Keir Starmer to impose 76 EU laws on Britain in bid to get closer alignment with bloc

Yvette Cooper expresses 'deep concern' over lack of focus on Gaza

Yvette Cooper said she is “deeply concerned” about a lack of focus on the peace plan in Gaza and violence in the West Bank due to the wider conflict in the Middle East.

The Foreign Secretary added the Government is also closely monitoring the potential impact of events such as the closure of the Strait of Hormuz on “fragile countries”.

She said: “I am particularly concerned at the moment about what is happening in the West Bank. I am also deeply concerned about the Gaza 20-point plan process being kept on track exactly because of the wider conflict in the Middle East.

“We are also closely monitoring what the impacts might be of things like the closure of the Strait of Hormuz more widely on fragile countries, on some of the least developed countries, on countries that face the greatest poverty that may feel the greatest impact from changes to energy prices and things like fertiliser process as well.

“I think there is a real deep concern at the moment about what is happening in the West Bank and the scale of settler violence.

“In other circumstances it would have been a huge focus for us all globally, but in the current circumstances there is so much happening that there is a danger of those issues not being focused on sufficiently.

“We are going to need to build a broader regional security and stability picture that has to include Israel, Palestine and Lebanon, as well as a broader approach.”

Lib Dem leader warns of 'dangerous' Green Party policies 

Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey has warned of the “dangerous” policies put forward by the Green Party, even as he said he would not oppose his councillors entering a coalition with them after the May 7 polls.

However, he dismissed the threat from Zack Polanski's party in the local elections, saying they appeal to “Corbynista” voters.

Asked about voters casting a protest vote against Labour and the Conservatives, which traditionally went to the Lib Dems, peeling off to the smaller parties.

Sir Ed said: “The Greens are taking a lot of left-wing, sort of Corbynista votes from Labour with their policies of pulling out of Nato and getting rid of the nuclear deterrent.

“Those are very dangerous policies, and Liberal Democrats do not support them. And we support having our nuclear deterrent, having alliances with other countries to keep our country strong.”

Nevertheless, he added that councillors “will decide on what pacts they want on a local level, that’s up to them, after the election” when asked about possible coalitions with the Green Party.

Reform UK suspends mayoral candidate over comments on Jewish neighbourhood watch group

Reform UK has suspended its Hampshire mayoral candidate, Chris Parry, after he described Shomrim, a Jewish neighbourhood watch group, as "cosplayers" who were akin to "Islamists on horseback".

A party spokesman said: “Chris Parry has been suspended by Reform UK, pending investigation.”

GB News understands his candidacy has also been suspended.

Shomrim works alongside Hatzola, the charity targeted in an arson attack early on Monday, which provides emergency care for both Jewish and non-Jewish communities.

Mr Parry, a retired rear admiral, responded on X to a post by Catherine Blaiklock.

She asked: “Can Christian’s [sic] in Britain set up their own police and patrol certain neighbourhoods?”

The retired Naval officer replied: “Remember that these cosplayers have no more jurisdiction or legal authority than ordinary citizens.”

“They are a community organisation, not a legal entity. It’s the same with Islamists on horseback. But if it offends you, I’ll remove it.”

Labour Cabinet splits as key minister calls for Andy Burnham return

The Labour Cabinet has been split after a key minister rallied behind "friend" Andy Burnham following his failed bid to enter Westminster.

The Mayor of Greater Manchester was controversially blocked by Keir Starmer from standing in the Gorton and Denton by-election in February, following Labour MP Andrew Gwynne's resignation.

Just one of the Labour National Executive Committee's ten members — including the Prime Minister himself — voted in favour of the popular Mr Burnham standing in the seat: Deputy PM Lucy Powell.

Labour ultimately lost the pivotal by-election, a seat they had won with more than 50 per cent of the vote in 2024, to Hannah Spencer of the Green Party.

Now, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Lisa Nandy has become the latest Labour frontbencher to show public support for Mr Burnham.

Speaking to the House Magazine, Ms Nandy said: "[Andy Burnham] is a friend of mine. He’s my mayor, and he was my neighbouring MP for seven years.

"I think he’s a huge asset to the party. And I’ve said before, I’ll say again, I’ll support him in whatever he wants to do.

"I think it is right that members are allowed to make their own choices about who they want to be their candidates in elections – I’ve always thought that right.

"And while I respect the views of colleagues on the National Executive Committee, had I been sitting in that seat… I would have voted to allow him to stand, as Lucy [Powell] did."

'Rachel Reeves was right,' says Britain's biggest business lobby group

The Confederation of British Industry (CBI), Britain's biggest business lobby group, has said Rachel reeves was "right" to consider a targeted approach to household energy bill support.

