Sir Keir Starmer is bracing for a rise in Channel crossings as a migrant deal with France is set to end tomorrow.
A new deal between the Home Office and Emmanuel Macron's government relating to British funding for security along the northern coastline of France is still being worked on.
Labour wants the new deal to include a performance-related factor which will see funds paid only when French border patrol officers who manage to block a set proportion of people traffickers' boats. However, no terms have been agreed.
Previous assessments have indicated nine out of 10 dinghies must be stopped in order to disrupt the smugglers' illegal enterprises. But a lack of any agreement could see a significant decrease in the police presence on French beaches.
This may lead to an increase in crossings, which have already topped 69,000 under Labour.
When it was announced in 2023, the previous Tory government said the £478million package would fund a new detention centre in France and hundreds of extra law enforcement officers on French shores.
Crossings in the Channel have risen in the following years, with some 41,472 people arriving in the UK by small boat in 2025 and Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is under pressure to bring numbers down.
Reform UK's Home Affairs spokesman Zia Yusuf told GB News: "The French are laughing at us. Hopeless Tory and Labour governments have paid them £700 million of British taxpayer money to stop the boats, yet illegal boat crossings skyrocketed.
"Reform would not pay them another penny and demand a refund for the scam they have perpetrated on the British people."
A Home Office spokesman said: "France is our most important migration partner and together our joint work is bearing down on small boat crossings.
"We have prevented over 40,000 crossing attempts by illegal migrants since this government took office. Our landmark deal means illegal migrants who arrive on small boats are being sent back to France."
Hull and East Yorkshire Reform Mayor Luke Campbell says he 'will not stop'
Luke Campbell launching Reform's Yorkshire election
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East Yorkshire Mayor Luke Campbell has launched Reform UK's local election campaign in Hull, saying he "will not stop."
The former boxer told a crowd of supporters: "I grew up here. I know what the place stands for. I know the people, I know the struggles we have.
"I didn't come into this role through politics. I came in through pressure. Boxing teaches you something powerful, nobody is coming to save you. You either fight or you quit.
"The people of Hull and East Yorkshire don't quit either. I brought that same mindset into this role. What I have stepped into here, it is not easy. There's criticism, noise, people who doubt you and people who want you to fail.
"Let me tell you. I will not stop."
Shadow Transport Secretary says Britain is 'left exposed'
Shadow transport secretary Richard Holden criticised Labour’s "energy failure" amid growing fears of fuel shortages due to the Iran war.
Mr Holden said: "Labour’s energy failure is wrecking the Easter getaway before families have even packed their bags, grounding holidays and sending air fares into the skies.
"As conflict in the Middle East drives jet fuel prices higher, airlines will pass those costs straight on to British families already being hammered by Labour’s hikes to air passenger duty and airport business rates.
"This is the direct consequence of Labour’s net zero obsession, destroying our energy security with real and tangible consequences for people up and down the country.
"Britain is left exposed, families are left paying, and Labour sit on their hands as the dream of a family holiday vanish."
Keir Starmer issues plea to resident doctors over walkout
Sir Keir Starmer has issued a last minute plea to resident doctors ahead of strike action next week.
Last week, the British Medical Association (BMA) announced that resident doctors will walk out for six days from 7am on April 7, just after the long Easter weekend.
Writing in The Times, the Prime Minister said: "This deal improves your pay, your progression and your future.
"Do not let others decide that for you.Our door remains open. Our shared objectives are unchanged. And our commitment to improving the NHS and the lives of working people continues to guide us."
Robert Jenrick blasts 'out of touch' Rachel Reeves as he demands emergency VAT cut
Rachel Reeves has been told "not to be a bystander" and "do her job" by implementing an emergency VAT cut for petrol and diesel.
Speaking to GB News, Reform UK's Treasury Spokesman Robert Jenrick took aim at the "out of touch" Chancellor as Britons continue to suffer at the petrol pumps.
