Tony Blair attacks Keir Starmer over Net Zero as PM faces fury for Ed Miliband’s ‘eco-zealotry’ - 'Doomed to fail!'

'Panic stations!' Activists launch 'desperate' new tool to halt Nigel Farage's surge - but new poll SHATTERS hopes

Reform UK's rivals have launched a “desperate” new tool to try and stop Nigel Farage's party surging to victory at Thursday's local elections.

Activists behind the "StopReformUK.vote" website have rallied against Farage's party - and have urged people across England to vote tactically to prevent it from taking hundreds of council and mayoral seats.

Voters are urged to back Labour, Green, Lib Dem or independent candidates - a plan which appears to have been endorsed by Hull and East Yorkshire mayoral candidate Mike Ross.

Ross, referencing the "StopReformUK" site, claims the "best way" to halt Farage's former Olympian Luke Campbell is by voting Lib Dem. "It will be the wise choice," he adds.

'It'll boost Britain's economy!' Ed Davey hails return of freedom of movement for under-30s as 'right step forward'

A youth mobility scheme for young people from the UK and European Union "would help our economy" and is the "right step forward", Sir Ed Davey has told GB News.

The Liberal Democrat leader said he was "positive" about the possibility of a scheme to offer freedom of movement to 18 to 30-year-olds, seeking an opportunity to strengthen cross-Channel ties as part of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's "Brexit reset".

Speaking to the People's Channel on the campaign trail in Cambridgeshire, Davey told GB News' Political Editor Christopher Hope: "We've always been positive about the prospect of a youth mobility scheme with Europe.

"We think that has great advantage for British people, young people wanting to study, work and travel abroad. And we actually would help our economy."

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Nigel Farage declares war on potholes and demands action to tackle 'hilarious' state of roads

Nigel Farage has taken aim at the state of roads across the UK in the lead-up to the local elections, as he played "pothole golf" to highlight the growing issue.

In a video posted to social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, Farage highlighted issues with potholes and poor quality roads across the UK.

The video shows Farage, with a young man named Ben, playing pothole golf with a putter inside a cavernous pothole on a main road in Malmesbury, north Wiltshire.

Farage noted that one of the biggest issues for motorists is roads strewn with potholes, as the politician noted that it was getting worse "all across the country".

Labour poised to deploy Welsh 'cannonball' ahead of Senedd Election

Labour could deploy a former Welsh rugby captain as its surprise weapon ahead of next year's Senedd Election.

Ken Owens, 38, who won 91 caps for Wales and played five tests for the British & Irish Lions, is said to be weighing up whether to run in the new Sir Gaerfyrddin constituency.

Carmarthen-born Owens, who is a Welsh speaker, has been a public supporter of Labour.

He appeared at a rally in Carmarthenshire with Keir Starmer and First Minister Eluned Morgan on the eve of last year's General Election, later joining the Prime Minister in No10 for Downing Street's St David's Day event.

‘Doomed to fail!’ Tony Blair attacks Keir Starmer’s over ‘irrational’ Net Zero debate

Sir Keir Starmer's commitment to Net Zero appears to have been dealt a major blow after ex-Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair broke ranks with the Labour leader's climate change policies.

Blair argued people were “being asked to make financial sacrifices and changes in lifestyle when they know that their impact on global emissions is minimal”.

He added: "Any strategy based on either ‘phasing out’ fossil fuels in the short term or limiting consumption is a strategy doomed to fail."

In the foreword for a report from the Tony Blair Institute, the former Prime Minister also labelled the climate change debate as "riven with irrationality", warning strong support for Net Zero is waning.

Blair wrote: "Political leaders by and large know that the debate has become irrational.

“But they’re terrified of saying so, for fear of being accused of being ‘climate deniers’.

“As ever, when sensible people don’t speak up about the way a campaign is being conducted, the campaign stays in the hands of those who end up alienating the very opinion on which consent for action depends.”

However, a Labour MP warned Blair's comments marked an unhelpful intervention for Starmer.

“We know that businesses see renewables as a key path to economic growth, and it’s not like the Government aren’t already doing things like carbon capture.

"I don’t get the point of pushing something like this – and the unpopularity of Net Zero is just plain wrong,” they said.

