Nigel Farage makes bombshell admission about his political future ahead of crunch showdown with Labour

Sir Keir Starmer has 'full confidence' in National Security Adviser over China spy case questions

The Prime Minister has told broadcasters he has "full confidence" in the National Security Adviser over the China spy case questions.

He said: "As I've said throughout, the relevant evidence was the evidence of what the Conservative Government's policy was at the time of the alleged offences. That is what was relevant. That's always what has been relevant.

"I'm entirely satisfied that that was the evidence before the Crown Prosecution Service.

"As for Jonathan Powell, he's doing an excellent job. You heard what Steve Witkoff said about him today in relation to the role he's played behind the scenes. So of course, I've got full confidence in him."

Donald Trump invites Sir Keir Starmer to summit stage after signing Israel-Gaza peace deal

Donald Trump invited Sir Keir Starmer onto the stage during his keynote address at the Gaza peace summit in Egypt.

Heaping praise on the attending countries at the summit, the US President gave a shoutout to Britain and invited the Prime Minister to join him.

Looking for Sir Keir, Mr Trump asked: "Where is the United Kingdom?! Where is our friend?"

The President looked around his lineup of world leaders as Sir Keir coyly waved his hand, grabbing Mr Trump's attention.

WATCH MR TRUMP INVITING SIR KEIR ON STAGE ABOVE AND READ THE FULL STORY HERE

Former security minister compares Government's statement to Russian disinformation

A former security minister has compared the Government's statement around the China spy case to Russian disinformation.

Tom Tugendhat, who held the position in the last Conservative Government, was critical of Dan Jarvis' response, saying: "The statement that he has read out today, no doubt under instruction, has thrown out more chaff, set up more strawmen than a Russian disinformation campaign. It's pure fabrication to claim those are the relevant points.

"He should read the words of the (Director of Public Prosecutions), 'the threshold is no longer met'. Now no longer means that there has been a change.

"There has been a change because something has changed. Now that change could either be a commission or an omission, and from what we've heard today, from the way the Government has very carefully used language, it sounds much more likely that something has not been done, than that is has."

Dan Jarvis accuses Kemi Badenoch of making a 'whole series of baseless smears'

Dan Jarvis has accused Kemi Badenoch of making a "whole series of baseless smears".

Responding to the Tory leader, he said: "For days, the party opposite has been making baseless claims that this Government deliberately collapsed an independent legal process through political interference.

"There is not a shred of evidence to back up any of those accusations that she's made."

Mrs Badenoch told the Commons that if the Government that she thinks ministers "did know" about the China spy case trial collapsing.

She said: "They had the Chinese super-embassy in their in-tray. They have £1billion in compensation they're allegedly being asked to pay for nationalising British Steel. I suspect that they have decided that closer economic ties with China were more important than due process and national security.

"And if this is the case, if that was the decision of this Government, then they should just tell us that and have the backbone to admit it."

Kemi Badenoch defends previous Tory Government's record, arguing China was described as a 'threat'

Kemi Badenoch has defended the previous Tory Government's record, claiming China was described as "a threat".

She said: "The minister (Dan Jarvis) claims the CPS couldn't prosecute because the last Government didn't describe China as a threat.

"I cannot believe that he would actually say that. He knows what he said - he knows.

"Let me remind him. For starters, the 2021 integrated review described China as, listen carefully, the biggest state-based threat to the UK's economic security.

"The 2023 integrated review refresh said China posed, let's listen carefully, a 'threat' several times. In 2024, the then-minister for security said from that dispatch box that China poses a serious threat. But even if the last Government had not said China was a threat, and it did, the Government only needed to convince a jury that it was a threat.

"We know that the national security adviser, Jonathan Powell, has a very close relationship with China. Are we supposed to believe that he was not involved in the substance of the case and discussions around that, as they say? What does that even mean?

