Labour has denied pausing the handing over of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, as Nigel Farage suggested the Maldives was set to launch a counter-claim over the atoll.
It comes as US support for the deal disintegrated, with President Donald Trump reversing his policy on the surrender of the British Indian Ocean Territory.
Foreign Office minister Hamish Falconer told MPs that following interventions from the United States, “we are now discussing those concerns with the United States directly”.
He said Washington had backed the treaty between the UK and Mauritius when it was signed last year, but noted that “there clearly has been a statement from the president of the United States more recently, which is very significant”.
Mr Falconer added: “We have a process going through Parliament in relation to the treaty. We will bring that back to Parliament at the appropriate time.
"We are pausing for discussions with our American counterparts.”
A senior Government source however said Mr Falconer “misspoke” when he suggested a pause in the deal.
A Government spokesman said: “There is no pause.
“We have never set a deadline. Timings will be announced in the usual way.
“We are continuing discussions with the US, and we have been clear we will not proceed without their support.”
Earlier today, Nigel Farage issued an emergency question to the Commons on the issue.
"I wish to inform the government that we are just a few days away, in my opinion, from the Maldives issuing a counterclaim to the International Court of Justice to say if anybody has the right to the sovereignty of those islands, it is the Maldives and not Mauritius," the Reform UK leader told lawmakers.
"I would urge you to pause all of this."
Last month, the Prime Minister was forced to withdraw his Chagos Island Bill amid fierce American opposition to the agreement before it was debated in the House of Lords.
Met Police issues statement as force apologises to Commons Speaker over Peter Mandelson arrest
The Metropolitan Police has issued a statement after apologising to Lindsay Hoyle for sharing information to Peter Mandelson's lawyers that he had passed on details that the disgraced peer was an alleged flight risk
A spokesman for the force said: "The Met has apologised to the Speaker of the House of Commons this afternoon for inadvertently revealing information during an investigation into allegations of misconduct in public office."
Lord Mandelson was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office yesterday and later released on bail.
The UK's former ambassador to the US has not responded to previous requests for comment, but GB News understands that prior to his arrest, his position was that he has not acted criminally and did not act for personal gain.
Rachel Reeves handed major blow as top advisor set to QUIT team
The political director to Chancellor Rachel Reeves will step down next week following what has been described as a mutual agreement with the Treasury chief.
Matt Pound is due to leave his role after the spring statement, according to Labour sources familiar with the arrangement, Politico has reported.
His departure comes shortly after Morgan McSweeney exited government earlier this month, marking another high-profile change within Labour’s senior ranks.
Labour set to appeal High Court ruling on 'unlawful' Palestine Action proscription
Palestine Action was proscribed last July
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Labour can appeal against the High Court's ruling that banning Palestine Action as a terror group was unlawful, judges have ruled.
Three judges ruled on February 13 that the Government’s move to proscribe the group was unlawful, and said that they “propose to make an order quashing” the decision.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said after the decision that she would fight to prevent the proscription being lifted.
In an order today, the Home Office was given the green light to challenge the decision at the Court of Appeal.
Met Police apologises to Commons Speaker for sharing police report with Peter Mandelson's lawyers
The Metropolitan Police has apologised to the Commons Speaker for sharing information to Peter Mandelson's lawyers that he had passed on details that the disgraced peer was an alleged flight risk.
Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Speaker of the Commons has received an apology from Scotland Yard.
It is understood police are also meeting Sir Lindsay in person Wednesday afternoon to explain their error, which has been regarded as a serious breach of policing protocol.
The force conducted its own assessment of the information passed on by Sir Lindsay, it is understood, before arresting Lord Mandelson on Monday.
It has been reported that Sir Lindsay passed on information to the police that the former US ambassador was planning to travel to the British Virgin Islands, to which he denied.
READ THE FULL STORY HERELabour denies pause to Chagos deal and insists discussions 'continuing' with the US
Labour has denied pausing the Chagos Islands deal and insisted talks are ongoing with the US.
The £35billion deal, which includes a plan to lease back the UK-US Diego Garcia military base, has been heavily criticised by President Trump.
