Sue Gray has reportedly turned down Sir Keir Starmer’s offer to become an envoy to the nations and regions after months of speculation, it is understood.
It was announced that the prime minister’s former chief of staff would take up the role after she resigned from her position in October.
It comes amid claims that Starmer was poised to withdraw the job offer, while the Financial Times have instead reported that Ms Gray rejected the role after a period of reflection.
Earlier on Tuesday, Starmer announced an 81 per cent cut to emissions by 2035 during a speech at Cop29, but vowed that he will not be “telling people how to live their lives”.
The prime minister avoided saying what the cost would be to households, but said pledged that climate security offered a “huge opportunity for investment, for business, for British workers”.
He refused to comment on the absence of other world leaders, stressing that the UK was at the UN conference to “show leadership”.
Key Points
- Sue Gray ‘rejects Starmer’s job offer’ to become envoy for nations and regions
- UK pledges 81 per cent cut to emissions by 2035
- Prime minister avoids saying how much target could cost households
- Starmer says MPs must make own minds up on assisted dying Bill
- Cabinet split emerges as Streeting opposes assisted dying Bill
Government ‘negligently underestimated’ winter fuel payment cuts’ impact, say Tories
Tuesday 12 November 2024 16:00 , Holly EvansMinisters have “negligently underestimated” how many pensioners will “fall through the cracks” following cuts to winter fuel payments, the Tories have claimed.
Shadow work and pensions secretary Helen Whately also urged Labour frontbenchers to press Chancellor Rachel Reeves to “think again” about means-testing the payments worth up to £300.
From this winter, only people on pension credit or certain other benefits will receive the winter fuel payments while more than nine million others are set to be stripped of the allowance, which could save the Government more than £1 billion.
The Government has insisted the move is necessary to help fill a “£22 billion black hole” in the public finances inherited from the Tory government.
For the Conservatives, Ms Whately said: “This Government made a choice to take away the winter fuel payment from 10 million pensioners this winter and to rely on the notoriously underclaimed pension credit as a system of means-testing it.
“This choice will make life harder for pensioners across the country.
“It will see 750,000 of the poorest pensioners miss out on much-needed help with the cost of heating and, according to the party opposite’s own research, could lead to 4,000 additional deaths this winter.
“The Government knows this, that’s why they haven’t done an impact assessment and perhaps that’s why after seven weeks they still haven’t responded to the concerns of their own advisory committee.”
Oil and gas are gift of god, Azerbaijan president tells climate summit
Tuesday 12 November 2024 15:48 , Holly EvansOil and gas are a “gift of god”, Azerbaijan’s president Ilham Aliyev has told the Cop29 climate conference – which is country is hosting.
Speaking to delegates at the United Nations summit, held in the capital city of Baku, Mr Aliyev defended his nation’s oil and gas resources.
He added that “countries should not be blamed for having [oil and gas] and should not be blamed for bringing the resources to the market, because the market needs them”.
Read the full article from Stuti Mishra in Baku here:
Oil and gas are gift of god, Azerbaijan president tells climate summit
Gavin Williamson proposes more changes to House of Lords reform Bill
Tuesday 12 November 2024 15:34 , Holly EvansSir Gavin Williamson has said he believes the proposed reform of the House of Lords does not go far enough, and that wider changes would be supported by the public.
The former education secretary, who has proposed seven amendments to the House of Lords (Hereditary Peers) Bill, said he wanted the Government to be more ambitious with its proposals.
Among Sir Gavin’s amendments are a proposal to remove bishops from the House of Lords, and to establish a minimum contributions level for peers.
He told the Commons: “There are a number of things that the Labour Party set out in its manifesto that I think do command wide and broad public support.”
He added: “What does, I believe, command broad public support is some of the changes that they set out for the House of Lords. I personally think… there is strong support in order to see an introduction of a minimum contribution in the House of Lords.”
Starmer due to return to the UK after one day at Cop29 summit
Tuesday 12 November 2024 15:20 , Holly EvansSir Keir Starmer is due to return to the UK after attending the second day of the Cop29 summit in Azerbaijan.
In a speech to reporters, he said the UK is taking “urgent action” to tackle climate change and announced that the government would be cutting emissions by 81 per cent by 2035.
He is due to be represented by other ministers over the course of the next two weeks of the conference.
Labour grandee calls for the destruction of the family farm industry
Tuesday 12 November 2024 15:12 , Holly EvansRemoving rights of hereditary peers is ‘essential’, says Labour minister
Tuesday 12 November 2024 15:00 , Holly EvansRemoving the rights of hereditary peers to sit and vote in the House of Lords is “essential”, Cabinet Office minister Ellie Reeves has told the Commons.
Opening the House of Lords (hereditary Peers) Bill committee stage, Ms Reeves said: “This Bill is a matter of principle. In the 21st century it cannot be right for there to be places in our legislature reserved for those born into certain families.
“Having now seen all of the amendments tabled from parties from across the House, it is clear there is no principled objection to the aim of this Bill, which is to remove the right of people to sit and make laws in our legislature by virtue of an accident of birth.”
Ms Reeves said there are 88 hereditary peers in the upper chamber, with a pause on hereditary peer by-elections set to be in place until January 2026.
She said the Government “values the good work done by hereditary peers”, adding: “These reforms are not personal, but they are long-overdue and essential.”
Sue Gray reportedly decided ‘she doesn’t want’ new job offer
Tuesday 12 November 2024 14:42 , Holly EvansWhile reports in the guardian newspaper have suggested Downing Street were prepared to withdraw the offer, the Financial Times have instead claimed Ms Gray rejected the job.
“Sue has taken a decision not to take the role. She’s going to focus on other things,” an ally of the ex-civil servant told the FT.
They added: “She’s taken time to think about it properly, talking to stakeholders, but ultimately she’s decided she doesn’t want to do it.”
Previous reporting suggested Ms Gray was negotiating over the terms of the job and her exit from Downing Street.
Read the full story: Sue Gray ‘rejects Starmer’s job offer’ to become envoy for nations and regions
Tuesday 12 November 2024 14:34 , Holly EvansSue Gray has reportedly turned down Sir Keir Starmer’s offer to become the prime minister’s envoy for the nations and regions, after months of speculation over when she would take up the role.
It comes amid claims the prime minister was poised to withdraw the job offer.
The PM’s former chief of staff was due to take up a role as “envoy to the nations and regions”, after she stepped down from her position at the heart of government in October.
Read the full article from Millie Cooke here:
Sue Gray ‘rejects Starmer’s offer’ to become envoy for nations and regions
Keir Starmer ‘set to withdraw Sue Gray job offer’
Tuesday 12 November 2024 14:21 , Holly EvansSir Keir Starmer is poised to withdraw the offer of a new job to his former chief of staff Sue Gray, according to media reports.
