Keir Starmer accuses Nigel Farage of 'scaremongering' as PM insists he was 'rolling up my sleeves to deliver change'

Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana's new party already split over transgender issues

Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana's new party is already split over its policy on transgender issues.

Adnan Hussain, who is set to become one of the group's six MPs, said last week that trans women are "not biologically women".

Ms Sultana responded, saying she will "always" speak in support of the rights of trans people, saying that "bigotry has no place" in the New Party.

Mr Hussain wrote on X: "Women's rights and safe spaces should not be encroached upon. Safe third spaces should be an alternative option."

Less than three hours later, Ms Sultana said: "I've always stood with the trans community, and I always will. The same forces targeting migrants and Muslims are attacking LGBTQ+ people, especially trans people. Our safety is in solidarity. None of us is free until all of us are free."

Labour MP calls for Kemi Badenoch to share her claim of a US medical school offer

Labour MP Peter Prinsley has written to Kemi Badenoch requesting information on the Conservative leader's offer to Stanford University in America.

Mr Prinsley has called for Mrs Badenoch to "tell the truth" about whether she actually received an offer, questioning her "honesty and integrity".

A Labour source said: "Honesty and integrity aren't optional qualities for those who serve as the Leader of His Majesty's official opposition.

"The uncertainty surrounding Kemi Badenoch's Stanford University claims raises important questions that the public deserves to know the answers to. Mrs Badenoch needs to come clean about what's happened here and whether she's been telling the truth to the British people."

Labour MP brands those flying St George's Cross as 'extremists'

A Labour MP has branded the people flying the St George's Cross as "extremists" trying to "mark territory".

MP for Norwich South Clive Lewis criticised those hanging the England flag and Norfolk County Council for failing to remove the flags that were put up on lampposts around the Brook Hotel in Bowthorpe.

The hotel has been subject to several protests and counter-protests in recent weeks over its accommodation for asylum seekers.

READ THE FULL STORY ON MR LEWIS' COMMENTS HERE

David Lammy announces £15million in funding for aid and medical care in Gaza

David Lammy has confirmed the UK will provide £15million in additional funding for aid and medical care in Gaza.

The Foreign Secretary said: "We need a massive, massive humanitarian response to prevent more deaths.

"Crucial NGOs, humanitarians and health workers allowed to operate and stockpiles of aid on Gaza's borders released.

"As a result, in the past three months, over, and Hamas themselves are exploiting the chaos and deliberately starving Israeli hostages for abhorrent political purposes.

"It's a man-made famine in the 21st century, and I'm outraged by the Israeli Government's refusal to allow sufficient aid."

Former MP David Warburton has died at the age of 59

Former Tory MP David Warburton, who resigned from politics amid a sex and drug scandal, has died aged 59.

He was pronounced dead last Tuesday after paramedics rushed to his Chelsea flat.

Mr Warburton served as the MP for Somerset and Frome for over eight years, from May 2015 to June 2023.

The cause of death is still unknown, but it is understood not to be suspicious.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE

Sir Keir Starmer confirms he has an England flag inside of his flat

With thousands of flags appearing up and down the country, the Prime Minister has confirmed he has a flag up in his flat.

An official spokesman for Sir Keir Starmer said: "He got it from the [football] Euros last summer.

"He has pride in the flag, he thinks it is important that we do have pride in our flag, it represents our history and our heritage and our values. That is why he has an England flag in his flat."

Yvette Cooper gave her verdict on the increase of flags, saying we should "when we wave the Union flag, when we wave the St George's flag, when we sing God Save The King and celebrate everything that is great about Britain and about our country, we do so with pride because of the values that our flags, our King and our country represent: togetherness, fairness and decency, respect for each other, respect for the rule of law.

"What we will never do is seek to stir up chaos, division or hate, because that is not who we are as a country, and that is not what Britain stands for.

"That is what our country stands for, that is the British way to fix the problems we face."

