'Britain will not stand by!’ John Healey issues emergency statement to Commons as he reveals new details on RAF supported oil tanker seizure

Tories will 'support any efforts to bring peace to Ukraine', says shadow defence secretary 

Shadow defence secretary James Cartlidge said the Conservatives will "support any efforts to help bring peace to Ukraine".

He said: "Specifically, it is entirely right to plan for a ceasefire, and just as we brought together an international coalition to bring weapons to Ukraine, we welcome the way the Government has worked with international partners to plan how a potential ceasefire will be supported militarily."

He asked John Healey a series of questions, including how many troops will be deployed to Ukraine if a peace deal is struck with Russia.

Mr Cartlidge then turned his attention to Greenland, saying the Tories "totally support Denmark's sovereignty" over the territory.

"We totally support Denmark's sovereignty over that territory whilst the United States remains our closest ally," he said.

"It is surely not in the interest of the US or any of our allies for Nato's shared commitments to be undermined to any degree."

John Healey says he will travel 'very soon' to Ukraine 

John Healey turned his attention towards the situation in Ukraine and the Coalition of the Willing meeting in Paris yesterday.

He said he will "very soon" travel to Kyiv to meet with political and military leaders.

"A secure Europe needs a strong Ukraine, but we can only get a peace deal if Putin is ready to make compromises," he told MPs.

"Over the Christmas period he showed he is still not ready for peace. Hundreds of drones and missiles fired into Ukraine, Russian attacks continuing on the front line."

'Deterring' Russia's shadow fleet is 'priority' for Government, says Defence Secretary 

John Healey has said "deterring" Russia's shadow fleet is a "priority" for the Government.

The Defence Secretary says: "We are deterring, we are disrupting, we are degrading the Russian shadow fleet as a prirotiy for this Government.

"To date, we have posed sanctions on 544 vessels.

"According to estimates, sanctions against the shadow fleet by the UK and our partners have forced 200 ships off the seas, almost half of the Russian shadow fleets overall capacity."

"The UK will not standby as malign activity increases on the high seas and alongside our allies, we are stepping up our response against shadow vessels and we will continue to do so," he added.

Seized oil tanker 'illegally' moved 7.3 million barrels of Iranian oil - John Healey 

John Healey told the Commons the oil tanker seized in a US operation with the help of British forces today had moved 7.3 million barrels of Iranian crude oil in four years.

He said: "In 2024, the vessel was sanctioned by the US and subjected to a seizure warrant for illegally transporting Iranian oil. It re-flagged five times in the last five years.

"Over a four year period, reports suggest that this vessel moved some 7.3 million barrels of Iranian crude oil, the proceeds of which are used to finance terrorism, threat and instability across the world."

John Healey describes 'era of rising threats' as he cites 'three objectives' behind UK's involvement in oil tanker seizure

John Healey made reference to an "era of rising threats" as he listed Britain's three objectives behind Britain's involvement in the seizure of oil tanker Bella 1.

He told MPs: "The UK supported this action to achieve three objections.

"First to enforce counter Iran sanctions, second to tackle the global security threat posed by expanding shadowing maritime activity and third to reinforce British homeland defence and security in this era of rising threats."

Defence Secretary confirms 'no UK personnel' boarded Venezuela-linked oil tanker seized off British coast 

The Defence Secretary has confirmed that "no UK personnel" boarded the Venezuelan-linked oil tanker, Bella 1, and praised the "immense courage" of US forces.

John Healey told the Commons: "This was a US operation.

"No UK personnel took part in the boarding. I can update the House the operation is ongoing but the Bella 1 is now under the control of the US forces who demonstrated immense courage and professionalism in dangerous and deteriorating Atlantic sea conditions."

John Healey now addressing MPs in the Commons 

Defence Secretary John Healey has begun speaking in the House of Commons.

He opened his speech by saying: "I wish to make a statement to update the House on today's US operation and on yesterday's Coalition of the Willing summit in Paris.

"Today the US conducted a military operation to intercept the motor vessel Bella 1 in the North Atlantic on its way to Russia.

"The UK, at the request of the US, supported this operation as part of global efforts to crack down on sanctions busting and shadow shipping activity."

Emergency statement to start soon in Commons 

​Defence secretary John Healey will soon make a statement in the House of Comments.

He will address MPs following the seizure of a Venezuela-linked oil tanker.

