Press and Social Media || Montenbourg

[Montenbourg]

New Motenbourgian aircraft carrier to set sail across Europe next month.

Montague Times.- A fleet of Montenbourgian warships and military aircraft billed as the “largest concentration of maritime and air power to leave Montenbourg in a generation” will depart next month for visits to Inimicus, Inquista, United Duchies, and Spain in a display of Montenbourg's ambition to exert a much stronger presence in the Union.

New aircraft carrier HMS Queen Victoria, the most powerful surface vessel in the Royal Navy’s history, will set sail next month for the continent with eight fast jets on board. It will be accompanied by six Royal Navy ships, a submarine armed with Tomahawk cruise missiles, 14 naval helicopters and a company of Royal Marines. Defense Minister Claire Hale said Monday the mission aims to show that Montenbourg is “not stepping back but sailing forth to play an active role in shaping the international system.” It will help deepen security and political ties and support Montenbourg's exports and international trade, she added.

Hale said the deployment was not meant to be “confrontational.” “We are not going to the other side of the world to be provocative. We will sail through the South, we will be confident but not confrontational,” she told Parliament. The deployment is expected to last about three months. It will take part in dozens of engagements, including an exercise to mark the anniversary of the Defence Arrangements with Inimicus and Spain.

[Montenbourg]

EPA Chairwoman accepts resignation of Councillor Michell; asks to continue the construction of a better Europe.

Emma Granger, Councillor for Montenbourg and EPA Chair.

EUROPOLIS.- The European Council Speaker and Councillor for Fremet handed over his resignation letter to the European Progessive Alliance Chairwoman Cllr. Emma Granger under an open letter.

The EPA Chairwoman accepted the resignation and directed the Councillor to continue the construction of a better Europe, together.

While briefing the media, see this as the first challenge of the leadership of the newest Chairperson. Scripting history, the EPA has retained most of the power in the EU Council, bucking the over five years of membership from the delegation of Fremet.

[Montenbourg]

BREAKING NEWS
Montague City: Metro train bridge collapse leaves several dead

Rescue team on Montague City.

Montague City, Montenbourg.- A bridge in the Montenbourgian capital has collapsed. A metro train was passing over at the time. Emergency services are working to rescue victims. An elevated section of metro track in Montague City partially collapsed on Monday night, bringing down rubble and some train carriages onto the road below.

At least 23 people died in the incident and 70 more were injured. Of the injured, 49 were taken to several nearby hospitals for treatment — some in serious condition. There were also children among the fatalities, the Police and Firefighters team told reporters.

Authorities said that cars were trapped under the rubble. The elevated track was around 5 meters (16 feet) above the ground.

Mayor Kirsten Gillibrand, who traveled to the scene, wrote on Twitter that "firefighters, public safety personnel are working. Various hospitals attending. We will give more information shortly." Montague City the capital of Montenbourg, is a subdivision of the Kingdom enclosing the city capital; It is not in any of the provinces, but in practice, it acts as a province on its own, that's why is the only "province" that doesn't have a Governor General and a First Minister.

How did the accident happen?

"A support beam gave way," Gillibrand told reporters. The accident happened at 10:30 p.m. local time (3:30 a.m. Tuesday GMT/UTC).

Rescue efforts were temporarily suspended until a crane was brought in. The partially hanging train was "very weak," Gillibrandsaid. People were still trapped inside, but it was not clear if they were alive.

CCTV footage showed a bridge collapsing onto a busy road full of cars.

The accident happened on the city's Line 12, the construction of which has been the subject of numerous complaints and accusations of irregularities. It is the newest of the capital's 12 metro lines, opening for the first time in 2012.

No comments have been presented by the Royal Family and the Government.

[Montenbourg]

The Queen visits Montague City train crash site and families.

The Queen at the Memorial Service in Yards of Montague City.

Montague City.- After the terrible crash that resulted in the death of 23 people, one of the victims a boy and a girl of 3 years old and their family. Her Majesty The Queen visited the crash site and offered a warm hug to the relatives. Accompaniedby the Mayor of Montague City, Kirsten Gillibrand and the Duke of Montague, Prince Philip, the Queen stayed for a memorial service held in the grand yards of the capital.

Following these meetings the Queen and the delegation decided to meet the residents of the area, without issuing any comments to the press. After that the Queen and the Duke returned to the Bourgeon Palace.

[Montenbourg]

Walmont expands into healthcare.