Keir Starmer rejects calls to recognise Palestinian state within months 

Middle East Minister Hamish Falconer has confirmed the Government will not recognise Palestine as its own state within the next few months.

He said: "We do wish to recognise a Palestinian state, we wish to do so as a contribution to a two state solution and we will make a judgment about when the best moment is to try and make the fullest possible contribution.

"Because as I said to the Palestinian prime minister this morning, our responsibility is for the reality of the situation on the ground, the practical viability of a Palestinian state.

"Of course there are other states that have taken a different position from the UK government and chosen to recognise a Palestinian state. That has not called it into existence.

"Our job in the British government is to make a practical contribution to a two state solution and that is how we intend to approach this issue."

WATCH: David Taylor MP launches into fierce tirade against Kneecap - and swipes at Jeremy Corbyn

Ex-Gibraltar Governor and Royal Marines veteran appointed as Black Rod

The former Governor of Gibraltar and ex-Royal Marine Ed Davis has been appointed as the new Black Rod - the position chiefly responsible for maintaining order within the House of Lords and at ceremonial events.

Davis, who will succeed the incumbent Sarah Clarke in July, said: "I am profoundly humbled and extremely delighted to have been appointed by His Majesty to be the Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod for the House of Lords, a role that stretches back 670 years.

"I take on this great honour with a deep sense of responsibility to serve the King and the House of Lords with a steadfast commitment and unwavering determination to uphold the excellence of my predecessors who have held this unique and remarkable position.

"Together with Black Rod's team, I look forward, with relish and excitement, to rising to the opportunities and challenges ahead by building on Sarah Clarke's inspiring legacy."

Clarke was the first woman - and the first non-military veteran - to hold the post in its history.

Fierce Sadiq Khan critic Susan Hall appointed City Hall Tories chief

Tory London Assembly member and fierce Sadiq Khan critic Susan Hall has been reappointed as leader of the City Hall Conservatives.

Hall, who challenged Khan at last year's mayoral election for the Tories, said today: "I am deeply honoured to lead the City Hall Conservatives. London faces significant challenges, from tackling crime to delivering affordable housing, and Londoners deserve strong opposition that offers genuine alternatives.

"My priority will be ensuring that City Hall focuses on the issues that matter most to ordinary Londoners - safer streets, value for taxpayers' money, and practical solutions rather than ideological pursuits. We will be constructive where appropriate but firm in our scrutiny of the Mayor's decisions."

Kneecap's 'political intimidation and abuse have no place in our society', vows Home Office Minister

Kneecap's remarks allegedly calling on people to "kill your local MP" have been met with further condemnation in the Commons today following Sir Keir Starmer and Yvette Cooper's put-downs earlier.

Responding to an urgent question, Home Office Minister Dan Jarvis told MPs: "Remarks like these are dangerous and irresponsible, and this Government utterly rejects the views expressed by this group.

"Let me be crystal clear, political intimidation and abuse have no place in our society.

"The desire for immediate answers is often constrained by the obligation that we have as ministers and as members of this House not to do or say anything that will interfere with what is a live police investigation.

"While I will not comment further on this specific case, the safety and security of members of this House and all those who serve in elected office is an issue to which I attach the utmost seriousness, as does the Home Secretary, and as does the Speaker.

"Elected representatives at all levels and across all parties must be able to perform their duties safely and without fear."

Labour's Runcorn candidate caught on camera in toe-curling failed doorstep attempt - 'I can't stand Starmer!'

Labour's Runcorn & Helsby candidate Karen Shore was caught on camera being turned away by a would-be constituent in a toe-curling campaign trail encounter.

Shore, alongside Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn, had been attempting to canvass as she sought to replace disgraced "sucker-punch MP" Mike Amesbury - but was promptly turned away by a voter.

"Bye bye. No chance of me giving you my vote now," the woman said. "I can't stand the man [Sir Keir Starmer], wouldn't vote for the man. I'm going Green. Bye-bye!"

Socialist Labour MP takes string of pot-shots against Keir Starmer as left-wing meltdown over PM's Trump relationship brews

A socialist Labour MP has taken a string of pot-shots against his own leader following this morning's Canadian federal election result.

With Mark Carney's Liberal Party having surged to power - and challenging Tory leader Pierre Poilievre having been ousted in his own seat - Labour's Jon Trickett has launched into an attack on Sir Keir Starmer's relationship with Donald Trump.

