UK politics live: Trump’s vice president backs Brexit voters in anti-immigration rant

US vice president JD Vance has backed Brexit voters in an anti-immigration rant at the Munich Security Conference.

“No voter on this continent went to the ballot box to open the floodgates to millions of unvetted immigrants," he said.

"But you know what they did vote for in England? They voted for Brexit and, agree or disagree, they voted for it.

"And more and more all over Europe, they're voting for political leaders who promised to put an end to out-of-control migration. Now, I happen to agree with a lot of these concerns, but you don't have to agree with me."

Mr Vance then began to criticise freedom of speech laws in the UK and social policies across Europe.

It comes as Sir Keir Starmer said he will visit the United States later this month to meet with President Donald Trump amid tensions between the two countries on potential tariffs and Ukraine.

The Labour government has distanced itself from the Trump administration’s stance on Ukraine, as Sir Keir said Britain is committed to Ukraine being on an “irreversible path” to joining Nato after the US appeared to rule out membership.

Key Points

• Starmer to visit US to meet with President Donald Trump
• New tariff threat for Starmer as Trump rages at VAT
• BBC reporting on Reeves' expenses allegations 'totally inaccurate', claims senior minister
• Munich Security Conference 'crucial opportunity' to end Ukraine war, minister says
• Trump's tariffs could knock £24 billion of UK GDP growth over next two years, says expert

The Independent Debate | MPs set for inflation-busting pay rise – but Independent readers say they ‘need to face reality’

16:29 , Jabed Ahmed

Readers say MPs ‘must face reality’ over inflation-busting pay rise

Full report | JD Vance backs Brexit voters amid anti-immigration rant at Munich conference

15:59 , Jabed Ahmed

JD Vance backs Brexit voters amid anti-immigration rant at Munich conference

Comment | Handbag expenses and a dodgy CV? What’ll it take for Starmer to ditch Reeves?

15:29

If the PM were to sack the chancellor, it would look just as bad for him as it would for her, writes Sean O’Grady. After all, none of her policies would have made the final cut without his approval

Handbag expenses and a dodgy CV? What’ll it take for Starmer to ditch Reeves?

Rachel Reeves dissmisses CV and expenses allegations

14:58 , Jabed Ahmed

The public will judge the Chancellor on the job she is doing now rather than her LinkedIn profile, Rachel Reeves has said.

Asked about the accuracy of her LinkedIn profile on a visit to Nottinghamshire, Ms Reeves told broadcasters: “I worked as an economist at the Bank of England between 2000 and 2006 before going to work in financial services for Halifax Bank of Scotland.

“And I’m really proud of the work that I did before I became an MP, but in the end, people are going to judge me on the job that I’m doing now as Chancellor of the Exchequer to grow the economy and put more money in the pockets of working people.”

Ms Reeves added nobody had ever raised concerns about her expenses while she was working at Halifax Bank of Scotland.

Asked about claims she was the subject of an expenses investigation at the bank, the Chancellor told broadcasters: “No-one ever raised any concerns about my expenses when I worked for Halifax Bank of Scotland.

“I submitted, had processed and had my expenses signed off in the proper way as you would expect, and no issues were ever raised during my time at Halifax Bank of Scotland.”

Adding that nobody had gone on the record to suggest there had been concerns, she said: “I was never questioned, never asked to pay back any expenses.”

Starmer must be clear with Trump that his Ukraine proposals are 'unacceptable', Ed Davey says

14:38 , Jabed Ahmed

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey has said the Prime Minister should “seize the moment” and go to the Munich Security Conference to make clear to Donald Trump that his proposals on Ukraine are “unacceptable.”

Responding to news of Sir Keir Starmer’s call with the US president on Thursday, Sir Ed said: “Keir Starmer must be clear with Donald Trump that his proposals on Ukraine are unacceptable.

“There is not a moment to lose. It is critical that the Prime Minister joins the gathering of global leaders taking place this weekend at the Munich Security Conference, and does all he can to bolster support for Ukraine.

“Keir Starmer must seize the moment and ensure that Trump’s plans to lock Ukraine, the UK and European allies out of decisions about our shared future do not succeed.”

JD Vance criticises UK over conviction of man for silent prayer outside abortion clinic

14:25 , Jabed Ahmed

US vice-president JD Vance has criticised the UK over a legal case in which a former serviceman who silently prayed outside an abortion clinic was convicted of breaching the safe zone around the centre.

He claimed there had been a “backslide away from conscience rights has placed the basic liberties of religious Britons in particular in the crosshairs”.

Mr Vance referred to the conviction of Adam Smith-Connor, 51, who was found guilty last year of failing to comply with the public space protection order in November 2022.

In a wider attack on what he suggested was a shift away from democratic values in Europe, he told the Munich Security Conference: “A little over two years ago, the British government charged Adam Smith-Connor, a 51-year-old physiotherapist and an Army veteran, with the heinous crime of standing 50 metres from an abortion clinic and silently praying for three minutes, not obstructing anyone, not interacting with anyone, just silently praying on his own.

“After British law enforcement spotted him and demanded to know what he was praying for, Adam replied simply, it was on behalf of the unborn son he and his former girlfriend had aborted years before.

“Now the officers were not moved – Adam was found guilty of (breaking) the Government’s new buffer zones law, which criminalises silent prayer and other actions that could influence a person’s decision within 200 metres of abortion facility. He was sentenced to pay thousands of pounds in legal costs to the prosecution… in Britain and across Europe, free speech, I fear, is in retreat.”

(AFP via Getty Images)

Exclusive | Reform deputy who mocked Reeves over CV exaggeration found to have exaggerated on his own CV

14:19 , Jabed Ahmed

Richard Tice has repeatedly mocked Rachel Reeves for having allegedly embellished her CV, but The Independent can reveal the Reform UK deputy leader has in fact exagerrated his own business success on his CV

Reform deputy who mocked Reeves over CV found to have exaggerated on his own CV

Full report | Starmer on collision course with Trump over VAT and future of Ukraine

13:59 , Jabed Ahmed

Starmer on collision course with Trump over VAT and future of Ukraine

Politics Explained | Will Labour’s new towns succeed in fixing the housing crisis?

