Sir Keir Starmer has delivered his first speech as prime minister to world leaders at the United Nations in the US after leaving the Labour Party conference.
He used his address to the UN Security Council to promise that his government will deliver “global leadership” as the Middle East teeters on the brink of all-out conflict and the bloody war in Ukraine grinds on.
On a tough week after calling for the return of “sausages” in Gaza during a conference gaffe, Sir Keir has been defeated in a vote to reverse the cut to the winter fuel payments.
The non-binding motion, named An Economy for the Future and tabled by Sharon Graham of the Unite union and the Communication Workers Union (CWU), was passed by a show of hands in a rowdy hall at the Labour Party annual conference.
In a show of defiance, Unite’s general secretary Sharon Graham called Labour members to rebel against the policy as she shouted: “This is not what people voted for.”
The motion called for means testing of the winter fuel allowance to be scrapped and for an end to fiscal rules which prevent borrowing to invest, as well as the introduction of a wealth tax.e
Key Points
- Russia treating own citizens as ‘bits of meat to fling into grinder’, says Starmer in UN speech
- Sir Keir demands a ceasefire in Gaza and release of hostages
- Tories: Starmer lost support of his paymasters
- Wes Streeting warns against ‘killing NHS with kindness’
Sir Keir Starmer says he wants to “reset” the UK’s relationship with the EU.
23:59
Barney Davis
Sir Keir Starmer will visit Brussels as he steps up efforts to “reset” the UK’s relationship with the European Union.
The Prime Minister wants to repair the damage caused by years of Brexit wrangling in an effort to boost trade and security co-operation.
European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen revealed that Sir Keir would visit Brussels next week after the pair met in New York.
Sir Keir has met a string of EU leaders since taking office and has spoken about his “ambitious” plans for a new relationship.
Sir Keir said: “I want to reset our relationship with the EU and make Brexit work for the British people.”
He said he was “looking forward to visiting Brussels next week to start discussions” with the commission president.
I want to reset our relationship with the EU and make Brexit work for the British people.
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) September 25, 2024
Looking forward to visiting Brussels next week to start discussions with @vonderleyen. pic.twitter.com/WZ2TQWZato
Michael Gove to be new Spectator editor
23:30
Salma Ouaguira
Former Conservative cabinet minister Michael Gove has been appointed as the new editor of The Spectator.
Mr Gove, who stepped down from parliament at the general election, will become the magazine’s new editor at the start of next month, and is “perfectly suited to the role”, according to Freddie Sayers, publisher of The Spectator and the chief executive of new owner OQS.
Mr Gove – who served in the governments of David Cameron, Theresa May, Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak – was a journalist before he became an MP.
His will take up the job after final approval from Acoba, the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments.
The position is currently held by Fraser Nelson, who will step down “after 15 incredibly successful years”, Mr Sayers said in a message posted on X.
Mr Nelson will “continue to write for The Spectator and will become Associate Editor”, Mr Sayers said.
Earlier this month, it was confirmed that the magazine had been bought by GB-News backer Sir Paul Marshall for £100 million.
Streeting: NHS waiting lists will be 'demonstrably lower’
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Salma Ouaguira
NHS waiting lists will be “demonstrably lower” by the next general election, health secretary Wes Streeting has said.
He told Sky News: “By the next general election, waiting lists will be demonstrably lower because I know that’s how I will be judged, how the Prime Minister will be judged, how the government will be judged – people will judge us by our actions, not just our words ultimately.
“Look at what I did as the Health and Social Care Secretary within my first weeks in office: I took action to implement the junk food ad ban targeted kids; took action to employ 1,000 more GPs onto the front lines because they found themselves bizarrely unemployed at the same time as patients are unable to find a GP, so that’s making a real impact as those GPs get onto the front line and, of course, took action within three weeks to do something the Conservatives failed to do in 18 months, which was to end the junior doctors dispute.”
It comes as the UK and Welsh governments are to collaborate to ensure access to everything from operations to dentists.
More than seven million people are currently waiting for treatment and Mr Streeting previously said that waiting lists need to be “millions lower” in the next five years.
