Keir Starmer warns 'hatred rising once again' after synagogue attack in address to nation

London's largest Jewish school announces extra security

London's largest Jewish school has told parents that there will be an increased security presence tomorrow.

JFS said it has been in contact with Brent local authority who have 'organised extra policing'.

The school's head teacher Dr David Moody said: "In a time of grief, there are no words to do justice to the heartache that such senseless actions bring and our thoughts are with all the families of those affected."

GB News understands Keir Starmer was joined by Rachel Reeves and Yvette Cooper at a Yom Kippur event

Sources have told GB News that the Prime Minister was joined by his wife, Rachel Reeves and Yvette Cooper at an evening Yom Kippur service at West London Synagogue in Central London this evening.

IOPC launches investigation into police shooting of suspect in attack

The police watchdog is investigating the fatal shooting of the synagogue terror attack suspect, as per its protocol.

Emily Barry, director of engagement at the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), said the probe was launched at midday and investigators "will attend the scene once it is appropriate to do so."

She said in the statement: "It is our role when police fatally shoot a member of the public to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident and following information that the man shot by police, who they believe was responsible for the attacks, was thought to have died, we declared an independent investigation at midday.

"It is important in these circumstances that the police are able to continue their vital work, and there are established protocols we follow to ensure our role does not hinder their ability to conduct inquiries as part of their own investigations.

"IOPC investigators are attending the police post-incident procedures and will attend the scene once it is appropriate to do so."

Ms Barry added: "Our thoughts are with the victims and their families, as well as all those affected by the horrific events in Crumpsall today. This was an appalling act of violence that will have a lasting impact for so many people."

Merseyside Police said they will be supporting Greater Manchester Police in investigation

Merseyside Police has announced they will be supporting Greater Manchester Police with their investigation after today's attack on the synagogue in Crumpsall.

Assistant Chief Constable at Merseyside Police Jenn Wilson said: "Our thoughts are with the families and loves ones of all those affected by today’s horrific incident.

"I know will be particularly traumatic for our Jewish communities here in Merseyside, and I wanted to take this opportunity to reassure those communities that we swiftly deployed our officers to sites connected with the Jewish faith across Merseyside as soon as we received news of this incident.

"I also want to stress that there is no intelligence to suggest that an incident will happen here, and that our presence in those communities is entirely to provide the reassurance we feel is necessary after such an appalling incident.

“"Our Jewish communities are marking Yom Kippur, the holiest day in their calendar, and it is vital that they be able to celebrate such a special day. Our officers are determined to ensure that is the case, and will maintain a visible presence at key sites."

Keir Starmer visited synagogue tonight

GB News understands Sir Keir Starmer has visited a synagogue this evening.

Campaign Against Antisemitism boss says appeasement of 'far-left and radical Islamists' made today’s attack inevitable

The Chief Executive of Campaign Against Antisemitism has issued a blistering statement, pointing the finger of blame for today's synagogue attack at the "appeasement of extremists."

Gideon Falter said: "Today’s attack was made inevitable by the radicalisation and Islamist extremism that have been allowed to spread by successive governments, which have ignored every warning and done practically nothing to tackle it.

"Now, the blood of British Jews cries out from the ground.

"Those who were murdered today were simply going to synagogue to pray on the holiest day of the Jewish calendar. It has been a long time since British Jews had faith in our politicians, police and institutions.

"Their appeasement of extremists, especially those of the far-left and radical Islamists, is what has made today’s attack inevitable.

"The eyes of the Jewish people worldwide and decent Britons across the country now turn to Downing Street, not for thoughts and prayers or empty declarations that antisemitism has no place in Britain, but to hear what concrete, forceful measures will now be enacted."

Robert Jenrick calls antisemitism a 'cancer' 

Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick has called antisemitism a "cancer" as he attended a synagogue with his wife, Michal.

The Newark MP said: "Tonight Michal and I joined the New London synagogue to pray for those killed and injured in the terrorist attack in Manchester.

"Whilst words alone seem small in the face of such pain, we send our heartfelt condolences to those mourning.

"We gave our unflinching commitment to defending the British Jewish community and everyone in this great country from antisemitism and extremism.

"These cancers grow among us and must finally be confronted, not merely with good intentions, but decisive actions."