“He was in those meetings acting in the name of the Prime Minister (Sir Keir Starmer). Do they really expect us to believe that he never mentioned to the Prime Minister any of this at any point?"

MPs warned to 'be alert' to security threats

MPs have been warned to "be alert" to security threats as new advice from MI5 has been published to politicians in the UK.

Security Minister Dan Jarvis said: "The guidance will help honourable members in this and the other place, members of the devolved legislatures, local councillors, mayors, and elected representatives' staff better understand the threat. It also provides simple, effective steps for individuals at risk to protect themselves, their teams, and the integrity of our democratic processes."

Mr Jarvis said the Government must balance being aware of China's threat while balancing the economic opportunities.

He said: "We must tackle the threats China poses from cyber security attacks, foreign interference, and espionage targeting our democratic institutions, to the trans-national repression of Hong Kongers in the UK. This Government is unequivocal, the first duty of the Government is to keep people safe, and we fully recognise that China poses a series of threats to UK national security.

"Yet we must also be alive to the fact that China does present us with opportunities. It is the world's second-largest economy, and together with Hong Kong, the UK's third-largest trading partner. The only way to act in the UK's best interest is to take a long-term and strategic approach."

John Swinney announces network of 15 walk-in GP centres to open 'within the year'

Scotland's First Minister John Swinney announced there will be a network of 15 walk-in GP centres to open "within the year".

Mr Swinney said: "We want to make it easier for you to see a GP - where and when it works for you. That is why I can announce today that this SNP Government will open a nationwide network of walk-in GP services.

"This is just the start. We will expand this network, but it will begin with 15 sites across Scotland."

The Scottish First Minister pledged for an independent Scotland, and "not Westminster Government, we choose self-government, we choose not isolationism, we choose internationalism".

Mr Swinney said he wants Scotland to "never [be] an island of strangers, always a continent of friends".

WATCH PART OF MR SWINNEY'S SPEECH TODAY ABOVE

Government 'gravely concerned' about security of Parliament

The Government has said it is "gravely concerned" about the security of Parliament, noting that MI5 will be taking steps to protect "democratic institutions" from espionage.

Security minister Dan Jarvis said: "The Government remains extremely disappointed by the outcome of the Christopher Cash and Christopher Berry case.

"I understand the strength of feeling across the House and share the deep frustration that these individuals will not face trial.

"While the decision not to proceed was an independent one made by the Crown Prosecution Service, the Government remains gravely concerned about the security of our democratic institutions and is crystal clear that our Parliament must and will be protected from espionage.

"That is why Mr Speaker, I am announcing today that MI5's National Protective Security Authority will be taking further steps to protect our democratic institutions from foreign interference, and I will set out more details on that in a moment."

WATCH - Sir Keir Stamer and Donald Trump shake hands at Israel-Gaza peace summit

Sir Keir Starmer and Donald Trump stood side-by-side at a historic Israel-Gaza peace summit.

The US President is standing on a red-carpet stage and welcoming world leaders one by one to take a photo with him.

Sir Keir and Mr Trump shared a warm handshake before smiling for the cameras.

WATCH THE PAIR SHAKE HANDS ABOVE

Government will not 'shy away' from tackling Islamist extremism - Shabana Mahmood

The Home Secretary has said the Government will not "shy away" from tackling Islamist extremism.

Shabana Mahmood told MPs: "We will not shy away from confronting those issues and dealing with them in the appropriate way.

"I commit myself and the Government to doing everything in our power to stand up to this particular threat without fear or favour, to destroy it for good.

"I would note for this house that the first people that Islamists often suppress, hurt and damage are their fellow Muslims as well.

"It is in everyone's interests to fight Islamist extremism wherever it is found."

Shabana Mahmood says not all pro-Palestine protesters 'truly wish to see peace in the Middle East'

The Home Secretary said that not all those protesting against the war in Gaza wanted to see peace in the Middle East.

She told the Commons: "Protests have continued, both before the peace agreement and after the peace agreement in the Middle East.

