Zac Goldsmith: Tory minister named in Boris Johnson partygate interference report quits over after refusing to apologise

Published

2 years ago

June 30, 2023

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A Tory minister named in a Privileges Committee report for interfering in Boris Johnson’s partygate probe has resigned from government after refusing to apologise for his actions, according to the prime minister.

Lord Goldsmith, a former MP, quit his environmental role, claiming Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was “simply uninterested” in the issue.

‘Hugely important day for NHS’, minister says – politics latest

But the day before, the Tory peer – a close ally of Mr Johnson, who appointed him to the Lords – was chastised by the Privileges Committee for tweeting about its finding that the former prime minister had lied to parliament about lockdown breaking parties in Downing Street.

In a letter released by Downing Street, it was revealed that Mr Sunak asked him to apologise to the committee, but he refused.

Mr Sunak wrote to the peer: “You were asked to apologise for your comments about the Privileges Committee as we felt they were incompatible with your position as a minister of the crown. You have decided to take a different course.”

The prime minister later said that he was “proud of the record of this government and indeed of Zac in government making sure that we tackle climate change and protect our natural environment”.

In a post on social media, Lord Goldsmith characterised their inquiry as a “kangaroo court” and “witch hunt” – but Mr Sunak’s spokesman insisted the PM still had confidence in the minister.

Just 24 hours after the comments were highlighted, Lord Goldsmith resigned his post with a stinging resignation letter, taking aim at the current incumbent at Number 10.

The Tory peer said it had been an “exhilarating experience” in the job, praising the progress the UK had made in leading on climate change internationally – particularly when Mr Johnson was in office.

But Lord Goldsmith said he had been “horrified” by the government’s “abandonment” of policies around animal welfare, and that its efforts on environmental issues at home had “simply ground to a standstill”.

“More worrying, the UK has visibly stepped off the world stage and withdrawn our leadership on climate and nature,” he wrote in his resignation letter.

“Too often we are simply absent from key international fora. Only last week you [Mr Sunak] seemingly chose to attend the party of a media baron rather than attend a critically important environment summit in Paris that ordinarily the UK would have co-led.”

Lord Goldsmith said the government had “effectively abandoned” its “solemn” commitment to spend £11.6bn of its aid budget on climate and environment causes – calling it “the single most important signal” to countries suffering and in persuading other G7 countries to act – and had “not come clean on the broken promise” as the final year of spending will be after the next general election.

‘Government apathy on climate’

“Prime minister, having been able to get so much done previously, I have struggled even to hold the line in recent months,” he wrote.

“The problem is not that the government is hostile to the environment, it is that you, our prime minister, are simply uninterested. That signal, or lack of it, has trickled down through Whitehall and caused a kind of paralysis.

“I will never understand how, with all the knowledge we now have about our fundamental reliance on the natural world and the speed with which we are destroying it, anyone can be uninterested.

“But even if this existential challenge leaves you personally unmoved, there is a world of people who do care very much. And you will need their votes.”

The peer said it had been “a privilege” to hold his post, “but this government’s apathy in the face of the greatest challenge we have faced makes continuing in my current role untenable”, so he was resigning “with great reluctance… in order to focus my energy where it can be more useful”.

Who is Lord Goldsmith?

Lord Goldsmith became an MP in 2010 when he won Richmond Park from the Lib Dems.

In 2016, he was the Conservative candidate for London mayor – with Boris Johnson’s wife, Carrie, working for him over this period. But he lost out to Labour’s Sadiq Khan after a campaign heavily criticised over claims it had racist undertones.

He resigned as a Tory MP in 2016 over the planned expansion of Heathrow, and stood as an independent candidate in protest, but lost the seat to Lib Dem Sarah Olney.

After being selected as the Conservative candidate in the snap election of 2017, he regained Richmond Park, only to lose it to Ms Olney again come the 2019 ballot – despite Mr Johnson’s landslide victory elsewhere.

