Party. Pro-Remain parties the Liberal Democrats and The Green Party surged ahead at the polls. The Conservatives lost hundreds of seats and control of numerous local Councils in what was seen as voter rejection from both Remainers and Leavers who have been dissatisfied with how Brexit has been dealt with by the Government. In no uncertain terms, voters across every region have shown their opinion and their voice by this overwhelming landslide victory for Pro-Remain parties in the clearest signal yet that the mood and the opinion of the country has changed in the almost three long years since the referendum.
In more bad news for the Government and for Leavers, Gavin Williamson was instantly dismissed by Prime Minister Theresa May for potentially breaking the Official Secrets Act and certainly for failing to adhere to the Ministerial Code. Williamson was found guilty of leaking vital security information over the possible inclusion of Huawei technology in the UK’s infrastructure. The highly embarrassed Prime Minister wants the matter close but not so Gavin Williamson who continues to plead his innocence despite having admitted he talked to the Press soon after the high level security meeting but didn’t mention this. MPs want a Police probe. The Government are saying that’s up to the Police. The Police are saying actually it’s the Government’s decision. Williamson could face up to two years in prison if found guilty.
In bizarre news for the UK’s now verging on comedy government, Boris Johnson was forced to delete a tweet claiming that he had voted in the local elections wher there wasn’t any voting taking place at all in his constituency. Also, Scottish Tory Leader, Ruth Davidson, has prevented Boris from appearing at the Scottish Tory Party Conference. Boris is anything but potential leadership material for a great many Conservatives.
At last some great political news for the UK. Jeremy Corbyn, after the Labour Party expressed report for Extinction Rebellion, begged MPs to declare a Climate Emergency which they dutifully did. The Climate emergency is the first official recognition of the huge and devastating impact climate change is having on our planet. It’s hoped that more governments will do the same and a number of environmental decisions can now be taken in the UK with this as its official position. A report was also released stating that the UK should target zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Venezuela’s President Maduro survived an attempted coup this week led by his political rival Juan Guaido. Donald Trump supported the coup whilst Putin supported the President, both leaders taking the world back to the 1960s with violent clashes with the military all over the country.