Declaring the UK's fuel crisis is about "more than party politics", Mr Jenrick told GB News that Britons "need to see more action" from the Government.
Zack Polanski pledges to scrap 'toxic, failed' Ofsted
Green Party Leader Zack Polanski has pledged to scrap Ofsted as he blasted the department as "toxic."
Speaking at the the National Education Union’s annual conference, Mr Polanski said: "Ofsted is a toxic, failed institution which is harming teachers and children – and it’s time to end it.
"We need to end the Ofsted era entirely and move towards a genuinely collaborative model.
"One that connects teachers on the frontline with local experts, specialists in pedagogy, child development and social care. we must make sure teachers have the support and guidance they need to meet the needs of their pupils.
"We need to talk about academies. Another failed model pushed on to teachers and children by previous governments’ ideological drive to marketise our children’s education.
"The results have been stark: a fragmented system with poor accountability, allowing academy CEOs to be paid enormous salaries while pay and conditions for their staff worsen."
Haulage business owner Stephen Bennett tells GB News his fuel costs have increased an extra
A haulage business owner has issued a desperate demand to Chancellor Rachel Reeves, as he fears the astronomical surge in fuel costs will shut down his business.
Speaking to GB News, Stephen Bennett, manager of Bennetts Haulage, urged Ms Reeves to "step in" and help "curb fuel prices" as he is having to pass on the cost to his customers.
Speaking to GB News National Reporter Will Godley at his haulage site in Reading, Mr Bennett admitted he has seen an increase in fuel costs of "48 per cent" for his fleet since the start of the Middle East conflict.
Keir Starmer insists he is working on a 'viable plan' for Strait of Hormuz
Sir Keir Starmer told business chiefs the UK is working on a "viable plan" for the Strait of Hormuz and that people in the UK will have concerns about energy bills, petrol and food prices "uppermost in their minds."
The Prime Minister said: "We’re just entering the fifth week of the conflict in Iran, and I wanted to bring all of you together with government to talk through some of the implications.
"The political position we’ve taken, I think, is straightforward, which is, we’re not going to get drawn into the conflict proper.
"We will defend British interests and British lives in the region, particularly in the Gulf allied states, and obviously our allies there, and we are working on a viable plan for these Strait of Hormuz, which I want to come back to.
"So it’s not our war, but it is our duty to protect British citizens.
"Particularly their concern will be not just the escalation of the war, but this sense that it’s going to hit them and their families and their households. I think probably uppermost in their minds at the moment is energy bills, petrol and also food prices."
Keir Starmer says Iran war response must be 'joint effort'
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said there needed to be a 'joint effort'
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Business chiefs have been urged to help address the economic impact of the Iran war as Sir Keir Starmer admitted the Government could not shoulder all the burden.
Bosses from energy, shipping and banking firms were called in to Downing Street for talks as Donald Trump threatened to escalate the Middle East conflict.
The Downing Street discussions focused on Iran’s ongoing blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, which has disrupted a vital shipping route for the oil and gas industry along with supplies of other products such as fertiliser.
The crisis has pushed up prices and caused economic uncertainty around the world.
The Prime Minister told the executives gathered in Downing Street it must be a "joint effort" to tackle the impact of the war, saying "the Government can’t do it on its own".
Teachers vote to oppose mandatory reading tests for Year 8 pupils
Teachers have voted to oppose the Government’s plans to introduce a mandatory reading test for Year 8 pupils.
Delegates at the National Education Union (NEU) annual conference in Brighton have voted in favour of a motion that calls for the executive to publicly oppose the introduction of the test, which ministers announced last year.
Teachers also voted to pass an amendment to the motion which called for the union to survey secondary school members to see whether they would be willing to boycott the tests.
The amendment also called for increased funding for libraries in schools.
Kemi Badenoch warns Keir Starmer's attitude to energy companies has left Labour short on influence
Kemi Badenoch says she would not trust John Swinney with Scottish energy policy | GB NEWSKemi Badenoch has accused Keir Starmer of spending “most of their time being rude about energy companies”, leaving them with “very little capital” as he sits down with energy bosses in Downing Street.
