Week Ahead: Yorkshire MPs to grill Boris Johnson and new iPhone 12 expected

PM UNDER SCRUTINY

Boris Johnson can expect an uncomfortable afternoon on Wednesday as the Prime Minister faces questions from MPs on the Liaison Committee, which is made up of the chairmen and women of Commons select committees.

The hearing is expected to cover both the Government’s economic response to coronavirus as well as the increasingly-tense negotiations with the European Union over a future trade deal.

MPs will also be asking about issues relating to the ongoing integrated review of foreign policy, defence, security and international development.

Among those due to participate are Yorkshire MPs Hilary Benn and Sarah Champion.

The last time the Prime Minister faced the Liaison Committee was back in May, where he stood by his aide Dominic Cummings in the midst of the furore about his lockdown trip from London to Durham.

STARMER ADDRESSES UNIONS

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer will give a keynote speech to the TUC congress on Tuesday morning as the two-day event is held virtually.

Organisers state: “Trade union members from across the UK will discuss the huge impact of coronavirus on working lives and how we stop mass unemployment. We’ll hear from Keir Starmer, the leader of the opposition, and TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady, as well as union leaders and frontline workers.

“The union movement will thank our key workers, and demand the pay rise they have earned.”

IPHONE UPDATES

The eyes of gadget lovers will be on Apple’s live event on Tuesday night where the technology giant is expected to announce  several versions of the iPhone 12.

This year’s iPhone is expected to be the first to support 5G.

Early reports suggest the event could see Apple announce as many as four new versions of the iPhone, as well as a new generation Apple Watch.

There have also been suggestions a new iPad Air could be among the new devices unveiled, as well as new Apple-branded headphones and a new version of the HomePod smart speaker.

Earlier this year during an earnings call, Apple said it expected supply of the iPhone 12 “to be available a few weeks later” than its traditional September release date, because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Apple has confirmed that the event will take place via a live stream because of Covid-19.

LITERARY AMBITIONS

On Tuesday, the shortlist for this year’s Booker Prize will be announced - with Dame Hilary Mantel hot favourite to be among the nominees with the third book in her Cromwell trilogy.

Dame Hilary, 68, who has scooped the prize twice previously, was longlisted in July for The Mirror And The Light, the follow-up to Tudor novels Wolf Hall and Bring Up The Bodies.

Eight names on the 13-strong Booker Prize longlist are debut novelists – Diane Cook, Avni Doshi, Gabriel Krauze, Kiley Reid, Douglas Stuart, Brandon Taylor, Sophie Ward and C Pam Zhang.

Gaby Wood, literary director of the Booker Prize Foundation, said in July having more than half the list made up of debut novelists was a surprise even to the judges.

“However unintended the ratio, it’s especially heartening to know that some authors who have launched their careers in the midst of Covid-19 may now have a chance to reach the readers they deserve,” she said.

The ultimate winner will be announced in November.

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James Mitchinson