Labour MP explains £1.2million donation was for sister dying from brain tumour
22:57
Barney Davis
Labour MP Siobhain McDonagh has explained that a £1.2 million donation from top party donor Waheed Alli was for her dying sister.
Replying to a post accusing Mr Alli of wanting MPs in his debt, she posted on X: “Waheed Alli was my sister’s best friend for 25years. Tragically she was diagnosed with a Glioblastoma Brain Tumour in Nov 2021 & died on June 24th 2023.
“He took every step of her last terrible journey with her. Lending me money to buy a house with ground floor bed and bathroom.
“The loan will be repaid on gaining probate on Margaret’s Estate. It has been properly registered and Waheed wanted nothing other than his best friend being comfortable in the last months of her life.”
In the first controversy to hit Sir Keir Starmer’s new government, questions have been raised over Lord Alli – the business executive who has donated some £700,000 to the party over the past two decades – being handed a Downing Street pass.
In a row dubbed “passes for glasses”, it has emerged that Lord Alli had gifted the Sir Keir eyewear and work clothing worth £18,000, clothes for his wife Lady Victoria Starmer, and a £10,000 donation to the PM’s chief of staff Sue Gray’s son Liam Conlon’s campaign to become a Labour MP.
THE INDEPENDENT DEBATE | How would you rate Keir Starmer’s Labour government so far?
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Salma Ouaguira
Nearly half of Britons have voiced their disappointment with the new Labour government, following “sleaze” allegations, controversy over Sue Gray’s salary, and a heated debate over cuts to the winter fuel allowance.
Now it’s time to have your say...
‘All hugs’ productive meeting between Sir Keir and Zelensky - No 10
22:02
Barney Davis
A Downing Street spokeswoman said Sir Keir Starmer and Volodymyr Zelensky had a “productive meeting”, with the Prime Minister “paying tribute to the continued courage of the Ukrainian people in the face of Russian aggression”.
The spokeswoman said: “The Prime Minister acknowledged that Ukraine is at a critical point in the war, but he reiterated the UK’s support is ironclad and will continue for as long as it takes.
“President Zelensky set out his ambitions for the coming months and thanked the Prime Minister for the UK’s continued backing.
“They agreed to keep in close contact in the coming weeks.”
Watch: Starmer refuses 4 times to apologise for cutting winter fuel payments
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Salma Ouaguira
COMMENT | The NHS saved my life twice. Now it feels like it’s trying to kill me
21:30
Salma Ouaguira
When it comes to seeking advice for my chronic health condition, writes James Moore, I’d rather turn to X/Twitter than my local GP. Wes Streeting is right – things have to change:
Sir Keir reaffirms support for Ukraine to Zelensky
21:05
Barney Davis
Sir Keir Starmer told Volodymyr Zelensky: “It’s very good to see you again and have this opportunity to talk about the challenges faced in Ukraine, and to reconfirm to you again our steadfast support for Ukraine, to pledge again our support for Ukraine in terms of capability, training and other matters, and to have the chance to talk through what more needs to be done.
“Because these are turning into crucial weeks and months, and so to have this opportunity to reaffirm the UK’s steadfast support to Ukraine is very important to us.”
Mr Zelensky said: “Thank you so much, Prime Minister, for these words, which are very important for us, for those strong steps that have been done by UK from the very beginning of full-scale invasion.
“Thank you that you are together with us during all this. You are right, as you said, a very challenging period.
“I also want to discuss with you some details how to strengthen Ukraine.”
COMMENT | Starmer is right to grasp the nettle of benefits reform
21:00
Salma Ouaguira
Though Labour’s fingers were burned badly by the winter fuel row, the government must once again grapple with another controversial policy to pave the way for growth, writes Andrew Grice:
Starmer accepted £20,000 of accommodation to help his son with GCSEs
20:30
Salma Ouaguira
Sir Keir Starmer accepted £20,000 worth of accommodation to help his 16-year-old son study for his GCSEs, it has emerged.
The prime minister was asked by the BBC about a £20,437 donation from Labour peer Waheed Alli between May and July, confirming that the sum was for somewhere his son could study “peacefully”.