13:27 , Jabed Ahmed

The announcement of the project has prompted keen interest from local authorities. But will the plan work? Sean O’Grady looks at what happened last time new towns were built

Will Labour’s new towns succeed in fixing the housing crisis?

Watch | Conservatives and Reform UK are 'likely' to merge before General Election

12:59 , Jabed Ahmed

Firm behind beleaguered Bibby Stockholm migrant barge handed another £150m government contract

12:39 , Jabed Ahmed

Our Social Affairs Correspondent Holly Bancroft reports:

Firm behind beleaguered Bibby Stockholm migrant barge handed another £150m contract

Full report | Starmer backs Ukraine’s ‘irreversible path to Nato’ in apparent swipe at Trump

12:18 , Jabed Ahmed

Our Political Correspondent Archie Mitchell reports:

Starmer backs Ukraine’s ‘irreversible path to Nato’ in apparent swipe at Trump

UK announces further sanctions on Putin's inner circle

11:59 , Jabed Ahmed

Foreign Secretary David Lammy will meet the widow of Russian dissident Alexei Navalny at a major security summit as Britain announces further sanctions on people with links to Vladimir Putin’s inner circle.

The Foreign Secretary will have talks with Yulia Navalnaya and reflect on her husband’s enduring legacy at the Munich Security Conference nearly a year on from his death.

Mr Lammy said in a statement: “I am announcing further sanctions to keep up the pressure on Putin. Ukrainians are fighting for their country’s future and the principle of sovereignty across Europe at the frontline.

“Nearly a year on from the death of Alexei Navalny, I am honoured to meet with Yulia Navalnaya and make clear our commitment to weaken Putin’s attempts to stifle political opposition and crack down on the Kremlin’s corrupt dealings globally.

“We are calling on our friends and allies to continue to step up in the face of ongoing Russian aggression.”

The sanctions announced target high-profile figures working in the Russian government, including Pavel Fradkov, a Russian defence minister, and Vladimir Selin, who heads up an arm of the Russian ministry of defence, the Foreign Office said.

They also target Artem Chaika, whose extractives company supports Russian state-owned business.

Starmer to visit US to meet with Trump

11:45 , Jabed Ahmed

Sir Keir Starmer discussed “his forthcoming visit to the US” with Donald Trump on Thursday night during a meeting with the President’s special envoy to the UK, Downing Street has said.

A spokeswoman said: “The Prime Minister was pleased to host President Trump’s special envoy to the United Kingdom, Mark Burnett, at Downing Street last night, during which he took a call from President Trump and discussed his forthcoming visit to the US.

“Mr Burnett and the Prime Minister agreed on the unique and special nature of the UK-US relationship, the strength of our alliance, and the warmth of the connection between the two countries.

“Mr Burnett reflected on his personal connections to the UK, and his mother’s experience working part-time in Downing Street as a waitress over 30 years ago.

“They emphasised the huge potential for even stronger collaboration on trade, tech and cultural matters between the US and the UK, and looked forward to working together.”

(AFP via Getty Images)

Lammy and Vance hold meeting at Munich security conference

11:34 , Jabed Ahmed

David Lammy said he looked forward to discussing support for Ukraine and European security as he met US vice president JD Vance in Munich on Friday.

In comments at the start of the meeting, the Foreign Secretary described the US-UK relationship as “more than just an alliance, it’s a covenant between two partners”.

He added: “We are committed to increasing defence and encourage our friends across Europe to do the same, and of course we have got important issues to discuss on Ukraine and how we support Ukraine at this difficult moment, and also broader issues of UK-US security.”

Mr Vance said: “Honestly, we have a lot in common, and the special relationship between the United Kingdom and the United States will remain very strong.

“We are going to talk about something that he and I spoke about a couple of years ago, which is our shared belief that Europe really should take a big role in its own security, and I’m glad the Foreign Secretary agrees with me on that.

“I think there are other issues of common agreement, I’m sure we will talk about Russia-Ukraine.”

Comment | How the attorney general became a legal time bomb for Keir Starmer

11:33 , Jabed Ahmed

With Richard Hermer now under attack from cabinet colleagues over his ‘excessive’ adherence to international law – especially over immigration and the Chagos deal – the prime minister must be ruthless and ditch his friend, says John Rentoul

How the attorney general became a legal time bomb for Keir Starmer

Watch | BBC Question Time host Fiona Bruce and Labour minister in heated clash over migrant crackdown

11:17 , Jabed Ahmed

Full report | UK will respond accordingly to Trump’s £24bn VAT tariff threat, minister insists

10:59 , Jabed Ahmed

Our Political Correspondent Millie Cooke reports:

UK will respond accordingly to Trump’s £24bn VAT tariff threat, minister says

Ukraine is on an 'irreversible path to Nato', Starmer says

10:37 , Jabed Ahmed

Prime minister Sir Keir Starmer said Ukraine is on an “irreversible path to Nato”, in a phone call with President Volodymyr Zelensky, a Downing Street spokeswoman said.

Giving a readout of a call between, the spokesperson said: “The Prime Minister spoke to the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, this morning.

“The Prime Minister began by reiterating the UK’s concrete support for Ukraine, for as long as it’s needed. He was unequivocal that there could be no talks about Ukraine without Ukraine.

“Ukraine needed strong security guarantees, further lethal aid and a sovereign future, and it could count on the UK to step up, he added.

“The Prime Minister reiterated the UK’s commitment to Ukraine being on an irreversible path to Nato, as agreed by allies at the Washington summit last year.

“Discussing the upcoming third anniversary of Ukraine’s courageous defence of its sovereignty in the face of Russia’s barbaric full-scale invasion, the leaders agreed that it would be an important moment to demonstrate international unity and support for Ukraine.

“The leaders also reflected on the Prime Minister’s visit to Kyiv last month, and the president updated on his plans at Munich Security Conference. They agreed to stay in close contact.”

Sir Keir met with Mr Zelensky earlier this year (PA Wire)

Labour could tighten shotgun rules in move stoking farmer row

10:17 , Jabed Ahmed

The government is considering tightening controls around shotgun ownership, in a move likely to further fray Labour’s relationship with farmers.

