As the Parliamentary term came to a close for the year, Members of Parliament have departed Westminster for the Christmas recess. Just before the break, the Government released a flurry of data and announcements, a common practice before the recess. This year was no exception, with a range of information revealed, including speed camera fines and concerning court statistics.
In a surprising move, Keir Starmer’s team in No10 stirred controversy among political reporters by announcing the cancellation of afternoon press briefings for the new year. This decision has sparked a significant row, with concerns raised about the impact on scrutiny of the Government.
Instead of daily afternoon press briefings, Number 10 plans to offer occasional press conferences with ministers or technical briefings to provide greater access to journalists outside the traditional political press corps. This shift is attributed to the changing media landscape, which Downing Street believes requires a new approach for transparency and communication.
Regarding other developments, National Highways disclosed that approximately 2,650 drivers were wrongly issued speeding fines due to technical faults with speed cameras on English motorways and A roads. Transport Minister Simon Lightwood assured affected drivers that fines would be refunded, and points would be removed from their licenses.
Additionally, official data revealed a substantial backlog in the courts system, reaching a new record high. The Ministry of Justice reported a 9% increase in crown court cases and a significant rise in cases open for a year or more. This comes amidst ongoing debates over proposed changes to jury trials for certain criminal cases.
Furthermore, a review highlighted challenges faced by adult gender clinics in England, including long waiting times and a lack of patient outcomes data. The review called for improvements to reduce waiting times and enhance patient safety.
As ministers prepare for the holiday season, they face renewed pressure on farming issues, particularly inheritance tax reforms and sustainability concerns. The review emphasized the need for a collaborative approach between the government and the farming industry to promote British produce, enhance farming incomes, and protect natural resources.
In conclusion, recent developments in various sectors have raised significant concerns and sparked debates, highlighting the ongoing challenges and changes in key areas of governance and public services.