You can read the full story below:
Motion to reverse winter fuel allowance cut passed, what happens now?
20:00
Salma Ouaguira
While nothing is binding about the vote, it puts further pressure on the Labour leadership to act over its controversial decision and gives an indication of the strength of feeling among Labour members.
Earlier this month 18 Labour MPs signed an early-day motion opposing the means-testing of winter fuel payments, but the prime minister managed to stare down his backbenchers and stave off a wider revolt.
MPs voted 348 to 228 to axe the payment on 11 September, rejecting a Tory bid for the controversial policy to be blocked. Just one Labour MP voted against the cut, while another 53 abstained.
In pictures: Winter fuel payment cuts vote at the Labour conference
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Salma Ouaguira
Watch: Who will be the next leader of the Conservatives?
19:00
Salma Ouaguira
Russia treating own citizens as ‘bits of meat to fling into grinder’, says Starmer in UN speech
18:37
Barney Davis
Russia is treating its own citizens as “bits of meat to fling into the grinder” in Ukraine, Sir Keir Starmer said as he urged Vladimir Putin to end the conflict.
The prime minister, speaking at the UN Security Council in New York, said Russia was responsible for “colossal human suffering” as a result of the conflict.
He said Russia, which is one of the five permanent members of the Security Council alongside the UK, was behind the “greatest violation of the (UN) charter in a generation”.
How are the winter fuel payments changing?
18:30
Salma Ouaguira
The annual tax-free winter fuel payment of between £100 and £300 was introduced in 1997 to help eligible pensioners meet the costs of heating their homes in winter. It was then expanded to all pensioners in 2000.
The government is facing opposition to its decision to means-test the payment, stripping it from millions of pensioners. It means those in receipt of pension credit or other certain benefits will continue to receive them but others won’t.
Some make the point that rich pensioners wrongly get the payment too, but the unions argue that a universal payment to all pensioners ensures nobody falls through the gaps.
Sir Keir defends decision to accept £20,000 flat for son to complet GCSE's
18:20
Barney Davis
Sir Keir Starmer says it was after this that “someone” offered to make a flat “available” for the junior Starmer - but claimed “no money exchanged hands”.
The prime minister‘s register of interests shows a declaration for accommodation provided by Lord Waheed Alli to the value of £20,437.28 from 29 May to 13 July this year. The election was called on 22 May.
GCSEs ended on June 19.
Speaking to Sky News from New York City, where he is attending the UN General Assembly, Sir Keir said that the election had been called “not when we expected it” and his son was in the middle of GCSEs.
Sir Keir explained: “I said, ‘we’re going to get you out of here and get you somewhere where you can just study and get to school and back without having to go through all of that’.
“And that’s when someone says, well, in which case I can make this flat available to you.
“It’s safe, secure, he can get on.”
The Prime Minister later went on: “I do think sometimes it’s important just to look behind the number and say, ‘what was the human story behind’”.
“I wasn’t going to let my son fail or not do well in his GCSEs because of journalists outside,” he added.
Lord Alli, 59, a former chair of online fashion giant Asos, is his largest personal donor.
Sir Keir admits to making ‘difficult decisions’ ahead of first Budget next month
18:08
Barney Davis
Sir Keir Starmer said he has “long believed in borrowing to invest”, which can act as a “catalyst” for private investment.
Asked by reporters whether he was “talking the country down” ahead of his first budget in October, Sir Keir told the BBC: “I think if we’re going to have to take difficult decisions that we are, it’s important that we do the diagnosis.
“What’s the state of the country? What’s the state of the economy?
“And the two or three things I’d say that dominate are the £22 billion black hole, the Lord Darzi report into the NHS, which effectively said it was on its knees, and of course the terrible state of our prisons. Now you have to get the diagnosis right because then you’ve got to go on and say, right, it’s our responsibility.”
The Prime Minister told Channel 4 News: “I’ve always and long believed in borrowing to invest. I think it’s important to grow the economy.
“Our number one mission is to grow the economy, to make sure that by growing the economy, everybody is better off, living standards go up. That’s what I’m going to be judged on at the end of this term in Government and I know that.”