Following a series of murders involving such weapons, the Home Office has announced a new consultation into shotgun licensing – citing concerns over the current rules raised by victims, police, coroners and MPs.

Pointing to concerns around shotgun owners keeping the weapons in their homes, including in towns and cities, the Home Office has also announced imminent plans to increase the number of referees required to obtain a shotgun licence – from just one to two – and to refresh police guidance, including around domestic abuse.

But some farmers have expressed fears over what they called “draconian and unreasonable” proposals, which they claimed would be viewed as “part of a wider anti-rural agenda”.

Exclusive | Badenoch falls further behind Starmer and Farage in new poll

09:59 , Jabed Ahmed

The latest tracker poll from Techne UK has seen the Conservatives drop another point in a week where Kemi Badenoch was strongly criticised for her performance in PMQs

Read the full report below:

Badenoch falls further behind Starmer and Farage in new poll

Labour’s defence budget ‘won’t touch the sides’, Starmer is warned

09:39 , Jabed Ahmed

Our Political Correspondent Millie Cooke reports:

Labour’s defence budget ‘won’t touch the sides’, Starmer is warned

BBC reporting on Reeves' expenses allegations 'totally inaccurate', claims senior minister

09:23 , Jabed Ahmed

A Cabinet minister has claimed the BBC’s reporting that Rachel Reeves was subject to an internal investigation into expenses while working at a retail bank was “totally inaccurate”.

The broadcaster reported about a probe on Thursday, which it said looked into the Chancellor’s time working for Halifax Bank of Scotland (HBOS) between 2006 and 2009.

Asked about the report when he appeared on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Science Secretary Peter Kyle said: “Unfortunately, the reporting has been totally inaccurate, and we heard yesterday that the person who was actually head of HR at that bank at that time says it’s untrue, said that she never, ever receive a file on Rachel Reeves.”

The minister was told that HBOS did not say there was no investigation, but that one had not been completed before the HR manager or Ms Reeves had left the bank.

Mr Kyle replied: “And she says that before she left the bank, there was no investigation that passed her desk. And she’s also said if there was one, it would have passed her desk.

“I didn’t see any of that reporting included in the story I read yesterday evening on the BBC website.”

Badenoch launches bid to get nine local elections rescheduled for May

09:09 , Jabed Ahmed

Kemi Badenoch has launched a formal bid to keep local elections scheduled for this May, as her shadow business secretary warned cancelling them was “entirely wrong”.

Kevin Hollinrake, who backed the Conservative leader’s motion, said there had been “no attempt to gather consensus” in areas where elections were cancelled.

Local government minister Jim McMahon laid an order earlier this week to postpone elections in nine council areas – across East Sussex, West Sussex, Essex and Thurrock, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, Norfolk, Suffolk and Surrey.

Polls due on 1 May in these areas would instead take place next year, after a local government reorganisation.

Mrs Badenoch this week laid an early day motion calling for the order to be “annulled”, initially backed by five other Conservative MPs including Mr Hollinrake.

The Government could now find time for the “prayer” motion to be debated by a committee or in the House of Commons chamber, where MPs could vote to keep elections in the diary.

Unambitious Brexit reset is fuelling business disappointment in Labour, warns Alastair Campbell

08:49 , Jabed Ahmed

Tony Blair’s former spin doctor cited The Independent’s front page and told Labour that the facts were the way to take on Brexiteers like Boris Johnson and Reform UK’s Nigel Farage

Brexit reset is fuelling business disappointment in Labour, warns Alastair Campbell

Munich Security Conference 'crucial opportunity' to end Ukraine war, minister says

08:31 , Jabed Ahmed

The UK is working to seize the “crucial opportunity” of negotiations to end the Ukraine war, as global leaders gather at the Munich Security Conference, Peter Kyle said.

Asked by LBC radio if Donald Trump’s negotiations were akin to the appeasement of Hitler in the 1930s, Science Secretary Mr Kyle replied: “We need to act coolly and calmly going forward, and listen to what President Zelensky says he needs, and to be there to support him for it.

“It is great that we have a US president that is now so dedicated to bringing this war to an end. His defence secretary said that everything is on the table.

“President Zelensky will be here today with JD Vance, the US vice president.

“This is a crucial opportunity and we want to make sure that this crucial opportunity is seized with both hands, and Britain is here in the middle of it, making sure that our voice and our desires and needs are here and taken care of and represented in the best way possible, too.”

Senior minister defends Rachel Reeves over embellished CV allegations

08:14 , Jabed Ahmed

A member of Rachel Reeves team set up her LinkedIn profile and was responsible for errors in it, Peter Kyle told BBC Breakfast as he defended his Cabinet colleague.

Asked about inaccuracies in the Chancellor’s profile on the professional networking platform, the Science Secretary said: “What you’re talking about here is something that Rachel has already addressed, and it is someone on her team set up a LinkedIn profile and they got the dates out by a few months actually.

“But what you’ve seen with Rachel is a Chancellor who is an economist by training and by practice, and she’s brought that experience into Government, and judge her on actions and not just words.”

Minister insists on 'cool, clear thinking' as Trump threatens tariffs

07:53 , Bryony Gooch

Science Secretary Peter Kyle said Trump’s tariff need to be approached with “cool, clear thinking”.

He continued: “We will assess any changes and challenges that come down the line from any part of the global economy, and we will act appropriately in the best interest of Britain.

“The second thing to say is that whatever the circumstances globally, you’ve got to get the foundations right for running our domestic economy. That’s why we fixed some of the challenges we inherited from the previous government.”

UK insists Ukraine has seat at table for Russia peace talks

07:42 , Bryony Gooch

Science and Technology Secretary Peter Kyle said it was a “good thing that there are now concerted efforts to bring this war to an end, but let’s just be really clear about what could bring the war to an end the fastest, and that would be if Vladimir Putin simply ended it.”

He told Times Radio from the Munich Security Conference: “President Zelensky is going to be addressing the conference here in Munich today, we need to hear what he has to say. Britain has stood alongside President Zelensky and Ukraine since the very beginning.

“We continue to do so now, and we insist of course, that President Zelensky is part of any negotiations that go forward, and that any peace that emerges, any negotiation emerges, is one that is on the terms which is acceptable to him as their president.”