It would see the UK pay £34.7billion in nominal terms over 99 years to secure use of the base.
A Government spokesman said: "There is no pause."We have never set a deadline.
"Timings will be announced in the usual way.
"We are continuing discussions with the US, and we have been clear we will not proceed without their support."
Rachel Reeves suggests changes aimed at making student loans system fairer unlikely to come at spring statement
Rachel Reeves earlier said the Government had ;inherited a totally broken system when it came to student finance and student loans'
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Changes aimed at making the student loans system fairer are unlikely to come at the spring statement, Rachel Reeves has suggested.
Sir Keir Starmer told the Commons today he will look at ways to make the loans system fairer.
The Chancellor was asked by broadcasters whether these changes could be made at the spring statement on Tuesday, March 3.
Ms Reeves replied: “The spring forecast is just a forecast. We’ve committed to just one fiscal event, one budget, a year.
“What we will have next week at the spring forecast is an update in the forecasts for inflation, for interest rates, for Government borrowing, but I was really clear that I wanted to end the instability of budget after budget, mini-budget, fiscal events, that we had under the previous government, where we had five prime ministers and seven chancellors, and instead return the stability that is needed to our economy, so that businesses have the confidence to invest and families have the confidence to spend.”
Ms Reeves had earlier said the Government had “inherited a totally broken system when it came to student finance and student loans”, and pointed to the reintroduction of maintenance grants for poorer students and efforts to tackle wider inflation as measures which would help students.
Former Scottish Tory leader booted from chamber after row with Speaker
Former Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross has been barred from Holyrood’s chamber on Wednesday afternoon as a result of a clash with the Presiding Officer.
Alison Johnstone ordered the Conservative MSP to leave the chamber on Tuesday evening after he questioned her impartiality.
She has now told the Highlands and Islands MSP he is to be excluded from the Scottish Parliament’s chamber for all of Wednesday’s business – which includes a key vote on the Scottish Government’s Budget.
It comes after Mr Ross questioned Ms Johnstone on Tuesday as MSPs prepared to vote, claiming the Presiding Officer interrupts points made by Conservatives but allowed SNP members “uninterrupted time” to raise issues about procedures in a point of order.
Ms Johnstone insisted then it was “not appropriate” for him to challenge her, adding she is “wholly impartial and fair” in her role.
She demanded he withdraw his comments, saying: “It is simply not appropriate in this Parliament that you challenge the decisions and the authority of the chair.”
When Mr Ross said he would withdraw the comments “even though I believe them”, the Presiding Officer said this was “not satisfactory”, telling him “regretfully” to leave the chamber.
Kemi Badenoch brands Keir Starmer's Labour a 'paedo defenders party'
Kemi Badenoch launched a scathing assault on the Labour Party during a feisty PMQs (Prime Minister’s Questions) exchange.
The Leader of the Opposition was haranguing Sir Keir Starmer over student loans, and the Prime Minister fired back by attacking the Tories’ own record on the matter.
Mrs Badenoch said her party is under new leadership, which prompted another swipe from the Prime Minister.
He pointed to the Reform MPs watching events unfold in the Commons, saying: “Many in her party are under new leadership, Mr Speaker, they’re up there.
“It’s the only change she has brought to her party - to make it smaller.”
The Conservative Party leader then launched into a full-throttle attack on the Prime Minister as tensions boiled over.
“I’m amazed that while we’re talking about student loans, the Prime Minister has the cheek to talk about my party being smaller”, she said.
“His party is smaller too. Including one MP who was arrested for child sex offences.
“Perhaps before he gets on his high horse, he should ask why his backbenchers are saying they’re being called the ‘Paedo Defenders Party’.”
Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle was forced to intervene as MPs bellowed out in the Commons, turning his ire on one Labour MP.
“I haven’t said anything that isn’t true, have I?”, Mrs Badenoch continued.
“Policies that may have been fine for 2012 with low interest rates are not fine for 2026. The fact is, graduates are paying more, not less.”
Scottish Government set to launch grooming gangs inquiry
The Scottish Government is set to launch an inquiry into grooming gangs, GB News understands.