In 2020, Mr Johnson made him a Tory peer, where he held environment and foreign ministerial roles.

‘UK continues to play an important role’

In its response, the prime minister said: “We can be proud of the UK’s record as a world-leader on net zero. We are going far beyond other countries and delivering tangible progress whilst bringing down energy bills. This government is also committed to leaving the environment in a better state than we found it, as set out in our environmental improvement plan.

“The UK continues to play an important role globally in tackling climate change and preserving the environment. I attended COP27 in Egypt in November last year and reconfirmed our £11.6 billion climate finance pledge.”

He added: “Even in the last few weeks we have taken this international leadership into the recent G7 Leaders’ Summit in Hiroshima and the Summit for a New Global Financing Pact in Paris last week, where the minister of state for development represented the UK.”

Former culture secretary Nadine Dorries – who was also named in Thursday’s report for her “vociferous attacks” on the Privileges Committee – responded to the resignation on Twitter, saying Lord Goldsmith’s “record of achievement”, “depth of knowledge” and “passion” were “second to none”.

She added: “We’ve just lost the most able minister for the environment any government would be lucky and proud to have. This loss is beyond party politics. It’s huge.”

The Liberal Democrats said Mr Sunak “should have had the guts” to sack Lord Goldsmith after the report condemned his actions, saying the PM was “clearly too weak to control his own party”.

One of its MPs, Sarah Olney – who unseated Lord Goldsmith at the last election – added: “This Conservative chaos is never ending. Every day brings more resignations and scandal in this depressing Westminster soap opera.

“Zac Goldsmith’s resignation has at least confirmed what we have known all along – that Rishi Sunak’s government doesn’t give a damn about the environment and animal rights.

“They have scrapped plans to stop puppy smuggling, watered down climate change action and let water companies pump sewage in our rivers. What a sorry state of affairs this is.”

UK

Former first minister Nicola Sturgeon cleared in police investigation into SNP’s finances

Published

28 mins ago

March 20, 2025

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Former first minister Nicola Sturgeon cleared in police investigation into SNP's finances

Former first minister Nicola Sturgeon is no longer under investigation by Police Scotland amid a probe into the SNP’s funding and finances.

Meanwhile, former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell, who is separated from Ms Sturgeon, has appeared in court charged with embezzlement.

Speaking outside her home on Thursday, Ms Sturgeon said she was “completely in the clear”, adding: “That is the outcome I would always have expected.

“As I have said to all of you many times, I have done nothing wrong. So, I was confident of reaching this point and getting to this outcome, but obviously it is a relief now to have that confirmed.”

Ms Sturgeon said for almost two years she had “this cloud of investigation” hanging over her.

She added: “I think it won’t surprise anybody to hear me say that it’s not been an easy experience, so to reach this point today is obviously something I am relieved about.

“I’ve been trying to get on with my life and I now intend to do that.”

Responding to Sky News’ Scotland correspondent Connor Gillies, Ms Sturgeon said she was limited in what she could say about an active police investigation.

But she added: “All I can say is that I have done nothing wrong and I don’t think there was ever a scrap of evidence that I had done anything wrong.”

Ms Sturgeon described herself as a “stronger person today” than she was when it all “kicked off”.

She added: “That said, I wish none of it had happened.”

Ms Sturgeon said she had “exciting things coming up” including the publication of her book, which is titled Frankly and is set for release on 14 August.

Murrell made no plea to the single charge when he appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court earlier in the day.

The 60-year-old was granted bail with his next court appearance yet to be confirmed.

Murrell, who had been SNP chief executive since 1999, resigned in March 2023 amid a row over party numbers.

The following month he was arrested under Police Scotland’s long-running Operation Branchform and was subsequently charged a year later with embezzling SNP funds.

The probe, which has been ongoing since July 2021, is linked to the spending of around £600,000 raised by SNP supporters to be earmarked for Scottish independence campaigning.

Ms Sturgeon and ex-party treasurer MSP Colin Beattie were also arrested and released without charge as part of the investigation.