Peter Kyle said

Trump's tariffs could knock £24 billion of UK GDP growth over next two years, says expert

07:26 , Bryony Gooch

The global head of of FX Research at Deutsche Bank, George Caravels said that Donald Trump’s clarification of VAT as a tariff makes his policy “much more damaging” to countries like the UK.

As the tariff policy could see UK exporters in the US face extra charges of 21pc, Ahmet Kaya, of the National Institute of Economic and Social Research, said it could knock 0.4 percentage points off UK GDP growth for the next two years, accounting for £24 billion ($30 billion).

Minister sacked over WhatsApp group called voter a ‘hag’ and mocked her house in sweary rant

07:00 , Jabed Ahmed

Minister sacked over WhatsApp group called voter a ‘hag’ and mocked her house

Does GDP growth mean ‘more money in your pocket’? Reeves plan explained

06:00 , Jabed Ahmed

Does GDP growth mean ‘more money in your pocket’?

Full report | Rachel Reeves ‘investigated over expenses’ while working at bank

04:24 , Jabed Ahmed

Rachel Reeves ‘investigated over expenses’ while working at bank

Watch | Protesting farmers greet Starmer on tractors as he promotes Labour towns plan

02:00 , Jabed Ahmed

Ofgem vows to end years-long wait for new wind farms to connect to power grid

00:02 , Jabed Ahmed

Officials have unveiled plans to connect new wind and solar farms to the power grid faster, which they hope will end years of gridlock for some projects.

Regulator Ofgem hopes to scrap the current first-come, first-served approach to the grid connections queue, which has left some projects facing decade-long delays.

The new plan will see projects that can be up and running by 2030 fast-tracked, in a bid to help Labour hit its clean power goals.

Ofgem estimates the changes will roughly treble the amount of power generation added to the grid per year.

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said the reforms are “critical” to reach clean power by 2030, as the Government has promised, calling the current system “broken”.

He said the changes will mean “a targeted approach which prioritises quicker connections for the right projects in the right place”.

Developers have complained for years about the time it takes to get a cable to connect their wind or solar farm to the grid.

The current system means that a serious project which could provide electricity to millions of homes is often stuck behind more speculative schemes in the queue.

The queue is also an impediment to large-scale electric vehicle charging sites, like buses and vans, connecting to the grid.

Projects in the queue would generate more than 700 gigawatts (GW) of power if built, several times the amount the country needs.

New tariff threat for Starmer as Trump rages at VAT

Thursday 13 February 2025 23:59 , Andy Gregory

The UK could be hit with new US export tariffs of up to 21 per cent after Donald Trump lashed out at VAT, in a fresh blow to Sir Keir Starmer’s government.

The US president signed an executive order on Thursday vowing to impose the “exact same tax or tariff” placed on US goods by its trading partners.

Mr Trump’s senior trade counsellor said later, without mentioning the UK, that VAT was being considered as a tax on imports and that “President Trump is no longer willing to tolerate that”.

Mr Navarro claimed the EU’s VAT regime was the “poster child” for unfair trade, in comments that prompted Allie Renison – a former UK business and trade policy adviser – to warn in remarks to The Times that the UK was likely in the “firing line for a huge economic hit”.

“The reality is that it’s the EU that Trump is thinking about in targeting VAT, but the UK risks getting caught up in the crosshairs once again,” said Ms Renison. The economic warfare net just keeps on getting wider, and the government may not be able to maintain its heads-down approach for much longer.”

But Pat McFadden, chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, told Sky News: “Wait and see what it means, it’s the best reaction to everything over the last month. Sometimes tariffs are announced, a couple of days later, they are unannounced.”

Politics Explained | Does Britain need its own Doge to cut government waste?

Thursday 13 February 2025 23:01 , Jabed Ahmed

Does Britain need its own Doge to cut government waste?

Labour’s new towns plan means home ownership no longer pipe dream for millions of Britons, says Angela Rayner

Thursday 13 February 2025 22:01 , Jabed Ahmed

The deputy prime minister has written for The Independent hailing Labour’s plans for up to a dozen new towns in England

Home ownership no longer be a pipe dream for millions with new towns, says Rayner

Badenoch faces call to apologise after party political clip filmed in Parliament

Thursday 13 February 2025 21:01 , Jabed Ahmed

Kemi Badenoch faces a call to apologise for filming part of a Conservative Party political broadcast in Parliament.

Commons Leader Lucy Powell called for a “full and speedy apology” after she heard allegations the Tory leader also used a Government-funded car in the four-minute video.

The broadcast, which aired on BBC One on Wednesday, features a brief clip of Speaker’s Court, part of the Palace of Westminster.

Julie Minns, the Labour MP for Carlisle, said on Thursday that Ms Powell “is committed to ensuring (rules and procedures) are upheld and respected at all times”.

She continued: “I imagine she therefore shares my concern that last night’s political broadcast from the Conservative Party not only extensively featured the use of a taxpayer-funded ministerial car but also was filmed in part on the parliamentary estate in Speaker’s Court, in direct contravention – as I understand it – of the rules of this House.

“Can I ask the Leader of the House to ensure that this matter will be fully investigated?”

Ms Powell replied: “She’s absolutely right. This is against protocol.

“It is against protocol of this House to speak without permission, particularly in Speaker’s Court, and I think the Leader of the Opposition, if she is hearing this today, should offer Mr Speaker (Sir Lindsay Hoyle) a full and speedy apology for that.

“But also we have high standards that we’re all judged by, and using ministerial, Government-paid-for, publicly paid-for cars for party political campaigning purposes is not allowed, and rightly so because our constituents wouldn’t expect that to be the case.

“So, I hope the Leader of the Opposition has heard this question today and takes action to put this right.”

ICYMI | ‘Make sure Ukraine at heart’ of negotiations, says Starmer

Thursday 13 February 2025 20:01 , Jabed Ahmed

Sir Keir Starmer has said that “we must make sure Ukraine is at the heart” of negotiations for a peace deal with Russia, as Volodymyr Zelensky has made it clear he will not accept any agreements which do not include Kyiv in talks.