CBI chief executive Rain Newton-Smith said: "The Chancellor is right to be considering a targeted, measured approach to the economic impact of the Iran war. This is not the time for knee-jerk, unsustainable solutions that could harm the UK’s public finances.

"However, the government must be aware that the conflict is already starting to have a serious and concerning impact on businesses as well as households. Not only those with operations and people based in the Middle East, but across sectors as supply chains are strained and energy costs surge. That affects everyone: you can’t fix the cost of living without fixing the cost of doing business - we are in this together.

"Business was already struggling with sky-high energy costs before the Iran war. The government must urgently work with business to fix the structural causes of that if it is to tackle cost of living pressures.

"It is right to look to nuclear for long-term energy security and price stability, but the government can do more now, including cutting policy costs from firms’ bills and targeted support for energy efficiency."

Zack Polanski slams 'unbelievably weak' Chancellor 

Zack Polanski has blasted Rachel Reeves's statement in the Commons this afternoon as "unbelievably weak".

He said: "This is an unbelievably weak response from the Chancellor to the enormous bill hikes facing households in the UK.

"Monitoring the situation? Considering new powers? Reeves’s lukewarm words show that she and her Government simply do not understand the scale of the cost-of-living crisis about to hit this country.

"We need a guarantee that energy bills will not rise past June, funded by a strengthened windfall tax and higher taxes on extreme wealth.

"And the Government should follow the example set by Spain in taking immediate action to reduce the burden on households by freezing rents."

Tony Blair think tank demands 'reset' and urges Chancellor to take 'a more pragmatic approach'

Sir Tony Blair's think tank has demanded an energy "reset" and urged Rachel Reeves to take a "more pragmatic approach" after the Chancellor's speech in the House of Commons earlier this afternoon.

Ms Reeves announced she will stick to her "iron-clad fiscal rules," stopping short of announcing fresh direct support for households, although she did hint targeted support for lower-income households could be on the way.

While Tone Langengen, energy policy expert at the Tony Blair Institute said the statement was "a welcome signal of intent," she added: "As we have long argued, Britain can deliver clean, secure and cheaper power if nuclear, especially small modular reactors, is at the heart of energy mix. But this is only part of the solution. Energy security and affordability will not be delivered through isolated measures.

"What’s needed is a reset. System-wide reform and a clear strategy focused on one goal: making energy permanently cheaper for households and industry. That means investing in renewables where they genuinely lower bills, reforming planning and grid access, and fixing the electricity market so the benefits of clean power are passed onto consumers."

"It also means taking a more pragmatic approach to domestic production, utilising North Sea oil and gas during the transition. In a more dangerous world, weakening our own energy base is a risk Britain simply cannot afford to take."

Rachel Reeves hints energy bill relief may come amid spiralling costs - but millions would be shunned from receiving help

Rachel Reeves has announced that she will stick to her "iron-clad fiscal rules" in the face of the war in Iran, warning that Labour “will not allow firms to exploit this crisis”.

The Chancellor stopped short of announcing fresh direct support for households, but hinted at support for lower-income households, with wealthier families set to miss out.

The chancellor has said the Government is preparing targeted support for households most exposed to rising energy bills.

Addressing MPs, she said there is “contingency planning for every eventuality” as ministers assess the impact of the Iran conflict on prices and the next energy cap.

READ THE FULL BREAKING STORY HERE.

Lib Dems urge Chancellor to consider 'three-pronged approach'

The Lib Dems have urged the Chancellor to consider their "three-pronged approach".

Deputy leader Daisy Cooper agrees with Rachel Reeves that the previous government's "failure to invest in energy was a failure to protect our country".

She proposes the Lib Dems' "three-pronged approach" which, she argues, would "sure up energy security and tackle the energy crisis".

"First, to reduce energy demand by incentivising households and business to invest in energy efficiency, without the tax penalties brought into the business rates system or prohibited upfront costs.

"Second, to fix the broken energy market that is unfairly inflating process, especially for businesses on our high streets.

"Third, to provide targeted support for the most vulnerable and for those with the highest energy needs."

Mel Stride slams Chancellor: 'The economy is in tatters!'

Shadow Chancellor Mel Stride has slammed Rachel Reeves for leaving the "economy in tatters" in a scathing response in the House of Commons.

"She would have us believe she has delivered the stability and resilience that can weather the storm ahead - she has done nothing of the kind," he says,

"When she came into office, she ramped up borrowing and spending, and hiked taxes to record levels.

"She was warned at the time by the OBR and others that her policies would mean higher inflation, higher borrowing costs, higher interest rates, and that she would destroy jobs."

