UK politics live: Farage backs 'very appealing' Trump plan for US to take over Gaza as Starmer confirms talks

Nigel Farage has welcomed Donald Trump’s plan for the US to take over Gaza and turn the war-torn strip into “the Riviera of the Middle East”.

The deeply controversial proposal for the US to take ownership of Gaza and resettle Palestinians to neighbouring countries was announced by Mr Trump during a press conference with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Egypt have already rejected Trump’s proposal, while Sir Keir Starmer, although refusing to call out the idea at PMQs, has insisted Gazan’s must be allowed home and a two-state solution is the answer to the conflict.

The idea, however, has found support from Reform leader Nigel Farage who has described it as “very appealing”.

Asked if he agreed with Mr Trump at a press conference in Westminster, the MP for Clacton-on-Sea said: “I love ambition, the thought of a wealthy, wonderful, thriving place with well-paid jobs, casinos, nightlife, it sounds very appealing to me.”

Shortly after PMQs, a spokesperson for Downing Street confirmed the Labour government would engage in talks with Mr Trump and his team on the plan for Gaza. They added: “But the UK’s position is there must be a scenario where Palestinians are able to return home.”

Key Points

• Farage says Trump's plan for Gaza is 'very appealing'
• Labour government to speak to Trump on Gaza plan
• Gazans 'must be allowed home' - Starmer
• ‘I was working they were partying’ - Starmer defends meeting voice coach under Covid restrictions
• Badenoch says Starmer’s deal to hand the Chagos Islands is 'an immoral surrender'

Elections postponed for a year due to Labour's devolution plans

17:30 , Alex Ross

Elections scheduled for May in nine council areas have been postponed for one year due to plans for the reorganisation of local government in England, deputy prime minister Angela Rayner confirmed.

The local elections postponed are in East Sussex, and West Sussex, Essex, and Thurrock, Hampshire, and the Isle of Wight, and Norfolk, and Suffolk.

Surrey has also had its elections postponed to deal with the creation of new unitary structures in the area, Ms Rayner said.

She told the Commons: “The government’s starting point is for all elections to go ahead unless there is a strong justification for postponement, and the bar is high, and rightly so.

“I am only agreeing to half of the requests that were made. After careful consideration, I’ve only agreed to postpone elections in places where this is central to our manifesto promise to deliver devolution.

“We’re not in the business of holding elections to bodies that won’t exist and where we don’t know what will replace them. This would be an expensive and irresponsible waste of taxpayers’ money and any party calling for these elections to go ahead must explain how this waste would be justifiable.

“We are postponing elections for one year, from May 2025 to May 2026.”

Angela Rayner said elections in nine council areas will be postponed this year (PA Wire)

Farage compares Rayner and Starmer to ‘dictators’

17:00 , Kate Devlin

Nigel Farage has accused the Labour government of acting like dictators for cancelling local elections for millions.

The Reform UK leader, an ally of Donald Trump, said: “I thought that only dictators cancel elections”.

May elections in nine areas have been postponed for a year amid the reorganisation of local government in England, deputy prime minister Angela Rayner has said.

Ms Rayner said the government was "not in the business of holding elections to bodies that won't exist".

The votes are due to be held in May 2026 after the expected reorganisation.

The affected areas are East Sussex, West Sussex, Essex, Thurrock, Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Norfolk, Suffolk and Surrey.

Mr Farage told a press conference in central London that it was “completely outrageous“ and his party was “blooming angry” that more than five million people were being denied their vote.

He said his party was “particularly aggrieved” about Norfolk and Essex, where he is an MP.

He added: “I thought that only dictators cancel elections”.

Farage says Trump's plan for Gaza is 'very appealing'

16:56 , Alex Ross

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, an ally of Donald Trump, has given his backing to Donald Trump’s controversial plan for Gaza.

During a question and answer session with journalists at a Reform press conference in Westminster, Mr Farage was asked if he agreed with the US president’s plan to take over Gaza and turn it into the “Riviera of Middle East.”

He replied: “I love ambition, the thought of a wealthy, wonderful, thriving place with well-paid jobs, casinos, nightlife, it sounds very appealing to me.”

Nigel Farage speaking at the press conference in Westminster (Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire)

Southport killer's referral to Prevent was 'closed prematurely', says security minister Dan Jarvis

16:00 , Alex Ross

A review of Prevent’s dealings with Axel Rudakubana has been published by The Home Office.

Minister Dan Jarvis has said the Southport killer’s case held by the counter-terrorism programme was “closed prematurely”.

Speaking to MPs, he said “We must get Prevent right. That is why the Home Office and counter-terrorism policing commissioned a rapid Prevent learning review immediately after the attack.

“These are usually internal technical reviews intended to identify swift learning and improvement for Prevent but the importance of the families needing answers has meant that today, following close engagement with the families, we are taking the unusual step of publishing the Prevent learning review.

“I can update the House that the perpetrator was referred to Prevent three times between December 2019 when he was aged 13 and April 2021 when he was 14. Those referrals were made by his schools.