The Ukrainian president has said to “not allow everything to go to Putin’s plan” after Donald Trump claimed that he and Vladimir Putin had agreed to start talks on ending the conflict.

The US president held individual calls with the Russian leader and Mr Zelensky on Wednesday.

Mr Trump said he had agreed with Russia’s leader to “work together, very closely” on bringing the three-year conflict to an end in the phone conversation.

The Prime Minister said it was “really important that Ukraine is in the strongest possible position”.

“Nobody wants the conflict to continue and Ukrainians – more than anybody – want the conflict to end, but we must make sure Ukraine is at the heart of this,” Sir Keir told broadcasters on Thursday.

“There can’t be negotiations around Ukraine without Ukraine being at the heart of it.

“And it’s really important that Ukraine is in the strongest possible position, whether that’s in discussions, or whether it’s continued fighting.

“Which is why I’ve been arguing since I’ve been Prime Minister that we need to ramp up the money, the capability and the training that we’re putting into Ukraine, and we’re delivering even more of that this year than we were last year.

“It’s really important: the strongest possible position for Ukraine. This has to be done with Ukraine.”

Whereabouts of Attorney General raised after complaint peers ‘never see him’

Thursday 13 February 2025 19:01 , Jabed Ahmed

Questions have been asked at Westminster over the whereabouts of Attorney General Lord Hermer as records show he has spoken just four times at the despatch box since taking up his role last summer.

Contributions by the Government’s top law officer in the House of Lords include making his maiden speech in July.

In response to a query in the upper chamber why peers “never seem to see” the Labour Cabinet member, a minister said she saw him “pretty regularly”.

Lord Hermer’s appointment has faced criticism in Parliament, amid concerns over how his previous legal work, including representing former Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams, could result in possible conflicts of interest in his current role.

The Attorney General last month confirmed he has recused himself from advising ministers on “certain matters” but could not give details as he was bound by convention.

As he is not an elected MP, he cannot appear in the House of Commons to be quizzed by MPs.

Questions are instead fielded in the elected chamber by his colleague, Solicitor General Lucy Rigby.

When former prime minister Lord David Cameron made a shock return to the then Tory Cabinet back in 2023 as foreign secretary and took a peerage, he was subjected to a special monthly question time in the House of Lords.

However, Lord Hermer has not had to face a similar scrutiny session.

His attendance was questioned as Conservative former MEP Lord Balfe raised a legal point over the move by the Labour Government to reset relations with Brussels following Brexit.

Bridget Phillipson ‘told high-profile headteacher to lower her tone’ in meeting

Thursday 13 February 2025 18:01 , Jabed Ahmed

The Education Secretary asked a high-profile school leader to “lower her tone” and “allow her to finish her sentences”, according to government minutes of a meeting between the pair.

Bridget Phillipson met with Katharine Birbalsingh – who has been commonly described as Britain’s strictest headteacher – last week after she criticised the proposed academy reforms in the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill.

Ms Birbalsingh, headteacher of Michaela Community School in Brent in north-west London, wrote an article in the Spectator in January which accused Ms Phillipson of being “blinded by a Marxist ideology”.

She said she was concerned the Education Secretary would “destroy the huge gains made over the last decade”.

Government minutes of a meeting between the pair on February 3, obtained by Schools Week under the freedom of information act, claim Ms Birbalsingh repeatedly interrupted the Education Secretary and asked if she was introducing the Bill because of her own ambitions to lead the Labour Party.

The minutes drawn up by the Department for Education (DfE) said: “The SoS (Phillipson) stated she would need to ask KB (Birbalsingh) to lower her tone, and asked they remove the heat from the discussion.

“The SoS emphasised she would appreciate if KB would allow her to finish her sentences so that she can address KB’s questions and concerns in turn.”

The minutes record that Ms Birbalsingh “noted that as she herself did not understand politics, she should not expect the SoS to understand education because the SoS has not been a headteacher”.

It claims that Ms Birbalsingh said colleagues in Westminster told her to ask if the reason the Education Secretary is introducing the Bill “is because she wants to become the leader of the Labour party”.

Rocky path ahead if politicians kowtow to Trump and Farage, warns Sturgeon

Thursday 13 February 2025 17:01 , Jabed Ahmed

The world will be on a “rocky path” if politicians “kowtow” to the likes of Donald Trump and Nigel Farage, former Scottish first minister Nicola Sturgeon has said.

Movements in the style of the two men have seen increased political success in recent years, but Ms Sturgeon has urged “progressive, liberal people who care about democracy” to fight back.

Speaking to community radio station Glad Radio, she said politicians in the UK have a “choice” to make regarding fending off the threat of Mr Farage’s Reform UK and its surging poll ratings – to copy them or be an alternative.

While she said work should continue to try and build a relationship with the US given its status in the world, Ms Sturgeon said: “If we don’t stand up now and fight for democracy, fight for a view of the world that values everybody for who they are and says that it’s right to support people from excluded groups in society to be more involved.

“If we don’t stand up for all of that, if we don’t be very mindful of the power of China and Russia and the changing dynamics in the world, if we don’t absolutely get to grips with the climate crisis, then the world we’re going to bequeath to those that come after us is not one that I would have ever wanted to contemplate.

“So this next few years, if progressive, liberal people who care about democracy kowtow to the Donald Trumps and Nigel Farages of this world, then we’re on a pretty rocky path.

“I hope that’s not what happens, I hope we see a coming together of those forces to stand up and actually defend the form and the vision of the world we want to see.”

Watch | Farmer calls on Keir Starmer to end agricultural inheritance tax

Thursday 13 February 2025 16:48 , Jabed Ahmed

UK remains ‘robust’ with Beijing, Lammy says as he greets Chinese official

Thursday 13 February 2025 16:38 , Jabed Ahmed

The UK will continue to engage in “robust and constructive” discussions with China, David Lammy said as he welcomed Beijing’s foreign affairs minister to London.

Wang Yi met with the Foreign Secretary in central London, as the Government seeks a warmer relationship with China in order to drive investment into the UK.

Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Pat McFadden, an influential figure within the Government, was said to have joined part of the meeting to discuss economic growth.