Yvette Cooper lays out asylum system plans in overhaul of the system

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has announced a tightening of rules for asylum seekers seeking to bring family members to the UK, and shared that illegal migrants could be deported in a matter of weeks.

As well as confirming a new independent body for asylum claims, Ms Cooper said there will be new, tougher measures for appeals.

These include more challenging English language requirements, proof of sufficient funds for relatives and reforms to the process.

Ms Cooper said the overhaul aims to fix what she described as a "broken" asylum system inherited by the previous Government.

WATCH PART OF MS COOPER'S SPEECH ABOVE AND READ THE FULL STORY HERE

Yvette Cooper confirms new independent body will be created to speed up asylum appeals

The Home Secretary has told the Commons that a new independent body will be created to speed up asylum claims.

She said: "We will introduce a new independent body to deal with immigration and asylum appeals - fully independent of Government, staffed by professionally trained adjudicators with safeguards to ensure high standards, but able to surge capacity as needed, to accelerate and prioritise cases, alongside new procedures to tackle repeat applications and unnecessary delays.

"We're also increasing detention and returns capacity, including a thousand-bed expansion at Campsfield and Haslar, with the first tranche of additional beds coming online within months to support many thousands more enforced removals each year."

Ms Cooper had earlier said in her statement: "It is the British way to do our bit alongside other countries to help those who need sanctuary, but the system has to be controlled and managed based on fair and properly enforced rules, not chaos and exploitation driven by criminal smuggler gangs."

Chris Philp lays into Yvette Cooper as he claims the Government are 'not on the side of the people in this country'

Shadow Home Secretary has laid into Yvette Cooper, saying the Government is "prioritising" the rights of illegal immigrants over local people.

In the Commons, he said: "Last week, the Home Secretary's lawyers said the rights of illegal immigrants are more important than the rights of local people in places like Epping.

"And when this was expressed in those terms to the Education Secretary yesterday... she shamefully agreed. Those statements are a disgrace. Does the Home Secretary realise how angry that makes people feel?

"It speaks of the Government not being on the side of the people in this country."

Yvette Cooper confirms the first returns to France will begin 'later this month'

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said the first returns of those who come to the UK on small boats will start "later this month" under the UK's deal with France.

Speaking to the Commons, she said: "In August, I signed the new treaty with France allowing us for the first time to directly return those who arrive on small boats.

"The first detentions took place the next day of people, immediately on arrival in Dover, and we expect the first returns to begin later this month.

"Applications have also been opened for the reciprocal legal route, with the first cases under consideration subject to strict security checks.

"We've made clear this is a pilot scheme, but the more we prove the concept at the outset, the better we will be able to develop and grow it."

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper says the Government have 'restored asylum decision making'

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has addressed the House of Commons on the asylum system.

She blamed the previous Conservative Government for the backlog in the asylum system, saying that is why "the Government lost trust" in it.

The Home Secretary said: "In our first year in Government, we have taken immediate action, laying the foundations for my fundamental reform. We have restored asylum decision-making and then rapidly increased the rate of decisions.

"Had we continued with the previous Government's freeze on asylum decisions, thousands more would have been in hotels and asylum accommodation by now."

Sir Keir Starmer insists he is 'definitely going to lead' Labour into next election

Sir Keir Starmer said he will "definitely lead" Labour into the next election.

Sir Keir, who will be 63 at the next election, said: "I'm definitely going to lead them into the next election. I've always said this is a decade of national renewal.

"I'm really proud and privileged to lead this country as Prime Minister.

"I intend to do that into the next election, and that project of renewal is absolutely integral to the next phase of this Government, then on into the next election and beyond that."

Sterling on track for three-day slide versus euro amid fiscal uncertainty

Sterling rose against a weakening dollar on Monday but was on track for a three-day falling streak versus the euro, as investors awaited US economic data later this week amid renewed concerns over Britain’s fiscal outlook.

Weakness in the pound has coincided with a decline in British bank shares and an uptick in benchmark Gilt yields on Friday.

