I thought that, given her responsibility as home secretary for “smashing the gangs” that run the small boat traffic across the Channel, she was guaranteed to fail.
Nor have her efforts, so far, been a great success. It took 10 embarrassing weeks for a “border security commander” to be appointed. The number of people coming across the Channel is running at about the same level as last year.
And yesterday it was revealed that the government has asked hotel providers to come forward with more spaces to accommodate asylum seekers, as the numbers continue to rise. Instead of the manifesto promise to “end asylum hotels, saving the taxpayer billions of pounds”, Cooper is buying more places, costing the taxpayer more.
But she faces surprise competition for the title of Most Blundersome Cabinet Minister from Louise Haigh, the transport secretary. Haigh’s first task on coming to office was to settle the train drivers’ dispute that had been intermittently paralysing the rail network for two years. She set about it with an excess of zeal.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Who Cares Who Has The Elgin Marbles? Let Them Go On Loan
After a series of "private meetings" between the UK and Greece this week, prime ministers Keir Starmer and Kyriakos Mitsotakis were to meet in London yesterday to discuss the future of the Elgin marbles.
Trump's Tariffs Would 'Hit UK Trade As Hard As Brexit'
Donald Trump’s threatened tariffs could hit UK trade with the US as badly as Brexit affected trade with the EU, a leading think tank has warned as campaigners call for Sir Keir Starmer to protect the UK by urgently rebuilding ties with Europe.
Taliban Bars Women From Being Trained As Midwives
Women in Afghanistan have been banned from training to become midwives in the latest crackdown unveiled by the Taliban.
South Korean Leader Calls Off Martial Law After Uproar
MPs vote against decree as violent protests outside National Assembly turn to celebration following reversal by president
EU Or The US? Starmer Has No Choice But To Pick A Side
The prime minister opened his Mansion House speech on foreign policy with another of his over-emphatic declarations.
Brexit Deals A £3bn-A-Year Blow To UK Food Exports
British food sales to the EU have fallen by almost a fifth since the end of the Brexit transition period, a new report shows
Biden Criticised Across The Board For Pardoning His Son
President’s decision slated by Republicans and Democrats
Why 8 hours is a myth and other athletes' sleep secrets
Performance coach Greg Meehan tells Alex Pattle how he keeps clients, including boxers and footballers, in top shape
Women like me won't stand for this treatment any more
When I woke up to MasterChef’s Gregg Wallace blaming midlife, middle-class women and their lack of a sense of humour for his troubles, I confess to swearing at my phone.
The BBC's Wallace problem goes beyond MasterChef
Is the fate of a television cookery presenter more important than Syrian insurgents seizing Aleppo and the turmoil on the streets in Georgia? The BBC thinks so, based on its news judgements in recent days, which have seen exhaustive coverage of the accusations against Gregg Wallace take precedence over matters of life and death around the world.
