Keir Starmer's Ukraine plan REJECTED by European power with PM left grappling to salvage alliance as cracks in Western unity emerge

Jonathan Reynolds finally corrects record over 'solicitor' CV claims - but Jenrick still calls for his SACKING 

Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds has corrected the record after falsely claiming to have been a solicitor in the House of Commons.

Speaking in the chamber this evening, Reynolds said: "It has come to my attention that in a speech I made on April 28, 2014, recorded in column 614 of Hansard on the subject of high speed rail, I made a reference to my experience of using our local transport system in Greater Manchester when I worked as a solicitor in Manchester City Centre.

"I should have made clear that that was a reference at the time to being a trainee solicitor.

"This was an inadvertent error - and though this speech was over a decade ago, as it has been brought to my attention, I would like to formally correct the record."

READ THE FULL STORY ON REYNOLDS'S CV ROW HERE

Since then, Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick has called on Reynolds to resign in a fiery social media attack.

"Reynolds should apologise for the many other instances, over 10 years, where he lied about his qualifications. As a Director of Public Prosecutions, Starmer knows Reynolds broke the law," Jenrick said.

"Unless Starmer sacks him, it’ll be another case of two-tier justice under Two-Tier Keir."

GB News has approached the Labour Party for comment.

'Over to you, Putin' - John Healey lays down the gauntlet to Russia in Paris

Defence Secretary John Healey has laid down the gauntlet for Vladimir Putin to accept a ceasefire deal in Ukraine.

Speaking at a Paris press conference on Wednesday evening after Ukraine said it was ready to accept an American proposal, Healey said: "I say to President Putin, over to you now. You say you want to talk. Prove it. Accept the ceasefire, start negotiations and end the war.

"Make no mistake, the pressure is now on Putin."

And in the face of the news that Italy is edging away from the "coalition of the willing", the Defence Secretary added: "In the coming weeks, you will see European allies coming ever closer together because our security is shared and our strength relies on that unwavering commitment to each other.

"Peace and security in Europe will only be achieved through strengthening Nato and standing with Ukraine."

Trump's tariffs branded 'reckless and ill-thought-out' by fuming former Chancellor

Donald Trump's decision to slap steel and aluminium imports with 25 per cent tariffs is "reckless and ill-thought-out", Tory ex-Chancellor Norman Lamont has said.

The Conservative grandee has branded the President's policy "short-sighted" - and said the British Government was right not to retaliate, with Sir Keir Starmer still seeking out an economic deal with Washington, which could include an exemption.

"Is it not the case that the reckless and ill-thought-out measures being taken by President Trump will only damage the US economy itself?" Lord Lamont asked.

"Having taken that measure, it is no reason for us to follow in such a short-sighted policy and we have a much more important objective of trying to negotiate better trade terms with the United States.

"These are general tariffs, not ones against the UK in particular, and the Government are quite right not to react by imposing tariffs ourselves."

In response, business minister Baroness Jones of Whitchurch said: "Let's be clear, industry here doesn't want to see a trade war with both sides escalating the situation.

"Standing up for industry means finding a solution and we are working on that solution. The UK and US have a strong economic relationship, which is fair, balanced and reciprocal."

Assisted suicide committee votes to SCRAP High Court safeguard on euthanasia

A requirement for a High Court judge to approve assisted suicide applications has been scrapped.

A committee scrutinising Kim Leadbeater's controversial Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill voted to remove a clause which had been touted as the reason the proposed legislation for England and Wales would be the strictest in the world.

When introduced to Parliament last year, the Bill proposed that terminally ill adults with fewer than six months to live should be legally allowed to end their lives - subject to approval by two doctors and a High Court judge.

But now, a majority of MPs on the 23-member scrutiny committee have voted to remove the court-approval clause.

Katie Amess says 'we just want to know why' after Starmer rejects inquest into father's death

Murdered MP Sir David Amess's daughter has voiced her fury after Sir Keir Starmer rejected an inquest into his death.

Katie Amess met the Prime Minister this afternoon - and afterwards, said: "We just want to know why this guy that was meant to be being monitored was allowed back into society after one cup of coffee in McDonalds?

"Why was he just was able to say: 'I'm not a terrorist,' and then be released from the scheme... There was absolutely no follow up, no further questions. Records weren't kept properly."

READ THE FULL STORY HERE

Lammy summons Russian ambassador and expels two diplomats after 'campaign of harassment' by Putin's officials

Britain has expelled a Russian diplomat and their spouse in response to an "increasingly aggressive and co-ordinated campaign of harassment" against British officials in Moscow, the Foreign Office has said.

On Monday, Russia kicked out two British embassy staff for "spying" - and now, the UK has hit back.

