As Joe Biden met Rishi Sunak in No. 10, he called the alliance between the US and the UK “rock-solid.”
In his official vehicle, known as the “Beast” because of its size, Mr. Biden arrived at Downing Street during a stopover in London on his way to the Nato summit in Lithuania.
The president lauded the strong links between the two countries as the leaders conversed in the garden of the prime minister.
According to him, he “couldn’t be meeting with a closer friend and a greater ally.”
Mr Sunak, meanwhile, said the pair would continue talks on how the UK and US can ‘strengthen our co-operation, our joint economic security, to the benefit of our citizens’.
Mr Biden, on his first visit to No 10 as president, ignored questions from reporters, during the meet-up, which happened just weeks after Mr Sunak’s trip to Washington.
Although both leaders emphasised the closeness of their relationship, the US not currently backing Ukraine’s bid to join Nato and their decision to provide Kyiv with controversial cluster munitions, are signs the two countries differ on some international matters.
The president has defended what he described as the ‘difficult’ decision to send the munitions to Ukraine.
Mr Sunak responded by saying Britain ‘discourages’ their use as one of 123 signatories of a convention banning the bombs, but Downing Street did not say whether the PM would raise the issue today.
It’s believed Ukraine’s ambitions for Nato membership will be discussed at the upcoming summit in Vilnius tomorrow.
All attendees agree Ukraine should not become a member while still at war, but the US appears to be the most reluctant to see the country join at all in the near future.
MrBidenhas described Kyiv’s bid as ‘premature’, telling CNN: ‘I don’t think it’s ready for membership in Nato.’
Britain, on the other hand, has indicated support for a fast-track approach for Ukraine.
It comes weeks after Sweden and Finland were officially invited to join the alliance.
Mr Biden arrived at Downing Street just after 10.30am today, with a heavy security presence, and the two men spoke for around 40 minutes.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Foreign Secretary James Cleverly and several senior national security advisers were among those also attending.
The president has also met King Charles today at Windsor Castle for tea and talks on the climate crisis.
Though it is not a full-blown state visit, he was treated to a display of pomp and pageantry.
The US leader received a royal salute and heard the US national anthem, courtesy of the Welsh Guards, before having tea with Charles.
The life expectancy of the NHS is performing “substantially less well,” according to a report, which the Prime Minister has defended.
In order to encourage individuals to undergo on-the-spot chest scans in trucks in supermarket parking lots, the government has created a pilot programme.
According to Rishi Sunak, the extended screenings have already made a “enormous difference” and will save thousands of lives. It is hoped that the programme will boost the frequency of early lung cancer diagnoses.
A report by The King’s Fund found the NHS ’lags behind our peers’ on healthcare outcomes including cancer, and is ‘not by any means where we should be’.
Visiting one of the screening facilities in Nottinghamshire today, Mr Sunak said: ‘As well as our immediate priority to invest record sums in the NHS to cut waiting lists, I want to make sure that the NHS is fit for the future.
‘Today’s announcement – the expansion of lung cancer screening – is a good example of that.
‘Lung cancer is the leading cause of death by cancer in the UK and we know that if you catch it early then you can much more improve the chances of people surviving it.’
Pressed about the findings of The King’s Fund report, Mr Sunak conceded that there is ‘work to do’ but insisted he could ‘fix’ outstanding issues.
Health Secretary Steve Barclay refused to say whether the number of cancer deaths could be linked to austerity policies pursued by the Conservatives during the past 13 years.
Asked whether spending cuts were one of the reasons behind deprivation and poor health, he said: ‘There’s a range of factors why this programme is targeted in communities like this, it’s because there are high rates of smoking and we know there are often high rates of smoking in deprived communities, and that is what this programme enables us to do, is to target the checks together with early intervention into the most deprived communities.’
The report found the UK is ‘significantly’ lagging behind its peers in terms of cancer survival rates, which in turn is dragging down life expectancy.
The NHS performs poorly on outcomes across several major disease groups and health conditions linked to avoidable death.
Siva Anandaciva, the report’s author and chief analyst at The King’s Fund, said: ‘On healthcare outcomes specifically, both for the outcomes that a system can control and those wider measures that rely on services that keep us healthy… we lag behind our peers. We are not by any means where we should be.’
A by-election was called when a Conservative MP who had been accused of using drugs and sexual harassment resigned.
Following a 14-month battle against “malicious allegations,” which he said as “extraordinarily difficult,” David Warburton resigned from his seat of Somerton and Frome.
The 57-year-old claimed that the Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme (ICGS) had hindered him from receiving a fair hearing and from “speaking out” while it investigated the allegations.
Rishi Sunak will now have to contend with another by-election, which might be quite costly.
In his exit statement, Mr Warburton said he had been left with ‘no choice’ but to provoke ‘the upheaval of a by-election’.
He said: ‘It is my hope that, in so doing, I can freely illuminate the methods of an oversight system not fit for purpose, so that friends and colleagues in the House can see the perverted process by which their own judgement may at any time be freighted.’
In an interview with the Mail on Sunday, Mr Warburton admitted to taking cocaine after drinking an ‘incredibly potent’ Japanese whiskey, but denies claims that he harassed a female political aide in his Westminster flat.
Rishi Sunak is now facing four by-elections within the Tory party (Picture: PA)
The resignation will trigger an electoral battle in his Somerset constituency, which he represented as an independent since having the Tory whip suspended last April.
Mr Warburton took the seat from the Liberal Democrats in 2015 and had a 19,213 majority but the party is already stepping up manoeuvres to reclaim it.
Lib Dem deputy leader Daisy Cooper said: ‘Time after time the Conservatives have mired themselves in sleaze and scandal neglecting the issues that really matter to people.
‘Then they decided it was okay to leave local people in this seat without any proper representation at all.
‘This by-election will be a clear contest between the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats, Labour finished third last time and are completely out of the race.
‘The people of Somerton and Frome need a local champion and they can have that at the next election by choosing our local Liberal Democrat candidate Sarah Dyke.’
Meanwhile Labour’s Shabana Mahmood accused the Prime Minister of being ‘too weak to act himself’.
‘Yet again, we see a Tory MP resigning in disgrace, after Rishi Sunak was too weak to act himself. Enough is enough,’ she said.
‘Britain can’t afford this weak Conservative prime minister with a party too divided to govern as families struggle with the cost of living.
‘It’s time to turn the page on 13 years of Tory chaos. We need a general election now and a Labour government led by Keir Starmer.’
The prime minister now faces four potential by elections with two contests in Uxbridge and South Ruislip and Selby and Ainsty already scheduled for July 20 after Boris Johnson and his ally Nigel Adams resigned.
Nadine Dorries, who had also announced she was going to quit over the fallout from the former prime minister’s resignation honours, is staying while she seeks to investigate how she was denied a seat in the Lords on the list.
The prime minister has been urged by Humza Yousaf to request the release of a Scottish Sikh blogger who has been imprisoned since 2017.
The first minister urged Rishi Sunak to take a “direct approach” in a letter, claiming Jagtar Singh Johal had been wrongly imprisoned.
When Mr. Singh Johal, from Dumbarton, was detained for an alleged murder conspiracy, he was in Punjab for his wedding.
He could receive the death penalty.
His family say he has been tortured, including through electric shocks, before being made to sign a blank confession document.
These allegations have been denied by the Indian authorities.
In Scotland, Mr Johal was an active blogger, highlighting historical human rights abuses and atrocities against Sikhs in the Punjab region.
He has been detained in a series of Indian prisons, accused of funding the purchase of weapons used to assassinate a number of right-wing Hindu religious and political leaders in the Punjab.
He denies the charges against him and says his arrest and trial are politically-motivated.
Mr Yousaf met Gurpreet Singh Johal, the brother of Jagtar Singh Johal, earlier this month and vowed to keep lobbying for his release.
In his letter to Mr Sunak, the first minister said: “Jagtar has now been imprisoned in India for over 2,000 days.
“In May 2022, the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention concluded that Jagtar Singh Johal had been arbitrarily detained and his detention breached international human rights law.
“The clear recommendation of the report was that Jagtar Singh Johal should be immediately released. Yet Jagtar remains in prison.
“I am therefore writing to ask that you make a direct approach to the government of India to ask for Jagtar’s immediate release in line with the UN Working Group’s unequivocal recommendation.
“This would give the family the reassurance of knowing that the UK government is prioritising the protection of a citizen who has been wrongfully imprisoned.”
The Foreign Office said it had raised its concerns, including Mr Johal’s allegations of torture, with the Indian government on more than 100 occasions and would continue to do so.
It said consular staff visit him regularly to check on his welfare and did so most recently on 1 May. They also continue to attend relevant court hearings in an observer capacity.
A spokesman said the Foreign Secretary most recently discussed Mr Johal’s case with the Indian external affairs minister in New Delhi on 1 March.
The United States’ Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak has expressed his anticipation to engage in discussions with President Joe Biden regarding the notable investment package in green industries.
On the plane to Washington DC, Mr Sunak said “subsidy races” were not a solution to hitting climate goals.
Some British ministers have criticised Mr Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) as harmful to world trade.
The law includes $370bn (£297bn) to boost green technology in the US.
In a drive to cut carbon emissions, billions in tax credits and subsidies has been allocated to speed up the production of solar panels and wind turbines, and encourage the up-take of electric cars.
The European Union has described the law as anti-competitive, while earlier this year, Energy Secretary Grant Shapps said the package was “dangerous because it could slip into protectionism”.
It is expected to be one subject of discussion when Mr Sunak meets Mr Biden for the fourth time this year, for talks at the White House on Thursday, following meetings with business leaders and senior politicians.
The prime minister’s spokesman suggested Mr Sunak would also talk about boosting green tech, the war in Ukraine, and the regulation of artificial intelligence.
Tensions over the global implications of Mr Biden’s economic package have been building ahead of the visit, Mr Sunak’s first official trip to Washington DC as prime minister.
The UK government has said it had no plans to emulate the scale of the US plans, prompting accusations from Labour that the UK could fall behind in a global race to attract future industries.
During his flight to Washington, reporters asked Mr Sunak if there was anything Mr Biden could do to ease the economic impacts of his package on the UK.
“It’s something that he [President Biden] and I have discussed in the past and you’d expect us to continue discussing it,” Mr Sunak said.
When asked whether Mr Sunak accepted President Biden’s argument that a resilient economy sometimes required a protectionist approach to key sectors, the prime minister referenced a joint statement issued by the G7 at the end of its latest summit in Japan.
The statement, he said, “makes it very clear that G7 countries don’t believe in protectionism as the answer to this challenge and also don’t believe in in subsidy races that are zero sum”.
There have been reports his trip could see the two sides unveil a critical minerals pact that would allow British carmakers that export electric vehicles to theUSto benefit from some of the tax credits offered to American firms.
The US signed such a deal with Japan earlier this year, and has entered into talks with the EU.
However, one area where progress has stalled is over a wider UK-US free trade deal, where President Biden has put talks on ice, leaving the UK to deepen trade ties through less comprehensive mini-deals with around 20 states.
AI regulation
Another area where Mr Sunak hopes to hold discussions is the regulation of artificial intelligence (AI), where Mr Sunak is seeking to carve out a role for the UK as a global player.
The prime minister is hosting a global summit on AI regulation in the autumn, and has reportedly expressed an interest in the UK hosting any new international regulator for the emerging technology.
However, the extent to which the UK will be able to shape new global rules outside the EU is unclear, with the UK now shut out of key gatherings between European and American regulators such as theTech and Trade Council (TTC).
The two leaders will also discuss the war in Ukraine, which is expected to enter a decisive period soon, with signs a long-awaited counter-offensive from Ukrainian forces may have begun.
It comes after Ukraine blamed Russia for the collapse of the Kakhovka dam in Russian-held Ukraine, prompting the evacuation of thousands of people. Moscow has denied destroying the dam, instead blaming Ukrainian shelling.
Speaking to reporters on the plane to the US, Mr Sunak said it was “too soon” to make a “definitive judgement” on whether Russia was behind the attack.
But he said if Russia were found to be responsible, it would “demonstrate the new lows that we will have seen from Russian aggression.
Since obtaining the texts on Wednesday, the government has refrained from turning them over to Lady Hallett’s inquiry, claiming that much of the content has nothing to do with Covid.
Johnson friends, though, assert that the Cabinet Office‘s actual motivation for opposing publication of the unredacted WhatsApp chats is to protect the dignity of the present occupant of Number 10.
The Mail on Sunday quoted an unnamed ally as saying: ”What is Rishi hiding?
‘Is it plotting against Boris with Dominic Cummings?
‘Is it because he himself broke lockdown rules? Or does he fear that his Eat Out to Help Out scheme led to a significant number of deaths?’
The scheme, which allowed diners to claim 50% off the cost of their meal in an effort to boost a devastated UK hospitality industry after the 2020 Covid lockdown, will reportedly be examined by the inquiry amid questions over whether it contributed to a rise in coronavirus cases.
Speaking to Sky’s Sophy Ridge on Sunday programme, immigration minister Robert Jenrick denied the messages were being withheld to avoid embarrassment for the prime minister.
Asked directly about the Mail on Sunday story by the presenter, he said: ‘The issue here is a simple legal one – which is, should you hand over material to an inquiry which has absolutely nothing to do with Covid-19, and that’s a longstanding practice in British courts.
‘I think it’s fair and reasonable that that’s applied to the inquiry as well, and I hope that we can resolve this with Lady Justice Hallett very soon.’
He added that it would not be ‘common practice’ for the inquiry itself to decide what was relevant, rather than the government.
Mr Jenrick said: ‘I’m a former lawyer, I’ve been involved in discovery requests from courts in the past, and the normal way to do this is to set reasonable parameters, to request anything that is related to the case or, in this situation, the inquiry, but not to ask for things that are wholly unrelated.’
Mr Johnson has since bypassed Whitehall and handed some of the Whatsapp messages over himself.
However, lawyers for the Cabinet Office have warned the ex-PM that he could lose public funding for his legal advice if he ‘knowingly’ tries to ‘frustrate or undermine’ the government’s position.
Mr Jenrick said: ‘It’s entirely up to the former prime minister how he cooperates with the inquiry. If he wishes to send his documents or Whatsapp messages to them then he’s at liberty to do so.
‘I think a letter has been sent from the Cabinet Office to him, to say that as he is using taxpayers’ funds to pay for his lawyers then that funding has to be used for appropriate purposes.
‘But he can advance whatever arguments he wants to and make whatever statements he wishes in his witness statement to the inquiry.’
Net migration to Britain hit record highs in 2017, according to official data released on Thursday. This puts pressure on the UK government, which has made the issue a political focal point.
According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), 1.2 million individuals entered Britain in 2022, while approximately half of them left, for a net migration of 606,000 people.
That is in spite of promises made by previous Conservative administrations to significantly restrict immigration to the UK, especially in the wake of Brexit, which its proponents hailed as a crucial step for Britain to “take control” of its borders.
Thursday’s figures forces difficult questions for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, and his embattled Home Secretary Suella Braverman, both of whom have pledged to reduce migration figures.
“The main drivers of the increase were people coming to the UK from non-EU countries for work, study and for humanitarian purposes,” Jay Lindop, Director of the Centre for International Migration at the ONS, said Thursday.
It has been disclosed that Prince Harry reportedly spends time alone at a five-star hotel close to his residence in California.
The Duke of Sussex reportedly has a room reserved at a chain hotel in Montecito, close to the $12.6 million property he and Meghan Markle share.
The newspaper was informed by sources that Harry occasionally remains in the room alone.
