Free Training Initiative Aimed at Supporting Londoners in Difficult Financial Times

Amid rising inflation, soaring energy bills, and the upcoming national insurance hikes, Londoners are facing immense financial pressure. To help alleviate this crisis, I, as Mayor of London, am launching a new initiative aimed at empowering individuals through free training opportunities.

This new Skills Roadmap for London is designed for anyone aged 19 or over who is unemployed, earning a low income, or has limited formal education. The aim is to equip individuals with the skills necessary to improve their earning potential or secure better-paid jobs.

While there is a noticeable lack of devolved powers and funding for mayors across the country, City Hall holds significant control over adult skills and training programmes, which is a vital tool in addressing the current cost of living struggles. Providing opportunities to develop skills will be key to easing the economic pressure felt by many Londoners.

I am deeply passionate about this initiative because I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of skills training. One of my brothers, for example, gained a new career path as a motor mechanic after completing high-quality training. This not only helped him secure a stable job but also boosted his confidence.

Supporting Londoners to develop the skills needed for new career opportunities is not just about personal empowerment—it is also vital for the city’s economic recovery. London has faced a tougher pandemic impact than other regions, with unemployment rates still high. However, we are starting to see economic growth, and there are many jobs available. It’s crucial that Londoners have the skills to take advantage of these opportunities.

City Hall is working closely with employers and training providers to ensure our educational programmes align with the needs of key industries, including the green, digital, creative, and health sectors. This collaborative effort will help us address staffing shortages and secure a strong economic future for London.

Today, we are launching a new campaign to raise awareness of these free adult training offers, particularly targeting those who have been historically excluded from equal access to employment and educational opportunities. Over the past two years, the pandemic has intensified inequalities, and this initiative aims to close those gaps.

Since 2019, we have successfully supported over 400,000 Londoners, particularly those from minority and low-income backgrounds, by providing access to free training. This includes opportunities such as free British Sign Language qualifications for deaf Londoners, an initiative that has been transformative for many.

The Skills Roadmap is a crucial step towards tackling inequality, boosting our economy, and creating a more equitable and prosperous city. By ensuring that more Londoners can gain the skills needed to pursue new careers, we will help the city recover from the pandemic and thrive in the years to come.

My goal as Mayor is to give every Londoner the tools they need to reach their full potential, which, in turn, will help build a stronger economy and a more inclusive city. I believe that with the right opportunities, London can scale new heights and offer everyone a chance to succeed.

As we continue to recover from the pandemic, I am committed to providing the skills and support needed to help Londoners secure their future. If you’re 19 or older and facing financial difficulty, or know someone who is, please explore the free training programmes available through this new initiative.

Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London

Senate Minority Leader Urges a Moderate Nominee to Replace Justice Breyer

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell has cautioned President Joe Biden against selecting a Supreme Court nominee influenced by what he described as the “radical left.” The warning comes as Justice Stephen Breyer prepares to retire, with Biden pledging to announce his replacement by the end of February.

McConnell, a Republican senator from Kentucky and key architect of the GOP’s reshaping of the federal judiciary during Donald Trump’s presidency, stressed the importance of a moderate choice. “President Biden must not outsource this critical decision to extreme factions,” he stated on 27 January.

With the Senate evenly split at 50-50, McConnell argued that Biden’s mandate was to “govern from the centre” and “unite America.” He called for a nominee who respects the Constitution and adheres to the written text of the law.

Past Battles Over Supreme Court Appointments
McConnell’s legacy in judicial appointments is marked by controversy. During Barack Obama’s presidency, he blocked the nomination of Merrick Garland to replace the late Justice Antonin Scalia in 2016, delaying the appointment until after Trump’s election. McConnell has described that decision as one of his proudest political achievements.

In contrast, just weeks before the 2020 presidential election, McConnell expedited the confirmation of conservative Justice Amy Coney Barrett, despite protests from Democrats who cited hypocrisy.

Biden’s Path Forward in a Divided Senate
While Democrats now hold the majority in the Senate, McConnell’s procedural changes during his tenure mean Biden’s nominee will require only a simple majority to be confirmed. However, the tight Senate split and upcoming midterm elections could complicate the process.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has promised a “fair and swift process” for the nominee’s confirmation. Biden is expected to announce his choice by late February, with the potential to shape the court amid contentious political dynamics.

McConnell’s Reflection on Justice Breyer
Despite his criticisms, McConnell praised Justice Breyer for his dedication to a nonpartisan judiciary. “Justice Breyer commands respect across the legal spectrum, even from those who differ with his judicial philosophy,” he said, acknowledging Breyer’s exemplary service on the Supreme Court.

The forthcoming nomination will test Biden’s ability to navigate a divided Senate while balancing the expectations of his party and a volatile political landscape.

Manchester Mayor Criticises Overground Station Proposal, Calls for Greater Ambition

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, has criticised the government’s current HS2 plans, urging them to demonstrate “greater ambition” for Northern England. His concerns focus on the proposed overground station at Manchester Piccadilly, which he labelled the “wrong solution” during a press conference on Monday.

The HS2 Phase 2b bill, introduced to Parliament, promises significant improvements to rail connectivity, including a reduction in travel times of up to 55 minutes between London and Manchester, and 45 minutes between Birmingham and Manchester. Additionally, the Department for Transport (DfT) claims the project will at least double rail capacity on these routes.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps described the bill as a “landmark moment” for the North’s transport infrastructure. The plans include laying HS2 tracks and constructing new stations at Manchester Piccadilly and Manchester Airport. However, Burnham and Manchester City Council leader Bev Craig advocate for an underground station at Piccadilly to maximise land use and accommodate future demands.

The Debate Over HS2’s Design
Burnham argued that the overground design would waste valuable development space and create operational inefficiencies, such as requiring trains between Liverpool and Leeds to reverse out of the station. He expressed concerns about the long-term implications, stating:

“What happens here will define Northern England for the next two centuries. If billions are being spent, it must be done right.”

Craig echoed his sentiment, calling for modifications to the plan during the bill’s passage through Parliament. “We welcome high-speed rail in Manchester but need the right solution for the city’s success,” she said.

Government Response and Budget Concerns
The DfT defended its proposal, arguing that an underground station would cause significant disruption, extend passenger travel times to platforms, and add up to £5 billion to the project’s cost. A surface station, the department claimed, offers better value for money and aligns with Manchester’s broader development goals.

However, HS2 continues to face opposition from environmental and financial watchdogs, including Stop HS2 North and HS2 Rebellion. Critics highlight the project’s growing budget, which increased from an initial £55.7 billion to a revised maximum of £98 billion in 2020. Despite these concerns, HS2 Minister Andrew Stephenson reaffirmed last year that the project remains within its adjusted budget.

As the bill progresses, Burnham and his allies plan to lobby for changes to ensure HS2 meets the North’s needs while maximising its potential benefits.