British forces supported the US to carry out the operation, the Ministry of Defence has confirmed.

Kemi Badenoch accuses PM of 'lying' over comments made during PMQ's

Kemi Badenoch has accused Sir Keir Starmer of "lying" over comments made during PMQ's about shadow attorney general, Lord Wolfson.

The Tory leader wrote to X: "I’m not allowed to say it in Parliament, but I can here: today the Prime Minister lied and lied and lied again.

"And he did so to smear a man defending our veterans in court against the Labour government.

"Labour have attacked everyone from farmers, to businesses, to veterans, so now they attack David Wolfson, a brilliant KC, to take the attention away from their terrible decisions.

"I’m proud to have David in my team.

"He doesn’t deserve to have his name smeared by low-rent politicians trying to distract from their own failures. What little integrity the Prime Minister held he surrendered with that shameful performance today."

Shadow attorney general accuses Keir Starmer of being 'wrong' over comments made in PMQ's in open letter

Shadow attorney general, Lord Wolfson, has accused Sir Keir Starmer of being "wrong" over comments made during PMQ's.

Lord Wolfson is among the stop barristers representing Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich in a legal case on Jersey.

The former Chelsea owner is caught up in a legal battle with the Channel island’s government after it launched an investigation into the source of more than £5.3billion assets linked to him which are held there.

According to several reports, the legal action is said to be delaying the release of funds from Mr Abramovich’s sale of Chelsea Football Club, which the UK Government wants to see used to help rebuild Ukraine after the war ends.

Lord Wolfson has recused himself from providing legal advice to Tory leader Kemi Badenoch on issues relating to Russia and Ukraine, including the potential deployment of British troops, as a result of the case.

During PMQ's, Sir Keir said: "How can someone sit in her shadow cabinet, advising someone trying to escape sanctions, and pretend that their policy is to support us on sanctions?”

In his letter to the PM, Lord Wolfson said he is "not a member of the shadow cabinet" and is "not advising Mr Abramovich about UK sanctions".

Emergency statement to be made in Commons in HOURS over oil tanker seizure

The Commons is set to hear an emergency statement in just a few hours following the seizure of the Marinera tanker.

British armed forces are understood to have supported the US’ seizure of the Russian-flagged oil tanker today.

The tanker, a Venezuelan-linked vessel previously known as Bella-1, was captured by US forces as it travelled north and eastwards through the waters between Iceland and Scotland.

Seizure of Russian-flagged oil tanker linked to Venezuela was 'supported' by British armed forces, says MoD

The seizure of Russian-flagged oil tanker Marinera was supported by the British armed forces, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has said.

The MoD said the supply ship RFA Tideforce and RAF surveillance aircraft assisted the US operation to seize the tanker, also known as the Bella 1.

The department insisted the support was “in full compliance with international law”.

Defence Secretary John Healey said: “Today our UK Armed Forces showed skill and professionalism in support of a successful US interception of the vessel Bella 1 while on its way to Russia. This action formed part of global efforts to crack down on sanctions busting.

“This ship, with a nefarious history, is part of a Russian-Iranian axis of sanctions evasion which is fuelling terrorism, conflict, and misery from the Middle East to Ukraine."

The MoD added the ship had initially flown a false flag and is assessed to have been involved in illegal activity linked to Hezbollah.

READ MORE HERE

Nigel Farage hints at making major change to 'abusive' PMQs after boycotting Commons showdown AGAIN

Nigel Farage has revealed what he would have asked Sir Keir Starmer in the House of Commons today after boycotting the first Prime Minister's Questions of 2026.

The Reform UK leader said he would grill the Prime Minister on Alaa Abd El-Fattah — the Egyptian-British prisoner whose return to Britain was welcomed by Labour ministers despite previously calling for the mass murder of Israelis and police.

Mr Farage also suggested a Reform Government would double the frequency of Prime Minister's Questions to twice a week and accused Sir Keir of “abusing” the debating session.

PMQs had been held on Tuesday and Thursday between 1961 and 1997, albeit at a reduced time of 15 minutes each.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE

Labour civil war erupts as Keir Starmer's allies label rebels 'idiotic hypocrites' over plot to topple PM

A huge Labour row has erupted north of the border after Sir Keir Starmer's allies branded Scottish MPs "idiots" and "hypocrites" after accusing them of wanting to topple the Prime Minister.