In pictures: Last day of the Labour Party conference
18:00
Salma Ouaguira
Sir Alan Bates blast Labour for ‘standstill’ in Horizon scandal
18:00
Barney Davis
Speaking after receiving a knighthood for his services to justice at Windsor Castle, Sir Alan Bates said: “They [the Government] haven’t been in contact about what they’re proposing to do yet.
“We think we’ve come to a standstill with most of the schemes in that they don’t seem to be working, they seem to be failing now.”
The 70-year-old said current financial schemes for those affected are “a mess”, adding: “We’re wanting a completion date guaranteed by the Government for the end of March next year, and it’s quite achievable, according to legal discussions I’ve had.
“I think we’ve got to get rid of the bureaucracy that’s holding the whole thing up and driving it into the ground, and it’s proving such a headache for so many of the victims who are still suffering after so many years.”
More than 700 subpostmasters were prosecuted by the company and given criminal convictions between 1999 and 2015, as Fujitsu’s faulty Horizon IT system made it appear as though money was missing at their branches.
37 prisoners wrongfully released early from prison - 5 yet to be found
17:55
Barney Davis
Five prisoners wrongfully released from prison under the Government’s early release scheme are yet to return.
The mistake was made because the 37 prisoners were sentenced under outdated legislation.
A Ministry of Justice spokesperson told Sky News: “Public safety is our first priority. That is why we took decisive action to fix the broken prison system we inherited and keep the most dangerous offenders locked up.
“This included blocking the early release of domestic abuse offences such as stalking and controlling behaviour.
“We are working with the police to urgently return a very small number of offenders - who were charged incorrectly and sentenced under repealed legislation - to custody.
“The convictions remain valid with offenders monitored since their release and will soon be back behind bars.”
More help is needed for Sudan - Sir Keir
17:30
Barney Davis
During his remarks to the UN Security Council, Sir Keir also addressed the situation in Sudan as “the worst humanitarian crisis in the world today”.
“The UK has doubled its aid for the victims of this war to almost £100 million. But much more help is needed. The world must step up,” he said.
‘Aggression cannot pay’ Sir Keir blasts Russian invasion of Ukraine
17:29
Barney Davis
The Prime Minister said Russia’s war has caused a global energy and food crisis “causing hunger on the horn of Africa.”
Sir Keir addressing the UN Security Council, said: “Now the world looks on as Russia deepens its military ties with North Korea and Iran.
“Aggression cannot pay, borders can’t be redrawn by force. Russia started this illegal war it must end it and get out of Ukraine.
“We stand with the 89 countries that Ukraine’s territorial integrity must be the basis of any just and lasting peace.
“Any process that doesn’t recognise this will only be used as a pretext by Russia to regroup and come again.”
Finishing his address, he adds: “In this moment of deepening conflict, the world looks to this council more than ever to provide leadership for peace, preserve our collective security and protect the most vulnerable.
“The United Kingdom will always play its full part in fulfilling that responsibility.”
Russia treating own citizens as ‘bits of meat to fling into grinder’ – Starmer
17:21
Barney Davis
As Sir Keir concludes his speech he says: “We must ensure accountability to those violating UN charter.“The greatest violation of the charter in a generation has been committed by one of this council’s permanent members.
He called Russia’s invasion illegal and caused “colossal human suffering” with 35,000 civilians killed injured 6million forced to flee and 20,000 Ukranian children have been kidnapped.
Sir Keir said: “I wonder how Russia can show its face in the building. 600,000 soldiers have been killed or wounded in this war and for what?
“The UN Charter, which they sit here to uphold, speaks of human dignity not treating your own citizens as bits of meat to fling into a grinder.”
Sir Keir demands a ceasefire in Gaza and release of hostages
17:16
Barney Davis
Sir Keir Starmer demands the council ask for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and release of all hostages held by Hamas.
He said: “We need a political route to that agreement which provides a bridge to a better future.
“A credible and irreversible path to a viable Palestinian state alongside a safe and secure state of Israel. That is the only way to provide security and justice to both Israelis and Palestinians.”
He also calls for a ceasefire in Sudan and that the council brings the war to an end and “those committing atrocities are held responsible”.