Ms Gray was due to take up a role as “envoy to the nations and regions” after she resigned from her position at the heart of Government in October.
This followed intense media speculation about a power struggle at the heart of Downing Street.
The former chief of staff was said to be on a short break before taking up her new post but reports across the media suggest the Prime Minister is now likely to rescind the job offer over concerns about what exactly the role would entail.
On Tuesday, the Guardian newspaper reported that Downing Street is preparing to withdraw the offer, and also said there were concerns about the media attention which would likely follow her if she were to accept the role.
The Financial Times meanwhile said Ms Gray has now rejected the job.
Is the latest assisted dying bill likely to be made law?
Tuesday 12 November 2024 14:10 , Holly EvansThe Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill will be brought before the Commons in its entirety in the coming days, with a debate in the chamber scheduled for the end of the month. As it comes from the elected chamber, it will probably be similar to – but supersede and render redundant – an equivalent bill that is currently in the House of Lords, introduced by Charlie Falconer, a former lord chancellor.
The Commons version is a private member’s bill led by Kim Leadbeater, the Labour MP for Spen Valley. There will obviously be much focus on the details and safeguards in the bill, but there are increasing signs that the way the issue is being discussed may hamper its progress...
Read the full analysis here:
What must the UK do to reach the new goal of 81% emissions cut by 2035?
Tuesday 12 November 2024 13:55 , Holly EvansThe Climate Change Committee recently warned that the UK is off track to meet its 2030 climate targets, with the country needing to drastically accelerate changes to high-emitting industries over the next decade.
According to the Government’s advisers, delivering on the target will mean ending heating homes with natural gas boilers, lower meat and dairy consumption and a switch to electric cars.
The CCC said electricity will need to be zero carbon by 2035, with a phaseout of gas power that does not have technology to capture and store its carbon emissions, and renewables – in particular offshore wind – generating 70 per cent of power.
It also said sales of natural gas boilers need to be phased out by 2033 with the majority of homes switching to heat pumps that run on electricity.
Sales of new petrol and diesel cars, motorbikes and vans, including plug-in hybrids, must be phased out by 2032, with most new sales ended by 2030.
People should also be encouraged to reduce their meat and dairy consumption by 20 per cent by 2030, which will free up land for restoring peatland so it absorbs carbon and to plant trees.
And cuts to demand for other carbon intensive activities will also be needed, including slower growth in flights, reductions in car travel, and cutting waste and boosting recycling, the advisers said.
Tories take narrow poll lead over Labour in Badenoch’s first week as leader
Tuesday 12 November 2024 13:40 , Holly EvansThe Conservatives have taken a two-point poll lead over Sir Keir Starmer‘s Labour Party in Kemi Badenoch’s first week as leader.
The new Tory leader has taken the party to 29 per cent of the vote, according to pollsters More in Common, with Labour behind on just 27 per cent. It is the highest rating for the Conservatives since February.
It marks a remarkable fall from grace for Labour, which in July was elected to power in a landslide victory over Rishi Sunak’s Conservatives.
Read the full article here:
Tories take narrow poll lead over Labour in Badenoch’s first week as leader
Top Blair adviser who said ‘we don’t need small farmers’ disowned by Starmer
Tuesday 12 November 2024 13:25 , Holly EvansSir Keir Starmer has distanced himself from comments made by a senior adviser to Tony Blair after he said “we don’t need small farmers” during a discussion about the fury among farmers towards the inheritance tax rises announced in the Budget.
John McTernan, who was the ex-Labour PM’s political secretary, sparked fury as he said family farming is “an industry we can do without”.
The party grandee was asked about planned protests by farmers over Rachel Reeves’ Budget, which will mean they have to pay 20 per cent of tax on inherited agricultural assets worth more than £1m from April 2026. The change is being dubbed the “tractor tax” and has sparked outrage among farmers, who say it will threaten the UK’s food security and lead to the closure of family farms.
Mr McTernan said: “If the farmers want to go on the streets - we can do to them what Margaret Thatcher did to the miners.”
Read the full story here:
Top Blair adviser who said ‘we don’t need small farmers’ disowned by Starmer
Keir Starmer dodges questions over Donald Trump climate fears at Cop29 summit
Tuesday 12 November 2024 13:10 , Holly Evans
Keir Starmer dodges questions over Donald Trump climate fears at Cop29 summit
Trump’s approach to oil will not impact UK’s climate ambitions
Tuesday 12 November 2024 12:55 , Holly EvansDonald Trump’s “drill, baby, drill” approach to oil in the US will not hinder the UK’s net zero ambitions, energy minister Michael Shanks has confirmed.
Conservative former minister Andrew Murrison said: “Offshore wind has been a real positive for our energy security and grid independence, but unfortunately not when the wind doesn’t blow. Given the election of a president who tells us he’s going to ‘drill, baby, drill’, what revision does the minister anticipate to his timetable towards net zero?”
Mr Shanks told the Commons: “We’ll outline later this year our action plan on how we will deliver on 2030 but there’s no change to our timetable in that regard.
“But what it does show – he raises a good point around when the wind doesn’t blow and the sun doesn’t shine – about making sure that we have a mix in our energy system. That’s why we remain supportive of nuclear.
“It’s also why we’ve announced recently investment in long-duration energy storage to make sure we can capture that energy and use it when we need it.”
Government’s net zero ambition will lead to lower energy bills, says minister
Tuesday 12 November 2024 12:48 , Holly EvansThe Government’s clean power by 2030 ambition will lead to lower energy bills, energy minister Michael Shanks has told the Commons.
This came in response to Conservative former minister Tom Tugendhat, who said: “I’m delighted that the minister is setting out the report that promises an extra £40 billion a year of investment in the energy sector, and presumably the taxes to go with it, which is of course going to come off the businesses that are otherwise paying for everything else in the Budget that’s just gone by.
“Is there anything at all in his proposal that’s actually going to bring down the cost of energy and not be replaced by taxpayer funding? Because it appears at the moment there is zero, and already energy prices are going up.”
Mr Shanks replied: “I would encourage (Mr Tugendhat) to read the NESO (National Energy System Operator) report, because it does in great detail set out that not only is clean power 2030 achievable, but that it will lead to lower bills.
“Companies are choosing to invest in this country when they didn’t under the party opposite and the reality that he has to answer is that once upon a time this party opposite recognised that the drive to net zero was important, they’ve abandoned that commitment now.”
