Sir Keir Starmer received resounding applause and a standing ovation from MPs as he left the Commons as prime minister for the final time.
Labour MP Carolyn Harris was in tears as she asked Sir Keir his last ever question, as she said that because of the Labour leader’s “service and his leadership, children are growing up in a fairer Britain.
“We stand tall on the world stage, and every day we see his decency and his courage shine through.”
In an emotional PMQs, Starmer said: “Every PM knows when they take up the torch, the day will come when they have to pass it on. This is the end of my political journey.”
He promised he will give his “wholehearted support” to Andy Burnham and gave a heartfelt thanks to Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch for privately supporting him during a tough period.
He told MPs: “We have had robust exchanges across this despatch box, but she has extended kindness to me privately and at very difficult times.”
The Tory leader closed her final exchange with the PM by thanking his family for the “love and support they have given him” throughout his premiership.
Both Sir Keir and Ms Badenoch paid tribute to former Tory minister Ann Widdecombe, as the prime minister told MPs he was “truly horrified” by the murder.
Key Points
- Labour MP cries as she pays tribute to Keir Starmer in the Commons
- Badenoch thanks Starmer's family for their 'love and support' during his premiership
- Starmer calls for a permanent tribute in parliament to Ann Widdecombe
- PM thanks Badenoch for her personal kindness she has shown him
- Cabinet ministers present Starmer with a carriage clock as a parting gift
- In the Room podcast: Can Andy Burnham succeed where Keir Starmer failed?
Starmer’s most memorable PMQs moments as he leaves Commons for final time as prime minister
17:00 , Maryam Zakir-HussainSir Keir Starmer has left the House of Commons for the final time as prime minister after just over two years in office.
The outgoing PM took office on 5 July, 2024, ending 14 years of Conservative rule.
After announcing his resignation last month, Sir Keir said he will give his “wholehearted support” to successor Andy Burnham.
The Makerfield MP is expected to take office on Monday, having secured the backing of more than 300 Labour MPs.
The Independent looks back on some of Sir Keir’s most memorable moments at the despatch box as prime minister.
Starmer’s most memorable PMQs moments as he leaves Commons for final time as PM
Labour must stop ‘writing cheques’ for benefit claimants, minister says
16:45 , Jane Dalton
Labour must stop just ‘writing a cheque’ for benefit claimants, top minister says
Downing Street refuses to be drawn on World Cup bank holiday plans
16:20 , Jane DaltonDowning Street has once again refused to be drawn on plans for a bank holiday if England win the Fifa World Cup.
Pressed on whether he could confirm plans for a bank holiday, the prime minister's spokesperson told reporters: "This is rather contingent on winning a World Cup first.
"We’ll set out any response to that in the event we beat Argentina tonight. The PM will be watching the game avidly."
Burnham won't face PMQs until September
16:00 , Jane DaltonAndy Burnham will be officially confirmed as the new Labour leader on Friday, and will formally take over from Sir Keir Starmer as prime minister on Monday.
But before then - tomorrow - the Commons goes into summer recess, returning on 31 August.
So Mr Burnham will not face his first Prime Minister’s Questions until Wednesday 2 September.
Lisa Nandy to fly to US watch England game
15:30 , Jane DaltonCulture secretary Lisa Nandy will fly to the US today to watch England play Argentina in the semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup tonight, it is understood.
Sir Keir Starmer will watch the game from Downing Street, but he is expected to fly to the US if England makes it through to the final.
History books will write Starmer up as 'giant of the Labour movement', Lammy says
15:15 , Jane DaltonThe deputy prime minister told Sir Keir Starmer the history books would write him up as a “giant of the Labour movement”, during his last Cabinet meeting as prime minister.
Paying tribute to the PM at the end of the meeting, Mr Lammy said: “More than any politician I’ve worked with, you’ve always put the national interest above other interests when faced with a difficult issue.
“You prioritised the people of this country. Not many politicians at this level can say that.
“Second, your incredible energy and work ethic: I’ve never known a politician put in the hours that you do. Again and again, day after day, always trying to do more for the people that we serve, and third, your sheer resilience.
“All of us around this table have thick skins. We’ve got to do this job but the nature of politics now is that leaders are not treated kindly in the moment.
“But what you’ve done in Government for our party means that the history books will write you up as a giant of the Labour movement, and for that we thank you very much.”