Mr Beattie has now been cleared alongside Ms Sturgeon.

In a statement posted online, Mr Beattie said he was “absolutely delighted” to be cleared of all suspicion.

The MSP for Midlothian North and Musselburgh said: “While there was no question in my mind that I had done nothing wrong, the fact is that it created a question among those who do not know me.”

Mr Beattie thanked all those who offered support to both him and his wife.

He added: “Now, I intend to share a glass of something with my wife tonight, and tomorrow I can focus on the future as I put myself forward for consideration as the SNP candidate for the Midlothian North county constituency.”

A Police Scotland spokesperson said the probe into Ms Sturgeon and Mr Beattie had concluded and both were no longer under investigation following direction from the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS).

However, COPFS has warned that the case against Murrell is active under the Contempt of Court Act 1981.

A spokesperson said: “Anyone publishing items about active cases is advised to exercise caution as material must not be commentary or analysis of evidence, witnesses or accused.

“Contempt of Court carries penalties of up to two years in prison and/or an unlimited fine.”

COPFS said prosecutors and independent counsel are dealing with Murrell’s case without involving Lord Advocate Dorothy Bain KC or Solicitor General Ruth Charteris KC.

The spokesperson added: “All Scotland’s prosecutors operate independently of political influence.

“Where allegations are made against people or institutions in which the public have placed trust, it is the responsibility of the authorities to conduct a thorough investigation to determine if there is evidence that criminal conduct has occurred.

“We understand public curiosity about this investigation. However, the Crown does not publicly share details of confidential inquiries where there are no proceedings in court.

“This protects the rights of the individuals concerned who are entitled to a presumption of innocence.”

In January, Ms Sturgeon announced she had split from Murrell.

The pair, who first met via the SNP in 1988 and became a couple in 2003, married in 2010.

The Glasgow Southside MSP announced the separation in a post on Instagram, revealing they had been “separated for some time now” but “still care deeply for each other, and always will”.

And just last week, Ms Sturgeon announced she will not seek re-election to Holyrood next year.

She said: “I have known in my heart for a while that the time is right for me to embrace different opportunities in a new chapter of my life.”

UK

Former Formula 1 team owner and broadcaster Eddie Jordan dies aged 76

Published

28 mins ago

March 20, 2025

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Former Formula 1 team owner and broadcaster Eddie Jordan dies aged 76

Former Formula 1 team owner and broadcaster Eddie Jordan has died at the age of 76.

Jordan revealed in December he had been diagnosed with an “aggressive” form of cancer earlier in 2024.

He ran his own F1 team between 1991 and 2005 before moving to a broadcast role, working for the BBC and Channel 4.

He “passed away peacefully” while surrounded by his loved ones in Cape Town, South Africa, according to a family statement.

“EJ brought an abundance of charisma, energy and Irish charm everywhere he went. We all have a huge hole missing without his presence,” a family statement read.

“He will be missed by so many people, but he leaves us with tonnes of great memories to keep us smiling through our sorrow.”

Jordan, who was born in Dublin, Ireland, operated his own racing team in lower-level series before moving up to F1 in 1991, giving future seven-time champion Michael Schumacher his first race that year.

Other drivers over the years included Damon Hill, who won the 1996 championship with Williams, future Ferrari driver Rubens Barrichello, and Heinz-Harald Frentzen, who was third in the championship for Jordan in 1999.

Christian Horner, principal of Red Bull Racing, said in a statement on Instagram: “Very sorry to hear Eddie Jordan has sadly passed.

“Eddie was a hugely colourful character who I first met in 1991 as a young driver at his then new factory after his first year in Formula One. His advice, ‘get a good sponsor… welcome to the Piranha Club!’

“I was fortunate to overlap with him when I came into Formula One.

“He was in the twilight of his F1 career race wise (indeed he even tried to sell me his team!) but went into other media activities where he was always full of energy and fun to work with.