Further details are expected later this afternoon.
Biggest moments at PMQs, from Commons outrage to personal attacks
Prime Minister's Questions has finished, here are some of the fieriest moments:
- "Paedo defenders" jab - The Commons descended into bedlam after Kemi Badenoch slammed Labour as a "paedo defenders party"
- PM slams Nigel Farage - Sir Keir accused the Reform UK leader of having "neither the decency nor the backbone to condemn a death threat" relating to coucillor in Lancashire
- Kemi Badenoch trashes PM's legacy - the Tory leader said the "defining moment" of Sir Keir's premiership would be the arrest of Peter Mandelson
Keir Starmer brands Green Party's drug policy as 'reprehensible' and 'disgusting'
At PMQs, Keir Starmer launched a scathing attack on the Green Party’s proposed drugs policy, describing it as “reprehensible” and “disgusting”.
The Prime Minister criticised the party ahead of a vote at its annual conference next month on a motion to legalise all drugs, including heroin and cocaine, a move backed by Green Party leader Zack Polanski.
Answering a question from Labour MP John Slinger, Sir Keir said the Government was “working relentlessly” to curb the supply of illegal drugs and expand police powers to test more suspects on arrest.
“The Green Party’s policy isn’t just irresponsible, it’s reprehensible,” he said. “Legalising cocaine, heroin, ketamine and the date rape drug GHB — a drug we know is used to spike drinks for women.”
He added: “Whilst we’re making that an offence, the Green Party’s proposals would shatter lives, increase antisocial behaviour and see drug use running rife.”
Referring to his own family, the Prime Minister said: “As the father of a 17-and-a-half-year-old son, the idea that when he turns 18 in just a few months it would be lawful to provide him with heroin and crack cocaine is absolutely disgusting.”
'I urge you to pause all this', Nigel Farage issues emergecy question to Commons
Nigel Farage has issued an emergency question to the Commons, urging the Government stop the handover of the Chagos Islands.
"Mr Speaker, the situation in America has changed. As you know, the British government went around America and said a whole load of things, such as it was legally necessary to give away the Chagos Islands, which, of course, wasn't true.
"Do not give away Diego Garcia capital letters from the American president. He likes capital letters in his posts, and all the other arguments have been well rehearsed.
"I can tell you this from my trip to the Maldives at the weekend, something I hadn't realised, and I don't know whether the government knows it.
"There is no basis, historically, culturally, in any way, for Mauritius to have a claim on those islands.
"I wish to inform the government that we are just a few days away, in my opinion, from the Maldives issuing a counterclaim to the International Court of Justice to say if anybody has the right to the sovereignty of those islands, it is the Maldives and not Mauritius.
"I would urge you to pause all of this."
Ed Davey calls on Prime Minister to release Epstein flight logs
At Prime Minister's Questions, Sir Ed Davey said he agreed with Gordon Brown that there should be a full public inquiry into the Epstein scandal.
The Liberal Democrat leader challenged Sir Keir in the Commons, asking: “If he doesn’t agree with Gordon Brown, will he at the very least commit to releasing the flight logs and related documents, or will he wait for the House to force the Government to do that?”
Mr Brown, the former Labour prime minister, has submitted a fresh dossier of material to police examining Jeffrey Epstein’s flights in and out of Britain at a time when the late financier was accused of trafficking women.
Responding, Sir Keir said it was “important to appreciate” that a police investigation was ongoing. “That has to go wherever the evidence takes it and we have to let that investigation run its course before deciding what next action needs to be taken,” he said.
Sir Ed maintained that prioritising the police inquiry did not prevent the Government from publishing the
Lord Mandelson's arrest will be 'Defining moment of Keir Starmer's premiership', Kemi Badenoch
Kemi Badenoch issued Keir Starmer a withering put-down on the Peter Mandelson scandal.
"The defining moment of this man’s premiership will not be breakfast clubs; it will be the sight of the man he appointed as ambassador to Washington just last year getting arrested.