"I think we can conclude that not all of those protesting truly wish to see peace in the Middle East, but that is for them to answer to what their motivations really are.

"We are very clear that whilst the right to protest is a fundamental freedom in our country, enjoyed by people of all backgrounds and often the cause of grave offence to other people who live within this country, it does have to be balanced against the right for all people to be able to live in safety."

'Attacks based on race or religion are totally unacceptable' - Chris Philp

Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp has condemned the "sickening" terror attack at the Heaton Park Synagogue in Manchester.

He said: "Attacks based on race or religion are totally unacceptable.

"Everyone in this country, in all communities, including the Muslim community, must have the courage to stand up to extremism wherever we see it, because standing by and saying nothing when encountering extremism is complicity.

"The antisemitism that is rife on university campuses must also be fought. Will the Home Secretary work with her colleagues in Government to withdraw funding from universities that do not do enough to fight antisemitism?"

Home Secretary confirms law change to stop 'frequent protests'

Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, has confirmed there will be law changes to stop "frequent protests" from occurring.

Speaking about pro-Palestine protests that occurred days after the Manchester synagogue attack, she told the Commons: "These were a clear source of fear to the Jewish community, grieving just days after an unspeakable tragedy.

"The same was true on the anniversary of the October 7 attacks. I described those protests as un-British, and I stand by that, because those protesters showed none of the generosity of spirit that I love about this country, and they most certainly did their cause no good whatsoever.

"The right to protest is a fundamental freedom, but it must be balanced against the right the public has to their safety and their security.

"In my conversations with community leaders and the police in recent days, it is clear that balance has not been struck.

"For that reason, I can confirm to the House today that we will amend Sections 12 and 14 of the Public Order Act 1986. The police will be able to take account of the cumulative impact of frequent protests when considering whether to impose conditions.

"This will mean that protests that follow the same routes time and again can be forced to change their route or the time of a protest. I'm also reviewing all existing legislation to ensure our public order powers are fit for purpose and are being consistently applied.

"The right to protest must and will be protected, but of all the freedoms we enjoy, none is more precious than the right to live in safety."

'Violence directed at any community, be they Jewish or Muslim, of all faiths or none, are attacks on our entire country' - Shabana Mahmood

Shabana Mahmood said that "violence directed at any community, be they Jewish or Muslim, of all faiths or none, are attacks on our entire country".

Speaking to the Commons, she said: "I know this country is united in our condemnation of those who seek to divide us, because one of the greatest achievements of this country has been our tolerance, our ability to accept and embrace difference, our generosity towards those who may not look the same but are encompassed comfortably within a single national identity.

"The reality is, we now face a domestic terrorist threat in this country that is more complex, less predictable and harder to detect than ever before.

"That threat will never be defeated unless we address the hate that fuels it."

Shabana Mahmood has called on MPs to 'learn from' attack on synagogue in Manchester

Shabana Mahmood has called on MPs to "learn from" the Manchester synagogue attack.

The Home Secretary told the Commons: "We do know that voices in the Jewish community have long been warning that this day would come, and that Jews who had long felt safe in this country, in their country, now no longer do.

"Now this awful day has come to pass, we must learn from it so that we do everything within our power to ensure it does not happen again.

"Our immediate priority was to enhance security. Visible officer patrols have been stepped up at synagogues and other sites in Manchester and across the country.

"Additional support has been made available to more than 500 locations, and while there have been long-standing security arrangements in place, with £18million of funding each year for the Community Security Trust, it is clear that more must be done.

"We will provide our Jewish community with the protection they deserve, because no one should be forced to live a smaller Jewish life in their country because of the events of October 2."

Nigel Farage calls for 'big bang two' in London to boost cryptocurrency use

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has called for a "big bang two" in London, which would encourage the use of cryptocurrencies.

Speaking at the Digital Asset Summit in London, Mr Farage said: "The big bang of the 1980s, that's worth mentioning because today is the 100th anniversary of the birth of Margaret Thatcher.

