Ruby Lott-Lavigna – Radio Free

Sian Berry: ‘I wish Greens had been able to deal with transphobia sooner’

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Wed, 20 Mar 2024 13:10:04 +0000

The candidate to replace Brighton MP Caroline Lucas is planning for a Green future – but is her party united?

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.

With just three weeks, did Wales’ Covid inquiry answer the key questions?

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Fri, 15 Mar 2024 15:12:42 +0000

Mark Drakeford and his cabinet rattled through topics like devolution, Eat Out to Help Out, care homes and lockdown

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.

It was ‘policy’ not to let Wales go further than UK on Covid, claims Drakeford

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Wed, 13 Mar 2024 16:51:51 +0000

Welsh first minister clashes with inquiry chair over Treasury emails regarding ‘firebreak’ lockdown

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.

Mark Drakeford: Wales should have taken ‘more stringent action’ in pandemic

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Wed, 13 Mar 2024 13:52:52 +0000

The outgoing first minister said with hindsight there are ‘many things’ he would have done differently

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.

UK government made Wales feel like ‘second class citizens’ during pandemic

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Tue, 12 Mar 2024 13:40:35 +0000

Rishi Sunak’s refusal to help fund an early firebreak in Wales was ‘a disappointment’, the Covid inquiry heard today

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.

Wales ‘unlikely’ to have approved of Eat Out to Help Out – had it been asked

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Mon, 11 Mar 2024 17:07:46 +0000

Vaughan Gething becomes the latest senior figure to speak out against Rishi Sunak’s flagship scheme

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.

Wales’ former health minister ‘embarrassed’ his Covid WhatsApps are missing

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Mon, 11 Mar 2024 12:12:43 +0000

Vaughan Gething also called Boris Johnson ‘scatty, incoherent and rambling’

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.

Emily Thornberry: Labour’s pre-election meetings with lobbyists to stay secret

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Fri, 08 Mar 2024 12:36:19 +0000

Voters will have no idea who has influenced Keir Starmer’s policies, shadow minister told openDemocracy conference

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.

Wales imposed different Covid rules for the sake of it, says Tory MP

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Thu, 07 Mar 2024 15:45:01 +0000

Ex-Wales minister Simon Hart U-turned on his previous claims that there were ‘valid reasons’ for Wales’ divergence

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.

Welsh government ‘shocked’ when UK opened its own testing centre in Cardiff

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Thu, 07 Mar 2024 14:29:34 +0000

The Covid inquiry has heard evidence of a breakdown in the relationship between Welsh and UK leaders

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.

The Budget is great for landlords but a disaster for renters

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Wed, 06 Mar 2024 18:04:29 +0000

Amid a cost of living and homelessness crisis, how could Jeremy Hunt completely ignore renters?

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.

‘Utterly shameful’: Suspended Labour politician slams Starmer’s Gaza stance

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Wed, 28 Feb 2024 22:01:08 +0000

Four London councillors have been disciplined by their local party after calling for a ceasefire

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.

‘Generally… competent’: We asked young Keir Starmer fans to explain his appeal

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Tue, 27 Feb 2024 22:01:07 +0000

Jeremy Corbyn drew fresh-faced crowds at Glastonbury and beyond. But his successor has younger fans too – sort of

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.

I am facing my second no-fault eviction in two years. Renting is broken

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Tue, 20 Feb 2024 11:02:30 +0000

Four years after ministers promised to ban Section 21 evictions, I am once again being kicked out of my home

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.

Almost 10,000 social rent homes were lost last year in England

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Fri, 09 Feb 2024 15:04:55 +0000

More social rent homes were sold or demolished than built last year, new government figures show

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.

Nicola Sturgeon: Scotland should have locked down two weeks earlier

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 16:14:11 +0000

The former first minister also denied having a political agenda in her management of the pandemic

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.