“No wonder they’re calling them all sorts of things. He needs to stop moaning about us and get on with fixing his useless Government. Why should the country have to put up with three more years of this?”
On Monday afternoon, Lord Mandelson was arrested by Metropolitan Police officers on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
Sir Keir hit back, saying the Tory leader “yet again (showed) why she is so utterly irrelevant, carping from the sidelines trying to talk down the economy”.
WATCH: Keir Starmer demands apology from Nigel Farage after 'death threat' made by Reform UK councillor
WATCH: Keir Starmer demands apology from Nigel Farage after 'death threat' made by Reform UK councillor
PM: 'Nigel Farage has no deceny or backbone'
Sir Keir Starmer has hit back furiously as Nigel Farage avoided addressing questions about a Reform UK councillor's "death threat" to a Labour MP.
"He has neither the decency nor the backbone to condemn a death threat to a member of this House, whichever party they are in.
"He doesn't have the decency or the backbone to condemn it or to sack the individual."
Bradford MP blasts Reform and Commons over 'fanning the flames of hatred' against Muslims
Bradford East MP Imran Hussain has issued a furious dressing down of the Commons over "fanning the flames of hatred" against Muslims.
"Mr Speaker, violent and Islamophobic attacks against the Muslim community are becoming far too frequent in our country.
"Prime Minister, is it not the case that every single politician in this place, and I mean every politician, especially that law over there," he said, pointing agrily towards the Reform MPs.
"Prime Minister, is it not the case that every single politician in this place and every single journalist has a responsibility to stop fanning the flames of hatred against the Muslim community?"
Reform Councillor's 'death threat' apology
Nigel Farage grills PM on Chagos
Nigel Farage has asked the PM about the Chagos surrender deal, referring to a man who has been forced to leave the islands twice.
"So maybe twice in one lifetime, he's going to be asked to leave his homeland.
"Can I ask the prime minister for a government that is full of human rights lawyers within and without... Why do the opinions and human rights of indigenous jogosians not matter to him at all?"
Prime Minister demands apology from Nigel Farage after councillor's 'death threat'
Keir Starmer has demanded an apology from Nigel Farage.
"A death threat was shared by reforms deputy Council leader in Lancashire against the brilliant member for Bolton.
"When death threats were made against the member for Clapton, I stood at this dispatch box and condemned them outright.
"If he has any decency or backbone, he will stand up, apologise, condemn the comments and sack the individual in his parties.
"Will he do so?"
Lindsay Hoyle tries to calm Commons after 'peado defenders party' jibe
Speaker of the Commons Sir Lindsay Hoyle was forced to step in to restore order after Labour MPs reacted with fury after being branded a "peado defenders party" by Kemi Badenoch.
Kemi Badenoch issues barb on Labour leadership challenges
Kemi Badenoch snapped back after Sir Keir said her party is under new leadership.
"A lot of people wish his was too," she said.
The Tory leader also said he was now "distracted by Labour scandal after Labour scandal".
Keir Starmer demands apology from Tories
The Prime Minister has demanded an apology from the Tories over their record.
PM hits back on student loans: 'Tories scammed the country!'
Keir Starmer responds, saying he is "glad the leader of the opposition has admitted they scammed the country on this".
He says the government "inherited their broken student loans system".
The government will "look at ways to make it fairer", including other things in the economy to help students, he adds.
Kemi Badenoch grills PM on student loans at 'breaking point'
Kemi Badenoch asked the PM: "I believe student loans have become a debt trap. It is time for all of us to do something about it. Will he cut interest rates on student loans?"
PM delfects U-turn accusations by hitting out at Tory record
Following a question by Tory Edward Argar on successive Labour U-turn's, Sir Keir hit out at the Tories' record in Government.
"We're picking up the mess, and we're turning it around!"
Keir Starmer opens with a tribute to Ukrainian courage
Sir Keir began PMQs with a tribute to Ukraine.
"We are supporting Ukrainians in their time of need"
Prime Minister and Kemi Badenoch enter the chamber
Keir Starmer and Kemi Badenoch have taken the seats on the front benches as PMQs is about to begin.