I'm friends with Heaton Park Synagogue worshipers. I'm heartbroken terror has come to my home city yet again writes Patrick Christys

Patrick Christys has shared his heartfelt personal connection with today's attack in Manchester.

The GB News star wrote: "Terrorism has come to my home city yet again.

"When I turned my phone on and saw news of a car and knife attack at a Synagogue in Manchester my heart sank…I know that Synagogue, I’m friends with people who worship there."

GB NEWS MEMBERS CAN READ PATRICK'S ANALYSIS HERE.

Manchester City Council leader says today's events will leave 'deep mark' on community

Leader of Manchester City Council Bev Craig said the attack will leave a “deep mark” on the community.

She said: "Tonight across Manchester, residents are horrified by the antisemitic terrorist attack that we’ve witnessed on our streets. Here in Crumpsall.

"Echoing the words of the Home Secretary and the Mayor, our thoughts were those who have lost their lives, their families, their loved ones, those that are injured and everyone that’s been affected.

"We know that this will leave a deep mark on our community here in Manchester, as Jewish people were attacked on their holiest day as they went to worship,

"But know this, in Manchester we will stand with and support our Jewish friends, our Jewish community, our neighbours, fellow residents.

"We’ll stand together, wrapping our arms around them with the love and the support that they need. We will work with agencies to make sure right across the city, everyone in our city feels safe."

Andy Burnham condemns today's attack - 'Work together and stand together in these difficult times' 

The Mayor of Greater Manchester condemned the terrorist attack on a synagogue in the city as "an horrific antisemitic attack on our Jewish friends and neighbours."

Giving a statement to reporters at the scene, Andy Burnham said: "Tonight, our first thoughts are with the families of those people who died, those injured and those traumatised by this, an horrific antisemitic attack on our Jewish friends and neighbours. We condemn it outright.

"Greater Manchester will never stand aside when one of our communities is attacked.

"We ask everyone to show solidarity to the Jewish community this weekend, and already, we’ve mobilised through our interfaith network messages of support and solidarity through places of worship."

He added: "We always will stand together here in Greater Manchester, and we will never let acts that are designed to cause hatred, division in our communities, violence – we will never let them succeed.

"That’s our message tonight to everybody across Greater Manchester: Do not let them succeed. Respond by reaching out, by redoubling efforts to work together and stand together in these difficult times."

Shabana Mahmood says it will take 'a little time' to establish what happened in Manchester

The Home Secretary said it will take "a little time" to fully establish what happened in Crumpsall.

Shabana Mahmood said: "On the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, my prayers are with the victims and the families of all of those who are murdered here today.

"I want to thank the police and all of the emergency services for the speed of their response and also for their considerable bravery.

"The Government has stepped up security at synagogues across the whole of the country and we will do whatever is required to keep our Jewish community safe.

"I know that there are many questions that are still to be answered and rest assured they will be answered as quickly as possible.

"It will just take a little time for us to establish exactly what has happened here, but we will share more information as soon as we are able to. What I do want to say is to those who seek to divide us, they will fail."

Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel 'grieves' with the UK after attack

Benjamin Netanyahu said he prays for the "swift recovery" of the people injured in today's synagogue attack.

The Israeli Prime Minister said in a statement: "Israel grieves with the Jewish community in the UK after the barbaric terror attack in Manchester.

"Our hearts are with the families of the murdered, and we pray for the swift recovery of the wounded.

"As I warned at the UN: weakness in the face of terrorism only brings more terrorism. Only strength and unity can defeat it."

READ IN FULL: Sir Keir Starmer's address to the nation tonight

"Good evening, earlier today on Yom Kippur, the holiest day for the Jewish community, a vile individual committed a terrorist attack.

"That attacked Jews because they are Jews, and attacked Britain because of our values.

"So many Jewish families first came to this country as a place of refuge, fleeing the greatest evil ever inflicted on a people, and Britain welcomed them, communities like the one attacked in Manchester provided safety, but also the security that comes from a promise, that this is a country that stands up to hatred, and that we don't just provide refuge, we provide a home for so many Jewish families that is the story of Britain.

"But Britain is also a country where Jewish buildings, synagogues, even schools require round-the-clock protection, where dedicated specialist security is necessary, because of the daily threat of antisemitic hatred.