Sturgeon admits deleting WhatsApps – as inquiry is shown recovered messages

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 12:27:49 +0000

Former first minister denied wanting to keep secrets as exchange with Liz Lloyd reveals ‘crisis of decision-making’

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.

Minutes missing from Scottish government’s key Covid meetings

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Tue, 30 Jan 2024 15:17:59 +0000

Ex-finance chief Kate Forbes said she was ‘surprised’ that record keeping was missing from ‘Gold Command’ meetings

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.

Scottish deputy first minister ‘deleted material’ for 17 years

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Tue, 30 Jan 2024 14:23:22 +0000

John Swinney reveals he actively deleted WhatsApps but claimed all key information was put ‘on the official record’

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.

Hancock: Scotland should focus on ‘fat-fighting’ and let Westminster handle Covid

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Mon, 29 Jan 2024 13:24:27 +0000

WhatsApp messages reveal tension between UK government and Scottish government over pandemic response

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.

Scottish government recommended deleting WhatsApps during pandemic

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Fri, 19 Jan 2024 13:14:14 +0000

Messages from senior civil servants show recommendations to colleagues to ‘delete this thread’

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.

Will the Tories meet their 2019 manifesto pledges?

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Tue, 02 Jan 2024 22:01:06 +0000

Remember the 40 new hospitals and the 300,000 additional homes a year? Here’s how that’s going

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.

More than just an election: The other key political events in 2024

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Fri, 29 Dec 2023 22:01:06 +0000

From new immigration laws to the Covid inquiry’s module on vaccines, 2024 is more than just a year to head to the polls

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.

Police disproportionately target Black rough sleepers under archaic law

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Tue, 19 Dec 2023 13:04:02 +0000

Exclusive: Data reveals Black people are more likely to be arrested for being homeless under the Vagrancy Act

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.

Government maintains it ‘got big decisions right’ as Covid inquiry breaks

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Thu, 14 Dec 2023 13:52:45 +0000

Top scientists have argued lockdown should have been a week earlier – and that there was evidence for it at the time

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.

Did Sunak mislead Parliament over Eat Out to Help Out?

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Thu, 14 Dec 2023 12:44:20 +0000

Sunak told MPs that scientific advice had been taken ‘at all steps’ during Covid. That’s not what the inquiry has heard

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.

Sunak insists there was no need to consult scientists on Eat Out to Help Out

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Mon, 11 Dec 2023 15:33:03 +0000

Bullish under questioning, the prime minister claimed Eat Out was a ‘micropolicy’ that did not need scientific input

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.

Johnson denies ‘racism’ contributed to deaths of ethnic minority NHS staff

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Thu, 07 Dec 2023 16:51:53 +0000

Ex-PM struggled to answer Covid inquiry’s questions on disproportionate number of deaths in minority ethnic groups

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.

Johnson: ‘I didn’t know scientists weren’t consulted on Eat Out to Help Out’

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Thu, 07 Dec 2023 11:44:31 +0000

The former prime minister said he did not understand how it had been ‘smuggled past the scientific advice’

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.

Boris Johnson: I should have had more women in top team during Covid

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Wed, 06 Dec 2023 17:09:10 +0000

But the former PM rejected accusations of a ‘toxic’ culture and said he also needed team to be ‘argumentative’

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.

Airbnb claims homeowners have to let out properties to help with energy bills

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Wed, 06 Dec 2023 12:55:47 +0000

Data shows most people with second homes are in the highest income bracket

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.

Boris Johnson: My mistakes during Covid did not lead to excess deaths

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Wed, 06 Dec 2023 12:12:16 +0000

Appearing at the Covid inquiry, the former PM struggled to name a single mistake his government made

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.

Boris Johnson dodges bereaved families by arriving at Covid inquiry at 7am

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Wed, 06 Dec 2023 10:26:57 +0000

Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice UK had planned a protest for the former PM's entrance to the inquiry

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.