Cabinet gives Starmer gifts of carriage clock and wine
15:00 , Jane DaltonSir Keir Starmer received a standing ovation from ministers as he closed his final Cabinet as prime minister.
His Cabinet gave him a carriage clock and bottles of wine as farewell gifts as he held the final meeting of his top team.
They gave him two bottles of wine, one of which was an English sparkling wine that was served at the French state visit last summer, and a bottle of pinot grigio.
He was given a standing ovation at the meeting’s end.
Starmer pays tribute to Ann Widdecombe in final Cabinet meeting
14:45 , Jane DaltonSir Keir Starmer opened his final Cabinet meeting by paying tribute to Ann Widdecombe as a “highly distinguished, forthright politician”.
He said it was clear there were “wider questions to address about the safety of politicians”.
He then set out his achievements in Government, pointing to the UK economy, improvements to the NHS and investment in tackling child poverty.
Internationally, he said his Government had “transformed our international standing in the world, whether through our reset of relations with the EU, or through our leadership on the coalition of the willing or on the Strait of Hormuz”.
He thanked his Cabinet and said there were three great years ahead.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood then updated the Cabinet on Miss Widdecombe’s murder and politicians’ safety.
The meeting concluded with a tribute from Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy to Sir Keir’s legacy.
Watch: Starmer delivers final answer in PMQs as Reeves fights back tears
14:30 , Jane DaltonRachel Reeves holds back sob as Starmer delivers final words at PMQs
14:15 , Maryam Zakir-HussainWhile Rachel Reeves looked visibly emotional for most of Sir Keir Starmer’s final PMQs, the emotion was flooding out of her as the outgoing prime minister finished his last speech at the Dispatch Box.
The chancellor’s lips were quivering as she appeared to be holding back a sob as an MP beside her patted her arm in comfort.
In pictures: Starmer's final moments in the Commons for PMQS
14:00 , Maryam Zakir-HussainSir Keir Starmer received a standing ovation from hundreds of MPs at the end of his final outing at PMQs.
He received a standing ovation by the majority of the Commons, although the Conservative bench remained seated and did not applaud.
Watch: Labour MP cries as she pays tribute to Keir Starmer At his final PMQs
13:45 , Maryam Zakir-HussainStarmer reiterates need for cross-party consensus on Ukraine
13:30 , Maryam Zakir-HussainSir Keir Starmer reiterated the need for cross-party consensus on support for Ukraine in his last Prime Minister’s Questions.
Responding to Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch’s question on the need for backing for Ukraine to endure, Sir Keir said: “We have stood united on Ukraine in this House. We supported the last Government in the approach that they took.”
Mrs Badenoch had said she “admired” how the Prime Minister had invited Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky to Downing Street after his confrontation with Donald Trump and other senior members of his administration.
Sir Keir said: “On that meeting with President Zelensky, the day after he was evicted from the Oval Office, he left alone, he got a plane, we got him to come to London, and I asked him to come to Downing Street straight away.
“I walked out to meet him, I gave him a hug, and then I showed him what was in the street which was many people who had come, thinking that he was visiting Downing Street, and the moment he got out the car and hugged me, they cheered from the top of their voices, the British people, to tell President Zelensky exactly what they thought of him and the way he had been treated, and that was a really emotional moment, because it was the first human contact he had effectively had outside of his immediate team since he left the Oval Office.
“I had a meeting with him to tell him that in this country we will stand with him and Ukraine, and I didn’t let him leave alone. I walked him out to his car because we don’t let people in Britain walk out of our Britain, walk out of our buildings, we escort them out.”
Starmer will give his 'wholehearted support' to Burnham
13:15 , Maryam Zakir-HussainSir Keir Starmer said he will give his “wholehearted support” to his successor Andy Burnham and vowed to give support “privately if asked for, not publicly when not asked for”.v
Speaking at PMQs, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said: “He (Sir Keir) might not have answered many of the questions I asked him, but at least he turned up.
“It is important to respect Parliament. So, does the prime minister agree with me that his successor should come to this place and answer questions rather than scurrying away for the summer?”
Sir Keir replied: “As prime minister, I’ve participated in over 60 PMQs. Always a pleasure. Always something to look forward to. And I’ve answered, or at least given answers, 2,800 times, and I’m sure she will question my successor in the same way.”
Mrs Badenoch then said: “I remember when I started this job, the prime minister was very helpful to me, saying that I wouldn’t last the year. Life comes at you fast…
“But everyone in politics would do well to remember how quickly political fortunes can change. I know that he has been asked and he’s been diplomatic, but on that note: does he have any advice for his successor?”