"Today's horrific incident shows why. And while this is not a new hate, this is something Jews have always lived with. We must be clear, it is a hatred that is rising once again, and Britain must defeat it once again.

"On behalf of the nation, I want to offer my condolences to the families and victims affected. I want to thank the Greater Manchester Police, the first responders, and those dedicated security specialists.

"There is no doubt whatsoever that they have prevented an even greater tragedy, and we thank them for their bravery. But to every Jewish person in this country, I also wanted to say this.

"I know how much fear you will be holding inside of you. I really do. And so on behalf of our country, I express my solidarity, but also my sadness, that you still have to live with these fears.

"Nobody should have to do that. Nobody. And so I promise you that I will do everything in my power to guarantee you, the security that you deserve.

"Starting with a more visible police presence, protecting your community. I promise you that over the coming days, you will see the other Britain, the Britain of compassion, of decency, of love.

"And I promise you that this Britain will come together to wrap our arms around your community and show you that Britain is a place where you and your family are safe, secure, and belong. Thank you."

Manchester locals deliver 'direct message' to Keir Starmer after synagogue stabbings

Residents in Manchester have spoken out following the deadly attack at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue, delivering a stark message to the Prime Minister.

One local told GB News they felt "very, very nervous" and vulnerable, particularly given the city’s Jewish schools and synagogues, describing the area as a "big Jewish community."

Another said: "I don’t understand why this has happened. We just want to live and let live."

READ THE FULL STORY HERE

Keir Starmer expresses 'solidarity' with Jewish communities in address to the nation

The Prime Minister has expressed his "solidarity" with Jewish communities after today's horrific attack on the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Crumpsall.

Sir Keir Starmer said: "To every Jewish person in this country, I also wanted to say this. I know how much fear you will be holding inside of you. I really do.

"And so on behalf of our country, I express my solidarity, but also my sadness, that you still have to live with these fears.

"Nobody should have to do that. Nobody. And so I promise you that I will do everything in my power to guarantee you, the security that you deserve."

Former Tory minister joins Reform as she delivers scathing verdict on ex-party

A former Tory armed forces minister has joined Reform UK and delivered a scathing verdict on her former party.

Sarah Atherton, who served as MP for Wrexham for four years from 2019 to 2024, has announced she is joining Nigel Farage's party.

In Parliament, she served as armed forces minister for 37 days after being appointed by Liz Truss.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE.

Shabana Mahmood to join Cobra meeting in Downing Street

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood will join the Cobra meeting led by Sir Keir Starmer in response to the attack in Crumpsall remotely from Greater Manchester, it is understood.

Ms Mahmood travelled to Greater Manchester Police headquarters on Thursday afternoon for an operational update and to show her support to officers.

She has also spoken with the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, as well as with Jewish community leaders, including Marc Levy of the Jewish Leadership Council and Mark Gardner, CST chief executive, to offer any support needed.

Journalist tells officials 'hang your heads in shame' in passionate response to synagogue stabbings

Journalist Jonathan Sacerdoti has slammed Government officials, telling them to "hang their heads in shame" following a deadly attack on a Manchester synagogue during Yom Kippur.

He warned the tragedy was no surprise, with Jewish communities having long feared such violence in recent years.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE.

Zack Polanski reacts to 'horrific scenes' in Manchester

Green Party leader Zack Polanski has expressed sympathy with the Jewish community after this morning's attack on the synagogue in Manchester.

Mr Polanski said: "I grew up and attended a synagogue in north Manchester. So many of us are feeling the horrific scenes today that all come at a time of rising Antisemitism.

"The Green Party stands with the Jewish community and everyone affected. And thanks the emergency responders for their work."

​Head of Counter Terrorism Policing confirms synagogue attack is being treated as a terrorist incident

Speaking outside New Scotland Yard, Head of Counter Terrorism Policing Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor said: "This morning, an appalling attack took place in Crumpsall in Manchester. Two people have died. The attacker has been shot dead by the police.

"We believe we know their identity, but for safety reasons at the scene, we’re unable to confirm at this stage.

"Three other members of the public are in a serious condition. We have also made two further arrests, and based on what we know, counter terrorism policing has declared this as a terrorist incident.”

Counter terrorism police are working with officers in Greater Manchester to investigate the attack.