‘I set my alarm for 2am’: Meet the people attending the Covid inquiry every day

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Tue, 05 Dec 2023 05:01:06 +0000

Travelling for six hours, spending thousands of pounds – to what lengths will bereaved families go for justice?

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.

‘I set my alarm for 2am’: Meet the people attending the Covid inquiry every day

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Tue, 05 Dec 2023 05:01:06 +0000

Travelling for six hours, spending thousands of pounds – to what lengths will bereaved families go for justice?

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.

Did Hancock think people in care homes were already about to die?

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Fri, 01 Dec 2023 17:39:29 +0000

Former health secretary didn’t challenge aide’s claim that care home residents were ‘near the end regardless’

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.

Hancock accepts there was no ‘protective ring’ around care homes

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Thu, 30 Nov 2023 17:21:18 +0000

Evidence also shows his own adviser had ‘issues’ with claims care homes were locked down first

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.

Matt Hancock denies claims he lied about Covid plans

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Thu, 30 Nov 2023 15:12:53 +0000

Former health secretary insists there is ‘no evidence’ for any of the accusations he didn’t tell the truth

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.

Johnson said consulting with unions over return-to-work was ‘bollocks’

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Wed, 29 Nov 2023 14:12:58 +0000

Diary entry from Patrick Vallance claims former PM dismissed mask wearing and working from home

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.

‘We will need to discharge Covid patients into care homes’

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Wed, 29 Nov 2023 12:10:41 +0000

March 2020 email from Jenny Harries said sending Covid patients into social care would be ‘the reality’

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.

Still no sign language at Covid inquiry – a year after request was made

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Thu, 26 Oct 2023 22:01:06 +0000

Disability advocacy groups warn some of the worst affected by the pandemic are missing out on ‘important information'

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.

Eight landlord MPs spoke during debate on renters’ rights

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Tue, 24 Oct 2023 16:25:49 +0000

Tenants’ groups say more transparency is needed as property owners raise concerns over Renters (Reform) Bill

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.

Covid inquiry won’t show Patrick Vallance’s full diaries amid legal challenge

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Thu, 19 Oct 2023 13:45:00 +0000

Lawyers for the former chief scientific adviser said publishing the diaries in full breached his human rights

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.

Lack of ethnic diversity on SAGE ‘impacted’ advice given to ministers on Covid

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Tue, 17 Oct 2023 12:51:46 +0000

Epidemiologist Steven Riley noted there was “very little ethnic diversity within the system” when Covid hit

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.

Boris Johnson asked: ‘Do we really believe in long Covid?’

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Fri, 13 Oct 2023 15:59:31 +0000

A long Covid expert said the PM’s scepticism made no sense because ‘the science was already quite compelling’

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.

‘We look like a terrible, tragic joke’: Covid WhatsApps show government chaos

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Fri, 13 Oct 2023 12:01:42 +0000

Messages from Simon Case, Lee Cain and Dominic Cummings document tension at the heart of government during Covid

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.

Lobbyists and corporate sponsors were everywhere at the Labour conference

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Thu, 12 Oct 2023 11:36:50 +0000

It’s been clear for a while that Keir Starmer’s Labour is embracing big business. Its conference confirmed it

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.

Deliveroo’s gig economy event at Labour conference featured no riders

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Mon, 09 Oct 2023 18:55:51 +0000

The company’s CEO told the audience he didn’t know why there was no worker representation on the panel

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.

Right-wing think tank set to ‘expand network’ into Labour Party

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Sun, 08 Oct 2023 18:47:09 +0000

The Adam Smith Institute, which does not declare its UK funders, said it is set to announce a Labour peer as a patron

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.

Opaque think tanks, landlords and the arms industry dominate Tory conference

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Thu, 05 Oct 2023 15:52:12 +0000

Lobby groups and big business had a front row seat with cabinet ministers in Manchester this week

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.