Stephen Jen, CEO of Eurizon Capital, said: "The UK is in a fiscal bind," recalling that the 30-year gilts yields were around their highest levels since the late-1990s while fiscal spending remains at around of 4.4 per cent of gross domestic product.

Keir Starmer says he is 'supporter of England flags'

The Prime Minister has claimed he has a St George's flag in the Downing Street flat.

Sir Keir Starmer told BBC :"I’m the leader of the Labour Party who put the Union Jack on our Labour party membership cards.

"I always sit in front of a Union Jack. I’ve been doing it for years, and it attracted a lot of comment when I started doing it."

When asked if he was encouraging people to put up more flags, the Prime Minister responded: "I’m very encouraging of flags. I think they’re patriotic, and I think they’re a great symbol of our nation.

"I don’t think they should be devalued and belittled. And I think sometimes when they’re used purely for divisive purposes, it actually devalues the flag.

"I don’t want to see that. I’m proud of our flag. I sit in front of our flag, and I’m very, very proud to do so."

The Prime Minister also said he will "definitely" lead Labour into the next General Election.

Downing Street reiterates confidence in Angela Rayner over Hove flat

The Prime Minister has confidence in Angela Rayner, No 10 has said, as criticism continues over her purchase of an £800,000 flat in Hove.

Asked if Sir Keir had confidence in his deputy, the Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: "Yes, the Prime Minister works closely with the Deputy Prime Minister...on delivering on the public’s priorities.

"There is a court order which restricts her from providing further information, which she’s urgently working on rectifying in the interests of public transparency."

The spokesman rejected a suggestion that Darren Jones, who has been appointed to the new ministerial role of chief secretary to the Prime Minister, would be a de facto deputy Prime Minister.

Rachel Reeves warned she will be 'gone by Christmas' as Labour accused of 'lacking brain power' by Ryanair boss

Rachel Reeves has been hit by a stark prediction as the boss of a major airline has suggested the Chancellor's time left in office will be limited to just a few months.

Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary has warned Mrs Reeves will be out of her job by Christmas and described her as "deadbeat".

The budget airline chief said in a scathing attack that Labour has committed itself to an "unsustainable" pledge not to raise taxes, accusing Mrs Reeves of not "getting business or growth".

READ THE FULL STORY HERE.

WATCH: Kemi Badenoch vows to challenge Rachel Reeves over tax hike

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has warned that Rachel Reeves could have an “unpleasant shock” in store for homeowners.

She said on GB News that the Labour Government is weighing up whether to impose a capital gains tax on people selling their properties.

Mrs Badenoch said the Chancellor has allowed a “summer of speculation” about what taxes will rise in the upcoming Budget.

She spoke to GB News about forcing a vote in Parliament, which she hopes will “flush out” where Labour MPs stand on the matter.

Conservative chair says reshuffle shows 'Downing Street in chaos'

Kevin Hollinrake has slammed today's Downing Street reshuffle as 'chaotic'

The Conservative party chair said: "This chaotic reshuffle shows a Downing Street in crisis, totally distracted from fixing the damage they’ve done to the economy, jobs and small businesses.

"It’s like firefighters arguing about the hose whilst the house burns down.

"Inflation has doubled, borrowing costs have soared, and Britain is on the brink of a debt crisis, with working people left to pay the price through higher taxes.

"Only the Conservatives, under new leadership, will take a responsible approach to the public finances and ensure our economy grows whilst we live within our means.

WATCH: Richard Tice addresses a Reform UK press conference on council pensions

Richard Tice announces plans to reform public pensions on Reform-controlled councils

Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice told a press conference they would "dig in" as the party revealed plans to overhaul public pension funds.

The Boston and Skegness MP said: "When we won those 10 councils we said we would dig in and get some savings."

