Lucy Powell: Last News

make it illegal for anyone born in 2009 or later to buy tobacco products in the UK.Starmer initially introduced ideas of the outdoor smoking ban as a measure that would improve public health and reduce the strain on the National Health Service and the taxpayer. Currently, 80,000 people die every year in the UK as a result of smoking.However, the proposal has been controversial, with figures in the hospitality industry saying it will worsen the current crisis facing pubs, clubs and music venues.The trade body UKHospitality said the ban threatens “serious economic harm to hospitality venues”, while the British Beer and Pub Association said the plan was “deeply concerning and difficult to understand” and “yet another blow to the viability of our nation’s vital community assets”.Now, there are reports that No 10 officials are blocking the ban, with some deeming it “an unserious” policy as “the evidence is too thin” to prove a significant health risk to non-smokers, per the Guardian.The paper reports that key figures within Downing Street are urging Starmer to ditch the ban, including Lucy Powell, the leader of the house, and Morgan McSweeney, the prime minister’s chief of staff.Some MPs are reportedly “spooked” at the prospect of damage to the hospitality industry, however Starmer has previously refused to rule it out.It follows reports that 37 per cent of all clubs across the country have permanently shut since March 2020 – an average of three clubs a week and 150 per year.

A former Conservative MP who lost his seat at last year’s general election has been accused of still ‘parading around as an MP’ by the leader of the House of Commons. Chris Green, who lost his Bolton West seat to Labour’s Phil Brickell in July 2024, had a constituency office on Market Street, Westhoughton.

K.J. Yossman Ticketmaster is set to face some tough questions in the U.K. after thousands of Oasis fans were left disappointed having failed to secure tickets through the site for the band’s long-awaited reunion tour.

Rioting in Manchester city centre on Saturday (August 3) has been branded as ‘dangerous extremism and a racist attack’ by an MP.

MPs are continuing to speak out after footage emerged of a Greater Manchester Police officer kicking a man in the head at Manchester Airport - with one saying the clip showed a 'complete abuse of power'.

A host of Greater Manchester MP's have made it into the new Labour cabinet appointed by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer - and another has been named as a top minister.

New Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer opened his first cabinet meeting today with a rallying cry, telling gathered ministers - including Greater Manchester MPs: "We have a huge amount of work to do, so now we get on with our work."

Manchester has a new joint deputy council leader — Garry Bridges.

A Manchester Labour MP drew applause from the BBC Question Time audience as she blasted a Conservativeover his party's history of 'misbehaving' MPs. When confronted with criticism over Labour's recent handling of anti-Semitic comments from prospective MPs, Lucy Powell said: "You know what Graham, I honestly won't take lectures from you."

People who own flats in Manchester city centre say it's become 'unaffordable' and have seen their bills rise by £792 per month, according to new a survey.

Sacha Lord has set out a ‘five point plan’ to ‘save hospitality’ as it heads into the winter.

Ministers are facing calls to be more transparent over the scale of the issue of aerated concrete in public buildings after schools were forced to shut classrooms just before the new term.

Dangerous crumbling concrete has been found at an east Manchester school. It is hoped most of All Saints C of E primary in Newton Heath will remain open, with only the assembly hall thought to be affected.

A man tragically found lying dead on land near a car wash died as a result of 'toxicity due to heroin and cocaine use', an inquest hearing was told.

Long-standing plans for two extra platforms at Manchester Piccadilly railway station were 'dropped' by the Government 'just a few weeks ago', an MP has said.

A Manchester medic trapped in war-torn Sudan has safely evacuated the African nation, according to reports.

A Manchester Royal Infirmary doctor who felt ‘betrayed’ for being unable to board an evacuation flight from Sudan reportedly has a route out of the conflict — but an MP says there is ‘confusion’ in his case.

Richard Sharp has resigned as BBC chairman after a report found he breached the governance code for public appointments.

BBC Breakfast presenter Naga Munchetty was absent from her usual spot on Saturday, with a co-star filling in. The broadcaster hosts alongside Charlie Stayt on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

BBC chairman Richard Sharp undermined public trust in the BBC and more widely the public appointments system with his failure to reveal he had been involved in arranging a loan of £800,000 for then UK prime minister Boris Johnson, politicians have concluded in a damning report published today. 

With multiple strikes taking place across different unions over the past couple of months, the issue has been a topic of hot debate.