He says her "mismanagement" and "foolish choices" have given the UK the "highest inflation in the G7" and "the highest borrowing costs of any major advanced economy".

Mr Stride adds: "Under this Government, we are getting poorer."

Rachel Reeves sticks by her fiscal rules in face of Iran crisis despite 'uncertain future' for Britons

Rachel Reeves suggests she is to stick by her fiscal rules despite the energy crisis and an "uncertain future" for Britons.

She vowed not to put Britain's "stability" at risk, vowing to "learn from the mistakes of the past".

"The previous government pushed up borrowing, interest rates, inflation and mortgage costs with an unfunded, untargeted package of support under Liz Truss. That gave the support to the most wealthiest of households."

The Chancellor added: "I can confirm to the House that contingency planning is taking place for every eventuality, so that we can keep costs down for everyone and provide support for those that need it most, acting within our iron-clad fiscal rules to keep inflation and interest rates as low as possible."

Chancellor aims veiled dig at Reform and Conservatives 

Rachel Reeves has aimed a sly dig at Reform and Conservatives for encouraging the Government to join the war in Iran with the US.

Addressing MPs, Ms Reeves said that households will benefit from £150 off their bills because of Labour reforms, and he Spring forecast shows the Government has the "right economic plan," Ms Reeves states.

She adds that households of the top incomes received an average of £1,350 of direct energy bill support between 2022 and 2024 - creating debt.

"We will act within our iron-clad fiscal rules to keep inflation and interest rates as low as possible," the Chancellor states.

She then takes aim at both Reform and Conservatives: "This is not a war we started, nor is this a war we joined, unlike the parties opposite. But it is a war that will ave an impact on our country.

"The challenges may be significant, but I promise to do what's right and fair."

Rachel Reeves addresses MPs in House of Commons amid energy crisis

Rachel Reeves is currently addressing MPs in the House of Commons.

She begins by demanding a "rapid de-escalation" of the war in Iran.

The Chancellor also says she has authorised a co-ordinated release of the UK's emergency oil reserve.

Ms Reeves adds that the "last Government's failure to invest in energy, was a failure to our country."

She says Labour are "taking control of our energy" by investing in renewables, lifting the ban on on-shore wind, and streamlining wind connecttions.

She then addresses Tories: "They like to talk big about energy security, but then vote against the very infrastructure to build it.

"Let me say this: It is time to put our country first."

She confirms they are "developing options to back critical energy options".

WATCH IN FULL: Kemi Badenoch condemns 'deeply shocking' anti-Semitic attack in London

WATCH: 'Liberal Democrats care,' says Sir Ed Davey

Ed Davey launches Lib Dems local election campaign

Ed Davey has launched the Lib Dems' local election campaign in Surrey this morning.

The party leader said: "If you want something in your community fixed, it's the Liberal Democrats who will do it.

"We don't sneer at local people and what they care about. We care about what they care about."

He added: "There are some politicians who just want to divide us, to divide our communities, who are too busy pointing the finger of blame at others rather than rolling up their sleeves and getting things done.

"They want to import Trump-style divisive politics into our country. We don't. We don't want that division."

He said his party is "different" and vows to "fix things for communities".

Fuel prices rise again in the UK, government data shows

Fuel prices have risen in the UK again, according to government data released this morning.

Average price per litre of petrol rose by 3.9p from last week, while diesel rose by 8.1p, figures from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero show.

Oil prices have surged since the US-Israeli joint offensive in Iran, which effectively resulted in the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. It is responsible for an estimated 20 per cent of the world's energy shipments. Donald Trump suggested on Monday he would run the Strait with the new Ayatollah in a fresh attempt to open the route.

Net Zero Minister Ed Miliband is set to face the Tories this morning in response to these figures, while Chancellor Rachel Reeves is set to make a statement to the Commons this afternoon detailing how the Government will protect the public from economic issues caused by the ongoing war in Iran.

WATCH IN FULL: Labour MP grilled by Stephen Dixon over North Sea oil policy

Keir Starmer's Iran strategy branded an 'embarrassment' to the nation: 'We're not Great Britain, just Britain!'

Sir Keir Starmer's Government has been "completely compromised" and Britain is a "sitting duck" to the rest of the world, Adam Brooks has claimed.

Speaking to GB News, the commentator declared he is "embarrassed to be British" following the Prime Minister's actions in the Middle East.

Taking aim at the Government for their Chagos deal following reports of missile strikes aimed at the Diego Garcia base, Mr Brooks argued "no one of sound mind" would give away the territory.