Watch: Starmer pledges 81 per cent cut to UK emissions by 2035
Tuesday 12 November 2024 12:22 , Holly EvansEd Miliband squirms when confronted over previous Trump comments
Tuesday 12 November 2024 12:11 , Holly Evans
Labour’s Ed Miliband squirms over calling Trump ‘racist, self-confessed groper’
Starmer refuses to comment on absence of other world leaders
Tuesday 12 November 2024 11:51 , Holly EvansSir Keir Starmer refused to be drawn on the absence of other world leaders at Cop29, saying the UK was there to “show leadership”.
Speaking to reporters, the Prime Minister said: “The central most important thing for me here at Cop is … to continue to show UK leadership on climate at this critical time and we will continue to do so, to make sure that we are the enablers of the leveraging of private capital now towards the targets that need to be set, to set our own target, as I have just done in relation to emissions.
“But, most importantly, to be clear that I see this not just as a global challenge, but a global opportunity.”
Prime minister avoids saying how much target could cost households
Tuesday 12 November 2024 11:40 , Holly EvansTaking questions from reporters at Cop29, Sir Keir Starmer avoided answering how much his new emissions target would cost your average household.
Asked if this could mean food becoming more expensive, he said: “We have set out the target which is an important ambitious target. What we are not going to to is start telling people how ot live their lives.
“We are not going to start dictating to people what they do. But we are going to be clear that that involves hitting the clean power 2030 mission that we have set out, one of five big projects for the Government, that is vital.
“We will hit that. It is an ambitious target, it is a realisable target but it is not going to be one in which we tell people how to live their lives.”
Starmer says he doesn’t want to be ‘middle of the pack’ in climate change
Tuesday 12 November 2024 11:35 , Holly EvansSetting the UK’s greenhouse gas emission target, Sir Keir Starmer said: “The race is on for the clean energy jobs of the future, the economy of tomorrow.
“I don’t want to be in the middle of the pack, I want to get ahead of the game.”
He told reporters at the Cop29 climate summit in Baku: “At this Cop I was pleased to announce that we are building on our reputation as a climate leader with the UK’s 2035 NDC target to reduce all greenhouse gas emissions by at least 81% on 1990 levels.
“But a global problem also requires global partnership, responsible international co-operation, which is why we took the opportunity at this Cop to again urge all parties to come forward with ambitious targets of their own.”
UK pledges 81 per cent cut to emissions by 2035
Tuesday 12 November 2024 11:28 , Holly EvansThe UK has pledged an 81 per cent cut to emissions by 2035, Sir Keir Starmer said at the Cop29 conference in Azerbaijan.
Critics have previously argued that lifestyle changes will be required to meet strict emissions reduction targets, as Labour promises to move towards electriciy generation by 2030.
ScottishPower has also awarded a £1 billion turbine contract for its East Anglia Two offshore wind farm to Siemens Gamesa, including blade production at its Hull blade factory. It will employ more than 1,300 people in Humberside.
Prime minster says there are ‘two paths’ to address climate
Tuesday 12 November 2024 11:26 , Holly EvansOpening his speech at the Cop29 conference in Baku, Sir Keir Starmer has said there are two possible paths to address the escalating crisis of climate change.
He said the first is one of inaction and decay, while the second offers greater economic stability.
He added that invesment opportunities to tackle climate action offers opportunities, better jobs and ensures the prosperity of nations for the future.
Live: Keir Starmer unveils ambitious UK climate goal at COP29
Tuesday 12 November 2024 10:51 , Holly EvansAssisted dying is a ‘chance to act with kindness’, Westminster hears
Tuesday 12 November 2024 10:48 , Holly EvansAn assisted dying law would offer people a choice “at their darkest hour”, a Westminster gathering has heard.
Nathaniel Dye, a man who has previously shared his experience of terminal cancer at Labour Party events, criticised suggestions that improvements to palliative care were the answer at an assisted dying press conference.
“Imagine I am dying and palliative care hasn’t improved. Well, I have no choice whatsoever: I die in pain or I die in pain,” he said.
He added: “I see this as a chance just to act with kindness and a choice for people at their darkest hour.
“I am not a doctor, I am not a lawyer, but I would just implore MPs and peers to really carefully consider these safeguards because I think it is the best phrase I have got: my very death depends on it.”
Rachel Reeves accused of business ‘betrayal’ as top bank warns tax hikes will hit living standards
Tuesday 12 November 2024 10:19 , Holly EvansRachel Reeves’s increase in employer national insurance contributions (NICs) will hit workers’ living standards, Barclays has warned, amid growing backlash over the tax hike.
It comes as leaders of Britain’s biggest business organisations accused the Labour government of “betrayal”.
Economists at the bank said the policy would cause real incomes to take a hit, as companies pass on the cost of the levy through lower pay rises and higher prices. This, they said, will leave people feeling poorer as prices rise faster than wages.
Read the full article here:
Reeves accused of business ‘betrayal’ as top bank warns over tax hikes
Far-right leader beats Keir Starmer to front of queue for meeting with president-elect Trump
Tuesday 12 November 2024 09:49 , Holly EvansKeir Starmer has no plans to visit Donald Trump in Mar-a-Lago on his way to a meeting of the G20 group of world leaders next week, despite at least one ally making the trip.
Argentina’s libertarian President Javier Milei has been invited to see the US president-elect at his Florida club, amid speculation others will follow.
A supporter of Mr Trump, Mr Milei celebrated his election win with a fireworks display and posts on social media.
Read the full article here:
Far-right leader beats Keir Starmer to front of queue for meeting with Trump
Assisted dying bill: What it means for patients?
Tuesday 12 November 2024 09:37 , Holly EvansA new law has been proposed to legalise assisted dying for some terminally ill adults in England and Wales.
Mentally competent adults with a life expectancy of six months or less who have a settled wish to die that has been approved by two doctors and the High Court would be able to do so under the proposed legislation for England and Wales.
Ahead of its publication on Tuesday, Labour MP Kim Leadbeater insisted her private member’s bill would offer the “safest choice” for mentally competent adults at the end of their lives.
Read the full explainer from Tara Cobham here:
Starmer will note tell people ‘how to live their lives’ as he sets out emissions goal
Tuesday 12 November 2024 09:19 , Holly EvansSir Keir Starmer has said he will not be “telling people how to live their lives” as part of plans to reach the UK’s new emissions reduction target.
He will set the emissions goal out at Cop29 later on Tuesday but it has been reported that the UK will pledge to reduce its emissions by 81% compared with 1990 levels by 2035, a goal in line with the recommendation of the Climate Change Committee.
The Prime Minister was asked if he was prepared to get more people to change their heating systems and tell them to take fewer flights and eat less meat to reach that target.
“I’ll set out our goal later on today, but look, it will be ambitious, and that’s measured not by telling people what to do,” the Prime Minister told broadcasters in Baku.