Sir Keir responded: “I will give my wholehearted support to my successor. I want this Labour government to be a success. I want our country to be a success. I shall give my support privately if asked for, not publicly when not asked for.”
Starmer’s last words in the Commons as PM ‘to my wife and children, I love you… goodbye’
13:04 , Maryam Zakir-HussainKeir Starmer told his wife and teenage children he loved them as he made his last statement in the House of Commons as prime minister.
He told MPs: “Every prime minister knows when they take up a torch that the day will come when they have to pass it on.
“That day has come for me. This is the end of my political journey.”
He said that in two years in government, he was leaving the country “in better shape”, adding “I am proud of everything that we have achieved”.
He thanked his political team for “being prepared to walk through fire for me”, he told Labour MPs he was “proud of each and every one of you” and he pledged his successor Andy Burnham his “full support”.
He added: “To all colleagues across the House, can I wish you good health and happiness?
“To all those in the gallery whose lives have been changed or improved by this Labor government, and all across the country who struggle to be seen or heard, you're the reason I came into politics.
“To my wife and children, I love you. Goodbye”.
As he finished Labour MPs broke with protocol to clap, instead of cheer, their leader as he left the chamber.
Labour MP cries as she pays tribute to Keir Starmer in the Commons
12:52 , Maryam Zakir-HussainWhitehall editor Kate Devlin reports:
Labour MP Carolyn Harris was in tears as she asked Starmer his last ever question at PMQs.
She told the House of Commons that because of the Labour leaders’ “service and his leadership, children are growing up in a fairer Britain.
“We stand tall on the world stage, and every day we see his decency and his courage shine through.”
On a personal note, she added: “Can I thank him and his wonderful family on behalf of me and my family for their cherished friendship? And I am certain everyone will join me in wishing him and his family the very, very best for their next chapter.”
'This is the end of my political journey': Starmer bows out
12:48 , Maryam Zakir-HussainSir Keir Starmer has delivered his final speech in the Dispatch Box: “Every PM knows when they take up the torch, the day will come when they have to pass it on.
“This is the end of my political journey.
“In six years we went from historic defeat in 2019 to historic victory in 2024.
“In two years in government, I leave the country in better shape than I found it. I am proud of everything we have achieved.”
Ed Davey says Burnham's plan for the nation's debt is 'to infinity and beyond'
12:46 , Maryam Zakir-HussainLiberal Democrat leader Ed Davey plays with Toy Story metaphor for Andy Burnham’s incoming premiership.
Mr Davey said: “As the prime minister finds himself with more time on his hands, can I recommend the new Toy Story film?
"For those of you who don't know, Toy Story, its main character, used to be in law enforcement, but was mainly known for being little wooden, but was replaced by shiny new action figure from far away who thinks he can fly, and the name Andy on everyone's lips.
"Perhaps, Mr Speaker, maybe the prime minister should give that a miss. But does he share my fear that when it comes to Britain's national debt, [Andy Burnham's] plan is to infinity and beyond?"
Watch: Reeves appears emotional sitting next to Starmer in his final PMQs
12:41 , Maryam Zakir-HussainStarmer and Davey share bizarre back and forth about going to Chessington World of Adventures together
12:40 , Maryam Zakir-HussainPolitical correspondent Millie Cooke reports:
Sir Keir Starmer and Sir Ed Davey have had a bizarre back and forth where they joked about going to Chessington World of Adventures together.
The prime minister joked that the Liberal Democrat leader, who is known for doing adventurous stunts as part of his political campaigning, is "fittingly, the Right Honourable member for Chessington World of Adventures".
He added: "When he talks about the economy, I'm pleased to tell him that thanks to our summer savings his family can save nearly £20 when they visit this summer."
Responding, Sir Ed said: "Can I invite the prime minister to join me at Chessington World of Adventures?
"Closing out the bizarre exchange, the outgoing prime minister joked that the pair could go during Andy Burnham's first PMQs.
"He asked me about joining him at Chessington world of adventures, can I suggest 12 noon on the first Wednesday in September?", Sir Keir said.
PM shares hilarious viral moment which got him into 'a lot of trouble' with the headteacher
12:37 , Maryam Zakir-HussainThe prime minister shared a hilarious and humbling viral moment he had in a school earlier this year, which led him to a stern scolding by the headteacher.
