The Culture Recovery Fund is a grants programme issued by the UK Government as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic . The fund aims to financially support cultural organisations in England (such as theatres, museums, and music venues) which had become financially unviable as a result of national and local restrictions. It is administered by Arts Council England .
132-665: The fund was initially announced by the Chancellor Rishi Sunak in July 2020 as a "one-off investment in UK culture". Sunak announced that the fund would be valued at £1.57 billion. Damon Buffini was announced as the chair of the Culture Recovery Board, the body tasked with managing the fund. The culture recovery fund is administered by the Culture Recovery Board, which comprises 11 members appointed by
264-591: A Master of Business Administration degree from Stanford University as a Fulbright Scholar . Sunak's paternal grandfather was from Gujranwala (in present-day Pakistan ), while his maternal grandfather was from Ludhiana (in present-day India ); both cities at the time were part of the Punjab province in British India . His grandparents migrated to East Africa, and then to the United Kingdom in
396-670: A Roman Catholic independent school in Begbroke , which closed in 1984. At the age of 13, May won a place at the former Holton Park Girls' Grammar School, a state school in Wheatley . During her time as a pupil, the Oxfordshire education system was reorganised, and the school became the new Wheatley Park Comprehensive School . May attended the University of Oxford , read geography at St Hugh's College , and graduated with
528-522: A global minimum tax on multinationals and online technology companies. In October 2021, the OECD signed an accord to join the tax reform plan. Later that month, Sunak attended COP26 in Glasgow. During his speech given on 3 November, he said that he felt optimism despite daunting challenges and that by bringing together finance ministers, businesses and investors, COP26 could begin to deliver targets from
660-588: A planned national insurance rise in April, he promised to align the primary threshold with the basic personal income allowance as of July. He also promised a reduction in income tax in 2024. Sunak also provided some funding which was intended to help vulnerable people cope with the cost of living. Sunak hosted a G7 summit in London in June 2021. A tax reform agreement was signed, which in principle sought to establish
792-617: A really hostile environment for illegal migration". May rejected the European Union's proposal of compulsory refugee quotas . She said that it was important to help people living in war-zone regions and refugee camps but "not the ones who are strong and rich enough to come to Europe". In May 2016, The Daily Telegraph reported that she had tried to save £4m by rejecting an intelligence project to use aircraft surveillance to detect illegal immigrant boats. In June 2012, May announced that new restrictions would be introduced to reduce
924-449: A second referendum on any withdrawal agreement . May's withdrawal agreement was rejected by Parliament three times, leading to May announcing her resignation in May 2019. Sunak supported Boris Johnson 's successful bid to succeed May in the 2019 Conservative Party leadership election and co-wrote an article with fellow MPs Robert Jenrick and Oliver Dowden to advocate for Johnson during
1056-506: A Caribbean background trust the police. That is simply not sustainable ... I will soon publish proposals to strengthen the protections available to whistleblowers in the police. I am creating a new criminal offence of police corruption. And I am determined that the use of stop and search must come down, become more targeted and lead to more arrests. On 9 December 2010, in the wake of violent student demonstrations in central London against increases to higher-education tuition fees , May praised
1188-728: A backbench MP for the next five years. Rishi Sunak was born on 12 May 1980 in Southampton General Hospital in Southampton , Hampshire, to East African-born Hindu parents of Indian Punjabi descent. His father was born in the Kenya Colony in 1949, while his mother was born in the Tanganyika Territory (modern-day Tanzania ). His paternal grandfather Ramdas Sunak had migrated from Gujranwala , located in present-day Pakistan , to
1320-454: A bakery on Saturdays to earn pocket money and was a "tall, fashion-conscious young woman who from an early age spoke of her ambition to be the first woman prime minister," according to those who knew her. A university friend, Pat Frankland, said, "I cannot remember a time when she did not have political ambitions." Between 1977 and 1983, May worked at the Bank of England . From 1985 to 1997, she
1452-620: A chartered private jet. To strengthen the Home Office's tough stance, an "end of life" plan was reportedly offered to Muazu, who was one of a number of hunger strikers at the Harmondsworth Immigration Removal Centre . In July 2013, Abu Qatada , a radical cleric arrested in 2002, was deported to Jordan after a decade-long battle that had cost the nation £1.7 million in legal fees, and several prior Home Secretaries had not resolved. The deportation
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#17327723884651584-685: A confidence-and-supply arrangement with the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP). Following the 2017 election, May's premiership continued to be dominated by Brexit, in particular by her government's negotiations with the EU, adhering to the Chequers plan , which led to a draft Brexit withdrawal agreement . Other events that occurred during May's premiership were terrorist attacks in Westminster , Manchester Arena and London Bridge ,
1716-550: A dayboy, becoming head boy of the college. He worked as a waiter, at the curry house Kuti's Brasserie in Southampton, during his summer holidays. He read philosophy, politics and economics at Lincoln College, Oxford , graduating with a first in 2001. During his time at university, he undertook an internship at Conservative Campaign Headquarters and joined the Conservative Party . In 2006 Sunak earned
1848-474: A full ceasefire as he argued that this would only benefit Hamas. Israel used British-supplied weapons in the war. However, Sunak later condemned the high number of civilian casualties in Gaza and called for a "sustainable ceasefire" in which all Israeli hostages were returned to Israel, attacks against Israel ceased and humanitarian aid was allowed into Gaza. His government supported the two-state solution as
1980-459: A government crisis , triggering a leadership contest . On 22 October, it was reported that Sunak had the required number of supporters—100 members of the House of Commons—to run in the ballot on 24 October. The total number of MPs who publicly declared support passed 100 on the afternoon of 22 October. On 23 October, Sunak declared that he would stand for election. After Johnson ruled himself out of
2112-427: A leader who is doing an enormous amount to change a party which has suffered two landslide defeats". She admitted that constituency selection committees seemed to prefer candidates they would "be happy to have a drink with on a Sunday morning", continuing to say, "At the last general election 38 new Tory MPs were elected. Of that total, only one was a woman and none was from an ethnic minority. Is that fair? Is one half of
