The Prime Minister is facing a Labour rebellion as dozens of MPs have signed an open letter in opposition to the plans to scrap jury trials.
Karl Turner MP took to social media to express the anger that himself and colleagues were feeling towards the proposed plans.
38 MPs have signed the letter that requests the proposal to be paused until evidence can be provided that it would actually reduce the backlog in courts.
Mr Turner said he has "pleaded" with Sir Keir Starmer "not to march us all up the hill to be marched back down again".
He added that MPs, even beyond the 38 that have signed the letter, would be ready to "rebel if necessary".
In the letter, MPs describe the plans as an "ineffective way of dealing with the crippling backlog", and that they will have an "incredibly limited impact", while "depriving individuals of a fundamental right".
The plans, announced by Justice Secretary David Lammy earlier this month, were to scrap all jury trials for crimes that carry a likely sentence of less than three years.
But they have faced fierce backlash, and none more so than Shadow Justice Secretary, Robert Jenrick, who recently told GB News: "You've got a right that we've enjoyed in this country to a jury trial for at least 800 years, perhaps even longer than that, being tossed aside by Keir Starmer and David Lammy because of administrative failure by the Ministry of Justice."
The open letter proves to be the latest in a string of headaches for the Prime Minister, who is also seeing his ratings in the polls continue to plummet.
Check out all of today’s political coverage from GB News below.
WATCH: Labour MP grilled on migrant crisis as Government rejoins EU exchange scheme
Sarah Pochin delivers scathing verdict on Keir Starmer after PMQs jibe: 'Silly comment!'
Sarah Pochin has hit back at Sir Keir Starmer after making a festive jibe about her during today's Prime Minister's Questions.
Speaking to GB News, the Reform UK MP branded the remark a "silly comment" as she condemned Sir Keir's actions in the House of Commons.
During today's session, the Prime Minister took aim at the Runcorn MP, referencing her comments in October about "seeing adverts full of black people and full of Asian people".
Tories and Reform accuse new council funding of bias towards Labour areas
The Government's plans to fund English councils with an additional £78billion has been criticised by the Conservatives and Reform UK.
James Cleverly, the Shadow Housing Secretary, accused Labour of "launching a nakedly political power grab."
"The government is fiddling the funding model to punish councils that keep council tax low and moving funding to badly-run Labour councils that spend irresponsibly," Mr Cleverly said.
"Inevitably, councils that lose out will be forced to cut services or raise tax – and with referendum principles scrapped, those hikes will be big. This is part of Labour’s mission to hike council tax across the board.
"Hidden behind their rhetoric about supporting local government is a council tax bombshell, with the average family in a band D home facing a cumulative £1,143 council tax increase across this parliament."
Meanwhile, chair of the Reform group on the Local Government Association and Lancashire county council leader, Stephen Atkinson, said the settlement "leaves behind rural communities, funnelling money towards Labour-dominated London and city councils."
"Cities are already prioritised above counties and shires for investment," he added. "We were promised mayors to drive investment in our towns and villages, but Labour chose to cancel these elections. Left behind Britain is being forgotten again as a result of this Government’s political games."
Government announce £78billion package for local councils
The Government has announced that English councils are set to receive almost £78billion for essential services next year, with more money for deprived areas.
The new funding is part of the Government's new multi-year funding settlement, which sets out local government finances for the next three years.
Councils are said said to see their core spending power increase by 23 per cent by the end of the settlement, for key services such as bin collections, housing and children’s services.
Local Government Secretary Steve Reed said: "This is a chance to turn the page on a decade of cuts, and for local leaders to invest in getting back what has been lost, to bring back libraries, youth services, clean streets and community hubs.
"Today we’re making sure every community has the funding they need to succeed."
Council tax increases will continue to be capped at 3 per cent, with an extra 2 per cent allowed for adult social care.
WATCH: Rejoining the Erasmus scheme is 'great news' according to European Movement Campaign Manager
Prime Minister insists 'rules and procedures' are being followed amid Palestine Action hunger strike
The Prime Minister has insisted that "rule and procedures" are being followed in relation to the Palestine Action hunger strike.
Eight prisoners are currently on on hunger strike in prisons across the country as they await trial for alleged break-ins or criminal damage.
