May honours are ‘political favours’
Superintendent Nick Aldworth said the police resources would be “proportionate” and “appropriate”, and that those flocking to the sold-out fireworks display on the banks of the Thames would be safe. NON-EMERGENCY calls to the NHS hotline reached the highest level for 2017 in the seven days up to Christmas, official figures have shown.
NHS England’s weekly operational update showed a spike in the number of calls to its 111 service – some 396,262 in the seven days ending Christmas Eve, compared with 325,042 the previous week. It was the biggest volume since the last week of 2016, ending January 1, 2017, which saw 457,084 calls. STORM Dylan is expected to cause disruption across the country as the weather front brings a wet and windy end to the year.
With gusts of up to 80mph expected in Northern Ireland and southern Scotland, forecasters warned there is the potential for “danger to life from flying debris”.
It comes as heavy snow, rain, thunderstorms and wind caused disruption across much of Britain yesterday as the country was gripped by another day of wintry weather.
With the new year approaching, a yellow warning for wind has been issued for Northern Ireland and THERESA MAY has faced claims of rewarding “services to the establishment” and having “doled out political favours” in the New Year Honours.
Key Tory powerbroker Graham Brady, regarded as the voice of the party’s backbenches at Westminster, has been awarded a knighthood.
As chairman of the 1922 Committee, he is listened to closely by the leadership and would play a crucial role in any future leadership contest, which would be triggered if 15% of the party’s MPs – 48 at present – write to him requesting one.
Two other members of the 1922 Committee executive are also honoured, with vice-chairwoman Cheryl Gillan being made a Dame while treasurer Geoffrey Clifton-Brown is knighted.
All three backed Leave in the European Union referendum, as did a fourth Conservative MP to be honoured, veteran former minister Christopher Chope who receives a knighthood.
Their awards may be seen, in part, as offsetting the knighthood for former deputy prime minister and prominent Remain campaigner Nick Clegg. Scotland tomorrow, as Dylan begins to roll across the region. The warning is in place from around 12am to 3pm, during which the Met Office said there is a “small chance of damage to buildings”, as well as power cuts and potentially issues with mobile phone coverage.
“Large waves and beach
The ex-Liberal Democrat leader remains a vocal critic of Brexit and his award was criticised by some Leavers when details leaked earlier this week.
Former Ukip leader Nigel Farage, when told of the Tory MPs and others honoured, said: “It’s services to the establishment in a sense. I suppose it’s a relief to see any Leavers on the list. The reason it’s a surprise to see Leavers on the list is previously there haven’t been any.
“But I don’t think it’s a reward for Brexit, but a reward for work to the party. The Government’s priority is keeping the party together.”
Asked if he would want to be included in a future honours list, MEP Mr Farage material being thrown on to coastal areas could also be a hazard,” the forecaster added.
“There is a small chance of longer journey times or cancellations as road, rail, air and ferry services are affected, with the chance that some roads and bridges could close.” replied: “It’s never been an aspiration for me but an aspiration for many who support me. What will be will be.”
Sir Geoffrey, MP for The Cotswolds, said he believed it was “completely coincidental” when asked if Brexit had influenced any of the honours.
He praised Sir Graham for his “great job” leading the 1922 Committee and Dame Cheryl for her work since becoming an MP in 1992.
Sir Geoffrey said it was “great” to be recognised for working on behalf of his community, adding: “My daughter is about to have a baby so we’ve got a double family celebration.”
Sir Graham said: “I am delighted. It’s a huge honour. My family are thrilled.”
SNP Cabinet Office spokesman Tommy Sheppard said public honours should recognise the “remarkable efforts and achievements” of people in communities which advance society.
He said: “There are many this year who can be rightly proud of the recognition their honour gives to their works.
“However, they should not be doled out as political favours.”