2244-460: A legal agreement to free an Algerian from a UK Immigration Detention Centre. As she eventually allowed the prisoner to be freed, May avoided further sanctions including fines or imprisonment. May responded to a Supreme Court decision in November 2013 to overturn her predecessor Jacqui Smith 's revocation of Iraqi-born terror suspect Al Jedda's British citizenship by ordering it to be revoked for
2376-532: A net flow of 298,000 migrants to the UK in the 12 months to September 2014—up from 210,000 in the previous year." In total, 624,000 people migrated to the UK in the year ending September 2014 and 327,000 left in the same period. Statistics showed "significant increases in migration among both non-EU citizens—up 49,000 to 292,000—and EU citizens, which rose by 43,000 to 251,000." In May 2012 she told The Daily Telegraph of her intention "to create here in Britain
2508-483: A new economic ministry led by Sunak might be established, to reduce the power and political influence of the Treasury. By February 2020, it was reported that Javid would remain in his role as Chancellor and that Sunak would stay on as Chief Secretary to the Treasury, in order to "keep an eye" on Javid. On 13 February 2020, the day of the reshuffle, Javid resigned as Chancellor, following a meeting with Johnson. During
2640-410: A number of politicians have behaved disgracefully and then compounded their offences by trying to evade responsibility. We all know who they are. Let's face it, some of them have stood on this platform." She accused some unnamed colleagues of trying to "make political capital out of demonising minorities", and charged others with indulging themselves "in petty feuding or sniping instead of getting behind
2772-655: A package of reforms to policing in England and Wales in the House of Commons . The previous Labour Government's central crime agency, Soca (Serious Organised Crime Agency) , was to be replaced by a new National Crime Agency . In common with the Conservative Party 2010 general election manifesto's flagship proposal for a " Big Society " based on voluntary action, May also proposed increasing the role of civilian "reservists" for crime control. The reforms were rejected by
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#17327723884652904-408: A pandemic and began rapidly spreading across the country, Sunak became prominent in the government's response to the pandemic and its economic impact . On 20 March 2020, Sunak gave a statement on COVID-19, saying: Now, more than any time in our history, we will be judged by our capacity for compassion. Our ability to come through this, won’t just be down to what government or businesses do, but by
3036-575: A partner in September 2006. He left in November 2009 to join former colleagues in California at a new hedge fund firm, Theleme Partners, which launched in October 2010 with $ 700 million under management (equivalent to $ 978 million in 2023). At both hedge funds, his boss was Patrick Degorce . Sunak was also a director of the investment firm Catamaran Ventures, owned by his father-in-law,
3168-428: A plan, it’s a fairytale.” A spokesperson for Sunak later said: “The reality is that Truss cannot deliver a support package as well as come good on £50bn worth of unfunded, permanent tax cuts in one go. To do so would mean increasing borrowing to historic and dangerous levels, putting the public finances in serious jeopardy and plunging the economy into an inflation spiral." In the membership vote, Truss received 57.4% of
3300-517: A programme providing £330 billion in emergency support for businesses, as well as the Coronavirus Job Retention furlough scheme for employees. This was the first time a British government had created such an employee retention scheme. The scheme was introduced on 20 March 2020 as providing grants to employers to pay 80% of a staff wage and employment costs each month, up to a total of £2,500 per person per month. The cost
3432-502: A report for the Thatcherite think tank Centre for Policy Studies supporting the establishment of free ports after Brexit , and the following year wrote a report advocating the creation of a retail bond market for small and medium-sized enterprises . Following Cameron's resignation, Sunak endorsed Michael Gove in the 2016 Conservative Party leadership election , and later endorsed successful candidate Theresa May after Gove
3564-540: A report into drug policy commissioned by the Home Office. The Home Office denied that its officials had considered this as part of their strategy. Baker cited difficulties in working with May as the reason for his resignation from the Home Office in the run-up to the 2015 general election. In 2010, May promised to bring the level of net migration down to less than 100,000. The Independent reported in February 2015, "The Office for National Statistics (ONS) announced
3696-632: A resolution to the conflict. When the International Criminal Court prosecutor Karim Ahmad Khan announced that he would seek to charge Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu with war crimes, Sunak criticised the move as "unhelpful" and accused Khan of drawing a moral equivalence between Israel and Hamas. Theresa May [REDACTED] Theresa Mary May, Baroness May of Maidenhead , ( / t ə ˈ r iː z ə / ; née Brasier ; born 1 October 1956),
3828-440: A second class BA degree in 1977. She was taught political geography at St Hugh's by John Patten, Baron Patten , a future Conservative Secretary of State for Education under John Major . At St Hugh's, May's contemporaries included the barrister Alicia Collinson, wife of May's future deputy Damian Green ; businesswoman Louise Patten ; and Emma Hood, wife of former Oxford University Vice-Chancellor John Hood . May worked at
3960-424: A second time, making him the first person to be stripped twice of British citizenship. May was accused by Lord Roberts of Llandudno of being willing to allow someone to die "to score a political point" over the deportation of mentally ill Nigerian man Isa Muazu. According to Muazu's solicitor, May had arranged for the asylum seeker, who was said to be "near death" after a 100-day hunger strike, to be deported by
4092-686: A significant restructuring of government departments . New departments included those for Business and Trade , Energy Security and Net Zero , and Science, Innovation and Technology . The Department for International Trade and the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy were split and merged into other departments. Ministers who joined the cabinet in the first reshuffle included Greg Hands took over as chairman from Zahawi, though later resigned and replaced by Richard Holden . Lucy Frazer became Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport taking over from Donelan. Rachel Maclean left
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4224-481: A snap general election , with the aim of strengthening her hand in Brexit negotiations and highlighting her " strong and stable " leadership. This resulted in a hung parliament with the number of Conservative seats reduced to 317 from 330, despite the highest vote share since 1983 and the largest increase in electoral support enjoyed by a governing party since 1832. The loss of an overall majority prompted her to enter
4356-548: A speech to the Police Federation , in which she criticised aspects of the culture of the police force. In the speech, she said: When you remember the list of recent revelations about police misconduct, it is not enough to mouth platitudes about "a few bad apples ". The problem might lie with a minority of officers, but it is still a significant problem and a problem that needs to be addressed ... according to one survey carried out recently, only 42% of black people from