“It’s measured by making sure that we get to clean power by 2030 – that’s the single most important target on the way to the emissions.
Labour MP says her only Bill has ‘three layers of scrutiny'
Tuesday 12 November 2024 09:01 , Holly EvansThe Labour MP behind the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill said hers is the only Bill in the world with “three layers of scrutiny” in the form of sign-off by two doctors and a High Court judge.
She said the proposed legislation for England and Wales would offer the “safest choice” for mentally competent adults at the end of their lives and is capable of protecting against coercion.
The Bill, which was published on Monday night, runs to almost 40 pages, with around 20 pages of explanatory notes.
Critics say the Bill is being “rushed with indecent haste” and that MPs will not have adequate time to scrutinise the legislation before the November 29 debate and vote.
But Ms Leadbeater rejected this argument, saying almost three weeks is “plenty of time to look at the Bill” and is normal within parliamentary timeframes.
She also suggested any new law would not take effect for another two to three years, with “even more consultation to make sure we get it right”.
Ed Miliband says UK will find ‘common ground’ with Trump on climate change
Tuesday 12 November 2024 08:38 , Holly EvansThe UK will seek to find “common ground” with Donald Trump on climate change, Ed Miliband has said.
The Energy Security Secretary suggested the US president-elect, who has described climate change as a “hoax”, could be swayed by the economic arguments for shifting to green power.
Mr Miliband told BBC Breakfast: “It’s our job to work with the duly-elected US president. He has his own views.
“I think what’s interesting about this – and you will see what decisions the new administration makes – is that the economics now point in the direction of clean energy.
“If you think about lots of the decisions that companies and countries are making, they recognise this is the single biggest job creator of our era, and so people want to be ahead in that race.
“So, we will seek to find common ground with Donald Trump, he will make his own decisions about what he wants to do. I obviously want him to stay in the Paris Climate Agreement, but that’s his decision.”
Cabinet split emerges as Streeting opposes assisted dying Bill
Tuesday 12 November 2024 08:20 , Holly EvansHealth Secretary Wes Streeting has already said he intends to vote against the Bill, voicing his fears about coercion and people feeling a “duty to die”, while the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby has warned of legalisation leading to a “slippery slope” in terms of who is eligible.
High-profile supporters of a change in the law include Dame Esther Rantzen, who is terminally ill and revealed in December that she had joined Dignitas due to the current law.
Meanwhile, energy Secretary Ed Miliband said he intends to back the Bill.
He told ITV’s Good Morning Britain: “For my part, I know there are people who are in the late stages of terminal illnesses, and I think the current situation is rather cruel actually.
“I think people having control over their own life and their own death is something that is the right thing to do.”
Starmer announces £1bn wind turbine contract
Tuesday 12 November 2024 08:13 , Holly EvansSir Keir Starmer has announced a £1 billion contract for wind turbine blades to be made in Hull.
The Prime Minister told broadcasters at Cop29 in Azerbaijan: “I think it’s very important for the United Kingdom to show leadership on the climate challenge. It’s a very important challenge of our time.
“It’s also, I’ve long believed, the single biggest opportunity for the next generation of jobs.
“And that’s demonstrated in the fact that this morning, here at Cop, I’m announcing a £1 billion order for blades for offshore wind, which would be jobs in Hull.”
Starmer says MPs must make own minds up on assisted dying Bill
Tuesday 12 November 2024 08:09 , Holly EvansSir Keir Starmer has said Labour MPs must “make their own mind up” on whether to vote in favour of legalising assisted dying.
The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, from Labour MP Kim Leadbeater, was published late on Monday and runs to almost 40 pages, with a further 20 pages of explanatory notes.
Sir Keir was asked if he is going to vote in favour of the legislation and whether he has any concerns about potential coercion or issues raised by disability charities.
The Prime Minister said: “Look, it’s going to be a free vote and I mean that. It will be for every MP to decide for themselves how they want to vote.
“I’m not going to be putting any pressure whatsoever on Labour MPs. They will make their own mind up, as I will be.
“Obviously a lot will depend on the detail and we need to get the balance right but I’ve always argued there will need to be proper safeguards in place.”
Sir Keir has previously supported assisted dying, but said the Government will remain neutral on the issue. He has been careful not to express a view since the Bill was introduced.
Work and pensions secretary says figures are ‘holding economy back'
Tuesday 12 November 2024 07:39 , Holly EvansWork and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall said: “2.8 million people – a near record number are locked out of work due to poor health. This is bad for people, bad for businesses and it’s holding our economy back.
“That’s why our Get Britain Working plan will bring forward the biggest reforms to employment support in a generation, backed by an additional £240 million of investment.
“While it’s encouraging to see real pay growth this month, more needs to be done to improve living standards too.
“So, from April next year, over three million of the lowest-paid workers will benefit from our increase to the national living wage, delivering a £1,400-a-year pay rise for a full-time worker.”
Wage growth slows further as unemployment rises
Tuesday 12 November 2024 07:37 , Holly EvansWage growth has fallen to its lowest level in more than two years while Britain’s jobless rate jumped by more than expected, according to official figures.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said average regular earnings growth eased back to 4.8 per cent in the three months to September, down from 4.9 per cent in the previous three months.
This marked the lowest level since the three months to June 2022.
Earnings growth continues to outstrip inflation, however, as pay increased by 2.7 per cent in the three months to September with Consumer Prices Index (CPI) inflation taken into account.
The ONS said the rate of UK unemployment rose to 4.3 per cent in the three months to September, up from 4 per cent in the previous three months
This was the highest level since the three months to May, although the ONS said the estimate should be treated with caution given ongoing low response rates to its jobs survey.
Downing Street respond to potential use of Storm Shadow missiles by Ukraine
Tuesday 12 November 2024 07:00 , Alex CroftDowning Street said “no war was ever won by a single weapon” when asked whether the UK was speaking to Joe Biden about the potential use of Storm Shadow missiles by Ukraine within Russia before Donald Trump enters the White House.
Asked whether Britain was in talks with the outgoing US President, following suggestions that Mr Biden could be asked about giving permission for the weapons to be used, a Number 10 spokeswoman said: “Our position on Storm Shadow hasn’t changed.
“We’ve always aid that where we discuss our support for Ukraine, we do so in terms of broader strategy to ensure that Ukraine is in the strongest possible position going forwards, particularly in the winter, and we’ve also been clear that no war was ever won by a single weapon.”
Starmer expected to travel from Paris to Azerbaijan for Cop29 talks
Tuesday 12 November 2024 06:00 , Alex CroftThe latest UN climate talks kick off this week against a backdrop of devastating weather extremes, record heat and Donald Trump’s re-election as US President.