On a visit to the Port of Aberdeen, the Leader of the Opposition criticised the Government’s approach as she boarded the Well-Safe Protector rig at Port of Aberdeen South Harbour before being joined by Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay.
Together, they set out the Conservative agenda to return to drilling oil and gas in the North Sea, calling on the Labour Government to put the British public first as prices rise amidst escalating tensions in the Middle East.
Scottish Conservative leader refuses to rule out backing rival Anas Sarwar as First Minister
Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay has declined to rule out backing Anas Sarwar as First Minister, refusing to be drawn on the question during a visit to Aberdeen alongside UK leader Kemi Badenoch.
When pressed on whether he would instruct his MSPs to support the Scottish Labour leader, Mr Findlay sidestepped the question, insisting his focus remained on securing as many Scottish Conservative votes and MSPs as possible.
He said: "I'm just not going to get into post-election speculation about numbers, which none of us in this room or further afield know anything about."
However, Mr Findlay was clear on one point - he would never lend his support to John Swinney or any SNP administration returning to power.
He said: "What I will say, categorically, is I will not support and will never support an SNP first minister or SNP government."
Reform MP Andrew Rosindell loses High Court injunction bid
Reform MP Andrew Rosindell has lost a High Court bid to be let back into his former constituency office after being barred from entering when he defected from the Conservatives.
The Romford MP took legal action after he was locked out of his office which he had occupied for over 20 years, at Margaret Thatcher House.
Mr Rosindell took legal proceedings against Romford Conservative Association (RCA), who run the building, arguing that it had "taken the law into its own hands".
The RCA opposed the bid, saying that it was "blindingly obvious" Mr Rosindell's licence to use the office was only applicable if he was a Conservative.
Mr Justice Choudhury refused the injunction bid, stating Mr Rosindell’s case was “intrinsically weak” and that he “ought to have realised that he had surrendered his right to occupy” his office.
WATCH: Robert Jenrick calls for cuts on domestic energy bills as oil price volatility continues
Petrol stations 'well-stocked' says Downing Street despite rising oil prices
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Downing Street has attempted to reassure the public that petrol stations remain well-stocked across the country, dismissing suggestions of any impending fuel shortage as incorrect.
The Prime Minister's spokesman said the UK benefitted from "diverse and resilient supply" and that "fuel production and imports are continuing," adding that the Government would "always plan for all eventualities" when asked whether contingency measures were being drawn up.
He said: "Petrol stations in the UK are well-stocked nationally and any suggestion otherwise is incorrect."
However, the figures tell a different story at the pumps.
According to the RAC, the average price of a litre of diesel has climbed to 181.2p - a 27 per cent rise since February 28.
Average petrol prices have also surged, reaching 152.0p per litre, up 14 per cent over the same period.
Relations between UK and US supposedly healthy as Government works with America at 'every level' on Iran
The UK and US continue to work together at "every level" over Iran, the Government has said.
The Prime Minister’s official spokesperson said: “Of course we’re in discussions with the US at every level, you’ve seen updates from the Prime Minister’s conversations with the president, likewise with the Foreign Secretary’s counterpart, and likewise with the Chancellor and Energy Secretary’s counterparts, as well as joining various multilateral calls.
“Of course we’re engaging at every level to ensure that we’re protecting British national interests.
“We will continue to focus, as the Prime Minister has done, on British national interests, protecting people in the region, doing what we can to protect households from the impact here in the UK, and working with international allies.”
'I don't trust Swinney to control Scotland's energy' - Kemi Badenoch comes for Scottish First Minister
Speaking at an oil rig in Aberdeen, Kemi Badenoch said she would not trust John Swinney with Scotland's energy policy after he said he'd call for more powers if the SNP won May's election.
Mr Swinney said he would draft a Section 30 order to gain power over energy, if he was reelected as First Minister.