Reports that the royal couple spend some nights apart have emerged after they failed to post any photos commemorating their fifth wedding anniversary on Friday.
Harry is also thought to have a second hideaway pad at San Vicente Bungalows, a private members club in Los Angeles, near where he attends a gym class called Barry’s Bootcamp.
Guests are prohibited from discussing anything that takes place on the premises, with stickers placed over their phone cameras upon arrival, as well as from approaching other members indoors.
Annual membership fees reportedly run in excess of £3,200. Applicants are apparently vetted by a panel that’s thought to include American actress Julia Roberts.
Harry and Meghan have repeatedly insisted on their right to privacy after breaking ties with the royal family and moving to the US.
Recently, the royal couple made headlines after they were subjected to a ‘near catastrophic’ car chase at the hands of local paparazzi in New York, which they claimed involved two ‘near misses’.
Many have commented the episode bears a reminder to the events preceding the death of Harry’s mother, Princess Diana, who was killed in a car crash in Paris while being pursued by the paparazzi in 1997.
However, the taxi driver who gave the royal couple a ride has since claimed they weren’t in fact being chased by photographers.
Asked about the incident, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, apparently under the impression that the alleged chase had taken place in the UK, said: ‘My job as prime minister is to ensure everyone feels safe in our country.’
Being informed that the incident had actually occurred across the Atlantic, he added: ‘Cars in New York are not really my priority or my responsibility.’
Home Secretary Suella Braverman is accused of asking public officials to help her avoid receiving points on her licence for speeding, and a traffic attorney argues she “shot herself in the foot.”
Nick Freeman, sometimes known as Mr. Loophole, is notorious for using legal technicalities to win high-profile cases.
He said suppliers prefer high-profile individuals take private courses and that Mrs. Braverman did nothing wrong by asking state workers to try and arrange a one-on-one driving course.
Downing Street confirmed this evening that Rishi Sunak will consult with his adviser on ministerial interests in relation to these claims when he returns from Japan.
The prime minister’s ethics tsar, Sir Laurie Magnus, can only start an investigation into potential breaches of the ministerial code if Mr Sunak asks him to.
Speaking on Sky News, Mr Freeman said: ‘Many of the course providers actually prefer to have a one-to-one because it proves to be less of a distraction, so from that perspective, she’s done absolutely nothing wrong.’
Mr Freeman told the PA news agency that Mrs Braverman should have asked a lawyer to try and organise a private course, and should have ‘come clean immediately’ and accepted responsibility.
He explained: ‘I think she would have won political plaudits for that and she’s lost a golden opportunity because we just don’t see politicians behave like that.
‘This would have, I think, got a lot of brownie points, it’s a lost opportunity, she shot herself in the foot by behaving as she did.
‘If she got a lawyer to do it nobody would be any of the wiser, she’d have done the course, the course provider wouldn’t leak her information and the lawyer wouldn’t either.
‘She’s the author of her own misfortune; one for speeding, two for speaking to civil servants about arranging the course, three for not getting a lawyer to deal with it for her and four for not coming out straight away and holding her hands up.’
He also added that ‘if you don’t ask, you don’t get’, and said there was ‘nothing improper’ about requesting a one-to-one course.
Mr Freeman said: ‘I think there’s a great deal of political mileage that’s been made by people who are suggesting that she’s done something underhand, she hasn’t.
‘Whether or not she should have used civil servants to assist her is something that politicians will deal with and not me.
‘My own view is that if you commit an offence of speeding or any offence, it’s a private matter and you should deal with it on a private basis and you shouldn’t be using tax-funded employees to help you out with that private problem.
‘So that’s the potential for political fallout for her.’
The Ukrainian president grinned, nodded, and responded, “Thank you,” when asked if it was a good day.
Prior to crucial negotiations at the G7 summit, Mr. Zelensky arrived in Japan early this morning.
Japan says his decision to visit Hiroshima stems from his ‘strong wish’ to participate in talks that will influence his nation’s defense against Russia.
Live footage had showed the leader disembark from a French government aircraft around 7.30am British time.
Mr Zelensky will attend the G7 summit in person on Sunday and hold a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida during his stay.
This morning, he tweeted: ‘Japan. G7. Important meetings with partners and friends of Ukraine. Security and enhanced cooperation for our victory. Peace will become closer today.’
Rishi Sunak greeting Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky (Picture: Ludovic Marin/AFP/Getty)The pair shared a hug before settling down for talks (Picture: PA)Mr Zelensky arrived at Hiroshima Airport earlier this morning (Picture: Yuichi Yamazaki/AFP)The President disembarked from a French government aircraft (Picture: Reuters)
Mr Sunak later shared an image of the pair hugging, and added: ‘Ukraine, we’re not going anywhere.’
Mr Zelensky will take part in a session regarding peace and security alongside the G7 leaders and invited outreach countries, according to the Japanese foreign ministry.
His visit to Japan marks the first since October 2019 and the first since the invasion by Russia.
An EU official, speaking on condition of anonymity to brief reporters on the deliberations, said Mr Zelensky will take part in two separate sessions Sunday.
The first session will be with G7 members only and will focus on the war in Ukraine.
The second session will include the G7 as well as the other nations invited to take part in the summit, and will focus on ‘peace and stability.’
U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan said that President Joe Biden and Mr Zelensky would have direct engagement at the summit.
The news comes after the US pledged support for training Ukrainian pilots on U.S.-made F-16 fighter jets, a precursor to eventually providing those aircraft to Ukraine’s Air Force.
World leaders have faced a balancing act at the G7 in Hiroshima as they look to address a raft of global worries demanding urgent attention, including climate change, AI, poverty and economic instability, nuclear proliferation and, above all, the war in Ukraine.
China, the world’s No. 2 economy, sits at the nexus of many of those concerns.
The G7 leaders are also to discuss efforts to strengthen the global economy and address rising prices that are squeezing families and government budgets around the world, particularly in developing countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America.
The G7 includes Japan, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Canada and Italy, as well as the European Union.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will make an announcement on a deal with Japan about defence, security, and cyber after he arrives in the nation this morning.
The UK will be required by the “Hiroshima Accord,” which will be decided upon later today, to commit to sending a navy battle fleet to the Indo-Pacific in 2025 and to increasing the number of British troops participating in subsequent joint exercises.
The Prime Minister explained to reporters on the flight to Tokyo that it was part of a “aligned” strategy to counter the “risks and challenges that China poses” in cooperation with other G7 nations.
The deal will also launch a partnership on semiconductors, in order to reduce the UK’s reliance on Beijing for the vital computer components.
Other G7 leaders will be joining Mr Sunak and his Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida in Hiroshima for their latest summit, which begins tomorrow.
The prime minister will not hold more personal bilateral talks with Joe Biden at the event, but will instead sit down with Mr Kishida, France’s Emmanuel Macron and India’s Narendra Modi.
His arrival in Tokyo this morning was met with the announcement that Japanese businesses were committing to invest almost £18 billion in the UK.
Bosses of Nissan, Toshiba and Mitsubishi Estate, as well as representatives from UK firms Octopus Energy and Mott MacDonald, were expected to be involved in meetings with Mr Sunak.
Their pledge brightened a tricky couple of days for the government’s business approach, after one of the world’s top carmakers said the Brexit deal must be renegotiated or they may not keep their commitment to make electric vehicles in the UK.
Stellantis, which makes Vauxhall, Citroen, Peugeot and Fiat, warned their UK investments were in the balance due to the terms of the trade agreement.
Speaking to broadcasters at Yokosuka naval base near Tokyo, the PM said: ‘It’s something that car manufacturers across Europe, not just in the UK, have raised as a concern.
‘And as a result of that we are engaged in a dialogue with the EU about how we might address those concerns when it comes to auto manufacturing more generally.’
Economic security is expected to be at the top of the agenda when the G7 leaders meet this weekend, alongside the war in Ukraine.
In her first official foreign visit first time since moving in to No 10, the prime minister’s wife Akshata Murty is joining the G7 ‘partners’ programme’.
In a statement, Mr Sunak said: ‘It is a privilege to be visiting Tokyo and Hiroshima at this historic moment in the United Kingdom’s relationship with Japan.
‘Prime Minister Kishida and I are closely aligned on the importance of protecting peace and security in the Indo-Pacific and defending our values, including free and fair trade.
‘The Hiroshima Accord will see us step up co-operation between our armed forces, grow our economies together and develop our world-leading science and technology expertise.
‘It marks an exciting next phase in the UK and Japan’s flourishing partnership.’
After the Duke and Duchess of Sussex claimed to have seen a “near catastrophic car chase” in the city, Rishi Sunak stated that “cars in New York are not really my priority.”
The couple was followed by paparazzi on Tuesday night, and they also included Meghan’s mother Doria Ragland in the incident.
Prior to the alleged “chase,” Harry and Meghan had attended an awards ceremony in New York.
After the Duke and Duchess of Sussex claimed to have seen a “near catastrophic car chase” in the city, Rishi Sunak stated that “cars in New York are not really my priority.”
The couple was followed by paparazzi on Tuesday night, and they also included Meghan’s mother Doria Ragland in the incident.
Prior to the alleged “chase,” Harry and Meghan had attended an awards ceremony in New York.
‘Russia needs to know that we and other countries remain steadfast in our resolve to support Ukraine, not just in the here and now with the resources it needs to protect itself, but for the long term as well.’
He added to ITV News: ‘They can’t just outlast us in this conflict.
‘One of the common topics of conversation I’ll be having and have been having with my fellow leaders is about the longer-term security agreements that we put in place in Ukraine, to deter future Russian aggression.’
As part of its new sanctions the UK will ban imports of Russian diamonds, copper, aluminium and nickel.
The diamond export industry was previously worth more than £3 billion to Russia.
New individual sanctions are also being placed by the UK on 86 people and companies.
There has been uncertainty whether the EU will also ban Russian diamonds, as the trade is particularly lucrative for Belgium.
Mr Sunak told the BBC: ‘I’m hopeful and confident that our partner countries will follow as they have done when we’ve done this previously, that will make the sanctions more effective, ensure that Russia pays a price for its illegal activity.’
The UK PM yesterday signed a new defence and security pact with Tokyo – and received a nice new pair of bright red socks – over dinner with his Japanese counterpart, Fumio Kishida.
The three-day G7 summit will see the UK, the US, Canada, Japan, France, Germany and Italy discuss military and economic support for Ukraine, as well as the security of Taiwan following aggression from China.
Mr Sunak’s official spokesperson said: ‘Guarding against economic coercion is something that the prime minister is pushing for.’
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to attend the summit in person as a guest on Sunday, as is Indian prime minister Narendra Modi.
Mr Modi has previously remained neutral on the Russian invasion, due to his links with Mr Putin.
But Mr Sunak said he has seen ‘positive’ steps from India in its stance on the war.
He told reporters on a plane to Japan: ‘One thing we have to keep doing is talking to countries like India and also Brazil, that is going to be in that second part of the summit which is a good thing.’
A representative for UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said Tuesday that Britain and the Netherlands are forming a “international coalition” to assist Ukraine in acquiring F-16 fighter jets, which Kyiv claims are essential to its defence as Russia intensifies its aerial attacks.
Following a meeting between Sunak and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte at the Council of Europe Summit in Iceland, the two NATO allies reportedly tried to bring US-made jets to Ukraine as well as train Kyiv’s pilots to fly them.
The statement from the presidents of Britain and the Netherlands was warmly received by Ukraine, which has been arguing that the fighter jets are crucial to protect against Russian missile and drone threats.
“We need F-16s, and I am grateful to our allies for their decision to work in this direction, including training our pilots,” said Andriy Yermak, head of the office of President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Yermak said Belgium, another NATO ally, in particular, had “confirmed its readiness to train” Ukrainian pilots.
Britain does not have F-16s in its air force, but the Netherlands and Belgium do. The US Air Force has almost 800 F-16s in its fleet.
Speaking in the United Kingdom Monday, Zelensky welcomed promises of fresh military aid from European leaders – but renewed his demands to be provided with modern fighter jets.
Following a visit with Sunak, Zelensky hinted that Ukraine is closer to receiving F-16s, saying that Kyiv and London were “actively moving forward” on a plan. Zelensky also thanked the UK for agreeing to train Ukrainian pilots.
The US Air Force calls the F-16, which first flew in 1978, a “relatively low-cost, high-performance weapon system.”
The single-engine jets can act in air-to-air or ground-attack modes, flying in all weather conditions with a range of 500 miles (860 kilometers).
It would be a substantial upgrade to the aircraft in Ukraine’s fleet now, largely Soviet-era warplanes that were either in Ukraine’s air force before the Russian invasion or have been given to Kyiv by other European states like Poland that used to be in the Soviet orbit.
Despite Zelensky’s repeated pleas for F-16s, many of Ukraine’s allies have been reluctant to supply Kyiv with weapons that can reach Russian soil.
Early on in the war, the US believed that supplying Ukraine with new fighter jets would risk an escalation between NATO and Russia.
Meanwhile, US and allied officials have previously said the jets would be impractical because they require considerable training and Russia has extensive anti-aircraft systems that could easily shoot them down.
Any movement of F-16s to Ukraine would require US approval and US President Joe Biden said earlier this year that Kyiv did not need the fighter jets.
But CNN reported in March that the US is working with Ukrainian pilots in the United States to determine how long it would take to train them to fly F-16s, according to sources briefed on the matter.
In the upcoming months, Ukraine will get hundreds of air defence missiles as well as additional long-range attack drones, according to Rishi Sunak.
Since February 2022, when Russia began an all-out land, air, and sea assault of its neighbour, Britain has made a number of pledges.
Multiple ‘Storm Shadow’ cruise missiles with a range of more than 155 miles have been pledged to the country, according to defence secretary Ben Wallace, who made the announcement on Friday.
This will be the first long-range cruise missile in its arsenal and will be critical in helping the country defend against attacks on national infrastructure.
A ‘Storm Shadow’ missile was reportedly used on a building in the occupied city of Luhansk that was used by Russian forces (Picture: e2w)Fragments of the missile found near the site of the explosion (Picture: e2w)
Weapons have made its way to Ukraine as Western leaders are racing against time ahead of ‘the first important steps’ of a highly-anticipated spring counteroffensive against the Russian forces.
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But Volodymyr Zelensky is making sure this support does not dry up by personally visiting European capitals over the last week, and meeting with his counterparts.
His first stop was Rome, then Berlin, then Paris, and today the Ukrainian president has arrived in London for a meeting with Mr Sunak.
Mr Zelensky will hold talks with the PM at Chequers, becoming the very first world leader he has hosted at the Buckinghamshire residence.
A statement from Downing Street said: ‘Today the prime minister will confirm the further UK provision of hundreds of air defence missiles and further unmanned aerial systems including hundreds of new long-range attack drones with a range of over 200km.
‘These will all be delivered over the coming months as Ukraine prepares to intensify its resistance to the ongoing Russian invasion.
‘This equipment will support Ukraine over the coming months in their anticipated military surge to counter Russian forces.
‘During their meeting today the prime minister will discuss with president Zelensky what support Ukraine needs from the international community, both in terms of immediate military equipment and long-term defences.’
The announcement comes just hours after a former aviation school, believed to be used by Russian forces, was reportedly targeted with the ‘Storm Shadow’ long-range missiles.
Two explosions sounded at 8am local time at the suspected barracks in the city of Luhansk.
Footage showed a burning building and thick smoke rising into the sky after the strikes.
