Beijing will ban high-emission vehicles from its urban areas starting Wednesday, authorities said Monday. Starting from Feb. 15, light-duty gasoline-powered cars that fail to meet the National Emission Standard III will be banned from entering Beijing… read more
President Xi Jinping on Monday told leading officials to practice strict self-discipline and eliminate special privileges.
Xi made the remarks when addressing the opening session of a workshop on the Sixth Plenary Session of the 18th Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee. The workshop at the Party School of the CPC Central Committee was attended by senior provincial and ministerial officials.
The opening session was presided over by Premier Li Keqiang. Other leaders including Zhang Dejiang, Yu Zhengsheng, Liu Yunshan, Wang Qishan and Zhang Gaoli were also present.
Xi, who is also general secretary of the CPC Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, said implementing the decisions of the plenum would have far-reaching and profound significance for both the Party and socialism with Chinese characteristics.
Xi urged leading cadres to “build a fence” against special privileges to prevent themselves and those around them from abusing power.
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Chinese President Xi Jinping makes remarks when addressing the opening session of a workshop on the 6th Plenary Session of the 18th Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, attended by senior provincial and ministerial officials, at the Party School of the CPC Central Committee, Feb. 13, 2017. [Xinhua/Xie Huanchi] |
Leading officials should use their power “impartially, cautiously and legally,” Xi said in his speech.
The CPC Central Committee held the workshop to help senior provincial and ministerial officials understand two documents, one on the norms of political life within the Party in the new era, and a regulation on intra-Party supervision, which were approved by last year’s plenum.
“Leading officials should strengthen their political capability, firm their political ideals, uphold political direction, be steadfast in their stance and strictly observe political rules,” Xi said, stressing they should enrich their political experience and match their political capability with the positions they were holding.
Xi said upholding the authority of the CPC Central Committee with strict observance of orders and rules was related to the future and fate of the Party and the nation as well as the fundamental interests of all people across the nation.
Xi called on all Party members to become more aware of the need to uphold political integrity, keep in mind the bigger picture, follow the CPC as the core of the Chinese leadership, and act consistently with CPC Central Committee policy.
Safeguarding the authority of the CPC Central Committee and the centralized and unified leadership chimed with democratic centralism, Xi stressed.
The Party sets great store by intra-Party democracy, as all major decisions follow strict processes, and are informed by wide opinions and suggestions, Xi said.
Strengthening and regulating political life within the Party requires the correct political direction, and advancing with the times, said Xi, who also stressed principles of political life and its spirit of holding firmly to the truth and rectifying errors.
Self-development is the most distinctive characteristic of the Party, and its biggest advantage, because the CPC has no interests of its own except for the interests of the country, the nation and the people, according to Xi.
Xi said leading officials, especially those in senior roles, must strengthen their self-discipline, be discreet when being alone and on small matters. They should ensure their words and deeds are in line with the Party constitution, and embody the Party spirit in all that they do.
Xi called for thorough study of the two documents adopted at the key CPC session, which were designed to address outstanding contradictions and problems within the Party.
While addressing the workshop, Xi stressed that Party organizations at all levels must improve inspections and ensure accountability. He also underscored that high-raking cadres should take the lead in complying with the Party’s code of conduct.
Li Keqiang called on leading officials to uphold the authority of the CPC Central Committee, improve intra-Party political life and work to build a cleaner political environment.
Li said leading cadres must unite closely around the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping as the core, boost reform and development, work hard, and greet the 19th National Congress of the CPC with achievements across the board.
read moreThe Environment Agency is working with partners to improve almost 50 hectares of wet woodland. read more
Debbie Abrahams MP, Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary, commenting on the findings of the Intergenerational Commission report, said:
“We welcome the news that pensioners are now much less likely to be in poverty, continuing the trend put in place by the last Labour Government which saw a huge decline in poverty among older people.
“Nevertheless, this report recognises the ‘high level of inequality’ among pensioners. We cannot allow this Government to hide behind talk of a wealthy older generation, while these inequalities remain.
“Unlike the divisive Tories, we will not trade one generation off against the others by claiming that an improved social security settlement for older people must come at the expense of working families.
“That’s why Labour has committed to extending the triple lock and protecting social security for older people until 2025, and reversing cuts to Universal Credit Work Allowances supporting people in low paid work.”
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read moreJohn McDonnell MP, Labour’s Shadow Chancellor, welcoming the publication of Labour’s independent Kerslake Review into the Treasury this morning, said:
“I welcome this report, which has been produced by some of the leading experts in our country who have worked closely with the Treasury. And Labour will be responding in full in the coming weeks to the review.
“Labour asked Sir Bob Kerslake to head up a review into the Treasury because we needed to have a serious and thorough examination of one of the most important pillars of government, and the cornerstone of economic policy making in our country.
“The Treasury is our most important economic policymaking institution, but one that has been criticised by some for its approach and attitudes.
“This review will help shape Labour’s economic policy, as well as being an first important step in setting a new direction for the Treasury in the 21st Century. As the views of the former head of the Civil Service are ones that should be taken on board right across the economic and political spectrum in our country.
“As Sir Bob has made clear, we need the Treasury in the 21st century to be not only able to meet the big challenges of the day such as Brexit, but also one that focuses on all corners of our country, so that no one and no community is left behind. Therefore, I am deeply concerned that the review has raised this as areas which need reform.
“Given the severe challenges that our economy and our country face in the coming years, it is vital that we have a Treasury that is up-to-speed and is able to match them. The next Labour government will need to deal with many of these challenges, with what by then could potentially have been 10 years of Tory economic failure, and it will fall to us to ensure that the Treasury is ready and properly equipped for the 21st century.
“I am are deeply grateful for the contribution from all the independent members of the review’s panel, who represented many different fields of expertise, and who gave up a considerable amount of their time to take part. And I would also like thank Sir Bob Kerslake for his time, energy and expertise in producing this report for Labour.”
Lord Kerslake, former head of the Civil Service, who headed up the review, said:
“The Treasury is a small but very powerful department. To make the most of its very capable staff, it needs to fundamentally change both what it does and how it does it. It should focus on its core economic and financial roles and work in a much more open and collaborative way. The impact of Brexit reinforces this need for change”.
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