"In Canada, the governing party changed its unpopular leader, refused to bend the knee to Trump, rallied the country behind a call for economic change, and came from 20 points behind to win the election!! Makes you think!!!" Trickett spat on social media.

Downing Street labels Kneecap's apology 'half-hearted' - 'Completely unacceptable!'

Downing Street has labelled Irish rap trio Kneecap's apology for appearing to support Hamas and Hezbollah "half-hearted".

The Prime Minister's official spokesman said Sir Keir Starmer "utterly rejects the views" expressed by the band in "the strongest terms" - which they also labelled "completely unacceptable".

But he added that there are no plans for Labour to get in touch with Glastonbury Festival organisers over the group's scheduled performance. "The line-up decision is for them to determine," he said.

EXCLUSIVE: Reform UK makes manifesto commitment to national grooming gangs inquiry in first month if elected

Reform UK has committed to launching a national statutory public inquiry into Britain's grooming gangs scandal in its first month of government.

Party leader Nigel Farage told GB News: "If Labour refuses to hold an inquiry, Reform's manifesto at the next election will commit to legislation for an Inquiry, with statutory powers, into the gangs, introduced to Parliament in the first month of the Reform government.

"This inquiry must happen and will happen."

READ THE FULL GB NEWS EXCLUSIVE HERE

RECAP: Keir Starmer to sign 'free and open trade' declaration with EU in direct rebuke to Donald Trump

The UK and EU are set to sign a joint declaration committing to "free and open trade" after a month of economic turmoil sparked by Donald Trump's tariff rollout.

In a sign that Labour's "relations reset" with Brussels may be coming to a head, a draft statement commits to "a new strategic partnership" between the two parties based on the "shared principles of maintaining global economic stability".

"We confirmed our shared principles of maintaining global economic stability and our mutual commitment to free and open trade," the document says, according to Politico.

And in a development which may raise eyebrows on the British right, the declaration also heaps support on the United Nations charter and the European Convention on Human Rights - which Tory and Reform UK heavyweights have all opposed.

Elsewhere, officials are negotiating UK-EU agreements on defence, security, energy, and fishing rights - alongside trying to come to a "common understanding" on which topics will be discussed in "Brexit reset" negotiations later this year.

EU ambassadors are set to meet on Wednesday in Brussels to review how talks are going.

But all eyes are on May 19 - the date of a key summit between Britain and the bloc, when the declaration will likely be signed.

Nigel Farage branded 'the ultimate snake oil salesman' by Scottish Labour chief in furious meltdown to union bosses

Nigel Farage has been branded "the ultimate snake oil salesman" by Scottish Labour boss Anas Sarwar in a furious address to unions.

Just days after a controversial "anti-Reform" summit made headlines in Scotland, Sarwar has now taken aim at the "rise of the politics of division" - which he claimed Farage "embodies".

Speaking to trade union leaders in Dundee, he blasted the "rise of the politics of division, embodied by the ultimate snake oil salesman and easy answer politician, Nigel Farage and Reform UK".

Sarwar added: "We shouldn’t sit in some kind of comfortable bubble here in Scotland, thinking that somehow we're immune to the politics of division or the politics of the far-right or the politics of Reform UK."

Reform UK secures SIX-POINT lead over Tories as clock ticks on local elections

Reform UK has surged to a six percentage point lead over the Conservatives in a breakthrough new poll for Nigel Farage's party - just two days before England heads to vote in the local elections.

New data from pollsters at YouGov has placed Reform in a distant first place, with 26 per cent of Britons indicating they would vote for it if an election were held tomorrow.

Three points behind Reform sits Sir Keir Starmer's Labour on 23 per cent, ahead of the Tories on 20.

And responding to the poll, both Farage himself and chairman Zia Yusuf have issued a bullish three-word message: "Britain wants Reform."

Rachel Reeves plots nanny-state 'milkshake tax' to curb obesity as Britons face price hikes

Rachel Reeves is plotting to introduce a so-called milkshake tax in an attempt to curb Britain's obesity levels, it has been claimed.

The Chancellor has drawn up plans to impose levies on milk and yoghurt-based beverages for the first time.