Your Party MP Zarah Sultana is staging a protest outside of Surrey prison today in support of one member, Qesser Zuhrah, who has been on the hunger strike for 46 days and said to have lost "considerable weight", is transferred to hospital. Ms Sultana said they are "not going anywhere".
Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has also joined the calls for Sir Keir Starmer or Justice Secretary David Lammy to meet with the prisoners.
In response, during Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday, Sir Keir said: "[Mr Lammy] will appreciate there are rules and procedures in place in relation to hunger strikes, and we’re following those rules and procedures."
'This is child abuse!' Miriam Cates calls to end 'torturous regime' as she blasts puberty blocker trial
Miriam Cates has called for an end to the "torturous regime" of puberty blocker trials as she joined protesters in Westminster.
Speaking to GB News, the People's Channel star declared the planned trial "child abuse", urging Health Secretary Wes Streeting to "have courage" and block it from going ahead.
Protesters gathered in Westminster to oppose the planned puberty blocker trial, due to start in January 2026.
The trial, backed by Wes Streeting, will subject hundreds of children as young as 10 to the puberty blocker drug, at a cost of more than £10million to the NHS.
Conservatives accuse Keir Starmer of 'caving in' to EU over Erasmus scheme
Labour has "caved in to the EU" amid plans to rejoin the Erasmus scheme, according to senior Tory MP Alex Burghart.
Mr Burghart said: "The UK re-joining Erasmus was a big Brussels demand, and Keir Starmer has seemingly caved in to the EU without getting anything in return for our £500m, just like he did over our fishing rights.
"The Erasmus scheme is drastically more expensive than the Turing Scheme introduced after Brexit, which benefited more British people.
"Turing was a global programme rather than a scheme based on a blank cheque for Brussels.
"Scrapping it in favour of Erasmus poses serious questions about whether this government is really focused on opportunities for young Brits, or instead on re-entangling Britain with EU programmes at any price.
"Rejoining Erasmus, reopening costly energy integration, and edging back into EU regulatory frameworks looks less like pragmatism and more like pro-EU ideology.
"The British people voted in 2016 to take back control, and Labour’s approach shows a worrying disregard for that democratic decision."
WATCH: Shadow Health Secretary hits out at 'totally unacceptable' doctor strikes
Tory MP Stuart Andrew has said that doctors would be "banned" from striking under a Conservative Government.
Speaking to GB News, the Shadow Health Secretary has declared the five-day strike action by resident doctors "totally unacceptable".
Zarah Sultana standing outside prison 'until Palestine Action hunger striker is treated'
Zarah Sultana is staging a protest outside a Surrey prison in support of a Palestine Action member who is on hunger strike.
The Your Party MP for Coventry South said she was "not going anywhere" until HMP Bronzefield in Ashford transfers Qesser Zuhrah to hospital.
Ms Zuhrah has been on hunger strike for 46 days while awaiting trial. Last week, she was said to have lost "considerable weight" and be finding it difficult to walk, while her pulse never falls below 100bpm, reports The Telegraph.
Ms Sultana said: "We’re not going anywhere until HMP Bronzefield accept an ambulance transfer for Qesser to get the emergency healthcare she urgently needs."
Justice Minister Jake Richards said: "The Ministry of Justice in the prison service has robust and proper guidance and procedures for when these scenarios come to fruition.
"I am satisfied, and the Ministry is satisfied that those procedures are being enacted."
WATCH: Keir Starmer takes aim at Nigel Farage during the final PMQs of the year.
Jeremy Corbyn calls on Keir Starmer to meet with prisoners on hunger strike
Jeremy Corbyn has demanded Keir Starmer meet with prisoners from Palestine Action who are on hunger strike.
The former Labour leader and Islington North MP said: "Yesterday, the minister of state for justice declined a meeting with the representatives of a number of hunger strikers in prison.
"These are all prisoners on remand, they’re not convicted of anything. Since then, a further prisoner has been taken to hospital, as have others.
"Many people are very concerned about the regular breaches of prison conditions and prison rules in respect of these hunger strikers.
"Will he make arrangements for the Ministry of Justice to meet representatives of hunger strikers to discuss these breaches of the conditions that they are experiencing at the present time?"
