Domestic Politics
Accusations against Home Secretary Priti Patel, claiming that she is forcing senior civil servants out of her department, continue to spread. She has rubbished these claims and expressed “deep concern” about the growing false allegations in the media. [BBC]
The Labour Party members have begun casting their votes for the leader and deputy leader of the party. The voting will be completed on 2 April. Sir Keir Starmer, Lisa Nandy, and Rebecca Long-Bailey attained support from unions and affiliated groups, making them qualified for the ballot. [BBC]
Ireland’s centre-right Fianna Fail party entered negotiations with Fine Gael, the incumbent party, to form the government without the Sinn Fein. In the recent elections, Sinn Fein received the largest vote share, followed by Fianna Fail and Fine Gael. [Irish Times]
Amidst speculations surrounding her position, Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said that she continues to have significant support to lead the Scottish National Party and remain the First Minister in the 2021 elections. This statement comes following doubts raised by two SNP MPs due to internal disarray over the government’s performance and its proposed strategy of a second independence referendum. [Scotsman]
International Relations
Former Irish diplomat, Bobby McDonagh, has warned British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, against reneging against the UK's obligations under the Withdrawal Agreement that disallows checks on goods on the border between Ireland and Northern Ireland. He has said that this move could affect any prospect of a US-UK trade deal. [The Independent]
Following talks on a point-based post-Brexit immigration system, a policy paper released by the UK government on Tuesday states that the UK will not create a visa route for “low-skilled” migrants. The paper said that this move is designed to reduce the over-reliance of employers on the immigration system and increase their focus on “improving staff retention, productivity and wider investment in technology and automation”. [Politico]
Health
Four British passengers in the Diamond Princess cruise ship have tested positive for coronavirus. They are now being treated at the Arrowe Park Hospital, where 30 repatriated Britons and two Irish citizens from the ship have also been quarantined. A total of thirteen British citizens have been affected by the epidemic. [BBC]
Environment
The environment secretary, George Eustice, has failed to provide assurances that the UK will not import chlorinated chicken and hormone-fed beef from the US. Theresa Villiers, the previous environment secretary, had insisted that the two products, that were illegal in the US, would not be allowed into the UK. [The Independent]
Image Source: New Statesman