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Liz Truss’s government suffered another tumultuous day on Wednesday (19 October) with the dramatic departure of home secretary Suella Braverman.
Former transport secretary Grant Shapps has replaced Braverman at the Home Office as speculation reaches fever pitch about the prime minister’s future.
Elsewhere, Stansted had to close its runway after a bomb hoax onboard an easyJet flight, and high street businesses face a massive increase in business rates next year due to runaway inflation.
Here are the headlines that the travel industry woke up to on Thursday (20 October).
Braverman’s bombshell puts Truss on the brink
Liz Truss’s government appeared to be on the brink of collapse as home secretary Suella Braverman launched a “stinging” attack on the prime minister after being forced to resign on Wednesday (19 October) over a breach of the ministerial code. (Various)
Former transport secretary Grant Shapps takes over Home Office
Grant Shapps has been appointed as the new home secretary after Suella Braverman’s dramatic departure. The former transport secretary, who had a high profile during the pandemic, has been one of prime minister Liz Truss’s harshest critics in recent weeks. (Sky News)
Trio arrested after security alert on easyJet plane at Stansted
Three people have been arrested on suspicion of making a bomb hoax on an easyJet flight at Stansted. The incident happened onboard an aircraft heading for Amsterdam on Wednesday and led to the airport’s runway being closed and flights grounded. (The Independent)
High street braced for £3bn rise in business rates bill
Retailers face paying an extra £3 billion next year in business rates, piling further pressure on the high street as costs soar and consumers reduce spending. Business rates are due to rise in line with inflation, which hit 10.1% in September. (Daily Telegraph)
Unions’ ability to strike on transport network faces curbs
The government will seek to restrict the ability of unions to bring the country’s transport network to a halt by tabling new legislation on Thursday (20 October) to enforce a “minimum service level” during strike action. (Financial Times)
People plan for smaller Christmas as prices soar
Consumers are planning for a smaller Christmas celebration this year as prices soar and concern grows about the ongoing squeeze on personal finances. Three in five (62%) people polled said their festive spending plans will be lower than usual. (BBC News)
