Planning
Gordon Brown has intervened to offer fresh concessions to head off tonight’s expected rebellion by up to 60 Labour MPs over controversial plans to hand over planning decisions for big projects, such as nuclear power stations and runways, to a new, unelected body. His offer to support one detailed rebel amendment, late on Monday night, led to a leading opponent, Clive Betts, Labour MP for Sheffield Attercliffe, deciding to back the government tonight. But other rebels, including John Grogan, MP for Selby, and John McDonnell, MP for Hayes and Harlington, are unconvinced. This means the government could face a close shave in the vote tonight.
Guardian 25th June 2008 more >>
Energy Prices
Senior executives from Britain’s leading energy companies yesterday warned householders to prepare for further sharp rises in gas and electricity bills. They told the Commons business and enterprise committee that rising global energy costs were increasing the pressure on companies, and refused to rule out rises of up to 40% in household bills.
Guardian 25th June 2008 more >>
Independent 25th June 2008 more >>
Telegraph 25th June 2008 more >>
Times 25th June 2008 more >>
India
India’s ruling coalition is due to hold key talks with its Communist allies on signing the delayed landmark US-India civil nuclear cooperation deal. The talks come amid reports that the Congress-led coalition could go ahead with deal and risk an early election.
BBC 25th June 2008 more >>
Syria
Israel believes that Syria was planning to supply Iran with spent nuclear fuel for reprocessing into weapons-grade plutonium from the site it bombed last September, and which is currently being inspected by the UN’s nuclear watchdog. The claim from an adviser to Israel’s national security council, came yesterday as speculation mounts about a possible Israeli attack on Iran. The Israeli government officially backs UN sanctions to force Tehran to halt its uranium enrichment but has little faith they will succeed.
Guardian 25th June 2008 more >>
US
When candidates agree, it is not always front-page news. Election coverage hinges on conflict. Effective governance works differently. The next president must work to build consensus to get things done. Nuclear security is an excellent place to start; in fact, a remarkable bipartisan consensus is emerging that can help the 44th president revolutionise America’s policy towards nuclear weapons. In October, Senator Barack Obama said that “America seeks a world in which there are no nuclear weapons”. This month, Senator John McCain gave an important policy address on nuclear non-proliferation, committing America to the same – if less specific – goal. For the first time in history, both main party candidates have agreed to put America on a path towards a world without nuclear weapons and all the risks they bring.
FT 25th June 2008 more >>
Israel
No real media attention was given to a stunning declaration made yesterday by Dalia Itzik, the Knesset Speaker. Greeting the French president Nicola Sarkozy and thanking France for giving Israel nuclear weapons.
Report Iran 24th June 2008 more >>