As Mr Lammy welcomed his counterpart to the Foreign Office, he said the UK and China’s relationship should be “consistent, strategic and in both of our countries’ long-term interests”.

He added: “Since my visit to Beijing, the Prime Minister and President Xi met at the G20, of course, and the Chancellor travelled to China for a wide-ranging visit including an economic and financial dialog and conversations which have brought tangible benefits and progress to both of our countries.

“I look forward to a broad set of discussions today including following up on areas of bilateral economic co-operation as well as important issues for UK national security.”

The Government has been warned in recent months of the security risks posed by the Chinese state as ministers seek to strengthen ties.

The Independent revealed last month the scale of Chinese investments in UK universities.

Ministers warned infected blood compensation payouts taking ‘far too long’

Thursday 13 February 2025 16:17 , Jabed Ahmed

Compensation payouts to victims of the infected blood scandal are taking “far, far, far too long”, ministers have been warned.

Cabinet Office minister Nick Thomas-Symonds used a Commons statement to update MPs on the efforts to compensate people, with payments to those who are living, infected and registered with the support scheme to be “accelerated” from April.

But several MPs voiced concerns on behalf of victims, including fears that more will die before they receive money they are entitled to.

More than 30,000 people who received NHS treatment between the 1970s and early 1990s were infected with contaminated blood.

Many contracted a number of viruses including hepatitis C and HIV.

Some 3,000 died as a result and survivors are living with lifelong health implications.

Labour MP Ian Lavery (Blyth and Ashington) told Mr Thomas-Symonds: “Despite his sterling efforts, and I really mean that, I’ve got to say that this process is taking far, far, far too long.

“There are victims dying at the rate of two per week, never seeing the compensation which they deserve.

“Victims are desperate to understand what and how much compensation they might even be due under this process.”

Mr Thomas-Symonds said the Government has published explainer documents on compensation and the Infected Blood Compensation Authority (IBCA) intends to publish a “compensation calculator” by the end of March.

Rise in no-fault evictions ‘shows need for swift passage of law to ban them’

Thursday 13 February 2025 16:02 , Jabed Ahmed

A year-on-year rise in no-fault eviction claims issued to households exposes the uncertainty many tenants face, a charity has said.

The latest data published by the Ministry of Justice showed 32,287 claims had been issued to households under the accelerated procedure in 2024.

Landlords can apply for an accelerated possession order if the tenants have not left by the date specified in a Section 21 notice.

Last year’s figure was up by 7% from 30,230 in 2023.

The Renters’ Rights Bill, which is currently going through Parliament, has promised a ban on no-fault evictions.

Matt Downie, chief executive of the Crisis charity said while the proposed legislation will provide tenants in England with “long overdue and much-needed protection from no-fault evictions, easing anxiety for renters across the country”, stronger measures are needed to protect low-income households from “unaffordable” rent increases.

Big Issue founder Lord John Bird, who is a crossbench peer, described the latest rise as “frightening”.

Does GDP growth mean ‘more money in your pocket’? Reeves plan explained

Thursday 13 February 2025 15:44 , Jabed Ahmed

Does GDP growth mean ‘more money in your pocket’?

Consensus in Europe that defence collabration must improve, Downing Street suggests

Thursday 13 February 2025 15:31 , Jabed Ahmed

European leaders agree that “Europe needs to step up in terms of defence collaboration”, Downing Street has suggested.

Answering questions about President Donald Trump and Ukraine on Thursday, the Prime Minister’s official spokesman said the US “remains committed to the Nato alliance”, adding: “I think all European leaders agree that Europe needs to step up in terms of defence collaboration, defence spending.

“You can see that in the UK with the increased defence spending that we announced at the budget, our commitment to setting our path to 2.5% of GDP in defence, our work as part of the strategic defence review to determine the challenges, threats and opportunities that UK faces.”

Referring to a Nato meeting involving Defence Secretary John Healey on Wednesday, the spokesman added: “There was a clear message from European Nato allies to step up support for Ukraine.”

Those affected by infected blood scandal most will have higher rates of compensation, government announces

Thursday 13 February 2025 15:16 , Jabed Ahmed

People living with the most harm from the infected blood scandal will be able to apply for higher rates of compensation from the Government scheme, a minister has announced.

Paymaster General Nick Thomas-Symonds said those eligible would have to apply through the “core” scheme first, but would later be able to register with the “supplementary” scheme.

Giving an update on payments to both affected and infected victims of the scandal, he told MPs: “The Government recognises that there are some exceptional cases where the the level of compensation offered through the core route does not sufficiently address a person’s individual circumstances.

“For this reason, the Government has provided for higher levels of compensation for specific awards through the supplementary route where people can demonstrate their eligibility.”

He said the Government had laid parliamentary regulations which would allow for payments to be made to those affected by the scandal, as well as those infected. He said he hoped the first compensation payments to that group would be made before the end of 2025.

Mr Thomas-Symonds said 23 offers had been made to infected people, worth a total of £34 million in compensation.

Fourteen have been accepted, which amounts to more than £13 million. Payments to those who are living, infected and registered with the support scheme will be “accelerated” from April, he said, adding: “This is only the beginning and there is much more work to do.”

Starmer suggests Britons cannot have both better living standards and tax breaks

Thursday 13 February 2025 14:59 , Jabed Ahmed

The public faces a choice between better living standards or wanting farmers to keep their inheritance tax break, Sir Keir Starmer suggested.

Responding to a protest which took place while he visited a building site in Buckinghamshire, the Prime Minister said: “Yes there was a protest there, and to some extent that draws out quite an important discussion that we have to have as a country.”

The budget had to stabilise the UK’s finances, he insisted, which included “tough but right decisions” on national insurance contributions for businesses and ending the inheritance tax break for farmers.

Sir Keir told broadcasters: “These are political choices, but what you can’t have is interest rates coming down, the growth we need in the economy, your waiting lists coming down, and maintain the tax break for farmers.

“People watching this will understand that that is a choice. They will know what they would prefer.

“Do they want their waiting lists to come down, do they want their mortgages to come down, the economy to start working for everyone?

“That is what we are trying to achieve.

“Or do we want to give tax breaks for farmers? We can’t have both.”