In addition, the missiles were used on Friday on the former academy of the internal affairs ministry and the Polipak Machine Building Plant 100 in Luhansk.
Prime Minister of UK, Rishi Sunak has promised to deliver Ukraine hundreds more missiles and attack drones in an effort to shift the pattern of the war.
Zelenskyy landed by helicopter at Chequers, the British leader’s official country retreat, where he was greeted by Rishi Sunak with a handshake and a hug. It’s Zelenskyy’s second trip to the U.K. since Russia invadedUkrainein February 2022.
"Your country's bravery and fortitude is an inspiration to us all", PM Rishi Sunak tells Ukrainian President Zelenskyy as they meet at Chequers.
"We are thankful and privileged to be here," Zelenskyy responds.https://t.co/RaneCGCSkd
📺 Sky 501, Virgin 602 and YouTube pic.twitter.com/1PbH58KEQm
— Sky News (@SkyNews) May 15, 2023
Zelenskyy thanked Britain for its support so far, and said the war was a matter of “security not only for Ukraine, it is important for all of Europe.”
Sunak told Zelenskyy that “your leadership, your country’s bravery and fortitude are an inspiration to us all.”
This is the fourth European country Zelenskky has visited in the past few days, after France, Germany and Italy. He is seeking more aid as Ukraine prepares a long-anticipated spring offensive to retake territory seized by Russia.
The Kremlin said it took London’s promise to supply Ukraine with more weapons “extremely negatively,” but at the same time believed the supplies wouldn’t drastically change the course of the war, spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Monday.
“Britain aspires to be at the forefront among countries that continue to pump weapons into Ukraine,” Peskov said. “We repeat once again, it cannot yield any drastic and fundamental influence on the way the special military operation (in Ukraine) is unfolding. But, definitely, it leads to further destruction, further action. … It makes this whole story for Ukraine much more complicated.”
Sunak responded by pledging the U.K.’s long-term support for Ukraine.
The U.K. has become one of Ukraine’s major military allies, sending Kyiv short-range missiles and Challenger tanks and training 15,000 Ukrainian troops on British soil. Last week, Britain announced it had sent Ukraine Storm Shadow cruise missiles, which have a range of more than 250 kilometers (150 miles) — the first known shipment of the weaponry that Kyiv has long sought from its allies.
Sunak’s office said that on Monday Britain would confirm it was giving Ukraine hundreds more air defense missiles, as well as “long-range attack drones” with a range of more than 200 kilometers (120 miles).
“This is a crucial moment in Ukraine’s resistance to a terrible war of aggression they did not choose or provoke,” Sunak said. “They need the sustained support of the international community to defend against the barrage of unrelenting and indiscriminate attacks that have been their daily reality for over a year.
“We must not let them down.”
Zelenskyy said more work was needed to have allies build a “fighter jet coalition” to provide Ukraine with vital air defenses.
While Sunak’s spokesman said no planes would be provided, the prime minister said the U.K. would be a key part of the coalition and would begin training Ukrainian fighter pilots as soon as this summer.
Sunak will also push allies to deliver more support to Ukraine at a meeting of Group of Seven leaders in Japan later this week, Downing Street said.
As Zelenskyy visited European capitals, Russia stepped up attacks across Ukraine with drones and missiles. On Sunday, Russia shelled two communities in the northern border region of Sumy, regional officials said on Telegram. They said 109 explosions were recorded.
Zelenskyy’s office said Monday that the shelling had killed nine civilians and injured 19 in the past day. Six of the deaths were in the Kherson region. Two civilians were killed in Chuhuiv in the Kharkiv region and one in Prymorsk, which is on the Azov Sea coast about 12 miles (20 kilometers) from Russian-occupied Berdyansk.
The presidential office also reported that Marhanets, which lies across the river from the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, was shelled.
Zelenskyy’s stop in London followed a previously unannounced visit to Paris on Sunday evening, where he met French President Emmanuel Macron. French President Emmanuel Macron, right, welcomes Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the Elysee palace in Paris, on May 14, 2023. French President Emmanuel Macron, right, welcomes Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the Elysee palace in Paris, on May 14, 2023.
Michel Euler via Associated Press
Macron’s office said France would supply dozens of light tanks, armored vehicles and more air defense systems “in the weeks ahead,” without giving specific numbers.
About 2,000 Ukrainian soldiers would also receive training in France this year and nearly 4,000 others in Poland as part of a wider European effort, Macron’s office said.
France had dispatched a plane to pick up Zelenskyy in Germany, where he met with Chancellor Olaf Scholz earlier Sunday. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, left, and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, right, shake hands during the award ceremony of the Charlemagne Prize in Aachen, Germany, on May 14, 2023. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, left, and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, right, shake hands during the award ceremony of the Charlemagne Prize in Aachen, Germany, on May 14, 2023.
Ina Fassbender/Pool via Associated Press
It was his first visit to Berlin since the start of the invasion and came a day after the German government announced a new package of military aid for Ukraine worth more than 2.7 billion euros ($3 billion), including tanks, anti-aircraft systems and ammunition.
After initially hesitating to provide Ukraine with lethal weapons, Germany has become one of the biggest suppliers of arms to Ukraine, including Leopard 1 and 2 battle tanks, and the sophisticated IRIS-T SLM air defense system. Modern Western hardware is considered crucial if Ukraine is to succeed in its planned counteroffensive.
On Saturday, Zelenskyy met Pope Francis and Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni in Rome. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, left, and Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni shake hands during a press conference after their meeting at Chigi Palace, Government’s office, in Rome, on May 13, 2023. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, left, and Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni shake hands during a press conference after their meeting at Chigi Palace, Government’s office, in Rome, on May 13, 2023.
Alessandra Tarantino via Associated Press
During his European trip, Zelenskyy said Ukraine would aim to liberate Russian-occupied areas within Ukraine’s internationally recognized borders, and not attack Russian territory.
The Washington Post cited previously undisclosed documents from a trove of U.S. intelligence leaks suggesting that Zelenskyy had considered trying to capture areas in Russia proper for possible use as bargaining chips in peace negotiations to end the war launched by Moscow.
This would put him at odds with Western governments that have insisted that weapons they provide must not be used to attack targets in Russia.
Asked about the report, Zelenskyy said: “We don’t attack Russian territory, we liberate our own legitimate territory.”
“We have neither the time nor the strength (to attack Russia),” he said, according to an official interpreter. “And we also don’t have weapons to spare with which we could do this.
“We are preparing a counterattack for the illegally occupied areas based on our constitutionally defined legitimate borders, which are recognized internationally,” Zelenskyy said.
Among areas still occupied by Russia are the Crimean peninsula and parts of eastern Ukraine with mainly Russian-speaking populations.
The Ukrainian president and the prime minister were seen strolling together after exiting a Chinook chopper.
The president’s most recent stop on his European tour is Britain, following a journey to Paris for a meeting with his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron.
He will “meet my friend Rishi” for “substantive negotiations face-to-face and in delegations,” according to the leader of Ukraine.
A statement on Twitter this morning read: ‘Today – London. The UK is a leader when it comes to expanding our capabilities on the ground and in the air.
‘This cooperation will continue today. I will meet my friend Rishi. We will conduct substantive negotiations face-to-face and in delegations.’
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It also follows meetings in Berlin and Rome, and comes three months after his first trip to London since the start of the war.
At the time, he attended an audience with King Charles and address Parliament in February.
It is yet unclear what the two leaders will discuss, but Mr Sunak has pledged the UK’s ‘sustained support’ for Ukraine.
The PM said: ‘This is a crucial moment in Ukraine’s resistance to a terrible war of aggression they did not choose or provoke.
‘They need the sustained support of the international community to defend against the barrage of unrelenting and indiscriminate attacks that have been their daily reality for over a year. We must not let them down.
‘The frontlines of Putin’s war of aggression may be in Ukraine but the fault lines stretch all over the world. It is in all our interest to ensure Ukraine succeeds and (Vladimir) Putin’s barbarism is not rewarded.
‘That is why the UK is sustaining our support to Ukraine – from tanks to training, ammunition to armoured vehicles.
‘And this message of solidarity will ring loud in all my meetings with fellow world leaders in the days ahead.’
This comes after Mr Sunak and defence secretary Ben Wallace announced that the government had agreed to authorise the supply of long-range cruise missiles.
That decision was welcomed by Mr Zelensky as a ‘significant enhancement’ of the efforts in the war.
The visit by Mr Zelensky comes ahead of a G7 gathering in Hiroshima, Japan later this week, which will be attended by Mr Sunak.
In a journey that would have taken just over an hour and a half on a train, Rishi Sunak took a helicopter from London to Southampton and returned.
Before visiting his family in the city where he grew up, the prime minister utilized the quick trip today to visit a pharmacy and promote one of his health measures.
Downing Street acknowledged that the taxpayer paid for the trip and argued that it was justified since it made the most of the busy man’s schedule.
An off-peak return between Waterloo and Southampton Central costs around £53.
The PM’s official spokesman said: ‘As you know, his transport will vary depending on his time, where he’s going to make best use of both his time and an interest of the taxpayer.
‘Obviously there’s a lot of pressure on his time and he wants to make the most effective use of that time, so sometimes being able to get to and from places quickly is the best use of his time.’
Two Range Rovers picked up the prime minister after he got his blood pressure checked at the pharmacy, where he promoted his policy of allowing chemists to prescribe medications for seven common ailments in a bid to free up GP appointments.
He has previously been criticised for taking a private jet to travel between Blackpool and Doncaster – a trip of less than half an hour.
Critics said the journeys made a mockery of his government’s ‘Jet Zero strategy’ pledge to cut pollution from flights and help achieve net zero emissions in the UK by 2050.
Labour has accused the PM of ‘jetting around the country on taxpayers’ money like an A-list celeb’.
Liberal Democrat climate change and transport spokeswoman Wera Hobhouse said: ‘Being the prime minister is not an excuse to use a private helicopter whenever you want.
‘No politician should be above using public transport to get around the country – especially for a journey that would take little more than an hour.
‘Rishi Sunak has seemingly abandoned the Government’s environmental responsibilities while throwing taxpayer money away so he can travel in luxury. This is just another example of him being wildly out of touch with the British people.’
The government’s idea to send asylum seekers who sailed across the English Channel in small boats to Rwanda has come under fire from the former commander of the British troops.
General Sir Richard Dannatt asked the home secretary to not send individuals seeking sanctuary there and forewarned of the country’s “dark history” in east Africa.
In his words, Suella Braverman’s “unpopular policy” had “drained the last of Rishi Sunak’s political capital.”
‘The government is entitled to bear down on people coming on small boats who are simply seeking a better life,’ the crossbench peer told the Independent.
Suella Braverman (centre) tours a building site on the outskirts of Kigali during her visit to Rwanda (Picture: PA)
‘Whether sending people to Rwanda is the right policy, I have my doubts. It seems to be aimed at deterring others from coming, because there is a strong sanction against them. I’m uncomfortable with it.
‘I’ve been to Rwanda, and the shadow of the genocide there in the 1990s hangs over that country.’
Between 491,000 and 800,000 people were killed during the Rwandan Civil War in 1994 by Hutu militias, with the scale and brutality causing shock wordlwide.
Critics of the scheme, which has already faced challenges in the High Court, have long pointed to well-documented concerns about the country’s human rights record.
Lord Dannatt added: ‘It is not the sort of environment I would put people from Syria and elsewhere in the world into.’
Britain has agreed a multimillion-pound partnership with Rwanda designed to tackle the number of migrants arriving via unauthorised routes.
The £140 million deal will see some migrants who arrive on small boats via the English Channel sent to the country, if they cannot be deported back to theirs.
No one has actually been sent to the country so far. The first flight was scheduled to go in June 2022, but was cancelled amid legal challenges.
Lord Dannatt said: ‘It’s somewhat surprising Suella Braverman is persisting with an unpopular policy…
‘I fail to understand why the home secretary is continuing to run down the remaining political capital of Rishi Sunak’s government.’
The municipal elections, which have 8,000 seats, can sound frightening, but here’s what you need to know
Updates on the local elections in England have been coming in since the polls closed at 10 p.m. last night, starting in the early morning hours.
With the typical excitement of every democratic vote in the UK come large gains—some unexpected, others predicted.
This year, the local elections were set against the backdrop of the cost of living crisis, the war in Ukraine and the lingering impact of the Covid pandemic.
But what were the key takeaways?
Blue Wall loses several bricks
Labour stormed through Tory heartland to make gains described as ‘hugely significant’ by Sir Keir.
Medway was among the local authority areas painted red, with Labour set to run the Kent council for the first time since 1998.
The party also gained East Staffordshire, where four years ago the Tories picked up a mighty 25 seats, when Labour was left with just 10.
Sir Keir told said ‘road to a better Britain’ begins now and will be ‘paved with Labour wins’.
He added: ‘We all know there’s no place for letting up. Let’s never mistake confidence for complacency.
‘But we are going to bottle this feeling we have today and then we’re going to turn it into a general election win next year.’
The Conservatives suffered huge losses in what has been Rishi Sunak’s first electoral test since being handed the keys to No 10.
They lost control of the likes of Welwyn Hatfield – in Energy Secretary Grant Shapps’ constituency – where both the Lib Dems and Labour made gains.
But the Prime Minister maintained that ‘progress’ is still being made for his party.
He told Sky News: ‘‘It’s always disappointing to lose hard-working Conservative councillors, they’re friends, they’re colleagues and I’m so grateful to them for everything they’ve done.
‘In terms of the results, it’s still early, we’ve just had a quarter of the results in, but what I am going to carry on doing is delivering on the people’s priorities – halving inflation, growing the economy, reducing debt, cutting waiting lists and stopping the boats. ‘That’s what people want us to do, that’s what I’m going to keep hard at doing.’
No ID, no vote
Last night, the elections watchdog said ‘regrettably’ some people were turned away from polling stations.
The local elections were the first of its kind to be carried out under new rules which required voters to carry photographic ID.
Critics say the move could discourage young people and disenfranchise minority voters, both of which are likely to be Labour voters.
Gillian Long, 42, said ID requirements are ‘a load of rubbish’ after she was stopped from voting by an administration error between her ID and the registration system in East Riding, Yorkshire.
Ms Long said her address ‘wasn’t down right on their system’ and fumed ‘If you want people to vote, you should make it as easy as possible, and they’ve added a barrier.’
Green history
The Green Party has secured sole control of an English council for the very first time.
They currently have the 18 seats on Mid Suffolk District Council needed for majority on the 34-seat authority, with four wards yet to declare.
Previously, the local authority was run by a 16-seat minority Conservative administration.
Andy Mellen, leader of the Green Party in Mid Suffolk, said: ‘We are looking forward to getting to work.’
The Green Party’s co-leader in England and Wales, Adrian Ramsay, said the party had seen ‘fantastic results’ in both rural and urban areas, winning seats from Labour as well as the Conservatives.
He added the victory in Mid Suffolk would ‘pave the way for electing the first Green MP in the area as well to really represent people on a national stage as well as locally’.
What about Scotland?
While Scotland is dealing with ample political drama of its own, it did not host any local elections yesterday.
But party members north of the border still kept a close eye on today’s unfolding proceedings.
Some results suggest, based of current results, Labour will win the next general election, but without an overall majority.
Stephen Flynn, the SNP leader at Westminster, said this shows Scots should vote SNP so Scotland can ‘pull the strings’ of a minority UK government.
In a statement he said: ‘It’s increasingly clear that the SNP can hold the balance of power after the next general election – putting Scotland in prime position to pull the strings of a minority UK government.