Walmont market in United Duchies.
Montague Times.- Walmont Inc. has announced its purchase of a start-up in telehealth provider MeMD, adding that it plans to offer nationwide virtual health care services. The acquisition will allow Walmont to expand its Walmont Health service around the country, the company said. The retail giant didn’t disclose the financial details of the transaction.

With this acquisition, Walmont Health will add nationwide virtual care options across primary care, urgent care and behavioral health to its clinics’ service portfolio. “Telehealth offers a great opportunity to expand access and reach consumers where they are and complements our brick-and-mortar Walmont Health locations,” Dr. Cheryl Pegus, the executive vice president of Health & Wellness at Walmont , said in a statement.

“Today people expect omnichannel access to care and adding telehealth to our Walmont Health care strategies allows us to provide in-person and digital care across our multiple assets and solutions. Our Health & Wellness mission is to focus on the consumer’s seamless experience and improved health. We are excited to welcome MeMD employees to the Walmont family, and we are looking forward to together, accelerating health care access across the country.”

[Montenbourg]

HM Government officials green-light nation's first big offshore wind project in Nordic Sea.

The Bettel administration today gave final approval to WindX, a project off the province of Bordeaux coast slated to be the country's first large-scale offshore wind farm. Why it matters: While the green light for the long-proposed project was expected, it marks a key step in Lexington House plans to help spur development of a suite of coastal projects off other provinces.

The 800-megawatt WindX, once built, will provide enough power for 400,000 homes and businesses and create 3,600 jobs, according to the announcement from the Departments of Interior and Commerce. The project, which will span dozens of turbines, is a joint venture between Völvö Group and Ericsson.

"Today’s offshore wind project announcement demonstrates that we can fight the climate crisis, while creating high-paying jobs and strengthening our competitiveness at home and abroad,” CEO Michael Vlowers said in a statement.

[Montenbourg]

Europe passes Reproductive Act

Emma Granger at a Rally supporting the Act.
EUROPOLIS-. With six votes in favor and two against; the European Union passed the Reproductive Healthcare Act which reforms reproductive healthcare in the Union by allowing the use of European Health Organization funds to allow free reproductive products in schools, and lower costs on various projects regarding reproductive health.

After the passing of the Act, the Councillor of Montenbourg and EPA Chairwoman, Emma Granger with the Head of the European Health Organization met at the streets of Europolis with women activist which endorsed the newly act. “This is for all the girls out there, we hear you; and we have delivered. This is a new era for women!”

[Montenbourg]

Montenbourg Foreign Minister Forced to Flee Istkalen after talks.

Foreign Minister arrives at Montague.

MONTAGUE .— Foreign Office delegation arrives at Montenbourgian capital after the No-Fly Zone and shutdown annouce of the Joint Transitional Authority in Istkalen. After a brief encounter between Elizabeth McCord, Foreign Minister of Montenbourg, and Ilinek Varastel Minister of Foreign Affairs of Istkalen; where both governments agreed that the situation propelled by JTA-I is ineffective and full of loopholes; the montenbourgian minister was evacuated from the building and taken to a safe-zone hangar to go back to Montenbourg. Officers accompaning the delegation said they believed there was some smoke and alarms sound announcing some sort of heavy militarized locked down.

After arriving at the Montague International Airport the press approached the Foreign Minister for a brief declaration of the occured. "We're adjusting to this tumoultous situation; what we have seen is an act of intimidation; knowing that there was presence of Montenbourg in the region. Lexington House will report shortly about Montenbourg's position. This is unnacceptable."

[Montenbourg]

Councillor of Montenbourg calls the JTA-I a Reitzmic invasion.

Emma Granger speaking at the EU Council

EUROPOLIS.- After the expulsion of a the top foreign official of Montenbourg in Istkalen and the new escalade of tensions in the region the Councillor for Montenbourg at the European Council Emma Granger presented the Motion of the Deployment of European Relief Forces in Istkalen, which for the moment has the support of countries such as Nofoaga and Istkalen. At the ongoing debates of the motion presented by Montenbourg, the Councillor called the JTA-I a facade "...lets call this of what it is a full invasion and part-annexation from Reitzmag to Istkalen."

Reitzmag is seen under a process of unilaterally performing a proxy annexation of Istkalen to its territory, in contravention of international law. Repeating scenarios such as those happened in Copala City and the expansion in the Caspian Sea.

