Chamber

05/01/2023

Update: This page is now closed.

We have made the decision to close the use of our page from January 2023.

We have made this decision owing to societal changes towards social media usage.

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04/01/2023

Rishi Sunak sets out his ambitions for 2023. The Prime Minister promised:
📉 Falling inflation
📉 Falling national debt
📈 Economic growth
🚑 Reducing NHS waiting lists
🛥️ Stopping the crossing of small boats

Read more here:

In his first speech of the New Year, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak set out his priorities for 2023 and beyond

04/01/2023

📈Fresh food inflation reached 15% in December according to the British Retail Consortium. This is the highest figure since records began.

With an election looming in 2024, how can the government bring this under control?

Fresh food inflation hit 15% in December, the highest monthly inflation rate since records began

04/01/2023

Teesworks have released new images of a new services station under construction that will bring further development and jobs to the region.

The development will feature a 160 bed hotel, shops, petrol stations and more:

Ben Houchen

A new Teesworks site for a services station has had new images and plans unveiled

31/12/2022

Happy New Year!

From the whole team at Chamber, we would like to wish our viewers and readers all the best for the year ahead!

We cannot believe it has only been a year since we launched Chamber, and what a year it has been!

Often it has felt difficult to keep up with the constantly changing political environment in the UK. However, we hope that our YouTube channel, online and now print journal has kept you up to date with the latest insight and analysis.

In the coming days we will make some big announcements, including:
- a new political sandbox
- a special conference
- our next episode of "Levelling Up the Conversation" on nuclear energy and levelling up
- the theme for our next March journal
- our next episode of on obesity; and, much, much more.

If you have not already registered for our free newsletter to keep you up to date with the latest insight, analysis, latest episodes and event invites, you can register at: www.chamberuk.com/newsletter

Thank you to each and everyone of you who have supported us on a fantastic year. Here's to an even more successful 2023!

#2023

31/12/2022

Great news - Woodcock petition hits 100,000 signatures!🥳

The Parliamentary Woodcock petition started by Chris Packham, Mark Avery & Ruth Tingay (Wild Justice) has reached 100,000 signatures!

This means that the petition calling on the Government to push back the shooting season is now eligible for a debate in Parliament.

Watch our video with Chris in conversation with Olivia Blake &
Lord John Randall on the petition via our YouTube channel:

www.youtube.com/

30/12/2022

New Book Review:

In the first of our book review series, former NHS Ops Director and Co-Founder & COO of population health data platform Vuit, reviews Jeremy Hunt’s book Zero.

Jeremy Hunt lays bare the issues of why we continue to have unsafe healthcare in England – and the Chancellor is bang on the money!

To read the whole book review section of our latest Chamber print edition, visit: www.chamberuk.com/publications

To read the full book review, visit: https://chamberuk.com/jeremy-hunt-zero-book-review/

Zero, by Jeremy Hunt: Book Review. Former NHS Ops Director and Co-Founder of Vuit reviews the former Health Secretary's book.

29/12/2022

Exclusive Opinion:

Writing exclusively for the Chamber journal, Deputy Leader of the Alliance Party of Northern Ireland, Stephen Farry says a negotiated outcome on the protocol is key for stability in Northern Ireland.

He says the current Protocol Bill, presently before the House of Lords, is entirely unwarranted and it is in fact, counterproductive. It breaches international law, undermines the UK’s international standing and risks a damaging trade war with the EU. It is not wanted by Northern Ireland businesses and is opposed by most elected representatives.

Read the full article at Chamber: https://chamberuk.com/stephen-farry-alliance-northern-ireland-protocol/

Deputy Leader of the Alliance Party, Stephen Farry writes exclusively for Chamber on the Northern Ireland Protocol.

28/12/2022

Exclusive Interview!

The Chair of the Women and Equalities Select Committee, Caroline Nokes speaks exclusively to Chamber about the changes needed to tackle misogyny in our Education System.

Speaking to Chamber, she said "“I think if we’re being utterly candid, the last few years have been dreadful for violence against women and girls. We are now seeing thousands of girls feeling empowered by talking about their experiences at school, college and university.”

“We want to give them an opportunity to be heard, but we also need the Government to do more than just pay lip service to violence against women and girls.

"We have a duty, as a committee, to hold the Government Equalities Office (GEO) to account to establish what is being done to support women and girls and also to highlight what isn’t being done.”

