Keir Starmer buckles to pressure over Palestinian statehood as PM speaks out about 'unspeakable' suffering in Gaza
Keir Starmer announces UK-India trade deal
GB NEWS
Sir Keir Starmer has said Palestinians have an "inalienable right" to statehood as he spoke about "unspeakable" suffering in Gaza.
The Prime Minister said he will hold an emergency call with French and German leaders to discuss what could be done to "stop the killing and get people the food they desperately need."
Releasing a statement, the Prime Minister said: "The suffering and starvation unfolding in Gaza is unspeakable and indefensible.
"While the situation has been grave for some time, it has reached new depths and continues to worsen. We are witnessing a humanitarian catastrophe...It is hard to see a hopeful future in such dark times.
"We are clear that statehood is the inalienable right of the Palestinian people.
"A ceasefire will put us on a path to the recognition of a Palestinian state and a two-state solution which guarantees peace and security for Palestinians and Israelis."
Israeli forces have killed nearly 60,000 Palestinians in airstrikes according to health officials, shelling and shooting since launching their assault on Gaza in response to attacks on Israel by the Hamas group that killed 1,200 people and captured 251 hostages in October 2023.
For the first time since the war began, Palestinian officials say Gazans are now also dying of hunger.
At least 101 people are known to have died of hunger during the conflict, according to Palestinian officials, including 80 children, most of them in just the last few weeks.
Israel, which controls all supplies entering Gaza, denies it is responsible for shortages of food.
An IDF spokesman said it "views the transfer of humanitarian aid into Gaza as a matter of utmost importance", and works to facilitate its entry in coordination with the international community.
Wes Streeting says resident doctors strike 'undermines union movement'
Health Secretary Wes Streeting
POOLWes Streeting has said a planned strike by resident doctors "enormously undermines the entire trade union movement."
The Health Secretary has slammed a demand for a fresh 29 per cent rise over the next few years.
Streeting says that while there was 90 per cent backing for the strike, it was on a turnout of just over 55 per cent of members.
Writing in The Guardian, he said: "The BMA leadership’s decision to not even consider postponing these strikes will place an enormous burden on their colleagues, and hit the recovery we can all see our health service is making.
"Not only that, it enormously undermines the entire trade union movement.
"No trade union in British history has seen its members receive a such a steep pay rise only to immediately respond with strikes, even when a majority of their members didn’t even vote to strike.
"This action is unprecedented, and it is unreasonable."
Zack Polanski says Greens could be overshadowed by new Corbyn-Sultana party
The frontrunner in the Green Party leadership contest has said there may be "something" in suggestions he could be overshadowed by a new party set up by Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana.
Zack Polanski, the party's deputy leader and member of the London Assembly, said he is running on a "very clear left-wing socialist green ticket."
When asked if he was concerned Corbyn would overshadow him in the Greens, Polanski told the HuffPost: "I think there is something to that."
However, he was quick to point out he believes Corbyn, the MP of Islington North, wants to look for "future leaders and movements" comparing him to left-wing US senator Bernie Sanders.
Reform councillor sticks the boot in on Sadiq Khan after damning crime report
A Westminster councillor representing Reform UK has delivered a fierce condemnation of the capital's mayor over his approach to tackling crime.
Laila Cunningham, who switched from the Conservative Party to Reform in June, accused Sadiq Khan of failing to address London's escalating crime problem.
The councillor alleged that criminals now operate with impunity across the city. She claimed the mayor shows no interest in confronting knife crime whilst focusing his efforts on penalising motorists instead.
Johnathan Reynolds says they remain 'deeply committed' to recognising Palestinian state
Jonathan Reynolds has said Labour remains committed to recognising Palestine
GB NEWSBusiness Secretary Jonathan Reynolds has said the Government is "deeply committed" to recognising a Palestinian state.
He told LBC Radio: "We are deeply committed to the recognition of Palestine as a state, which was part of our manifesto, but obviously we want that to be meaningful.
"Now, at the minute, there is not a Palestinian state there. There is no political agreement between the two principal Palestinian territories in the West Bank and Gaza.
"We have taken other steps in relation to the intolerable situation in Gaza. We’ve obviously sanctioned two Israeli cabinet ministers. I myself have ended arms exports to Israel that could be used in the conflict in Gaza.
“We’ve ended our talks with Israel on a more enhanced trade agreement and trade relationship. So we have taken those immediate steps.
"And we do want to see Palestine recognised. I want that to be meaningful. I want that to be working with partners, other countries around the world."
Tories demand Labour explain plans to re-establish extraditions to Hong Kong
Ministers have been urged to explain plans which would once again allow Britain to extradite people to Hong Kong.
The move could put at risk dissident Hongkongers who have fled to the UK to avoid recrimination by the Chinese government, a senior Conservative warned.
Shadow Home Office minister Alicia Kearns urged the Government to ensure "protections will be put in place to ensure no Hongkonger, CCP (Chinese Community Party) critic or anyone targeted by the CCP will be extradited under the new arrangement."
