Jennifer McKiernan

City of Westminster, Edinburgh

Political Reporter at BBC

BBC Westminster political reporter. British Journalism Awards finalist 2023. Amnesty International media awards winner 2021. Also N Ireland, Holyrood & Brussels

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Articles

Cooper backs PM over 'island of strangers' remark

1 day ago | bbc.com | Jennifer McKiernan

Cooper backs PM over 'island of strangers' remarkEPA-EFE/ShutterstockHome Secretary Yvette Cooper has defended the language used by Sir Keir Starmer in a speech to unveil plans to cut immigration. The phrase has led some Labour MPs to accuse him of divisive language - a claim rejected by Cooper. She added the PM had been seeking to highlight the impact of rising migration in recent years and "support for integration," including English language tests.
India trade deal could undercut UK business, opposition parties say

1 week ago | bbc.co.uk | Jennifer McKiernan

The Indian government said the exemption, external was a "huge win" and an "unprecedented achievement" that "will make Indian service providers significantly more competitive in the UK". The UK has 16 agreements, external preventing double taxation of work, which cover more than 50 countries - including the US, EU and South Korea - and workers will still be required to pay the NHS immigration surcharge.
India trade deal could undercut UK business, opposition parties say

1 week ago | bbc.com | Jennifer McKiernan

India trade deal could undercut UK workers, opposition parties sayPA MediaSir Keir Starmer hosted a meeting of Indian investors and CEOs inside 10 Downing Street in DecemberOpposition parties have criticised the new UK-India trade deal, saying it could undercut British workers. Known as the double contribution convention, this means people on short-term visas will not make social security payments in both the country they work in, and their home country, when working abroad.
What might Reform UK do with its newly-won power?

1 week ago | bbc.com | Jennifer McKiernan

What might Reform do with its newly-won power? Kate WhannelGetty ImagesFollowing this week's local elections, Reform UK has, for the first time, won control of local councils. It is now in charge in 10 areas, and there are a further four where it is the largest party. The party also has two new mayors in Greater Lincolnshire and Hull & East Yorkshire. Having fought a successful campaign, Nigel Farage's party now has to show what it will do with its new power.
What might Reform UK do with its newly-won power?

1 week ago | bbc.co.uk | Jennifer McKiernan |Kate Whannel

Image source, Getty ImagesFollowing this week's local elections, Reform UK has, for the first time, won control of local councils. It is now in charge in 10 areas, and there are a further four where it is the largest party. The party also has two new mayors in Greater Lincolnshire and Hull & East Yorkshire. Having fought a successful campaign, Nigel Farage's party now has to show what it will do with its new power. Farage has said he wants to see "a Doge in every county".
Sex offenders to be denied asylum rights in new law

2 weeks ago | yahoo.com | Jennifer McKiernan

Asylum seekers will be denied the right to stay in the UK if they have been convicted of sexual offences, the government has announced. Terrorists, war criminals and any other criminals whose offences carry a sentence of one year or more can already be refused asylum under the Refugee Convention. Under the changes, this will be extended to anyone convicted in the UK of a crime which places them on the sex offenders register, regardless of the length of their sentence.
Over 300 quango bosses paid more than the prime minister

2 weeks ago | bbc.com | Jennifer McKiernan

Over 300 quango bosses paid more than the prime ministerReutersOver 300 quango bosses received a higher salary than the prime minister last year, according to figures from the TaxPayers' Alliance. Sir Keir Starmer axed the biggest quango, NHS England, last month and Cabinet Office Minister Pat McFadden is currently reviewing hundreds of quangos in a bid to reduce bureaucratic waste and inefficiency.
Hairdresser fears she could lose her home over tax hikes

2 weeks ago | bbc.com | Jennifer McKiernan

Hairdresser fears she could lose home over tax hikesBBCKerry has grown her business over 30 years but fears she could now lose it"I never wanted to do anything else but be a hairdresser," said Kerry Larcher, who opened her first salon when she was 21-years-old. Despite successfully growing her business in Hornchurch, in East London, over three decades, the 50-year-old says she now faces losing her life's work and her home.
Starmer does not believe trans women are women, No 10 says

3 weeks ago | yahoo.com | Jennifer McKiernan |Henry Zeffman

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer does not believe transgender women are women, his official spokesman has said. It comes after the UK Supreme Court ruled last week that a woman is defined by biological sex under equalities law. In March 2022, when he was leader of the opposition, Sir Keir told the Times that "a woman is a female adult, and in addition to that transwomen are women, and that is not just my view - that is actually the law".
Starmer does not believe trans women are women, No 10 says

3 weeks ago | bbc.com | Jennifer McKiernan

Starmer does not believe trans women are women, No 10 saysEPAPrime Minister Sir Keir Starmer does not believe transgender women are women, his official spokesman has said. In March 2022, when he was leader of the opposition, Sir Keir told the Times that "a woman is a female adult, and in addition to that transwomen are women, and that is not just my view - that is actually the law". Last week, the UK Supreme Court ruled that a woman is defined by biological sex under equalities law.