He told GB News: "It's my opinion that our Government is completely compromised. No one of sound mind would give away foreign territory and then ask the public to pay for that territory."

READ THE FULL STORY AND WATCH THE CLIP HERE.

WATCH IN FULL: Claire Coutinho urges Government to drill in North Sea saying people have been 'taxed to the hills'

Plaid Cymru responds to independence claims: 'We will never apologise for believing in Wales' 

Plaid Cymru has said they will "never apologise for believing in Wales," and accused both Labour and Reform UK of "shameless fearmongering".

Both Labour and Reform have accused the Welsh party of "secretly planning" independence from the UK. They claim Plaid are keeping plans quiet ahead of the May elections. Reform's leader in Wales, Dan Thomas, accused Plaid of seeking an "independence by stealth".

But the Welsh party have fiercely responded, telling GB News: "People know that when they choose Plaid on May 7, they are choosing a government that finally stands up for Wales.

"They are choosing a party that will bring down NHS waiting lists and support families with the cost of living by delivering universal free childcare. They are choosing a party that will back Welsh businesses and grow our economy. They are choosing a party that will give Welsh students the opportunities they deserve while also making sure our universities are fit to thrive in he future.

"Plaid Cymru will never apologise for believing in Wales and having ambition for our nation.

"Labour has had its chance. Their legacy is nothing but record high NHS waiting lists, struggling public services, falling standards in our schools, and an unfair system that denies Wales more powers and fair funding. Even in No10, Labour is working against Wales' interests with the Prime Minister actively encouraging his cabinet to undermine Welsh democracy.

"Meanwhile, Reform UK is using Wales as Nigel Farage's stepping stone to 10 Downing Street. They show no respect for our language, culture, or the priorities of Welsh communities.

"Neither party is offering leadership that actually works for Wales and their shameless fearmongering just won't work. The people of Wales are ready for change and they are ready for new leadership with Plaid Cymru."

Plaid are also said to be considering encouraging more Welsh students to attend Welsh universities by scrapping the £1,000 grant to those who choose to study elsewhere.

The spokesperson added: "Plaid Cymru is calling for a full review of how universities are funded, because after 27 years of Labour, Welsh universities are struggling to survive. Universities themselves have said this is needed, but Labour have done nothing to help them. Plaid Cymru wants a comprehensive and independent review of higher education funding to make sure our universities thrive and give Welsh students the opportunities they deserve."

Latest voting intention poll revealed 

The latest YouGov voting intention poll has been revealed this morning.

Reform UK remain at the top, with 23 per cent of the prospective vote. This represents a two per cent drop, and decreases their lead to four points.

Labour have returned to second, with an increase of two points. They now sit at 19 per cent.

For the Greens, they slump down one point to 18 per cent, and slip down to third.

Conservatives then sit on 17 per cent, identical to last week, while Lib Dems sit on 13 per cent.

While changes are all within the margin of error, this does put the Greens back into third place. The public impact of Gorton and Denton by-election victory is expected to be gradually receding.

WATCH: Lib Dems says drilling in the North Sea 'would not impact prices in the short term'

Labour to hand hundreds of millions to Britain’s least 'cohesive’ areas amid claims of trying to 'avoid local election wipeout'

Labour is set to pour hundreds of millions into Britain's least "cohesive" areas, in a move critics say is designed to boost its chances in May’s local elections.

Over the next decade, 40 additional neighbourhoods will receive £20million each, on top of 146 areas already selected under the Pride in Place programme.

The scheme was originally based on deprivation levels to target the most disadvantaged communities.

But the latest round introduced a new metric based on perceptions of community spirit.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE.

What's on the agenda for today?

Good morning from the GB News political team.

It's quite a busy day or the Lib Dems, Labour and Reform UK, so here's a brief breakdown of what we can expect to see and when:

• The Lib Dems launch their campaign this morning at an event in Surrey at around 10am, where leader Ed Davey is expected to accuse Kemi Badenoch and Nigel Farage of having "cheered on" the Iran war, and the spiralling of costs as a result. GB News was also joined by Lisa Smart, Liberal Democrat Cabinet Office Spokesperson, this morning.
• Kemi Badenoch will be visiting the Jewish community in Stamford Hill around the same time, where she will visit a branch of the volunteer ambulance corp.
• The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero will issue the latest weekly petrol prices at 9.30am, with Net Zero Minister Ed Miliband posing the Tories questions in the Commons at 11.30am.
• Chancellor Rachel Reeves will give a statement to MPs after 12.30pm. It is expected to be an update on last night's Cobra meeting.
• And Reform leader Mr Farage will be campaigning throughout day in Yorkshire, with visits to Leeds and Hull on the cards.

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