The UK’s extradition treaty with Hong Kong was suspended by the then-Tory government after a new national security law was imposed on the territory by China in 2020.
Paul Embrey says 'storm is gathering' over migration protests
Paul Embrey has said that a "storm is gathering" following migration protests in Essex.
Writing for GB News members, the author and trade unionist said: "For at least two decades, our political class has been playing with fire over the issue of immigration, repeatedly promising to get numbers down but invariably failing to do so.
"And now a storm is gathering...the liberal globalists who ran things arrogantly dismissed the inevitable disquiet aired in Dagenham and other places experiencing a similar phenomenon as the intolerant reaction of closet racists and bigots.
"They were profoundly wrong. People were uneasy because their sense of order, and not their sense of race, had been violated."
Police confirm they will take no further action into historic claims into Alex Salmond
Alba Party leader Alex Salmond died last year
PAOfficers from Police Scotland have confirmed there will be no further action after investigating a historical sexual assault allegation into the late First Minister, Alex Salmond.
In November 2024, Police Scotland confirmed it had received a report of "a non-recent sexual assault" into the Alba Party leader who died a month earlier.
In an updated statement, the force said an investigation had been carried out and that "no further action will be taken".
The police announcement was followed by confirmation that Salmond's family is continuing legal action seeking damages and loss of earnings from the Scottish government over its handling of harassment complaints against him.
Zarah Sultana confirms new party with Jeremy Corbyn is not called 'Your Party'
Zarah Sultana has said her new party set up with former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn will not be called "Your Party".
The Coventry South MP clarified on social media that while Your Party is the name of the sign-up website: "It's not called Your Party!"
Corbyn rejected suggestions the new venture had been haphazardly launched, telling reporters: "It's not messy at all, it's a totally coherent approach."
WATCH: Donald Trump says he will meet with Keir Starmer during his visit to Scotland
Jeremy Corbyn reveals five key policies of new polices of new political party as he takes fight to Labour
The former Labour leader today announced the core principles of the group, together with five key policies he wishes to enact should he gain enough support.
Corbyn said the party will tax the richest in the UK, redistribute wealth and power, stop privatisation of the NHS and renationalise energy, water, rail and mail, invest in council-house building and stand up to fossil fuel giants.
Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana officially launch new left-wing political party
X
Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana have officially launched their new left-wing political party, referred to as Your Party, in a joint statement on social media.
The statement read: "The system is rigged. The system is rigged when 4.5 million children live in poverty in the sixth richest country in the world. The system is rigged when giant corporations make a fortune from rising bills. The system is rigged when this government says there is no money for the poor, but billions for war.
"We cannot accept these injustices – and neither should you. We will only fix the crises in our society with a mass redistribution of wealth and power. That means taxing the very richest in our society. That means an NHS free from privatisation and bringing energy, water, rail and mail into public ownership. That means investing in a massive council-house building programme. That means standing up to fossil fuel giants putting their profits before our planet.
"Meanwhile, millions of people are horrified by the Government’s complicity in crimes against humanity. Now, more than ever, we must defend the right to protest against genocide. We believe in the radical idea that all human life has equal value. That is why we will keep demanding an end to all arms sales to Israel, and for the only path to peace: a free and independent Palestine.
"Our movement is made up of people of all faiths and none. The great dividers want you to think that the problems in our society are caused by migrants or refugees. They’re not. They are caused by an economic system that protects the interests of corporations and billionaires. It is ordinary people who create the wealth – and it is ordinary people who have the power to put it back where it belongs.
"It’s time for a new kind of political party. One that is rooted in our communities, trade unions and social movements. One that builds power in all regions and nations. One that belongs to you."
PICTURED: Keir Starmer meets with the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi
Keir Starmer meets with the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi
PA
Donald Trump set to receive a 'warm welcome' from UK Government
Scottish Secretary Ian Murray has said that Donald Trump will receive a "warm welcome" from the UK Government when he arrives in Scotland on Friday.
The Scottish secretary told BBC Radio Scotland the UK will extend a “warm welcome” to the president, given the historic ties between the two countries.
The US president is expected to visit both his golf clubs north of the border, in Aberdeenshire and Ayrshire, during the four-day visit.
The President is also expected to meet Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Scottish First Minister John Swinney.
King Charles will not meet Donald Trump when the US President visits tomorrow, GB News understands.
Buckingham Palace and the White House have agreed that it is best to keep an in-person meeting for the full State Visit in September.
Labour Government 'deeply committed' to recognising a Palestinian state
The business secretary, Jonathan Reynolds, has said that the Labour Government is "deeply committed" to recognising a Palestinian state.
It comes as the Prime Minister faces increasing pressure to fulfil Labour’s manifesto promise to recognise Palestine.
Reynolds told LBC Radio: "We are deeply committed to the recognition of Palestine as a state, that was part of our manifesto, but obviously we want that to be meaningful.Now, at the minute, there is not a Palestinian state there.
"There is not political agreement between the two principal Palestinian territories in the West Bank and Gaza.We have taken other steps in relation to the intolerable situation in Gaza. We’ve obviously sanctioned two Israeli cabinet ministers. I myself have ended arms exports to Israel that could be used in the conflict in Gaza.