Sir Keir Starmer opens speech paying tribute to UN humanitarian workers killed in Gaza, Donetsk and Lebanon
17:10
Barney Davis
Sir Keir Starmer opens by paying tribute to 200 aid workers killed in conflicts so far this year - including UK nationals.
He says: “Their humanity should illuminate the work of this council.
“We have heard how dire the situation has become the security council must deliver its responsibility for global peace and security.
He called for action to renew international consensus on delivering humanitarian support, “this should be a bare minimun but we are falling short.”
“We must address the situation in Gaza calling “October 7 the bloodiest of days for Jewish people since the Holocaust. I utterly condemn the terrorist actions of Hamas.”
He adds: “I say again let the hostages go. We must face up to the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza that deepens by the day.“Israel must grant humanitarian access to civilians in line with obligations to international law.
“There can be no more excuses. Israel must open more crossings allow vital life-saving aid to flow and provide a safe environment for the UN and other organisations to operate.
He says the UK has restarted our funding to UNRWA and UNICEF, but most importantly “they need the fighting to stop”.
Sir Keir Starmer to address the United Nations at 5pm GMT
16:51
Barney Davis
Sir Keir Starmer has arrived to speak at the UN Security Council accompanied by Foreign Secretary David Lammy.
National security adviser Sir Tim Barrow and UK ambassador to the UN Barbara Woodward were among the officials alongside Sir Keir.
The Prime Minister was sat between representatives from Switzerland and the US in the Security Council chamber in New York.
Sir Keir is set to deliver a speech on conflicts in Gaza, Ukraine and Sudan. He is also expected to attend a meeting with Emmanuel Macron and other world leaders.
Watch live: Starmer addresses 79th UN General Assembly
16:50
Salma Ouaguira
Arise Sir Alan Bates! Post Office campaigner is knighted
16:43
Barney Davis
Sir Alan Bates, the leading campaigner for subpostmasters in the Post Office Horizon IT scandal, has received his knighthood from Princess Anne at Windsor Castle.
The 70-year-old, of Llandudno in north Wales, is one of more than 550 claimants who have brought legal action against the company, with a public inquiry into what happened in its final stages.
He was recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours in June for his services to justice, having founded the Justice for Subpostmasters Alliance.
More than 700 subpostmasters were prosecuted by the Post Office and given criminal convictions between 1999 and 2015, as Fujitsu’s faulty Horizon IT system made it appear as though money was missing at their branches.
Sir Alan was portrayed by actor Toby Jones in the ITV drama Mr Bates Vs The Post Office, with the four-part mini-series helping to renew attention on the scandal.
PM suggests £20,000 donation was for ‘son to study for GCSEs’
16:30
Salma Ouaguira
Sir Keir Starmer has suggested he accepted £20,000 in donations for accommodation because his son needed somewhere to revise for his GCSEs while his family home was besieged by journalists during the election campaign.
The prime minister defended his decision to take gifts from Labour peer Lord Alli amid criticism of the arrangement, saying he was “not going to apologise for not doing anything wrong” and the freebies did not “cost the taxpayer a penny”.
But Sir Keir signalled he could continue to accept hospitality from donors, saying that it was a matter of “judgment” for individual MPs whether they receive certain kinds of donations.
In a series of broadcast interviews following his speech to the Labour Party annual conference, he also said the transition to Downing Street had been “really difficult” for his two children, who were previously raised in North London.
Asked about the donations, Sir Keir said that around £20,000 he had declared from Lord Alli for unspecified accommodation was for his teenager to study for exams in a “peaceful” atmosphere while the then-Labour leader was overwhelmed with media attention in the run-up to the election.
“My boy, 16, was in the middle of his GCSEs. I made him a promise, a promise that he would be able to get to his school, do his exams, without being disturbed,” he told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme.
“We have lots of journalists outside our house where we live and I’m not complaining about that, that’s fine.
“But if you’re a 16-year-old trying to do your GCSEs and it’s your one chance in life – I promised him we would move somewhere, get out of the house and go somewhere where he could be peacefully studying.