‘Voting SNP is the best way to beat the Tories in Scotland – and every vote for the SNP will be crucial to ensure Scotland wields real power and influence.’
But the rise of Labour’s popularity in England could sway voters away from the SNP, which has been tarnished by the ongoing investigation into the party’s finances.
Young minds of the future
A teenager only just able to vote has become of the country’s youngest councillors – and stolen the seat of his town’s mayor in the process. Labour in Redditch picked up six seats – including in Church Hill, where 18-year-old James Fardoe claimed the scalp of Tory Ann Isherwood.
His brother Jack wrote on Twitter: ‘Well done to my brother James Fardoe, who was elected in Church Hill in Redditch. Not only did he beat the incumbent mayor, but he is only 18.’
Reacting to his victory on Facebook, James wrote: ‘I would like to thank my opponent, Ann Isherwood, for all her work over the past four years, it was an honour to run against you and once again thank you for your hard work. I would also like to thank all of the Redditch Labour Party and all the volunteers that helped me in Church Hill, I appreciate all the support everyone gave me in this election.
‘I would lastly like to thank everyone who went out to vote yesterday, not just for Labour but all the other parties, who put their trust in democracy and the candidates.’
The newly-elected councillor campaigned for more parking spaces, more youth facilities and more support for local businesses.
Are the Tories really doomed at the next general election? Or could Keir’s lack of star power undermine his party’s efforts?
Republican wave
King Charles may have missed the majority of local election updates, as he is slightly busy with Coronation preparations today.
But there have been interest results in the ward of Highgrove House, the family residence of King Charles III and Queen Camilla, which lies in the Cotswold District Council ward.
Liberal Democrat Chris Twells believes the country should follow the Irish model of a republic, has been elected to represent the Tetbury with Upton ward.
But he has faced calls to quit his seat in north-west England after winning a second election 160 miles away in Gloucestershire.
Mr Twells beat the Conservatives by 60 votes to secure the Tetbury with Upton ward a mere 12 months after he defeated Labour to gain the Ordsall ward for the Lib Dems at Salford City Council, Greater Manchester.
He is expected to stand down from the latte role
Dogs out in full force
While newshounds have stayed up all night to cover the results of the election, during the day it was an army of dogs who helped encourage people to vote.
As is British tradition, voters snap pics of their pups outside polling stations.
Many were shared to Twitter with the hashtag #DogsAtPollingStations.
Regardless of your politics, I’m sure we can all agree that there were a great selection of very good boys out in full force.
The results of the ongoing local elections have been dubbed “disappointing” by Rishi Sunak.
In the Prime Minister’s first election after receiving the keys to No. 10, the Conservatives suffered severe defeats.
‘It’s always upsetting to lose devoted Conservative councillors; they’re friends and colleagues, and I’m so appreciative of everything they’ve done,’ Mr. Sunak said in a statement to Sky News.
“Regarding the results, it’s still early; only a quarter of the results are in. Nevertheless, I’m going to keep working to meet the priorities of the public, which include halving inflation, expanding the economy, lowering debt, eliminating waiting lists, and halting the boats.
‘That’s what people want us to do, that’s what I’m going to keep hard at doing.’
Mr Sunak maintained that ‘progress’ is still being made for his party.
Around 8,000 seats across 230 councils were up for grabs in the elections, and poll booths closed at 10pm last night.
Already, the Conservatives have lost control in councils in Tamworth, Brentford and North West Leicestershire.
Labour have also become the largest party in Hartlepool and Worcester.
Rishi Sunak insisted his party is still ‘making progress’ (Picture: PA)Sarah-Jane Colclough of Labour wins the seat of Bentilee, Ubberley and Townsend during the Stoke On Trent Election Count (Picture: Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)
Keir Starmer’s party also seized control of Plymouth – a result branded ‘terrible’ by Government minister and local MP Johnny Mercer.
Meanwhile, Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris said the party had experienced a ‘bit of a blip’ following the turmoil in No 10 which saw Boris Johnson and Liz Truss ousted before Mr Sunak took office.
He attempted to present the expected losses as mid-term blues for the Tories, telling Sky News: ‘The British people are a very sensible group of folk and they understand what’s important.
‘Occasionally they like to give political parties a bit of a reminder of who the politicians serve. Certainly when you get into being mid-term in a government you get quite a bit of that.’
Dogs helped promote the #YourVoteMatters campaign to get feet in poll booths (Picture: Twitter)Labour celebrate after Susan Akkurt wins Great Chell and Packmoor during the Stoke On Trent Election (Picture: Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)
The local elections were the first of its kind to be carried out under new rules which required voters to carry photographic ID.
Critics say could discourage young people and disenfranchise minority voters, both of which are likely to be Labour voters.
There are around 2 million people without photographic ID, and of those around 86,000 have applied for the new certificate, research by The Big Issue has found.
Are the Tories really doomed at the next general election? Or could Keir’s lack of star power undermine his party’s efforts?
Many have had their applications rejected, FOI research found.
Issues with photographs, not being registered to vote in the first place, or not submitting their national insurance numbers were the most common reasons for rejection.
Last night, the elections watchdog said ‘regrettably’ some people were turned away from polling stations as a result.
As is British tradition, several dogs popped along to polling stations yesterday and, while they were not able to vote, they did pose for several cute photos.
A Cobra emergency meeting has been called by Rishi Sunak to address rescuing British nationals who are stranded in Sudan.
Since April 15, fierce violence has broken out all over the nation as a result of rising tensions between the RSF paramilitary organisation and the Sudanese army.
According to the United Nations, there have been over 400 fatalities and at least 3,500 injuries thus far.
Government officials have said they are ‘doing everything possible’ to support those trapped in the capital.
The Sudanese army has said they are coordinating efforts to evacuate American, British, Chinese and French citizens and diplomats from Sudan on aircraft.
Prospects of airlifting people out of the country have been complicated due to battlegrounds breaking out across airports.
An evacuation from the capital is expected to happen imminently with the British Army on standby.
Fierce fighting between the Sudanese army and the RSF parmilitary force broke out (Picture: AFP via Getty Images)
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) is also planning for a wide range of scenarios, alongside the Foreign Office, on how it can assist in Sudan.
The MoD confirmed a high-readied armed forces unit is always ready to be deployed should they be required.
A UK Government spokesperson said: ‘We recognise that the situation is extremely concerning for British nationals trapped by the fighting in Sudan.
‘We are doing everything possible to support British nationals and diplomatic staff in Khartoum, and the Ministry of Defence is working with the Foreign Office to prepare for a number of contingencies.’
Those trapped in Sudan are advised to register with the FCDO and to stay indoors.
The Pentagon confirmed it is moving additional troops and equipment to a naval base in the Gulf of Aden to prepare for the evacuation of US embassy personnel.
But the White House has no plans for a government co-ordinated evacuation of an estimated 16,000 American citizens trapped in Sudan.
Rishi Sunak and the leader of Dijibouti have agreed to ‘continue to co-ordinate efforts to de-escalate the violence and protect civilians, including our citizens’.
Explosions and gunfire continue across the capital with an end to violence not yet in sight.
The Sudanese army has said it is coordinating efforts to evacuate foreign citizens and diplomats from Sudan on military aircraft.
Army chief Gen Abdel Fattah Burhan said he would facilitate the evacuation of American, British, Chinese and French citizens and diplomats from Sudan after speaking with the leaders of several countries that had requested help.
A childcare organization in which Rishi Sunak‘s wife owns shares is mentioned on a recently released list of ministerial interests.
Some of the initiatives outlined in the Budget are expected to be advantageous for the nanny and childminder business Koru Kids, whose shareholders include Akshata Murty.
The shares in the daycare center that his wife owns are listed on the PM’s list of interests, but it is unclear when he reported them.
Under the section for relevant interests held by Akshata Murty, the list includes ‘a number of direct shareholdings’.
His wife has shares in Koru Kids which has now been included in Rishi’s official interests (Picture: REX)
A note says this includes her minority shareholding in Koru Kids.
Rishi Sunak’s ethics adviser Sir Laurie Magnus said he was content that ‘any actual, potential and perceived’ conflicts of interests involving ministers ‘have been, or are in the process of being’ resolved.
His comments came in the first list of ministerial interests he has overseen.
The independent adviser on ministers’ interests explained: ‘The list is not a register of interests and does not therefore include every interest that a minister has declared in relation to themselves and their family members.
‘To do so would represent an excessive degree of intrusion into the private affairs of ministers that would be unreasonable, particularly in respect of their family members.
‘The list instead documents those interests, including of close family, which are, or may be perceived to be, directly relevant to a minister’s ministerial responsibilities.’
He added: ‘I am content that any actual, potential and perceived conflicts have been, or are in the process of being, resolved, but it is important that ministers and their permanent secretaries remain alert in the context of their respective portfolios if ministers’ interests change.’
The prime minister faced demands to ‘come clean’ about the shares last month after being questioned by MPs over why the childcare policy favoured private firms.
A fortnight earlier, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt announced a pilot of incentive payments of £600 for childminders joining the profession.
Questioning why the sum doubles to £1,200 if workers sign up through an agency, Labour MP Catherine McKinnell asked if Mr Sunak had any interests to declare.
‘No, all my disclosures are declared in the normal way,’ he said.
Koru Kids, which is one of six childminder agencies listed on the Government’s website, welcomed the new Budget incentives as ‘great’.
Rishi Sunak claims his interests are all declared ‘in the normal way’,
Investigations are being conducted into whether Rishi Sunak failed to disclose that his wife owns stock in a daycare center.
Some of the initiatives outlined in the Budget are purportedly going to be advantageous for the nanny and childminder company Koru Kids, whose shareholders include Akshata Murty.
Last month, when MPs questioned the prime minister about why the childcare policy favored private companies, they demanded that he “come clean” about the shares.
He omitted bringing up Ms Murthy’s stock in the company when he spoke before the Liaison Committee.
A fortnight earlier, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt announced a pilot of incentive payments of £600 for childminders joining the profession.
Questioning why the sum doubles to £1,200 if workers sign up through an agency, Labour MP Catherine McKinnell asked if Mr Sunak had any interests to declare.
‘No, all my disclosures are declared in the normal way,’ he said.
Koru Kids, which is one of six childminder agencies listed on the Government’s website, welcomed the new Budget incentives as ‘great’.
At the time the possible conflict emerged, Mr Sunak’s press secretary said the interest would be included in the updated statement of ministers’ interests, due out in May.
Parliament’s standards commissioner Daniel Greenberg opened the inquiry into the PM under rules demanding MPs are ‘open and frank’ when declaring their interests.
Downing Street said Mr Sunak will clarify how it was declared as a ministerial interest, rather than to the Commons.
‘Members must always be open and frank in declaring any relevant interest in any proceeding of the House or its committees, and in any communications with ministers, members, public officials or public office holders,’ the standards watchdog wrote.
A No 10 spokeswoman responded: ‘We are happy to assist the commissioner to clarify how this has been transparently declared as a ministerial interest.’
The sleaze watchdog of parliament has opened an investigation against Rishi Sunak over allegations that he failed to disclose a conflict of interest.
After it was discovered that a daycare organisation owned in part by the prime minister’s wife, Akshata Murty, would profit from budgetary policy changes, the prime minister came under fire.
While discussing the childcare reforms at a parliamentary committee last month, the prime minister did not bring up his wife’s involvement, despite being prompted to do so.
In an announcement on Monday, the parliamentary commissioner for standards said the prime minister was being probed because of a possible failure to declare an interest.
A Downing Street source confirmed that the investigation related to the childcare agency.
The probe is not the first time Ms Murty’s finances and business interests have put the political spotlight on her husband.
The heiress and venture capitalist, who is worth hundreds of millions of pounds, was criticised afterThe Independent revealed last year that she was avoiding tax by assuming non-dom status.
She later renounced the status after the revelations caused an outcry.
Mr Sunak was specifically asked about possible conflicts of interest relating to the budget when he appeared at a hearing of the Liaison Committee last month.
Asked whether he had anything to declare at the time by Labour MP Catherine McKinnell, he said: “No, all my disclosures are declared in the normal way.”
A No 10 spokeswoman said: “We are happy to assist the commissioner to clarify how this has been transparently declared as a ministerial interest.”
The government is to test incentive payments of £600 for childminders joining the profession, and £1,200 if they join through an agency like the one part-owned by the prime minister’s wife.
This is in spite of the fact that two weeks earlier, Rishi Sunak gave one suspension-breaker in the County Durham town an extremely hard glare.
After proposing a £200 million fund to address the widespread issue, he was seen looking into a pothole.
However, The Sun adds that it is still empty and appears to have gotten much broader and deeper.
Stephen Harker, Labour leader at Darlington Council, said: ‘If the Conservative council can’t even fill potholes pointed out by the prime minister, what hope do drivers have?
‘Rishi Sunak is running out of road here in Darlington.’
Tories appear to enjoy pointing and staring at the pothole that remains unfixed (Picture: PA)No, this isn’t Reservoir Dogs 2 (Picture: PA)
However, a Darlington Council spokesperson insisted: ‘The pothole will be repaired this week in line with our procedures.’
The Conservatives have claimed their councils fix more potholes than Labour-run councils as the issue becomes a battleground ahead of next month’s local elections.
Labour hit back, accusing the Tories of a ‘decade of broken pothole promises’ after then-PM David Cameron promised to tackle the issue in 2014.
Rishi’s promise has not stopped people taking matters into their own hands, however, with one man filling potholes with pot noodles.
The PM has also come under fire over reports his heated pool uses so much energy the local electricity network had to be upgraded.
President Biden’s lecture at Ulster University was not attended by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, according to claims made by Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris.
Last night, Sunak welcomed Biden to Belfast. This morning, before the Ulster University event, the two met.
Heaton-Harris says the prime minister had other private engagements to attend afterwards, which was a “perfectly legitimate thing to do”.
“Actually the two of them get on really well, they meet each other all the time. The relationship is great,” he adds.
Sunak himself was asked earlier about his seemingly limited contact with Biden this week.
According to a recent report, Downing Street believes that scheduling the next general election for the fall of 2024 will increase the Tory Party’s prospects of winning.
Although there is no confirmed date, Rishi Sunak‘s team is reportedly considering the months of October and November in 2019.
It is hoped that after the prime minister’s second year in office, the economy would have improved, which will help his reelection campaign.
According to rumors, Mr. Sunak and Chancellor Jeremy Hunt are discussing lowering the top rate of income tax in the upcoming autumn statement. If approved, the change would take effect in April 2024.
This may also coincide with a rise in the national living wage next spring, while plans are reportedly in the works to lower the age threshold for the living wage from 23 to 21.
Ministers are being advised that the living wage should rise from £10.42 to £11.16 an hour, or more, amid the cost of living crisis, it’s believed.
A senior government source told The Times: ‘It’s all about people feeling that they have more money in their pocket by the time we get to the next election.’
Officials also hope the controversial Illegal Migration Bill will have taken effect and the number of refugees coming across the Channel will have dropped.
The notion of calling an early election has been firmly rejected as the Conservatives trail behind Labour in the polls.
Trackers are currently placing the Tories 18 percentage points behind on average – down from 24 points when Mr Sunak took over in October.
The latest a general election can be held is January 2025 and some Tory MPs fear a hung Parliament could still emerge, The Telegraph says.
In the lead-up to the next election, they are apparently looking to paint Sir Keir Starmer as a ‘flip-flopper’.
It comes after focus groups said they are unsure what the Labour leader stands for, amid confusion on his views on issues including trans rights and picket lines.