Labour insiders accused Scottish MPs of agitating for a leadership contest, with Health Secretary Wes Streeting now tipped as Sir Keir's potential successor.

Scottish Labour MPs were also urged to reflect on the 2024 General Election.

"These idiots need to stop being part of the problem and start talking up a Government that's ended austerity in Scotland and delivered so much north of the border," one source close to the Prime Minister told The Times.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE

Nigel Farage says Reform mayoral candidate 'should' apologise for David Lammy remarks

Nigel Farage has called on a Reform mayoral candidate to apologise after saying David Lammy should "go home" to the Caribbean.

Reform’s candidate for the Hampshire and the Solent mayoralty Chris Parry has been under pressure over the remarks where questioned the "loyalties" of the Justice Secretary.

The retired Naval officer has since doubled down on what Labour has described as his "racist and grossly offensive" remarks.

Now, Nigel Farage has said: "He also criticised quite strongly many white politicians, called them unpatriotic and suggested they went to live in other countries.

"Some of his comments are a bit rich. I get that. He is intensely patriotic. He’s risen to the rank of rear admiral, he’s given enormous service to this country.

"But I do think his comments on Lammy were over the top, and he should apologise for them."

Labour MP calls on Prime Minister to 'urgently' review business tax rate reforms

A Labour MP has called on Sir Keir Starmer to "urgently" review his tax raid on businesses.

Rachael Maskell, the MP for York Central, said: "Having met with many independent business owners, they fear the cumulative impact of the rateable value revision and relief reductions.

"In York hospitality sees an average business rate rise of 41 per cent, a music venue 44.4 per cent and many independent shops increases around 27 per cent.

"It will mean doors closing and trade ceasing. They just can’t do it.

"So could the Prime Minister urgently review the business rate proposals and will he ensure a minister or official attends my business rate summit at the end of January as I want to avert a crisis on York’s high street?"

Sir Keir replied: “As she knows during Covid rates went down and that was coming to an end. That’s why we’ve put in place interim relief as we move to the new rates.

"We are continuing to work with and talk to the sector on that support and what further support and action we can take.”

Keir Starmer says issue of Greenland is for 'Greenland and the Kingdom of Denmark alone' in swipe at Donald Trump

Sir Keir Starmer has reiterated his stance the future of Greenland is for "Greenland and the Kingdom of Denmark alone."

Liberal Democrat Leader Sir Ed Davey asked whether he thought an attack on Greenland by the US would be the end of Nato.

The Prime Minister responded: "The Greenland issue’s obviously very, very important, I thank him for raising it. The future of Greenland is obviously for Greenland and the Kingdom of Denmark and Greenland and the Kingdom of Denmark alone...

"Of course Nato is hugely importantly, the single most effective and important military alliance the world has ever known.

"[Sir Ed] keeps encouraging me to sort of tug away at parts of Nato and to choose between Europe and the US.

"That would be a strategic mistake for our country. And yesterday we were working with our Nato allies, including the US, our Nato allies, on a just and lasting peace in Ukraine."

WATCH: Kemi Badenoch and Sir Keir Starmer lock horns over PM's conduct after announcing Ukraine troops deal

Ed Davey says Keir Starmer looks 'ridiculous' over Donald Trump comments

Sir Ed Davey said the Prime Minister "just looks ridiculous when he won't tell the truth" in a clash over Donald Trump.

A backbencher shouted Sir Ed is "obsessed" with the US President.

Responding to a question from the Liberal Democrat leader, the Prime Minister said: "It is our long-standing position that Maduro was not a legitimate president in Venezuela and so nobody I think sheds any tears at his removal.

"What we need, what we were saying before the weekend and we say again is there needs to be a peaceful transition of power."

WATCH: Lindsay Hoyle scolds Keir Starmer as the Prime Minister questions Kemi Badenoch's priorities

Keir Starmer says Kemi Badenoch is 'not serious' about Nato

Kemi Badenoch has been accused of not being "serious" over Nato by Sir Keir Starmer.

The Tory leader said: "One of them asked ;he is here'. He’s got no choice but to be here for Prime Minister’s Questions! If he could skip this, we know he would do.

"All of us here agree, well most of us here agree that Nato is the bedrock of our security. The future of Greenland is of fundamental importance to the future of the alliance.

"I am sure that the Prime Minister agrees that it is essential for Nato leaders, including and especially the US, to meet. Will the Prime Minister call for an urgent meeting of Nato leaders?"