"Love her or not, she broke up the City of London, and we got massive investment coming in, and we really made London the world's leading centre.

"If you ever want to have a look at an example of sensible deregulation, getting rid of ridiculous market practices and customs leading to success, big bang in London in the 80s is one of them.

So what we're going to need is big bang two, with [digital assets] being right at the epicentre of what we want to try to do."

'Now is the time for Scotland to become independent' - John Swinney

John Swinney has declared that "now is the time for Scotland to become independent".

The Scottish First Minister and SNP leader said it will "offer Scotland a fresh start".

Speaking at the SNP conference in Aberdeen, he said: "This is a moment of decision. We all face a choice.

"Decline, decay and despair with Westminster Government, or hope, optimism and ambition with Scottish self-government."

Boris Johnson says Sir Keir Starmer contribution to Gaza ceasefire is like 'a fart in a gale'

Boris Johnson has said Sir Keir Starmer deserves no credit for the Gaza ceasefire, likening his contribution to "a fart in a gale".

Mr Johnson criticised Sir Keir's decision to recognise Palestine and said it was "ludicrous" for education secretary Bridget Phillipson to suggest the UK had played a "vital role".

When asked if Mr Starmer deserves a Nobel Peace Prize, Mr Johnson told The Telegraph: "Starmer, the great human bollard? It's totally ludicrous. What has the UK contributed to this? As far as I can see, sadly, not a lot."

Daisy Cooper describes Reform's plans as 'fantasy economics'

Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader, Daisy Cooper, said Reform's economic plans are "fantasy economics".

She said: "Nigel Farage launched Reform's manifesto last year, claiming it was a contract with the British public. Now that contract has been torn to shreds.

"Reform is now running scared because Farage backed Liz Truss, backed Brexit and backed Donald Trump, all of which have done huge damage to the British economy.

"This disastrous record shows Farage's fantasy economics is destined to fail."

Sir Keir Starmer joins leaders at meeting of the Gaza summit

Sir Keir Starmer has entered a meeting with the leaders of France, Germany, Italy, Qatar, and Turkey on the fringes of the Gaza summit.

French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz gathered for the talks.

The Emir of Qatar and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan have also joined.

Liberal Democrats call for inquiry into collapse of the China spying trial

The Liberal Democrats are calling for an inquiry into the collapse of the China spying trial.

Lib Dem foreign affairs spokesman Calum Miller said in a statement: "The seriousness of the threat Beijing poses to our national security cannot be overstated - and this case has exposed appalling gaps in our Government's ability and willingness to challenge China's espionage efforts.

"The Government must today commit to holding a statutory, independent inquiry into the China spying case.

"While we need immediate answers on who in Government is responsible for collapsing the case, we also need a full inquiry so that we can learn lessons vital for our national security."

Rachel Reeves eyes up radical stamp duty reform

Treasury officials are actively examining reforms to stamp duty, with proposals for instalment payments gaining traction.

The Chancellor's team at the Treasury is thought to have regularly discussed options permitting purchasers to distribute stamp duty costs across multiple years instead of requiring immediate full payment.

It has attracted support from the Tony Blair Institute, which has proposed implementing the scheme through Government-backed lending arrangements.

The initiative could enable Rachel Reeves to enhance economic activity through increased housing market movement without forgoing the substantial stamp duty income that contributes more than £10billion yearly to public finances.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE

Sir Keir Starmer meets with Turkish President

Sir Keir Starmer has met with the Turkish President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

The pair met on the fringes of the Gaza summit ahead of Donald Trump's arrival.

Turkey, Egypt, Qatar and the US are due to sign off on the peace plan brokered by Mr Trump in a ceremony in Sharm El Sheikh.

Downing Street spokesman says it is 'entirely false' the Government influenced collapse of the China espionage case

Downing Street has said that it is "entirely false" to suggest the Government influenced the collapse of the China espionage case because of concerns that Beijing could remove investment in the UK.

