Politics latest: Boris Johnson meets with Donald Trump and calls him to be 'strong and decisive' in supporting Ukraine
The Labour leader is set to hold talks with Italy’s populist right-wing prime minister Giorgia Meloni
GB News will bring you the latest updates throughout the day
- Boris Johnson met with Donald Trump at the Republican National Convention and urged him to keep supporting Ukraine
- Sir Keir Starmer has launched a review of the UK’s defence to protect the country from a “more dangerous and volatile world”
- Labour has shelved a legal crackdown on foreign workers amid the biggest rise in population for at least 75 years
- Starmer is expected to hold talks with Meloni on the margins of the European Political Community (EPC) meeting in Oxfordshire on Thursday
- Jewish students will be left with 'nowhere to go' under Starmer's private education VAT plans, a charity has claimed
- Angela Rayner has slammed JD Vance's claim that UK is the first 'truly Islamist' country with a nuclear arsenal
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Boris Johnson has met with Donald Trump at the Republican National Convention.
The ex-President has been officially declared as the Republican candidate for the Presidential election on November 5 after his victory in the primaries.
Despite the assassination attempt on his life on Saturday, Trump was described as being on "top form" by the former UK Prime Minister.
He also urged the ex-Potus to "be strong and decisive" in supporting Ukraine, despite his new running mate J.D. Vance being a vocal proponent of cutting aid to the eastern European country.
Johnson took to X, formerly Twitter and said: "Great to meet President Trump who is on top form after the shameful attempt on his life.
"We discussed Ukraine and I have no doubt that he will be strong and decisive in supporting that country and defending democracy."
Meanwhile, Sir Keir Starmer appears to have been snubbed Ursula von der Leyen after she declined an invite to the summit of the European Political Community (EPC).
The Prime Minister will host the event for around 45 leaders from EU countries at Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire on Thursday.
Starmer is seeking to forge an ambitious new UK-EU security pact to strengthen co-operation and closer work on defence with key allies such as France and Germany.
Ruling out Von Der Leyen's attendance, the European Commission’s chief spokesperson Eric Mamer said: "The president is in Strasbourg for the plenary of the European Parliament and will therefore not take part in the EPC this week."
Von Del Leyen is attempting to persuade EU lawmakers to ratify her appointment for a second five-year term at the head of the EU executive.
However, Starmer is eyeing up using the EPC summit to form an unlikely alliance with Italy.
The Labour leader is set to hold talks with the country's populist right-wing prime minister Giorgia Meloni in order to crackdown on illegal migration.
Starmer's VAT tax on private education has come under fire from a charity, who claim that many Jewish schools could close leaving students with "nowhere to go" if the Prime Minister goes ahead with the plans.
Sadiq Khan doesn't rule out serving SIX terms as Mayor London all the way through to 2040
Sadiq Khan hasn’t dismissed speculation that he wants to serve as Mayor of London until 2040.
The mayor could seek re-election to City Hall on another three occasions, bringing his possible total terms in office to six.
Appearing on the How To Fail Podcast with Elisabeth Day, Khan was asked if he would want to stay at City Hall until 2040. He replied: “I want to carry on as long as Londoners want to lend me their vote and give me their trust, being the best mayor I can be.”
Angela Rayner fires back at JD Vance's claim that UK is 'Islamist' country
Angela Rayner fires back at JD Vance's claim that UK is 'Islamist' country
PAAngela Rayner has hit back at JD Vance, Donald Trump’s new candidate for US vice president, after he described the UK under Labour as the first “truly Islamist” country with a nuclear weapon.
Ohio senator JD Vance, who was chosen as Trump’s running mate yesterday, made the comments in an address to the National Conservatism conference in Washington DC last week.
During the conference, he told a friend that the UK will be “the first truly Islamist country that will get a nuclear weapon”.
He said: “We were like maybe it’s Iran, maybe Pakistan kind of counts, and then we sort of decided maybe it’s actually the UK since Labour just took over.
“But to my Tory friends, I have to say, you guys have got to get a handle on this.”
The Deputy Prime Minister fired back at his comments. She told ITV that Vance had said “quite a lot of fruity things in the past” and she “looked forward” to meeting him and Trump if they won the US election in November.
She added: “I don’t recognise that characterisation. I’m very proud of the election success that Labour had recently.
“We won votes across all different communities, across the whole of the country, and we’re interested in governing on behalf of Britain and also working with our international allies.”
Jewish students left with 'nowhere to go' under Starmer's private education VAT plans
Many Jewish schools could close leaving students with "nowhere to go" if Sir Keir Starmer goes ahead with his plans to tax private education, a charity has claimed.
The Prime Minister plans to impose a 20 per cent VAT on the establishments, which are currently exempt from paying.
A charity that supports Jewish independent schools said that the new plans could force many schools to shut down, leaving thousands of students stranded.
Of the 140 Jewish schools across the UK - with some charging as low as £1,000 a term and often voluntarily - 60 per cent hold independent status, equating to approximately 22,000 students.