The Prime Minister responded saying: "We had one of the strongest Nato meetings last year, the summit, where we had more members of Nato and more unity.

"When I arrived back to the House to make a statement, which of course she asked for, her position was I shouldn’t have missed PMQs, I should have empty-chaired the Nato summit. That’s how serious she is about Nato."

Kemi Badenoch brands Keir Starmer 'astonishing' over lack of statement on Ukraine

Kemi Badenoch has said it was "astonishing" the Prime Minister did not make a statement to the Commons after pledging to put British boots on the ground in the Ukraine once the war is over.

The Tory leader said it demonstrated a "fundamental lack of respect for all of us here and the people we represent."

The Prime Minister said: "Military plans were drawn up some months ago and I’ve updated the House in relation to that. Yesterday was a political declaration that sits under those powers.

"If there were to be deployment there would have to be a legal instrument.

"Deployment would only be after a ceasefire, to support Ukraine’s capabilities, to conduct deterrent operations and to construct and protect military hubs."

The Prime Minister also confirmed MPs would get a vote on whether to deploy British troops to Ukraine, adding he will publish a "legal instrument" relating to the deployment ahead of any vote.

Keir Starmer takes aim at Reform UK in opening remarks of first PMQs of 2026

Sir Keir Starmer launched the first Prime Minister's Questions of 2026 with a jab at Reform UK.

The Prime Minister made a joke wishing Nigel Farage's party a "Happy Christmas", as he added "Today is the day they celebrate Christmas in Russia."

Keir Starmer leaves Downing Street ahead of first PMQs of 2026

Sir Keir Starmer has left Downing Street ahead of the first PMQs of 2026.

We'll bring you all the updates here on our live blog and on PMQs Live with Tom and Gloria.

Liberal Democrats accuse Reform of 'talking London down'

Reform UK has been accused of wanting to "talk London down" by the Liberal Democrats.

The party’s London spokesman and MP for Sutton & Cheam Luke Taylor said: "From its history to its culture to its people, London is the greatest city in the world but all Reform seem to do is talk it down.

"Cunningham and Farage care more about sowing division than they do about solving the actual problems that Londoners face.

"The Liberal Democrats will stand up for the millions of Londoners who love this city and its values and ensure London is a better place for everyone."

Nigel Farage brands Zack Polanski 'a lunatic'

Nigel Farage has said Zack Polanski is "clearly a lunatic" as he took aim at the Green Party Leader.

The Reform leader said "the Greens are clearly for you" if you "oppose drugs laws and support open borders."

In response, Mr Polanski said: "We don’t need to call Farage names. Brexit’s record does that for us, a catastrophic failure.

"Alongside a whole lot of donations from some pretty questionable sources. Funny how loud the insults get when the facts start to land."

Laila Cunningham says Mark Rowley 'has got to go' as Met Police chief

Reform UK's candidate for Mayor of London Laila Cunningham has said Sir Mark Rowley "has got to go" as head of the Metropolitan Police.

She said: "My message will be clear. If you are not delivering for Londoners then you’re in and I was really disappointed when Mark Rowley said there were no grooming gangs in London and then turned around saying we’re reviewing 9,000 cases.

"How the hell do you get 9,000 new cases wrong? So as it stands right now I think he has to go, because on my watch you don’t get 9,000 grooming cases wrong. You get it right the first time.

“If he’s not delivering, he’s got to go and that’s a message to everyone."

Reform UK attacks 'eco warrior' Sadiq Khan over hated Ulez scheme and vows to end 'WAR on motorists'

Reform UK has pledged to end the war on motorists in London and tackle Sir Sadiq Khan's Ulez scheme after announcing its candidate for the upcoming mayoral election.

At a press conference in the capital this morning, Nigel Farage unveiled Laila Cunningham as Reform UK's candidate for the London election in 2028.

He praised Ms Cunningham, who represents Lancaster Gate in Westminster City Council, as a "vigilante mum" who was hard on crime, vowing to defeat Sir Sadiq Khan as he looks to run for a fourth time.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE.

Nigel Farage says there are 'genuine security concerns' around Greenland

Nigel Farage has warned of "genuine security concerns" surrounding Greenland amid comments about the future of the island.

The Reform leader said he agrees with Labour that the fate of Greenland must be decided by Greenland and Denmark, not the US.