Read the full interview at Chamber: https://chamberuk.com/misogyny-schools/

The Chair of the Women and Equalities Select Committee, Caroline Nokes speaks to Chamber about the changes needed to tackle misogyny in our Education System.

23/12/2022

From all of the team at Chamber UK, we wish you all a very Merry Christmas, a happy holidays and a Happy New Year.

Thank you to everyone who has contributed to our work at Chamber UK. From our episodes of Political Sandbox and Innovating Healthcare to our new print journal - we have enjoyed working with you as we grow our audience and reach to cover all communities across the United Kingdom.

As we launch our next journal in March 2023, we have a very exciting announcement about a very special edition.

To receive a free copy of our journal and invites to events and broadcasts across the UK, register at: www.chamberuk.com/newsletter

23/12/2022

With the “Historic” Gender Recognition Reform Bill Passed in Scotland, CEO of Curia and Chair of the + Commission, Ben Howlett warns the UK Government not to pick a fight with the Scottish Government over the in Scotland as it will undermine the union.

Speaking to Chamber UK, he says calls on the Equalities Minister, Kemi Badenoch MP to look elsewhere to start a row.

The Bill was led through the Scottish Parliament by Social Justice Secretary, Shona Robison MSP and was passed by 86 votes to 39.

However, the UK Government has threatened to veto the vote in an unprecedented move.

Commenting on the historic vote, Manager of Scottish Trans Alliance, Vic Valentine welcomed the vote saying the “simple but important” changes would allow trans people to live “with the dignity and recognition that everyone deserves”.

Read more at Chamber UK: https://chamberuk.com/gender-recognition-reform-bill-passed-scotland/

Gender Recognition Reform Bill: Improving the legal recognition system for trans people in Scotland.

23/12/2022

A happier Christmas is on the cards for many of the district’s most vulnerable children and young people, thanks to staff from Folkestone & Hythe District Council

Hundreds of presents are being distributed to 236 youngsters aged from newborn to 18 as part of this year’s Wish Upon a Star appeal, which sees members of the council’s teams buy and wrap presents

The presents have been collected by Kent County Council's Early Help, Youth Offending, Adolescent Support and Children’s Social Services teams. They are delivering the gifts to the youngsters in time for Christmas.

On the topic, councillor Jennifer Hollingsbee expressed her views saying "I think this is the reason why there is always such a big response from staff and others to the appeal. It’s particularly heart-warming this year as I know everyone is feeling the pinch."

Read the full article on
https://chamberuk.com/folkstone-and-hythe-council-the-gift-of-kindness/

A happier Christmas is on the cards for many of the district’s most vulnerable children and young people, thanks to staff from Folkestone & Hythe District Council.

21/12/2022

Helen Belcher writes for Chamber UK.
A chasm is opening in local government finances, but is anyone in Whitehall listening to local government leaders?

“We’re the victim of our own success.” says Andrew Burns, Associate Director of CICIPFA the local government sector’s accounting organisation. “Local government made the savings [since 2010] because it had to.” he continues.

John Hart, Conservative leader of DeDevon County Councilsaid, “Local government is normally an easy target.” He also went on to speak about social care stating that the COVID-19 pandemic changed people’s expectations. This meant that service delivery mechanisms needed to adapt quickly, particularly to deliver increasing amounts of care at home. He adds, “More children are having support, which is why SEND budgets are getting out of line right across the board. All authorities seem to be haemorrhaging money on this budget line.”

Read the full article on
https://chamberuk.com/the-chasm-in-local-government-finances/

A chasm is opening in local government finances, but is anyone in Whitehall listening to local government leaders?

21/12/2022

With the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, efforts by national and local leaders to address socioeconomic stresses faced by the country's population is an urgent priority.

In this landscape, Oxford City Council is taking a step to address housing crisis and vulnerabilities faced by citizens. Oxford City Council’s housing company intends to build the new homes in a mix of houses and maisonettes on land at Meadow Lane that was earmarked for development in the Local Plan 2036.

OX Place produced an initial masterplan for the development in October 2021 and this has now been amended following two rounds of public consultation. While half the development was originally envisaged as homes for market sale, all will now be affordable.

On the issue, Councillor Alex Hollingsworth, cabinet member for planning and housing delivery, said: “People said that the original plans didn’t do enough to help tackle our city’s housing crisis and OX Place has listened. If planning permission is granted, Meadow Lane will now be 100% affordable – providing 19 council homes for social rent and 13 homes for shared ownership.”

