As the Parliamentary session concluded for the year, Members of Parliament have departed Westminster for the Christmas recess. Just before the break, the Government discreetly released a slew of data and announcements, a customary practice on the final day of term.
Ministers traditionally disclose unfavorable news on the last day of term, and this year was no exception. Various reports, ranging from speed camera fines to concerning court statistics, were made public. Additionally, there was controversy as Keir Starmer’s team at No10 provoked a dispute with political journalists by announcing the cancellation of afternoon press briefings for the new year via an email sent out the previous night.
The Mirror meticulously reviewed all the negative news that was disclosed to ensure it did not go unnoticed. Downing Street decided to discontinue its daily afternoon press briefings, a move that journalists cautioned could hinder government scrutiny. The usual two briefings for political journalists held by Number 10 during Parliament sessions will be replaced with “occasional” press conferences or technical briefings to provide wider access to content creators and journalists outside the lobby.
Despite assurances of more ministerial press conferences, concerns were raised by David Hughes and Lizzy Buchan, the outgoing and incoming chairs of the lobby, over restricted access and potential lack of scrutiny. They expressed apprehension that the government might control the timing and questioning during the press conferences, raising transparency concerns for a government that pledged to enhance standards upon taking office.
National Highways disclosed that over 2,600 incorrect speed camera activations occurred on English motorways and A roads due to a technical fault, leading to erroneous speeding fines. Transport minister Simon Lightwood confirmed that affected drivers would be compensated, with fines refunded and points removed from licenses. This issue resulted in the cancellation of numerous speed awareness courses and the dismissal of fixed penalty notices and criminal justice prosecutions.
Official data released on the closing day of Parliament revealed that the courts backlog had surged to a new all-time high. Ministry of Justice statistics unveiled that the open caseload for the crown courts had increased by 9% compared to the previous year, with over 20,000 cases open for a year or more. Justice Secretary David Lammy’s proposal to limit jury trials for criminals facing shorter sentences was met with opposition from nearly 40 Labour MPs.
The Government’s expenditure of over £20 million on the Covid Inquiry in the first half of the year was disclosed in a statement by Paymaster General Nick Thomas-Symonds. The detailed breakdown showed significant costs for staffing and legal expenses, emphasizing the commitment to supporting the inquiry to derive crucial lessons from the pandemic for future preparedness.
Trails of the Army’s new Ajax armored vehicle were halted after another soldier suffered vibration-related injuries, leading to a pause in all testing activities. This decision followed previous incidents where soldiers fell ill due to noise and vibration while using the vehicle during training exercises. Defence minister Luke Pollard announced the pause for thorough investigations and assessment before potential resumption of trials in the New Year.
Police forces across England and Wales were informed of an average 4.2% increase in funding late on Thursday, with varying adjustments for different regions. Meanwhile, new proposals for policing reform are scheduled for release at the beginning of 2026, as announced by Policing Minister Sarah Jones, following concerns raised by Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle regarding the method of announcement.
A government shake-up of local government could result in the postponement of local elections in 63 council areas until 2027, aiming to streamline council structures for improved service delivery. This decision was prompted by challenges faced by councils in reorganizing amidst resource-intensive election preparations for potentially abolished areas, necessitating a shift in election timelines to prioritize essential services.
A review of adult gender clinics in England highlighted concerning deficiencies in service quality, with exceptionally long waiting times and a lack of patient outcomes data identified as major issues. Dr. David Levy’s report called for urgent improvements, including a single waiting list and a clear improvement plan over the next five years to address the current delays and ensure better service provision for patients.
Baroness Minette Batters’ report on farm profitability raised concerns over inheritance tax on farm businesses and the uncertain sustainable farming incentive scheme, advocating for a new farming deal between the Government and industry. The report emphasized the need for a strategic plan to enhance farming viability, productivity, environmental sustainability, and fair supply chains, while valuing nature and wildlife conservation.