Rishi Sunak wants you to forget the last 13 years

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Wed, 04 Oct 2023 16:02:16 +0000

Listening to the PM in Manchester, you’d be forgiven for thinking a different party has been running the country

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.

Renters aren’t all ‘weed-smoking bad people in gangs’, says Tory housing minister

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Mon, 02 Oct 2023 17:27:04 +0000

Housing minister Rachel Maclean reassured landlords that some renters aren’t ‘smashing up the neighbourhood’

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.

The government debunked a 15-minute city conspiracy… then endorsed it

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Mon, 02 Oct 2023 14:24:18 +0000

Levelling up department’s own guidance contradicts comments by transport secretary Mark Harper at Tory conference

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.

Health department slammed for delaying key evidence to Covid inquiry

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Wed, 27 Sep 2023 12:32:50 +0000

The inquiry has warned that the government’s latest stalling could be ‘detrimental’ to its investigations

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.

Revealed: Landlords’ lobbying ahead of Sunak U-turn on green homes

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Wed, 20 Sep 2023 14:01:29 +0000

Propertymark and National Residential Landlords’ Association urged Tories to weaken energy efficiency rules for rentals

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.

Covid inquiry finds government wrongly labelled some evidence ‘irrelevant’

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Mon, 18 Sep 2023 16:51:59 +0000

Battle to keep Boris Johnson’s WhatsApps and diaries secret is partial success – but some could now be made public

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.

Net zero minister linked to oil-funded group that targeted climate protesters

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Fri, 01 Sep 2023 16:01:58 +0000

Claire Coutinho was senior fellow at Policy Exchange, which drafted law to crack down on XR and other climate activists

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.

Labour conference set to host weapons manufacturers and spyware firm

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Wed, 23 Aug 2023 16:15:49 +0000

Boeing, Palantir and Babcock listed as sponsors for fringe events run by New Statesman media group

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.

Revealed: Only 16 rogue landlords are banned from renting out properties

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Tue, 22 Aug 2023 22:01:06 +0000

Cash-strapped councils are reluctant to take landlords to court due to legal costs, a lawyer told openDemocracy

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.

What has the UK’s Covid inquiry found so far?

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Thu, 17 Aug 2023 12:50:45 +0000

For six weeks, lawyers grilled politicians on how prepared the UK was for a pandemic. Here’s what you need to know

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.

Revealed: Sunak snubbed request to appoint more diverse Covid inquiry panel

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Tue, 08 Aug 2023 22:01:08 +0000

Groups representing minorities were told that having the inquiry overseen by more than one person would take too long

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.

Exclusive: Government demands Covid inquiry gives back evidence

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Wed, 02 Aug 2023 22:01:06 +0000

Cabinet Office request for evidence to be returned comes after it was made to hand over Boris Johnson’s WhatsApps

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.

Covid inquiry has no plan to sanction Boris Johnson over missing messages

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Thu, 13 Jul 2023 14:23:34 +0000

Bereaved families have called for action against the former prime minister, who claims he can’t unlock his old phone

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.

Northern Ireland: Health sector known to be at risk of failure since 2018

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Mon, 10 Jul 2023 16:06:02 +0000

A 2018 document reveals concerns were raised that ‘underfunded’ public health sector would collapse in an emergency

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.

Brexit prep forced Northern Ireland to ‘cannibalise’ departments before Covid

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Thu, 06 Jul 2023 16:27:31 +0000

The UK’s only nation to border the EU was left to prepare for Brexit with no ministers, says Denis McMahon

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.

Bereaved families’ relief as High Court rules against government

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Thu, 06 Jul 2023 13:45:33 +0000

The Cabinet Office has lost its judicial review of the inquiry’s decision to force disclosure of unredacted messages

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.

Key Northern Ireland emergency documents years out of date before pandemic

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Thu, 06 Jul 2023 12:39:17 +0000

Lack of ministers hampered Covid response, says Denis McMahon, and crucial policies barely mentioned risk of pandemic

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.