The Prime Minister's official spokesman said: "It is entirely false. The CPS (Crown Prosecution Service) decision to drop the case was entirely a matter for the CPS.

"There was no role for any member of this Government, no minister, or special adviser, to take any decision in relation to this case. That is entirely for the CPS."

Welsh First Minister claims Reform UK would be 'catastrophic' for businesses

A Reform UK Government would be "catastrophic" for businesses, the Welsh First Minister stated,

Baroness Eluned Morgan dismissed comments made by Nigel Farage that Reform would be beneficial for business, saying she would be "very frightened" if Reform controlled the economy.

She said: "I think (a Reform Government) would be catastrophic for business.

"What business wants is a stable economic and regulatory framework; what they've had over the years is that, and a Reform Government, I think, might really scare the horses.

"I'd be very frightened about what the consequences of that might be on the economy of Wales."

Statements from the Commons later this afternoon on China and Manchester synagogue attack

There are expected to be a series of statements in the Commons later today.

Comments about the China spy case and the Manchester synagogue attack will happen from around 3:30pm this afternoon.

Three statements are expected in the following order:

• Manchester synagogue attack - from the Home Secretary
• Security update relating to the Official Secrets Act case - from the security minister
• An update with Digital ID - from the science, innovation and technology secretary

Reform abandoning manifesto pledge of tax cuts before cuts to Government spending

Reform UK has abandoned part of its manifesto, dropping its commitment to nearly £90billion worth of tax cuts.

Deputy leader of the party Richard Tice says Government spending needs to be cut first before making any tax cuts, believing that it is more than achievable within time.

Mr Tice told Times Radio: "A manifesto is based on a point in time. The principles behind it are absolutely rock solid.

"We said we've got to make very significant savings in order to fund a different way to run the economy.

"Reform will never borrow to spend, as Labour and the Tories have done for so long; instead, we will ensure savings are made before implementing tax cuts. I will have more to say on all this in the coming weeks."

Chris Philp blasts Sir Keir Starmer for 'running off overseas' to dodge questions over China spy trial

Chris Philp has blasted Sir Keir Starmer for "running off overseas" to dodge questions over the collapse of the China spy trial.

The comments come as two men accused of spying for China had their charges dropped in September.

Speaking about Sir Keir's influence in the case on GB News, Shadow Home Secretary Mr Philp said: "He should be behind me in Parliament answering the very serious questions that he has to answer.

"He needs to explain why it was his Government that chose to withhold evidence that they could have handed over to the Crown Prosecution Service.

"But instead, Keir Starmer's Government chose to withhold that evidence, causing the China spy trial to collapse, and the reason for that is that the Labour Government are more interested in kowtowing to the Chinese for economic reasons, to help bail them out of their financial mess that Labour has created.

"They're more interested in that than they are in protecting our national security."

WATCH CHRIS PHILP'S INTERVIEW WITH GB NEWS ABOVE AND READ THE FULL STORY HERE

Kemi Badenoch worried 'cover up' taking place in Government's involvement in collapse of Chinese spy case

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said she is worried a "cover up" may be taking place with the Government's involvement in the collapse of a major Chinese spying court case.

Speaking during a visit to Grantham, Lincolnshire, the Conservative leader said: "It is quite clear that there are a lot of questions to answer. I am worried that there is a cover up taking place.

"We will be making sure that we ask questions in parliament about exactly who knew what, where and when, but Jonathan Powell certainly has questions to answer."

Ministers insisted that the national security adviser, Mr Powell, has no involvement in the case.

However, Mrs Badenoch told broadcasters: "I would say that we are seeing information that contradicts that.

"That is why it is very important that the Government come clean about who knew what, where, when, and why this has happened."