World leaders including Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer are heading to the opening summit of Cop29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, where they face pressure over delivering finance for poor countries to cope with climate change, and increasing their ambitions on emissions cuts.
The meeting is being held in the wake of the latest deadly weather events including floods in Valencia and Hurricane Helene in the US, which scientific analyses show were made more likely and intense by rising temperatures.
This year is on course to break temperature records once again and, as countries prepare to submit new plans for climate action by early next year, the UN has warned that existing policies are falling so far short the world is on track for a “catastrophic” 3.1C of warming.
Countries will also be grappling with Mr Trump’s return to the White House, in what analysts say is a trend of climate scepticism in elections this year.
ICYMI: UN climate talks start as experts warn 2024 is heading for record heat
Tuesday 12 November 2024 05:00 , Alex CroftThe latest round of international climate talks have kicked off in Azerbaijan as the UN warns 2024 is set to be the hottest year on record.
Sir Keir Starmer, whose Labour Government has made clean energy a key plank of its plans for the UK, has headed to the Cop29 conference in Baku, Azerbaijan, although many leaders including the US and Chinese presidents and European heads of state are not attending the talks.
While the Taliban are among the delegations who are attending the conference, Downing Street said the Prime Minister had no plans to meet with them.
As the conference kicked off, the UN’s World Meteorological Organisation issued a “red alert” over the speed of climate change in a single generation, as it warned this year would break 2023’s record temperatures.
The WMO said the global average temperature for January to September 2024 was 1.54C above pre-industrial levels, based on analysis from six global datasets.
Read more:
2024 ‘virtually certain’ to be world’s warmest year on record
Watch: Defence secretary dismisses suggestion Farage could help government with Trump
Tuesday 12 November 2024 04:00 , Holly PatrickReport: Assisted dying unites Kemi Badenoch and Diane Abbott in fears over safeguards
Tuesday 12 November 2024 03:00 , David Maddox, Political EditorOpposition to a bill attempting to legalise assisted dying appears to be growing despite promises that it will include the toughest safeguards anywhere in the world by its proposer Labour MP Kim Leadbeater.
Health secretary Wes Streeting has already indicated he will oppose the legislation, which is a free conscience vote in parliament, and now he could be joined by an improbable alliance of Tory leader Kemi Badenoch and Labour leftwing veteran Diane Abbott.
Our political editor David Maddox reports exclusively:
Assisted dying unites Kemi Badenoch and Diane Abbott in fears over safeguards
Starmer and Macron vow to put Ukraine ‘in strongest possible position’ before Trump becomes president
Tuesday 12 November 2024 02:00 , Millie Cooke, Political CorrespondentSir Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron have vowed to put Ukraine in the “strongest possible position” going into winter, in a boost in support before Donald Trump returns to the Oval Office.
In a show of European solidarity days after Trump’s election win, the two leaders held talks in Paris to mark Armistice Day and consider how best to continue supporting the wartorn country.
It comes amid suggestions that the UK and France could seek to persuade Joe Biden to grant Ukraine permission to use Storm Shadow missiles to strike into Russia before he leaves the White House.
The Independent’s political correspondent Millie Cooke writes:
Ukraine will be ‘in strongest position’ before Trump takes office, say UK and France
Report: Trump’s tariff plan ‘doomsday scenario’ for UK economy, senior Labour figure warns
Tuesday 12 November 2024 01:00 , Kate Devlin, Whitehall CorrespondentDonald Trump’s plans to impose huge tariffs on imports are a “doomsday scenario” for the UK economy, a senior Labour figure has warned.
The move would hurt growth and lead to higher inflation and interest rates, Liam Byrne, the Labour chair of the Commons business committee predicted.
Experts have warned of a looming trade war after Mr Trump himself said: “Tariff is my favourite word”.
Whitehall editor Kate Devlin reports:
Trump’s tariff plan ‘doomsday scenario’ for UK economy, senior Labour figure warns
Surprising alliance of Donald Trump, Viktor Orban and Pope Francis that could derail support for Ukraine
Tuesday 12 November 2024 00:00 , David Maddox, Political EditorA surprising trinity of Donald Trump, Hungary’s right-wing prime minister Viktor Orban and Pope Francis could spell the end to hopes for continued support for Ukraine in fighting the war against Vladimir Putin’s Russia.
The Independent has spoken to Hungary’s ambassador to the Vatican, Eduard Habsburg-Lothringen, who has been critical in attempting to create an international coalition to find a “peace deal” to end the war.
He has spoken about how Pope Francis has played an important role in supporting a deal that will probably see Mr Trump push for Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky to cede territory to Russia.
Our political editor David Maddox reports:
How surprising alliance of Trump, Orban and Pope could force Ukraine into Putin deal
Full report: Kemi Badenoch says ministers let bureaucracy hold up payments to wronged subpostmasters
Monday 11 November 2024 23:05 , Archie Mitchell, Political CorrespondentThe government let bureaucracy get in the way of redress for wronged subpostmasters, Kemi Badenoch has told the inquiry into the Post Office scandal.
The new Tory leader said that during her time as business secretary, she and former postal affairs minister Kevin Hollinrake “wanted to get the money out there“ but were constantly given reasons why they could not by officials.
Political correspondent Archie Mitchell reports:
Bureaucracy held up payments to wronged subpostmasters, Kemi Badenoch says
Is the latest assisted dying bill likely to be made law?
Monday 11 November 2024 22:14 , Sean O’GradyThe Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill will be brought before the Commons in its entirety in the coming days, with a debate in the chamber scheduled for the end of the month. As it comes from the elected chamber, it will probably be similar to – but supersede and render redundant – an equivalent bill that is currently in the House of Lords, introduced by Charlie Falconer, a former lord chancellor.
The Commons version is a private member’s bill led by Kim Leadbeater, the Labour MP for Spen Valley. There will obviously be much focus on the details and safeguards in the bill, but there are increasing signs that the way the issue is being discussed may hamper its progress...
Sean O’Grady writes:
Who are the key candidates to be the UK’s ambassador to the US as Donald Trump returns to the White House?
Monday 11 November 2024 21:33 , Kate Devlin, Whitehall EditorBritain’s next ambassador to the US is set to be decided within days in what will be one of the most important diplomatic decisions of Sir Keir Starmer’s first year in No 10.
The appointment will be key to shaping the UK-US relationship once Donald Trump returns to the White House, with the future of Ukraine, the conflict in the Middle East and trade tariffs among the key areas where the prime minister and the president-elect differ in opinion.
Whitehall editor Kate Devlin reports:
Who are the key candidates to be the UK’s ambassador to the US?
Gas boiler ban for new homes ‘by 2027’
Monday 11 November 2024 20:44 , Millie Cooke, Political CorrespondentGas boilers will reportedly be banned in most new homes by 2027, as part of legislation to slash carbon emissions across households.