Outsourcing public services could breach government’s own data privacy laws

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Thu, 06 Jul 2023 12:28:13 +0000

Exclusive: A new report on public sector digitisation has raised concerns over outsourcing and transparency

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.

Care homes ‘not a priority’ in pandemic planning months before Covid hit

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Mon, 26 Jun 2023 11:58:27 +0000

A November 2019 document shows the government chose not to prioritise adult social care in its flu pandemic plans

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.

Former health secretary Jeremy Hunt faces public Covid inquiry for first time

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Wed, 21 Jun 2023 16:48:29 +0000

Former health secretary says government didn’t ask right questions before Covid and admits ‘groupthink’ on herd immunity

Deputy PM defends pause of pandemic prep to plan for no-deal Brexit

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Wed, 21 Jun 2023 12:42:40 +0000

Others speaking in the inquiry have described Operation Yellowhammer as ‘a really major consumer of resources’

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.

Government stockpiled ‘much’ less PPE for Black staff – health chief

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Mon, 19 Jun 2023 17:09:31 +0000

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.

David Cameron grilled over claims austerity helped UK prepare for pandemic

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Mon, 19 Jun 2023 13:17:24 +0000

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.

Lockdowns not considered in UK’s emergency plans, Covid inquiry hears

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Fri, 16 Jun 2023 16:26:44 +0000

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.

UK didn’t consider structural racism in pandemic planning, documents reveal

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Fri, 16 Jun 2023 11:57:28 +0000

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.

‘Murderers’: Families slam secret Covid report

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Fri, 16 Jun 2023 10:15:17 +0000

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.

Everything you need to know about the UK Covid-19 inquiry

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Fri, 09 Jun 2023 17:08:28 +0000

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.

Tory-linked PR firm is no longer working on Covid inquiry, lawyer confirms

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Tue, 06 Jun 2023 12:39:12 +0000

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.

Revealed: Bereaved families denied a voice as Covid-19 inquiry begins

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Mon, 05 Jun 2023 12:24:44 +0000

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.

Boris Johnson’s WhatsApps prior to May 2021 are missing

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Thu, 01 Jun 2023 17:04:25 +0000

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.

Covid-19 inquiry appears to distance itself from Tory-linked PR firms

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Fri, 26 May 2023 10:29:43 +0000

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.

Revealed: Government’s fight to withhold evidence from Covid-19 inquiry

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Wed, 24 May 2023 11:52:25 +0000

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.

Police say they still need more time to investigate rape-accused Tory MP

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Mon, 22 May 2023 13:27:42 +0000

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.

New eviction laws could stop homeless people getting help, charities warn

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Thu, 18 May 2023 14:05:40 +0000

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.

Flagship conservative conference bars reporters from left-leaning newspapers

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Mon, 15 May 2023 10:52:27 +0000

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.

Tory MP at centre of rape investigation gets go-ahead to run for re-election

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Fri, 12 May 2023 15:17:45 +0000

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.

Is Labour purging the left? Inside the party’s embattled selection process

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Wed, 19 Apr 2023 22:01:06 +0000

‘This is the most fundamental attempt to change the DNA of the Labour Party in its entire history’

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.

The Tories pledged to end rough sleeping by 2024. Will they?

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Wed, 05 Apr 2023 22:01:06 +0000

Conservative MP says ministers have failed to grasp ‘crucial opportunity’ as street homelessness ticks up, not down

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.

Calls for lobbying crackdown after we expose £13m ‘backdoor’ to MPs

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Wed, 05 Apr 2023 13:40:30 +0000

Standards committee demands tighter rules after openDemocracy uncovers lobbying by firms including weapons makers

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.

UK’s extreme weather support for rough sleepers labelled ‘inadequate’

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Wed, 29 Mar 2023 06:01:06 +0000

Exclusive: A new report has warned homelessness services in the UK are not prepared for the climate crisis

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.