4488-514: A tightening of the definition of asylum. On 20 July, Sunak and Foreign Secretary Liz Truss emerged as the final two candidates in the contest on 20 July to be put forward to the membership for the final leadership vote. He had received the most votes in each of the series of MP votes with Sunak receiving 137 to Truss's 113 in the final round. Sunak opposed Truss' economic plans and predicted they would result in economic damage, saying "Liz, we have to be honest. Borrowing your way out of inflation isn’t
4620-646: A year in case police requested access to the records while investigating a crime. The Liberal Democrats had blocked the first attempt , but after the Conservative Party obtained a majority in the 2015 general election May announced a new Draft Investigatory Powers Bill similar to the Draft Communications Data Bill, although with more limited powers and additional oversight. Speaking at the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) conference in June 2010, May announced radical cuts to
4752-404: Is a British politician who served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and Leader of the Conservative Party from 2016 to 2019. She previously served as Home Secretary from 2010 to 2016. She was Member of Parliament (MP) for Maidenhead from 1997 to 2024, and has been a member of the House of Lords since August 2024. May is the second female Prime Minister, after Margaret Thatcher , and
4884-595: Is a psychologist and his sister works in New York as chief of strategy and planning at Education Cannot Wait, the United Nations Global Fund for Education in Emergencies and Protracted Crises. Sunak worked as an analyst for the investment bank Goldman Sachs between 2001 and 2004. He then worked for hedge fund management firm The Children's Investment Fund Management (TCI), becoming
5016-422: Is why I am resigning. It has become clear to me that our approaches are fundamentally too different. I am sad to be leaving Government but I have reluctantly come to the conclusion that we cannot continue like this. On 8 July 2022, Sunak announced his candidacy in the leadership election to replace Johnson. Sunak launched his campaign in a video posted to social media, writing that he would "restore trust, rebuild
5148-400: The 1992 general election May was the Conservative Party candidate for the safe Labour seat of North West Durham , placing second to incumbent MP Hilary Armstrong , with future Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron placing third. May then stood at the 1994 Barking by-election , which was prompted by the death of Labour MP Jo Richardson . The seat had been continuously held by Labour since it
5280-421: The 2019 European Parliament election , she left office in July and was succeeded by Boris Johnson , her former foreign secretary . May remained in the House of Commons as a backbencher until she stood down at the 2024 general election . She was elevated to the House of Lords later that year as Baroness May of Maidenhead. In historical rankings of prime ministers , academics and journalists have ranked May in
5412-446: The 2024 general election , Sunak won the seat of Richmond and Northallerton , which replaced his former seat of Richmond (Yorks), with a majority of 23,059 (51.4). Sunak was appointed to a junior ministerial position in May's second government as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Local Government in the 2018 cabinet reshuffle . Sunak voted for May's Brexit withdrawal agreement on all three occasions , and voted against
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5544-536: The 2024 general election , he became Leader of the Opposition , serving in this role from July to November 2024. The first British Asian to hold those offices, he previously held two Cabinet positions under Boris Johnson , latterly as Chancellor of the Exchequer from 2020 to 2022. Sunak has been Member of Parliament (MP) for Richmond and Northallerton , previously Richmond (Yorks) , since 2015. Sunak
5676-617: The College of Policing and the National Crime Agency . Although she supported the remain campaign , May supported Brexit following the victory of the leave campaign at the 2016 referendum . Also after the referendum, she was elected Prime Minister unopposed, succeeding David Cameron . As Prime Minister, May began the process of withdrawing the UK from the EU, triggering Article 50 in March 2017. In April, she announced
5808-481: The DCMS . They are: The first 135 venues to receive money from the fund were announced on 22 August 2020. This first phase included only grassroots music venues such as Birmingham's Sunflower Lounge, Brighton's Green Door Store and Manchester's Gorilla. A large group of beneficiaries of the grants was announced on 12 October 2020. This phase totalled £257 million divided between 1,385 venues. A further announcement
5940-823: The Grenfell Tower fire and Windrush scandal . Her government announced the NHS Long Term Plan and was responsible for negotiating and approving the near-entirety of the UK's terms of exit from the EU. May was also a prominent figure in leading the international condemnation and response to Russia over the poisoning of Sergei and Yulia Skripal in March 2018. May survived two votes of no confidence in December 2018 and in January 2019 , but after versions of her draft withdrawal agreement were rejected by Parliament three times and her party's poor performance in
6072-449: The House of Commons , she was elected MP for Maidenhead at the 1997 general election . From 1999 to 2010, May held several roles in shadow cabinets and was Chair of the Conservative Party from 2002 to 2003. Following the formation of the coalition government after the 2010 general election , May was appointed Home Secretary and Minister for Women and Equalities , giving up the latter role in 2012. Re-appointed Home Secretary after
6204-571: The Independent Police Complaints Commission ruling that there was no new evidence to warrant further investigation, after discussions with Doreen Lawrence , May commissioned Mark Ellison to review Scotland Yard's investigations into alleged police corruption. The report was presented to Parliament by May on 6 March 2014. Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe , Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police said
6336-513: The Institute for Fiscal Studies about the statement's impact, as well as its cost-effectiveness, while at least one major retailer declined to take advantage of a financial bonus scheme intended for rehiring employees placed on furlough during the pandemic. In his March 2021 budget, Sunak emphasized the effect the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the economy, with 700,000 people losing their jobs,
6468-479: The Paris Agreement . On 5 July 2022, Sunak and Javid resigned almost simultaneously amid a scandal surrounding the sexual harassment allegations against Chris Pincher , which arose after it was revealed that Johnson had promoted Pincher to the position of Deputy Chief Whip while knowing of the allegations beforehand. Sunak was the second of 61 Conservative MPs to resign during the government crisis. He