"During the past 12 months, Russia has pursued an increasingly aggressive and co-ordinated campaign of harassment against British diplomats, pumping out malicious and completely baseless accusations about their work," a Foreign Office spokesman said.

"Russia's expulsion this week of a British diplomat and diplomatic spouse is yet another escalation. The accusations made against these individuals are entirely false, fabricated in order to justify their increasing harassment of UK diplomats."

The spokesman added: "We have drawn a line under this incident and demand Russia do the same... Any further action taken by Russia will be considered an escalation and responded to accordingly."

‘You need to get out more!’ Badenoch blasts ‘job-killing’ Starmer as Tories warn tax hikes ‘hurting’ Britain

Kemi Badenoch has blasted Sir Keir Starmer over Labour’s handling of the economy as the Leader of the Opposition swiped at the Prime Minister’s recent tax hikes.

Speaking in the House of Commons, Badenoch told Starmer: “The Prime Minister needs to get out more. Inflation is up and estimates of job losses are between 130,000 and 300,000.

“His tax rises are hurting every sector of the economy. Things are getting worse for nurseries, nurseries are writing to stressed parents right now telling them fees will go up because of his jobs tax.

“Can he explain how more expensive childcare is good for the economy or for working families struggling to make ends meet?”

Starmer replied: “We’re putting in childcare, look at the breakfast clubs, two in her constituency. But she’s rather forgetting the £22billion black hole that they left that we had to deal with. That’s why we had to take the necessary but right measures that we did in the Budget.

“And what’s her response? Not that she’d reverse them, she attacks what we’ve done but she doesn’t say she’d reverse it.

“Because she wants all the benefits of our Budget in returns of investment but she doesn’t want to pay for it. That’s how we got into the mess in the first place.”

New poll sees Farage's popularity COLLAPSE - but Reform leader remains most popular out of his MPs

A new opinion poll conducted by YouGov has painted a murky picture as Reform finds itself in the centre of a civil war.

Farage's net approval rating dropped by 13 points to 73 per cent among 2024 Reform UK voters.

However, the Clacton MP remains the most popular of the five MPs who were elected to the House of Commons in the 2024 General Election.

Richard Tice received a favourable rating from 44 per cent of Reform voters, with Lee Anderson hitting 40 per cent.

Lowe ended up in fourth spot with just 35 per cent approval and just 10 per cent of Reform UK voters now hold an unfavourable view of Farage and a positive view of the Great Yarmouth MP.

Lowe's 'activism and strong stance' on immigration 'might just be what the Tories need'

Rupert Lowe's "activism and strong stance" on immigration "might just be what the Tories need" as the Great Yarmouth MP has announced that he intends to "keep his options open" after his suspension from Reform UK.

A Tory source told GB News: "There are many in the Conservative Party that would welcome Lowe, but many who would not.

"Rupert's grassroots activism and strong stance on immigration could be just what the Conservatives need, but his long links to a party that has based its entire identity on "destroying the Tories" could be off-putting for many MPs."

Keir Starmer invites Labour rebels for crunch No10 talks as PM prepares for benefits revolt

Sir Keir Starmer has invited Labour MPs for crunch No10 talks as the Prime Minister tries to prevent a potential rebellion over his plan to cut Britain's benefits bill.

Downing Street will host roundtable discussions on Wednesday and Thursday after as many as 80 Labour MPs were reportedly preparing to defy the Prime Minister's plan to curb welfare spending.

The 30-minute discussions are being hosted by the Downing Street Policy Unit, ITV News has revealed.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE

‘No way back!’ Nigel Farage RULES OUT Rupert Lowe’s Reform UK return over rape gang row

Nigel Farage has ruled out Rupert Lowe's return to Reform UK after the pair locked horns over the Great Yarmouth MP's claims about the rape gangs scandal.

The Reform UK leader accused the outspoken former Southampton FC chairman of wanting to "cause maximum destruction and damage" after last week being suspended over allegations of bullying and making verbal threats.

Speaking to The Telegraph, Farage said: “Basically, what is happening here is Rupert Lowe knows there’s no way back.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE

Starmer questioned on welfare cuts with expected 'tough choices' ahead

Sir Keir Starmer has responded to criticism over potential welfare cuts, with Richard Burgon, the Labour MP for Leeds East, asking the PM about "tough choices" ahead.

He said: "Instead of cutting benefits for disabled people, wouldn't the moral thing to do, the courageous thing to do, be to make a real tough choice and introduce a wealth tax on the very wealthiest people."

The PM also responded to figures raised by John Slinger, the Labour MP for Rugby, who noted that one in eight adults are not in education, employment or training.