“Formula One has lost a legend and we will miss his wit and his Irish charm. On behalf of Oracle Red Bull Racing we send our sincere condolences to Marie and the children at this sad time; our thoughts are with them.

“God speed Eddie!”

Former F1 driver Martin Brundle OBE paid tribute to Jordan on X saying: “So many drivers owe you so much, you gave us our chances and believed in us.”

Jordan Grand Prix won four races before Jordan sold the team in 2005.

Following more sales and name changes since then, the team competes as Aston Martin.

UK

Defence firms held back by UK ethical banking standards, industry says

Published

28 mins ago

March 20, 2025

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Defence firms held back by UK ethical banking standards, industry says

British banks should abandon outdated ethical standards and increase lending to domestic defence manufacturers in a “patriotic” effort to ensure the UK can meet its security needs, defence suppliers have told Sky News.

The defence industry has long complained that environment, sustainability and governance (ESG) standards, intended to guide business impact on society, have prevented small and medium-sized companies (SMEs) raising finance.

With the government promising to increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP, and the chancellor keen that SMEs in the sector should contribute increased growth, the industry believes ESG rules could hold British companies back.

Lizzie Jones of Supacat, which manufactures military vehicles used by special forces and infantry, told Sky News: “We have absolutely felt the disinterest from banks to invest in the defence industry, which has been really hard to deal with over the last few years.

“We’re hoping that the tide is beginning to change, and that actually some of the patriotic feelings that we need the defence industry, particularly right now, will help persuade the banks that investing in defence industries is good for UK growth.”

The call for support from the defence industry comes as European military chiefs meet in London to discuss operational aspects of a proposed peacekeeping force in Ukraine.

Donald Trump’s return to the White House, and his demand that European NATO partners scale up defence and lead any security guarantees for Ukraine, has forced a re-examination of defence priorities.

Rachel Reeves has sought to link increased spending to her growth agenda, and defence will form part of the industrial strategy due later this year.

Earlier this month a group of Labour MPs, and members of the defence select committee, called on banks to end “anti-defence” ESG guidelines in light of the US retreat from European security, and the need to increase support for Ukraine.

Improved access to finance is one of several demands from defence suppliers large and small, as the industry prepares for increased demand.

Certainty of contracts, a reduction in Ministry of Defence red tape, and access to cheap energy, skilled workers and critical minerals are all also required if the UK is to enjoy “sovereign capability” – the ability to build and deploy its own equipment, weapons and systems.

The call for a re-examination of ethical standards was echoed by one of the largest defence suppliers, Leonardo UK, the British arm of an Italian-listed multinational that manufactures helicopters and electronic warfare technology.

Chief executive Clive Higgins told Sky News: “The ESG agenda was really impacting small to medium enterprises where no banking was effectively taking place, and individuals couldn’t go get a bank account because they were in the defence sector.

“We’ve seen a real, really proactive response from the government over the last 12 months. I think we’re starting to see a shift in the tragic events going on in Ukraine, which helps people recognise the importance of defence at home, because that ensures we can enjoy the freedoms that you and I take for granted each day.”

The UK Sustainable Finance Association, which represents a number of major investors and pension funds, rejected the argument that the defence industry is “underinvested”.

Chief executive James Alexander said: “The notion that defence firms’ low valuations and struggles for finance is because of ‘ESG’ criteria is nonsense.

“The UK’s ‘ESG’ (or sustainable finance) regulations at no point prohibit defence investments. While some values-based (or ‘ethical’) investors may opt against investing in defence companies, they represent a small proportion of the financial system.

“Many financial institutions, including mainstream, sustainable investors, do invest in defence. Most critical to defence companies’ prospects, though, is government spending, as highlighted by the rise in several defence stocks this year, as the UK and European allies have understandably announced increases in defence spending.”

The Financial Conduct Authority said last month that its ESG reporting rules contain nothing “that prevents investment or finance for defence companies”, implying that divesting from or avoiding defence is a choice for institutions and their customers.