6600-643: The Russian invasion of the country , and pledged support for Israel after the attacks which began the Israel–Hamas war whilst later calling for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip . He did not avert further unpopularity for the Conservatives, reflected in the party's poor performances in the 2023 and 2024 local elections . Sunak called a general election for July 2024 despite being widely expected to call
6732-587: The UK stood with Ukraine from the very beginning. And I am here today to say the UK and our allies will continue to stand with Ukraine, as it fights to end this barbarous war and deliver a just peace." Sunak visited Ukraine on 12 January 2024 to sign a new U.K.-Ukraine Agreement on Security Cooperation with Zelenskyy promising £2.5 billion in military aid to Ukraine, including long-range missiles, artillery ammunition, air defence and maritime security, in addition to £200 million to be spent on military drones, making
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#17327723884656864-504: The corporation tax rate since Labour 's Denis Healey in 1974. In October 2021, Sunak made his third and final budget statement, which included substantial spending promises related to science and education. The budget increased in-work support through the Universal Credit system by increasing the work allowances by £500 a year, and reducing the post-tax deduction taper rate from 63% to 55%. £560 million of investment
6996-534: The formation of the coalition government after the 2010 general election on 12 May 2010, May was appointed Home Secretary and Minister for Women and Equalities by Prime Minister David Cameron as part of his first Cabinet. She became the fourth woman to hold one of the British Great Offices of State , after Margaret Thatcher ( Prime Minister ), Margaret Beckett ( Foreign Secretary ) and Jacqui Smith (Home Secretary). As Home Secretary, May
7128-509: The furlough and Eat Out to Help Out schemes, and was also prominent in the government's response to the cost-of living crisis . As chancellor, Sunak received high approval and popularity ratings in the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, although his popularity later declined amid the cost-of living crisis in 2022. He resigned as chancellor in July 2022 amid a government crisis that culminated in Johnson's resignation, and stood in
7260-419: The hospitality industry . The government subsidised food and soft drinks at participating cafes, pubs and restaurants at 50%, up to £10 per person. The offer was available from 3 to 31 August on Monday to Wednesday each week. In total, the scheme subsidised £849 million in meals. Patrick Vallance and Chris Whitty were not informed of the scheme. Some considered the scheme to be a success in boosting
7392-400: The leadership election to succeed him. He received the most votes in each of the series of MP votes, but lost the members' vote to Liz Truss . After spending the duration of Truss's premiership on the backbenches, Sunak was elected unopposed in the leadership election to succeed Truss, who resigned amid another government crisis ; aged 42 at the time he became prime minister, Sunak became
7524-457: The widespread rioting in summer 2011 and said: "the way we police in Britain is not through use of water cannon. The way we police in Britain is through consent of communities." May said: "I condemn utterly the violence in Tottenham... Such disregard for public safety and property will not be tolerated, and the Metropolitan Police have my full support in restoring order." In the aftermath of
7656-460: The 1930s. In March 2021, Sunak announced that the scheme had been extended once more until September 2021. In July 2020, Sunak unveiled a plan for a further £30 billion of spending which included a stamp duty holiday, a cut to value-added tax (VAT) for the hospitality sector, a job retention bonus for employers and the Eat Out to Help Out scheme, aimed at supporting and creating jobs in
7788-681: The 1960s. His father was born and raised in the Colony and Protectorate of Kenya (present-day Kenya), and was a general practitioner in the National Health Service (NHS). His mother, born in Tanganyika (which later became part of Tanzania ), was a pharmacist who owned the Sunak Pharmacy in Southampton between 1995 and 2014, and has a degree from Aston University . Sunak is the eldest of three siblings. His brother
7920-633: The ASBO's role as the flagship crime control policy legislation under Labour. Former Labour Home Secretaries David Blunkett (who introduced ASBOs) and Alan Johnson expressed their disapproval of the proposals. In July 2013, May decided to ban the stimulant khat , against the advice of the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD). The council reached the conclusion that there was "insufficient evidence" it caused health problems. Explaining
8052-612: The British and Rwandan Parliaments. The government also introduced the Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill , emergency legislation giving ministers the power to disapply sections of the Human Rights Act 1998 and certain aspects of international law in order to allow them to declare Rwanda a safe country according to UK law. The bill was criticised by many on the right of the party for not going far enough, resulting in
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#17327723884658184-591: The Channel in small boats to the UK in 2023. Long-term net migration to the United Kingdom (the number of people immigrating minus the number emigrating) reached a record high of 764,000 in 2022, with legal immigration at 1.26 million and emigration at 493,000. Of the 1,218,000 legal migrants coming to the UK in 2023, only 10% were EU Nationals. Sunak continued the Rwanda asylum plan to have asylum seekers and illegal immigrants sent to Rwanda for processing. After
8316-413: The Conservatives won the 2015 general election , she became the longest-serving Home Secretary in more than 60 years. During her tenure as Home Secretary , she pursued reform of the Police Federation , implemented a harder line on drugs policy and further restricted immigration . She oversaw the introduction of elected Police and Crime Commissioners , the deportation of Abu Qatada and the creation of
8448-466: The Conservatives. After graduating, Sunak worked for Goldman Sachs and later as a partner at the hedge fund firms the Children's Investment Fund Management and Theleme Partners . Sunak was elected to the House of Commons at the 2015 general election . As a backbencher , Sunak supported the successful campaign for Brexit in the 2016 European Union membership referendum . Sunak was appointed to
8580-403: The Home Office budget, likely to lead to a reduction in police numbers. In July 2010, May presented the House of Commons with proposals for a fundamental review of the previous Labour government's security and counter-terrorism legislation, including "stop and search" powers, and her intention to review the 28-day limit on detaining terrorist suspects without charge. In July 2010, May announced
8712-539: The House of Commons in December 2005 and as Shadow Minister for Women and Equality in July 2007. In January 2009, May was made Shadow Secretary of State for Work and Pensions . On 6 May 2010, May was re-elected MP for Maidenhead with an increased majority of 16,769 – 60% of the vote. This followed an earlier failed attempt by the Liberal Democrats to unseat her in 2005, as one of that party's leading "decapitation-strategy" targets. Following