“The first referral reported concerns about him carrying a knife and searching for school shootings on the internet. The second referral was focused on his online activity relating to Libya and Gaddafi. His third referral was for searching for London bombings, the IRA and the Israel-Palestine conflict.

“On each of these occasions, the decision at the time was that the perpetrator should not progress to the channel multi-agency process. But the Prevent learning review found that there was sufficient risk for the perpetrator to have been managed through Prevent.

“It found that the referral was closed prematurely, and there was sufficient concern to keep the case active while further information was collected.”

Axel Rudakubana was known to anti-terror authorities before he murdered three young girls at a dance class last summer (Merseyside Police/PA) (PA Media)

Four rebel MPs given Labour whip back

15:30

We’re just hearing that four Labour MPs who were suspended for voting against the Government on the two-child benefit cap have had the whip restored.

Richard Burgon, Ian Byrne, Imran Hussain and Rebecca Long-Bailey were among seven Labour MPs who were suspended from the parliamentary party in July for backing an SNP-led amendment to scrap the cap.

It is understood that the whip remains suspended for the other three MPs, but it will be reviewed again in the future.

They are former shadow chancellor and Hayes and Harlington MP John McDonnell, Poplar and Limehouse MP Apsna Begum, and Coventry South MP Zarah Sultana. They will remain sitting as Independents.

The amendment to the King’s Speech last summer was Sir Keir Starmer’s first Commons rebellion. The Government comfortably defeated the vote to scrap the cap, but more than 40 Labour MPs recorded no vote.

Richard Burgon MP has had the Labour whip restored (Mustafa Qadri/The Independent)

Green co-leader calls on David Lammy to summon US ambassador

15:06 , Archie Mitchell

Carla Denyer MP, Green Party co-leader, has written to David Lammy calling on the foreign secretary to summon the US ambassador over Donald Trump’s plan for Gaza.

Ms Denyer wrote: “These comments... risk jeopardising an already fragile ceasefire in Gaza and long-term prospects for peace in the region.

“I am therefore calling on you to immediately summon the US ambassador to make clear the UK’s opposition to any efforts to forcibly displace and ethnically cleanse Palestinians from Gaza; to make sure the US is in no doubt about the UK’s intention to defend the right to self-determination for the people of Gaza and Palestine; and to actively seek assurances that the US is committed to international law, the current ceasefire and to a two state solution.”

(Lucy North/PA Wire)

Trump's comments will not jeopardise ceasefire deal, Downing Street says

14:45 , Alex Ross

Last night’s comments by Donald Trump have led to concerns of an escalation in tensions in the Middle East, with some fearing a ceasefire deal signed by Hamas and Israel could be impacted.

But asked about this, Downing Street rejected the idea.

The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “No, and we will obviously continue to support the implementation of that.”

Trump's Gaza plan is 'very scary' - Manchester-based Gazan says

14:28 , Alex Ross

Reacting to Donald Trump’s plan for Gaza, including a suggestion the US takes over Gaza, Gazans in the UK have expressed shock.

Mohammed Ghalayini, a scientist from Gaza city living in Manchester, said the plan for the US to take “ownership” in redeveloping Gaza was “very scary”.

“If the last 15 months have shown us anything, it’s that the regard for international law is at an all-time low and this suggestion that the US would occupy and take over Gaza for Israel’s benefit, ultimately, is just another demonstration of that,” Mr Ghalayini said.

“It’s very scary, my friends, family and community in Palestine who are there now are facing a horrific situation.”

Mr Ghalayini, 45, who lived in Gaza from the age of nine to 25, says the US occupation of Gaza would mean more suffering for Palestinians.

“You kind of wonder whether there are any grown-ups in the room that can step in, because it feels like most of the world is happy to pander to Trump to get their interests served,” he said.

Downing Street pressed on if a two-state solution could work with Trump's plans

13:55 , Alex Ross

Donald Trump’s plans for Gaza are certainly lacking detail at this stage - and there are immediate concerns they could not apply to a two-state solution, which the Labour government seeks.

Asked this, Downing Street has refused to be drawn on the question.

The prime minister’s official spokesman said: “We will work with President Trump and his team on a wide range of issues, including the Middle East.”

Asked whether Sir Keir Starmer was afraid of criticising Mr Trump in case it jeopardised a potential UK-US trade deal, the spokesman said: “We’re working with President Trump and his team on a wide range of issues.”

He added that Britain’s position in relation to a two-state solution remains unchanged.

Labour government to speak to Trump on Gaza plan

13:50 , Alex Ross

As we’ve been reporting throughout the day, Donald Trump last night unveiled a plan for the US to “take over” Gaza, with the suggestion Palestinians could be resettled to neighbouring Arab countries.

At PMQs, Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey urged Sir Keir Starmer to make a strong representation to Mr Trump on his hopes for a two-state solution.

Now, Downing Street has said the Labour government will “speak to President Trump and his team about all of his proposals”.

Asked whether Sir Keir believed that Mr Trump’s proposals could form part of the process of rebuilding Gaza, his official spokesman said: “We will talk to President Trump about all of his proposals, as you’d expect.