Labour MP says there are 'questions to be asked' over Rachel Reeves' alledged expense investigation

Thursday 13 February 2025 14:40 , Jabed Ahmed

Labour MP Siobhain McDonagh says there are “questions to be asked” regarding Rachel Reeves’ CV and allegations regarding historic expenses as revealed by the BBC today.

Ms McDonagh also twice described the incident as an “expenses scandal”.

Speaking to Jo Coburn on BBC Politics Live, McDonagh said: “We’ve got to be sure about what happened with the expenses scandal. As far as I’m aware she absolutely denies that she was approached by anybody about the expenses scandal”.

“So I think there’s still questions to be asked about what is going on and we’ll see what happens.”

Ms McDonagh also described the chancellor as “one of the most hardworking, honest politicians that I have ever met”.

Government investment targeted at clean energy manufacturing and skilled jobs

Thursday 13 February 2025 14:34 , Jabed Ahmed

The Government has announced new investment aimed at supporting clean energy manufacturing and skilled jobs.

Ministers said offshore wind developers can now bid for financial support if they drive investment in the UK’s most deprived regions.

Applications have opened for a so-called Clean Industry Bonus, offering financial support for offshore wind developers, on condition they prioritise their investment in areas including traditional oil and gas communities.

The support rewards developers who build more sustainable low-carbon factories, offshore wind blades, cables and ports to reduce industrial emissions across the clean energy supply chain.

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said: “We are backing our proud manufacturing, coastal and oil and gas communities with good jobs, skills and private sector investment – delivering on the Government’s Plan for Change.

“This is our clean energy superpower mission in action, kickstarting growth, delivering energy security and transforming towns and cities as part of the transition – from the ports of Nigg and Leith to the manufacturing hubs of Blyth and Hull.”

Tory MP calls for debate on defence spending

Thursday 13 February 2025 14:30 , Jabed Ahmed

A Conservative MP has called for a debate about Cold War budgets last century amid US calls for Nato members to spend 5% of their GDP on defence.

Sir Julian Lewis, the MP for New Forest East, asked for a debate in Parliament about “trends in defence spending during and after the Cold War, so that both sides of the House will have the chance to appreciate that when one is involved in a serious confrontation, we should not be arguing about 2.5%, we should be arguing about a figure much nearer to the 5% that President (Donald) Trump – for once – is right to demand”.

Commons Leader Lucy Powell replied: “On defence spending, he will know this Government is absolutely committed to working towards 2.5% of GDP but he’s right to point out defence spending has been too low to meet the strategic needs of our country in this context.

“And in fact, he will also know that the last time government spending reached 2.5% of GDP on defence was under the last Labour government and it never reached there under his party’s.”

Rory Stewart’s wife’s charity loses $1m USAID funding days after ex-MP’s bizarre clash with JD Vance

Thursday 13 February 2025 14:12 , Jabed Ahmed

Our Whitehall Editor Kate Devlin reports:

Rory Stewart’s wife’s charity loses $1m USAID funding days after clash with JD Vance

Minister sacked over WhatsApp group called voter a ‘hag’ and mocked her house in sweary rant

Thursday 13 February 2025 13:59 , Jabed Ahmed

Our Political Correspondent Archie Mitchell reports:

Minister sacked over WhatsApp group called voter a ‘hag’ and mocked her house

Starmer: Ukraine must be 'at the heart' of conversations about ending war

Thursday 13 February 2025 13:45 , Jabed Ahmed

Sir Keir Starmer has said that it is “really important that Ukraine is in the strongest possible position”.

“Nobody wants the conflict to continue and Ukrainians – more than anybody – want the conflict to end, but we must make sure Ukraine is at the heart of this.

“There can’t be negotiations around Ukraine without Ukraine being at the heart of it.

“And it’s really important that Ukraine is in the strongest possible position, whether that’s in discussions, or whether it’s continued fighting.

“Which is why I’ve been arguing since I’ve been Prime Minister that we need to ramp up the money, the capability and the training that we’re putting into Ukraine, and we’re delivering even more of that this year than we were last year.

“It’s really important: the strongest possible position for Ukraine. This has to be done with Ukraine.”

Windrush commissioner ‘must hold Government to account’

Thursday 13 February 2025 13:42 , Jabed Ahmed

An “outstanding candidate” is being sought to take on a role which campaigners said must see the Government held to account over its engagement with the Windrush community.

The post of Windrush commissioner has been advertised as a three-day week role with an annual salary of £130,000 and for a three-year term.

Last October Home Secretary Yvette Cooper confirmed that, as per Labour’s manifesto, a commissioner would be appointed as she committed to a “fundamental reset of the response to this scandal”.

The Windrush scandal – which campaigners have since said should be known as the Home Office scandal – erupted in 2018 when British citizens were wrongly detained, deported or threatened with deportation despite having the right to live in Britain.

Many lost homes and jobs and were denied access to healthcare and benefits.

The job description published on Thursday, and open for applicants until March 20, states that the commissioner will work with the Home Office “to deliver long-awaited justice for the Windrush and Commonwealth communities, and to drive real and sustained cultural change across the department”.

Jeremy Crook, chief executive of Action for Race Equality, said the commissioner must have “the power and resources to engage with Windrush victims and community advocacy organisations, hold the Government to account and drive positive change”.

Kemi Badenoch responds to BBC investigation into Rachel Reeves

Thursday 13 February 2025 13:41 , Jabed Ahmed

Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has said the BBC’s investigation into Rachel Reeve’s online CV “raises serious questions”.

In a post on X (formally Twitter), Ms Badenoch said: “The BBC's investigation raises serious questions for Rachel Reeves. Keir Starmer said ‘restoring trust in politics is the great test of our era’.

:Until she comes clean - not just about her CV but about the circumstances in which she left HBOS, no one will take him seriously.”

Reeves ‘investigated over expenses while working at bank’

Thursday 13 February 2025 13:29 , Jabed Ahmed

Along with its report into the chancellor’s online CV, the BBC also found Ms Reeves was investigated over her expenses while working as an economist at Halifax Bank of Scotland.

The Chancellor and two other senior managers spent hundreds of pounds on a company credit card designed for gifts to motivate other staff, according to the BBC investigation.