8844-584: The Indian businessman N. R. Narayana Murthy of Infosys , between 2013 and 2015. Sunak was selected as the Conservative candidate for Richmond (Yorks) in October 2014. The seat was previously held by William Hague . In the same year Sunak was head of the Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) Research Unit of the conservative think tank Policy Exchange , for which he co-wrote a report on BME communities in
8976-505: The Kenyan capital of Nairobi in 1935, while his maternal grandfather, Raghubir Berry, grew up in Punjab before eventually moving to Tanzania as an engineer. Both of Sunak's parents had moved to the UK in 1966. While in the UK they eventually met and would get married in 1977. Sunak attended Stroud School, a preparatory school in Romsey , and later studied at Winchester College as
9108-626: The Opposition Labour Party . Following the actions of some members of Black Bloc in vandalising allegedly tax-avoiding shops and businesses on the day of the March 2011 TUC march, the Home Secretary unveiled reforms curbing the right to protest, including giving police extra powers to remove masked individuals and to police social networking sites to prevent illegal protest without police consent or notification. In 2012, despite inquiries by both Scotland Yard and
9240-429: The PM in Parliament as to whether she had examined the impact on communities and families on modest incomes, but it received no direct response. The human rights group Liberty concluded that the new rules showed scant regard to the impact they would have on genuine families. The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Migration conducted an evidence based inquiry into the impact of the rules and concluded in their report that
9372-428: The Prime Minister. Also in June 2010, May banned the Indian Muslim preacher Zakir Naik from entering the United Kingdom. According to The Daily Telegraph , a Home Office official who disagreed with this decision was suspended. In late June 2010, May announced plans for a temporary cap on UK visas for non-EU migrants. The move raised concerns about the impact on the British economy. In August 2013, May supported
9504-503: The Royal Courts of Justice issued a statement, denying that this was the reason for the tribunal's decision in that case, and stating that the real reason was that he was in a genuine relationship with a British partner, and owning a pet cat was simply one of many pieces of evidence given to show that the relationship was "genuine". The Home Office had failed to apply its own rules for dealing with unmarried partners of people settled in
9636-687: The Shadow Cabinet when in 1999 she was appointed Shadow Education and Employment Secretary. After the 2001 election the new Conservative leader Iain Duncan Smith kept her in the Shadow Cabinet, moving her to the Transport portfolio. May was appointed the first female Chairman of the Conservative Party in July 2002. During her speech at the 2002 Conservative Party Conference, she explained why, in her view, her party must change: "You know what people call us? The Nasty Party. In recent years
9768-540: The UK the largest deliverer of drones to Ukraine out of any nation according to Downing Street. In October 2023, Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel that devolved into a war and a growing humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip . Sunak pledged the UK's support for Israel and declared that Israel "has an absolute right to defend itself". Sunak backed calls for humanitarian pauses to allow for aid to be brought into Gaza, although he initially rejected calls for
9900-485: The UK's lowest income households, a further £650 payment was announced. Additionally, pensioners or those with disability would qualify for extra payments, on top of the £550 that every household gets, and the £650 they would receive if they had a low income. Sunak presented his first budget, Delivering on Our Promises to the British People, on 11 March 2020. It was scheduled to be followed by another budget in
10032-482: The UK. Amnesty International said May's comments only fuelled "myths and misconceptions" about the Human Rights Act and Justice Secretary Kenneth Clarke subsequently called May's comments "laughable and childlike." In June 2012, May was found in contempt of court by Judge Barry Cotter, and stood accused of "totally unacceptable and regrettable behaviour", being said to have shown complete disregard for
10164-632: The UK. He was elected as MP for the constituency at the 2015 general election with a majority of 19,550 (36.2%). During the 2015–2017 Parliament he was a member of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee . Sunak supported the successful campaign to leave the European Union in the 2016 European Union membership referendum , criticising the EU's immigration laws: "We are discriminating against countries with whom we have ties of history, language and culture" That year, he wrote
10296-408: The actions of the police in controlling the demonstrations but was described by The Daily Telegraph as "under growing political pressure" due to her handling of the protests. In December 2010, May declared that deployment of water cannon by police forces in mainland Britain was an operational decision which had been "resisted until now by senior police officers." She rejected their use following
10428-471: The adjournment of the deportation to the United States of alleged computer hacker Gary McKinnon . She also suspended the registration scheme for carers of children and vulnerable people, with May saying that the measures were "draconian. You were assumed to be guilty until you were proven innocent, and told you were able to work with children." On 4 August 2010, it was reported that May was scrapping
10560-471: The appointment of Laura Trott as Chief Secretary to the Treasury . In February 2023, Sunak negotiated a proposed agreement with the EU on Northern Ireland 's trading arrangements which was published as the Windsor Framework . On 27 February, Sunak delivered a statement to the House of Commons, saying that the proposed agreement "protects Northern Ireland's place in our Union. On 22 March,
10692-405: The autumn, but in September 2020 he announced that budget would be scrapped because of the COVID-19 pandemic, stating "now is not the right time to outline long-term plans – people want to see us focused on the here and now". Instead, additional statements were given by the chancellor in both summer and autumn . The Winter Economy Plan was delivered by Sunak on 24 September 2020. The purpose of
10824-408: The backbenches and joined the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities . Sunak's last cabinet reshuffle in November 2023 saw the return of former prime minister David Cameron to government following a seven-year absence from frontline politics, replacing James Cleverly as foreign secretary. It also saw the departures of Braverman and Coffey from government and Hands from the cabinet, and
10956-458: The bottom fourth quartile. Theresa May was born on 1 October 1956 in Eastbourne , Sussex. She is the only child of Zaidee Mary (née Barnes; 1928–1982) and Hubert Brasier (1917–1981). Her father was a Church of England clergyman (and an Anglo-Catholic ) who was chaplain of an Eastbourne hospital. He later became vicar of Enstone with Heythrop and finally of St Mary's at Wheatley, to
11088-489: The campaign in June. Sunak was appointed to the senior cabinet role of chief secretary to the Treasury by Johnson, serving under Sajid Javid . He became a member of the Privy Council the next day. During the 2019 general election, Sunak represented the Conservatives in debates. In the weeks leading up to Johnson's first cabinet reshuffle in February 2020, a number of briefings in the press had suggested that