“But the UK’s position is there must be a scenario where Palestinians are able to return home.”

(AP/PA)

Six more regions in England could get mayors

13:38 , Alex Ross

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has announced six new potential devolution areas throughout England with “a view to mayoral elections in May 2026”.

These areas are Cumbria, Cheshire and Warrington, Greater Essex, Hampshire and Solent, Norfolk and Suffolk, and Sussex and Brighton.

Ms Rayner told the Commons: “These places will get a fast-track ticket to drive real change in their area.

“While devolution can sound techie, the outcome is simple – it’s a plan for putting more money in people’s pockets, it’s a plan for quicker, better, cheaper transport designed with local people in mind, a plan for putting politics back in the service of working people.”

Turning to a seventh area, Ms Rayner said: “Lancashire is already deciding its mayoral devolution options and we will look at their proposals in the autumn in parallel with the priority programme.”

) (PA Wire)

What Starmer said about the Chagos Islands deal at PMQs

13:26 , Alex Ross

As MPs debate over a deal to cede the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, just a reminder what Sir Keir Starmer said a bit earlier when criticised for his handling of the agreement by Kemi Badenoch.

The Tory leader accused Sir Keir of an “immoral surrender” over the Chagos Islands and questioned how anyone could believe the Prime Minister is defending UK interests when he “bends the knee to anyone who asks him”.

The UK Government wants to give the Chagos Islands, also known as the British Indian Ocean Territory, to Mauritius and pay to lease back the US-UK military base on Diego Garcia.

It argues it must cede the islands to Mauritius after international legal rulings.

At PMQs, Sir Keir said: “We will set out the details when they’re finalised and they will of course be presented to Parliament.

“But if the Leader of the Opposition is properly briefed on the national security implications when she’s asking these questions, which she’s perfectly entitled to do, then she knows exactly what I’m talking about in terms of national security and legal certainty.

“If, on the other hand, she’s not properly briefed on the national security implications, she’s not doing her job, she’s not concerned about national security and she’s not fit to be prime minister.”

Analysis: Chagos row descends into ‘he said, she said’

13:19 , Archie Mitchell

The row over the Chagos Islands, sparked by an urgent question in the Commons by Nigel Farage, has descended into a “he said, she said” battle between Labour and the Conservatives.

Former Tory foreign secretary James Cleverly and deputy foreign secretary Andrew Mitchell have said the Conservatives would not have signed off on the deal based on the information they had available.

The argument is a bid to counter claims from Sir Keir Starmer that anybody who had access to all the information he does would back Labour’s deal with Mauritius.

And, with reports the deal could cost as much as £18 billion, at a time when the government is cutting winter fuel payments for pensioners, the prime minister’s assurance it is a good and necessary deal will likely not be enough.

True or not, and even though the Conservatives themselves sparked the negotiations about the Chagos Islands, they will always be able to rail against the deal and say they would never have signed it.

The problem for Sir Keir, which he is yet to address, is that he is the one who has to answer exactly why Britain is paying so much money to give up sovereignty of the islands.

(DoD/AFP via Getty Images)

Everything Starmer said about the Gaza and the need for a two-state solution

13:16 , Alex Ross

At PMQs earlier, Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey put Donald’s Trump plan for a US takeover of Gaza to the prime minister.

Mr Trump has also said Palestinians should be resettled, adding the area could be turned into a “Riviera of Middle East”.

Sir Keir said: “The most important issue on the ceasefire is, obviously that it’s sustained, and we see it through the phases. And that means that the remaining hostages come out, and the aid that’s desperately needed gets into Gaza at speed and at the volumes that are needed.

“I have from the last few weeks two images fixed in my mind. The first is the image of Emily Damari reunited with her mother, which I found extremely moving.

“The second was the image of thousands of Palestinians walking, literally walking through the rubble, to try to find their homes and their communities in Gaza.

“They must be allowed home. They must be allowed to rebuild, and we should be with them in that rebuild, on the way to a two state solution.”

(UK Parliament)

Starmer hitting back at Tories over claims he broke lockdown rules

13:10 , Alex Ross

Sir Keir Starmer hit back at the Tories after he was again pressed on claims he broke lockdown rules during the Covid pandemic when he met his voice coach on Christmas Eve in 2021.

Tory MP Gagan Mohindra asked the prime minister on whether he had in fact broken the rules at PMQs.

He said: “In December 2020 I was in my office working on the expected Brexit deal. With my team we had to analyse the deal at speed, prepare and deliver a live statement at speed, on one of the most important issues for our country in recent years.”

Read more on the exchange here:

Starmer rages against ‘partying’ Tories as he hits back over voice coach lockdown row

Labour inherited a situation where future of Chagos Islands military base was under threat - Labour minster

13:04 , Alex Ross

Stephen Doughty continues by saying the government inherited a situation where the long-term future of the “vital” military base was under threat.

The Labour government, he says, has secured a deal that protects the base for the next 99 years.

He says there will be clear commitments for “robust security arrangements” in the treaty that include preventing the presence of foreign security forces.