However, he said: "There are some genuine security concerns around Greenland and that becomes ever more relevant with a retraction of the ice caps as we head towards the North Pole.

"There is a strong feeling in British intelligence circles, and many in Nato, that there needs to be a significant Nato base located directly on the north of Greenland.

"At the moment, it would appear that is something Greenland is not particularly keen to do.

"Since 2009, Greenland has been moving further and further away from Danish control and is pretty close to establishing its own level of independence and the fear is that they will fall prey to very large amounts of Chinese money and Chinese influence.

"So, as ever, with things that Trump says, they may sound outrageous, and in the case of potentially using force, they are. But there is point behind it."

Nigel Farage blasts Sadiq Khan as 'deluded' over London praise

Nigel Farage has accused Sir Sadiq Khan as being "deluded" to believe that London was the best city in the world.

The Reform Leader said: "When you ask people in Dubai, in Milan, places like that, when you ask them would they come back to the UK, well it’s not just about tax, it’s actually about I will only come back if this is a safe city for me and my family to live in.

"I honestly believe that Khan, the Labour Government, the Conservative opposition, they’ve lost sight of this, they’ve lost sight of how negative the perception is of London."

Laila Cunningham takes aim at Sadiq Khan over Islamophobia accusations - 'An insult to Londoners'

Laila Cunningham has slammed Sir Sadiq Khan over his response to critics of London, taking aim at the Labour Mayor's accusations of Islamophobia.

Councillor Cunningham, who herself is a Muslim, said: "[Sir Sadiq] attacks anyone who says London’s dangerous.

"He calls them far-right, racist. He ludicrously says that criticism of his record is because he’s Muslim and we are all Islamophobic. Frankly, it’s an insult to victims and to Londoners."

Laila Cunningham says May 7 elections are 'first step' to reclaiming London for Reform

Reform UK’s Laila Cunningham said local elections in May is the "first step" to "reclaiming" the city in the 2028 London mayoral elections after she was announced as the party’s candidate to take on Sir Sadiq Khan.

The Westminster councillor told a press conference: "Now I know that we’re still two and a half years away, but the election on May 7 is the first step.

"It’s the first step to reclaiming our city. Now, these local elections, I tell everyone, will be a referendum on Sadiq Khan, on Labour’s broken London.

"It’s London’s chance to vote out every councillor who’s propped him up and stayed silent while he’s let our city down."

Laila Cunningham announced as Reform's candidate for London Mayor 

Westminster City Councillor Laila Cunningham has been announced as Reform's candidate for the next London mayoral election.

The former Conservative councillor and mother-of-seven, who defected to Nigel Farage's party last year, said there is an "epidemic" of knife crime in London, adding she cannot understand why tackling it is not more of a priority for the Mayor.

Councillor Cunningham, who has represented the Lancaster Gate ward since 2022, said about how "scared" she is that one of her teenage children could come to harm on the streets of London.

Nigel Farage takes aim at 'banana republic' over cancelled elections

Nigel Farage has compared Britain to a "banana republic" over cancelled elections across the UK.

The Reform leader said: "I have likened this to a banana republic and I don’t pull back in any way from that statement.

"But regardless of what gets cancelled, this is still a very major set of elections taking place on May 7.

"It may well decide who the Prime Minister is, it may well decide who the leader of the Conservative Party is, and it will make a material difference to my strength or otherwise as leader of this party too and that’s pretty much unavoidable."

Nigel Farage hails 'most significant set of election tests' in press conference

Nigel Farage has described May's local elections as the "most significant set of election tests" before the next General Election.

The Reform leader said: "My time, my effort, my focus is getting this party ready to fight this election."

He also said the Wales Senedd was a "two horse race" between Reform and Plaid Cymru.

The Clacton MP confirmed he would announce Reform UK Scotland’s leader at a press conference in Edinburgh next Thursday.

Reform UK takes eight point lead over Tories in new poll

Reform UK has opened its gap over the Conservatives to eight points as Labour continues to slump in third place.

The first poll by pollster More In Common of 2026 has Nigel Farage's party up three points to 31 per cent, with Kemi Badenoch's Tories on 23 per cent.

At 54 per cent, this is the highest the pollster has ever recorded for the Reform/Conservative share.

Labour's fall continues with Sir Keir Starmer's party down to 19 per cent, with the Liberal Democrats on 12 per cent. Just behind the Lib Dems are the Green Party on 10 per cent.