Read the full article on
https://chamberuk.com/oxford-city-council-tackles-housing-crisis/

Oxford City Council’s housing company intends to build the new homes in a mix of houses and maisonettes on land at Meadow Lane that was earmarked for

19/12/2022

Mark Lloyd, CEO of The Rivers Trust explores nature based solutions to the wicked problem of river pollution in a recent article for our journal.

Chief Executive Officer, The Rivers Trust

15/12/2022

Despite the it's more important that ever that the health service reap the benefits of innovation and reform.

Read here the thoughts of the National Director of Transformation at NHS England, Dr Tim Ferris and a panel of experts on how the can ensure that people receive innovating healthcare, faster.

In partnership with IQVIA, Chamber UK hosted a discussion around digital healthcare innovation in the United Kingdom. IQVIA, the third largest employer in the life science sector in the UK, are looking to help turn the UK’s potential as a global life sciences superpower into a reality.

14/12/2022

Canterbury City Council’s plan to carve up the city centre into zones are reminiscent of post-war Berlin, say residents.

Some on social media have compared the plans to the districts reminiscent of the Hunger Games books and films.

Defending the plans, Conservative Council Leader, Ben Fitter-Harding told The Times “I find it hard to reconcile that perception with the closing off of the rat runs.”

Similar plans in Oxford, where Oxfordshire County Council and Oxford City Council “traffic filters” will ban private vehicles from six areas of the city at set times of the day have received similar criticism from local residents.

To read more visit Chamber: https://chamberuk.com/canterbury-council-traffic-plans-criticised/

Canterbury Council's plan to carve up the city centre into zones are reminiscent of post-war Berlin, say residents.

14/12/2022

King Charles visited Parliament today to unveil a new plaque to commemorate The late Queen who passed away 8th of September this year. The plaque is there to acknowledge and remember the Lying-In-State of The late Queen in Westminster Hall.

Read more at CChamber https://chamberuk.com/king-unveils-new-plaque-to-commemorate-late-queen/

King Charles Unveils Plaque to Late Queen Elizabeth II in Parliament.

13/12/2022

In June 2022, Justice Secretary Dominic Raab introduced a new suggested piece of legislation to Parliament known as the Bill of Rights. It is proposed that this new bill would replace the existing Human Rights Act. The government said at the time that the bill aims to bring “common sense” back to the country’s justice system.

Since then, the bill has been on and off the table on a number of occasions. When Liz Truss replaced Boris Johnson as Prime Minister, she shelved the plans entirely. However, when her short stint as the leader of the country came to an end, Rishi Sunak reignited the bill.

The second reading of the bill in parliament has been postponed, with some analysts speculating that Sunak might be about to u-turn on the bill and shelve it himself. With mystery and controversy surrounding the bill, Aubrey Allegretti, the Guardian’s Political Correspondent, sat down with Conservative MP, Rt Hon Robert Buckland KC MP and and former Attorney General Dominic Grieve to discuss the bill in greater detail.

Read the full article on
https://chamberuk.com/the-bill-of-rights/

In June 2022, Justice Secretary Dominic Raab introduced a new suggested piece of legislation to Parliament known as the Bill of Rights. It is proposed that

13/12/2022

Air pollution severely affects large sections of the population, specifically vulnerable groups such as children, elderly population and those who suffer with respirator conditions and heart diseases. In the UK it is estimated that 28,000-36,000 premature deaths occur annually due to air pollution, with many residents suffering daily from the consequences of breathing toxic air.

In light of this, Portsmouth City Council has launched the awareness campaign ‘When you stop, engine stops’ asking drivers to switch their car engines off when they are stationary to improve people’s health by lowering air pollution.

Councillor Lynne Stagg expressed her views on the urgency of the campaign stating "Air pollution is a real problem that we need to act on now, for the health of our residents now and our next generations. Thousands of residents are experiencing the health consequences of toxic air, yet we still see engine idling rife throughout the city."

Read the full article through the link below

Drivers in Portsmouth have been asked to switch their car engines off when they are stationary to improve people's health by lowering air pollution.

12/12/2022

Sue Pascoe writes for Chamber UK on human rights in the UK amidst turmoil regarding the British Bill of Rights.