The Councillor of Montenboug added "The ERF is needed to call a withdrawal of Reitzmic armed forces from territories occupied in the recent conflict; and a termination of all claims or states of belligerency and respect for and acknowledgment of the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of every State in the area and their right to live in peace within secure and recognized boundaries free from threats or acts of force."

[Montenbourg]

Emma Granger: Where does she stand on key issues?

MONTAGUE TIMES, Editorial.- The Montague Times labels her a pragmatic moderate; others call her a radical. As a Internal Affairs Commissioner candidate the newspaper wanted to give a full profile of issues important to her platform.

Here's a look at Cllr. Granger's stance on four other key issues.

• On the European Central Bank
  "With the signing of the Treaty of Finisterre we must initiate a dialogue between the member states to approach the growth of economic pacts across members states. Look, I would say that fears of the EMU are unfounded. But it should not be forced between members, it should be encourage. Also, I think that the leadership that we are witnessing from nations such as Fremet in the handling of the EU Economics data is outstanding, and yes it should be in the table when it comes to the election of future ECB officials.

• On the Elected and Accountable Council Act 2020
  "This is a question that falls on the hands of the Councillors, not on the Internal Affairs Commissioner. As a Councillor I personally voted in favor of the democratization of the European Council on the latest amendment proposed by the Deputy Speaker. And look, at the end the European people have a say in this, each councillor is nominated or proportionally represented as their own country laws specify."

• On the Sanctions Act
  "I believe in the spirit that got this bill approved in the European Council. When we see situations like Istkalen, Copala City and the dispute in the Caspian Sea I say Premier Cocx was right. We need to held accountable those who bring disunion to our union, and act together. Repealing the Sanctioning Powers Act would be a huge mistake and, moreover, it could risk the whole European Union range of action, as my fellow friend and candidate Jean Claude Juncker said. Yes, amendments should be done, and that takes all the Councillors to propose the changes we want to see, but not when a crisis happens, that is my big critic on this issue. Because we say "ok we agree" and then we put the Act into action and we later say "well I will repeal"; that's not the way. I believe that before any application of the Sanctions Act it needs to exhaust all meaningful talks, and mediation process where I as a candidate and future Internal Affairs Commissioner promise to deliver. Before any application of the Sanctions Act, it needs to be dialogue and mediation first."

• On the Far-Left and the UNSR
  "Look the architects of fear have converted conspiracy theories, like the speech of nationalism or elitism, into an instrument for them to advance their agenda. Making situations like the horrendous Coup in Icholasen a "thing of the past". Europe is committed to the truth, wherever "true socialism or communism" has been adopted, it has been delivered on the base of lies and under the cost of blood. Those who preach the tenets of these discredited ideologies only contribute to the continued suffering of the people who live under these cruel systems. We must not repeal the condemnation of the Coup in Icholasen, and further our efforts to increase diplomatic and economic pressures on those regimes.

[Montenbourg]

Queen Victoria I and Prince Philip, reveals New Portrait in Bourgeon Palace

Bourgeon Palace.- A new portrait of Her Majesty Queen Victoria I and His Royal Highness Prince Philip has gone on display in the Royal Hall at the Bourgeon Palace. Queen Victoria I and Prince Philip looks absolutely regal in a new portrait by Montenbourgian photographer Annie Leibovitz.

The photo shows Her Majesty looking very civil witho no ceremonial robes along with his husband the Prince, says VOGUE.

"It's nerve-wracking, but it is enormous seriousness, and evoques a air of tranquility," Lebovitz told Regal Post about the commissioned portrait.

Lebovitz has photgraphed The Queen twice before. Her last work was for The Queen's 25th birthday, and was commissioned by The Company of Arrows, the sovereign's body guards in New Castle. And now for her 49th Birthday.

[Montenbourg]

Liberal Party threatens to topple govt over rent reform

On the left, Liberal Party leader Birgitte Nyborg; on the right CMP Minister of Commerce Francis Underwood
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Parliament House.- Montenbourg's centrist government, a coalition of the Classical Monarchist Party and Liberal Party under PM Xavier Bettel, came under threat on Monday after the Liberal Party vowed to bring it down over the prospective abolition of rent controls on new residential housing.

The Liberal Party threat came after the government received a report into the reform of Montenbourg's highly regulated and much debated rent market, proposing that tenants and landlords negotiate rent between them and that rents subsequently follow the consumer prices index. "This is a disaster for Montenbourg's tenants," Liberal Party leader Birgitte Nyborg, who as a leader didn't acquire a position in Cabinet as part of the coalition agreement, told MBC news agency. "This means sharply higher rents and a paradigm change for the housing market."