Reeves is said to have concluded that the products have a damaging impact on public health, with obesity rates jumping from just 14.9 per cent in 1993 to 28.9 per cent in 2022.

And now, experts warn the decision could drive prices up... but by how much?

READ THE FULL STORY HERE

Kemi Badenoch refuses to rule out SCRAPPING state pension triple lock

Kemi Badenoch has refused to rule out scrapping the state pension triple lock under a potential future Conservative Government.

The Tory leader said that "it has always been Conservative policy to have the triple lock" - and has been for the last 14 years.

"I have not changed that," she told LBC. "When we change policy, I have a big speech and, you know, like the one I did on net zero, and we announce it.

"Now we have to look across the board at so many things - taxes, what's going to happen with pensions, pension legislation, so let's do the detailed work on that and then say what the policy is going to be. But as of now, no, there's no change to the triple lock."

In response, a Labour spokesman blasted: "Kemi Badenoch couldn't be clearer: under her Conservative Party, the door is open when it comes to cutting the state pension."

Back in January, she had told the same broadcaster that the Tories could means-test the triple lock, sparking a vicious row - and an official Conservative denial.

Her spokesman, at the time, vowed that the party had "always protected" the policy.

Nigel Farage issues dire net zero warning after Spain and Portugal plunged into blackouts

Nigel Farage has issued a dire warning over net zero following mass blackouts across Spain and Portugal - which is still taking its toll on the Iberian peninsula today.

The Reform UK leader said: "The power outage in Spain is a warning.

"Right now, the UK is importing 21 per cent of our electricity - as renewables are only producing 13 per cent. This net zero madness must end and only Reform will do that."

WATCH IN FULL: Shadow Policing Minister Matt Vickers speaks to GB News Breakfast

Shadow Policing Minister Matt Vickers spoke to GB News Breakfast this morning - with grooming gangs and Kneecap among the top talking points.

You can watch his interview with Eamonn Holmes and Ellie Costello in full here.

Kneecap apologises to Amess and Cox families after 'kill your local MP' chant

Irish rap group Kneecap has issued an apology to the families of murdered MPs Jo Cox and Sir David Amess following the emergence of footage which appears to show one member saying: "The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP."

Members Liam Og O Hannaidh, Naoise O Caireallain and JJ O Dochartaigh said they "reject any suggestion that we would seek to incite violence against any MP or individual".

They said footage had been deliberately taken out of context and was being "exploited and weaponised".

The band has also claimed it is facing a co-ordinated smear campaign after speaking out about the conflict in Gaza, and insisted it has never supported Hamas or Hezbollah and it condemned all attacks on civilians.

"To the Amess and Cox families, we send our heartfelt apologies, we never intended to cause you hurt," the band's statement said.

"Kneecap's message has always been - and remains - one of love, inclusion, and hope. This is why our music resonates across generations, countries, classes and cultures and has brought hundreds of thousands of people to our gigs. No smear campaign will change that."

Yvette Cooper brands Irish rap trio Kneecap a 'DISGRACE' over vile 'kill your local MP' chant

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has branded Irish rap group Kneecap a "disgrace" for allegedly calling for the death of Tory MPs.

Footage has recently emerged of the group at a November 2023 gig - which appears to show one member saying: "The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP."

And following a backlash led by Kemi Badenoch yesterday, Cooper told Times Radio this morning that "the things that they’ve been reported to be saying" are "a total disgrace".

She added: "It's dangerous to make these sorts of comments whether it is terrorist organisations or whether it is about the safety of MPs, when we have seen two MPs killed in recent years."

'Bogus gay asylum seekers' queueing up to claim right to stay in Britain by buying 'proof of homosexuality'

The Home Office has been warned that dozens of "bogus gay asylum seekers" are attempting to win the right to stay in Britain every day.

Veteran LGBT rights campaigner Peter Tatchell has warned that his charity is being contacted by as many as 30 "fake homosexuals" every single day - who he warns are systematically seeking "evidence" they are gay to remain in the UK.

Small donations from Pakistani men to the Peter Tatchell Foundation have soared in a bid to secure membership cards or "proof of homosexuality" - and he told the Mail he was forced to write to Home Office immigration chief Joanna Rowland in January as a result.

"It has come to our attention that some asylum applications from South Asia have referenced the Peter Tatchell Foundation in support of their claims to secure asylum," he wrote.