The Future Homes Standard, being brought forward by the government, will mean developers must ensure that new-builds are only fitted out with electric heat pumps or non-gas alternatives.
It aims to ensure the carbon emissions of new homes are 75 per cent lower than under current standards.
Political correspondent Millie Cooke reports:
In pictures: Badenoch speaks at Post Office scandal inquiry
Monday 11 November 2024 19:59 , Alex Croft
Rachel Reeves accused of business ‘betrayal’ as top bank warns tax hikes will hit living standards
Monday 11 November 2024 19:18 , Alex CroftRachel Reeves’s increase in employer national insurance contributions (NICs) will hit workers’ living standards, Barclays has warned, amid growing backlash over the tax hike.
It comes as leaders of Britain’s biggest business organisations accused the Labour government of “betrayal”.
Economists at the bank said the policy would cause real incomes to take a hit, as companies pass on the cost of the levy through lower pay rises and higher prices. This, they said, will leave people feeling poorer as prices rise faster than wages.
Political correspondent Millie Cooke reports:
Reeves accused of business ‘betrayal’ as top bank warns over tax hikes
Government refuses deadling for Post Office redress payments
Monday 11 November 2024 18:38 , Alex CroftBusiness secretary Jonathan Reynolds has reiterated the government’s position that they will not set a deadline for redress payments for subpostmasters affected by the Post Office scandal.
It comes after lead campaigner Sir Alan Bates requested a deadline of March for redress payments for claimants who took the Post Office to the High Court from 2017 to 2019.
Mr Reynolds was asked if the government would commit to this deadline.
He said: “The position I’m in is I’m trying to make sure people get redress for a horrendous scandal… at a minimum, I don’t want to do anything that makes that injustice even worse.
“And the worry about a deadline – can you imagine a situation where, for whatever reason, a claim has not come in?
“I think it will be unconscionable to say that that is not going to be considered.”
“If my frustration at those claims not arriving in the department meant that I felt that was the only way to speed those up, and I felt that wasn’t going to prejudice any individual claim… it will be something that I will consider.”
He also told the inquiry he accepts “ultimate responsibility” for the provision of full and fair redress for subpostmasters.
Corporate culture is at the root of Post Office scandal, says Reynolds
Monday 11 November 2024 17:59 , Alex CroftBusiness secretary Jonathan Reynolds also spoke earlier today at the Horizon IT inquiry.
In his witness statement, Mr Reynolds said it is clear that the “Post Office’s corporate culture is at the root of this scandal”.
He added: “I want to make sure the system works for subpostmasters. I am supportive of a reform agenda which seeks to turn this ambition into reality.”
‘Why can’t we just give them the money?’ asked Badenoch
Monday 11 November 2024 17:19 , Alex CroftKemi Badenoch was asked by Jason Beer KC, counsel to the inquiry, who allowed for bureaucracy to get in the way of redress for subpostmasters.
“Well, the government machine,” Ms Badenoch said.
“I think I remember asking a question like: ‘Why can’t we just give them the money?’”
“Then I’d be told ‘there could be a judicial review, and the Treasury has these value for money requirements, if you don’t meet them then you might end up having to go to court’ – so I just kept trying to find a way through.”
Government bureaucracy has delayed redress for subpostmasters - Badenoch
Monday 11 November 2024 17:01 , Alex CroftConservative leader of the opposition and former business secretary Kemi Badenoch has been speaking at the Horizon IT inquiry today.
She told the inquiry that the government allowed “bureaucracy to get in the way of redress” for the wronged subpostmasters.
“Kevin [Hollinrake, former postal affairs minister] and I wanted to get the money out there, and we were always given a reason why we couldn’t.”
“I feel that there is often too much bureaucracy in the way of getting things done, because people are worried about process,” she continued.
“They are worried about: if things go wrong, they’ll be on the hook for that.
“So they carry out lots of checks and balances well beyond what I think is required in order to deliver the right outcome.”
Prime Minister ‘honoured’ to join Macron for Armistice Day
Monday 11 November 2024 16:36 , Alex CroftSir Keir Starmer has spent the day commemorating Armistice Day with French president Emmanuel Macron in Paris.
“I am honoured to be in Paris to stand united with President @EmmanuelMacron in tribute to the fallen who made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedom we enjoy today,” he wrote on X.
I am honoured to be in Paris to stand united with President @EmmanuelMacron in tribute to the fallen who made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedom we enjoy today. pic.twitter.com/L7AgLvOtc1
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) November 11, 2024
Report: Keir Starmer to snub Taliban as brutal Afghan regime flocks to global climate summit
Monday 11 November 2024 16:06 , Arpan Rai, Archie MitchellSir Keir Starmer will snub the Taliban as a group of officials from the brutal Afghan regime flock to the UN climate summit in in Azerbaijan’s capital Baku.
The prime minister will not meet with the group at the Cop29 conference, which started on Monday, in what will be its first appearance at the forum since its forceful takeover of Afghanistan.
Asked what Sir Keir thought of the militant group attending the talks, and whether he had any plans to come face to face with delegates, a Number 10 spokeswoman said: “No plans to meet with them.”
Read the full report:
Keir Starmer to snub Taliban as brutal Afghan regime flocks to global climate summit
People left ‘humiliated’ by process of applying for personal independence payments
Monday 11 November 2024 15:24 , Holly EvansA Labour MP has said that many people are left “humiliated” by the process of applying for personal independence payments (Pip).
Debbie Abrahams, chairwoman of the Work and Pensions Committee, told the Commons: “Yesterday it was reported in the Sunday papers that a blind woman with additional complex needs had her Pip assessment over the phone, which was approved, but then she was sent a letter to confirm that.
“Sense have said that over half of people that they have surveyed feel humiliated by the process. I know (Sir Stephen Timms) wants to get this right and is very keen, but can he expand a little bit more on the type of things that they’re changing?”
Work and pensions minister Sir Stephen Timms said the Government will “continue to look at” the assessment process, adding: “Clearly, it is absolutely vital that this process should be accessible to people with sight impairments or other impairments as well, and I completely agree with her.”
Liberal Democrat MP Ian Roome (North Devon) asked: “Can the Secretary of State tell me why Pip reassessments are being scheduled for people with incurable disabilities and terminal illnesses?”
Sir Stephen replied: “It is of course important that we keep the awards under review, because sometimes they go up, as well as down, and we want to make sure that the support that’s provided is appropriate for the claimant.”
UN climate talks start as experts warn 2024 is heading for record heat
Monday 11 November 2024 14:56 , Holly EvansThe latest round of international climate talks have kicked off in Azerbaijan as the UN warns 2024 is set to be the hottest year on record.