We can’t let landlords define the narrative on renting

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Fri, 24 Mar 2023 11:03:36 +0000

OPINION: Thought landlords were selling up and making it even harder to rent? Think again

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.

Landlords aren’t leaving the market in droves, admits Tory housing minister

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Wed, 22 Mar 2023 14:56:43 +0000

Rachel Maclean said the narrative being pushed by some MPs and the property sector is ‘wrong’

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.

Rishi Sunak supports expanding police powers despite damning Casey Report

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Tue, 21 Mar 2023 14:02:48 +0000

The government is ‘confident’ in its decision to hand police new powers – despite scathing review of the Met Police

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.

Vulnerable renters ‘hounded’ by utility companies to pay off landlord debts

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Thu, 16 Mar 2023 12:27:52 +0000

Thames Water has apologised for chasing a tenant who was recently homeless for his landlord’s bills

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.

UK human rights being ‘eroded’, warn dozens of groups in landmark letter

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Tue, 07 Mar 2023 00:16:06 +0000

Exclusive: Liberty, Unison and Mermaids among groups sending ‘distress signal’ as UN begins living standards probe

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.

Rent decision by Supreme Court will ‘allow criminal landlords to exploit tenants’

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Wed, 01 Mar 2023 14:20:07 +0000

Britain’s highest court has maintained that certain landlords don't have to pay back rent if tenancy rules are broken

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.

‘What’s the point?’ Covid inquiry slammed for ignoring structural racism

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Tue, 28 Feb 2023 16:26:33 +0000

Lawyer for bereaved families says it is ‘shocking’ that inquiry won’t examine impact of racism on mortality rates

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.

Covid inquiry hires Tory-linked PR firms to manage bereaved families

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Wed, 08 Feb 2023 23:01:06 +0000

Exclusive: 23Red and M&C Saatchi did government PR during the pandemic. Families say ‘conflict of interest is obvious’

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.

Top private schools’ ‘paltry’ charity work revealed

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Tue, 31 Jan 2023 23:01:07 +0000

Occasional tours of a WW2 bunker among the ways private schools justify their billion pound charitable status, openDemocracy finds

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.

Lawfare perpetrators should pay into journalists’ defence fund, says Tory peer

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Thu, 26 Jan 2023 18:12:50 +0000

Tina Stowell said action to crack down on SLAPPs was ‘wholly inadequate’ following revelations by openDemocracy

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.

Sunak likely unaware of decision to waive sanctions for Putin ally, says No.10

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Wed, 25 Jan 2023 15:37:03 +0000

PM denies involvement in key Treasury decision while chancellor – raising questions over lack of ministerial scrutiny

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.

Government won’t rule out plugging NHS holes with retired medics

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Tue, 10 Jan 2023 12:55:28 +0000

Number 10 could consider repeating pandemic measure as spokesperson vows to ‘consider all options’

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.

Bereaved families ‘increasingly marginalised’ in Covid-19 inquiry

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Mon, 09 Jan 2023 10:20:22 +0000

Bereaved Covid families believed they would be at the heart of the inquiry. Instead they say they are being silenced

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.

Landlords charge councils £1.25bn for temporary housing as homelessness rises

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Fri, 09 Dec 2022 10:47:49 +0000

Soaring spend on temporary accommodation reflects chronic shortage of permanent social housing in Britain

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.

Revealed: Landlords’ efforts to turn students against new renters’ rights

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Mon, 05 Dec 2022 11:20:14 +0000

The National Residential Landlord Association is understood to have written more than 20 letters to SUs across the UK

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.

Delay in ‘no fault’ evictions ban leaves 48,000 households facing homelessness

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Fri, 25 Nov 2022 06:01:07 +0000

The Tories pledged to end section 21 evictions in 2019. Tens of thousands have paid the price for their slow progress

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.

