Keir Starmer considers forcing children as young as 13 to carry 'sinister' Digital ID

Plaid Cymru leader predicts 'two horse race' with Reform UK

Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth has said the upcoming Welsh parliament elections will be a two-horse race between his party and Reform UK.

Speaking ahead of his party's conference in Swansea this weekend, he argued a Plaid-led government was that it would not have to answer to bosses in London.

He told The Guardian: "The picture of Welsh politics is changing and Plaid Cymru is the voice of progressive Wales.

"We have consistent polling showing Plaid Cymru in the lead. Reform is also polling well and Labour is falling further behind. I think it’s becoming more and more clear it’s a two-horse race, Reform’s division versus Plaid’s vision."

Home Office returns 26 migrants to France but 10,000 cross Channel since 'one-in, one-out' deal enforced

The first group removals of small boat migrants under the UK's "one-in, one-out" deal with France have now taken place, the Home Office has said.

Two group flights saw 19 individuals returned to France over the past two weeks.

Migrants aboard the second group flight touched down in France earlier today.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE.

Robert Jenrick issues bleak free speech warning as he speaks to GB News after attending Koran-burning court appeal

Robert Jenrick has warned that free speech is under threat in Britain as he attended the court case of a man accused of burning a Koran.

The Shadow Justice Secretary appeared at Southwark Crown Court to hear the appeal of Hamit Coskun, who was convicted over his destruction of the holy book.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE.

Reform sees extraordinary surge in incredibly rare three-way by-election

Reform UK saw a massive surge in a Hampshire council as they battled with the Liberal Democrats and Conservatives in a crunch by-election.

The Yateley West ward was up for grabs after the resignation of Lib Dem Councillor Mark Vernon.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE.

Liberal Democrats demand response after damning hate crime statistics

The Liberal Democrats have demanded a response after a new set of damning national hate crime statistics.

The figures, which were released this morning, revealed increases in both racially and religiously motivated offences. Crimes targeting Jewish people fell by 18 per cent, while those against Muslims rose by a fifth.

But officials noted that the data excluded the Metropolitan Police's records, as the force has changed the way it logs crime.

Liberal Democrat women and equalities spokeswoman and Chelmsford MP Marie Goldman said: "This demands a response from all of us.

"Those who spread hatred, who incite violence, must face the full force of the law. Right now, communities up and down the country are increasingly worried by the rise of this behaviour.

"No one should have to live in fear simply because of who they are."

Digital ID cards could be rolled out to access your 'OWN MONEY' says Keir Starmer in extraordinary admission

Keir Starmer admitted that digital ID could be rolled out to access your "own money" as he responded to a question from GB News Political Correspondent Katherine Forster.

Speaking during a press conference in India, Sir Keir highlighted the benefits of the system, citing the example of Estonia, where digital ID has been widely adopted.

"I want to be very clear," he said. "Digital ID has been transformational in other countries."

READ THE FULL STORY HERE.

Anas Sarwar accuses John Swinney of giving drug dealers 'green light'

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar accused First Minister John Swinney of giving dealers the "green light" by letting them walk free at a time when Scotland continues to have the highest rate of drug deaths in Europe.

Figures reported in the 1919 magazine showed 573 charges relating to drug supply between 2022 and 2025 were dropped by prosecutors because statutory time-bar limits had been reached.

Mr Sarwar said there was "no justification" for dealers to go free as he accused the Government of having "lost control" of the drugs crisis, adding Mr Swinney’s approach to tackling drug deaths is "failing both victims and communities."

He added: "Dealers slipping through the cracks, people dying waiting for help, and families losing loved ones and left without hope.

"Six years since they declared an emergency and still Scotland leads Europe in drug deaths. John Swinney has abandoned both justice and recovery."

The First Minister said "significant" work has been undertaken to tackle backlogs in the court system caused by the pandemic.

He said it also came at a time when prisons were "incredibly congested in many cases by individuals who have been convicted and sentenced for a long period of time as a consequence of their drug-taking activities."

Foreign dancers and interior designers to be EXEMPT from Shabana Mahmood visa ban

Foreign dancers, interior designers, musicians and writers are expected to be exempt from a visa ban being introduced by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood in a bid to lower net migration.

The roles have been identified as "shortage" occupations, which are critical to Sir Keir Starmer's growth plans.

They are among up to 82 "non-graduate" roles which will not be part of the visa ban.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE.

Prime Minister insists digital ID will have 'great benefits' for Britons

Sir Keir Starmer was asked by GB News reporter Katherine Forster about his warm welcome in India compared to his unpopularity in the UK, particularly surrounding digital ID.

"It's been warm for a reason," Sir Keir said about his welcome in India.