He adds: “We would only agree a deal that we are confident protects our national security and that of our allies.”

(PA Graphics) (PA Graphics)

US administration needs time to consider Chagos Island deal - Labour minister

12:58

Stephen Doughty, minister for Europe, North America and Overseas Territories, says it’s right the US administration has the time to consider the full agreement on the Chagos Islands deal.

He adds it is not appropriate to provide detail or a running discussions on deal.

He says Parliament will have the opportunity to scrutinise the deal and a bill will be brought forward to implement the treaty.

'Good progress' made on Chagos Islands deal

12:53 , Alex Ross

In response to Nigel Farage’s urgent question on the Chagos Islands deal, Labour minister Stephen Doughty says: “Both sides remain committed to concluding a deal on the future of the Chagos Islands which protest the long-term effective operation of the UK US base, and securing the long-term future of the base remains our objective throughout this process.”

He adds that following talks last month with the Mauritius, “we have made good progress on deal”.

Starmer urged to suspend tribunals against carers

12:47 , Alex Ross

After questioning Sir Keir Starmer on Gaza, Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey calls on the prime minister to suspend tribunals against carers until a review into overpayments is conducted.

He presents a case of a carer called Andrea who received a letter summoning her to a tribunal next week.

Sir Keir responds: “We set up the independent review, and I know he welcomes that, and that was the right thing to do. I don’t know the details of Andrea’s case, but I will certainly, if he provides them to me, I’ll make sure that we have the details and look into what’s happened in her particular case.”

Liberal Democrats leader Sir Ed Davey leaves BBC Broadcasting House in London, after appearing on the BBC One current affairs programme, Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg (Lucy North / PA). (PA Wire)

Thefts are now being investigated - Starmer

12:40

Starmer faces a question from Labour’s Claire Hughes, who asks what the government is doing to combat shoplifting after figures revealed offences had risen 23 per cent.

The prime minister says offences haven’t been taken seriously for far too long.

He adds that his government will ensure the theft of goods worth less than £200 will be investigated.

Analysis: Nigel Farage needs to learn how parliament works

12:33 , Alex Ross

Nigel Farage famously failed his first few attempts to become an MP, finally getting elected to represent Clacton last July.He has now secured an Urgent Question on Chagos.

But he almost came a cropper at PMQs – over how long he took to ask his question.

The Reform leader’s mistake was to pause when he came under attack from the other side.

When he finally got around to saying “I want to ask the Prime Minister for some advice…” one Labour MP shouted “Resign!!” And the Speaker Lindsay Hoyle was forced to hurry him to finally get on with it.

Mr Speaker is not always so lenient.

(House of Commons/UK Parliament/PA Wire)

‘I was working they were partying’ - Starmer defends meeting with voice coach while the UK was under Covid restrictions

12:32 , Kate Devlin

Keir Starmer has defended his meeting with his voice coach in late 2020 while London was under ‘Tier 4’ Covid restrictions.

He appeared to suggest the central difference with Partygate was that he was working.

He told MPs that he was “was in my office working” and said he had to “prepare and deliver a live statement at speed” on Brexit. “That’s what I was doing. What were they (the Tories) doing? Suitcases of booze into Downing Street”. He added: “That’s the difference – I was working they were partying”.

(UK Parliament)

Gazans 'must be allowed home' - Starmer

12:31 , Alex Ross

After Donald Trump said Palestinians should be moved from Gaza as part of a takeover of Gaza, Sir Keir Starmer said more about the current situation in the war-torn region.

The prime minister said Palestinians “must be allowed to rebuild and we should be with them in that rebuild on the way to a two-state solution”.

He said: “I have from the last few weeks two images fixed in my mind. The first is the image of Emily Damari reunited with her mother, which I found extremely moving.

“The second was the image of thousands of Palestinians walking, literally walking, through the rubble to try to find their homes and their communities in Gaza, they must be allowed home.

“They must be allowed to rebuild, and we should be with them in that rebuild on the way to a two state solution.”

Analysis: Ed Davey finally asks the question everyone was waiting for

12:22 , David Maddox

The big news of the day has been Donald Trump’s shocking statement about apparently taking over Gaza and removing the Palestinians in a bid to turn it into some sort of holiday resort.

After hours of debate on Israel and Gaza in the last two years it is surprising it took more than half way through PMQs today before the issue was raised by Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey.

The prime minister of course confirmed the UK will be with the Palestinians “every step of the way” in the rebuilding of Gaza.But it was surprising it took so long for somebody to ask him the question.

(UK Parliament)

Lib Dem leader puts questions on Gaza to Starmer

12:21 , Alex Ross

Lib Dem leader Ed Davey asks if the prime minister recognises the dangers and security of Palestinians and Israelis following Mr Trump’s announcement he wanted a US takeover of Gaza.

Mr Davey adds that he is glad the government supports a two-state solution.

Sir Keir responds by saying the the most important issue of ceasefire is it is sustained and aid gets into Gaza.

He swerves clear of criticising Mr Trump for his comments, and finishes by saying a two-state solution is the answer.