Mrs Badenoch said: "I do not trust John Swinney with Scotland's energy.
"The SNP's policy is pretty non-committal so if he took control of those powers, we will still not be drilling.
"What we need to do right now is allow new licences, make sure that we can drill our own oil and gas and use those revenues to help the people of Scotland."
PICTURED: Kemi Badenoch advocates for North Sea oil drilling to fix cost of living crisis from oil rig in Aberdeen
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During a visit to the north east of Scotland, the Conservative leader threw her weight behind her party's new "get Britain drilling" drive, framing it as essential to strengthening the country's energy security.
Keir Starmer to chair another Cobra meeting on Tuesday
Sir Keir Starmer will chair a Cobra meeting on Tuesday following a roundtable with energy bosses on Monday.
Asked about Monday’s meeting with energy officials and bosses, the Prime Minister said: “We are bringing together the shipping sector, insurance and energy, because obviously that’s a focus of concern.
“A lot of discussion about the Strait of Hormuz and what we can do to get the straits open, which is the single most effective way to bring energy prices down.
“I will have a Cobra tomorrow, another Cobra, to look at the economic impacts of the war and making sure that everything that we need to have in place, everything is monitored and audited properly.”
The Prime Minister doubled down on the Government's position for motorists to continue as normal, despite petrol rationing being implemented by a number of countries across the world.
He said there was "no need to do anything other than what is normal".
The Prime Minister calls for 'Labour values' as division felt across the country
The Prime Minister said it was important to remember "Labour values" as division at home has worsened due to the Iranian conflict.
He emphasised the importance of the country feeling a sense of pride, citing his "Pride in Place" scheme, where the Government allocates money to more deprived areas, where the community can decided how the funding is spent.
He said: "We build up through our values, and our judgements.
"Vote Labour because of our values, because of our leadership."
PICTURED: Keir Starmer in Wolverhampton launching his 'Pride in Britain' election campaign
The Prime Minister has launched his local election campaign in Wolverhampton, West Midlands
'This is not our war' - Keir Starmer stands firm on Iran conflict
The Prime Minister has vowed the UK will not get involved in the Middle East conflict.
Addressing a crowd in Wolverhampton as he launches the local election campaign, he said this decision was in line with "his values".
He said that the UK would be in a war, "with no plan" if Nigel Farage or Kemi Badenoch was in power.
Labour measures to come into play next week in attempt to tackle cost of living
As Sir Keir Starmer launches his local election campaign today, the Labour Party have issued a multitude of measures in an attempt to ease the cost of living for millions of households. Here's what they've lined up:
From 1 April:
- Prescription charges frozen, keeping the cost below £10
- National Living Wage (21+) rises to £12.71 per hour — a 4.1% increase
- National Minimum Wage increases to £10.85 (18-20), £8 (under 18) and £8 for apprentices
- Household energy bills reduced by an average of £117, on top of the £150 Warm Homes Discount for low-income households
- Most inflation-linked benefits uprated by 3.8% in line with September 2025 CPI figures
- Child benefit payments increased
- A new £1 billion-a-year Crisis & Resilience Fund launches, replacing the Household Support Fund, offering cash-first crisis payments and housing support
- Healthy Start vouchers rise by 50p per week
From 6 April:
- State pension increases by 4.8%, rising to £241.30 per week
- Two-child benefit cap scrapped — expected to lift 450,000 children out of poverty
- Statutory Sick Pay entitlement from day one of employment
- Day-one rights introduced for paternity leave and unpaid parental leave
- Universal Credit standard allowances receive an additional 2.3% uplift
Moscow kicks British diplomat out of Russia over spying charges
A British diplomat has been kicked out of Russia after being accused of spying.
The diplomat was told to leave the country within two weeks after having his accreditation revoked.
Russia's counterintelligence agency, the FSB, said they had found signs the second secretary to UK's Moscow embassy was "carrying out intelligence and subversive activities that threaten the security of the Russian Federation," according to Russian media.