Raisel Freedman, of Partnership for Jewish Schools (Pajes), said: "This would force [Jewish] parents with more than a couple of children onto the poverty line and force schools that don’t currently charge fees to shut down.
"Getting rid of the business rates exemption would decimate [Jewish] schools.
"That’s a real worry, because a lot of the money is currently coming from community funding.
“You will have 22,000 Jewish students with nowhere to go.”
Tory members promised say on new leader after fears of stitch up
Conservative Party members will have the final say on who their new leader will be, according to 1922 Committee treasurer Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown MP.
He said he was against appointing an interim leader, warning it could turn out to be “very messy”.
Concerns have been raised by prominent Conservatives that the party could change the rules of the leadership contest following the election and short-lived premiership of Liz Truss.
Sir Geoffrey told GB News: “Can I say straightaway that under the party's constitution, the 1922 Committee controls a parliamentary process and the board on behalf of the party members controls that part of the process.
“So the 22 will have a process to get it down to two people out of however many apply, and we don't know at all how many people all apply. It's then handed over to the party board to organise the process for the members to have a final choice.
“I can assure your listeners that the members under the constitution will have the final choice.”
But asked when he expected the party to have a new leader, he said: “Well, that's to be decided yet, but I think there is a feeling that we need to do this with some speed, not undue haste but some speed for a number of reasons.
“Firstly, we are the official opposition, so we need a leader in Parliament that can start to do Prime Minister's Questions and have a permanent team so that every stage we are challenging this new government.
“But more importantly than that, I think there needs to be somebody amongst our own members and our own Members of Parliament who will actually start to lead us in the direction that he or she wishes to go, leading up of course until the next election.”
Vaughan Gething makes emotional statement to Welsh Senedd
Welsh First Minister Vaughan Gething has made a statement to the Senedd to confirm his plans to resign.
Clearly emotional, the Welsh Labour leader said he had always pursued his political career "to serve Wales".
"Being able to show underrepresented communities that there is a place for them, for us, is an honour and a privilege that will never diminish," he said.
"I am confident and positive about what my party can do in government and go before the people of Wales in 2026.
"I look forward to my party choosing from each of our members in a one member one vote contest to decide who that person will be, but I will carry on doing my duty for my country until such time that a new person is selected to take my place."
He added: "There will and there must be in the future a government that looks like the country it serves.
"A government for all of us to make Wales a better place with, and for, all of us."
There was applause from members in the chamber as Gething finished his short speech.
Starmer heaps praise on Gareth Southgate after resignation
Sir Keir Starmer has praised Gareth Southgate for his tenure as England manager after the 53-year-old announced this morning that he was resigning from the role.
He said Southgate had brought “hope and belief” back to England and praised the way the manager had spoken out on social issues.
The Prime Minister said: “Gareth’s time as England manager will be remembered for bringing back the hope and belief the country had been crying out for for so long.
“He and his teams have given us so much. No-one will forget the run to the World Cup semi-final in 2018 or making our first two finals of the Euros.
“The wins over Germany and Denmark at Wembley in 2021 were utterly joyous, coming just as crowds were allowed back in after the dark days of Covid.
“Gareth also brought a deeper understanding of what the job means and represents. During turbulent times, he has been a thoughtful spokesperson on events far beyond football.
“He has been a mentor to our brilliant young talent. And at every step of the way, he has shouldered the dreams of the country with dignity and honour.
“I join with everyone today in saying thank you to both Gareth and his team for all they have achieved and for laying the foundations for future success.”
Labour republican forced to be sworn in as MP for second time after protest
Labour MP Clive Lewis returned to the House of Commons on Tuesday to swear in for a second time.
The Norwich South MP last week opened by saying: “I take this oath under protest and in the hope that one day my fellow citizens will democratically decide to live in a republic.
“Until that time I do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, according to law.”
The full affirmation also includes “his heirs and successors” after mention of the King.
On Tuesday, Lewis said: “I was elected to Parliament to represent my constituents and our country to the best of my ability to defend democracy and uphold human rights and one day I hope all Members of Parliament will be entitled to swear an oath of allegiance based on those values.
“I do solemnly and sincerely and truly declare and affirm that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law.”
Britain and its allies face 'deadly quartet' of hostile nations
The world is now far more volatile and dangerous than it has been for many years, with the West facing a “deadly quartet” of hostile nations, according to the man charged with leading an urgent review of the UK's defences.
Former Nato Secretary General Lord Robertson warned that Russia, China, Iran and North Korea were “increasingly working together”.
Iranian drones, North Korean munitions and Chinese components are helping sustain Vladimir Putin's ability to continue waging war in Ukraine, despite Western sanctions.
The new Labour Government said its new Strategic Defence Review will urgently examine how to strengthen security, bolster Ukraine and modernise and maintain Britain's nuclear deterrent.
As chaos erupts in Wales, a new blow for the SNP's Scottish Government
Trust in the Scottish Government to work in Scotland’s best interests has fallen to the lowest level recorded since a regular survey of public opinion began.
The Scottish Social Attitudes Survey has run in most years since the beginning of the devolution era in 1999, with its core module asking a representative sample the same questions each year.