Sir Keir Starmer, whose Labour Government has made clean energy a key plank of its plans for the UK, has headed to the Cop29 conference in Baku, Azerbaijan, although many leaders including the US and Chinese presidents and European heads of state are not attending the talks.
While the Taliban are among the delegations who are attending the conference, Downing Street said the Prime Minister had no plans to meet with them.
As the conference kicked off, the UN’s World Meteorological Organisation issued a “red alert” over the speed of climate change in a single generation, as it warned this year would break 2023’s record temperatures.
The WMO said the global average temperature for January to September 2024 was 1.54C above pre-industrial levels, based on analysis from six global datasets.
Macron’s office says leaders discussed ‘unwavering’ support for Ukraine
Monday 11 November 2024 14:40 , Holly EvansMacron’s office said the French president and Sir Keir Starmer had discussed the Ukraine situation on the sidelines of Monday’s ceremony to mark the anniversary of Armistice Day, which ended World War One in 1918.
“Concerning the situation in Ukraine, the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to coordinate closely, stressing their determination to support Ukraine unwaveringly and for as long as necessary to thwart Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine,” they said in a statement.
Assisted dying unites Kemi Badenoch and Diane Abbott in fears over safeguards
Monday 11 November 2024 14:20 , Holly EvansOpposition to a bill attempting to legalise assisted dying appears to be growing despite promises that it will include the toughest safeguards anywhere in the world by its proposer Labour MP Kim Leadbeater.
Health secretary Wes Streeting has already indicated he will oppose the legislation, which is a free conscience vote in parliament, and now he could be joined by an improbable alliance of Tory leader Kemi Badenoch and Labour leftwing veteran Diane Abbott.
This comes as an open letter from thousands of doctors and nurses opposing the Bill has been published today warning that safeguards cannot be strong enough.
Read the full article here:
Assisted dying unites Kemi Badenoch and Diane Abbott in fears over safeguards
John Healey defiant over US support for Ukraine after Trump re-election
Monday 11 November 2024 14:00 , Holly EvansThe defence secretary has struck a defiant tone on US support for Ukraine amid fears Donald Trump will force Volodymyr Zelensky to do a deal with Russia.
John Healey said he expects the Americans to stand with Ukraine for “as long as it takes to prevail over (Vladimir) Putin’s invasion”.
He said that the former president, who will return to the White House in January after a sweeping election win, “recognises that countries get security through strength, just as alliances like Nato do”. And Mr Healey stressed that America’s determination to support Ukraine in its campaign against Russia is “just as strong” as before voters in the US went to the polls.
Read the full article here:
John Healey defiant over US support for Ukraine after Trump re-election
Downing Street respond to potential use of Storm Shadow missiles by Ukraine
Monday 11 November 2024 13:40 , Holly EvansDowning Street said “no war was ever won by a single weapon” when asked whether the UK was speaking to Joe Biden about the potential use of Storm Shadow missiles by Ukraine within Russia before Donald Trump enters the White House.
Asked whether Britain was in talks with the outgoing US President, following suggestions that Mr Biden could be asked about giving permission for the weapons to be used, a Number 10 spokeswoman said: “Our position on Storm Shadow hasn’t changed.
“We’ve always aid that where we discuss our support for Ukraine, we do so in terms of broader strategy to ensure that Ukraine is in the strongest possible position going forwards, particularly in the winter, and we’ve also been clear that no war was ever won by a single weapon.”
As America falters, Cop29 is post-Brexit Britain’s chance to lead on climate
Monday 11 November 2024 13:21 , Holly EvansIt can be argued that the auguries for this year’s international climate change conference already looked dark, even before Donald Trump’s election victory last week. That the returning US president is an unapologetic climate sceptic, however, will hardly lighten the mood when Cop29 opens in Baku on Monday.
One of Trump’s signal acts in his first presidential term was to withdraw the United States from the Paris climate agreement, and he is fully expected to do the same again, four years after Joe Biden took the US back in.
Such back and forth is no good for any political process. But it makes for particular difficulties when the country concerned is the richest in the world, and the hoped-for agreement is about not just good intentions but money – specifically, the transfer of as much as $1 trillion from the rich world to help underwrite climate efforts in poorer countries.
Read the full article here:
Cop29 is post-Brexit Britain’s chance to lead on climate action
No plans for Starmer to meet Taliban at Cop29, says No10
Monday 11 November 2024 13:07 , Holly EvansSir Keir Starmer has no plans to meet the Taliban at Cop29, Downing Street has said.
Asked what the Prime Minister thought of the militant group attending the talks, and whether he had any plans to come face to face with delegates, a Number 10 spokeswoman said: “No plans to meet with them.
“I think attendance is a matter for the organisers, but more broadly the summit I think is bringing together 96 different delegations from across the world and the objective is obviously to strengthen global climate action and engagement on that issue.
“It is obviously vital that we approach the talks and the event with that common purpose (at the) forefront of our mind.”
Starmer and Macron discussed Ukraine, Gaza conflict and small boat crossings
Monday 11 November 2024 12:47 , Holly EvansSir Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron discussed how to put Ukraine in “the strongest possible position going into the winter” as the two leaders met ahead of Armistice Day commemorations in Paris, Number 10 said.
A Downing Street spokesperson said: “Prime Minister Keir Starmer met France’s President Emmanuel Macron this morning ahead of the Armistice Day commemorations in Paris.
“The Prime Minister thanked the President for the personal invitation, noting he was the first UK leader to attend in 80 years.
“The leaders started by discussing the situation in Ukraine, including how best to put Ukraine in the strongest possible position going into the winter.
“Turning to the Middle East, both underscored their deep concern at the situation in Gaza and Lebanon. They also reiterated the need for stability in the West Bank.
“Reflecting on the situation in the Channel, the Prime Minister set out his mission to disrupt and deter smuggling gangs across Europe, and the leaders strongly agreed on the importance of bearing down on illegal migration at every stage of a migrant’s journey.
“The leaders agreed to stay in close touch.”
Downing Street say ‘no change’ in supplying weapons to Ukraine
Monday 11 November 2024 12:43 , Holly EvansDowning Street insisted there was “no change” to the UK’s position on supplying weapons to Ukraine amid speculation that Britain and France are looking to ramp up arms provision before Donald Trump takes office.
Asked whether the UK was looking to provide “as many arms as it can” before Mr Trump’s presidency, a Number 10 spokeswoman said: “There’s no change in that regard… We’ll be maintaining our position of continually stepping up.
“That means ensuring Ukraine gets what it needs and gets it more quickly.”
No10 decline to say if Starmer believes Ukraine to be safe under Trump
Monday 11 November 2024 12:28 , Holly EvansDowning Street declined to say whether Sir Keir Starmer believes Ukraine will be safe after Donald Trump’s election win.
