As the Parliamentary term came to a close for the year, Members of Parliament have exited Westminster for the Christmas break. Just before the two-week recess, the Government released a slew of data and announcements, a customary practice to disclose potentially unfavorable news on the final day of term. This year was no exception, with a range of documents detailing issues such as speed camera fines and concerning court statistics being made public. Additionally, a contentious decision by Keir Starmer’s team at No10 to cancel afternoon press briefings for the new year has stirred controversy among political reporters.
The Mirror has diligently reviewed the disclosed negative information to ensure it receives proper attention. Downing Street’s decision to discontinue its daily afternoon press briefings, a platform for political journalists to question the PM’s official spokesman, has raised concerns about the scrutiny of the Government. Instead, Number 10 plans to offer “occasional” press conferences and technical briefings to enhance access for journalists outside the traditional political press corps.
Despite promises of more ministerial press conferences, concerns have been raised about potential limitations on access and scrutiny. The lobby, represented by David Hughes and Lizzy Buchan of the Mirror, expressed dismay over the lack of consultation regarding the changes. Meanwhile, National Highways revealed an error in speed camera activations, leading to thousands of inaccurate speeding fines and the subsequent need to refund affected drivers and withdraw penalty points.
Furthermore, official data released on the final day of Parliament highlighted a significant increase in the courts backlog, reaching a new record high. The Ministry of Justice reported a 9% rise in open crown court cases compared to the previous year, with over 20,000 cases remaining unresolved for a year or longer. Amidst these challenges, proposed changes to trial procedures for criminals facing shorter sentences have faced criticism from Labour MPs.
In a separate development, the Government’s expenditure on the Covid Inquiry exceeded £20 million in the first half of the year. The inquiry’s costs, including staffing and legal expenses, were disclosed, emphasizing the commitment to learning from the pandemic for future preparedness. Meanwhile, trials of the Army’s new Ajax armoured vehicle have been halted following soldier injuries, leading to a reassessment of the vehicle’s safety protocols.
Elsewhere, police forces in England and Wales are set to receive varying budget increases, with new proposals on policing reform slated for early 2026. Local elections in certain areas may be postponed until 2027 as part of a local government restructuring initiative, allowing councils to focus on essential services amid organizational changes. Additionally, a review of adult gender clinics in England highlighted significant challenges, including lengthy waiting times and a lack of patient outcomes data, prompting calls for urgent improvements to service quality.
As ministers depart for the Christmas break, a review into farm profitability has reignited discussions on inheritance tax and sustainable farming incentives. Baroness Minette Batters’ report advocates for a comprehensive approach to support profitable farming, emphasizing the need for collaboration between the Government and the agricultural industry to enhance productivity and environmental sustainability.