11220-566: The change in the classification May said: "The decision to bring khat under control is finely balanced and takes into account the expert scientific advice and these broader concerns", and pointed out that the product had already been banned in the majority of other EU member states, as well as most of the G8 countries including Canada and the US. A report on khat use by the ACMD published in January 2013 had noted
11352-410: The coronavirus mini-budget) was delivered by Sunak on 8 July 2020. The purpose of the statement was to announce measures aimed at helping to promote economic recovery following the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The statement was delivered to the House of Commons, where Sunak unveiled a spending package worth £30bn. Concerns were subsequently raised by organisations including HM Revenue and Customs and
11484-413: The current two-year probationary period for partners to 5 years. The rules also prevent any adult and elderly dependents from settling in the UK unless they can demonstrate that, as a result of age, illness or disability , they require a level of long-term personal care that can only be provided by a relative in the UK. The House of Lords was concerned about the immigration issue and therefore addressed
11616-428: The date of the parliamentary vote, 22 Conservative MPs and six DUP MPs voted against the government legislation. The vote ultimately passed by 515 votes to 29. In 2019 the Conservative Party and Boris Johnson pledged to reduce net migration below 250,000 per year, but Sunak said in 2023 that the priority was not to reduce legal immigration but to stop illegal immigration . Nearly 30,000 undocumented migrants crossed
11748-670: The detention legal. A 2016 ruling by the Court of Appeal found that the provision of the Terrorism Act used for Miranda's detention was "incompatible with the European convention on human rights ", but that the detention itself was lawful. May also championed legislation popularly dubbed the Snooper's Charter , requiring internet and mobile service providers to keep records of internet usage, voice calls, messages and email for up to
11880-595: The detention of David Miranda , partner of Guardian journalist Glenn Greenwald , under the Terrorism Act 2000 , saying that critics of the Metropolitan Police action needed to "think about what they are condoning". Lib Dem peer and former Director of Public Prosecutions Ken Macdonald accused May of an "ugly and unhelpful" attempt to implicate those who were concerned about the police action of "condoning terrorism". The High Court subsequently acknowledged there were "indirect implications for press freedom" but ruled
12012-495: The east of Oxford. May's mother was a supporter of the Conservative Party. Her father died in 1981, from injuries sustained in a car accident, and her mother of multiple sclerosis the following year. May later stated she was "sorry they [her parents] never saw me elected as a Member of Parliament". May initially attended Heythrop Primary School, a state school in Heythrop, followed by St. Juliana's Convent School for Girls,
12144-432: The economy and reunite the country". He said that his values were "patriotism, fairness, hard work", and pledged to "crack down on gender neutral language". During the campaign, Sunak pledged to included tax cuts only when inflation was under control, scrapping of the 5% VAT rate on household energy for one year, introducing a temporary £10 fine for patients who fail to attend GP appointments, capping of refugee numbers, and
12276-400: The economy shrinking by 10% (the largest fall in 300 years), and the highest borrowing outside wartime. The budget included an increase in the rate of corporation tax from 19% to 25% in 2023, a five-year freeze in the tax-free personal allowance and the higher rate income tax threshold, and the extension of the furlough scheme until the end of September. Sunak was the first Chancellor to raise
12408-486: The election in the autumn; the Conservatives lost this election in a landslide to the opposition Labour Party led by Keir Starmer , ending 14 years of Conservative government. After leaving office, Sunak became Leader of the Opposition and remained Conservative leader for nearly four months while the leadership election to replace him took place, and formed a shadow cabinet . He was succeeded by Kemi Badenoch , his Shadow Housing Secretary . He also intends to remain as
12540-527: The first confirmed COVID-19 cases in January 2020, Sunak introduced advice for travellers coming from affected countries in late January and February 2020, and began contact tracing , although this was later abandoned. There were further societal restrictions on the public as the virus spread across the country in the following weeks , initially resisting more stringent measures introduced elsewhere in Europe and Asia . On 23 March 2020, as COVID-19 had become
12672-542: The first woman to have held two of the Great Offices of State . Ideologically, May is a one-nation conservative . May grew up in Oxfordshire and attended St Hugh's College, Oxford . After graduating in 1977, she worked at the Bank of England and the Association for Payment Clearing Services . She also served as a councillor on Merton London Borough Council . After two unsuccessful attempts to be elected to
12804-464: The former Labour government's proposed "go orders" scheme to protect women from domestic violence by banning abusers from the victim's home. In June 2010, May faced her first major national security incident as Home Secretary with the Cumbria shootings . She delivered her first major speech in the House of Commons as Home Secretary in a statement on this incident, later visiting the victims with
12936-554: The hospitality industry, whilst others disagreed. A 2020 study found that the scheme contributed to a rise in COVID-19 infection, which Johnson acknowledged but the Treasury rejected. It was later said by Vallance during the COVID-19 Inquiry that Sunak had not informed medical advisers of the scheme until it was announced, whereas written evidence from Sunak said that the scheme had been discussed with medical advisers, including Vallance, and they had not objected. Amid
13068-432: The identity of any suspect under the age of 18, even if they are convicted, but it also allows for an application to have such restrictions lifted, if deemed appropriate." May added that "what I've asked for is that CPS guidance should go to prosecutors to say that where possible, they should be asking for the anonymity of juveniles who are found guilty of criminal activity to be lifted". In July 2010, May proposed to review
13200-486: The individual acts of kindness that we show each other. When this is over, we want to look back on this moment and remember the many small acts of kindness done by us and to us. We want to look back on this time and remember how we thought first of others and acted with decency. We want to look back on this time and remember how, in the face of a generation-defining moment, we undertook a collective national effort - and we stood together. It’s on all of us. Sunak introduced