"We’ve ended our talks with Israel on a more enhanced trade agreement and trade relationship. So we have taken those immediate steps.And we do want to see Palestine recognised. I want that to be meaningful. I want that to be working with partners, other countries around the world."
'Because of Brexit' Andrew Griffith claims Anglo-Indian deal made possible by the Conservatives
PA
Shadow Business Secretary Andrew Griffith said the Anglo-Indian deal had only been made possible "because of Brexit delivered by the Conservatives".
He said: "Any trade deal that can successfully cut regulation which stops Britain's makers from creating new jobs and wealth will be a step in the right direction.
"But the irony should not be lost on anyone that any gains from this trade deal will be blown out of the water by Angela Rayner's union charter, stifling business with red tape, the jobs tax and, come autumn, Rachel Reeves' inevitable tax hikes that will punish Britain’s makers just to reward those who do not contribute."
'Win for Britain' Keir Starmer to sign India trade deal today as Prime Minister meets Narendra Modi
The Prime Minister is set to sign off on a major trade deal with India today in a pact that could inject up to £6billion into the UK economy.
The deal, which the Government has been tipped to generate 2,200 jobs nationwide, will see import duties for UK goods going to India slashed.
The average levy on UK exports will drop dramatically from 15 per cent to just 3 per cent under the new arrangements.
Sir Keir Starmer and Indian PM Narendra Modi are scheduled to formalise the agreement during their meeting today, with the pact also including measures to combat illegal migration and organised crime.
"Our landmark trade deal with India is a major win for Britain," Starmer said ahead of the meeting.
'APPALLING!' Matt Vickers warns migrant crisis is 'on steroids' as police Gutted ahead of 'summer of unrest'
Conservative MP Matt Vickers has issued stark warnings about escalating migration, telling GB News that it has been "on steroids" since Labour took office.
His comments come after Reform UK leader Nigel Farage cautioned about the possibility of a summer "of unrest," as widespread demonstrations break out across the country.
The Shadow Minister for Crime, Policing and Fire told GB News that official workforce statistics revealed police officer numbers have fallen by 1,316 in the past year.
He attributed this decline directly to National Insurance rises imposed in the October Budget, claiming the Government is "literally taxing the police off our streets".
Home Office launches urgent probe into migrant payment cards following gambling revelation
The Home Office has launched an urgent probe into taxpayer-funded payment cards being used to gamble by Migrants living in asylum hotels.
"Asylum seekers" entering Britain are handed "Aspen" cards by the Home Office upon arrival, designed to be used to buy food, clothes or toiletries.
A Home Office spokesperson told PoliticsHome: "The Home Office has begun an investigation into the use of Aspen cards.
"The Home Office has a legal obligation to support asylum seekers, including any dependents, who would otherwise be destitute."
The probe comes just hours after figures revealed that some 6,537 asylum seekers have used Aspen cards in "gambling settings" over the last year across the UK.
Police and Government ready to respond to another summer of unrest
PICTURED: Protesters gathered in Epping outside a migrant hotelPABusiness Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said police and the Government are ready to respond if violent protests over the asylum system spread following events in Epping.
He could understand people’s frustrations at hotels being used to house asylum seekers, but insisted that the number had come down from around 400 hotels to “just over 200”.
Reynolds told Sky News: “All the Government, all the key agencies, the police, they prepare for all situations.
“So I wouldn’t want you to be talking this up or speculating in a way which is unhelpful. Of course, the state prepares for all situations.
“But I think what we’ve got to talk about is: why are people unhappy with, say, the asylum system? Are they reasonable? Are they upset for legitimate reasons? Yes, we share those as a Government. That is why we are sorting it out.
“And I understand the frustrations people have, but ultimately, you solve those frustrations and solve the problem by fixing and getting a grip of the core issue, which is what we’re doing.”
It comes despite the Police warning that they are not prepared for another summer of unrest, as more protests are expected.
'SHOCKING' Chris Philip accuses migrants of 'slapping us in the face' by gambling
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp has accused the migrants of "slapping us in the face" by gambling with taxpayer-funded payment cards.
Philp said: "It is shocking that over 6,000 illegal immigrants have attempted to use hard-working British taxpayers' money to gamble. They have illegally entered this country without needing to - France is safe, and no one needs to flee from there.
"The British taxpayer has put them up in hotels, and now they slap us in the face by using the money they are given to fund gambling.
"These illegal immigrants clearly don't need the money they are given if they are squandering it at casinos and arcades."
Tory membership plummets under Kemi Badenoch
The Conservative Party has lost 8,000 members since Kemi Badenoch became leader in November last year, according to new figures.
At the time of the leadership election last year, the Tories had 131,000 members, but this has since fallen to 123,000.
It comes amid Reform UK continuing to gain momentum across Britain, who are polling above the Conservatives.
The party currently sits at just 17 per cent in opinion polls, behind Reform on 28 per cent and Labour on 22 per cent.