Badenoch presses Starmer on Rosebank oil field court case

12:17 , Alex Ross

Tory leader Kemi Badenoch claims business is abandoning the North Sea because of his decisions, referring to the Rosebank oil field court case.

Starmer responds by saying Badenoch is talking the country down, and accuses her of playing student politics.

Analysis: Kemi Badenoch going in a surprise direction at PMQs

12:14 , David Maddox

The prime minister was probably prepared for questions on whether he broke lockdown rules and why he was meeting his alleged voice coach on Christmas eve.

He may well have been expecting more on Chagos Islands.

Instead Kemi Badenoch has pressed on the Rosebank oil field court case. You can see that the Tory MPs behind her are a bit non-plussed.

She appears to be trying to make up for her odd strategy with colourful words calling environmental activists “nutters” and the PM “clueless”.

Starmer once again is easily on top in a forum where he has usually struggled.This will not silence the doubts about Ms Badenoch’s leadership.

Badenoch: ‘When Labour negotiates, our country loses’

12:10 , Archie Mitchell

Kemi Badenoch has said Sir Keir Starmer’s deal to hand the Chagos Islands over to Mauritius is “an immoral surrender so north London lawyers can boast at their dinner parties”.

“When Labour negotiates, our country loses,” the Tory leader said.

Ms Badenoch said the money being handed over to Mauritius, up to £18 billion, “belongs to our children and their children”.

The prime minister suggested Ms Badenoch is not properly briefed on the security implications of a legal row about the sovereignty of the Chagos Islands, home to a key UK/US military base.

Sir Keir said: “If the leader of the opposition is properly briefed on the national security implications, when she is asking these questions, which she is perfectly entitled to do, then she knows exactly what I am talking about in terms of national security and legal certainty.

“If, on the other hand, she is not properly briefed on the national security implications, she is not doing her job.

“She is not concerned about national security, and she is not fit to be prime minister.”

(UK Parliament)

Starmer asked about the Chagos Islands by Kemi Badenoch

12:09 , Alex Ross

Kemi Badenoch asks about the Chagos Islands, with claims emerging that the government faces paying billions more under a renegotiated deal over the future of the islands.

Sir Keir says “this is a miliary base that is vital to our national security, a number of years ago the certainty of that base was thrown into doubt”.

He says the last government started negotiated about securing a long-term use of base and that Labour plans to complete the process.

Starmer asked about the state of UK's railways

12:05 , Alex Ross

He next faces a question on railways in the UK.

Starmer says the Tory government left the UK’s railway system in a terrible state, adding he plans investment for a number of schemes, including in the north of England.

PMQs begins

12:03 , Alex Ross

Sir Keir Starmer begins by making a statement on the death of a pupil at a school in Sheffield this week.

He says he is appalled the death, and “our hearts go out to him”.

He adds that he met European leaders in Brussels to discuss defence ensure businesses in the UK don’t face barriers amid Donald Trump’s threats of tariffs.

Watch PMQs live

11:58 , Alex Ross

As Sir Keir Starmer prepares to take questions at PMQ, you can watch it live here:

Starmer to face questions over Trump at PMQs

11:51 , Alex Ross

It’s been a busy few days in world politics with Donald Trump’s threats of imposing tariffs on the UK, then last night the US president announcing a plan for the US to take over Gaza.

There’s been plenty of reaction today to Mr Trump’s comments on Gaza from the press briefing with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Now,we expect Sir Keir Starmer to be asked about his position on Mr Trump’s plans.

It starts at midday.

Trump's Gaza plan 'unacceptable and dangerous' - John Swinney

11:46 , Alex Ross

Scotland’s first minister John Swinney is the latest politician to condemn Donald Trump’s plan for a US takeover of Gaza.

The US president had also said that neighbouring nations could take in displaced Palestinians from Gaza.

In a post on Bluesky, Mr Swinney said: “After months of collective punishment and the death of over 40,000 in Gaza, any suggestion Palestinians should be removed from their home is unacceptable and dangerous.

“There must be no ethnic cleansing.

“Only a proper two state solution will bring lasting peace.”

First Minister John Swinney (PA Wire)

Red Wall group request meeting with PM on immigration

10:55 , Bryony Gooch

Red Wall MPs are calling for a more focus on immigration and investment up north from the government to fend off electoral threat from Reform UK.

The group, convened by Bassetlaw MP Jo White, wants to see the government speak up about what it’s doing to remove illegal immigrants, as well as more investment to shore up support.

The Bassetlaw MP is calling for the introduction of ID cards.

They have requested a meeting with Sir Keir Starmer after a recent YouGov opinion poll suggested Reform UK was one point ahead of Labour in terms of the country’s voting intentions.

One unnamed red wall MP, a member of the focus group, told PA that a key area of concern surrounded Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ push for economic growth spotlighting wealthier areas in the south.

They said of funding announcements for transport between Oxford and Cambridge, as well as Heathrow Airport’s potential expansion: “That has no effect whatsoever on the red wall.

“It’s not going to create growth in the forgotten areas where Reform are more likely to be second.”