Asked whether the Prime Minister shared his Defence Secretary’s confidence that Mr Trump would not abandon Kyiv, a Number 10 spokeswoman said: “We’re not going to speculate on positions before the administration is in place. We always welcome sustained bipartisan support in the US or Ukraine, and that’s been key to our international efforts to support.
“We expect the US to remain alongside allies like the UK in standing with Ukraine for as long as it takes to prevail over (Vladimir) Putin’s invasion.”
What are Trump’s tariff plans and what could they mean for the UK?
Monday 11 November 2024 12:15 , Holly EvansDonald Trump’s election has sparked fears of a global trade war after his campaign pledge to impose levies of 10 to 20 per cent on all goods imported from US trading partners, and up to 60 per cent and 100 per cent for China and Mexico.
Mr Trump’s first term in office saw him clash with China which had growth impacts across the world’s more advanced economies. But this time around, there is the possibility of a renewed global trade war on an even bigger scale following increasingly protectionist rhetoric on the campaign trail.
How could tariffs impact the UK?
Read the full article here:
What are Trump’s tariff plans and what could they mean for the UK?
Starmer expected to travel from Paris to Azerbaijan for Cop29 talks
Monday 11 November 2024 11:52 , Holly EvansThe latest UN climate talks kick off this week against a backdrop of devastating weather extremes, record heat and Donald Trump’s re-election as US President.
World leaders including Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer are heading to the opening summit of Cop29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, where they face pressure over delivering finance for poor countries to cope with climate change, and increasing their ambitions on emissions cuts.
The meeting is being held in the wake of the latest deadly weather events including floods in Valencia and Hurricane Helene in the US, which scientific analyses show were made more likely and intense by rising temperatures.
This year is on course to break temperature records once again and, as countries prepare to submit new plans for climate action by early next year, the UN has warned that existing policies are falling so far short the world is on track for a “catastrophic” 3.1C of warming.
Countries will also be grappling with Mr Trump’s return to the White House, in what analysts say is a trend of climate scepticism in elections this year.
Trump’s tariff plan ‘doomsday scenario’ for UK economy, senior Labour figure warns
Monday 11 November 2024 11:38 , Holly EvansDonald Trump’s plans to impose huge tariffs on imports are a “doomsday scenario” for the UK economy, a senior Labour figure has warned.
The move would hurt growth and lead to higher inflation and interest rates, Liam Byrne, the Labour chairman of the Commons business committee predicted.
Experts have warned of a looming trade war after Mr Trump himself said: “Tariff is my favourite word”.
Read the full article from Kate Devlin here:
Trump’s tariff plan ‘doomsday scenario’ for UK economy, senior Labour figure warns
Kemi Badenoch arrives at Post Office inquiry
Monday 11 November 2024 11:18 , Holly EvansKemi Badenoch, the new leader of the Conservatives and the business secretary, Jonathan Reynolds, have both arrived to give evidence to the Post Office inquiry.
She will answer questions later this afternnon having held the business portfolio in the last government.
UK expects US to continue backing Ukraine and Nato alliance
Monday 11 November 2024 10:54 , Holly EvansDonald Trump has insisted he would find a solution to end the war in Ukraine “within a day” without explaining how he would do so, which some have interpreted to mean a peace on terms favourable to Moscow.
Facing broadcasters on Monday morning, defence secretary John Healey said he expected the new administration to continue backing Ukraine until it secures a victory over Russia.
“As far as President Trump goes, he recognises that countries get security through strength, just as alliances like Nato do, and I expect the US to remain alongside allies like the UK, standing with Ukraine for as long as it takes to prevail over Putin’s invasion,” he told Sky News.
He dismissed suggestions that a withdrawal of US commitments to Nato, which Mr Trump has previously alluded to, would leave the UK weakened.
“I don’t expect the US to turn away from Nato. They recognise the importance of the alliance. They recognise the importance of avoiding further conflict in Europe,” Mr Healey said.
Starmer and Macron lay wreath at Winston Churchill statue
Monday 11 November 2024 10:30 , Holly EvansAs part of the commemorations of Armistice Day in Paris, Sir Keir Starmer and the French President Emmanuel Macron have laid a wreath at the Winston Churchill statue in Paris.
The two also travelled in an open roof car to review troops around the Arc de Triomphe.
In pictures: Macron and Starmer observe minute’s silence for Armistice Day
Monday 11 November 2024 10:21 , Holly Evans
Why party-loving Karen Pierce is key to reviving Starmer’s relationship with Trump
Monday 11 November 2024 10:16 , Holly EvansThe morning after Donald Trump’s election, Britain’s top diplomat to the United States posted a photograph of herself wearing a wide-brimmed hat and orange dress, standing next to Trump in the Oval Office — presumably taken during his first administration. “We look forward to deepening our already profound and successful partnership as we deal with the challenges of the 21st century,” she wrote.
Dame Karen Pierce knows diplomacy. So well, in fact, that if the rumours turn out to be true, despite her four-year term ending, Sir Keir Starmer will reappoint her as the UK’s ambassador to the US – a move that will acknowledge just how adept the 65-year-old has proven in the delicate task of handling Trump.
It’s a role that it’s fair to say she’s probably more than happy remaining in, too. In April, she told a party in the gardens of the British embassy at 3100 Massachusetts Avenue that she would have “to be dragged out of here by my fingernails” – despite the fact that David Miliband, Baroness Amos and Lord Mandelson were all tipped for her job. But Pierce has something they don’t: Trump experience.
Read our full analysis from Alex Hannaford here:
Why party-loving Karen Pierce is key to reviving Starmer’s relationship with Trump
Why we won’t get better trade deals out of Trump or the EU
Monday 11 November 2024 09:58 , Holly EvansThis week Rachel Reeves will use her Mansion House speech in the City of London to “promote free and open trade between nations”. The word is that the chancellor is “expected to be clear that she will take the fight to Washington in defence of free trade”.
With Donald Trump having just seen one female progressive politician off so recently, Reeves is displaying considerable pluck in squaring up to the nascent Maga administration.
Perhaps, some such as Kemi Badenoch argue, Reeves should instead take the opportunity to seize the most valuable of Brexit opportunities, and press president-elect Trump for the free trade deal with the United States we’ve been yearning for ever since that fateful referendum eight and a half years ago.
Read the full article from Sean O’Grady here:
Starmer and Macron hold minute of silence
Monday 11 November 2024 09:49 , Holly EvansSir Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron have greeted members of the defence community and military officials in Paris, as they observed a minute’s silence.
The event marks the 106th anniversary of Armistice Day, which brought the First World War to an end.