Commons speaker tipped off police about Peter Mandelson flight risk
Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle tipped off the Metropolitan Police about a potential flight risk of Peter Mandelson.
“I would like to confirm that I felt it was relevant to pass this on to the Met police in good faith as is my duty,” the Speaker confirmed.
Lord Mandelson described the allegation that he was planning to leave the country as “complete fiction.”
Pictured: Keir Starmer leaves Downing Street for PMQs
Biggest surge in small boat migrants this year as hundreds attempt crossing
Hundreds of illegal migrants are currently crossing the English Channel in the biggest surge of small boats so far this year.
GB News can exclusively reveal that around 450 migrants are attempting to reach the UK today, with many having already crossed into UK waters.
Such a large surge is unusual for this early in the year, and is normally only seen after the winter months.
People smugglers have taken advantage of an improvement in the weather after conditions had prevented any illegal arrivals for more than a fortnight.
Nigel Farage granted emergency question in the Commons
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has been granted an emergency question in the Commons today, Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle has confirmed.
He will ask Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper if she will make a statement regarding the Chagos deal and the Diego Garcia Military Base.
Who is asking questions at PMQs today
Keir Starmer is preparing to face the music at PMQs at 12pm. He will be asked the customary six questions from Tory leader Kemi Badenoch, and two from Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey.
Then, the floor will be opened to questions from other Parliamentarians who are listed below:
- Edward Argar (Melton and Syston)
- Rachel Hopkins (Luton South and South Bedfordshire)
- Luke Akehurst (North Durham)
- Fleur Anderson (Putney)
- John Slinger (Rugby)
- Mr Paul Kohler (Wimbledon)
- Calum Miller (Bicester and Woodstock)
- Adam Dance (Yeovil)
- Imran Hussain (Bradford East)
- Jonathan Davies (Mid Derbyshire)
- Irene Campbell (North Ayrshire and Arran)
- Lauren Edwards (Rochester and Strood)
- Sarah Edwards (Tamworth)
- Paul Waugh (Rochdale)
- Mr Calvin Bailey (Leyton and Wanstead)
Keir Starmer to face MP grilling for first time since Lord Mandelson's arrest
Today, Keir Starmer will face Prime Minister’s Questions for the first time since the arrests of his former US ambassador Peter Mandelson and Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch and others will be hoping to land a blow on Sir Keir, whose Government has refused to release files relating to the appointment of Andrew as the UK’s trade envoy and Lord Mandelson’s involvement in the process.
Yesterday, the Liberal Democrats launched a bid to force the publication of such documents, which successfully passed as a motion, without the need for a vote.
The party utilised a rare “humble address” procedure to compel the Government.
However, Trade Minister Sir Chris Bryant confirmed the Government would not be able to unseal some documents as the Liberal Democrats attempted to compel their release today.
Sir Chris said that some files would remain unpublished until the police are “satisfied” they are no longer needed for their inquiries.
On Monday, Peter Mandelson was arrested and released on bail on suspicion of misconduct in office.
Chagos deal 'best placed on ice' after campaign from 'global right', former David Lammy aide
Ben Judah, a former aide to David Lammy, has advised the Government that its Chagos surrender deal is “best placed on ice” following a campaign from the “global right”.
He explained that initially, the “big institutions of American power backed it” and that Labour “felt that they had a deal with Donald Trump”.
"What's happened since is that the global right has been playing politics and has mounted a highly emotional campaign against losing territory and handing over territory.
“And it's got President Trump, who sees himself as the leader of the global right, and he's very sensitive to that,” he told Sky.
As a result, Mr Judah says the deal is "best placed on ice for the moment".
However, he added that "all logic" leads to a deal on the territory "in due course".
Andrew Bowie clashes with Alex Armstrong on Tory migration policy
Ed Miliband admits Europe is struggling to handle Vladimir Putin’s ‘shadow fleet’
Ed Miliband has admitted Europe is struggling to handle Vladimir Putin’s “shadow fleet”, which Russia uses to dodge crippling Western sanctions.
Moscow deploys tankers, usually previously disused and without modern identification, to ship oil exports around the world and avoid Britain and its allies' attempts to stop the trade.