The Tories have been in power for 13 years, but have faced countless scandals over recent years.
Boris Johnson was forced to step down in shame last year and is currently facing an investigation into whether he misled MPs over parties at Downing Street during lockdown.
Liz Truss then became the shortest-serving prime minister in British history when her disastrous mini-budget sent the economy into a spiral.
Mr Sunak has not been immune to scandal himself and has faced criticism for a string of U-turns, a fine from police and alleged bullying from some of his Cabinet ministers.
But allies say he wants to present himself as the ‘change candidate’.
Downing Street has declined to comment on when the next general election may be.
But a government spokesperson said the ‘economic priority for the government is to cut inflation’.
The prime minister is preparing for what may be the largest Tory uprising of his leadership thus far as his Illegal Immigration Bill takes center stage in the Commons.
Human rights organizations are extremely worried about the contentious law intended to crack down on asylum seekers arriving in the UK in small boats, but many Conservative MPs think it doesn’t go far enough.
The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) won’t be able to stop removals, according to an amendment that is expected to receive support from about 60 Conservatives.
Meanwhile, others have called for Rishi Sunak to commit to establishing safe routes which people in desperate situations can use to come to Britain.
‘You can’t stay’: PM Rishi Sunak promises to detain and deport small boats migrants
Downing Street officials will meet with a gang of rebels on Monday in an attempt to calm the revolt.
Two days of debate are expected as the Bill reaches its committee stage today, with more than 50 pages of amendments tabled.
Under the legislation’s current proposals, it would see asylum seekers arriving through unauthorised means being detained without bail or judicial review for 28 days.
They will then be ‘swiftly removed’ to their home country or a ‘safe third country’ such as Rwanda.
Tory Devizes MP Danny Kruger has sponsored an amendment that seeks provisions in the Bill to ‘operate notwithstanding any orders of the Strasbourg court or any other international body’.
Former minister Andrea Jenkyns tweeted that she had signed amendments with the intention of ‘strengthening the Bill and stopping the European Court of Human Rights’ laws superseding British law’.
It comes after the ECHR last year granted an injunction, via its Rule 39, that effectively grounded a flight sending asylum seekers from the UK to Rwanda.
Since then, Home Secretary Suella Braverman has held what she called ‘constructive’ negotiations with the Strasbourg court to secure a higher legal threshold for any injunction under Rule 39 to be imposed on any future deportation flights.
Levelling-Up Secretary Michael Gove has signalled Home Office ministers are open to further talks about the strength of the Bill, as MPs prepare to go through the legislation line by line.
A Home Office source said the legislation contains a ‘marker clause’ relating to ECHR deportation orders.
It is understood the clause allows for initial negotiations with Strasbourg to conclude before ministers consider setting out further legal measures.
Mr Sunak and Ms Braverman have both stressed that they think the draft law complies with international obligations and that Britain would not need to exit the European Convention on Human Rights to introduce the plans.
But in a letter to MPs following publication of the Bill earlier this month, the Home Secretary admitted there is a ‘more (than) 50% chance’ her legislation may not be compatible with the convention.
While some Tories look to ‘toughen up’ the already highly divisive legalisation, others have backed an amendment that would force the Home Secretary to declare ‘safe and legal routes by which asylum seekers can enter’ the UK.
Tory MP Tim Loughton’s proposed modification has been signed by former Brexit secretary David Davis and Dame Diana Johnson, the Labour chairwoman of the Home Affairs Select Committee.
The government’s approach has been slammed by groups including the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, which has accused ministers of ‘extinguishing the right to seek refugee protection in the UK’.
The charity Refugee Action warned it would ’cause misery, cost millions to the taxpayer and drive desperate people to take ever more dangerous journeys’, while the Archbishop of York described the bill as ‘cruelty without purpose’.
Hundreds of protestors gathered outside Parliament to demonstrate against the Bill earlier in March.
Downing Street said last night that Mr Sunak is continuing to engage with backbenchers over the legislation’s proposals.
As per government plans, Rishi Sunak will transfer asylum seekers from hotels to military bases and abandoned boats.
The suggestions, which may be unveiled in the upcoming weeks, have not been disputed by government officials, according to a report published by The Telegraph yesterday.
Sunak might claim that employing hotels to house asylum seekers is beginning to come to an end as early as next week.
According to The Telegraph, those looking for safety in the UK will instead be housed in “good but primitive” accommodations on former military sites.
The newspaper noted that two military bases being considered include RAF Scampton, in Lincolnshire, and MDP Wethersfield in Braintree, Essex.
People already in hotel accommodations and those arriving by small boat across the perilous English Channel will be placed there.
Old army camps may be turned into makeshift accommodations for asylum seekers, some of whom have fled from persecution and war (Picture: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
The alleged plans come after a Lincolnshire councillor suggested 1,500 asylum seekers could be housed at RAF Scampton in housing including cabins on the runway.
More than 40 historians including Tom Holland wrote an open letter criticising the plan, joining a chorus of locals and politicians opposing the plan.
The historians wrote: ‘To erase Scampton’s heritage, rather than preserve, protect and enhance it further, would be a scandalous desecration of immeasurable recklessness.’
Ministers are also considering placing people in ferries, though it’s understood previous plans to use holiday camps and student halls may be unlikely now.
A Home Office spokesperson said: ‘We have always been upfront about the unprecedented pressure being placed on our asylum system, brought about by a significant increase in dangerous and illegal journeys into the country.
‘We continue to work across government and with local authorities to identify a range of accommodation options.’
The Migrants’ Rights Network tweeted today: ‘Yet another appalling and inhumane measure by the Home Office.
‘Placing people who are seeking safety in military accommodation and disused ferries will mean MORE misery, trauma and further isolation from the communities who want to support and welcome them.’
Hotels housing asylum seekers have been the site of fire, vandalism and violence in recent months, with far-right anti-immigration groups targeting the buildings.
The use of hotel accommodations for people seeking asylum almost trebled in 2021, leaving tens of thousands languishing with very limited resources.
Some families have spent months or even a year in temporary accommodation, according to a report by the campaign group Refugee Council.
The number of families – which include 25,000 children – made to live in single hotel rooms has increased by nearly a third, the report added.
Refugee Council note how these lengthy stays take a toll on asylum seekers, ‘with depression and even suicidal ideation amongst many, including children, being rife,’ it said.
‘They are often living in an environment which is not safe, due both to an increase in far-right activity and harassment targeted at people living in asylum hotels, as well as risks of people being trafficked from hotels,’ Refugee Council added.
Asylum seekers have described being placed in far-flung accommodations, their allowances barely covering bus passes, phone and internet bills and clothing.
Others have said they face leaking windows, broken heaters and inedible food.
One asylum seeker, who has spent five months living in temporary housing as he awaits a response to his claim, said he lives on just £8 a week
‘I don’t understand why they put me in the middle of nowhere,’ Zarith told Metro.co.uk of the Home Office, adding that he has to walk for two hours to get to his nearest pharmacy.
‘It’s as if they’re trying to crush me. My soul is destroyed. I need civilisation.’
Following the government’s crushing of a DUP and Tory backbencher uprising, Rishi Sunak‘s new post-Brexit arrangement for Northern Ireland has been approved.
At a meeting in London on Friday, Foreign Secretary James Cleverly and EU’s Maros Sefcovic formally endorsed the so-called Windsor Framework.
A new system known as the Stormont Brake is introduced as part of the revisions, which overhaul the border agreements reached by Boris Johnson in 2019 and known as the Northern Ireland Protocol.
The Brake is supposed to give elected politicians in Northern Ireland powers to hold up new EU border rules if they’re shown to cause ‘significant’ problems locally, forcing an independent review which can result in a permanent exemption.
Officials hope the ‘powerful democratic safeguard’ will unblock a Brexit-related stalemate in the Northern Ireland Assembly, though the DUP’s opposition means it may not actually be used for some time.
The party has been boycotting the power-sharing agreement at Stormont’s devolved government since last year in protest at issues for which they blamed Mr Johnson’s version of the Protocol.
The stand-off continues despite the new deal, which DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson says is not enough of an improvement for his party to return to Stormont.
The deal aims to smooth tensions around the Irish land border (Picture: Getty)
Mr Johnson, his successor Liz Truss and former home secretary Priti Patel were among the 22 Tories who joined the DUP in opposing the new deal.
It won by an overwhelming 515 votes to 29, massively shoring up Mr Sunak’s influence as het did not have to rely on Labour votes.
Ahead of Friday’s meeting, Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris warned there would be no prospect of renegotiating the deal.
Mr Cleverly said: ‘By formally approving the Windsor Framework, we are delivering on our commitment to provide stability and certainty for Northern Ireland.
What is the new Windsor Framework and how does it work?
The Windsor Framework is a new version of the Northern Ireland Protocol, a special set of rules for post-Brexit customs and immigrations along the Irish land border.
The rules are designed to avoid ‘hard border’ checks which officials feared might reignite sectarian tensions that fuelled the violence of The Troubles.
Mr Sunak’s deal aims to formally bring politicians from Northern Ireland’s devolved government into decision-making over the rules, which they were previously only able to influence by lobbying. Here’s how:
The main reform, known as the Stormont Brake, allows members of the Northern Ireland Assembly (MLAs) to hold up new border rules if there are enough of them.
If 30 or more MLAs object to a rule, the government in Westminster is obliged to review their concerns.
Unless the objection is deemed to have been made in bad faith or for ‘trivial’ reasons, the rule is suspended for up to four weeks.
It must then be reviewed by independent officials from the UK and EU via the Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee.
A ‘cross-community vote’ will then be held to decide whether a rule is permanently blocked.
Special criteria must be met in order to satisfy UK ministers that an objection has been not made simply for political leverage.
This includes a ‘detailed and publicly available written explanation’ showing a new EU rule is having a ‘significant’ impact on people in Northern Ireland.
The EU also has the right to impose penalties if it concludes an objection has been lodged in bad faith.
The ins and outs of the new system have yet to be agreed, and will be thrashed out in further meetings with Northern Ireland’s political parties.
Overall the deal means that, when it comes to border arrangements, a typical MLA will have more influence than a backbench Westminster MP, but less than a government minister.
It gives them powers over post-Brexit rules not unlike the House of Lords, who cannot block new laws outright but can delay them and put them under greater scrutiny.
‘The framework is the best deal for Northern Ireland, safeguarding its place in the Union and protecting the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement.
‘I look forward to further effective co-operation with the EU on key issues, such as security and energy.’
The Windsor Framework will also reform a number of other post-Brexit issues such as checks, paperwork, VAT and alcohol duty, but the Stormont Brake is the only issue which MPs have so far been given a vote on.
The foreign secretary and Mr Sefcovic, who is the European Commission vice president, also discussed Peace Plus, a scheme to promote reconciliation and cooperation across the Irish land border.
According to The Guardian, the Prime Minister’s and the ruling party’s activities today were all conducted behind closed doors.
This evening at the Birmingham conference, Sunak gave a speech outlining his goals for the nation, participated in a Q&A session, and hosted drinks for Tory activists.
However, the Tory party insisted that only officials and members were permitted inside because it was a “inside function closed to reporters.”
Earlier today, according to video shared on Twitter, Sunak said to the throng and a few empty chairs in the room, “It’s actually really simple.”
‘It’s to halve inflation, grow the economy, reduce debt, cut waiting lists and stop the boats.’
Treasury Minister Andrew Griffith also quizzed Chancellor Jeremy Hunt on the economy after inflation defied expectations by rising to 10.4% after a slow downward trend.
While experts expected the consumer price surge to peak in October at 11.1%, inflation is now back in the double digits.
Food inflation especially has swelled, with prices rising at an annual rate of 18% – the largest increase in 45 years.
But the conference had some advice for cash-strapped Brits – well, Tory members hoping to raise money for the party, at least.
‘Raising money – how to seal deal with donors’ and ‘Our Plan – getting it done: you’ve said you’ll do it, now get it done!’ are two included sessions.
While business leaders who paid £500 attended a business day today full ‘of networking and highly interactive sessions between business leaders and government ministers’.
The ‘spring forum’ was described by the event’s brochure as ‘the most important two days of the next general election campaign so far’.
Though, the brochure said it was ‘a little bit different this year’.
Steve Goodrich of Transparency International UK told the Guardian that it’s ‘crucial’ to let the press attend political events.
‘Parties routinely sell privileged political access at their conferences, allowing private interests to lobby ministers and senior party figures, so they could at least keep these jamborees open to some media scrutiny on the public’s behalf,’ he said.
‘Journalists are crucial to informing the public about how our democracy works.
‘Closing the door to them keeps us all in the dark about access and potential influence in UK politics.’
Liz Truss has come under fire for allegedly recommending four close friends for peerages as part of her resignation honours in an effort to reward failure.
The 49 days Ms. Truss spent in Downing Street made her the prime minister with the shortest tenure in British political history. She left No. 10 after her September mini-budget measures helped drive the pound’s value down.
Yet, she has continued to nominate former aides and allies for a place in the House of Lords as part of the honours a prime minister might suggest after their retirement despite being humiliated.
Her four nominations equals roughly one peerage for every ten days she was in office, and both Labour and Lib Dem MPs have called on her successor Rishi Sunak to block the nominations.
Ruth Porter headed Ms Truss’s leadership campaig and was briefly her deputy chief of staff (Picture: Getty)Matthew Elliott was a Brexit campigner who headed the Vote Leave campaign
Deputy Labour leader Angela Rayner called it a ‘list of shame’, coming after she said Ms Truss ‘and her Conservative co-conspirators’ had taken a ‘wrecking ball to the economy’.
According to The Sun and the i newspapers, former Vote Leave chief executive Matthew Elliott, Conservative Party donor Jon Moynihan, long-term aide Ruth Porter and think tank boss Mark Littlewood have all allegedly been recommended for peerages by the former Tory leader.
Mr Littlewood is director of the free market-supporting think tank Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA).
The group backed the disastrous mini-budget unveiled by Ms Truss and her chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng, with Mr Littlewood, according to The Guardian, calling it a ‘boost-up budget’.
Upon her resignation, Mr Littlewood said: ‘I’m very sorry the PM’s efforts to move the UK in a pro-growth, low-tax, pro-enterprise direction has failed.
‘She had a difficult hand to play, but she also played the hand badly.’
He also served as chief press spokesman for the Lib Dems and reportedly was at Oxford University with Ms Truss.
Mark Littlewood is director of a conservative think tank and attended Oxford University with Liz TrussJon Moynihan (R) is a Tory donor who gave £50,000 to Ms Truss’s leadership campaign
Ms Porter currently works for a lobbying firm but helped spearhead Ms Truss’s successful Tory leadership bid in the summer before briefly serving as her deputy chief of staff in No 10.
The register of MPs’ financial interests shows that Mr Moynihan donated, in two separate transactions, more than £50,000 to Ms Truss’s leadership campaign.
Mr Elliott, as well as campaigning for Brexit, was also involved in founding the Taxpayers’ Alliance group which lobbies for lower taxes.
Ms Rayner said: ‘Liz Truss and her Conservative co-conspirators took a wrecking ball to the economy in a disastrous six-week premiership that has left millions facing mortgage misery, but Rishi Sunak now looks set to allow her to hand out these obscene rewards for failure.
‘If this Prime Minister was serious about the integrity he promised, he would be point blank refusing to rubber stamp Liz Truss’s list of shame.
‘Instead of approving undeserved honours and lifetime golden goodbyes for her cheerleaders, he should be demanding the public apology she has refused to provide.’
