Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

Asian politicians question timing of May's new town funding scheme

by LAUREN CODLING

AN ASIAN MP has referred to the government’s £1.6 billion funding scheme for poorer towns in England as a “sticking plaster”, as critics claimed the money was a bribe before crucial Brexit votes.


The ‘Stronger Town Funds’, announced on Monday (4), will target areas across England which are less well-off. The government intends to allocate £1bn using a needs-based formula.

It was revealed that more than half of the money (£583 million) will go to towns across the north, with a further £322m for communities in the Midlands.

An additional £600m will be available through a bidding process to communities in any other part of the country.

Announcing the plan, prime minister Theresa May said she wanted the economy to work for all people in the UK.

“Communities across the country voted for Brexit as an expression of their desire to see change – that must be a change for the better, with more opportunity and greater control,” she said.

“These towns have a glorious heritage, huge potential and, with the right help, a bright future ahead of them.”

However, some Labour politicians have claimed the funding was being used as a bribe before a decisive Brexit vote next week.

Labour’s Lisa Nandy, who has referred to the money as a “Brexit bribe” said the funds would not change her decision on the prime minister’s deal.

The MP for Wigan said the money was designed to help May ahead of the vote next Wednesday (15), adding that the government did not take the challenges which poorer towns faced seriously.

“I’ve consistently been clear with the government that my vote is not for sale,” Nandy said.

Others felt the funding would not repair the damage that has already been done to local communities.

Preet Gill, MP for Birmingham Edgbaston, said the money would not “heal the deep wounds felt in our communities caused by this Conservative government’s choice to continue ... austerity”.

“While additional funds will always be welcomed, the £212m allocated for the West Midlands over the next seven years in the Stronger Towns Fund is a mere sticking plaster,” the Labour politician told Eastern Eye.

Gill highlighted the £700m taken from Birmingham City council by central government

over the last decade.

“Local authorities up and down the country are struggling to deliver vital public services on a shoestring budget because of the callous cuts to local funds that have been forced on them by central government,” she said.

Faisal Rashid, Labour MP for Warrington South, shared Gill sentiments. Although he welcomed the government’s acknowledgement that more investment is needed in poorer towns, he does not believe the initiative will have a major impact.

The fund would provide £145m a year for the entire north of England, he said, which would equate to less than £10 more funding per person.

Like Birmingham, Warrington borough council has also faced substantial budget cuts of £122m since 2010.

“Warrington is one of the lowest funded of the 91 unitary and metropolitan authorities outside London and is the second lowest funded in the northwest,” he told Eastern Eye on Tuesday (5).

“Clearly, this fund would be a drop in the ocean compared to the impact of government austerity on our community.”

He also claimed the funding was an attempt to “buy Brexit votes”.

The decision to announce this project on the eve of key Brexit votes is clearly no coincidence, he said.

“It is an act of desperation by a prime minister whose political strategy is failing the country,” Rashid said.

More For You

Starmer-Getty

Starmer is facing a Labour backbench revolt over plans to reform special needs support in schools without guaranteeing existing legal rights. (Photo: Getty Images)

Getty Images)

Starmer faces Labour pushback over SEND reform plans

KEIR STARMER is facing a backlash from Labour MPs over plans to reform special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) support, after ministers stopped short of guaranteeing legal rights for parents.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said the government was committed to reforming the current system, which costs £12 billion a year. However, she did not confirm if legally enforceable rights, such as those provided by education, health and care plans (EHCPs), would remain.

Keep ReadingShow less
Heavy rain and thunderstorms hit London

Londoners faced a wet and stormy start to the week

iStock

Heavy rain and thunderstorms hit London before 30°C heatwave

Key points

  • Heavy rain and thunderstorms drench London at the start of the week
  • Temperatures set to rise with highs of 31°C expected by Thursday
  • Heatwave could be declared by Friday if warm conditions persist
  • Night-time temperatures to remain high, increasing discomfort
  • UV and pollen levels forecast to be very high across the south

Thunderstorms soak London before summer heat returns

Londoners faced a wet and stormy start to the week as heavy rain and overnight thunderstorms swept through the capital. Monday morning saw widespread downpours, leaving commuters reaching for umbrellas and Wimbledon ticket hopefuls queuing in ponchos.

The unsettled conditions followed a burst of thunderstorms on Sunday afternoon and continued into the early hours of Monday, prompting caution across the city. The Met Office has not issued a formal weather warning for thunderstorms, but conditions remain unstable.

Keep ReadingShow less
National Trust sets vision to heal
nature and engage more Asians

Lisa Nandy, Steve Reed, René Olivieri and Hilary McGrady at a National Trust event marking its 130th anniversary

National Trust sets vision to heal nature and engage more Asians

THE National Trust, which is seeking to broaden its appeal to British Asians, is marking its 130th anniversary with a renewed commitment to restoring nature and widening access under a 10-year strategy.

Its director-general, Hilary McGrady, also aims to inspire more people to get involved in caring for the country’s natural resources.

Keep ReadingShow less
 7/7 bombings

The King said the public should draw on the 'extraordinary courage and compassion' shown in response to the attacks. (Photo credit: X/@RoyalFamily)

Starmer and King Charles pay tribute on 20th anniversary of 7/7 bombings

PRIME MINISTER Keir Starmer and King Charles on Monday paid tribute to the unity shown in the aftermath of the 7 July bombings in London, as the country marked 20 years since the attacks.

On 7 July 2005, four Islamist extremists carried out suicide bombings at Aldgate Station, Edgware Road, King's Cross and Tavistock Square. The attacks killed 52 people and injured hundreds more.

Keep ReadingShow less
Navroop Singh

Navroop Singh was convicted of five charges including rape and was sentenced on July 4 at Isleworth Crown Court. (Photo credit: Metropolitan Police)

Man jailed for life over rape and attempted rape in west London

A 24-year-old man has been sentenced to life in prison for rape, attempted rape and firearm offences following a Metropolitan Police investigation in west London.

Navroop Singh, of Mellow Lane East, Hayes, was convicted of five charges including rape and was sentenced on Friday, July 4 at Isleworth Crown Court. He must serve a minimum of 14 years.

Keep ReadingShow less