Sadiq Khan warns against 'extremists' attempting to 'exploit our fears'

Sir Sadiq Khan has warned against "extremists are attempting to exploit our fears to divide us for their own gain."

Writing in The Guardian, Sir Sadiq said: "Our diverse city must always be a place where people of all faiths and none can live side by side in the knowledge that they aren’t just safe to be who they are, they are celebrated for it.

"Today, though, extremists are attempting to exploit our fears to divide us for their own gain, and their ideas are being allowed to infect mainstream political debate.

"As a city and as a society, we must put a stop to this. The London I know isn’t a city where people feel scared go to their synagogue or mosque, or fear wearing a hijab or a kippah in public.

"My London the London I’ll keep standing up for, is a city where Muslim, Jewish and Christian leaders come together to celebrate Iftar, and people walking home from Friday prayers wish their neighbours shalom Shabbat."

Kemi Badenoch says Israeli hostages have shown 'superhuman endurance'

Tory leader Kemi Badenoch has said Isreali hostages released by Hamas have shown "superhuman endurance."

Mrs Badenoch wrote on social media: "The hostages released today have shown superhuman endurance in the face of evil.

"The abduction of men, women and children on Oct 7th was a calculated cruelty to break body, mind and soul after inflicting the mindless horror of rape and murder. No cause, no grievance, can ever justify what happened that day.

"I, for one, will never forget. The incomprehensible response from some in the West, that instinct to equivocate, to indulge in whataboutery and draw false equivalence shows how far moral clarity has eroded.

"All right-thinking people know we’ve got a job to do here at home as well to fix this. But today, I am just relieved that 20 families will have hope restored.

"That hope is tempered by sorrow for those who will never come home. They will be honoured. They will be remembered and we stand with their families. May their memories be a blessing."

Rachel Reeves eyes up radical stamp duty reform that would ease crippling cost for millions

Treasury officials are actively examining reforms to stamp duty, with proposals for instalment payments gaining traction.

The Chancellor's team at the Treasury is thought to have been regularly discussing options that would permit purchasers to distribute stamp duty costs across multiple years instead of requiring immediate full payment.

This approach has attracted support from the Tony Blair Institute, which has proposed implementing the scheme through Government-backed lending arrangements.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE.

Lib Dems say Keir Starmer cannot be 'smiling bystander' ahead of Gaza meeting

The Liberal Democrats have told Keir Starmer that he cannot be a "bystander" ahead of today's key summit in Egypt.

The party's Foreign Affairs Spokesman Calum Miller said: "The Sharm El-Sheikh Summit offers an historic opportunity to build a path to permanent peace. The first step on that path must be to end the suffering in Gaza.

"At Monday’s meeting, Keir Starmer must push for the expansion of aid into Gaza and for a Reconstruction and Development summit to begin the work of rebuilding the Strip.

"He must also support all efforts to ensure that the Hamas terrorists follow through on their pledge to release all the hostages.

"The Prime Minister must also put the UK at the centre of the discussions about phase two. This is not a moment for him to be a smiling bystander in the summit family photo."

WATCH: Richard Tice says Labour has 'damaged' Britain by 'abandoning Israel'

Trainee teachers offered up to £31k tax-free to tackle recruitment shortfall

The Government has announced it will offer £31,000 in tax-exempt funding for prospective teachers specialising in critical shortage areas such as maths, physics, chemistry and computing.

These monetary incentives form part of efforts to address England's ongoing teacher recruitment difficulties, particularly in science and technical disciplines where staffing gaps have persisted for years.

The Department for Education (DfE) initiative encompasses bursaries and scholarships accessible through multiple training pathways, including university-based programmes and school-centred routes.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE.

John Swinney to throw down gauntlet to Nigel Farage on final day of SNP conference

Scottish First Minister John Swinney is set to cap off the SNP conference with a speech attacking Nigel Farage ahead of next year's Holyrood elections.

Lamenting the “race to the right" at Westminster, the First Minister is expected to reach out to everyone living in Scotland.