Sir Keir Starmer said he “got into a lot of trouble at a primary school when an eight-year-old encouraged me to do the 6-7 thing” leading to the whole class copying the trend.
He said the headteacher “sternly” told him it was against school rules, to which the PM admitted he was “totally pathetic”.
“I simply said, ‘I didn’t start it!’”
Starmer thanks Badenoch for the personal kindness she has shown him
12:34 , Maryam Zakir-HussainWhitehall editor Kate Devlin reports:
The PM praised the Tory leader as he told MPs: “We have had robust exchanges across this Dispatch Box, but she has extended kindness to me privately and at very difficult times.
“Including when there was an attempt to burn down our family home, which deeply affected my family, she reached out to me.
“And when my brother died of cancer, she reached out to me privately… and I thank her for that and the tribute that she's just made to my wife and children, who mean the world to me.”
Analysis: Kemi Badenoch finally gets the tone right
12:33 , Maryam Zakir-HussainPolitical editor David Maddox writes:
Kemi Badenoch has managed to hold back on her natural inclination to go for the kill with her political opponents and given Sir Keir Starmer the friendly send off he has perhaps earned after two years as prime minister.
Her final question in particular paying tribute to the sacrifice that Sir Keir’s wife Victoria and children have made for his political career along with her good wishes seemed genuinely heartfelt.
It was a rare moment of graciousness in the Commons chamber where the cut and thrust of politics is normally pretty brutal.
We can expect usual service to be resumed in September when Ms Badenoch will be facing a different prime minister - Andy Burnham.
Badenoch thanks Starmer's family for their 'love and support' during his premiership
12:26 , Maryam Zakir-HussainKemi Badenoch has closed her final exchange with the PM by thanking him and his family for their “sacrifice”.
She said: “This is my last exchange with the right honourable gentlemen. I know how much his wife and children mean to him and they are in the gallery today.:
The Tory leader thanked Starmer’s wife and children for their “love and support they have given him” throughout his premiership.
Starmer pledges to help Burnham in private - and be silent in public
12:22 , Maryam Zakir-HussainWhitehall editor Kate Devlin reports:
Asked for his advice for the next PM, Sir Keir told MPs: “I will give my wholehearted support to my successor. I want this Labour government to be a success. I want our country to be a success.”
And he promised: “I shall give my support privately if asked for - not publicly when not asked for.”
Starmer tells voters in Clacton to 'put your vote in the bin' as Farage gears up for Binface clash
12:21 , Maryam Zakir-HussainOur political correspondent Millie Cooke reports:
Sir Keir Starmer has told voters in Clacton to "put your vote in the bin" after Nigel Farage called a by-election in the constituency and has ended up with his main rival being satirical candidate Count Binface.
Referencing Nigel Farage, Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said: "One politician intends to spend the summer avoiding scrutiny, refusing to set out his plans. So does he not agree that what the country deserves is a televised debate between Nigel Farage and Count Binface?
"Sir Keir replied: "They intend to spend the summer arguing with a bin. My advice to everyone is put your vote in the bin."
Badenoch warns Labour Party changing PM is 'not a silver bullet'
12:20 , Maryam Zakir-HussainKemi Badenoch has warned the opposite benches that their troubles are far from over now despite a change in leadership.
She said: “We have been where you are. Changing prime minister is not a silver bullet. It may be that the Labour Party’s troubles are only just beginning.
“Solving the fundemental problems requires difficult decisions, and you need to know how to get things done.”
Watch: Speaker pays tribute to Starmer in final PMQs
12:17 , Maryam Zakir-HussainKemi Badenoch pays tribute to Ann Widdecombe
12:17 , Maryam Zakir-HussainWhitehall editor Kate Devlin reports:
The Tory leader acknowledged that Miss Widdecombe had defected away from her party as she paid tribute to her at PMQs.
She told MPs: “She was a woman of high principle, profound beliefs, with a wicked sense of humor.
A wonderful combination of being a serious person who did not take herself too seriously.
“She changed her faith from Anglican to Catholic, and from the Conservative Party to the Brexit Party, but she always remained part of the Conservative family.”
She added: “You may not always have agreed with her, but Ann Widdecombe was a woman who said what she meant and meant what she said. Hers was an honesty that made our politics better.”