WATCH: Former Labour advisor Matthew Torbitt openly attacks Starmer and Reeves over Labour chaos: 'Clear the decks, somebody else in'

More reshuffling as Keir Starmer announces new Principal Private Secretary 

Daniel York-Smith has been appointed to be the Prime Minister's Principal Private Secretary.

He replaces Nin Pandit who departed the role last week, although she remains in Downing Street.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister's current deputy Chief of Staff Vidhya Alakeson will take on extra responsibilities.

Alakeson will now have overall oversight of policy and delivery within Downing Street.

Keir Starmer brings in new economic advisor as Downing Street looks to steady ship ahead of Autumn Budget

The Prime Minister has hired a new chief economic advisor as Downing Street is looking to reassure concerned voters ahead of Autumn's budget.

Former Bank of England deputy governor Minouche Shafik will step into the role, with a Downing Street spokesman telling GB News she will be in charge of "driving economic growth and raising living standards for all."

There's also a shakeup in Downing Street comms as Tim Allan, a former adviser to Tony Blair, is coming in as Executive Director of Government Communications.

Meanwhile, long-serving aide to Sir Keir, Stuart Ingham, will leave the Downing Street policy unit to work in chief of staff Morgan McSweeney’s team.

He is believed to be taking on a more political role, reports The Guardian.

Reshuffle continues as Darren Jones wins senior Downing Street role

Chief secretary to the Treasury Darren Jones is moving to a senior Downing Street role as he takes on a new job in charge of "day-to-day delivery" of the Prime Minister's priorities.

Mr Jones, the MP for Bristol North West, will be replaced by James Murray who has been promoted from Exchequer Secretary.

In turn, his role will be taken by Labour MP for Chipping Barnet Dan Tomlinson.

While there is not expected to be a wider reshuffle of the junior ministerial ranks at this point despite some reports, Mr Jones and Mr Murray will both attend Cabinet.

Downing Street reshuffle begins as Keir Starmer hit with double departure

Downing Street is undergoing a personell shakeup as two senior figures have departed Sir Keir Starmer's top team.

James Lyons, the current Director of Communications (strategy), is leaving after just a year in the job.

Mr Lyons said: "It was an honour to be asked to come in. I’m proud to have helped to get a grip on Whitehall comms after what was a difficult few first months for the Government. It wasn’t just filling the grid.

"Launching the Plan for Change brought focus and direction. But I gave up a lot to come in and this was never intended as a long haul.

"When I came back from the summer break I told colleagues I was looking to leave by the end of the year. I’ve brought this forward to be part of the other changes."

The Labour leader will now have to appoint his fourth director of communications in five years, reports The Times.

Meanwhile, Director of Policy Delivery and Innovation Liz Lloyd is also leaving Downing Street, however is expected to move into a new role in Government.

WATCH: Olivia Utley provides her analysis ahead of today's asylum reform announcement from Yvette Cooper

Labour minister slams 'rank hypocrisy' from Chris Philp 

A Labour minister has slammed "rank hypocrisy" from the Conservatives over the asylum system.

Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp accused Labour of "tinkering round the edges" ahead of today's announcement from Yvette Cooper.

Respond to Philp's comment, Early Education Minister Stephen Morgan told The People's Channel: "The rank hypocrisy of the Shadow Home Secretary will not go unnoticed by GB News viewers.

"We're working hard to bring change British public voted for last year."

Keir Starmer launches blistering attack on Reform and Tories - 'Scaremongering from the sidelines'

Sir Keir Starmer has taken aim at Reform and Tories as he launched the Government's new childcare policy.

From today, eligible working parents in England will be able to access 30 hours a week of free childcare for children older than nine months under the full rollout of the scheme.

However, researchers warned nurseries may not have enough staff to deliver the expansion.

Writing about the policy in The Mirror, the Prime Minister said: "Reform and the Tories talk down the country at every turn, we’re doing the work to make people’s lives better.

"I’m not interested in scaremongering from the sidelines. I’m rolling up my sleeves to deliver change that makes a difference to you and your family."

