Political Insight

Political intelligence and public affairs consultancy founded by former Parliamentarians: We know how Government works.

[The Catholic Herald @CatholicHerald]

Anne Widdecombe’s violent death is a national tragedy that recalls a politician whose courage, Christian faith and unwavering convictions won her both devoted admirers and implacable critics.

✍️ Melanie McDonagh

Article | https://t.co/Gqn5sA24BT

[Suzanne Evans @SuzanneEvans1]

Sad news to wake up to. I had dinner at the Carlton Club with this remarkable woman in 2012, finding her charming, warm company. Later, she was a regular and formidable TV opponent. ‘Get real!’ she yelled at me once, when I had no chance of a comeback. May you rest in peace Ann.

[David C Bannerman @DCBMEP]

Feeling robbed at loss of Ann Widdecombe and her view of life. Like a navigational aid. British politics has lost another great character. Ann Widdecombe was forthright, robust, ever principled and courageous. I was told off by her once as a candidate trying to keep her on schedule - she would stop talking to police officers when she chose to!? She brought clarity, unapologetic Christian teachings and colour to the political scene and is a sad loss indeed.

[Alistair Thompson @ali_thompson1]

Ann Widdecombe has died aged 78. Alistair Thompson reviews her formidable career, from her iron-willed tenure as Prison Minister to the Brexit Party.

Story: https://t.co/WJgzhhk0lC #AnnWiddecombe

[David C Bannerman @DCBMEP]

This UK trade deal with the Gulf Cooperation Council thanks to Brexit is potentially massive to UK as we are great exporters of luxury goods. The EU had given up trade talks after 20 years or so of trying - with human rights and environmental factors undermining progress on trade.

[David C Bannerman @DCBMEP]

Excellent point from @DanielJHannan

[Political Insight @TeamPolitic]

Need help navigating an increasingly difficult legislative landscape? Get in touch. It’s what we’re here for. Asda isn’t alone is recognising Government is ‘more and more difficult’ to deal with https://t.co/Y9CFx3Il3o

[Political Insight @TeamPolitic]

The full interview, starts approximately 10mins in https://t.co/1UXJE708j8

[Political Insight @TeamPolitic]

Stewart Jackson speaks for the whole of the Political Insight team on the huge loss of our great friend and valued colleague, Patrick O'Flynn https://t.co/18LjQX6B40

[Political Insight @TeamPolitic]

Our executive chairman @BrexitStewart on @BBCWorldatOne: “Lots of people knew Peter Mandelson was wrong ‘un; he has more baggage than a Heathrow warehouse, frankly… He should resign immediately from the House of Lords… Go of his own accord and do the decent thing.”

[Stewart Jackson 🇮🇱🇬🇧🇺🇸 @BrexitStewart]

I have asked the Government several times via written questions whether #petermandelson received a payoff when he resigned as ambassador to the US. So far the @FCDOGovUK Minister in the Lords @JennyChapman has refused to answer.

[Dan Hitchens @ddhitchens]

1. Let’s take a look at some of these “scaremongering and ideological opponents”.

First up, the Association for Palliative Medicine.

The APM opposes the bill due to “concerns about protection of vulnerable, frail, elderly, disabled and terminally ill people”.

[Jacob Rees-Mogg @Jacob_Rees_Mogg]

Cheaper food and drink including rice and tea, footwear and clothing thanks to a welcome trade deal with India. Exactly what Brexit promised.
https://t.co/ItroMIJpA2

[Political Insight @TeamPolitic]

Our director Suzanne Evans writes. https://t.co/gw3PjZKB7s

[Political Insight @TeamPolitic]

Trade with the EU trumps trade with the US, @RachelReevesMP says; China considers cutting trade tariffs and tells Trump to cancel his; @bankofengland governor hints at interest rate cuts; and why what we already knew matters - cider is an alcoholic drink https://t.co/yvTecar4xg

[Political Insight @TeamPolitic]

Today: Has Trump 'chickened out?' @RachelReevesMP is set to mimic the US president on cheap Chinese imports; @Ed_Miliband 'poised to approve' regional energy pricing; the health hazard of Brum's bin strikes laid bare; and another big non-dom quits Britain https://t.co/btLgxHmaw9

[Political Insight @TeamPolitic]

Today: UK workers "among the saddest, loneliest and most disengaged in Europe;" @hmtreasury borrows £15bn more than planned; firms shut down at alarming rate; @marksandspencer in major 'cyber incident;' and Trump backs off sacking the @federalreserve Chair https://t.co/SnsoF33dW1

[Andrew Neil @afneil]

More bad news for Chancellor Reeves.

UK government borrowed more than expected in the year to March due to increased spending on pay and benefits (i.e. nothing do with the ‘black hole’ she claimed to have inherited).

Borrowing was £152bn in the year to March, up £21bn from the year before — and much higher than the £137bn predicted by the UK's official forecaster, the OBR.

The ONS says borrowing for the financial year just ended (2024/25) was the third highest on record.

Despite a substantial boost in tax revenues, state spending rose by more, largely due to inflation-related costs, including higher pay and benefit increases. And there you have the made-in-Downing Street reason borrowing is so high.

There’s a more fundamental point. The OBR couldn’t even get borrowing right for a financial year almost finished. Yet fiscal policy is predicated on what it thinks borrowing will be in 2029/30. It’s not economics. It’s the theatre of the absurd.

[Political Insight @TeamPolitic]

Today: US stocks and the $ plummet as @RachelReevesMP jets to Washington eyeing a trade deal; the eye-watering cost of tax compliance and moving house; @Gatwick_Airport is the worst for delays - again; and @Ocado apologies "unreservedly to @MumsnetTowers
https://t.co/y2m9ADgbrW

[Political Insight @TeamPolitic]

Today: Business groups unite against Labour's "deeply damaging" Employment Rights Bill; gold price hits a new record high as US dollar weakens; City watchdog vows to 'rip up the rulebook;' and can the UK do a trade deal with the US in under three weeks?
https://t.co/PGnCiC1zaO