 Serious doubts exist over whether small boat crossings will be stemmed by the Government paying an extra £8million a year for France to increase patrols. But the £63m deal is an acknowledgement that this issue will only be resolved by international co-operation, agreement and action. Labour leader Keir Starmer's description of the pact as 'a small step in the right direction' accurately expresses its value and the truth is that desperate people aren't going to suddenly stop risking their lives to reach Britain. Until legal routes are opened for those found to have legitimate claims once they've landed, unscrupulous traffickers will operate. We need an answer the flail){kind=link}
The Voice of the Mirror calls on everyone to back the voice of Ricky Tomlinson to raise the state pension by inflation to stop even more Brits being hit hard during these tough times
Enjoying fame and fortune from a hugely successful TV and film career, Ricky Tomlinson’s moral authority is rooted in never forgetting the people he started his life alongside.
The onetime building worker remembering the days when he had no money is a powerful moral voice for our poor and elderly.
And his voice is one of the most convincing yet for increasing the measly state pension and benefits by inflation so that the living standards of millions of Brits aren’t squeezed tighter.
Tories who last year broke the pension triple lock promised in their election manifesto â a commitment to raise rates by the highest out of inflation and wages, with a 2.5% floor â are having a laugh by expecting applause if they stick to the pledge in Thursday’s Budget.