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News In Brief
The first unemployment figures published by the Labour government
show that the number of people out of work and receiving benefit has fallen to
its lowest level for almost seven years. Unemployment was down in April by
59,400 and now stands at 1,651,400, 5.96% of the workforce. It fell last
month in every region of the country, and is now only just above the previous
low point it reached in 1990 - before it started rising again. Other figures from the Office for National Statistics show that average earnings increased by 4.5% in the year to March, unchanged from the previous month's revised figure.
The maverick minister Tony Banks has denied he was mocking the Crown by crossing his fingers during the swearing-in ceremony in the Commons. Mr Banks said he did it "for luck". He laughed off Tory suggestions that it made him unsuitable to serve as a minister.
There are calls for Westminster's pomp, ceremony and period costumes to be brought up to date. David Winnick, Labour MP for Walsall North, called today for a revamp of the House of Commons, warning that it was turning itself into a mere tourist attraction. He suggested the Speaker should cast aside her gown for everyday clothes, the clerks of the House should spurn their wigs and daily prayers at 2.30pm should be confined to one weekly session.
The Monster Raving Loony Party will be out in force today to celebrate the life of their leader's mother, who died last week. The funeral of 80-year-old Annie Sutch will be attended by a mixture of bizarre politicians and showbusiness personalities, said party leader Screamin' Lord Sutch. Mrs Sutch, who encouraged her only son to stand for Parliament and helped put together his colourful costumes, died at London's Northwick Park Hospital.
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