He went on to say he had achieved a free trade deal in India which other Government's had failed to do.

"On digital ID let me be really clear about it," the Prime Minister said.

"We have made a commitment to do whatever we can to stop people arriving illegally in the United Kingdom."

Sir Keir said one of the issues was "the ability people have to work illegally in the economy".

"We can't shirk that or duck that," he declared.

"I think the vast majority, if not everyone in the UK, wants it gripped and we need to therefore take measures necessary to grip it.

"One of the things on digital ID I do think we need to emphasise and make the case for is the great benefits of digital ID. You can see from Estonia the speed with which people can access services, which would be transformational and there’s great enthusiasm in Estonia for it."

Keir Starmer won't comment on whether Donald Trump should win Nobel Peace Prize

The Prime Minister did not directly respond to a question on whether US President Donald Trump should be awarded a Nobel Peace Prize.

“This is a significant step forward and it would not have happened without President Trump’s leadership," Sir Keir Starmer said.

"I want to be really clear about that and I say that from the informed position of the UK having played a part behind the scenes in this with the US and with the mediators.

“What matters now is to press on and implement this. All parties need to implement and agree and take forward the commitments that they have made to the next stage, that is hugely important. We will work with others to ensure that that happens.”

Prime Minister discusses Russian oil with Narendra Modi

Sir Keir Starmer said he had raised the Ukraine-Russia war with the Indian Prime Minister, saying "we did discuss that this morning".

"We each went through the steps we're taking to bring about a resolution of the conflict and we emphasised in particular our focus on the shadow fleet and the work that we're doing leading the Coalition of the Willing," he added.

Sir Keir was asked about if he spoke to Narendra Modi about whether India would stop buying Russian oil, with the Prime Minister saying: "We did discuss this and looked particularly at the outcome that we both want".

"So Prime Minister Modi and myself, the focus on ending this conflict and the various steps that could be taken to that end."

Keir Starmer: UK played 'important part' behind the scenes in Gaza ceasefire deal

Sir Keir Starmer said the Gaza ceasefire deal was a "real breakthrough" before saying the UK "played an important part behind the scenes".

He waved off questions about former Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair being involved, saying "I'm less interested" in discussing personnel.

Sir Keir added that the UK had "played an important part behind the scenes" in working alongside the US and mediators.

He had earlier thanked Egypt, Qatar, Turkey and other nations in contributing to the deal.

Prime Minister says UK-India deal is a 'launch pad' for both countries

Sir Keir Starmer declared the UK-India trade deal was a "launch pad" for both nations.

"It's a huge deal for the United Kingdom, the most ambitious trade deal India has ever done," he said.

“I’m proud and determined to deliver for Britain and as a result we’re opening up new opportunities in India for British businesses, opportunities that other countries simply do not have. It has given us a unique edge."

“So I’ve come here this week leading our biggest trade delegation to India ever to follow through on this deal. That means 126 CEOs, tech entrepreneurs, SMEs, vice-chancellors, sports and cultural leaders, all here with me to seize the incredible benefits that this deal offers to the British people."

Sir Keir spoke on India's growth, saying it was on track to "become the third-largest economy by 2028".

"An economic superpower in the making. And we, the UK, are perfectly placed to be partners on that journey," he added.

Sir Keir Starmer lands £350million missile deal with India

Sir Keir Starmer has struck a £350million missile deal to supply India with air defence missiles which will be made in Northern Ireland.

The Ministry of Defence said it will create more than 700 jobs.

It comes as the Prime Minister is holding a joint press conference with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Conservative MP signs Rupert Lowe's letter opposing digital ID scheme

Conservative MP Ashley Fox has thrown his support behind Rupert Lowe's letter to Sir Keir Starmer, outlining his opposition to the digital ID scheme.

"I have signed this cross party letter opposing Digital ID," Mr Fox said on X.

"It’s intrusive, expensive, and won’t stop illegal immigration."

Mr Lowe thanked the Tory MP, adding: "Let's keep pushing".

Home Secretary says 'too many people are living in fear'

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said hate crime statistics released on Thursday "show that too many people are living in fear because of who they are, what they believe or where they come from".

“Jewish and Muslim communities continue to experience unacceptable levels of often violent hate crime, and I will not tolerate British people being targeted simply because of their religion, race, or identity," she said in a statement.

“We have stepped up police patrols at synagogues and mosques following the abhorrent attack in Manchester last week, and I am working closely with faith leaders, providing £50million to keep places of worship safe and make sure they remain sanctuaries, not targets of hatred.

“We stand with every community facing these attacks and will ensure those who commit hate crimes face the full force of the law.”