Foreign Minister says 'we need to ensure future for Palestinians in their homeland'

10:45 , Bryony Gooch

Foreign Secretary David Lammy has spoken out following Donald Trump’s proposed “take over” of Gaza.

Speaking from his visit to Kyiv, the minister said: “we need to ensure future for Palestinians in their homeland.”

He added: “we want to see Palestinians prosper in Gaza and West Bank.”

Mr Lammy is the latest UK MP to shoot down the US President’s comments, as Environment Secretary Steve Reed said on Sky News: “Palestinian civilians have been through a living nightmare for the last 14 months, they need to be able to return to their homes and start to rebuild them.”

Mr Reed added: “What I won’t do is provide a running commentary on the pronouncements of the president of the United States or any other world leader… I think we should give Donald Trump credit for the role he played in securing the ceasefire in the first place.”

Shadow foreign secretary Dame Priti Patel said: “I genuinely believe that we have to focus on seeing the hostages being released, because that is absolutely pivotal. It is critical to bringing about a sustainable end to the conflict.”

Neither Dame Patel or Mr Reed offered a direct criticism of Trump.

Starmer voice coach travelled between lockdown tiers

10:31 , Bryony Gooch

Sir Keir Starmer’s voice coach travelled between Covid tiers to visit the prime minister during lockdown, it has emerged.

Leonie Mellinger visited Labour’s London office on Christmas Eve in 2020, when the capital was under Tier 4 regulations, a new book has revealed. The visit came as Sir Keir, then Labour leader, gave a statement on Boris Johnson’s Brexit deal.

Archie Mitchell reports:

Two-state only solution to Middle East conflict, Labour MP says after Trump comments

10:17 , Bryony Gooch

Kay Burley retires from Sky News after 36 years

10:06 , Bryony Gooch

Kay Burley has announced her retirement from Sky News after 36 years working for the broadcaster.

She closed her final show on the Sky News Breakfast programme by saying: “its been an honour and privilege to work with some of the best and hardest working teams in the business.”

She reflected on the life-changing events she’d witnessed in working for Sky News, from the death of Diana to the Concorde air disaster.

"But we've also enjoyed some wonderful high notes too, haven't we - the thrill of London winning the chance to host the 2012 Olympics; a plethora of royal weddings; jubilees and who can forget days and days and days waiting for royal babies to arrive at the Lindo Wing.”

She thanked viewers for tuning in every morning: “I can't tell you how much I have appreciated your support over the last three and a half decades: You're awesome.”

(PA)

Trump tariff row sees Brits demand closer ties with EU, new poll reveals

10:03 , Bryony Gooch

Keir Starmer’s chief negotiator says the UK must be “ruthlessly pragmatic” with Brexit reset talks and strike an ambitious deal in just three months.

European affairs minister Nick Thomas-Symonds told the EU/UK Forum in Brussels on Tuesday that the prime minister will host a leader summit in May “where we hope we can deliver a balanced yet ambitious outcome to benefit all our citizens”.

The approach to the talks contrasts heavily with years taken by the Tories to negotiate Brexit after the 2016 referendum, bogged down by disputes in parliament and fractures in the Conservative party before eventually leaving in 2020.

David Maddox reports:

Trump tariff row sees Brits demand closer ties with EU, new poll reveals

How the UK's £55 million support package to Ukraine will be spent

09:55 , Bryony Gooch

The Foreign Office announced a further £55 million financial support package to Ukraine to help put the country in the “strongest position possible”.

As part of the new financial package, £17 million will go towards sustainable energy projects, as Russia continues to decimate key infrastructure.

They said that £10 million will help the recovery of Ukrainian businesses and £25 million will support family and community-based services.

The foreign office said £3 million would go towards deliveries of Ukrainian grain and other food produce to Syria, as Ukraine seeks to restore relations following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad, a close ally of Russia.

In pictures: Foreign secretary David Lammy visits Kyiv

09:43 , Bryony Gooch

David Lammy meets with Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha (AFP via Getty Images)

The Foreign Office announced a £55 million support package for Ukraine (AFP via Getty Images)

Starmer’s Chagos deal ‘a betrayal of the British people’, Priti Patel warns

09:34 , Bryony Gooch

Sir Keir Starmer’s plan to hand over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius is a “betrayal of the British people”, Priti Patel has claimed.

The shadow foreign secretary called on the prime minister to stop discussions over the Indian Ocean archipelago “full stop”.

And she called on Sir Keir to “go back to base camp” and re-examine a non-binding ruling from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) that Britain was illegally occupying the islands, home to the vital Diego Garcia military base.

Amid speculation a new version of the deal, which followed a change of government in Mauritius, could double the overall cost of the agreement, Ms Patel said it is “simply not right” to commit up to £18 billion at a time when pensioners have had their winter fuel payments scrapped and farmers are being hit with an inheritance tax raid.

Archie Mitchell and David Maddox report:

Starmer’s Chagos deal ‘a betrayal of the British people’, Priti Patel warns

Why has Labour allowed such big increases in council tax?