I went to a landlords’ conference during a housing crisis. Here’s what I found

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Wed, 23 Nov 2022 14:04:41 +0000

With a key tenants’ rights bill set to go before MPs, what is going through the minds of the UK’s property class?

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.

Private renters will face ‘winter of hardship’ after autumn statement

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Thu, 17 Nov 2022 17:20:24 +0000

Campaigners had urged the government to cap private rents alongside social rents, which will be limited to a 7% rise

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.

Revealed: Housing associations urged ministers to let them increase rents

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Fri, 04 Nov 2022 11:28:34 +0000

Representatives of housing associations including Clarion, Peabody, L&Q and Optivo met and wrote to ministers over the summer

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.

No evidence for Jacob Rees-Mogg’s fracking claims, government admits

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Wed, 26 Oct 2022 15:38:42 +0000

The former energy secretary had claimed anti-fracking groups were funded by the Russian president

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.

How Liz Truss made the UK’s rent crisis worse in just 44 days

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Fri, 21 Oct 2022 11:30:54 +0000

Social and private tenants are bearing the brunt of the political chaos sparked by the UK’s shortest-serving PM

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.

Did Liz Truss mislead public over her husband’s secretive work?

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Tue, 18 Oct 2022 12:05:12 +0000

As the PM fights to remain in power, deputy Labour leader Angela Rayner demands she come clean over her interests

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.

Labour’s plans to crack down on tax-dodging corporations revealed

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Fri, 07 Oct 2022 00:02:00 +0000

Exclusive: New policy details shed light on party's vow to prioritise tax-paying firms for government contracts

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.

Let local councils freeze rents in cost of living crisis, says Labour

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Tue, 27 Sep 2022 16:44:06 +0000

Shadow housing secretary Lisa Nandy says she is ‘very interested’ in giving councils power to freeze private rents

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.

Drivers’ anger as Labour hosts Deliveroo ‘PR event’ at annual conference

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Tue, 27 Sep 2022 11:17:20 +0000

The ‘delivery rider’ advertised on the panel turned out to be an ‘engagement manager’ for Deliveroo

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.

Legal ‘loopholes’ could block crackdown on oligarchs’ empty homes

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Thu, 22 Sep 2022 13:24:46 +0000

Westminster Council has pledged to seize empty homes – but efforts could come to nothing without more help

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.

Queen’s funeral shuts food banks amid cost of living crisis

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Tue, 13 Sep 2022 16:43:26 +0000

Critics warn that people ‘cannot wait for help’ as millions face poverty this winter

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.

Blackout info sent to millions was ‘unrelated’ to energy crisis, say chiefs

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Thu, 01 Sep 2022 16:40:14 +0000

The email from UK Power Networks was a ‘requirement’ of Ofgem and does not indicate an increased risk of power cuts

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.

Landlords urged to ‘take advantage’ of soaring rents in ‘grotesque’ email

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Tue, 30 Aug 2022 15:57:24 +0000

A London estate agent said now is ‘the perfect time to expand portfolios’ as tenants are in ‘fierce competition’

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.

‘Catastrophic’ energy price rises will hit ethnic minorities hardest

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Fri, 26 Aug 2022 10:40:41 +0000

Exclusive: Energy bills are throwing low-income families into debt shows new data as the price cap rises to £3,549

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.

Labour silent on calls for £15 minimum wage that would ‘change lives’

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Wed, 24 Aug 2022 13:21:03 +0000

The Trade Union Congress has demanded a minimum wage hike amid the ‘harshest wage squeeze in modern history’

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.

Revealed: UK private tenants hit by record annual rent hikes

Ruby Lott-Lavigna — Wed, 17 Aug 2022 17:15:50 +0000

Housing campaigners warn that renters could be pushed into poverty and homelessness without evictions freeze

This content originally appeared on openDemocracy RSS and was authored by Ruby Lott-Lavigna.