In response, Starmer said: “I come from a family that dealt with a disability through my mother and brother over many years, so I do understand the concerns that have been raised by him, but we inherited a system which is broken, it is indefensible, economically and morally, and we must and we will reform it.

“We will have clear principles, we will protect those who need protecting. We will also support those who can work, back to work, but Labour is the party of work, we’re also the party of equality and fairness.”

Kemi Badenoch accuses PM of talking 'trash'

Kemi Badenoch has accused Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer of talking “trash”, stating that people across the country are suffering.

Badenoch told the Commons: “The point is he promised to freeze and (council taxes) are going up.

“And if he wants to talk about councils, let’s look at Liverpool or maybe Birmingham where the rubbish is piling up so high. People vote Labour – all they get is trash, just like what he’s saying at the despatch box.

“People all over the country are suffering, not just in Birmingham, millions of elderly people have had their winter fuel payments snatched away. At the same time, care home fees are set to go up by a devastating £3,000 because of his jobs tax. How does he expect pensioners on a fixed income to make ends meet?”

The PM replied: “This is why it’s so important that wages are up higher than prices. That’s why it’s so important that the interest rates are coming down.

“This is the biggest boost for the cost of living for a very, very long time. What we’re doing is picking up and fixing the mess that they left.”

Sir Keir Starmer says 'all options on the table' following Donald Trump's tariff announcement 

Liberal Democrats leader Ed Davey asks what the PM's stance is on Donald Trump's newly announced tariffs and if will be flying to Canada to stand with Ontario "against Trump's threats".

The PM responded: “Canada is an ally and a very important ally too and I’ve spoken to our allies on many occasions about the situation in Canada,.

“On the question of tariffs, like everybody else I’m disappointed to see global tariffs in relation to steel and aluminium. But we will take a pragmatic approach.

“We are as he knows negotiating an economic deal which covers and will include tariffs if we succeed but we will keep all options on the table.”

PM says family of murdered MP will 'get answers'

Sir Keir Starmer has said he will ensure the family of Sir David Amess “get answers to the questions that they ask”.

Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said in Prime Minister’s Questions: “Later today, the Prime Minister is meeting the family of Sir David Amess. Sir David gave this House and our country 40 years of service. I hope the Prime Minister will agree that getting the response to his murder right is vital, not just to his family but to our democracy.

“Every week I speak to businesses who are letting go of staff or closing. Has the Prime Minister been given an estimate of how many people will lose their jobs because of his budget?”

The Prime Minister replied: “On the question of Sir David, he was a deeply loved and respected colleague. Behind me is the plaque, as is the plaque to Jo Cox in front of me, and I know this was deeply felt by the House, but particularly as I acknowledged at the time by the party opposite who lost a colleague and a friend in the most awful of circumstances. I am meeting the Amess family later on today, and will make sure that they get answers to the questions that they ask.

“In relation to businesses, I am really pleased to say we have got thousands of new jobs into the economy. We have got more investment in the last 20 years, an absolute record. Wages are up higher than prices, three interest rate cuts, the best boost for the cost of living for a very long time.”

Kemi Badenoch slams PM for being 'out of touch' amid council tax rises

Kemi Badenoch has said that Sir Keir Starmer is "out of touch", criticising the rise in average council tax.

She said that "hard-working families' money is going to the chancellor instead of social care and fixing potholes".

The Prime Minister fired back, stating that the Tories "put up council tax every year for 12 years", before going on to list the councils that wanted to raise the tax - mainly Conservatives.

"We're the ones that are doing the right things to get this country on the right track," he says, saying that Labour had said no previously.

Starmer: 'We must redouble our efforts to get a lasting secure peace deal'

Sir Keir Starmer has begun his weekly Prime Minister's Questions by reiterating the need for a lasting peace deal.

He told MPs: “I welcome the progress in talks between Ukraine and the United States. We must now redouble our efforts to get a lasting secure peace.

“On Saturday I’ll convene international leaders to see how we can make further progress.”

He also said a deal for a lasting peace in Ukraine must include a return of abducted children.

Business Secretary must 'toughen up' in response to Donald Trump's tariffs, Liberal Democrats say

Liberal Democrats deputy leader Daisy Cooper said Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds needs to “toughen up” and retaliate in response to Donald Trump’s tariffs.

She said: “Being repeatedly kicked by the other side and doing nothing is not an effective negotiating position.

“The Business Secretary needs to toughen up.

“Meanwhile, the Conservatives would roll over and beg Trump for a bad trade deal that sells out British farmers and our NHS.

“Enough is enough. We must act from a position of strength, standing up for British steel and the UK economy through retaliatory measures.”