The Prime Minister, and Mr Corbyn's successor as Labour leader, responded: "He will appreciate the rules and procedures in place in relation to hunger strikes, and we’re following those rules and procedures."
Conservative MP accuses Labour of 'not having the mandate' to increase taxes
West Suffolk MP Nick Timothy speaking in the Commons
|PARLIAMENT.TV
A Conservative MP has suggested the Government did not have the mandate to increase taxes.
West Suffolk MP Nick Timothy asked the Prime Minister: "Labour’s tax rises mean lower growth and higher unemployment, and the reason for the tax rises is Government spending.
"The Prime Minister personally promised the country to limit spending increases to nine and a half billion pounds a year.
"So what mandate did he have, in his first two budgets, to increase annual spending 15 times faster by £146billion?"
Sir Keir responded: "We had a mandate to change, because we inherited major challenges from them. If only he had done something to solve these problems when he was working in Downing Street... he left a complete mess."
Keir Starmer calls on Nigel Farage to apologise over historic racism allegations
Sir Keir Starmer has called on Nigel Farage to apologise in PMQs
A group of former schoolmates of the Reform UK leader has for the first time come together to call on him to apologise amid allegations of racism in his youth.
Around 25 former pupils and one ex-teacher at Dulwich College have signed an open letter to Mr Farage, which also calls on him to make it clear he has renounced what they allege are "racist, antisemitic and fascist views", and to recognise the events they say took place.
The Prime Minister told PMQs: "Christmas is a time for forgiveness. It’s never too late to apologise to people."
Mr Farage, the MP for Clacton, has insisted he never made racist remarks in a “malicious or nasty way”, following the reports of the allegations levelled against him.
A Reform spokesman said: "These latest attacks are a naked attempt to discredit Reform and Nigel Farage.
"Instead of debating Reform on the substance of our ideas and policies, the left-wing media and deeply unpopular Labour Party are now using 50-year-old smears in a last act of desperation. The British public see right through this witch hunt."
WATCH: Keir Starmer delivers Russia jibe at Reform MPs over Nathan Gil conviction
Ed Davey presses Keir Starmer over 'government strategy to tackle anti-semitism'
Sir Ed Davey speaking in the Commons
|GB NEWS
The Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said: "[Anti-Semitism] is poisonous. We must all work together to stamp it out. The Board of Deputies have called for a comprehensive government strategy to tackle anti-semitism.
"So will the Prime Minister commit to that today and set out what concrete steps he’s taking to make sure Jewish people are safe in Britain?"
The Prime Minister responded saying: "It is really important that we have actions that match the words that we have expressed in response to these horrific attacks.
"The actions we’ve taken so far are increasing the funding for Jewish security up to 28 million pounds. I’m pleased to do that, but I’m sad to do that
"Having to pay more money and to provide security for people to be at their place of worship, to go to school, is a sad thing for this country to have to do.
"I’ve ordered a review of protest and hate crime laws to stop protest breeding hatred."
Stephen Flynn says this will be Keir Starmer's last Christmas in Downing Street
SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn said: "It's the season of goodwill, so with that in mind, I don't intend on asking the Prime Minister about his broken promises on energy bills, 1000 jobs being lost in the North Sea, and the fact that Peter Mandelson's still a member of the House of Lords.
"I won't even ask him about the chaos engulfing the Labour Party, his Budget and his indeed his own leadership. No, Mr Speaker, I simply want to wish the Prime Minister happy Christmas.
"How does he intend on spending his final one in Downing Street?"
The Prime Minister responded saying Scotland would be better of being led by Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar.
WATCH: Kemi Badenoch says Keir Starmer 'doesn't have the baubles' to ban BMA strikes
Keir Starmer sends message to former Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich
Sir Keir Starmer says he's been working with Ukraine and its allies on how to use frozen Russian assets to support Ukrainians "in their hour of need" as he sent a direct message to former Chelsea FC owner Roman Abramovich.
The Prime Minister said: "Today, Mr. Speaker, I can announce that we're issuing a licence to transfer £2.5billion from the sale of Chelsea Football Club that's been frozen since 2022.
"My message to Abramovich is this: The clock is ticking, honour the the commitment that you made, and pay up now.
"If you don't, we're prepared to go to court, so every penny reaches those whose lives have been torn apart by Putin's illegal war."