Wendy Chamberlain MP, the Lib Dems’ chief whip, said: ‘Handing out more expensive gongs to Conservative allies is a truly remarkable way to reward the shortest tenure as prime minister in British political history.
Labour deputy Angela Rayner labelled the nominations a ‘list of shame’ (Picture: Getty)
‘Truss and her Conservative colleagues trashed our economy and left millions in misery.
‘Those selected for honours are the very people who helped plunge the country into chaos and crisis.
‘Rishi Sunak must block these honours immediately as allowing Truss to dish out positions of influence shows a stunning lack of humility.’
A spokesman for Ms Truss said he could not comment on who any individuals on the nomination list were.
His comments come as the Western allies reject a peace plan put forward by China’s President Xi Jinping, who met Mr Putin in Moscow this week.
Ukraine has demanded that Russia withdraw from its territory as a condition for fresh discussions – but the Kremlin will not agree to this.
Russia will bomb any country that detains Putin using the International Criminal Court arrest warrant, the country’s ex-president Dmitry Medvedev said on Thursday.
The arrest warrant was issued after the Russian leader was accused of illegally deporting hundreds of children from Ukraine.
Russia has committed a ‘wide range’ of war crimes in Ukraine, UN inquiry finds
But not all countries are supportive, with Hungary admitting it would not arrest Putin if he entered the country.
Lord Owen, the ex-leader of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), said today: ‘Ukraine has had very substantive trade arrangements with China in their own right and a very large amount of Ukrainian grain was going to China.
‘So there has been this formed relationship with communist China and Ukraine over quite a long period of time. So, I think he’s going to try to bring this war to an end.’
The secretary general of Nato recently cautioned that there were ‘signs’ indicating Russia has asked for lethal aid from China.
On the prospect of peace talks to end Russia’s invasion, Lord Owen said: ‘I believe there should be no negotiation by Britain.
‘If I was asked, I would say that the Prime Minister should not talk to Putin, and nor should the Foreign Secretary talk to Sergey Lavrov.
‘And I think that we should say that the matter of negotiations should be conducted between the two who are conducting war against each other. We are not at war with Russia.’
However, he noted ‘there has to be a difference for some people’, adding: ‘If Biden decided that the time had come to speak to Putin, then he should go, as he is the de facto political negotiator that really matters.
NATO: China should not provide lethal aid to Russia
‘But I would be reluctant if I was Biden to do that, because you would be sucked in. It’s a very, very narrow line.’
Asked if there is something more Western allies could do to help Ukraine, Lord Owen said he ‘would not have ruled out sending Typhoons’ and that the delivery of tanks should be accelerated.
He said it is ‘unacceptable’ for German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to say he is sending tanks to Ukraine and then ‘not doing it, delaying it’.
He added: ‘That is very dangerous. I mean, by any standard, there should be 30 or 40 Leopard tanks now, already there.’
Lord Owen served as foreign secretary from 1977 to 1979 under James Callaghan and two years later became one of the ‘Gang of Four’ who left the Labour Party to form the SDP.
Appointed as a life peer in 1992, Lord Owen sat in the House of Lords as a crossbencher until March 2014, and now sits as an ‘independent social democrat’.
In spite of opposition from some of his own MPs and the DUP, Rishi Sunak has succeeded in getting support from the Commons for a portion of his proposed plan on post-Brexit trading arrangements for Northern Ireland.
Regulations to put the Stormont brake component of the Windsor Framework into effect were approved by MPs by a vote of 515 to 29, with a majority of 486.
Almost 20 of the prime minister’s backbenchers, including Liz Truss and Boris Johnson, the two previous prime ministers, rebelled against him.
Additionally, the Conservative MPs’ European Research Group (ERG) announced it was “highly advising” that its members oppose the legislation.
Rishi Sunak wins key vote on post-Brexit deal
Labour offered its backing though, with Keir Starmer previously saying the agreement ‘will allow us to move forward as a country’.
The brake mechanism would allow a minority of MLAs in the Stormont Assembly to formally flag concerns about the imposition of new EU laws in Northern Ireland – a move that could see the UK Government veto their introduction in the region.
Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris, ahead of the vote, told MPs: ‘Without this measure, Northern Ireland would continue to have full and automatic dynamic alignment with EU goods rules with no say for the Northern Ireland Assembly and no veto for amending or replacing those measures.
‘That is an intolerable situation and I urge all MPs to vote to end that full and automatic dynamic alignment.’
Mr Heaton-Harris said the EU could initiate a dispute if it believed the UK had improperly used the brake, and The European Court of Justice would have no role in resolving that dispute.
But DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson said he cannot commit his party ‘will restore the political institutions’ in Northern Ireland as a result of the deal.
The DUP is currently blocking devolution at Stormont in protest at the terms of the post-Brexit Northern Ireland Protocol.
The protocol was designed to prevent a hardening of the land border on the island of Ireland and moved regulatory and customs checks to the Irish Sea, creating economic barriers on the movement of goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
The UK and EU agreed the framework as a way to cut the red tape created by the protocol.
On the day he faces a grilling from MPs over Partygate, Mr Johnson found time to release a statement saying the proposed agreement was ‘unacceptable’.
The former Tory leader, who struck the first Brexit deal in 2020, said: ‘The proposed arrangements would mean either that Northern Ireland remained captured by the EU legal order – and was increasingly divergent from the rest of the UK – or they would mean that the whole of the UK was unable properly to diverge and take advantage of Brexit.
‘That is not acceptable. I will be voting against the proposed arrangements today.
‘Instead, the best course of action is to proceed with the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill, and make sure that we take back control.’
Mr Truss’ spokesperson later confirmed she would also be voting against the Stormont brake section.
Downing Street declined to say whether Rishi Sunak was disappointed that his predecessors were opposing his deal, along with former Conservative Party leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith.
She said Mr Sunak believes ‘this is the best deal for Northern Ireland, for the people of Northern Ireland’.
‘It ensures a smooth flow of trade internally within the UK, safeguards Northern Ireland’s place in the union and addresses the democratic deficit’, she added.
Asked if the British leader had spoken to his predecessors, she would not name individuals but said: ‘He has been engaging with colleagues from across the House on this matter.’
In an exclusive interview with NBC, Rishi Sunak stated that China posed a “systemic challenge” to the global order.
During an interview with Lester Holt while visiting the US, the Prime Minister expressed his alarm over recent Chinese behavior.
A agreement for nuclear submarines for $201,000,000 was revealed by the prime minister earlier today.
He added that China “represents the biggest major threat to our economic interests” because it is “behaving in a more authoritarian manner at home” and “more forceful outside.”
He added: And it’s a systemic challenge for the world order.’
China has replied to news of the deal by calling it ‘a blatant act of nuclear proliferation’ that undermines regional peace and stability.
Sunak also weighed in on the collapse of the Silicon Valley Bank, saying that it was important to a large number of UK technology companies.
He said he was ‘concerned’ by the behaviour of China in his chat tonight (Picture: NBC)The PM met with the Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese and US President Joe Biden earlier today.
He said: ‘I’ve been working through the weekend with our finance minister, the Chancellor and our Bank of England, our regulators to find an appropriate solution. We’ll be making an announcement about that very shortly.’
‘Britain is back’ Sunak added.
Asked how Britain would respond if China were to try to seize Taiwan through military force, Sunak declined to answer directly.
The PM said the international response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine served to deter any country from launching an unprovoked attack.
He told NBC: ‘I think the best thing we can do to deter hostile action by any state anywhere, is doing what we’re doing right now in Ukraine. And that’s where we’ve seen an illegal, unprovoked invasion of Ukraine by Russia.
‘And the right thing to have done in that circumstance is to provide Ukraine with all the support that it needs to defend itself.
He added: ‘I think it’s important right now that we accelerate and intensify our support to Ukraine.’
He said London’s commitment to the AUKUS pact was part of an overall increase in defence spending by the UK.
He said: ‘We’re investing more in our armed forces over the next couple of years, billions of pounds more. We’re increasing our defence spending, because my belief is that the world has become more volatile.’
Boris Johnson said he will find it difficult to back Rishi Sunak‘s revised Brexit plan for Northern Ireland.
The former prime minister, who three years ago boasted of having a “oven-ready deal,” said the government “has to be transparent” going forward.
In a speech at Westminster, Mr. Johnson stated: “I’m going to find it very difficult to vote for something like this, because I believed we should’ve done something very different.
‘No matter how much plaster came off the ceiling in Brussels.
Boris Johnson is giving a speech during the Global Soft Power Summit at the QEII center in London (Picture: Reuters)
‘I’m conscious I’m not going to be thanked for saying this, but I think it is my job to do so: we must be clear about what is really going on here.
‘This is not about the UK taking back control, and although there are easements this is really a version of the solution that was being offered last year to Liz Truss when she was foreign secretary.
‘This is the EU graciously unbending to allow us to do what we want to do in our own country, not by our laws but by theirs.’
Mr Sunak delivered a Brexit trade agreement with Ursula von der Leyen earlier this week.
Speaking on Monday, he acknowledged that the UK and EU have ‘had our differences’, but declared ‘the beginning of a new chapter in our relationship’.
The new agreement includes green lane and red lane trade routes – with goods remaining in the UK using the green lane to avoid customs bureaucracy and goods moving to the EU being sent in the red lane.
A ‘landmark’ settlement on medicines has also been promised, as drugs approved for use by the UK’s medicines regulator will become automatically available in every pharmacy and hospital in Northern Ireland.
The arrangement comes with a new ‘Stormont brake’ – a move designed to ‘safeguard’ Northern Ireland’s sovereignty.
Britain’s Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen (Picture: AP)
Speaking today, Northern Ireland Office minister Lord Caine said there are still details of the Stormont brake ‘yet to be filled in’.
He told peers that consultation with Northern Ireland parties is imminent and legislation will follow.
His comments came as Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick, former leader of the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) in Northern Ireland, questioned the Government on the mechanism of the Stormont brake.
Lord Caine said: ‘What the command paper and the supporting documentation does is to set out the framework.
‘There are some details that have yet to be filled in that will be dealt with in legislation – and they will follow consultations that the Northern Ireland Secretary intends to begin with the Northern Ireland parties almost immediately.’
Concluding his speech, Mr Johnson conceded he made mistakes in signing his Northern Ireland Protocol that caused the DUP to walk out of powersharing because of trade barriers in the Irish Sea.
He said: ‘I thought those checks would not be onerous since there isn’t that much stuff that falls into that category; most of the goods stay in Northern Ireland.
Muttering, the former prime minister added: ‘It’s all my fault, I fully accept responsibility.’
On Monday, when the head of the European Commission traveled to London to discuss the protocol with the prime minister, Rishi Sunak might reach an agreement on a Brexit settlement involving Northern Ireland.
After months of negotiations, Mr. Sunak is reportedly approaching “final talks” with Ursula von der Leyen, which could result in a breakthrough, according to Downing Street. Early in the morning, Mrs. von der Leyen arrived in London.
Before disclosing the specifics of any reached agreement to voters and Lawmakers, Mr. Sunak intends to brief his Cabinet.
However, if the deal doesn’t meet the requests of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), the party could continue to prevent a Northern Ireland devolved government from forming.
The deal could also pit the prime minister against hardline Brexiteers on his own backbenches.
MPs may get to vote on “part of the deal”, according to reports, but Downing Street has not fully committed to giving Parliament a vote.
During this visit, the UK will provide additional support by way of training, equipment, and Russian sanctions.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the president of Ukraine, has travelled to the UK to meet with Rishi Sunak, the King, and Ukrainian troops.
He arrived in an RAF plane just before 10.30am on Wednesday for his first trip to the UK since Russia invaded Ukraine in February of last year, and the prime minister met him at Stansted Airport.
Since then, Mr. Zelenskyy has only taken one other trip outside of Ukraine: just before Christmas, he travelled to the United States and then stopped in Poland on the way back.
The Ukrainian leader will meet King Charles at Buckingham Palace this afternoon.
Before that, he and Mr Sunak will discuss the UK’s support for Ukraine, starting with an “immediate surge” of military equipment being sent to the country by the UK and the prime minister will reinforce his long-term support.
Shortly after Mr Zelenskyy landed, the UK announced further Russian sanctions, including against six entities providing military equipment, such as drones, to Russia, and eight individuals and one entity connected to “nefarious financial networks” helping maintain “wealth and power amongst Kremlin elites”, the government said.
Both Mr Sunak and Mr Zelenskyy will visit Ukrainian troops training in the UK later on Wednesday.
In December, Mr Sunak travelled to Kyiv for the first time since becoming prime minister in October where he pledged a £50 million package to boost Ukrainian air defence.
His predecessor, Boris Johnson, had a very close relationship with Mr Zelenskyy and was one of Ukraine’s most vocal backers.
Image:Mr Zelenskyy arrived in London on an RAF plane on Wednesday morning
Fighter jet pilot training
There are expectations the Ukrainian leader might also make his first visit toEuropean Union institutions since the war began, as leaders gather for a summit in Brussels on Thursday. However, this has not been confirmed.
On Wednesday, Mr Sunak will offer to bolster the UK’s training for Ukrainian troops, including to fighter jet pilots so they can fly NATO-standard fighter jets, Number 10 said.
He will also offer to begin an immediate training programme for marines.
Image:Rishi Sunak visited Ukraine in November
The UK has already trained 10,000 Ukrainian troops over the past six months and is planning to train 20,000 more this year as part of an international effort to scale up training of Ukrainian troops.
Downing Street said Mr Sunak will also offer to provide Ukraine with longer-range capabilities to “disrupt Russia’s ability to continually target Ukraine’s civilian and critical national infrastructure”.
Image:Defence Secretary Ben Wallace visiting Ukrainian troops being trained in the UK last year
Mr Sunak said: “President Zelenskyy’s visit to the UK is a testament to his country’s courage, determination and fight, and a testament to the unbreakable friendship between our two countries.
“Since 2014, the UK has provided vital training to Ukrainian forces, allowing them to defend their country, protect their sovereignty and fight for their territory.
“I am proud that today we will expand that training from soldiers to marines and fighter jet pilots, ensuring Ukraine has a military able to defend its interests well into the future.
“It also underlines our commitment to not just provide military equipment for the short term, but a long-term pledge to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Ukraine for years to come.”
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has reiterated his commitment to release his tax returns, telling TV host Piers Morgan that he would do so “shortly” after the interview.
Mr. Sunak stated that he was prepared to be “transparent” and publish the documents.
When it was discovered that the Prime Minister’s wife, Akshata Murty, was a non-dom, his financial affairs came under scrutiny last year.
Since then, opposition parties have urged Mr. Sunak to be transparent about his finances.
Last April, Ms Murty’s spokeswoman said she “has always and will continue to pay UK taxes on all her UK income.”
Mr Sunak first made the promise to publish his tax returns during his unsuccessful campaign to be leader of the Conservative Party last summer.
Since becoming prime minister, he said in December at the G20 summit that he would stand by the pledge, telling reporters he would seek advice and “figure out the right way that happens”.
Mr Sunak is thought to be one of Parliament’s wealthiest members, which Labour has used as an attack line during Prime Minister’s Questions.
While there is not a long tradition of prime ministers publishing their tax returns, some of Mr Sunak’s predecessors have chosen to do so in recent years.
In his interview with Morgan in 10 Downing Street, Mr Sunak said: “They will be published shortly.” As you know, the tax filing deadline was just a few days ago. So that’s why.
“So we do the tax-filing deadlines just passed, so they’re just being prepared and they will be released shortly.”
