The UK's new Prime Minister Liz Truss has had a busy first morning in office.
A lively Prime Minister's Questions session in Parliament and the first meeting of her Cabinet provided some insight into the direction the UK will be steered in while she is at the helm. Some big issues were touched upon - and it would seem we can expect to see some fairly major changes in policy.
Today saw the PM and Downing Street talk about at least half a dozen different plans in the pipeline. While the Government's response to the energy crisis dominated much of the discussion, there were also suggestion of an new approach to human rights law reforms. Here's a run down of what we have learned so far.
Raab's Bill of Rights will probably be shelved
The proposed Bill of Rights, which was aimed at replacing the Human Rights Act, looks set to be shelved by Liz Truss’s Government.
The Bill of Rights Bill, which was due to enact the proposals, had been due to have its first Commons test on September 12. The legislation had been championed by former justice secretary Dominic Raab, who was the most high-profile casualty when Ms Truss formed her Cabinet on Tuesday.
A Government source said it is “unlikely to progress in its current form”, with the new administration “reviewing the most effective means to deliver the objectives of the Bill as a whole”. The “principles and objectives more generally (are) not shelved”, the source said.
The legislation has been highly controversial. Stephanie Boyce, president of the Law Society which represents solicitors in England and Wales, said the Bill of Rights “needs a complete rethink as the current draft represents a lurch backwards for British justice which would disempower people in Britain while giving the state more unfettered authority”.
Downing Street declined to guarantee that a new Bill of Rights to set out the European Court of Human Rights’ remit over the UK Supreme Court will be introduced during the current Parliament.
Asked if the current legislation was being scrapped, the Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “A new secretary of state will consider all policies in their area, that will include ongoing bills proceeding through Parliament. This is no different.”
Pressed if such legislation will be passed during the current Parliament, he said: “That would be one for the Leader of the House in terms of parliamentary timetable.”
More support for households and businesses is coming
New Prime Minister Liz Truss will on Thursday set out a plan to save households and businesses from financial ruin as a result of soaring energy bills.
At her first Prime Minister’s Questions, Ms Truss confirmed her plan, expected to freeze household bills at around £2,500, will be set out in Parliament. Ms Truss told the Commons: “I will make sure that in our energy plan we will help to support businesses and people with the immediate price crisis, as well as making sure there are long-term supplies available.
“I understand that people across our country are struggling with the cost of living and they are struggling with their energy bills.
“That is why I, as Prime Minister, will take immediate action to help people with the cost of their energy bills and I will be making an announcement to this House on that tomorrow and giving people certainty to make sure that they are able to get through this winter and be able to have the energy supplies and be able to afford it.”
Support for 'vital' hospitality industry is on its way
Mrs Truss said: “The hospitality industry is vital and I will make sure that in our energy plan we will help to support businesses and people with the immediate price crisis, as well as making sure there are long-term supplies available.”
No more windfall taxes on energy profits
Downing Street has said the current windfall tax on the soaring profits of oil and gas giants will not be scrapped. However, it ruled out further such measures being introduced.
The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “No, that approach is not being altered. The Prime Minister is clear that we will not be introducing any further taxes in this space, given that we want to see broader investment in domestic oil and gas production as a transition fuel during this current global crisis we face.”
New Prime Minister Liz Truss will on Thursday set out a plan to save households and businesses from financial ruin as a result of soaring energy bills. At her first Prime Minister’s Questions, Ms Truss confirmed her plan, expected to freeze household bills at around £2,500, will be set out in Parliament.
Fracking ban could be lifted
Downing Street has also hinted that the fracking ban could be lifted when Liz Truss sets out a new package to help deal with the energy crisis. In her campaign to become Prime Minister, Ms Truss said in an interview that “I support exploring fracking in parts of the United Kingdom where that can be done”.
On Wednesday, the Prime Minister’s press secretary said: “She made clear her position during the campaign but I’m not going to get into what’s in this energy package.”
He insisted the Conservative Party’s 2019 manifesto still stands in full, but added: “I’m not going to get into what’s in the energy statement tomorrow.”
'Fundamental reform' of energy industry planned
Liz Truss told her first Cabinet meeting that “fundamental reform” is required to prevent the UK being vulnerable to global energy price spikes.
The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said Ms Truss “outlined her approach to tackle the root causes of the current energy supply issues facing this country”.
“She said the UK was too exposed to global energy price spikes and that fundamental reform is needed so we’re protected from this happening again, while immediate action will be taken to deal with energy bills and to secure future energy supply,” he added.
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