Mr Taylor added: "Those who have been killed injured at the forefront of our minds as of their families, friends, and all of those who love them and attack them on Jewish community today on Yom Kippur is devastating."

Sir Ed Davey 'horrified and appalled' by Manchester synagogue attack

Liberal Democrat Leader Sir Ed Davey said: "I am horrified and appalled by the attack outside Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.

"My thoughts are with the victims, our brave emergency services and the entire Jewish community."

Sir Keir Starmer has landed back in the UK to chair a Cobra meeting on Manchester synagogue attack

Sir Keir Starmer has landed back in the UK to chair a Cobra meeting on the Manchester synagogue attack.

The Prime Minister was in Copenhagen, Denmark, at the European Political Community Summit when the attack occurred.

Sir Keir left Denmark immediately, saying: "We will do everything to keep our Jewish community safe."

Robert Jenrick and Rachel Reeves react to Manchester synagogue attack

More politicians have been reacting to the Manchester synagogue attack.

Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick wrote on X: "Sickening news about the attack at a synagogue in Manchester. I'm praying that those who have been injured can make a full recovery.

"The police appear to have done an incredible job in stopping the attacker so swiftly. This will be a terribly painful moment for the Jewish community, even more so because it is the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. They must know the whole country stands with them."

The Chancellor Rachel Reeves said she is "horrified by the attack at a synagogue in Manchester.

"For it to take place on the holiest day in the Jewish calendar makes it all the more appalling. My thoughts are with the loved ones of all those affected. My thanks to our brave police and emergency services."

John Sweeney expresses 'horror' at Manchester synagogue attack

Scotland's First Minister John Swinney has expressed his "horror" at the attack on the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Manchester.

Speaking during First Minister's Questions just after the attack, Mr Swinney said: "Can I express my horror at the attack on a synagogue in Manchester this morning.

"This attack came on Yom Kippur, the holiest time in the Jewish calendar, and my thoughts are with the victims, their families and all of the Jewish communities in Scotland and across the UK.

"Antisemitism is an evil we must confront and stand resolutely against, and I know the whole chamber speaks with one voice on this important question."

Sadiq Khan confirms police are 'stepping up patrols in Jewish communities and synagogues' across London

Sir Sadiq Khan has confirmed the police are increasing patrols in Jewish communities across London.

His confirmation follows Sir Keir Starmer's statement that "additional police assets are being deployed to synagogues across the country".

Greater Manchester Police confirmed two members of the public had died at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Manchester.

Follow details of the attack here

Foreign Office 'very concerned' after Israel intercepts Gaza aid flotilla

The Foreign Office said it is "very concerned" after a flotilla of boats heading to Gaza with British citizens on board has been intercepted by the Israeli navy.

Activists said at least 20 of the boats aiming to reach Gaza were intercepted.

A Foreign Office spokesman said: "We are very concerned about the situation with the Sumud flotilla, we are in touch with the families of a number of British nationals involved, and we have been in contact with the Israeli authorities to make clear that we expect the situation to be resolved safely, in line with international law and with due respect for the rights of all those on board.

"The aid carried by the flotilla should be turned over to humanitarian organisations on the ground to be delivered safely into Gaza."

Local MP to Manchester synagogue calls for community to come together and 'make sure these evil people do not damage' them

MP for Blackley and Middleton South Graham Stringer has called for the community to unite and "make sure these evil people do not damage" them.

"The area, as you will know, coming from Salford, is a very large Jewish community next to a very large Muslim community, and by and large community relations are excellent between all the different ethnic groups and religious groups, but there are always extreme people who want to damage those relationships and want to, in this case, damage Jews and the Jewish community."

Reflecting on the aftermath of the Manchester Arena bombing in 2017, he said: "Everybody got together because it's not enough just to say we're tolerant and we want better relations.

"We have to work at it and we have to make sure these evil people do not damage our community, which is comprised of many different kinds of religious beliefs and ethnic backgrounds," he told the BBC.

Nigel Farage says he is 'horrified' by the Manchester synagogue attack

Nigel Farage has said he is "horrified" by the attack at a synagogue in Manchester.

The Reform UK leader said:"I am horrified by the attack at a synagogue in Manchester today, particularly on Yom Kippur - the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.

"My thoughts and prayers are with the families of those affected and the Jewish community who will be suffering at this time, and my thanks go to the emergency services."