Reform UK councillor quits party over differing 'views'

Reform UK's Deputy Chair on Cornwall Council has quit the party over views he says "diverged from those of the party".

Councillor Rowland O'Connor will not sit as an independent after making the decision.

The councillor who represents St Mawgan and St Wenn said his views and priorities on how to serve local residents have "increasingly diverged from those of the party".

READ FULL STORY

UK party leaders praise Donald Trump's Gaza ceasefire deal

Leaders across the UK have praised news of a Gaza ceasefire deal spearheaded by US President Donald Trump.

Conservatives leader Kemi Badenoch said the deal was "hugely welcome".

"It will be an enormous relief to the families of Israeli hostages, so cruelly captured by Hamas two years ago," she said.

"President Trump deserves credit for brokering this deal, with the support of Arab partners and Turkey."

Liberal-Democrats leader Sir Ed Davey said the news "brings real hope".

"The UK and our allies must do all we can to get the hostages home, get aid in to the starving people, and finally end this horrific violence," he said.

"This must be the first step towards a two-state solution and a lasting peace."

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage congratulated Mr Trump, saying "real progress between Israel and Hamas is a great achievement".

Foreign Secretary heading to Paris for peace talks

Yvette Cooper has declared that Britain "stands ready to play our part" in Middle East peace developments.

The Foreign Secretary said she would be taking part in discussions with European leaders on how to take the plan forward.

The meeting in Paris will be hosted by President Macron, according to Sky News.

"Later today I will be travelling from here with the German Foreign Minister, my colleague, to Paris for the discussions later today about how all nations can support the immense work that has been done thus far on President Trumps peace initiative, but also how we make sure that we take it forward," she said.

Matt Vickers defends Kemi Badenoch's promise to abolish stamp duty

Matt Vickers has defended his party's promise to abolish stamp duty, saying it was "not true" that it would only benefit the wealthy.

He added that "85 per cent of transactions ... of stamp duty actually are under £500,000".

"In reality (stamp duty) affects the housing supply," he said.

"It affects families."

Mr Vickers said it was a "bold move" and that it would make a "huge difference to the economy".

Prime Minister discussed need for 'lasting peace' in Ukraine with Narendra Modi

Sir Keir Starmer also turned his attention to other conflicts, saying he and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has "discussed the need for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine".

"(Also) the need for stability and security in the Indo-Pacific, and the need to cooperate in critical areas like climate and energy, including breaking away from dependence on fossil fuel," he added.

Sir Keir celebrated the trade deal between the UK and India.

He said it would have economic benefits for both nations.

Keir Starmer confirms 'more British universities' will be established in India

The Prime Minister has announced that "more British universities will be setting up campuses right here in India".

"(It makes) Britain India's leading international provider of higher education and delivering on our vision 2035 that we set out in July," he said.

Sir Keir said it was the "jewel in the crown of this relationship".

"Of course our cooperation goes much wider too," he said.

Prime Minister throws support behind Gaza ceasefire deal

Sir Keir Starmer has thrown his support behind a Gaza ceasefire, saying "I strong welcome the news that a deal has been reached".

"On the first stage of the peace plan in Gaza, this is a moment of profound relief," he said.

"That will be felt around the world.

"Particularly for the hostages, their families and for the civilian population of Gaza who have all endured unimaginable suffering for the last two years."

Sir Keir thanked countries who had helped negotiations, including Egpyt, Qatar, Turkey, the US "and many others".

The comment comes during the Prime Minister's two-day visit to Mumbai.

Matt Vickers welcomes 'fantastic news' of Donald Trump's Gaza peace plan

The Deputy Chairman of the Conservative Party has welcomed Donald Trump's peace plan, saying it was "fantastic news".

"We all want to see an end to that humanitarian crisis, we all want to see those hostages brought home," Matt Vickers told GB News.

He said while everyone will be watching to see what comes of the deal, "it sounds like very, very, very good news".

Mr Vickers said that planned protests would be "very sad to see that happen".

"It should be something that everyone should get behind," he said.

RECAP: Keir Starmer wants to expand Digital ID scheme into other areas outside of work as PM thinks Britain could 'gain significant advantage'

Sir Keir Starmer believes that Britain could "gain a significant advantage" by expanding the government’s recently announced Digital ID from just covering right to work to other areas.

And he told journalists en route to Mumbai for a two-day trade summit, that “there is a case to be made about the benefits of voluntary ID into other areas”.

The announcement of compulsory Digital ID to be able to work legally, was said to be to help reduce small boat crossings, which have surged under the Labour Government.

Thirty five thousand people have crossed the channel illegally so far this year.

READ THE FULL STORY FROM KATHERINE FORSTER HERE