They accused him of attempting to gather information on the economy through informal meetings.
Follow the full story here.
Shadow Home Secretary brands Labour's NHS waitlist claims as 'shameful'
Chris Philp, shadow Home secretary, took to social media this morning to condemn Labour's claims that they have reduced NHS waiting lists.
GPs have been told to redirect one in four hospital referrals in an attempt to hit waiting times quotas - essentially rationing specialist appointments.
He wrote on X: Shameful move by Labour to enable them to claim to have reduced NHS waiting lists … simply deny treatment to people who need it so they don’t join the waiting list in the first place. Disgraceful."
Welsh Labour and Plaid Cymru set to stage major campaign launches today
PICTURED: Rhun ap Iorwerth, Plaid Cymru's leader
Welsh Labour and Plaid Cymru are both staging major campaign launches at the same time today.
Given Plaid Cymru's lead in the polls, Labour may find itself struggling for the press's attention.
Plaid leader, Rhun ap Iorwerth, is firing the starting gun on his party's Senedd election campaign in Caerphilly, framing the May vote as "a straight choice between Plaid and Reform," while First Minister Eluned Morgan is in Swansea unveiling a Welsh Labour manifesto pledge to freeze Welsh income tax rates.
Meanwhile, Reform's Senedd campaign has suffered an early blow after candidate, Patrick Benham-Crosswell, resigned over the weekend, accusing the party of having "betrayed its early members' vision, labour and achievements".
UK bracing for economic energy fallout as instability in Middle East continues
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is convening senior business leaders from the energy, shipping and financial services sectors at Downing Street to address the economic impact of the Iran conflict, with Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz disrupting vital oil, gas and fertiliser supplies.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves will also join a virtual G7 meeting alongside Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, where she is expected to push allies to accelerate the shift away from fossil fuels, warning it is the only way to get off the "rollercoaster" of international oil and gas markets.
Adding further volatility, President Donald Trump told the Financial Times he could "take the oil in Iran" or potentially seize Kharg Island, the country's primary oil export hub, saying "we have a lot of options."
With petrol prices already rising sharply and inflation fears growing, ministers have sought to reassure the public, with Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson telling broadcasters that drivers should "fill up their cars as normal."
Shadow Energy Secretary describes UK as 'mad' for not making the most of its own energy resources
The shadow Energy secretary, Claire Coutinho, addressed the ongoing energy challenge in the UK, ahead of the Prime Minister meeting energy bosses today in Downing Street.
Speaking to GB News, Mrs Countinho came for the Chancellor's plans to increase fuel duty later on this year, whilst many ordinary families across the UK are struggling with increased bills.
She advocated for drilling in the North Sea, whilst criticising Labour's decision to stop allocating licences to oil companies.
The shadow Energy secretary outlined the Conservatives "Cheap Power Plan", which they aim to cut household bills by £200 - doing so by cutting wasteful spending and making the most of UK oil.
She said: "We've been very clear, we should drill in the North Sea, we should the make the most of those jobs and make the most of those tax revenues.
"We're the only country in the world that's been mad enough to shut down our own resources in the time of an energy crisis."
Here's what's happening today in Westminster
Good morning and happy Monday from the GB News Politics team.
Here is what is happening in UK politics today.
Sir Keir Starmer will be kicking off Labour's local election campaign in Wolverhampton today, vowing he will "fight for the country".
The Prime Minister will also gather with business leaders today to address the economic impact of the unfolding war in the Middle East, particularly on the rising cost of oil as Iran continues to block the Strait of Hormuz.
Kemi Badenoch will be in Aberdeen, joined by Scottish Conservatives Leader, Russell Findlay and shadow Scotland secretary, Andrew Bowie.
Also in Scotland, Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton and UK Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey will come ashore by sail at Edinburgh Watersports in Port Edgar, South Queensferry, where they will be greeted by local activists and supporters.
The People's Channel will be interviewing shadow Energy secretary, Claire Coutinho this morning.