Domestic Politics
After the landslide victory of Boris Johnson’s Conservatives in the UK, Scottish nationalists are coming to terms with the unlikelihood of a second referendum this year and are looking for long-term solutions. Nicola Sturgeon, the Scottish first minister, is now banking on the argument that with Brexit, the Remain-voting Scotland will be wrenched out of the EU against their will. [Politico]
Boris Johnson is set to impose new restrictions on lower-skilled EU migrants from 2021, which is the first day after the Brexit transition period ends. The Opposition Labour Party described this move as “ill-informed and reactionary”. [The Independent]
International Relations
In his first meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Boris Johnson has said that there would be no normalization in relations until Russia ended its destabilizing activities that threaten the UK and its allies. This statement was made in the wake of the chemical attack in Salisbury. [Telegraph]
Gender
A study by the Fawcett Society points to an “alarming” lack of women across top jobs such as politics, law, civil service, media, professional and sports administration sectors in the UK. The study also said that the situation is worse for women of colour. [Al Jazeera]
Society
Studies suggest that one in seven prisoners are addicted to illicit substances. In England and Wales, the number of inmates with drug problems has more than doubled in five years. With Boris Johnson’s plans for tougher sentencing, the pressure on the system is predicted to increase. [The Independent]
Following the Northern Ireland secretary’s suggestion that the executive should find new ways to raise revenue, first minister Arlene Foster suggested an increase in university tuition fees. Opposition leader Michelle O’Neil believes this to be a wrong approach to the issue. There has also been discontent amongst the opposition against the introduction of water charges in Northern Ireland. [BBC]
Law
A new Scottish law called the Vulnerable Witness Act came into force on 20 January. According to this law, child witnesses will no longer be required to give evidence in Court in proceedings for crimes like murder, sexual offences, human trafficking and domestic abuse. Rather, they will be questioned in dedicated witness suites and the recording will be played for the jury. [BBC]
Health
Sunderland Royal Hospital, one of NHS’s biggest hospitals, was forced to make their patients sleep in the emergency unit after being overwhelmed with the number of people needing medical attention. With higher than usual instances of flu this winter, there is increased pressure on hospitals who are facing overcrowding. [The Guardian]
Image Source: The Moscow Times