PICTURED: Sir Keir Starmer departs Denmark as he returns to the UK

Prime Minister confirms 'additional police assets' will be deployed at synagogues across the country

Sir Keir Starmer has confirmed that "additional police assets" will be deployed at synagogues across the country.

The Prime Minister is flying back from the European Political Community Summit in Copenhagen, Denmark, to chair a Cobra meeting.

He said: "We will do everything to keep our Jewish community safe."

Sir Keir Starmer leaves European Political Community Summit early

Sir Keir Starmer has left the European Political Community Summit early following the attack at a synagogue in Manchester.

He was there to discuss the importance of supporting Ukraine and migration within Europe.

He told reporters earlier that he planned to discuss illegal migration and "look at what further options" the leader could pursue together.

Sir Keir added: "There is also, then, obviously, the question of Ukraine and how we put in more support for Ukraine, put pressure on Putin."

Politicians react to Manchester synagogue attack

Politicians have been reacting to the ongoing situation in Crumpsall, Manchester, where four people have been injured and a knifeman has been shot.

Leader of the Conservative Party, Kemi Badenoch, described the incident as a "vile and disgusting attack", telling the BBC: "It does look like an outrageous attack on the Jewish community on their holiest day, Yom Kippur.

"I think it is a vile and disgusting attack. I know that many Jewish people in our country feel that they’re no longer safe, and my heart goes out to the people who have been hurt by this, and everyone who’s been affected."

Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said he was "appalled" by the attack.

In a statement, the Tory Shadow Minister said: "This is a sickening attack on people at a synagogue on Middleton Road in Manchester - on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.

"My thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families and the whole Jewish community here in the UK."

Reform UK Deputy Leader Richard Tice wrote on X: "Horrified to hear of attack at a Manchester synagogue today, on Yom Kippur.

"My thoughts and prayers are with those affected & the wider Jewish community."

Keir Starmer 'appalled' by synagogue attack

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer says he is "appalled" by an attack on a synagogue in Crumpsall, Manchester.

In a statement shared on social media he said: "The fact that this has taken place on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, makes it all the more horrific.

"My thoughts are with the loved ones of all those affected, and my thanks go to the emergency services and all the first responders."

Keep up to date with the details of the attack here.

ANALYSIS - GB News' Political Correspondent Katherine Forster reports on what the Government's priorities are going into the European Political Community Summit in Copenhagen

GB News' Political Correspondent Katherine Forster is in Copenhagen, Denmark today, as she reports on what the Government's priorities are at the European Political Community Summit.

Speaking on the People's Channel, she said: "Illegal migration, a big topic. The Prime Minister will be hosting a round table and the central message is 'no golden ticket'.

"Their [Labour] are fundamentally admitting that there are people who have been asylum shopping because, of course, if you cross the Channel on a small boat, you would have had to cross the whole of Europe, all of these safe countries, to come to Britain."

WATCH KATHERINE FORSTER'S FULL ANALYSIS ABOVE

Sir Keir Starmer vows to continue fighting Russian aggression in Ukraine 'with everything that we have'

Sir Keir Starmer has vowed for European leaders to continue to support Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression "with everything that we have".

Speaking at the European Political Community summit in Copenhagen, Denmark, the Prime Minister said: "[Russian attacks] are unrelenting and they show an appetite to continue and we should fight it with everything that we have.

"It is a reminder for all of us, Volodymyr [Zelensky], that this isn't a question of Ukrainian sovereignty, it is a question of freedoms of all of us, particularly in Europe - we are all in this fight in relation to the Russian aggression.

The Prime Minister continued that if a ceasefire is agreed, "we must continue support for Ukraine" and put Kyiv in "the strongest possible position".

Claire Coutinho feels the Government needs to do more with deporting people

Shadow Energy Secretary Claire Coutinho has welcomed Sir Keir Starmer's move to require refugees to "earn" their right to stay in the UK long term, but doesn't feel it goes far enough.

She said: "The challenge that you've got with Keir, particularly, is that he doesn't want to take on any of the legal architecture, which means that we struggle to deport people.

"Whether they are criminals, whether they are not contributing, whatever it may be, so actually I think he needs to go much further than this.

"We know the public is extremely worried about immigration; they are extremely fed up with seeing these cases where we can't deport people who have committed the most awful crimes here in Britain.