Kemi Badenoch describes Keir Starmer as the 'caretaker' Prime Minister
Kemi Badenoch has again described Sir Keir as the "caretaker" Prime Minister.
The Leader of the Opposition said: "The Prime Minister is talking about non entities as he looked at his cabinet, a bunch of a bunch of turkeys they could fit right in at a McDonald’s factory.
"Last week, his MPs were calling him a caretaker Prime Minister. After what he’s done to the economy, they should be calling him the undertaker Prime Minister.
"Let’s look at what else he’s promised. The Prime Minister gave his word that he would help pubs, yet they face a 15 per cent rise in business rates because of his budget.
"Will the Prime Minister be honest and admit his taxes are forcing pubs too close?"
Sir Keir responded: "She knows very well that the temporary relief that was put in place during Covid has come to an end.
"That was the scheme they put in place. We supported it, but it was always a temporary scheme coming to an end."
Kemi Badenoch says Keir Starmer 'doesn't have the baubles'
In a festive joke aimed at the Prime Minister, Kemi Badenoch said Keir Starmer "doesn’t have the baubles" to lead his party, adding "all Labour MPs want for Christmas is a new leader."
The Prime Minister hit back saying there was "the Muppets Christmas carol here...the defections are happening so fast that at Christmas, the Leader of the Opposition is going to be left home alone."
He added all the Reform UK MP for Runcorn and Helsby Sarah Pochin wants is a "white Christmas."
Kemi Badenoch takes aim at 'broken promises'
Kemi Badenoch in the Commons
|GB NEWS
Kemi Badenoch said: "The Prime Minister promised economic growth, but the only thing that’s grown is his list of broken promises.
"He promised to reduce unemployment, but yesterday, unemployment hit its highest level since the pandemic. It has gone up every single month since he came into office. Why is that?"
The Prime Minister responded: "The facts are these, 350,000 more people in work this year, we got the lowest inactivity rate for five years.
“We are taking a number of measures to address this, particularly with the youth unemployment. I would remind them that under their watch, unemployment averaged 5.4 per cent higher than it is today. “
Kemi Badenoch calls on Prime Minister to 'drive out' Islamic extremism
The Leader of the Opposition Kemi Badenoch said: "What happened at Bondi Beach was an atrocity, but words of solidarity are not enough.
"We know the evil we face. Islamic extremism is a threat to Western civilisation.
"It abuses our democracies and subverts our institutions. It is incompatible with British values.
"So it is not enough just to protect Jewish communities, we must drive Islamic extremism, out of this country."
Keir Starmer up at PMQs
The Prime Minister is on his feet in the Commons, opening PMQs with a tribute to those killed in the attack on Bondi Beach in Australia.
He said: "The anti-Semitic terror attack on Bondi Beach was sickening.
“It has had a profound impact around the world, including on Jewish communities here in the United Kingdom, these incidents are not isolated. We think of the appalling attack at Heaton Park earlier this year.
"These incidents are chillingly focused on some of the holiest days in the Jewish calendar. Last night, we held a Hanukkah reception in Downing Street where I reaffirmed our fight against the poison of anti-Semitism."
PMQs starting soon - Follow along all the updates here
Sir Keir Starmer and Kemi Badenoch will be going head to head at the final PMQs of 2025.
We'll bring you all the highlights as they happen here.
Sir Keir Starmer spent £60,000 on private plane to Lionesses Euros final despite vowing to clamp down on jet use
Sir Keir Starmer spent over £60,000 on a trip to watch the Lionesses in the Euros final, despite pledging to cut down on jet use.
The Prime Minister used the Government’s Airbus A321 to fly from London to Zurich in July to arrive in time for the Women’s Euros football final in Basel, where the Lionesses beat Spain on penalties.
The official figures published on Tuesday night showed the one-night trip cost £60,130, including hotels for the Prime Minister, his wife Victoria and 10 officials from Downing Street.
Whilst in opposition, Rachel Reeves pledged to clamp down on official use of government planes in a bid to "save millions of pounds for taxpayers."
Shadow Cabinet Office Minister and Tory MP for Kingswinford and South Staffordshire Mike Wood said: "Perhaps it’s because of the Prime Minister’s unpopularity that he seeks to find relevance so far afield.