“Somebody then offered me accommodation where we could do that. I took that up and it was the right thing to do.”
Labour unveils plan to shut women’s prisons amid overcrowding crisis
16:00
Salma Ouaguira
Justice secretary Shabana Mahmood has set out plans to slash the number of women going to jail and ultimately close women’s prisons amid an overcrowding crisis.
She unveiled a new body, the women’s justice board, which will have the “ultimate ambition of having fewer women’s prisons” – potentially allowing them to be converted to male or mixed jails.
The prison population in England and Wales hit a record new high a fortnight ago, with 88,521 people behind bars – but there are just 3,440 women in jail.
More than half – 55 per cent – are victims of domestic abuse, while two-thirds have committed non-violent offences. Ministers want to improve services like community support and residential women’s centres to provide an alternative to prison.
Our Whitehall editor Kate Devlin has the full story below:
Starmer: We will listen carefully to Zelensky’s demands for Ukraine military aid
15:55
Salma Ouaguira
Ukraine’s desire to use western missiles to strike targets in Russia will not be the “sole issue” in Volodymyr Zelensky’s “victory plan”, Sir Keir Starmer said.
The US and UK have so far refused to give Kyiv permission to use the missiles they have supplied against targets in Russia, despite repeated pleas from Mr Zelensky.
The Ukrainian president has said that he is having to fight with his hands tied because he is unable to use the weapons to strike Russian airfields and military facilities which President Vladimir Putin is using to launch deadly air raids, missiles and drones.
Sir Keir is in New York for the United Nations General Assembly, where Mr Zelensky will present his plan for the next stage of the war to his allies.
The prime minister said: “I do think it’s going to take quite a bit of time at the UN General Assembly. And I think that’s really important, because it’s at a critical stage.
“Obviously, President Zelensky has a plan that he wants to walk through with all of us – we knew that was going to happen.
“The support for Ukraine is resolute. We supply quite a lot of capability already under the last government; we’ve increased that under this government – that’s not a criticism of the last government – and we will always listen very carefully to what Ukraine says it needs by way of capability.”
Diane Abbott urges Starmer to ditch winter fuel payment cut following vote
15:48
Salma Ouaguira
It is still not too late to ditch the Winter Fuel Payment cut https://t.co/MHIGKxYtOj
— Diane Abbott (@HackneyAbbott) September 25, 2024
Why can Starmer still axe winter fuel payments after losing key vote?
15:40
Salma Ouaguira
Labour delegates have voted in favour of a non-binding motion calling to reverse the controversial cut to the winter fuel payments for millions of pensioners.
In an embarrassing blow to prime minister Sir Keir Starmer, he now faces mounting pressure over the policy that has been criticised for being disproportionately harmful to the poorest pensioners.
The motion, tabled by Sharon Graham of the Unite union, was narrowly carried by a show of hands in a rowdy hall at the Labour Party annual conference.
The outcome of the vote will now test Starmer’s ability to manage dissent within the party. Questions remain about whether he will reverse the policy or not:
Escalation in Israel-Hezbollah war ‘deeply troubling’, Swinney says
15:20
Salma Ouaguira
Scotland’s First Minister has said the escalation of violence in the Israel-Hezbollah war is “deeply troubling” and that any Scots caught up in the “awful conflict” should have safe passage out of Lebanon.
UK citizens are being urged to leave Lebanon as Israel launched an intense series of air strikes earlier this week.
Hezbollah today fired a ballistic missile at Tel Aviv, the first time it has targeted central Israel since the exchanges broke out around Israel’s northern border.
Speaking to journalists, John Swinney said the Scottish government would work with the UK government to ensure any Scots in Lebanon can leave safely.
He said: “I’m deeply concerned about the situation in Lebanon, as I have been about the situation in Gaza for almost a year.”
Mr Swinney added: “The escalation in violence is deeply troubling and the loss of innocent life is unconscionable.
“So, we need to have a solution to the Middle East conflict. We need to have a de-escalation of the conflict.”
Windrush report expected to reveal roots of scandal after delays to publication
15:00
Salma Ouaguira
The long-awaited publication of a report into the roots of the Windrush scandal is key to reinforcing transparency around government, a campaigner has said.