"We need to have a much tighter system, and I don't think the Labour policies do that at all."

WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH CLAIRE COUTINHO ABOVE

Migration and Ukraine will be the 'two dominant issues' for European leaders

Sir Keir Starmer has said that migration and Ukraine will be the "two dominant issues" for European leaders to discuss as they meet today at the European Political Community Summit.

The Prime Minister told reporters: "We're certainly discussing illegal migration and looking at what further options we can take together.

"Obviously, I've always argued that working with other countries is always a stronger response. So we're looking at a number of options there.

"There's a big appetite for it, a number of countries wanting to work with us on what more we can do. So, we'll be looking at that.

"There is also, then, obviously, the question of Ukraine and how we put in more support for Ukraine, put pressure on Putin. So, it'll really be migration and Ukraine will be the two dominant issues in the discussions today."

Mike Tapp backs the Prime Minister's comments saying there is no 'golden ticket' to the UK for refugees

Home Office Minister Mike Tapp has backed Sir Keir Starmer's comments that there is no "golden ticket" to settling in the UK, with refugees having to "earn" their right to stay long term.

Mr Tapp told GB News: "What we are seeing from the Prime Minister today is making it clear, to those who are in Europe looking to claim asylum, that we are not a soft touch and that you cannot shop around so we are levelling that playing field and making it fairer for the people of Britain, but of course offering that help to the people that need it.

"We have started with those record increases in deportations and removals. We've also got returns agreements across the board, including with the French, which means that those pull factors are reduced.

"We are looking at the ECHR, which is really important, and we are making sure we are moving people out of hotel accommodation into MoD accommodation."

WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH MIKE TAPP ABOVE

Sir Keir Starmer describes Metropolitan Police officers making racist and misogynistic comments as 'shocking'

The Prime Minister has described the footage obtained by the BBC of Metropolitan Police officers making racist and misogynistic comments as "shocking".

Sir Keir Starmer called on Sir Mark Rowley "to be very robust in his response".

The shocking footage revealed officers making sexualised comments to colleagues and sharing racist views about immigrants and Muslims.

Mr Rowley said that nine officers and one staff member have been suspended, and two other officers have been removed from frontline duties.

Sir Keir Starmer says there is no 'golden ticket' to the UK as refugees will have to earn right to stay

Sir Keir Starmer said there will be no "golden ticket" to settling in the UK under plans to require refugees to "earn" their right to stay long term.

The Government has proposed plans to end automatic family union rights for those granted asylum in the UK and change the requirements for long-term settlement in Britain.

The Prime Minister said: "I believe that if you want to come to the UK, you should contribute to our society.

"That is the tolerant and fair approach to migration that our communities are built on, but the current system is not fit for purpose.

"That is why we're making fundamental changes to what those granted asylum are afforded in the UK.

"Settlement must be earned by contributing to our country, not by paying a people smuggler to cross the Channel in a boat."

No10 says new digital ID card will not be known as 'Britcard' as support plummets

The Government's new digital identity card will not be known as a "BritCard", Downing Street has confirmed.

The digital identity card - unveiled last week by Sir Keir Starmer - was immediately dubbed "the BritCard" as that was the name given to the scheme by Labour Together, the left-wing think tank close to No10, in the summer.

The concept of a "BritCard" immediately led to backlash from politicians in devolved UK regions, notably Northern Ireland, where nationalists would have boycotted the scheme if it were known as a "BritCard".

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar confirmed in an interview with GB News' Chopper's Political Podcast that the new ID card would not be called the BritCard.

WATCH PART OF THE INTERVIEW ABOVE AND READ THE FULL STORY HERE

Bridget Phillipson says there is 'real urgency' to scrap the two-child benefit cap

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said there is "real urgency" to scrap the two-child benefit cap amid speculation it could be lifted in the upcoming budget.

The Conservatives introduced the two-child limit, which restricts child tax credit and universal credit to the first two children in most households.

Campaigners say it pulls more than 100 children into poverty across the UK every day.

Ms Phillipson told the BBC: "There's a real urgency about this because every year that passes, as children are born, as they move into that system, the numbers go up, child poverty rates increase.

"This was a Tory policy that's had a devastating impact on children, and we'll sort it."