In another question about his financial affairs, Morgan asked Mr Sunak whether he was benefitting from a financial arrangement known as a blind trust.
Politicians with share portfolios and investments routinely set up blind trusts when they get government jobs. This allows them to continue earning income from their investments without knowing where the money is invested to avoid any conflicts of interest.
On the question of whether it was right forprime ministers to have blind trusts, Mr Sunak said: “I think that’s better than them having control over them.”
Image caption,Rishi Sunak said he proposed to his wife Akshata Murthy on bended knee on a cliff walk in California
The interview covered a wide range of topics, from serious ones about government policy, to light-hearted ones about his love life.
He was asked by Morgan to describe his “doctrine” and assess his first 100 days in office as prime minister.
Mr Sunak said he inherited “a challenging situation” but insisted he was “proud of what we’ve achieved” so far.
One of the most prominent issues of his time in office up to now has been the wave of public sector strikes over pay.
Mr Sunak said nurses should be treated as an “exception” and he would “love to give the nurses a massive pay rise” but insisted he could not, as doing so would stoke the rising cost of living.
Later in the interview, Morgan asked Mr Sunak for his definition of a woman. Mr Sunak replied “adult human female”, but suggested the TV presenter was actually asking about society’s handling of people questioning their gender identity.
Morgan brought up the case of Isla Bryson, a transgender woman convicted of raping two women while known as a man named Adam Graham. She was initially incarcerated in a women’s prison but has since been transferred to a men’s prison.
Morgan said it showed the problem of “limitless gender self-identity”. Mr Sunak said it demonstrated “some of the challenges”, but added “we must and should have enormous compassion and tolerance and understanding for those who are questioning their gender and identity”.
“But we have to recognise the challenges that that poses, particularly for women’s safety,” Mr Sunak said.
Asked about transgender women athletes competing in women’s sports, he said: “I think that doesn’t strike most people as being fair. That’s why, when it comes to these questions, biological sex matters.”
Also in the interview:
When Morgan challenged Mr Sunak on hospital car parking charges for nurses in England, he promised: “Of course, I’m happy to look at that.”
Mr Sunak also pledged to bring in tougher immigration and asylum rules to curb the number of people crossing the Channel in small boats
Asked why he wanted to become prime minister, he said: “I do ask myself the same question on occasion… there’s a concept in Hinduism called dharma which roughly translates into ‘duty’, and that’s how I was raised”
Morgan put to him that he was “stinking rich”, and after an awkward pause he replied: “I think most people would consider that I’m financially fortunate, yes”
He admitted rapping to Ice Ice Baby by Vanilla Ice but swiftly added “we will not do that now”
He said he was “batting above my average” when it came to his wife and recalled proposing to her while walking along the cliffs in Half Moon Bay in California.
The Tory Party chairman, Nadhim Zahawi, was fired on Sunday,and Rishi Sunak has defended his handling of the situation by asserting that he followed “the right process.”
The PM’s ethics adviser conducted an investigation and found that Mr. Zahawi had violated the ministerial code seven times while concealing the fact that HMRC was looking into his tax affairs.
As soon as the investigation was over, Mr. Sunak claimed he “acted pretty decisively.”
According to Labour, Mr. Zahawi should have been fired by the prime minister “long ago.”
Deputy leader Angela Rayner called Mr Sunak a “hopelessly weak” prime minister who had “been dragged kicking and screaming into doing what he should have done long ago”.
“Rishi Sunak shouldn’t have needed an ethics adviser to tell him that Nadhim Zahawi’s position was untenable,” she said.
Ms Rayner and Labour Party chair Anneliese Dodds have now written to the prime minister asking him to “come clean” about when he was made aware of the HMRC investigation into Mr Zahawi.
But speaking in County Durham, the prime minister defended his handling of the situation and stressed his commitment to “integrity”.
“What I have done is follow a process, which is the right process,” he said.
“As soon as I knew about the situation, I appointed somebody independent, looked at it, got the advice and acted pretty decisively to move on.
“The things that happened before I was prime minister, I can’t do anything about. What I think you can hold me to account for is how I deal with the things that arise on my watch.”
Mr. Sunak also stated that he will “take whatever steps are necessary to restore the integrity of politics.”
Asked if Mr Sunak had ever asked Mr Zahawi about press reports about his tax affairs, his spokesman declined to comment, saying he wouldn’t discuss private conversations.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, the spokesman added that the PM had been advised there were were no outstanding issues involving HMRC when he appointed Mr Zahawi in October.
Image caption,Nadhim Zahawi had served as Conservative Party chairman and minister without portfolio in Rishi Sunak’s government
The BBC understands that Mr Zahawi had paid around £5m in total, including a penalty. At the time he was responsible for the UK’s tax system as chancellor under Boris Johnson.
Mr Zahawi has previously insisted that he acted properly, and that his tax error was “careless and not deliberate”.
Supporters of Mr Zahawi have raised concerns about the ethics probe with the BBC, saying he had only one meeting with the prime minister’s independent ethics adviser Sir Laurie Magnus.
They questioned whether due process had been followed and suggested Mr Zahawi had not been allowed to make sufficient representations.
‘Omissions’
Mr Sunak’s spokesman rejected suggestions the probe was rushed, insisting Sir Laurie had been given enough time to establish the facts.
Sir Laurie found Mr Zahawi’s “omissions” of information constituted a “serious failure to meet the standards set out in the ministerial code”.
He was also critical of the MP for describing news stories about his tax affairs as “smears” in July 2022, and failing to correct the record until earlier this month.
“I consider that this delay in correcting an untrue public statement is inconsistent with the requirement for openness,” he said.
After receiving the findings on Sunday, Mr Sunak wrote to Mr Zahawi to say he had decided to remove him from government.
Mr Zahawi thanked the prime minister and said he took pride in his role in the vaccine rollout and the Queen’s funeral – but did not offer an apology or mention his tax affairs.
He promised to support the prime minister “from the backbenches in the coming years.”
Timeline
April 2021: HMRC starts having interactions with Mr Zahawi, including a meeting with him and his advisers. Mr Zahawi – who was vaccines minister at the time – told Sir Laurie he believed he was “merely being asked certain queries” rather than being investigated. Sir Laurie says Mr Zahawi should have understood this was “a serious matter” and included it in his declaration of interests
15 September 2021: Mr Zahawi is made education secretary by then-Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Sir Laurie says Mr Zahawi again failed to declare his interest
5 July 2022: He is promoted to chancellor. He completes a declaration of interest for his new role but makes no reference to an investigation by HMRC
10 July 2022: Mr Zahawi describes reports he is being investigated by HMRC as “smears”
15 July 2022: He receives a letter from HMRC and subsequently updates his declaration of interests to acknowledge an investigation was under way.
August 2022: Mr Zahawi reaches an agreement with HMRC for failing to take “reasonable care”. The BBC has been told the total amount paid was about £5m
September 2022: A final settlement is agreed with HMRC but Mr Zahawi does not update his declaration of interest form with the new information
September and October 2022: Mr Zahawi becomes a levelling up minister under Liz Truss’s short-lived premiership and Tory Party chair under Rishi Sunak. Again, Mr Zahawi does not update his declaration of interest form
21 January 2023: Mr Zahawi issues a statement acknowledging he reached a settlement with HMRC following an investigation
23 January 2023: The prime minister asks his ethics adviser Sir Laurie to look into the disclosures made about the tax affairs of Mr Zahawi
29 January 2023: The PM receives Sir Laurie’s report, which found there had been a “serious breach of the ministerial code”, and Mr Zahawi is sacked.
As pressure over his tax affairs grew, Nadhim Zahawi was removed from office.
The investigation into Mr. Zahawi’s financial affairs, according to theprime minister, revealed a “serious breach of the ministerial code,” according to the prime minister.
After learning that Mr. Zahawi had paid a penalty to HMRC for previously unpaid tax while serving as chancellor, Rishi Sunak ordered the investigation.
According to Mr. Zahawi, HRMC acknowledged that the error was “careless and not intentional.”
In a letter to Mr Zahawi, Mr Sunak said the MP could be “extremely proud of your wide-ranging achievements in government over the last five years”.
He specifically cited Mr Zahawi’s work overseeing the Covid vaccine, saying it was “critical to ensuring our country came through this crisis and saved many lives”.
Mr Zahawi had come under increased scrutiny after he confirmed he had made a payment to settle a dispute with HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).
The BBC understands the dispute was resolved between July and September last year, when he was chancellor and in charge of the tax system.
The total amount paid was in the region of about £5m, including a penalty, the BBC understands.
On Monday, Mr Sunak had asked his independent ethics adviser, Sir Laurie Magnus, to look into the disclosures about Mr Zahawi’s tax affairs, saying there were “questions that need answering”.
In his findings, sent to Mr Sunak on Sunday morning, Sir Laurie said Mr Zahawi had shown “insufficient regard for the principles of the general principles of the ministerial code and the requirements in particular under the seven Principles of Public Life, to be honest, open and an exemplary leader through his own behaviour”.
“I also fully appreciate the pressures faced by ministers as they address the complex issues of government and the difficulties they encounter in balancing the demands of their personal lives and their ministerial responsibilities.
“These factors, however, cannot mitigate my overall judgement that Mr Zahawi’s conduct as a minister has fallen below the high standards that, as prime minister, you rightly expect from those who serve in your government.”
Nadhim Zahawi’s tax affairs have been a headache for the government for the past 10 days.
Rishi Sunak has argued that due process is important. But he’s faced accusations he was weak for not acting earlier to get rid of Mr Zahawi.
The PM got the report from his ethics adviser early this morning. He spoke to Mr Zahawi to tell him he was being sacked, then it was confirmed publicly.
The report from Sir Laurie Magnus left little room for any other conclusion than Mr Zahawi’s departure.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has been fined for not wearing a seatbelt in a moving car while filming a social media video.
Lancashire Police said it had issued a 42-year-old man from London with a conditional offer of a fixed penalty.
No 10 said Mr Sunak “fully accepts this was a mistake and has apologised”, adding that he would pay the fine.
Passengers caught failing to wear a seat belt when one is available can be fined £100.
This can increase to £500 if the case goes to court.
The prime minister was in Lancashire when the video was filmed, during a trip across the north of England.
The video – to promote the government’s latest round of “levelling up” spending – was posted on Mr Sunak’s Instagram account.
It is the second time Mr Sunak has received a fixed penalty notice while in government.
Last April, he was fined along with Boris Johnson and wife Carrie for breaking Covid lockdown rules – by attending a birthday gathering for the then-prime minister in Downing Street in June 2020.
‘Disregard for the rules’
Fixed penalty notices are a sanction for breaking the law, and mean a fine, which needs to be paid within 28 days, or contested.
If someone chooses to contest the fine, the police will then review the case and decide whether to withdraw the fine or take the matter to court.
Labour’s deputy leader Angela Rayner said in a tweet that Mr Sunak was a “total liability”.
A Labour Party spokesperson added: “Hapless Rishi Sunak’s levelling-up photo op has blown up in his face and turned him into a laughing stock.”
The Liberal Democrats said, in becoming the second ever serving prime minister to be fined by police, he had “shown the same disregard for the rules as Boris Johnson”.
Deputy Lib Dem leader Daisy Cooper said: “From partygate to seatbelt gate, these Conservative politicians are just taking the British people for fools.
“Whilst they continue to behave as though it’s one rule for them and another for everyone else, this fine is a reminder that the Conservatives eventually get their comeuppance.”
But Conservative MP for Blackpool South Scott Benton defended Mr Sunak, saying “everybody makes mistakes”.
Mr Benton said police should focus on “tackling serious crime in our communities”, adding: “Let’s keep this in proportion here. Every single year millions of Britons receive similar fixed penalty notices.”
Passengers aged 14 and over are responsible for ensuring they wear a seat belt in cars, vans and other goods vehicles if one is fitted. Drivers are responsible for passengers under 14.
Exemptions include having a doctor’s certificate for a medical reason, or being in a vehicle used for a police, fire or other rescue service.
In order to record a video for social media,Rishi Sunak disengaged his seatbelt while a passenger in the back seat of a moving car.
The PM’s spokesman claimed that he made a “error of judgement” by momentarily unbuckling his seatbelt during a trip to the north of England.
Mr. Sunak posted the video to his Instagram page to promote the most recent round of “leveling up” purchases.
The PM “believes everyone should wear a seatbelt,” the spokesman continued.
Mr. Sunak can be seen speaking to the camera for about a minute as the car moves along and police motorcycles briefly appear in the background.
Passengers caught failing to wear a seatbelt when one is available, unless covered by a valid exemption, can be given an on-the-spot £100 fine.
The fine can increase to £500 if the case goes to court.
‘Painful viewing’
Exemptions include having a doctor’s certificate for a medical reason, or being in a vehicle used for a police, fire and rescue service.
Labour said Mr Sunak’s video added to “endless painful viewing” after he was seen struggling to make a contactless payment with his card last year.
“Rishi Sunak doesn’t know how to manage a seatbelt, his debit card, a train service, the economy, this country,” a spokeswoman said.
“This list is growing every day, and it’s making for endless painful viewing.”
The incident followed criticism of the prime minister for travelling in an RAF jet for a series of official visits on Thursday.
Mr Sunak made the 230-mile journey to Blackpool from London in the plane, before later flying 120 miles to Darlington.
Liberal Democrat deputy leader Daisy Cooper said: “It seems like the PM is getting too used to flying around in private jets that he’s forgotten to wear a seatbelt in a car.”
Downing Street’s unprecedented action will prevent the new law, which lowers the legal age at which someone can apply to change their gender to 16, from becoming a part of the statutes.
Nicola Sturgeon has referred to the UK government’s unprecedented intervention as a “full-frontal attack” on the Scottish parliament for blocking Scotland’s gender reform bill.
If Downing Street thinks a piece of legislation will have a negative effect on UK-wide law, it has the authority to prevent it from receiving Royal Assent from Holyrood, the last step in any new bill.
Scotland Secretary Alister Jack has confirmed he will lay a section 35 order at Westminster tomorrow to prevent the legislation being sent to the King for Royal Assent.
In a statement, he said: “I have not taken this decision lightly.”
In the 25 years since devolution, no British government has taken this step – until now.
In a tweet posted in response to Mr Jack’s announcement, the first minister said: “This is a full-frontal attack on our democratically-elected Scottish parliament and its ability to make its own decisions on devolved matters.
“The Scottish government will defend the legislation and stand up for Scotland’s parliament.
“If this Westminster veto succeeds, it will be first of many.”
The Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill was passed by a majority of MSPs last month, with MsSturgeon hailing at as a “historic day for equality”.
The new legislation would lower the age people can apply to change their gender to 16, remove the need for a medical diagnosis of gender dysphoria for a gender recognition certificate (GRC), and reduce the time an applicant needs to live in their acquired gender.
But while the bill has been welcomed by equality campaigners, UK ministers fear it may lead to gender tourism and that people who change gender in Scotland would have a different legal gender when they are in the rest of the UK.
Critics of the legislation are also concerned organisations offering single-sex spaces would have to adopt different policies.
Announcing the move the block the gender reform bill, Mr Jack said: “I have decided to make an order under section 35 of the Scotland Act 1998, preventing the Scottish parliament’s Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill from proceeding to Royal Assent.
“After thorough and careful consideration of all the relevant advice and the policy implications, I am concerned that this legislation would have an adverse impact on the operation of Great Britain-wide equalities legislation.
“Transgender people who are going through the process to change their legal sex deserve our respect, support and understanding. My decision today is about the legislation’s consequences for the operation of GB-wide equalities protections and other reserved matters.