The Home Office previously refused to publish the Historical Roots Of The Windrush Scandal report after a request under the Freedom of Information Act.
Earlier this month, a First-Tier Tribunal judgment said the department must disclose the report to the requester, but it is understood Labour has decided to go further and is expected to publish the report on the government website soon.
In 2022, the Guardian said that, according to a leaked copy of the document, the report concluded the origins of the “deep-rooted racism of the Windrush scandal” lie in the fact that from 1950 to 1981 “every single piece of immigration or citizenship legislation was designed at least in part to reduce the number of people with black or brown skin who were permitted to live and work in the UK”.
During this year’s election campaign, Labour pledged to offer “a fundamental reset moment for the Windrush generation, with respect and dignity at its very core”.
Party leader Sir Keir Starmer said in June that if elected he would ensure “urgent reform” of the compensation scheme to make it more efficient, a restoration of the Windrush Unit to the Home Office, and a Windrush commissioner “to be the voice of families affected”.
Starmer to deliver speech at the UN General Assembly
14:50
Salma Ouaguira
Sir Keir Starmer is in the US to attend the UN Security Council and deliver a speech on the conflicts in Palestine, Ukraine and Sudan.
The prime minister’s two-day visit to New York comes as Israel and Hezbollah exchange fire across the Lebanon border and while Ukraine continues to push for permission to use UK and US-supplied missiles to strike at targets within Russia.
Sir Keir will use his speech at 5pm, to set out how the UK will step up to play its part, guided by the rule of law, in a world dominated by conflict.
Long-term sickness in the UK workforce: What do the figures show?
14:40
Salma Ouaguira
Shadow health secretary: Labour’s only answer is education tax
14:30
Salma Ouaguira
Damian Hinds has criticised Bridget Phillipson’s Labour conference speech claiming the government’s focus is on “education tax”.
The Tory MP said: “In government, the Conservatives had a relentless focus on giving every child the best start in life.
“We launched the largest ever expansion of childcare, recruited 27,000 teachers, drove up school standards with children in England named the best in the West for reading, supported pupils in achieving the best A-level results since 2010, and remain the home to the best universities in Europe.
“Labour’s only answer is an education tax that will disproportionately impact children with SEND and those from military families, adding pressure to state schools with bigger class sizes and reducing parent choice.”
How would you rate Keir Starmer’s Labour government so far?
14:20
Salma Ouaguira
Nearly half of Britons have voiced their disappointment with the new Labour government, following “sleaze” allegations, controversy over Sue Gray’s salary, and a heated debate over cuts to the winter fuel allowance. Now it’s time to have your say...
Is your “honeymoon” with Labour over? How have recent events impacted your opinion of Starmer and his government?
Share your thoughts by adding them here — we’ll highlight the most insightful ones as they come in.
Green party backs Unite call to scrap winter fuel payments cut
14:14
Salma Ouaguira
The Green party has backed Unite’s call for the government to scrap the winter fuel payment cuts and impose a wealth tax.
In a statement, party co-leader Carla Denyer said: “Today’s vote at Labour party conference leaves Labour ministers out in the cold. There is a groundswell of support - from opposition parties, unions, many Labour MPs, health workers, disability groups, charities supporting pensioners, as well as others - for ensuring millions of pensioners keep warm this winter.
“Targeting some of the most vulnerable to fix the supposed black hole in the public finances is cruel and unnecessary.
“There is another way. A fairer way. As the successful motion by Unite makes clear, taxing multi-millionaires and billionaires a little more would not only easily cover the cost of winter fuel payments for all pensioners but also generate additional funds for much needed investment in our health and social care services.”
Gove appointed editor of The Spectator
14:10
Salma Ouaguira
Michael Gove has been appointed as the new editor of The Spectator magazine following the takeover by GB News.
The former cabinet minister will begin his new job in October, just three months after standing down as an MP.
Tories hit out at Labour Party conference
14:08
Salma Ouaguira
Keir Starmer’s first conference in seven words:
— Conservatives (@Conservatives) Septe
Your taxes are going up.
Also, sausages.
