UK politics - latest: Inflation falls as Peter Bone suspension triggers byelection for Rishi Sunak in 2024

Falling petrol prices help drive a bigger-than-expected fall inflation

Michael Gove calls for criminal case to be brought against Michelle Mone

UK inflation eased back to its lowest level for more than two years last month as falling petrol prices helped drive a bigger-than-expected fall, official figures show.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said the rate of Consumer Prices Index inflation fell to 3.9 per cent in November, down from 4.6 per cent in October, and the lowest level since September 2021.

Most economists had been expecting inflation to fall to 4.3 per cent last month.

Elsewhere, Rishi Sunak will face another by-election test early next year after MP Peter Bone lost his seat in parliament in a recall petition.

The Northamptonshire MP was suspended from the Commons for six weeks in October after an inquiry found he had subjected a staff member to bullying and sexual misconduct.

Some 13.2 per cent of eligible voters – 10,505 people – in Mr Bone’s Wellingborough constituency voted for the recall petition, surpassing the 10 per cent threshold needed to trigger a by-election.

Key Points

• Falling petrol prices help drive a bigger-than-expected fall inflation
• Bone suspension triggers fresh byelection for Sunak in 2024
• Gove reveals he has co-operated with NCA probe into PPE Medpro
• Mone accuses Gove of overseeing ‘huge waste in PPE contracts’

[20 December 2023 18:00 · Matt Mathers]

Layla Moran: My fears for my family trapped by snipers in Gaza’s Catholic church

Some of my relatives have been trapped there since October, writes the MP Layla Moran – food is running out and they can’t move from one room to another for fear of being shot.

Read Lay;a’s full piece here:

[20 December 2023 17:37 · Matt Mathers]

Overhaul of spy laws comes into force

An overhaul of spy laws to make it easier for police and the security services to disrupt threats to the UK from foreign powers has come into force.

The National Security Act became law in July after it was passed by parliament and got royal assent.

Described as the biggest overhaul of security legislation for a generation, the act is expected to provide the security services with greater powers to tackle threats from spies and state-backed sabotage and reform existing espionage laws, like the Official Secrets Act, to better tackle threats faced by hostile states like Russia and China.

The Act modernises elements of older espionage laws introduced when Britain was facing threats from German spies at the time of the First World War.

Whitehall officials believe the fresh powers could help crack down on cases like that of the suspected Chinese spy Christine Lee, who was accused of targeting politicians.

Security sources have warned that the case of suspected Chinese spy Christine Lee targeting MPs is not a ‘one off’ and such threats are increasing (MI5/PA) (PA Media)

[20 December 2023 17:00 · Matt Mathers]

What does the bigger-than-expected fall in inflation mean for me?

UK inflation has dropped to its lowest level for more than two years thanks to falling fuel costs and another slowdown in food price rises.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said the rate of Consumer Prices Index (CPI) inflation fell to 3.9% in November, down from 4.6% in October.

[20 December 2023 16:20 · Matt Mathers]

The inflation drop is Rishi’s surprise Christmas gift to the nation

Prices are now rising at their slowest in two years – but will the PM get any credit for it? That depends on how soon the Bank of England can cut interest rates, says James Moore.

Read James’s full piece here:

[20 December 2023 16:00 · Matt Mathers]

David Cameron pushes his plan for Gaza ceasefire as he meets Middle East leaders

Foreign secretary David Cameron has held talks with leaders in Jordan as pushes the UK argument for a “sustainable ceasefire” in the Israel-Hamas war during a trip across the Middle East.

Making his second trip to the region since joining Rishi Sunak’s government, the former PM is seeking progress on efforts to secure the release of hostages by Hamas and step up aid into Gaza.

Adam Forrest reports:

[20 December 2023 15:48 · Matt Mathers]

Scottish government apologises to parliament over gender reforms

The Scottish government has apologised to parliament after its decision not to further appeal against the Court of Session’s ruling on its gender reforms were leaked to the press.

Social justice secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said that the decision had been reported was “deeply disappointing and regrettable” and that deputy first minister Shona Robison – who was asked about the situation in a media interview on Tuesday – “responded to direct questions put to her” and did not confirm that the decision had been made.

“I would also like to apologise to you and the chamber,” she said.

Shirley-Anne Somerville

[20 December 2023 15:20 · Matt Mathers]

Irish government to launch legal challenge against UK over NI Legacy Act

The Irish government is to initiate a legal challenge against the UK’s Act to deal with the legacy of the Northern Ireland Troubles.

Ireland’s deputy premier Micheal Martin said the interstate case would argue that the provisions of the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 are incompatible with the United Kingdom’s obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights.

Full report:

[20 December 2023 15:05 · Matt Mathers]

Sunak must ease Brexit trade friction with EU side deals, say business chiefs

Rishi Sunak should consider a range of side and supplementary deals with the EU to ease ongoing trade friction after Brexit, business leaders have warned.

Almost two-thirds of UK exporters say selling to the EU has become even harder in the past year, according to the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC).

Adam Forrest reports:

[20 December 2023 14:45 · Matt Mathers]

Average UK house price was £3,000 lower in October than a year earlier

The average house price was £3,000 lower in October than a year earlier, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

The figures were released as a separate ONS report indicated that private rental prices have been rising at a record rate.

Within London, house prices have been falling at the fastest rate since 2009, while private rental prices have been rising at their fastest pace since at least 2006.

Across the UK, property values fell by 1.2 per ce t on average in the 12 months to October 2023.

This was a steeper decline than the decrease of 0.6 per cent recorded in the 12 months to September 2023.

Annual growth in house prices has been generally slowing since July 2022, when it was 13.8 per cent

The average UK house price was £288,000 in October 2023 – £3,000 lower than 12 months earlier.

(PA Wire)

[20 December 2023 14:35 · Matt Mathers]

Labour taking ‘nothing for granted’ in Wellingborough

Labour frontbencher Jonathan Ashworth said his party was “taking nothing for granted” in Wellingborough.

On a visit to the seat he told the PA news agency: “I think it’s clear that people across Wellingborough, they want a fresh start. They know it’s time for a change.

“And after 13 years, now going on 14 years, of the Conservatives, when people are paying more in tax, they’re paying more on their mortgage thanks to decisions by the Conservative government, they are paying more on their energy bills, they’re paying more in the shops, families are struggling and they know that there can be a better way.

“They want a government that is on their side and they want an MP who is on their side. So I think it’s clear now that the country wants change. And here in Wellingborough, it’s Labour offering that change.”

But he said: “We’re taking nothing for granted and in the end the voters of Wellingborough will decide.”

Shadow work and pensions secretary Jonathan Ashworth criticised the Government’s action on employment (Gareth Fuller/PA) (PA Archive)