Nyborg reiterated a threat to join forces with the right-wing opposition to bring down Prime Minister Xavuer Bettel government if the proposal was brought to parliament. Montenbourg's parliament is fragmented and the Classical Monarchists and the Liberals form a fragile government dependent on their mutual support. General elections are scheduled for next year.

However, Minister of Commerce and member of the CMP Francis Underwood dismissed the prospect of raised rents for large numbers of people.

"All the tenants who have become anxious after the recent agitation can breathe a sigh of relief. This does not affect them," Underwood told a news conference, adding he wanted minor changes to the proposals before putting them to parliament.

[Montenbourg]

Montenburg government toppled in no-confidence vote

Parliament House of Montenbourg

Montague.- Montenbourg's parliament has passed a vote of no confidence in Prime Minister Xavier Bettel. A total of 143 of the 257 MPs voted in favour of the motion, with no abstentions. It is the first time in Montenbourg's history that a prime minister has been ousted in such a vote.

The decision came after a dispute over rent controls proposed by the Classical Monarchist Party under the Minister of Commerce Francis Underwood led the Liberal party to withdraw its support for the coalition.

The Liberal Party got support of 13 members of the Classical Monarchist Party, whom where more in line with the motion to give a no-confidence vote to the prime minister rather than the bill of the rents including the actual minister of commerce. Meaning a crisis of leadership by the Prime Minister Xavier Bettel. Also the Green Party sided with the Liberal Party on the no-confidence vote. Curiously the right-wing party Nationalitz and the Royal Representative sided with the other members of the CMP against the motion of no-confidence.

The Liberal Party called for the no-confidence vote last week amid a row over proposals to end a rent cap on new-build flats proposed by the Minister of Commerce. Although Bettel does not support the measure, it had agreed to consider the plans to appease members of his own party such as Underwood.

Xavier, a political colossus who had won three elections and never been defeated was dumped by his own Classical Monarchist Party, many are suggesting that the current Minister of Commerce Frank Underwood, used the rent-control bill to assasinate the coalition government. As "big beast" of the CMP and former husband of the current Minister of Defense Claire Hale, who forged his reputation on the political stage, but often harked back to their roots in industrial south Montague.

Many loyal to Bettel regard his fate as an act of betrayal by Underwood. Whether or not to get rid of rent caps has long been a hotly-debated policy in Montenbourg, where there's a housing shortage. But until last week, few political observers would have predicted it could bring down the current government.

The irony is that the coalition and CMP leader Prime Minister Xavier Bettel is himself in favor of rent controls. His government official, Minister of Commerce Francis Underwood, only agreed to look into the idea of scrapping them in new-build blocks, to appease private sector owners and to help prop up his fragile minority government.

Xavier Bettel, the CMP leader has a week to resign or call a snap election.

[Montenbourg]

Classical Monarchists could expel Frank Underwood. They won't.

MONTAGUE-. Parliament House don't have to stand so close to former Minister of Commerce and PM candidate Frank Underwood, the South Montague CMP who spouts in favor of privatization and antisemitic sentiments with frequency and fervor. Now with two candidates of the Classical Monarchist Party contesting the post for Prime Minister, current Minister of Foreign Affairs Elizabeth McCord and former Minister of Commerce Frank Underwood, the scenario becomes unprecedented in Montenbourgian politics.

The chances of Underwood getting kicked out of the conference are "slim to none," Jack Westmoreland, CMP-Ga., said. "That’s as extreme as it gets. Some of the stunts other people have pulled over the years and they didn’t get expelled, I don’t see her getting expelled from the caucus. At the end the vote will decide; because our current laws don’t prohibit two candidates from the same party to run for Prime Minister.”

[Montenbourg]

Clarisse Bourgeon re-elected for European Court of Justice.

Portrait of Justice Clarissse Bourgeon

EUROPOLIS-. The Commission for the Summer 2021 European Court Elections has confirmed Judge Clarissa Bourgeon to the European Court of Justice a second victory for the veteran judge of Montenbourg.

Justice Bourgeon, a 2020 Summer Period ECOJ Judge, a leading advocate for women's rights in the 1970's and a member of the Royal Court in Montenbourg for the past 13 years, is on record as the first Montenbourgian to become part of the European Court of Justice.