09:26 , Bryony Gooch

Millions of households are facing a council tax hike beyond normal thresholds this year, as Angela Rayner warned of further “tough decisions” to “rebuild and stabilise” local government.

Six councils, serving more than two million people in total, have been granted permission to increase council tax beyond the established annual threshold of 5%.

Sean O’Grady looks at the reasons behind the decision.

Why has Labour allowed such big increases in council tax?

Trump tariff row sees Brits demand closer ties with EU, new poll reveals

09:14 , Bryony Gooch

Almost half of British citizens back attempts for the UK to get closer to the EU rather than Donald Trump and the US, a major new poll has revealed.

The Ipsos Mori poll of 1,092 online British adults was taken this week as the world was plunged into economic chaos with the Trump administration threatening tariffs on China, Canada, Mexico and the EU.

With Brexit reset talks beginning properly today in Brussels, the survey showed that given a choice, Brits are far more likely to choose Europe over the USA or the Commonwealth.

Full report from David Maddox:

Trump tariff row sees Brits demand closer ties with EU, new poll reveals

UK denies Chagos Islands deal could cost £18 billion

09:09 , Bryony Gooch

The UK has denied the cost of handing over the Chagos Islands could rise to £18 billion following claims made by the Mauritian Prime Minister about the renegotiated deal.

Mauritian Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam told his country’s National Assembly that he had rewritten the deal to ensure payments from the UK rose in line with inflation and to give his country an effective veto on extending the terms of the agreement beyond 99 years.

Mr Ramgoolam said the previous deal, negotiated last year by his predecessor, had allowed the UK unilaterally to extend the lease on Diego Garcia for 40 years, but the new terms would now require Mauritian consent.

And he suggested not linking payments to inflation would have halved the amount heading from UK taxpayers to Mauritian coffers.

The UK has denied reports that the deal was originally worth £90 million a year for 99 years, or almost £9 billion – which, if the cost doubled, would rise to £18 billion.

The Foreign Office also insisted there had been “no change” to the terms for the extension.

A Foreign Office spokesman said: “The figures being quoted are entirely inaccurate and misleading.

“There has been no change to the terms of extension in the treaty.

“The UK will only sign a deal that is in our national interest.”

The Foreign Office has denied claims from the Mauritian prime minister (Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire)

Wes Streeting slams "failings" in care for triple killer Valdo Calocane

08:55 , Bryony Gooch

Health Secretary Wes Streeting has called for recommendations made in the CQC report about Nottingham killer Valdo Calocane to be implemented country-wide as it came out he was not forced to take long-lasting antipsychotics due to fear of needles.

He said: “It is important that the families and the public have confidence in the system, and we have worked closely with NHS England to ensure the publication of this report in full. Sunlight is the best disinfectant.

“The findings will help to support an inquiry into this attack and we’ll set out the next steps as this develops.

“It’s clear there were failings in how the care provided to Valdo Calocane was managed at every level, which is why I’ve personally called for all the recommendations made in the CQC report to be implemented across the country.

“I want to see the recommendations from this new report implemented as soon as possible and I will be keeping track of progress and performance to make sure that they are.”

Full report from Rachel Clun:

Nottingham killer not forced to take long-lasting drugs due to fear of needles

Wes Streeting calls out ‘anti-whiteness’ in NHS diversity schemes

08:46 , Bryony Gooch

Wes Streeting has defended diversity programmes within the NHS, but said “anti-whiteness” would not be tolerated.

The health secretary also hit out at what he called “ideological hobby horses” which he said had no place in the health service.

Speaking at an event to mark World Cancer Day, he said that one member of NHS staff had tweeted that “part of her practice was anti-whiteness”.

“And I just thought, ‘What the hell does that say to the bloke up in Wigan who’s more likely to die earlier than his more affluent white counterparts down in London?’” he said.

“We’ve got real issues of inequality that affect white working-class people.”

He defended diversity and inclusion programmes, emphasising their importance at a time when black women are three times more likely to die in childbirth than white women.

Full report from Rachel Clun and Kate Devlin:

Wes Streeting calls out ‘anti-whiteness’ in NHS diversity schemes

Priti Patel calls to 'focus on hostages being released' following Trump Gaza comments

08:33 , Bryony Gooch

Shadow foreign secretary Dame Priti Patel said “we have to focus on seeing the hostages being released, because that is absolutely pivotal. It is critical to bringing about a sustainable end to the conflict.”

When asked on Times Radio what she made of the US President’s comments on Gaza, she said: “These are remarks that he’s made overnight and obviously it’s provoked a number of comments.

“We will have to wait and see, because no one country will be able to do this on their own. Our partners, our allies, in the Gulf states and the Middle East, we’ve already heard from the Saudi government as well, they will all have a role to play.

“And, you know, there’s something else that we’ve all been discussing for many years, in fact, which is also the Abraham accords and normalising relations between […] with the Middle East and the United States.”

Minister says two-state solution is key to "lasting peace" for Israel and Palestine amid Trump's relocation plan

08:22 , Bryony Gooch

As Donald Trump states his plans for the US to “take over” Gaza, Environment Secretary Steve Reed declined to comment on the President’s plans.

