13 h. ago Trump’s EPA eliminates research and development office and begins layoffs

Administration’s move to cut thousands of agency jobs will be devastating for US public health, union warnsThe Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said on Friday it is eliminating its research and development arm and reducing agency staff by thousands of employees. One union leader said the moves “will devastate public health in our country”.The agency’s office of research and development (ORD) has long provided the scientific underpinnings for the EPA’s mission to protect the environment and human health. The EPA said in May it would shift its scientific expertise and research efforts to program offices that focus on major issues such as air and water. Continue reading...

Politics

4 d. ago UK union leaders express fear over erosion of right to protest in open letter

Twenty-two union leaders criticise Met over arrest of people who took part in pro-Gaza march in JanuaryMore than 20 union leaders have expressed their deep concern over the apparent erosion of the right to peaceful protest, piling pressure on the Metropolitan police over its handling of pro-Palestinian marches at the start of the year.Paul Nowak of the Trades Union Congress, Christina McAnea of Unison, Daniel Kebede of the National Education Union, Matt Wrack of the Teachers Union and Eddie Dempsey of the RMT are among 22 trade union general secretaries who have criticised the Met’s decision to arrest and charge former union members who took part in peaceful protest on 18 January. Continue reading...

Politics

5 d. ago Heatwaves have caused 10,000 excess deaths in England in past four years, says Miliband – UK politics live

Energy secretary addresses MPs, telling them the UK is getting hotter and wetter with three times the number of days above 30 degreesAs Rowena Mason revealed recently, No 10 has issued guidance that in effect bans civil servants from any level of speaking at events where journalists are present.Today the Times has published a letter signed by almost 30 experts – including former senior officials, thinktank leaders, academics and union leader – saying this policy is a mistake because it is having “a chilling effect on public discussion” and that it should be withdrawn. They say:The government’s new guidance that prevents public officials from participating properly in public or stakeholder events is a mistake. Effective government relies on public servants, whose salaries are paid by the taxpayer, hearing directly from businesses, charities, academics and citizens to help them make better policy. They should be able to explain government activity to those same groups. Continue readin...

Politics

5 d. ago Streeting says BMA ‘shockingly irresponsible’ over tactics for doctors’ strikes – UK politics live

Health secretary welcomes talks with union but says members have been told not to inform trusts if they are going to take actionAs Rowena Mason revealed recently, No 10 has issued guidance that in effect bans civil servants from any level of speaking at events where journalists are present.Today the Times has published a letter signed by almost 30 experts – including former senior officials, thinktank leaders, academics and union leader – saying this policy is a mistake because it is having “a chilling effect on public discussion” and that it should be withdrawn. They say:The government’s new guidance that prevents public officials from participating properly in public or stakeholder events is a mistake. Effective government relies on public servants, whose salaries are paid by the taxpayer, hearing directly from businesses, charities, academics and citizens to help them make better policy. They should be able to explain government activity to those same groups. Continue reading...

Events

5 d. ago Starmer to meet Trump in Scotland this month as demonstrations planned against state visit – UK politics live

PM to meet US president during private visit in July as Stop Trump Coalition announces protest planned for SeptemberAs Rowena Mason revealed recently, No 10 has issued guidance that in effect bans civil servants from any level of speaking at events where journalists are present.Today the Times has published a letter signed by almost 30 experts – including former senior officials, thinktank leaders, academics and union leader – saying this policy is a mistake because it is having “a chilling effect on public discussion” and that it should be withdrawn. They say:The government’s new guidance that prevents public officials from participating properly in public or stakeholder events is a mistake. Effective government relies on public servants, whose salaries are paid by the taxpayer, hearing directly from businesses, charities, academics and citizens to help them make better policy. They should be able to explain government activity to those same groups. Continue reading...

Politics

5 d. ago Most people in France, Germany, Italy and Spain want UK to rejoin EU, poll finds – but on new terms

Poll results after prime minister Keir Starmer welcomed the French president for the first state visit from a European Union leader since the UK left the bloc

Politics

6 d. ago Brexit: Most people in France, Germany, Italy and Spain want UK to rejoin EU, poll finds – but on new terms

Poll results after Labour prime minister Keir Starmer welcomed the French President to the UK for the first state visit from a European Union leader since the UK left the bloc

Politics

9 d. ago Union accuses council of ‘abhorrent’ practices and calls for leader to quit

Unite’s National Lead Officer said workers involved in Birmingham’s bin strike remain in determined mood despite an alleged ‘fire and rehire’ threat.

Politics

1 week ago TV freelancers fearful of speaking up, union leader says after firing of Gregg Wallace

Bectu chief says junior staff in industry feel vulnerable and she is not surprised by further claims about WallaceVulnerable freelance workers in television feel “real fear” about coming forward to complain about stars like Gregg Wallace, the head of the broadcasting union has said.Wallace was fired from MasterChef on Tuesday after fresh allegations to the BBC about his behaviour from a further 50 people. Continue reading...

Politics

3 w. ago Brit holidaymakers face summer of disruption as strikes hit hotels and restaurants

Union leaders have confirmed a series of walkouts this summer, expected to affect not only hotels but also restaurants, bars, and nightlife venues across Majorca, Ibiza, and Formentera

Events

3 w. ago EU leaders seek a big boost in Ukraine military support but make little progress on Russia sanctions

European Union leaders are calling for greater efforts to help meet Ukraine’s pressing military needs

Events

4 w. ago Union leaders call on Keir Starmer to immediately recognise Palestinian state

TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak, Unite's Sharon Graham and Unison's Christina McAnea are among the union chiefs putting their name to calls for the UK government to "immediately" recognise a Palestinian state

Politics