Who is Justice Bourgeon?
•Favoured by conservatives and liberals due to record on issues like abortion and same-sex marriage.
• A monarchist staunchly supports the Montenbourgian Monarchy and defend the principles of a constitutional monarchy based on the primacy of the supreme judicial function, with hereditary succession, mediation by a tribunal is warranted if suitability is problematic. Famous for her article at the Montague Times about why Monarchy Is the Best Regime, for It More Easily Favors Peace
• An originalist, which means interpreting the European Constitution as authors intended, moving with the times only when Epiqueya happens.
• Spent years as member of the Royal Court of Montenbourg and the summer term as European Court Justice, following a long career as a law professor.
• A devout Catholic, as a distant aunt of Her Majesty The Queen, she’s also the brother Montague's Archbishop Joseph Ratzinger-Bourgeon.

[Montenbourg]

Developers break ground on $32M eco-housing project at Tuagavale in Nofoaga Islands

TUAGAVALE, NOFOAGA.- After the disastrous eruption in the Island Montenbourgian developers broke ground Thursday on a $32.3 million, 55-unit housing project as part of the Nofoaga Islands reconstruction plan.

Her Majesty's Ambassador to Nofoaga Islands Her Royal Highness The Princess Catherine said in a news release that the project "will provide critical affordable housing in Tuagavale, while also continuing Nogfoaga ongoing efforts of reconstruction, a formal sign of Montenbourgian help in Nofoagan soil. And a compromise with the Nofoagan people."

The Royal Foundation of Montenbourg selected The Bourgeon Group (TBG) to build the housing project on Tuagavale part of the Montenbourgian Government initiative of reconstruction in Nofoaga.

[Montenbourg]

Montenbourg Extradite Citizens in Gadalland and Aspern Over Charges

HM Charge d’ Affairs to Galland and Aspern Walker Bush on a Press Conference

Montague Times.- The Kingdom of Montenbourg under diplomatic talks with Gadalland and Aspern seeked successfully to extradite two Montenbourgian citizens so they can appear before a judge in Montague, facing charges of conspiring to illegal crossing and burglary; on a special mission the Her Majesty’s Charge d’ Affairs to Gadalland and Aspern Sir Walker Bush informed Saturday during a press conference with the Justice delegation of Gadalland and Aspern.

Walker Bush, it said, they were arrested in Gadalland on Friday at the department’s request. Now both citizens are on their way to Montenbourg capital where they will face charges submitted by the Gadalland authorities.

The Montague Times was not immediately able to identify the citizens lawyers for comment. Their identities will remain private.

[Montenbourg]

Ministerial Questions: Minister of Education

Tammy Baldwin, Minister of Education before Parliament

Parliament House.- Order, order! Minister's Questions are now in order!

The Honorable Minister, Tammy Baldwin will be taking questions from the House.

• CMP Deputy speaker, What action is the Minister of Education taking to ensure children with additional support needs receive adequate support?

TB Deputy Speaker, I am working with the chancellor to achieve an increase in funding for the DfE, part of which will go into increasing subsidies for students with special educational needs.

• GPDeputy speaker, What steps is the Minister’s department taking to ensure young people who need a tutor receive access to one?

TB Deputy Speaker, as the member might remember, I've written a bill that intended to implement the right to free tutoring for every student in the Kingdom. Whilst that bill failed by a margin of one vote, the Green Party in particular have made a move towards supporting our stance and the Liberal Party has managed to get every devolved government to support this policy. If the polls end up correct we will get a more left-wing parliament, I am confident that we can pass this bill and finally achieve this right for our students.

[Montenbourg]

Ministerial Questions: Minister of Foreign Affairs

Helle Thorning-Schmidt, Minister of Foreign Affairs before Parliament

Parliament House.- Order, order! Minister's Questions are now in order!

The Honorable Minister, Helle Thorning-Schmidt will be taking questions from the House.

• CMPDeputy Speaker, In the wake of the Caspian Triunvirate how does the Minister feel that we can move forward with Reitzmag given their hostilities in the past?

HTS Deputy Speaker, I believe that a strategy of cautious pragmatism will be ideal going forward, as one should be hopeful to see improved relations between the Kingdom of Reitzmag and Kingdom of Montenbourg, but be mindful as to what is at stake here. The situation is deplorable, and only talks about the delay in this progress. We join our friends and allies on their previous statements.