Lee Anderson reacts to shocking foreign national sex crime stats

Reform UK MP Lee Anderson has launched a scathing attack on Britain allowing "third world culture and behaviour" following the latest statistics on foreign nationals committing sex crimes.

According to new Ministry of Justice data, foreign nationals account for up to 23 per cent of sex crime convictions in the UK.

Afghans were 22.3 times more likely than British citizens to be convicted of sex crimes, with a rate of 59 per 10,000 population.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE

Labour accused of acting unlawfully with Chagos handover as deal faces legal challenge

Sir Keir Starmer’s bid to hand over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius should be subject to parliamentary approval, ex-Boris Johnson adviser Lord Kempsell has told GB News.

Kempsell is part of a group of Tory peers leading a charge against the deal, arguing ministers do not have the prerogative power to cede British territory to a foreign power.

Speaking to Jacob Rees-Mogg, Kempsell said the Labour Government is acting in a way which is constitutionally improper and all the facts must be presented to Parliament for a debate.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE

Rupert Lowe fires back against Nigel Farage after Reform civil war deepens with rape gangs row 

Suspended Reform UK MP Rupert Lowe has fired back against Nigel Farage after Reform UK's civil war appeared to deepen over the rape gangs scandal.

Responding to Farage's comments in The Telegraph, Lowe said: "Reform should not belong to Farage, it should belong to the members. Let them decide if I am welcome in the party.

"Hold a vote to see if they approve of this malicious witch hunt launched by Reform’s leadership. Farage claims Reform is a democratic party. I say prove it."

Nicola Sturgeon will not seek re-election as ex-FM political career ends two-years after SNP scandal

Nicola Sturgeon has confirmed she will not seek re-election to Holyrood after the First Minister announced the end to her political career just two-years after quitting Bute House ahead of Police Scotland's Operation Branchform investigation.

​Starmer invites Labour rebels for crunch No10 talks as PM prepares for benefits revolt

Sir Keir Starmer has invited Labour MPs for crunch No10 talks as the Prime Minister tries to prevent a potential rebellion over his plan to cut Britain's benefits bill.

Downing Street will host roundtable discussions on Wednesday and Thursday after as many as 80 Labour MPs were reportedly preparing to defy the Prime Minister's plan to curb welfare spending.

The 30-minute discussions are being hosted by the Downing Street Policy Unit, ITV News has revealed.

Starmer was just yesterday spooked into pushing back his crunch benefits vote to next week.

The decision came after the Prime Minister handed Labour MPs an ultimatum.

Addressing Labour MPs behind closed doors on Monday night, the Starmer said: "We've found ourselves in a worst of all worlds situation - with the wrong incentives - discouraging people from working, the taxpayer funding a spiralling bill, £70billion a year by 2030."

He added: "That's unsustainable, it's indefensible and it is unfair, people feel that in their bones.

"It runs contrary to those deep British values that if you can work, you should. And if you want to work, the Government should support you, not stop you."

Suspended Rupert Lowe refuses to rule out joining Tory party as MP eager to 'keep options open'

Great Yarmouth MP Rupert Lowe has refused to rule out establishing a new political party - or even joining the Tories - as Reform's civil war rages on.

Following the fallout with Nigel Farage, the recently suspended MP has pondered his political future, mentioning that he was a Conservative "years ago".

READ THE FULL STORY HERE

UK disappointed at US tariffs, Business Secretary says

Jonathan Reynolds has described Donald Trump’s decision to impose global tariffs on steel and aluminium as “disappointing” and said “all options” are on the table to respond in the national interest.

Britain has resisted taking immediate retaliatory action against the move, while the European Union has already announced it will introduce counter-measures on American goods.

The tariffs came into effect at midnight in the US, around 4am GMT, and raise a flat duty on steel and aluminium entering America to 25 per cent.

The Business Secretary said: “It’s disappointing the US has today imposed global tariffs on steel and aluminium.

“We are focused on a pragmatic approach and are rapidly negotiating a wider economic agreement with the US to eliminate additional tariffs and to benefit UK businesses and our economy.

“Meanwhile we remain resolute in our support for UK industry. This Government is working with affected companies today, and I back industry’s application to the Trade Remedies Authority to investigate what further steps might be necessary to protect UK producers.”

Donald Trump slaps UK with 25% tariffs despite Keir Starmer's pleas to not target British business

US President Donald Trump has dragged the UK into his global trade war after slapping a 25 per cent tariffs on worldwide steel and aluminium imports.

The decision comes despite Sir Keir Starmer's visit to the White House last month, with the Prime Minister handing Trump an invite for a state visit.

Downing Street officials said the UK will take a "cool-headed" approach to a potential trade dispute.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE