David Lammy pledges £70m in taxpayers' cash to support new green energy project

Trump to slap Russia with 100 per cent tariffs if Putin does not sign Ukraine peace deal 'in 50 days'

President Donald Trump has threatened Russia with 100 per cent tariffs if Vladimir Putin does not agree to a peace deal with Ukriane.

During a meeting with NATO chief Mark Rutte in the White House this afternoon, Trump confirmed the will implement secondary sanctions if Putin continues to hold out.

This means that countries that continue to do business with Russia, including China, India, Brazil and other BRICs countries, would likely take a financial hit.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE

Nigel Farage demands Reform UK councils scrap 'virtue-signalling' net zero climate policies

Nigel Farage has urged Reform UK-led councils to ditch climate emergency targets amid concerns they are "massive diversions of time".

The Clacton MP has said it is not up to councils to deal with "global issues" and it would not make a difference if the plans were scrapped.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE

PM meets with Parliament's Intelligence and Security Committee as he looks to 'positively reset' relationship

Sir Keir Starmer has met with Parliament's intelligence as he looks to "positively reset" the relationship the Government has with the body.

Downing Street said the conversation between the Prime Minister and the Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC) this afternoon was the “first time there has been such a meeting in 10 years”.

The cross-party committee of MPs and Lords scrutinises the work of the UK’s intelligence agencies such as MI5 and MI6, as well as GCHQ and other areas of intelligence and security.

"[Starmer] was pleased to have the opportunity to positively reset the relationship between the Government and the committee and discuss a range of important issues pertaining to national security and the committee’s remit," the Prime Minister's official spokesman said.

In a statement, committee chairman Lord Beamish said members look "forward to future such meetings", adding the body “welcomed the Prime Minister’s agreement to the extra resources the committee needs to carry out its statutory obligations”.

Among the issues the committee is currently investigating are national security issues relating to Iran.

In a report last week, it warned that the threat of physical attacks by Iran on people living in the UK has increased “significantly” since 2022.

The report added that nuclear threat from Iran had increased since the US withdrew from a key international agreement in 2018, arguing that de-escalation “must be a priority”.

Rachel Reeves refuses to rule out new wealth tax 

Rachel Reeves has not ruled out the possibility of a new wealth tax but insisted on her commitment not to hike tax for "working people".

The Chancellor said she would not comment on speculation around her next budget when a date for it was yet to be set.

But she said promises not to increase "working people" taxes including income tax, national insurance and value added tax (VAT) remained along with her “non-negotiable” fiscal rules.

It comes after the Government's U-turns over its benefits bill and winter fuel payments left Reeves with a multi-billion black hole to fill, fuelling speculation she might target the assets of the wealthy.

When asked if she would rule that out, the Chancellor said: “We haven’t even set the date for the budget yet, so please forgive me if I’m not going to speculate about what might happen at an event that we haven’t even decided a date on yet."

Nigel Farage beats Keir Starmer in all but one area in fresh polling blow for PM

A new poll suggests voters prefer Nigel Farage to Sir Keir Starmer in every respect with one key exception.

While the Reform UK leader is seen as being more in touch with ordinary people than the Prime Minister, voters believe he is less honest.

The poll by Ipsos asked respondents about which positive characteristics applied to Starmer, Farage or Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE.

Downing Street says it is 'right' an investigation conducted into Gregg Wallace

A Downing Street spokesman said it is "right that a thorough investigation has been conducted" into allegations made against TV presenter Gregg Wallace.

The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said on Monday: "It’s right that a thorough investigation has been conducted. We welcome the fact that the BBC severed ties with Gregg Wallace.

"We’re clear that appropriate steps must be taken to ensure abuses of power are prevented from happening in the future."

Asked whether a series of MasterChef featuring Wallace that has not yet been broadcast should be aired, the spokesman said: "It’s a decision for the BBC, but clearly the BBC must take action to ensure that the public retains its trust in the handling of these matters.

"So we obviously welcome a decision to sever the ties with Gregg Wallace."

Lisa Nandy says she is 'pleased' the BBC has acknowledged recent 'failures'

Lisa Nandy has said she is “pleased” that the BBC has acknowledged “catastrophic” failures.

The Culture Secretary said: "It’s not for the Government to say who should and shouldn’t work at the BBC.

"My job is to make sure that we uphold the highest standards and that the public and Parliament can have confidence in the BBC.

"I think given the recent events, that has been called into question but the BBC in recent weeks has made big strides to try to reset that relationship with the public and show that they have grip on the very, very serious issues that have taken place.

"Whether it’s the Gaza documentary, whether it’s the Gregg Wallace allegations, or whether it’s the ongoing concerns about Glastonbury.

“I’ve had several meetings with them, I believe that they are acting now at pace to put in place measures to make sure that this cannot happen again.

"I’m pleased that there has been an acknowledgement about what a catastrophic failure this has been."

Keir Starmer will meet with Donald Trump 'privately' during next visit

Sir Keir Starmer will meet with President Donald Trump "privately" when he visits Scotland later this month.

A Downing Street spokesman told reporters: "The Prime Minister is pleased to take up the president invite to meet privately."

However, they added there are currently no plans for a formal bilateral meeting.

Shadow culture secretary SLAMS BBC over Gregg Wallace failings - 'Not acceptable!'

Shadow culture secretary Stuart Andrew said it is "not acceptable" that the BBC and MasterChef production company Banijay missed "opportunities" to address Gregg Wallace’s behaviour.

This comes after an independent report found that 45 allegations against the TV presenter were found to have been substantiated, including claims he made inappropriate jokes and innuendos, as well as allegations of bullying.

The Conservative MP for Daventry said: "I am glad that these allegations are finally being taken seriously, but this action should have come much sooner.

"While the full extent of the issues may not have been known at the time, there were clear missed opportunities by both the production behind MasterChef and the BBC to address concerning behaviour.

"That is not acceptable. Lessons must be learned and the duty to uphold trust must be taken seriously.

"The BBC must commit to preventing misconduct and not just responding to it once it becomes public."

Families could avoid Labour's inheritance tax raid on pensions under new HMRC-friendly proposals

Grieving families could be spared the full force of Labour's planned pension tax reforms under new proposals backed by industry leaders.

The alternative models would overhaul how inherited pensions will be taxed, avoiding the tax hit up to 67 per cent, that many beneficiaries currently face from 2027.

The Investing and Saving Alliance (TISA) is proposing simpler alternatives that could spare grieving families from administrative chaos.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE.

Wes Streeting welcomes fresh talks with resident doctors but warns Government has been 'really clear' on terms

Wes Streeting said he is "pleased" that resident doctors have agreed to "sit down and talk to try and avert these strikes" after the BMA announced walkouts on five consecutive days later this month.

However, the Health Secretary he stressed that the Government has been "really clear" that it will not "reopen this year’s pay award."

He told reporters: "I’m really pleased that the BMA have responded to my offer to sit down and talk to try and avert these strikes.

“I’m very clear we can’t go further on pay, we’ve already given them a 28.9 per cent pay increase; they had the largest pay award the entire public sector this year.

"So offering more would be unaffordable but also unfair to other NHS staff and other public sector workers.

"But there’s plenty of stuff we can do and want to work on together that would improve the lives of resident doctors, improve the service for patients and give everyone a win win out of this situation. So that’s what I’m looking to achieve."

Veterans to march on Westminster over plans to repeal legal protection for Northern Ireland troops

Soldiers who served in Northern Ireland are marching on Westminster today over plans to repeal legal protections for veterans who served during Operation Banner (1969-2007).

It comes ahead of a debate later today in Parliament for the Government to maintain legislation shielding veterans from prosecution for actions taken in the line of duty.

Shadow Armed Forces Minister, Mark Francois, said: "It is a privilege to join veterans here today to protest against Labour’s plans for two-tier justice, which pursues our veterans and potentially opens up many to endless reinvestigation, whilst potentially helping Gerry Adams sue the British taxpayer.

"Is it any wonder they can’t hit their recruiting targets and more people are leaving the Army than joining it?"

Darren Jones says he 'doesn't know why' dates for Trump's visit were chosen

Darren Jones said Buckingham Palace arranged dates for Donald Trump’s second state visit, which avoids the divisive issue of him potentially addressing Parliament.

The US president will be in the UK from September 17-19, a day after the Commons has gone into recess for the party conference season.

The Treasury chief secretary told ITV: "I don’t know why the particular dates were chosen by the palace. Of course, state visits are organised by the palace, not by the Government or Parliament."

Parliament MUST be recalled so that Donald Trump can address MPs, Nigel Farage says

Parliament must be recalled in September to allow US President Donald Trump to address MPs and peers, Nigel Farage has told GB News.

The President arrives on September 17, a day after MPs leave for their traditional party conference break on September 16.

They are not scheduled to be back in Westminster until October 13.

Farage, the Reform UK leader, told GB News that Parliament had to be recalled to allow the President to speak to MPs and peers.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE.

Darren Jones tells GB News Labour want to make it very clear there is 'no point' coming to UK on small boat

Chief secretary for the Treasury Darren Jones has denied the 'one in one out' system with France is a gimmick.

Jones told GB News: "It's not started yet so you don't know whether it works. The scheme is part of a range of measures we're taking to deter people from signing up to organised gangs.

"It's a pilot for a year with our friends in France.

"This is one measure alongside a whole host of other measures to make it very clear to people there is no point coming to the UK on a small boat in the way they have done in the past."

Rachel Reeves to announce £500million fund for 200,000 vulnerable children 

Chancellor Rachel Reeves is set to announce a new £500million fund aimed at helping up to 200,000 vulnerable children.

The fund will run for 10 years, and ministers plan to raise a further £500million from councils, investors and philanthropists to top up the Government’s cash.

The Chancellor will launch the initiative on Monday, as she visits a school in Wigan.

Ahead of the visit, she said: "I got into politics to help children facing the toughest challenges. This fund will give hundreds of thousands of children, young people and their families a better chance.

"For too long, these children have been overlooked."

WATCH: Richard Fuller slams Labour's approach to the migration crisis

Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury Richard Fuller has taken aim at Labour's approach to the migration crisis.

The North Bedfordshire MP told GB News Breakfast the Government's policy "crystallised" the view that politicians cannot solve problems.

Interest rates set for 'downward path' despite high inflation, says Bank of England boss

Andrew Bailey has indicated that interest rates are set for a "downward path" despite inflation remaining above the central bank's target.

The Bank of England governor's comments come ahead of the Bank's next rate-setting meeting on August 7, where the Monetary Policy Committee will review the current rate.

Bailey said "I really do believe the path is downward" for interest rates, which currently stand at 4.25 per cent."

READ THE FULL STORY HERE.

Richard Fuller takes veiled swipe at Nigel Farage - 'It's performative'

Richard Fuller appeared to take a veiled swipe at Nigel Farage as he said that there was "frustration" at things not getting done.

When asked about lack of popularity in politicians, the shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury told GB News: "I feel it too.

"I represent North Bedfordshire, I do regular town hall meetings and I've noticed both before and since the election the level of frustration that things aren't getting done is very high.

"With a lot of politicians its performative. They say lots of stuff that they think will win them votes but don't have a clue how then to get an answer.

"We have good people who can paint a vision but we don't have people with experience of managing things."

He added that politicians "avoid telling people about hard choices."

WATCH: Sir Keir Starmer's 'gimmick' migrant exchange deal torn apart by Chris Philp

Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp has hit out at Labour's latest "gimmick" deal to tackle the migrant crisis, claiming the Rwanda scheme was handed to Sir Keir Starmer "on a plate".

Speaking to GB News, Philp claimed that under the exchange deal with France, just "six per cent of illegal immigrants crossing the Channel will get sent back".

Delivering his verdict on the deal, Philp told GB News host Camilla Tominey: "This so-called deal, it's really a bit of a gimmick in my view."

READ THE FULL STORY HERE.

Donald Trump set to visit UK for state visit while MPs are on recess

President Donald Trump is set to make his "unprecedented" second UK state visit while MPs are on recess.

A statement from Buckingham Palace confirmed the President would make his next visit from September 17 to September 19, coinciding with the parliamentary break.

It comes as Labour MP for Jarrow and Gateshead East, Kate Osborne wrote to House of Commons Speaker Lindsay Hoyle in April asking him to stop Trump from addressing parliament,

She said it would be "inappropriate for President Trump to address Parliament," because of his record on "misogynism, racism and xenophobia."

Ed Miliband to tell MPs who reject green policies they are 'betraying future generations'

Energy secretary Ed Miliband is set to tell rebel MPs who vote against his flagship net zero policies they are "betraying" future generations.

The former Labour is set to make a "state of the climate" address to the Commons where he issues a stark warning about the impact of extreme weather.

He told The Guardian: "When I talk about this on Monday, all parties are going to have to decide how they respond.

"Those who respond by saying: 'There’s nothing to worry about, we don’t need to do anything' frankly it is the worst sort of betrayal of today’s and future generations. They need to be called out, and we are going to call them out.

"We are not going to let the shared commitment that we need to tackle this crisis disappear by default."