Read more here:

What are British values? Why are they important to all of us? Why are they linked to our fundamental human rights?

12/12/2022

Wakefield Council has announced the final round of the Made in Wakefield grants, giving out over £43k in culture grants.

Read more here:

Bring Me To Life- Women's Wellness CIC Sea Glass Collective Topsy Turvy Theatre Wakefield District Sight Aid Learnest

Wakefield Council is delighted to announce the final round of recipients of ‘Made in Wakefield’ grants for 2022.

09/12/2022

The Chancellor has announced sweeping reforms to the banking sector. The Government says this will cut red tape and turbocharge growth, taking advantage of freedoms having left the EU.

Critics warn that this risks ignoring the lessons of 2008:

The Chancellor has outlined sweeping reforms to the banking sector

09/12/2022

Portsmouth City Council has announced the opening of Cafe Collective, a cafe where SEND young people can gain work experience and confidence in the workplace.

"Following the opening of The Collective Shop at the college's Arundel Campus in Arundel Street, earlier in the year, this exciting opportunity further

08/12/2022

Flue-Turn.

Government that failed to get stronger wording on coal into the final COP26 statement decides to open a coal mine. 🧐

A new coal mine which will dig up coking coal for steel production in the UK and abroad has been approved by Michael Gove.

07/12/2022

Huddersfield Town Centre Regeneration Plan Receives Historic England Support.

Historic England has praised Kirklees Council’s vision for a vibrant new cultural and leisure hub in Huddersfield town centre, which will breathe new life into two of its listed buildings.

Kirklees Metropolitan Council has said that creating a cultural experience that is family friendly and welcoming to all has always been their priority. That is why phase one of the delivery plan will focus on the food hall, outdoor event space and the library.

Kirklees Council Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Councillor Cllr Graham Turner said: “The investment in, and revitalisation of, our town centres is vital if they are to thrive again. The ‘Cultural Heart’ strikes the perfect balance of creating a vibrant and welcoming destination for all whilst celebrating the town’s heritage and putting the magnificent historic buildings front and centre.”

To find out more visit Chamber: https://chamberuk.com/huddersfield-town-centre-regeneration/

Historic England has praised Kirklees Council’s vision for a vibrant new cultural and leisure hub in Huddersfield town centre.

06/12/2022

The National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) announces new strike dates over the festive period, including Christmas Eve. Will they strike a deal in time?

Read More: Chamber

Shortly after announcing a series of December strikes, the RMT have announced further strikes on Christmas Eve and 27th December.

06/12/2022

Following the launch of the innovative Healthy Communities Partnership, hear insights from Spelthorne Borough Council Chair,
Maureen Attewell on the project.

Read more: Chamber

care

Spelthorne Council announces a new Health Communities Partnership to improve local population health.

05/12/2022

New Electric Vehicle Charge Points Come to Ryedale, Yorkshire.

Electric Vehicle charging infrastructure specialist Zest has announced a partnership with Ryedale District Council, in North Yorkshire, where it will provide ten rapid (DC) charge points to serve its five market towns.

Read more at Chamber: https://chamberuk.com/electric-vehicle-ryedale/

Zest and Ryedale District Council announce partnership to bring electric vehicle charge points to the area.

05/12/2022

Today, the 5th of December, an animal welfare bill relating to kept animals will be debated in Westminster Hall after an online petition received over 100,000 signatures demanding that the bill is passed through parliament and made law.

Back in June 2021, the Kept Animals Bill was first proposed. The bill sets out a number of provisions that will better protect and improve the welfare of kept animals such as farm animals, pets and kept wild animals.

While the bill has undergone two readings in the House of Commons, it is still awaiting to enter the report stage where Members of Parliament consider amendments to the bill. This means there are still a significant number of stages left to complete, both in the House of Commons and the House of Lords, before the bill can be made law.

The Bill will be focusing on 5 key areas relating to puppy smuggling, live exports, pet monkeys, livestock protection and conservation in zoos.

Former Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs George Eustice expressed his views saying

“As an independent nation outside the EU, we are now able to go further than ever on animal welfare by banning the export of live animal exports for slaughter and fattening, prohibiting keeping primates as pets and bringing in new powers to tackle puppy smuggling.”

Read the full article on
https://chamberuk.com/animal-welfare-bill/

A debate on the Animals Bill in Westminster Hall to discuss better protection for kept animals.