Results from the 2023 survey, conducted in September and October last year, show the percentage who said they trust the Scottish Government “just about always” or “most of the time” fell to 47 per cent – down from 61 per cent in 2019, the last time a comparable survey was conducted.
Trust in the UK Government to work in Scotland’s best interests remained lower than the figure for the Edinburgh administration, as it has done since the start of the survey series.
However trust in the UK Government had increased from the 2019 figure, going from 15 per cent then to 21 per cent in 2023.
Farage has a 'game plan' to beat the Tories at the next election
Reform UK is "out to beat" the Conservative Party at the next election and leader Nigel Farage has a "game plan," political commentator John O'Sullivan has told GB News.
The Tories suffered blow after blow on polling day as Labour won by a landslide and Reform had five elected MPs for the first time, including leader of the party Nigel Farage.
The former Ukip politician has lofty ambitions, O'Sullivan told GB News, with plans to oust the Tories at the next election.
Speaking about the Conservative downfall, GB News host Steven Edginton explained: "As you mentioned already, there are problems like immigration.
"So the problem wasn't that they were too right-wing, because certainly some Tory centrists are making that argument today."
Welsh First Minister quits after ministers resigned en masse
Welsh First Minister Vaughan Gething has said he will "begin the process of stepping down as leader of the Welsh Labour Party and, as a result, First Minister" after a spate of government resignations this morning.
Four Welsh ministers had stepped down earlier today in a mass protest against Gething which looked to have left his position on the brink.
He said in a statement: “I will now discuss a timetable for the election of new leader of my party.
“Finally, I want to say thank you to those who have reached out to support me, my team and my family in recent weeks.
“It has meant the world to all of us.
“To those in Wales who look like me – many of whom I know feel personally bruised and worried by this moment – I know that our country can be better. I know that cannot happen without us.
“There will – and there must be – a government that looks like the country it serves.”
Welsh Labour in chaos after four sudden resignations
Four Welsh ministers have resigned this morning in a mass protest which could spell chaos for Vaughan Gething's government.
Taking to social media to announce their departures, Labour ministers Mick Antoniw, Lesley Griffiths, Julie James and Jeremy Miles all issued statements detailing the "pain", "sadness" and "regret" of leaving the under-fire Gething's cabinet.
Gething had taken severe flak over the last few days and weeks over his response to a series of leaked messages from another minister, Hannah Blythyn - which has come to a head this morning.
Warning to Tories over 'fractious' contest to select new leader
GB NEWS
The Conservative Party will be “destined for years in the wilderness” if there is a “fractious contest” to be the new leader, according to shadow minister Andrew Bowie.
The West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine MP spoke to GB News about his party's future as the Tories continue to wait to learn of the process for selecting their new leader.
Bowie said: “We don't want a fractious contest. “Saying that, we do need to have a full frank and open debate about what the Conservative Party stands for, what we will offer the country in the next half of this decade.
“That's what I fully expect our leadership election to be about. The timeline for all that and how it will work is for the party board and the 1922 Committee to work out. Meetings are ongoing almost as we speak to determine just those very things.
“But in terms of the debate that we're going to have, we need to return to the point where we are able to disagree agreeably and have civil debate, an upfront and open debate about where we are going as a party moving forward, and then what we can offer the country when the question is put to the people of Britain in four or five years time.
“Who do you want to be your government? I want the answer to be the Conservative Party, so we've got to get it right.
“We've got to get the person in that can lead us into the next election…it can't be a fractious contest or we are destined for years in the wilderness.”
Sir Lindsay Hoyle demands end to 'intimidation' of MPs
Sir Lindsay Hoyle has challenged critics of MPs to stand against them at the next election rather than pursue “bovver boy politics of intimidation”.
The Commons Speaker said he hopes MPs will showcase a “nicer Parliament” rather than abuse each other, which in turn will encourage voters to show greater respect to them.
Speaking ahead of the State Opening of Parliament on Wednesday, Hoyle said: “This is a new Parliament, this is a new beginning.”
He noted the “plates have shifted” following the election, given the changing state of the parties, adding: “I want a Parliament that I can be proud of, I really do want a Parliament that takes the job seriously.”
He added: “By us showing and being a nicer Parliament, I then expect constituents to show respect and tolerance to the Member of Parliament and actually recognise that they’ve put themselves forward, it is their community that’s elected them.
“If you don’t like the person that’s been elected, stand against them at the next election. We do it through the ballot box, not through bovver boy politics of intimidation.”
Starmer to meet Meloni to tackle small boats despite 'obvious political differences'
Keir Starmer sees Giorgia Meloni as an important ally
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Keir Starmer sees Giorgia Meloni as an important ally in his approach to tackling the small boats crisis, sources claims - despite their differences.
It has been reported that the Labour leader believes they could have a constructive relationship.
"Meloni has led the way in Europe on this issue and it makes strategic sense for us to build that relationship," a Government source told The Times.
"It is early days but the EPC is a useful forum to begin those discussions."
During his time in office, Rishi Sunak built a good relationship with the Italian leader.