"The truth is, it's incredibly hard to clamp down on this,” the Energy Secretary admitted.
“But believe me - me, Yvette Cooper across government, the foreign secretary, the chancellor - we are incredibly engaged on this, working with our European allies and indeed our US allies."
"To be fair to our EU allies, they were incredibly dependent on Russian gas," he told Sky.
"And now actually they've reduced a lot of their dependence on Russian gas at speed, but there's further to go."
Robert Jenrick tried to 'destroy' Zia Yusuf just months before Reform defection
Robert Jenrick attempted to obtain confidential candidate application information belonging to Zia Yusuf six months before defecting to Reform UK, leaked communications have revealed.
The messages show Reform's current economic spokesman requesting details from a senior Conservative figure about Mr Yusuf's Tory candidacy application.
Mr Jenrick joined Nigel Farage’s party in January, leaving his former post as Shadow Justice Secretary.
"Hi. Do we have any information on Zia? Did he apply to be a candidate? Do we have his candidate application form? We should destroy him. Rob," the former Tory wrote before his defection.
However, Mr Jenrick was keen to put such rumours to bed while speaking with GB News over the weekend.
Written statements to be heard in the Commons today
Here are the written ministerial statements due to be made in the Commons today:
- Secretary of State for Business and Trade: Government Response to Green Paper on the Future of the Post Office.
- Secretary of State for Business and Trade: UK-EU Competition Cooperation Agreement.
- Secretary of State for the Home Department: The Enforcement of Electronic Travel Authorisation.
- Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government: Grenfell Annual Report.
- Secretary of State for Justice: Sitting day allocations for Courts and Tribunals.
Tories: Labour have 'absolutely no plan' to deal with illegal migration
Conservative Andrew Bowie has told GB News that the Labour Government have "absolutely no plan" to deal with illegal immigration.
The Shadow Energy Secretary said: "They came into office promising they were going to smash the gangs and stop the boats without any plan to actually do that".
"What we've seen is that month on month, more and more people are coming into this country illegally, because this government has got absolutely no plan to deal with the gangs, to deal with the boats.
"What we want to do is get out of the ECHR and deport anybody that comes into this country illegally, the moment their feet touch the soil.
"It's about fairness. It's about doing the right thing for the British people, and that's what we would do if we return to government"
Ed Miliband hails 'actions we took' in Rachel Reeves's budget
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has hailed the "actions we took in the budget” of Chancellor Rachel Reeves.
However, the Energy Secretary said the Government had “got further to go”.
“The price cap in 2025 across the year was lower in real terms than 2024.
"We want to drive it down even lower, so it’s up to £300 lower,” he told Sky News.
Keir Starmer takes credit for energy price drop
Keir Starmer has taken credit for the change in the energy price cap, announced by Ofgem this morning.
"Energy bills are at the front of everybody's mind, and I know they've been too high for too long," the Prime Minister said in a statement.
"I promised to bring bills down and I meant it. And today – because of the actions this government took at the last Budget – the price cap on energy bills has come down by £117.
"That means lower energy bills for millions across the country. But I know there is more to do – and my government is pulling every lever to bear down on the cost of living and protect the pound in the pockets of working people."
Energy bills to fall as Ofgem confirms major price cap change
Ofgem has announced a seven per cent reduction, the equivalent of £117, to the energy price cap for the period covering April 1 to June 30, 2026.
According to the energy regulator, this change results in a reduction of around £10 a month for the average household using both electricity and gas.
The energy price cap sets the maximum rate per unit, and standing charge suppliers can charge households with average energy usage.
As a result of this change, families paying direct debit for gas and electricity will pay £1,641 per year.
Welcome to the live blog
Good morning and welcome to the GB News politics blog.
Today, Keir Starmer will take on Prime Minister's Questions for the first time since the arrests of his former US ambassador Peter Mandelson and Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
Leader of the Opposition Kemi Badenoch will lead the grilling of the Prime Minister.
This morning, GB News will hear from Andrew Bowie, Shadow Energy Secretary.
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