Reform leader Nigel Farage is set to hold a press conference imminently. We'll bring you all the updates as they happen here.

Locals rage as Labour boss of 'Britain's worst council' handed OBE - 'Sticking two fingers up to us!'

Locals have been left raging and questioning the legitimacy of the honours system after the Labour boss of one of Britain's most criticised councils was handed an OBE.

Claire Holland, the leader of Lambeth council in south London, was awarded the honour in the New Year's list, despite being found to have acted unlawfully twice last year.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE.

Britain blasted as 'WEAK' by the White House for not celebrating Maduro's capture

Britain has been slammed as being "weak" by White House sources for not celebrating the military operation to capture Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro.

Aides of President Donald Trump are said to have been frustrated with Sir Keir Starmer's muted reaction to the ousting of Maduro on Saturday.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE.

Labour minister insists 'nobody wants to stop people going out to the pub'

Local Transport Minister Lilian Greenwood has defended plans to bring down the alcohol limit for drivers, despite warnings from rural pub landlords.

Ministers are considering toughening the rules in England and Wales, and could align them with Scotland where one drink can put a driver over the limit.

Responding to the claims, Ms Greenwood told GB News: "There were 260 people killed by drink drivers last year. Every single one was preventable. I think about the families torn apart, I've spoken to some of them.

"We are out of step in England and Wales, the limit we have was set in 1967, it hasn't changed since then.

"Look nobody wants to stop people from going out to the pub, but what we are saying is if you are going out for a drink, leave the car at home."

WATCH: Kieran Mullan grilled on vacant prison HMP Dartmoor: 'How was this allowed to happen?!'

Britain 'to be forced back into EU net zero scheme under Labour's Brexit Betrayal Bill'

The UK could reenter the EU's net zero scheme without a parliamentary vote under the new "Brexit Betrayal Bill".

Labour's proposed plans for "dynamic alignment" would see Britain and Brussels tied together on various areas of regulation.

This could see EU regulations take effect in Britain automatically without needing Parliament's approval.

Under the arrangement, Britain would be bound to EU rules covering food standards, animal welfare and pesticide regulations on a permanent basis.

But Government sources have confirmed the legislation would also implement a new arrangement with Brussels on the Emissions Trading System (ETS), which governs how much carbon companies can release into the atmosphere.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE.

Labour rocked by yet another councillor defection in London

Labour has been hit with yet another defection in London as a Southwark Councillor has joined the Green Party.

Councillor Reginald Popoola has joined Zack Polanski's party and will be the third Southwark Council councillor in three months to make the switch.

The Councillor for the Queen’s Road and Nunhead ward said: "I have made the decision to join the Green Party as its core values of social justice, ecologicalsustainability and genuine member engagement more closely align with my principles and the future I want to build not only in Southwark but across the UK."

In response, a Southwark Labour spokesman said: "It has been clear for some time that Councillor Popoola’s thoughts have been focused on the future of his own political career, rather than on his residents, colleagues or responsibilities within the council."

Senior Conservative says the future of Greenland is 'up to its people'

Shadow Justice Minister Kieran Mullan has told GB News the future of Greenland and Denmark should be "up to its people."

Dr Mullan, the MP for Bexhill and Battle stressed that he agreed with President Donald Trump on the "importance" of Greenland to the United States.

David Lammy to meet JD Vance amid Greenland turmoil

Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy will meet Vice President JD Vance in Washington DC to discuss Ukraine, following confirmation a British and French-led peacekeeping force will be placed in the country once the Russian-instigated war is over.

Mr Lammy is travelling to Washington to take part in celebrations to mark the 250th anniversary of the United States.

The Deputy Prime Minister and the Vice President are reportedly close, with Mr Vance and his family staying with Mr Lammy last summer at Chevening, the grace-and-favour Kent country house he had use of as Foreign Secretary at the time.

Their meeting comes at a fraught time for relations between the US and its European allies, amid the fallout of the American raid on Venezuela and renewed Trump administration interest in claiming sovereignty over Greenland, a territory which belongs to Nato ally Denmark.

What's happening today in Westminster?

It's the return of PMQs today, as Sir Keir Starmer and Kemi Badenoch will go head-to-head in the Commons for the first time this year.

We'll bring you all the updates here on the live blog and on PMQs Live from 12pm where Tom and Gloria will be joined by Labour MP for Peterborough Andrew Pakes and Conservative MP for Isle of Wight East Joe Robertson.