Mr Reed was asked by Sky News whether the UK Government would support this and said: “I can tell you what the UK’s position on this is, and our view is that Palestinian civilians have been through a living life there for the last 14 months.

“They need to be able to return to their homes and then start to rebuild them. They will need an awful lot of support from the international community to do that.”

He said that “lasting peace” could only be secured through a two-state solution.

Pushed further, he said he would give the Government’s view but would not “provide a running commentary on the pronouncements of the President of the United States or any other world leader”.

Asked if those remarks were disparaging, Mr Reed added: “Not at all. I think we should give Donald Trump credit for the role that he played in securing this ceasefire in the first place.

“But it is the view of the United Kingdom Government that Palestinians should be able to return to their homes and rebuild their shattered lives.”

How might Trump’s tariffs affect UK companies?

08:09 , Alex Croft

World leaders bickering, share prices dropping, companies fretting. On the other side of the Atlantic, President Trump’s vows to bring in tariffs for multiple countries exporting to the US – plus his stepping back from them at the last moment in some cases – has plenty of people wondering what it might mean on these shores.

UK companies won’t be exempt from the possible carnage, though of course who and how they will be affected will depend on their types of business: those who export to the US could face higher charges immediately, while those who buy in parts or raw materials might also be concerned if the UK takes China’s route and opts for retaliatory tariffs, too.

That’s still far from certain, of course, with the UK and the EU not the first areas in Donald Trump’s sights.

Business and money editor Karl Matchett reports:

£136m tequila hit and higher mining costs: How might tariffs affect UK companies?

US and UK to discuss Chagos Islands deal this week

07:56 , Alex Croft

A proposed deal over the Chagos Islands will be the topic of discussions between UK national security adviser Jonathan Powell and his US counterpart Mike Waltz in Washington this week, the Financial Times reported.

It comes after a White House spokesperson told The Independent that President Trump has not given it his blessing despite reports that the UK and Mauritius have come to terms on a deal.

Britain wants US approval for the deal, due to the joint UK-US military base on Diego Garcia.

The Trump administration has reportedly been briefed on the plan by the UK - but allies of the president have been critical of it thus far.

(PA Graphics)

UK minister: ‘Palestinians should be able to return home’

07:50 , Archie Mitchell, Political Correspondent

A member of Sir Keir Starmer’s cabinet has hit back at Donald Trump’s suggestion Gaza should be turned into “the Riviera of the Middle East”, arguing Palestinians “need to be able to return to their homes”.

In a rebuke to the US president’s suggestion, environment secretary Steve Reed backed a two-state solution to the conflict and said Israel should exist alongside “a free and viable Palestinian state”.

“Palestinian civilians have been through a living nightmare for the last 14 months, they need to be able to return to their homes and start to rebuild them,” Mr Reed told Sky News.

He was the first member of the British government to respond to Mr Trump’s proposals, and denied being disparaging about the president.

“I think we should give Donald Trump credit for the role he played in securing the ceasefire in the first place, but it is the view of the UK government that Palestinians should be able to return to their homes,” he added.

Chagos Islands deal could 'dangerously' fracture UK-US relationship - Farage

07:40 , Alex Croft

The Chagos Islands deal could “dangerously” damage the UK’s relationship with the Trump administration, Reform leader Nigel Farage said.

Giving up sovereignty over the Chagos Islands could prevent future trade agreements and may “considerably reduce” the UK’s value in the eyes of the White House, he added on Tuesday.

It comes after the prime minister of Mauritius, Navin Ramgoolam, said Sir Keir Starmer is “confident” that a deal can be reached on the Indian Ocean archipelago.

The deal has caused controversy due to the existence of a UK-US military base on the largest island, Diego Garcia.

Lammy commits £55 million package to Ukraine in Kyiv visit

07:32 , Alex Croft

Foreign secretary David Lammy has announced a £55 million package support package for Ukraine as he pays a visit to Kyiv.

The UK will commit £17 million towards sustainable energy projects, and £3 million for deliveries of Ukrainian grain and other produce to Syria, among other commitments.

It comes following an 100-year partnership deal between the UK and Ukraine, setting out co-operation between the countries for the coming decades.

Trump still considering Chagos Islands veto as Starmer tries to close deal

07:27 , Alex Croft

Donald Trump may still veto Sir Keir Starmer’s controversial plans to hand over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, despite the PM’s plans to push ahead with the deal.

With reports that the UK and Mauritius have come to terms on a new agreement on the Indian Ocean archipelago, a White House spokesperson told The Independent that President Trump has not given it his blessing.

There are serious concerns about the top secret joint US/UK airbase on Diego Garcia and the potential for Chinese interference if the UK gives up sovereignty on the islands.

David Maddox, Andrew Feinberg and Archie Mitchell report:

Trump still considering Chagos Islands deal veto as Starmer tries to close agreement

06:30 , Andy Gregory

Good morning, we’ll be using this blog to bring you the latest updates on UK politics, ahead of Sir Keir Starmer and Kemi Badenoch’s clash at PMQs.