"While he’s rarely seen on home soil, taxpayers are being asked to foot a £60,000 bill for a one-night football trip on the government jet.
"At a time when families are tightening their belts, this kind of jet-setting looks completely out of touch and reinforces why people are switching off from him. It is time for Labour to get a grip on their spending and on their governance."
A spokesman for Downing Street said: "It was a very important moment for the nation – [the Lionesses’] victory was not only a remarkable sporting achievement, but an inspiration for young people across the country.
"It was right the PM was there to watch this historic win."
WATCH: Jeremy Corbyn calls on David Lammy to 'get involved' as protesters continue hunger strike
Andrea Egan elected as Unison General Secretary in blow to Keir Starmer
Andrea Egan has been elected General Secretary of the country’s biggest trade union, Unison.
In a surprise result, she beat Christina McAnea, who has been leader of Unison since 2021.
She will begin her five-year term of office representing public service workers next month. She won 58,579 votes compared with 39,353 for Christina McAnea.
The winner is on the left of the Labour movement and has been critical of Labour since it came to office last year.
Former Labour mayor joins the Greens as he blasts Britain as a 'mess'
Jamie Driscoll has joined Zack Polanski's party
|PA
Former Labour mayor Jamie Driscoll has announced he has joined the Green Party as he described Britain as "a mess" under Labour.
The 55-year-old former North of Tyne Mayor left Labour two years ago after he was unsuccessful in becoming the party’s candidate for the Mayor of the North East. He later set up the left-wing organisation Majority.
Mr Driscoll said: "British politics is a mess and it’s not the fault of immigrants. Food prices, energy prices, housing prices are all too high. Our economy isn’t working for workers, it isn’t working for small businesses.
"It doesn’t have to be like this. I’m joining the Green Party because I see an organisation that’s serious about running our country in the long-term interests of all our people."
Mr Driscoll was also a director of MoU Operations, which handled donations to the new Your Party, founded by Zarah Sultana and Jeremy Corbyn, but he resigned from the company in October.
Last month, he said he was not a member of Your Party and he did not intend to join.
Party Leader Zack Polanski said: "This is another example of the Green surge sweeping across the country. Jamie is a well known political figure with a proven track record of delivering real change to people’s lives.
"People are looking for bold politics that offers hope rather than fear, and solutions rather than division. Newcastle Greens are growing fast because they’re delivering for their communities.
"It’s great to see Jamie Driscoll choosing to be part of a party that’s building real momentum from the ground up."
Mel Stride warns against Labour making 'the same mistake' after today's inflation figures
Sir Mel Stride has welcomed today's inflation figures but warned Labour has made "the same mistake."
The Shadow Chancellor said: "While a fall in inflation is welcome, prices are still rising at well above the target rate which will be deeply concerning for families.
"Last year, Labour hiked taxes and ramped up borrowing, stoking inflation. This year, their Budget made the same mistake, raising taxes to pay for higher benefits spending.
"With unemployment rising and the economy shrinking, families are paying the price for Labour’s bad choices.
"Only the Conservatives have a leader with a backbone, a clear plan, and a strong team to deliver a stronger economy and get inflation under control."
Migrant crisis: HUNDREDS of small boat migrants cross English Channel in fresh surge
The new figures are out
| GETTYA fresh small boat surge is underway this morning, with hundreds more migrants attempting to cross the English Channel, GB News can exclusively reveal.
People smuggling gangs have taken advantage of a tiny weather window of less than 12 hours to launch migrant boats towards the UK.
Sources told the People's Channel dinghies were launched across a 60 mile stretch of French coastline, from Dunkirk, down to Wissant beach near the port of Boulogne.
At least 400 people were currently attempting to cross, with the first boats already making it to British waters. It follows 74 individuals who arrived in Dover off the Border Force vessel Typhoon last night.
Rachel Reeves says lowering household bills is a 'top priority'
Chancellor Rachel Reeves said lowering household bills was a "top priority" after official figures showed inflation fell to 3.2 per cent last month.
She said: "I know families across Britain who are worried about bills will welcome this fall in inflation.
"Getting bills down is my top priority. That is why I froze rail fares and prescription fees and cut £150 off average energy bills at the Budget this year.