"Wherever you are from, whatever your faith, whatever the colour of your skin, let me make this clear: we are all citizens, we all have a part to play and a contribution to make," he will say.

"And conference, yes, I am proud to say that refugees are welcome here.

"The race to the right at Westminster is one reason why independence is so urgent and necessary."

Foreign Minister welcomes 'historic and welcome day'

The release of Israeli hostages as part of the first steps towards a peace deal is a "historic and welcome day", a Foreign Office minister has said.

Hamish Falconer told The BBC: "This is a historic day… these are scenes that so many people right across the country, myself included, have been waiting to see.

"It is hugely welcome news that the ceasefire is in place, that hostages are coming out. I understand there should be a further release in the coming minutes.

"I hope that that will include those hostages with UK links but clearly this is an agony that has gone on and on, both for the Palestinians and, of course, the hostage families, and today is a historic and welcome day."

Jonathan Powell praised by senior US figure for work in Israel negotiation

Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff said the UK had played a "vital" role in the peace process in the war in Israel and Gaza and praised National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell.

He wrote on social media: "I would like to acknowledge the vital role of the United Kingdom in assisting and coordinating efforts that have led us to this historic day in Israel.

"In particular, I want to recognize the incredible input and tireless efforts of National Security Advisor Jonathan Powell."

Reform UK council leader 'physically assaulted in street'

Reform UK council leader George Finch, and a friend have allegedly been physically assaulted in the street.

Warwickshire Council boss Mr Finch, 19, was out with a female friend in Nuneaton on Friday night when the pair were "attacked" by a young man.

The council leader was then allegedly labelled a "racist" and a "fascist" in a torrent of abuse. The alleged assailant allegedly then pursued the pair through the town before police were called at around 2am.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE.

Green Party reaches 100,000 members as Zack Polanski says they will 'replace' Labour

The Green Party has reached 100,000 members in a near-50 per cent rise since Zack Polanski took over as leader last month.

It puts the party on a potential course to leapfrog the Conservatives and comes little more than a week after the party announced they had moved past the Liberal Democrats in membership numbers.

Responding to the figures, Mr Polanski said: "More than 100,000 people have now joined the Green movement. That’s 100,000 people who believe politics can be honest, fair and hopeful again.

“When I was elected leader last month, I said that we’re not here to be disappointed with Labour but that we’re here to replace them. I was serious.

"Because while Labour talks about change, people can see in their weekly shop, their utility bills and crumbling services, Labour are offering more of the same. The Greens are the only real opposition left in British politics.

"Standing up for fair taxes, a livable planet and a future where compassion and courage matter more than corporate interests. People are understandably disillusioned, but we are here to make hope normal again."

Margaret Thatcher honoured 100 years on from day she was born

Britain's first female Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher was born 100 years ago to the day and celebrations are being held around the country in her honour.

She was the longest serving Prime Minister for over 150 years, leading the Conservatives to three General Election victories.

To mark the occasion, GB News reporter Anna Riley has taken a look back on the life of one of the most controversial figures in British politics.

READ ANNA'S ANALYSIS HERE.

Keir Starmer urges momentum be seized for second phase of peace amid Gaza summit

Sir Keir Starmer will call for the momentum of the ceasefire agreement brokered by Donald Trump to be seized to secure lasting peace in Gaza as he attends a summit on Monday.

The US president and fellow negotiators, Egypt, Qatar and Turkey, will sign off the peace plan in Sharm El Sheikh, joined by leaders from more than 20 countries.

The summit, co-hosted by the US leader and Egyptian president Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, comes as part of efforts to secure the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas that has been holding since Friday.

Mr Trump, who will first travel to Israel to meet with hostage families and address parliament there, said he was “very excited about this moment in time” before Air Force One took off.

He said many in both Israel and Arab countries were "cheering" the agreement and that "everybody’s amazed and they’re thrilled and we’re going to have an amazing time."