“I have not taken this decision lightly.
“The bill would have a significant impact on, amongst other things, GB-wide equalities matters in Scotland, England and Wales. I have concluded, therefore, that this is the necessary and correct course of action.
“If the Scottish government chooses to bring an amended Bill back for reconsideration in the Scottish parliament, I hope we can work together to find a constructive way forward that both respects devolution and the operation of UK parliament legislation.
“I have written today to the first minister and the Scottish parliament’s presiding officer informing them of my decision.”
Earlier today, Ms Sturgeon said “it would be an outrage” if the UK government were to block the bill.
In a briefing on NHS pressures, she accused UK ministers of “using trans people as a political weapon”.
“In my view there are no grounds to challenge this legislation,” she told reporters.
“It is within the competence of the Scottish parliament, it doesn’t affect the operation of the Equality Act and it was passed by an overwhelming majority of the Scottish parliament after very lengthy and very intense scrutiny by MSPs of all parties represented in the parliament.
“So if there is a decision to challenge, in my view, it will be quite simply a political decision and I think it will be using trans people – already one of the most vulnerable, stigmatised groups in our society – as a political weapon.
“And I think that will be unconscionable and indefensible and really quite disgraceful.”
The first minister said the move to block the legislation would create a “very, very slippery slope indeed”, adding that it could “normalise” and “embolden” the UK government to do the same in other areas.
“I think it is that serious. I think the import and significance of this would go beyond the particular subject matter of the legislation”, she added.
Ms Sturgeon said the Scottish government would “robustly and rigorously and with a very, very high degree of confidence” defend the bill.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has previously said it was “completely reasonable”for the UK government to consider blocking the reforms.
At the weekend, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer voiced his concerns with the legislation, saying 16 was too young for such a decision to be made.
The bill was backed by the Scottish Labour Party, with the exception of two MSPs who resigned their frontbench positions to vote against it.
As part of the nation’s war effort, the UK is expected to send Challenger 2 tanks to Ukraine, according toPrime Minister Rishi Sunak.
The equipment and additional artillery systems would be sent, he assured Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in a phone call on Saturday, according to No. 10.
According to Downing Street, the action demonstrates “the UK’s ambition to intensify support.”
14 tanks will be provided by the government to Ukraine.
Also anticipated is the delivery of about 30 AS90s, large self-propelled weapons.
President Zelensky has thanked the UK, saying that the decision to send the tanks “will not only strengthen us on the battlefield, but also send the right signal to other partners”.
He said the UK’s support was “always strong” and was “now impenetrable”.
No 10 said that during the call, Mr Sunak and Mr Zelensky also discussed also recent Ukrainian victories, as well as the “need to seize on this moment with an acceleration of global military and diplomatic support”.
The announcement came as a series of missile attacks were launched across Ukraine on Saturday, including in Kyiv, Kharkiv and Odesa.
At least 14 people were killed in a strike on an apartment block in the eastern city of Dnipro.
Mr Sunak said the Challengers, the British Army’s main battle tank, would help Kyiv’s forces “push Russian troops back”.
Built in the late 1990s, the Challenger tank is more than 20 years old, but it will be the most modern tank at Ukraine’s disposal. The tanks will provide Ukraine with better protection, and more accurate firepower.
The UK will begin training the Ukrainian Armed Forces to use the tanks and guns in the coming days.
While the donation alone is not considered a game-changer, it is hoped that the UK’s move will inspire other countries to donate more modern equipment to help Ukraine.
Chair of the Defence Select Committee Tobias Ellwood said he welcomed the UK “getting serious about the hardware it supplies Ukraine”, but that international assistance had been “far too slow”.
He told BBC Breakfast: “That’s exactly what Russia wants us to do – to remain hesitant.
“Unless we step forward and support Ukraine, Russia will not go away – and that will mean the bully has won.”
He stressed that he wanted to see an arms factory in Eastern Poland which would allow Ukraine to procure its own weapons for the long term.
As it stands, Poland has plans to send 14 of its German-made Leopard tanks.
But the tanks, which are in greater supply and used by a number of European armies, need approval from Germany to be exported to Ukraine.
Ukraine also has hopes that the US will supply some of its Abrams tanks, which use the same ammunition as the Leopard.
Earlier this month, Germany and the US agreed to join France in sending armoured fighting vehicles to Ukraine – a move seen as a significant boost to its military’s capability on the battlefield.
Shadow defence secretary John Healey said the government had “Labour’s fullest backing” for the decision to send the Challengers.
He said: “Modern tanks are crucial to Ukraine’s efforts to win its battle against Russian aggression.”
Responding to the news of the Challenger tanks, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said: “As we’ve said previously, weapons supplies are legitimate targets for Russian strikes.”
Image caption,Soledar has been devastated by Russia’s bombardment, as shown by this satellite image from Tuesday
Earlier on Saturday, Russia’s military announced it had captured the salt-mining town of Soledar after a long battle, calling it an “important” step for its offensive.
The victory would allow Russian troops to push on to the nearby city of Bakhmut, and cut off the Ukrainian forces there, a spokesman said.
In his first speech of the year,Rishi Sunak pledged to boost the economy, reduce hospital waiting lists, and end migrant crossings across the Channel.
In Stratford, the prime minister outlined his priorities for 2023 and asked the public to judge his premiership on five promises.
These pledges are:
• to halve inflation
• to grow the economy
• to reduce debt
• to cut hospital waiting lists
• to stop migrant crossings
Mr Sunak promised to work “night and day” to deliver on the above five challenges during this parliament and to create “a future that restores optimism, hope and pride in Britain”.
“So I want to make five promises to you today. Five pledges to deliver peace of mind. Five foundations, on which to build a better future for our children and grandchildren,” the PM said.
“First, we will halve inflation this year to ease the cost of living and give people financial security.
“Second, we will grow the economy, creating better-paid jobs and opportunity right across the country.
“Third, we will make sure our national debt is falling so that we can secure the future of public services.
“Fourth, NHS waiting lists will fall and people will get the care they need more quickly.
“Fifth, we will pass new laws to stop small boats, making sure that if you come to this country illegally, you are detained and swiftly removed.
“So, five promises – we will: Halve inflation, grow the economy, reduce debt, cut waiting lists, and stop the boats.
“Those are the people’s priorities. They are your government’s priorities. And we will either have achieved them or not.
“No tricks, no ambiguity, we’re either delivering for you or we’re not. We will rebuild trust in politics through action, or not at all. So, I ask you to judge us on the effort we put in and the results we achieve.”
Mr Sunak continued: “People don’t want politicians who promise the earth and then fail to deliver. They want government to focus less on politics and more on the things they care about.
“The cost of living, too high. Waiting times in the NHS, too long. Illegal migration, far too much.
“I think people do accept that many of these challenges are at least in part, the legacy of COVID and impacted by the war in Ukraine. But that’s not an excuse. We need to address these problems, not just talk about them.”
He added: “I will only promise what I can deliver, and I will deliver what I promise.”
Mr Sunak’s speech comes as the UK is facing a wave of strikes, a cost of living crisis and huge pressures on the NHS.
Earlier today, a leading medical organisation said the PM must recall parliament “immediately” so MPs can discuss the “NHS crisis”.
The PM said his government is “taking urgent action” to increase hospital bed capacity by 7,000, adding: “And the NHS is working urgently on future plans for A&E and ambulances.”
He acknowledged that, at present, “patients aren’t receiving the care they deserve” and said “something has to change”.
On the continuing industrial action, Mr Sunak called for a “reasonable dialogue” with the unions and promised an update on the government’s next steps.
Saying ministers “hugely value public sector workers like nurses”, the PM said his government’s actions will “reflect the people’s priorities”.
Yesterday, the PM’s new mission to combat high rates of innumeracy in England was unveiled through a pledge to ensure all pupils in the country study some form of the subject until the age of 18.
Addressing this ambition, Mr Sunak said: “Just imagine what greater numeracy will unlock for – people the skills to feel confident with your finances, to find the best mortgage deal.
“The ability to do your job better and get paid more and greater self-confidence to navigate a changing world.”
Government has said, a migrant boat that was having trouble crossing the English Channel in the early morning hours lost at least three passengers.
43 people had reportedly been saved, with more than 30 of them being pulled from the water, according to a source close to the situation, BBC’s Nick Eardley reported.
In frigid waters between Kent and France, a sizable search and rescue operation was started.
The home secretary expressed her “heartfelt thoughts” to all parties involved.
“I am aware of a distressing incident in the Channel this morning and I am being kept constantly updated while agencies respond and urgently establish the full facts,” Home Secretary Suella Braverman added.
The BBC’s political correspondent Nick Eardley said the number of deaths could rise further.
The boat is likely to have been carrying migrants risking the crossing from France, a day after Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced new measures to “stop the boats”.
It is understood the small boat got into trouble at about 03:00 GMT off the coast of Dungeness, 30 miles west of Dover.
The UK coastguard, the French Navy and an air ambulance were all sent to help with the rescue operation.
A fishing boat in the area and coastguard helicopters from Lydd and Lee on Solent were also involved.
South East Coast Ambulance Service said it was called following reports of the incident, and sent crews to Dover, in Kent, to help with the follow-up operation.
Overnight on Tuesday, temperatures dropped to 1C, with it likely to have been colder out at sea. A yellow weather warning for ice was in place across Kent at the time.
Dover MP Natalie Elphicke said she was “very saddened” to hear of the tragedy, and her thoughts and prayers were with all of those involved.
This latest search and rescue follows a fatal incident in November 2021, when at least 27 migrants died after a dinghy sank while heading to the UK from France.
The BBC’s Simon Jones said 460 people made the journey from France to Kent in small boats between Friday and Sunday.
Nearly 45,000 people have made journey this year so far.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, legislation will be introduced to prevent people from staying in the UK “illegally.”
As he revealed new measures to reduce the number of individuals travelling to the UK in small boats across the English Channel, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak promised to process the backlog of asylum requests.
Sunak also announced on Tuesday that he intended to introduce new legislation early next year to ensure people who arrive through ostensibly illegal means cannot remain in the country. Sunak has come under increasing pressure to reduce the growing number of people arriving by small boats.
“If you enter the UK illegally you should not be able to remain here,” Sunak told parliament. “Instead, you will be detained and swiftly returned either to your home country or to a safe country where your asylum claim will be considered.”
The number of migrants and refugees arriving in England across the Channel has more than doubled in the last two years, with government figures showing Albanians account for the highest number of those arriving by this route.
Sunak announced a new five-point strategy for dealing with illegal immigration,including plans to fast track the return of Albanian asylum seekers, and clear the initial backlog of almost 150,000 asylum cases by the end of next year by doubling the number of caseworkers.
Migrants and refugees arriving on small boats have become a major political issue for the Conservative government, particularly in working-class areas in north and central England, where they are blamed for making it harder to find work and stretching public services.
Sunak said a new unit would be created to tackle crossings and that in the future, asylum seekers would be housed in disused holiday parks, former student accommodation and surplus military sites rather than hotels.
UK Home Secretary Suella Braverman recently called the wave of arrivals an “invasion” and described many of them as “criminals”, leading to an angry response from Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama.
Concerns over the level of immigration were a driving force in the vote for Brexit in a 2016 referendum, with supporters calling for the UK to “take back control” of its borders.
Sunak said the public are “right to be angry” and said the current system was unfair to those with a genuine case for asylum.
“It is not cruel or unkind to want to break the stranglehold of criminal gangs who trade in human misery,” he said. “Enough is enough.”
The announcement was strongly welcomed by most Conservative members of parliament, who fear they will face defeat at the next election if the government fails to resolve the issue.
Opposition Labour leader Keir Starmer saidthe last time the government changed the immigration system they made it worse, while some charities said the problem would continue until the government allowed asylum claims outside the UK.
Sunak’s remarks drew criticism from the UN refugee agency, which said in a statement the plans would “undermine the global refugee system at large” and violate international refugee law.
Sunak’s approach “would close down access to asylum in the UK for all but a few,” the UNHCR’s assistant high commissioner for protection, Gillian Triggs, said. “This would likely result in refugees having no means to establish their status and place them at risk of forced return to unsafe countries, in breach of the Refugee Convention.”
Ambulance workers are set to strike, raising concerns among the public about their ability to respond in an emergency, but their union has stated that the government has the authority to halt their strike.
As the government holds emergency COBRA meetings to limit disruption while ten different industries go on strike this week, troops are being trained to drive ambulances.
Over the weekend, government sources stated that no decision had been made to submit a formal request to the Ministry of Defence, but that one was “not far away.”
But the Cabinet Office confirmed on Sunday night military personnelare being deployed to NHS hospital trusts across the UK to “familiarise themselves with vehicles” ahead of ambulance strikes planned for 21 and 28 December.
There will be 750 military personnel deployed, with 600 driving ambulances and 150 in support roles to cover 10,000 ambulance workers going on strike.
Two emergency COBRA meetings will also be held this week as ministers step up plans to limit disruption caused by industrial action, which is set to take place every day until the end of the year.
Cabinet Office minister Oliver Dowden will lead a meeting with his department on Monday to help “protect the public” against a lack of service caused by the strikes.
Starting from Monday, 10 sectors are set to strike this week: rail, the NHS, the Eurostar, buses, National Highways, baggage handlers, Royal Mail, nurses, driving examiners and civil servants.
The Cabinet Office said the government’s priority is to protect “those who may need access to emergency services support and limit disruption as much as possible, particularly at a time when increased numbers of people will be travelling for the festive period and NHS services are under huge pressure due to the impact of COVID”.
They will be attended by ministers from the Department for Transport, Department of Health and Social Care, the Home Office and the Ministry of Defence.
Image:Oliver Dowden will chair two emergency COBRA meetings on strikes this week
The Cabinet Office said the government has been planning to limit disruption since unions first proposed the December strikes last month.
Mr Dowden said: “We regret the stance unions have taken as it will only serve to disrupt the lives of millions of people up and down the country at what is an important time for them and their families.
“We urge union bosses to call off these damaging strikes and to keep talking.
“But it is right that each department across government plans for disruption and put in place the appropriate contingency measures to limit it as much as possible over the coming weeks.”
On Friday, Sky News reported military personnel had started training at Heathrow and Gatwick airports to check passports as Border Control staff are set to go on strike over Christmas.
A total of 600 military personnel are being deployed to help and around 1,400 civil servants are volunteering.
NHS workers who are Unison members in Northern Ireland will kick off this week’s strikes.
Nurses in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, who are members of the Royal College of Nursing, will go on strike for the first time ever on Thursday and again on 20 December.
Union bosses have said the strikes could still be called off if the government sits down and tries to resolve all the different disagreements over pay and conditions.
Foreign Secretary James Cleverly told Sky News on Sunday unions should negotiate with the independent pay review bodies, not with ministers.
RMT rail union leader Mick Lynch requested an urgent meeting with Rishi Sunak.
The prime minister’s spokesman said: “The government has played its part by facilitating a fair and decent offer and the RMT and its members should vote this deal through and end this harmful disruption.”
Unison said the government has the power to halt the strikes by making an effort to “put a proper pay plan on the table”.
“Instead of putting plans in place for the strike days, ministers should be concentrating all their efforts on ending the disputes,” Sara Gorton, head of health at Unison, said.
“Speaking to unions about improving wages can work wonders as the Scottish government has found. It’s time ministers in Westminster did the same. They should stop talking tough, put a proper pay plan on the table and get the unions in to discuss it.”