13332-504: The junior ministerial position of Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Local Government by Theresa May in 2019, and was appointed to the cabinet-attending role of Chief Secretary to the Treasury by Johnson in 2019. In 2020, Sunak was promoted to Chancellor of the Exchequer. During his time in the position , Sunak was prominent in the government's financial response to the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic impact , including
13464-504: The meeting, Johnson had offered to allow Javid to keep his position on the condition that he dismiss all his advisers at the Treasury and replace them with ones selected by 10 Downing Street. Upon resigning, Javid told the Press Association that "no self-respecting minister would accept those terms". Sunak was promoted to chancellor to replace Javid as part of Johnson's first cabinet reshuffle later that day. In response to
13596-451: The number of non- European Economic Area family migrants. The changes were mostly intended to apply to new applicants after 9 July 2012. The newly introduced rules came into effect on 9 July 2012 allowing only those British citizens earning more than £18,600 to bring their spouses or their children to live with them in the UK. This figure would rise significantly in cases where visa applications are also made for children. They also increased
13728-603: The plan was blocked by the UK's Court of Appeal in June 2023 due to concerns over international law and the possibility of refoulement (persecution of those sent to Rwanda), Sunak vowed to appeal against the verdict to the Supreme Court . On 15 November 2023, the Supreme Court upheld the ruling and declared the plan unlawful. In response, Sunak sent Cleverly to Rwanda to negotiate a treaty with Rwanda focused on preventing refoulement which must now be ratified by
13860-675: The population entitled to only one place out of 38?" In 2003, after Michael Howard 's election as Conservative Party and Opposition Leader in November that year, May was appointed Shadow Secretary of State for Transport and the Environment . In June 2004, she was moved to become Shadow Secretary of State for the Family . Following the 2005 general election she was also made Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport . After David Cameron 's election as Conservative Party and Opposition Leader, he appointed May as Shadow Leader of
13992-466: The previous Labour Government's anti-social behaviour legislation signalling the abolition of the " Anti-Social Behaviour Order " (ASBO). She identified the policy's high level of failure with almost half of ASBOs breached between 2000 and 2008, leading to "fast-track" criminal convictions. May proposed a less punitive, community-based approach to tackling social disorder. May suggested that anti-social behaviour policy "must be turned on its head", reversing
14124-552: The previous Labour government's measures on data collection and surveillance in England and Wales. By way of a government bill which became the Identity Documents Act 2010 , she brought about the abolition of the Labour government's National Identity Card and database scheme and reformed the regulations on the retention of DNA samples for suspects and controls on the use of CCTV cameras. In May 2010, May announced
14256-410: The product had been associated with "acute psychotic episodes", "chronic liver disease" and family breakdown. However, it concluded that there is no risk of harm for most users, and recommended that khat remain uncontrolled due to lack of evidence for these associations. Liberal Democrat minister Norman Baker accused May of suppressing proposals to treat rather than prosecute minor drug offenders from
14388-624: The race and Penny Mordaunt withdrew her candidacy, Sunak was announced as the new leader on 24 October. As the leader of the majority party in the House of Commons, Sunak was appointed as prime minister by Charles III on 25 October 2022, becoming the first British Asian to take the office. At 42, Sunak became the youngest prime minister since Robert Jenkinson, 2nd Earl of Liverpool , in 1812. In his first speech as prime minister, Sunak said that Truss "was not wrong" to want to improve growth and that he "admired her restlessness to create change", but admitted that "some mistakes were made", and that he
14520-408: The report, which has prompted an inquiry into undercover policing, was "devastating". In July 2013, May welcomed the fact that crime had fallen by more than 10% under the coalition government, while still being able to make savings. She said that this was partly due to the government removing red tape and scrapping targets to allow the police to concentrate on crime-fighting. In 2014, May delivered
14652-746: The resignation of the minister for immigration, Robert Jenrick. On 12 December 2023 Sunak secured a government majority of 44 for the Safety of Rwanda Bill, despite the opposition of all other parties and abstentions from members of the European Research Group . Following the 15 November missile explosion in Poland , Sunak met US President Joe Biden and delivered a speech about it. Sunak later met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy , and pledged to give Ukraine £50 million in aid. After meeting Zelenskyy, Sunak said: "I am proud of how
14784-478: The riots May urged the identification of as many as possible of the young criminals involved. She said: "when I was in Manchester last week, the issue was raised to me about the anonymity of juveniles who are found guilty of crimes of this sort. The Crown Prosecution Service is to order prosecutors to apply for anonymity to be lifted in any youth case they think is in the public interest. The law currently protects
14916-427: The rising cost of living and energy crises, Sunak intensified efforts to respond to the crisis in May 2022, with a £5 billion windfall tax on energy companies to help fund a £15 billion support package for the public. The package included every household getting a £400 discount on energy bills, which would be in addition to a £150 council tax refund the government had already ordered. For about 8 million of
15048-547: The rules were causing very young children to be separated from their parents and could exile British citizens from the UK. At the Conservative Party Conference in October 2011, while arguing that the Human Rights Act needed to be amended, May gave the example of a foreign national who the Courts ruled was allowed to remain in the UK, "because—and I am not making this up—he had a pet cat". In response,
15180-418: The statement was to announce measures aimed at further helping to promote economic recovery following the impact of COVID-19. The plan aimed to further promote economic recovery while preserving jobs and businesses which were considered viable. After a second lockdown in England on 31 October 2020, the programme was extended several times, until 30 September 2021. The July 2020 summer statement (also known as
15312-405: The total of second-placed Andrew Terence Ketteringham of the Liberal Democrats, who took 13,363 votes (26.3%). Despite this, her party suffered their worst defeat in over 150 years. Having entered Parliament , May became a member of William Hague 's front-bench Opposition team, as Shadow Spokesman for Schools, Disabled People and Women (1998–1999). She became the first of the 1997 MPs to enter
15444-531: The vote, making her the new leader. Sunak responded by offering his support to Truss, saying "It’s right we now unite behind the new PM, Liz Truss, as she steers the country through difficult times." He spent the duration of Truss's premiership on the backbenches. As Sunak predicted, Truss announced large-scale tax cuts and borrowing in a mini-budget on 23 September, which was widely criticised and – after it rapidly led to financial instability – largely reversed. She announced her resignation on 20 October 2022 amid