The report alleged the three managers were using the bank’s money to “fund a lifestyle” with allegedly inappropriate spending on dinners, events, taxis and gifts, including for each other.

The BBC reported that an initial independent investigation found the three appeared to have broken the rules.

A spokesman for Ms Reeves said the Chancellor had no knowledge of the investigation, always complied with expense rules and left the bank on good terms.

Labour WhatsApp group: Everything we know about the MPs and messages at the heart of the scandal

Thursday 13 February 2025 13:13 , Jabed Ahmed

Labour WhatsApp group: What we know about MPs and messages involved in the scandal

Pictured | David Lammy meets with his Chinese counterpart in London

Thursday 13 February 2025 12:57 , Jabed Ahmed

(James Manning/PA Wire)

(James Manning/PA Wire)

Downing Street backs Reeves amid embellished CV allegations

Thursday 13 February 2025 12:51 , Jabed Ahmed

Downing Street has given Rachel Reeves its backing after her use of expenses in a previous job and inaccuracies in her CV were called into question.

Asked whether Ms Reeves could be trusted, the Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “Yes, the Chancellor is working with the whole of Cabinet deliver the Plan for Change.

“Figures out this morning showed growth numbers coming in higher than expected… we’re still not satisfied with this level of growth, and that’s why we’re determined to go further and faster in delivering the economic growth and improvement to living standards that the country needs.”

The spokesperson added Sir Keir Starmer believes Rachel Reeves has integrity and he has no concerns about her conduct,

The Number 10 official added that he could not answer questions about time spent by Cabinet ministers in previous jobs prior to Government.

He said that the Chancellor had gone through the “ministerial declaration process” which all members of Cabinet go through when asked if she disclosed that there had been an investigation into her expenses before she was an MP.

“Obviously the Chancellor, like every Cabinet member, has been through that process. The process is governed by the independent adviser. Obviously I can’t get into detail,” the spokesman said.

Asked whether it would be right to say the Prime Minister does not have any concerns whatsoever about Ms Reeves’ conduct, he said: “Correct.”

Watch | Protesting farmers greet Starmer on tractors as he promotes Labour towns plan

Thursday 13 February 2025 12:42 , Jabed Ahmed

A summary of the Urgent Question on Ukraine table at the Commons

Thursday 13 February 2025 12:24 , Jabed Ahmed

Defence Minister Maria Eagle said Ukraine must be directly involved in any peace negotiations and that the UK and Nato are committed to strengthening Ukraine by continuing military aid. She highlighted the global security risks of unchecked aggression and the support of over 50 nations through the Ukraine Defence Contact Group.

Ms Eagle also said 2025 would be a critical year for Ukraine and reaffirmed the UK’s support for Ukraine’s Nato membership, while acknowledging it is a long-term process. She agreed that defence spending must increase but emphasised strategic allocation of resources.

Former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak urged the UK and European allies to provide Ukraine with a military presence across land, air, and sea to ensure any peace deal endures. He assured the government of his support in this effort.

MPs raised concerns about the role of the United States in potential peace talks. Conservative MP Sir Julian Lewis warned that a US-negotiated settlement without Ukraine’s consent could create a dangerous power vacuum, while Labour MP Johanna Baxter suggested that a Trump-Putin deal could amount to appeasement.

Shadow Defence Secretary James Cartlidge stressed that Ukraine must determine its own terms for peace and warned that allowing Putin to gain from any settlement would embolden other aggressors.

Sir Bernard Jenkin argued that the UK must prepare for the possibility of war to effectively deter further Russian aggression. Several MPs also emphasised the importance of NATO countries meeting their defence spending commitments.

Mr Cartlidge noted that Trump was right to highlight that some NATO nations contribute below the required levels. Ms Eagle agreed, stating that the UK’s strategic defence review would outline plans to raise defence spending to 2.5 per cent of GDP.

Tories say they support government's backing of Ukraine in rare show of cross-party support

Thursday 13 February 2025 11:49 , Jabed Ahmed

Shadow defence secretary James Cartlidge told the Commons: “We remain 100% steadfast in our support for Ukraine and in our backing for the Government delivering that, as they did when in opposition, and we agree in principle with them – as we also stressed repeatedly in government – it is for the Ukrainians to decide the timing and terms of any negotiations on ending the war.”

He added: “Negotiations without the direct involvement of Ukraine would be unthinkable.”

Mr Cartlidge noted US President Donald Trump has been right to highlight that some Nato nations spend “far below what is expected and required” on defence.

He also sought assurances that the UK Government would use “every lever possible” to remind all Nato members that if Russian President Vladimir Putin is “seen to somehow win from any settlement that may bring a temporary end to the conflict, but it will not make the world a safer place”.

Mr Cartlidge went on: “Far from it, this would be an illusion of peace likely to send a very dangerous signal to other potential adversaries.”

Explained | What are the fake CV allegations made towards Rachel Reeves?

Thursday 13 February 2025 11:33 , Jabed Ahmed

The BBC reported Rachel Reeves left the Bank of England nine months earlier than she stated in her LinkedIn profile. This means she spent five and a half years working at the bank despite publicly claiming to have spent the “best part” of a decade there.

Ms Reeves has previously claimed in a 2021 magazine interview she spent a decade working at Threadneedle Street, while she told the Labour Party Business Conference last year she spent “the best part of a decade” at the Bank.

Her LinkedIn profile shows she worked at the Bank of England from September 2000 to December 2006. However, the BBC found she had left by March 2006 when she began working for Halifax Bank of Scotland (HBOS) in West Yorkshire.

The broadcaster unearthed a photograph of the chancellor in March 2006 alongside other HBOS staff at an annual lunch for the Council of Mortgage Lenders. A former HR lead told the BBC she recalled Ms Reeves’ first day at HBOS, and that it was in March 2006.

The LinkedIn profile has since been updated. Her profile states she worked in three areas of the Bank over the six-year period she was employed there: its international economic analysis division, then at the British Embassy in Washington DC in the second secretary economic division, and finally in the structural economic analysis division.

After this it lists her time working for Halifax Bank of Scotland, then her political career following her election in 2010.