Also today, the Tories are using their opposition day debate to challenge Labour's plans to scrap jury trials for less serious offences, with some Labour MPs telling Politico they will vote against their party.

Family of David Amess to meet with MPs to press for 'answers' over missed opportunities

The widow and daughter of murdered MP Sir David Amess are set to meet with the Home Secretary to push for "answers" over missed opportunities in the lead-up to his death.

Sir David was stabbed to death in Leigh-on-Sea in 2021 by Islamic State sympathiser Ali Harbi Ali, who was sentenced to a whole-life order for the murder the following year.

Lady Julia Amess and Katie Amess are set for talks with Shabana Mahmood on Wednesday, with Sir David’s daughter describing the meeting as one about "accountability, transparency, and learning lessons properly."

Katie Amess has made repeated calls for a public inquiry into her father’s murder, saying it is the only way to achieve "real accountability."

Former Home Secretary Yvette Cooper previously wrote to Sir David’s family to reject their calls for an inquiry, which Lady Amess and Katie branded "totally unacceptable" and "insulting."

​RECAP: Reform UK withdraws from BBC documentary made by firm behind 'biased' Trump programme

Between the Donald Trump controversy and the Question Time row, Reform UK pulled out of a BBC documentary made by the firm behind the “biased” Trump clip.

The documentary, titled The Rise of Reform, is set to be hosted by BBC politics presenter Laura Kuenssberg.

But Reform sent an email to its leading figures, MPs and councillors insisting that they cut ties with the firm.

In a damning memo, the party said: “We want to be clear that October Films have always conducted themselves professionally, and there is no suggestion from our side that they would maliciously misrepresent Reform UK.

"However, following the Panorama documentary, the trust has been lost."

READ THE FULL STORY ON REFORM UK’S PULL-OUT HERE

RECAP: Zia Yusuf rages at BBC after Question Time ‘planted migrant’ stunt

Just weeks after the Donald Trump-BBC feud broke out, the broadcaster was drawn into yet another row on a special episode of Question Time.

The BBC had invited invited multiple "asylum seekers" to sit among the live audience in Dover - ground zero of Britain’s migrant crisis.

During the show, one of the migrants revealed that his asylum application had been rejected by six other countries before he came into Britain.

And speaking to GB News after he got home from Dover, Reform UK’s Zia Yusuf said: "It was put to me, would a Reform Government deport him?

“And I said, look, you know, we're always going to give her the same answer on this. If you came to this country illegally, yes, you will be deported. Absolutely.

"And there were sort of gasps in the audience, which obviously I don't know how.

"By the way, this is another stunning achievement from the BBC. They managed to rig... an audience in Dover of all places - a seat that looks as if the General Election would happen tomorrow, I think Reform would take handily.

"How did they manage to stack up so many people who gave rapturous applause to Zack Polanski, talking about open borders and more immigration? The whole thing was incredibly surreal. I think it is frankly, a scandal."

Asked by GB News whether the chaos was an example of BBC bias, Mr Yusuf encouraged viewers to watch clips of the episode online, before noting that he "could not believe this was happening in such an open and blatant way".

He had earlier blasted: "It is a scandal that licence fee money is being paid to bring to air an 'immigration special' where people who literally broke into this country are getting to air their views.

"What's next? On Budget day, is the BBC going to bring us the viewpoint of tax evaders? I don't know where we go from here."

READ THE FULL STORY ON THE BBC QT ROW HERE

RECAP: Donald Trump sues 'fake news' BBC for $10 BILLION over Panorama edit

Late last year, the BBC was rocked by a major bias row after one of its Panorama documentaries was found to have misled viewers.

The show had spliced together two parts of a speech made by Donald Trump to make it look like he had directly encouraged his supporters to riot at the US Capitol on January 6, 2020.

The chaos forced the resignation of director general Tim Davie, as well as BBC News CEO Deborah Turness.

In December, Mr Trump formally accused the BBC of defamation and breaking Florida’s Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act.

The President is pushing for $5billion (£3.74billion) for each alleged offence.

A spokesman for his legal team said at the time: “The BBC has a long pattern of deceiving its audience in coverage of President Trump, all in service of its own Leftist political agenda.”

DONALD TRUMP SUES THE BBC - READ THE FULL STORY HERE