The UK Prime Minister may have the regal touch in northern England, but he’s been wrong-footed on the constitutional challenges posed by the Celtic Alliance of first ministers from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, argues KENNY MacASKILL
THE media reaction to the Queen’s Speech was rather odd. Apart from a couple of die-hard Boris Johnson supporters (yes, I know), the overwhelming majority of the commentary was negative, even including The Times newspaper, as well as The Guardian and others.
This reflects the government’s deep unpopularity and general dissatisfaction with the series of crises it has caused or contributed to.
But there was also a widespread misunderstanding, one the labour movement should not make.
Burnham urged to raise taxes on banks after Barclays reveals 30% rise in pre-tax profits
Trade unions call for windfall tax hike to fund social energy tariff to public’s energy bills
Only an ambitious programme of state-led investment can restore growth and improve living standards, argues MICHAEL BURKE
The 2025 Budget shores up the PM’s political position with headline-grabbing welfare U-turns, but with no improvements on offer to declining public services or living standards, writes MICHAEL BURKE


