A new year, a new president in America, a new life outside the EU, and new - and growing  - daily death rates from coronavirus.


The Last Word: January 2021

As 2020 draws to a close, The Last Word looks back at 2020, a year unlike any other.

The Last Word, December 2020

Proposals to site a hub for up to 500 asylum seekers on empty MoD land near the Hampshire village of Barton Stacey has caused local anger on safety grounds. 

Plan for 500 person asylum seeker facility near Barton Stacey village sparks row

The end of the transition period this month will mean a new relationship with Europe begins, which will mean complex challenges for the movement of freight.

County Council says Kent is ready for post-Brexit transition

Ministers outlined proposals for stricter regulations on the transportation of livestock. But some farmers say they will be badly affected by the new controls.

Animal welfare campaigners call for live exports to be banned

In November's episode of The Last Word, ITV Meridian's political correspondent Phil Hornby discusses the coronavirus vaccine and Brexit. 

Watch: The Last Word, November 2020

Kent County Council have on the Government to ‘urgently resolve outstanding issues’ over preparations for the end of the Brexit transition period. 

‘Urgent government action’ needed to prepare Kent for post-Brexit trade

Eastbourne and Willingdon MP Caroline Ansell voted for Labour’s motion on extending free school meal vouchers until after Easter 2021.

Eastbourne MP Caroline Ansell quits parliamentary role over free school meals

The Prime Minister was keen to promote the health spending confirmation when he spoke to our Political Correspondent Phil Hornby.

PM on funding for South's NHS, Covid rules, aviation, and Spitting Image puppet

The Home Office has apologised for a lack of consultation over plans to house migrants at a military barracks in Kent.

Home Office apologises for lack of consultation on barracks housing for migrants

The Government has launched a raft of reforms to the justice system, which could see sexual and violent offenders spending more time in jail.

Justice system reforms will 'reduce crime rate' by tackling reoffending

Students have expressed their frustration after thousands of A-Level results have been downgraded. That's despite record-high results and an increase in the number of students accepted into university.

Backlash as thousands of England A-level results downgraded

More than 30 people have been arrested in connection with people smuggling in the Channel since the start of July. The Home Office told Good Morning Britain that its intelligence unit, based in Calais, is starting to "deliver results".

More than 30 arrests since July in crackdown on people smuggling across Channel

Dinghy full of migrants makes the crossing to Dover on 06082020 - ITV News Meridian

It comes as ITV News Meridian captured footage of boatloads of migrants heading to Dover on Thursday. One dinghy, designed for four people, was packed. One man was so desperate, he threw himself into the water to try to reach the boat ITV crew were on.

Calls for more cooperation with French as migrant crossings reach 'crisis' point

The MP for Maidenhead Theresa May has spoken up in Parliament calling for stricter penalties for dangerous drivers who cause deaths. Two of her constituents who have lost relatives are backing the campaign. The maximum sentence at present is 14 years.

Meridian Politics