15576-577: The youngest prime minister since The Earl of Liverpool in 1812. During his premiership , Sunak attempted to improve the economy and stabilise national politics. He outlined five key priorities: halving inflation, growing the economy, cutting debt, reducing National Health Service waiting lists, and stopping the illegal small-boat crossings of the English Channel by enacting the Rwanda asylum plan . On foreign policy, Sunak authorised foreign aid and weapons shipments to Ukraine in response to
15708-677: Was a financial consultant at the Association for Payment Clearing Services (APACS). She served as Head of the European Affairs Unit from 1989 to 1996 and Senior Adviser on International Affairs from 1996 to 1997 in the organisation. May served as a councillor for Durnsford ward on the Borough Council of the London Borough of Merton from 1986 to 1994, where she was Chairman of Education (1988–1990) and Deputy Group Leader and Housing Spokesman (1992–1994). In
15840-497: Was also a member of the National Security Council . She was the longest-serving Home Secretary for over 60 years, since James Chuter Ede who served over six years and two months from August 1945 to October 1951. May's appointment as Home Secretary was somewhat unexpected, with Chris Grayling having served as shadow Home Secretary in opposition. May's debut as Home Secretary involved overturning several of
15972-650: Was announced for the Levelling Up White Paper . Many of the announcements to be made in the budget were previewed before budget day, drawing criticism and anger from the House of Commons. In response to the criticism, Sunak said the budget "begins the work of preparing for a new economy". Sunak made what would ultimately be his final budget, his spring statement, on 23 March 2022. He cut fuel duty , removed VAT on energy saving equipment (such as solar panels and insulation) and reduced national insurance payments for small businesses and, while continuing with
16104-444: Was appointed Chancellor of the Exchequer , and Dominic Raab was also re-appointed as deputy prime minister and Justice Secretary, he later resigned from these roles in April 2023 and was replaced by Oliver Dowden. James Cleverly was appointed Foreign Secretary with Suella Braverman as Home Secretary . Ben Wallace was appointed Secretary of State for Defence . Michael Gove was appointed Levelling Up Secretary , Grant Shapps
16236-664: Was appointed as Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy , and Penny Mordaunt became Leader of the House of Commons and Lord President of the council. Other key appointments included Simon Hart as Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasury and Chief Whip of the House of Commons, Nadhim Zahawi as Chairman of the Conservative Party , Oliver Dowden as Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster , Thérèse Coffey as Environment Secretary , Mel Stride as Work and Pensions Secretary and Mark Harper as Transport Secretary. Sunak's first cabinet reshuffle in February 2023 saw
16368-456: Was born in Southampton to parents of Indian descent who immigrated to Britain from East Africa in the 1960s. He was educated at Winchester College , studied philosophy, politics and economics at Lincoln College, Oxford , and earned a Master of Business Administration from Stanford University in California as a Fulbright Scholar . During his time at Oxford University, Sunak undertook an internship at Conservative Central Office , and joined
16500-427: Was created in 1945, and Labour candidate Margaret Hodge was expected to win easily, which she did. May placed a distant third. Around 18 months ahead of the 1997 general election , May was selected as the Conservative candidate for Maidenhead , a new seat which was created from parts of the safe seats of Windsor and Maidenhead and Wokingham . She was elected comfortably with 25,344 votes (49.8%), almost double
16632-469: Was elected prime minister in part to fix them: I will place economic stability and confidence at the heart of this government’s agenda. I will unite our country, not with words, but with action. I will work day in and day out to deliver for you. This government will have integrity, professionalism and accountability at every level. Trust is earned. And I will earn yours. Sunak selected his cabinet ministers after his appointment as prime minister. Jeremy Hunt
16764-404: Was eliminated in the second round of voting. Sunak was re-elected at the 2017 general election with an increased majority of 23,108 (40.5%). In the same year, Sunak wrote a paper for Policy Exchange on the importance and fragility of the UK's undersea infrastructure. Sunak was re-elected at the 2019 general election with an increased majority of 27,210 (47.2%). Following boundary changes in
16896-497: Was estimated at £14 billion a month to run. The furlough scheme initially ran for three months and was backdated to 1 March. Following a three-week extension of the countrywide lockdown the scheme was extended by Sunak until the end of June 2020. At the end of May, Sunak extended the scheme until the end of October 2020. The decision to extend the job retention scheme was made to avoid or defer mass redundancies, company bankruptcies and potential unemployment levels not seen since
17028-488: Was funding £82 million of loans to cultural landmarks and institutions. Another phase occurred in October 2021, with 142 sites receiving a share of a £35 million injection into the fund. Rishi Sunak Rishi Sunak (born 12 May 1980) is a British politician who served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 2022 to 2024. He was Leader of the Conservative Party from October 2022 to November 2024. Following his defeat to Keir Starmer ’s Labour Party in
17160-556: Was made on 17 October 2020 of an additional £76 million between a further 588 organisations. The beneficiaries of this phase of the grants includes the Military Wives Choir , Somerset House , and the Puppet Theatre Barge . The second round of large grants was issued on 2 April 2021. It distributed £262 million to 2,272 venues. The Department for Culture, Media, and Sport (DCMS) also announced it
17292-618: Was succeeded as chancellor by Nadhim Zahawi . Following the resignations of Sunak and Javid, numerous junior ministers and among the parliamentary private secretary (PPS) also resigned, most of whom cited a lack of honesty and integrity on the part of Johnson. In the following 24 hours, 36 MPs resigned from their roles in government and Johnson announced his resignation. In his resignation letter Sunak said: The public rightly expect government to be conducted properly, competently and seriously. I recognise this may be my last ministerial job, but I believe these standards are worth fighting for and that
17424-479: Was the result of a treaty negotiated by May in April 2013, under which Jordan agreed to give Qatada a fair trial, by not using evidence that may have been obtained against him through torture. May pointed to Qatada's deportation as a triumph, guaranteeing in September 2013 that "he will not be returning to the UK", and declaring in her 2016 leadership campaign announcement that she was told that she "couldn't deport Abu Qatada" but that she "flew to Jordan and negotiated
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