"The Bank of England agree this will help cut prices and expect inflation to fall faster next year as a result."
WATCH: Former Liberal Democrat Minister Norman Baker welcomes the return of the Erasmus scheme
Labour crashes to record low in Wales as new poll has Plaid Cymru and Reform on top
A damning new poll has Labour crashing to a record low of just 10 per cent, while Plaid Cymru and Reform UK maintain a healthy lead over all other parties.
The poll by YouGov/Cardiff University shows Labour's projected Senedd vote share has dropped to 10 per cent, with Plaid Cymru leading on 33 per cent.
Reform UK's support remains at 30 per cent in Wales.
It is equally damning news for the Conservatives, with Kemi Badenoch's party level with Labour on 10 per cent.
Zack Polanski's Green Party is on nine per cent, with the Liberal Democrats in last on six per cent.
WATCH: Anna Riley speaks live from Hull as the resident doctors’ strike begins
Shadow Health Secretary blasts doctor's strike as 'totally unacceptable'
Shadow Health Secretary Stuart Andrew discussed the resident doctors strike on GB News
|GB NEWS
The Shadow Health Secretary has told GB News today's resident doctors strike is "totally unacceptable."
Stuart Andrews told GB News:"It is totally unacceptable the British Medical Association is yet again taking resident doctors out on strike.
"It is particularly awful right now given there are so many new cases of flu in hospital.
"Nearly 9,000 appointments will be lost each day during these strikes. That's 9,000 individual people who were expecting to have treatment and psyched themselves up for that and I think that is appalling."
Keir Starmer to face Kemi Badenoch in final PMQs before Christmas
Sir Keir Starmer will face off against Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch in the last Prime Minister’s Questions before Christmas.
We'll bring you all the updates from Westminster both here on the live blog and on PMQs Live with Tom and Gloria
They'll be joined by Labour MP for Halesowen Alex Ballinger and Conservative MP for Hinckley and Bosworth, Luke Evans for live reaction and debate.
Labour minister calls for asylum seeker sex attacker to face 'full force of the law'
Policing Minister Sarah Jones on GB News this morning
|GB NEWS
A Labour minister has called for an asylum seeker who attacked a teenage girl from Hertfordshire to face the "full force of the law.
Last night, Patrick Christys spoke to Abbie, who suffered sexual assault by Iranian asylum seeker.
When pressed about this, Policing Minister and MP for Croydon West Sarah Jones told GB News: "I didn't see that piece but I can only imagine how hard it must have been for her to talk about what sounds like a horrific experience.
"Of course that person needs to face the full force of the law, whether that is in prison here or deportation."
Inflation FALLS to 3.2% in win for economy and Rachel Reeves
The consumer price index (CPI) rate of inflation for November has fallen to 3.2 per cent, from 3.8 per cent, according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
This comes as welcome relief to Chancellor Rachel Reeves who has been forced to contend with a slip in gross domestic product (GDP) growth and a rise in unemployment over the past week.
Notably, the fall to 3.2 per cent marks the lowest CPI rate since March of this year and a bigger drop than the 3.5 per cent that most economists were expecting for the month.
Labour to confirm plans to open Britain's doors to TENS OF THOUSANDS under EU plot
Britain is set to open its doors to tens of thousands of young Europeans as the Government prepares to sign a deal to return to an EU scheme.
On Wednesday, No10 is expected to announce a deal has been struck to rejoin the Brussels-backed Erasmus student exchange scheme, which saw an estimated 250,000 EU students come to Britain between 2010 and 2020.
The deal will see the UK return to the Erasmus Plus programme in 2027.
Nigel Farage looks to continue Westminster momentum with five seats up for grabs
Nigel Farage's party is hoping to win the seats
|PA
Five by-elections are set to take place across the country, as a recent YouGov poll outlined current Westminster voting intentions - and it is pretty viewing for Reform.
The Conservatives, Liberal Democrats, Labour and Reform are all looking to defend at least one seat this week.
Nigel Farage will be hoping to continue the momentum that has seen Reform's Westminster voting intention grow by one percentage point, reaching 28 per cent - a far cry from Labour and the Tories who languish at 18 and 17 per cent respectively.
From Blackpool to Cornwall, GB News has taken a closer look at this week's local by-elections taking place.