Local shops axe jobs and cut investment amid surging costs

UK convenience stores have cut 2,000 jobs over the past year as rising labour costs and intense price competition from supermarkets continue to pile pressure on local retailers.

New industry data reveals that employment, sales and investment across the sector have all declined, prompting calls for urgent government support.

According to the Association of Convenience Stores (ACS), the sector has faced an “extremely challenging year” as the cost of doing business rises sharply while consumer demand remains flat.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE.

RECAP: Keir Starmer's plan to 'rig votes for 16-year-olds comes back to bite him' as Jeremy Corbyn surge hands boost to Nigel Farage

Sir Keir Starmer's plan to lower the voting age to 16 could backfire as a new poll suggests young voters are surging to Reform UK and Jeremy Corbyn's Your Party.

More than one in five 16 and 17-year-olds would vote for a party led by Mr Corbyn and Coventry South MP Zarah Sultana.

The study by More in Common would take six percentage points off Labour’s share among 16-17 year olds.

It leaves Sir Keir's party on 24 per cent, Nigel Farage’s Reform on 23 per cent and Mr Corbyn’s new party on 21 per cent.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE.

Kemi Badenoch takes aim at 'Rachel Thieves' in attack on Chancellor

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has accused Rachel Reeves of trying to get "your hard-earned money."

She wrote on social media: "Rachel Thieves doesn’t care who she steals from, just as long as she can get her hands on your hard-earned money."

Ms Badenoch published a link to a website reading: "[Reeves] is scrambling for cash before the Autumn Budget, and we’ll all pay the price."

Yvette Cooper to unveil plans to close major asylum loophole in five-point address to MPs

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper is set to outline a number of reforms to Britain's asylum system as MPs return to Westminster following the summer recess.

The Home Secretary will tell the House of Commons on Monday that changes to the "broken" system will help wind down the use of asylum hotels, which the Government has pledged to end by 2029.

The outlined proposals will include an overhaul to the refugee family reunion process, which Ms Cooper claims will give the system "greater fairness and balance."

READ THE FULL STORY HERE.

WATCH: Former Tory advisor Lauren McEvatt says it's hard to see if tightening of migration rules will work

Downing Street insiders deny any rumours of potential cabinet reshuffle

Labour MPs have been told not to expect a reshuffle this week as Parliament returns from recess today.

A government official familiar with the plans told Politico late last night that a reshuffle at Cabinet or junior ministerial level is "definitely, 100 percent, not happening" this week.

While some sources had suggested Sir Keir Starmer was preparing a reshuffle of junior ministerial ranks, the Prime Minister seems to have put the plans "on ice" reports The Telegraph.

Chris Philp tells GB News Labour is just 'tweaking around the edges'

Chris Philp said Labour are just "tinkering round the edges" as he took aim at proposed reforms on asylum seekers.

Yvette Cooper is expected announce a tightening of the rules for people granted asylum to bring their families to the UK as Parliament returns from Recess later today.

The Shadow Home Secretary told GB News: "These are tweaks around the edges. Our view is anyone crossing channel on small boat, whether or not they're claiming asylum should be removed immediately or taken to a safe third country.

"They should not be bringing any family members over. What the Government are doing today is tinkering round the edges. We have a full blown migration crisis on our hands.

"The only way to fix the problem is to remove everyone who has arrived on a small boat as soon as their feet touch dry ground."

New poll suggests more than half of voters want Rachel Reeves replaced

A damning new poll has suggested over half of voters think Keir Starmer should sack Rachel Reeves.

The poll, by YouGov for The Times, found 55 per cent said Sir Keir should sack Ms Reeves and only 16 per cent said she should remain in the job.

In a further blow, a majority of Labour voters want Ms Reeves replaced as chancellor, 41 per cent saying she should be sacked and just 30 per cent saying she should remain in post.

A whopping 82 per cent of Reform voters and 80 per cent of Tory voters think Mrs Reeves should be booted from 11 Downing Street.