"For the past 18 months, we have noticed almost daily donations of less than £3, sometimes as many as 30 in a single day.

"It is apparent many of these donors are likely asylum applicants. We have also received emails from some of these 'donors' requesting membership cards or letters for their asylum applications."

Tatchell told the newspaper: "Of the hundreds of genuine refugess the Peter Tatchell Foundation has helped secure asylum, I am not aware any have been exposed as fraudulent. The people we help have gone on to become model members of the community, contributing to the UK economy.

"Any suspicious requests for help are promptly investigated and blocked.

"These waves of 15-30 small donations raised our concerns. They correspond to people who soon afterwards request membership cards and letters of support for asylum claims."

The Home Office said in response: "We take all claims of abuse of the immigration system extremely seriously, and where found, we will robustly challenge it."

READ THE FULL STORY HERE

Yvette Cooper pushes to knock down 'obstacles' to deporting migrant sex offenders as she takes aim at courts

Yvette Cooper has vowed to knock down "obstacles" to deporting migrant sex offenders after introducing plans to change the law to prevent them from being able to claim asylum.

Asked whether sex offenders could be stopped from using the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) to appeal against their removal, the Home Secretary told Times Radio: "Of course, there are often other obstacles that are put in the way of different kinds of returns and removals, but that's why we're working so hard to seek to remove those.

"But the first step is to remove somebody's entitlement to asylum protection in the first place if they have committed these serious crimes."

She also said she believes "it is possible to change the way" that courts interpret the ECHR's controversial Article 8 - which grants people the right to a family life, and has prevented a litany of criminals from being kicked out of Britain.

"I do believe it is possible to change the way in which Article 8 is being interpreted.

"Because in practice, what's happening is it's partly about the way in which our laws are operating, it's about the way... there's been a bit of an abdication of responsibility to set down the way in which our laws should operate, and too much has been left to ad-hoc decisions by the courts.

"But look: That review is under way at the moment. We will bring forward the conclusions."

Keir Starmer heaps praise on freshly-elected Canadian PM Mark Carney

Sir Keir Starmer has heaped praise on Mark Carney following his Liberal Party's election victory overnight.

Starmer hailed Canada as the "closest of allies, partners and friends" - and said he was looking forward to a G7 summit in the country in June.

His full statement reads: "Congratulations to Mark Carney on your election victory. The UK and Canada are the closest of allies, partners and friends. With your leadership, and personal ties to the UK, I know the relationship between our two countries will continue to grow.

"Our partnership is based on shared history and values, with a shared sovereign, and I look forward to strengthening our ties following our successful meeting in Downing Street last month.

"We will work together to deepen our economic relationship to deliver security for hardworking people in the UK and Canada - which we were both elected to do.

"I welcome your leadership on international issues, and I know we will continue to work closely on defence, security, trade and investment as we look ahead to the G7 Leaders' Summit in Kananaskis in June."

Downing Street hits back at 'free and open trade' reports ahead of key EU summit - 'We REJECT it!'

Downing Street has hit back at reports that Sir Keir Starmer's impending "free and open trade" declaration is a rebuke to Donald Trump.

The draft is said to make no explicit mention of the US President - despite its direct attack on trade restrictions, which include his highly controversial tariffs.

A Government spokesman said: "The Government rejects the premise that it must choose between our European and American allies."

Our top story: Nigel Farage teams up with Labour peer in bid to force Keir Starmer into grooming gangs public inquiry

Labour peer Maurice Glasman has joined forces with Nigel Farage to back a parliamentary Bill which calls for a statutory inquiry into the abuse gangs scandal.

Alongside a slew of Tory frontbenchers, the cross-party group will demand a national public inquiry into the crisis.

The coalition of a Labour peer with Nigel Farage’s Reform UK may set off alarm bells in Labour HQ ahead of this week's local elections.

And backing the bill, Lord Glasman said: "The gangs are still operating. The British public expect action so the police and other services finally get a grip of this disgrace.

"I support an Inquiry to get to the truth and improve how all parts of the state deal with sexual abuse of children."

And in a further boon to Nigel Farage, GB News also understands that multiple Labour MPs have given their support to the Bill in principle - but are wary of publicly breaking with the frontbench...

READ THE FULL STORY HERE