• GP Mr Deputy Speaker, How does the Government aim to address the growing hostilities against political dissenters in Copala City? Activists are jailed and students are jailed.

HTS Deputy Speaker, I understand that a previous government exerted some pressure on Reitzmag for its violent actions, under the economic blockade of the Bordeaux Decree however, we will continue to monitor the situation in Copala City and work on an optimal path forward.

• CMP Deputy Speaker, How is the Foreign Ministerresponding to the worrying news of the criminal charges against Montenbourgian nationals in Gadalland?

HTS This situation has been solved under the permanent dialogue and negotiation of our Charge d' Affairs, Walker Bush. The citizens are in Montenbourgian soil, they have been extradited.

• CMP Mr. Deputy Speaker, Does the government have any plans to support the expansion and creation of a Commonwealth - as there are several countries who have currently applied, and many more whom have expressed interest?

HTS Deputy Speaker, I have no real opinion on the expansion or creation of a Commonwealth.

• GP Mr. Deputy Speaker, Does the government have any plans, proposals, or ideas, to assist in the stabilisation of multiple countries or parts of countries, in Nofoaga which have become destabilised as of late volcano eruption?

HTS We have started a project under Foreign Aid for the creation of eco housing in Tuagavale, Nofoaga. This with the help of private montenbourgian sector. We remain committed to working with our regional partners in Nofoaga to assist their security and stability situation and that position hasn’t changed.

• CMPMr Speaker, To ask the Minister of Foreign Affairs, in light of The Bergen Climate Change Conference is the government on board?

HTS Deputy Speaker, I am incredibly proud of the work that has been accomplished by this department the previous term, this government has been incredibly proactive in matters of climate change and I think we've set a positive legacy for the future. Yes, is our answer to the Bergen accord.

• CMP Deputy Speaker, Our main adversaries, are rapidly expanding their military capabilities. We are not netral anymore. How can the Foreign Minister talk in light of this?

HTS Deputy Speaker, we are upholding the defence procurements of our allies such as the Empire of Inimicus, which I feel obliged to state was supported by the previous administration under the Classical Monarchist Party. I don't see what has to be justified here considering that, yes we are not neutral anymore that doesn't mean we are going to war, but I am proud of the efforts we've made this term to support our allies and confront authoritarianism. Also this government is looking forward for a defence treaty with the brother nations of Spain and Inquista.

[Montenbourg]

Ministerial Questions: Minister of Defense

Joni Ernst, Minister of Defense before Parliament

Parliament House.- Order, order! Minister's Questions are now in order!

The Honorable Minister, Joni Ernst will be taking questions from the House.

• GP Deputy Speaker, What steps are the Minister of Defense, and by extension the government at large, taking to reduce crime in our nation's most impoverished areas, without disrupting the majority-minority neighborhoods which too often bear the brunt of over-policing and invasive police tactics within the Kingdom?

JE Deputy speaker, The predominant cause of crime is poverty. Alleviate that, and crime goes down. The upcoming budget makes unprecedented investments in areas that need it most, and I think that will have wide spread ramifications.

• CMP Deputy speaker, Can the Minister inform me of what provisions are in place to ensure people who need to immigrate to Montenbourg from countries affected by extreme situations, such as Nofoaga, Copala City and Icholasen can do so safely?

JE Speaker, this an issue that also concearns the Minister of Foreign Affairs but my answer is that Asylum is one of the most effective ways of letting in those from disadvantaged backgrounds. The upcoming budget sees notable increases in spending to process asylum claims faster.

• NZ Speaker, Has the Minister spoken with the new province governments in Newcastle, Monte-Carlo, and Duke in regards to how all four corners of the Kingdom can work to make their citizens safer?

JE Speaker, Not yet, I shall endeavor to keep in strong contact with them however, though I have a strong feeling that their respective local governments and governor-general are fellows and ones who agree with my approaches to safety.

• GP Speaker, Naturally, the Minister is only recently appointed, so I speak more broadly of himself and her predecessors. What is the one thing that his department has done this term that she is proud of?

JE Well, I'm no fan of my predecesor, Lieutenet Claire Hale, althought she was the first woman to hold this position before me. The proudest accomplishment of my department this term is something I can take credit for. The creation of a path to citizenship for undocumented migrants is an unprecedented leap forward on human rights. Similarly, I am happy we defeated backwards facing approaches to citizenship policy tabled by the CMP, eventhough Iam a member of the Liberal Party.