Reeves looks emotional sitting next to Starmer in his final PMQs
12:16 , Maryam Zakir-HussainOur political correspondent Millie Cooke reports:
Rachel Reeves looks emotional as she sits next to Sir Keir Starmer in his final PMQs as prime minister.
Sitting to his right, the chancellor looked downbeat as the Speaker paid tribute to the outgoing PM - just one year after she was seen visibly crying in the weekly Commons clash.
In July 2025, the chancellor sparked controversy for crying in PMQs as Sir Keir refused to guarantee her position amid mounting pressure over a welfare bill u-turn which left a £5bn hole in the public finances.
Watch PMQs live here
12:10 , Maryam Zakir-HussainStarmer calls for a permanent tribute in parliament to Ann Widdecombe
12:08 , Maryam Zakir-HussainWhitehall editor Kate Devlin reports:
The PM told MPs he was “truly horrified” by the murder of the former Tory minister.
“She was a distinguished politician with deep convictions (and a) vivid and fearless character,” he told MPs.
He said it was chilling that during his own 11 years in the Commons, three serving or former MPs have been murdered.
He mentioned the two murdered MPs as he said: “I look across at the shield for our dear friend Jo Cox and the shield for Sir David Ames, that sits behind me.
“Now, Mr Speaker, I know this is a House matter, so this is my personal view. But I do believe it is befitting for the House to consider a similar tribute to Ann.”
Speaker pays tribute to Starmer in final PMQs
12:06 , Maryam Zakir-HussainPolitical correspondent Millie Cooke reports:
Sir Lindsay Hoyle has paid tribute to Sir Keir Starmer in his final PMQs as prime minister, thanking him for his public service.
The Speaker of the Commons opened the session, telling the Commons: " We now come to the final Prime Minister's Questions of this term and, indeed, the final Prime Minister's Questions for the Right Honourable member for Holborn and St Pancras as prime minister.
"Can I thank the prime minister for his public service, his international leadership particularly in his steadfast support for Ukraine.
"I am sure members will wish to join me in wishing him and his family well in the future. And lets hope this prime minister will be bringing home a winning England world cup."
Starmer given the 'red card' by MPs in tongue-in-cheek reference to England game
12:05 , Maryam Zakir-HussainMany references have been made to England’s game tonight against Argentina, as one MP said the prime minister has been given a “red card” by the hundreds of MPs sitting in the Commons.
The MP compared the PM to Jude Bellingham, to which Starmer said is a “first and last”.
Starmer added: “I don’t care what the score is tonight, as long as we win.”
Starmer begins PMQs by paying tribute to Ann Widdecombe
12:01 , Maryam Zakir-HussainThe prime minister began his final PMQs by acknowledging the “truly horrifying murder” of Ann Widdecombe.
He added that three serving or former MPs have been murdered since he was in the position as prime minister.
Starmer faces Badenoch in final PMQs
11:58 , Maryam Zakir-HussainSir Keir Starmer has entered the chamber as he faces the Kemi Badenoch for his final PMQs today.
His last session in the Commons comes amid the sombre backdrop of former MP Ann Widdecombe’s suspected murder, which has reignited conversation over MPs safety.
In pictures: Starmer heads to final PMQs
11:43 , Maryam Zakir-HussainSir Keir Starmer has left Downing Street to head to the House of Commons.
He will face Kemi Badenoch for the last time as prime minister at PMQs from 12pm.
Rachel Reeves says ‘no alliance’ more important than with the EU in likely last major speech as chancellor
11:20 , Maryam Zakir-HussainRachel Reeves has said that the UK holds "no alliance" more important than its relationship with the EU in what is anticipated to be her final major speech as Chancellor.
Reflecting on her two years in the Treasury, Ms Reeves urged Britain to be "much bolder" and go "much further" in pursuing closer ties with the bloc.
Ms Reeves’ comments come after The Independent’s campaign to rebuild Britain’s relationship with Europe.
Rachel Reeves says ‘no alliance’ more important than with the EU
Exclusive: Louise Haigh set to land key policy control role in Andy Burnham government
11:05 , Maryam Zakir-HussainLouise Haigh is set to take a key role in Andy Burnham’s ministerial team running the “engine of government” and being at the heart of policy formation.
Allies of Ms Haigh have told The Independent that she has already been inked in as the new chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster – running the Cabinet Office and working closely with the prime minister and Downing Street.
The role is currently held by Darren Jones who is also chief secretary to the prime minister, with Ms Haigh set to take a similar position.
Political editor David Maddox reports:
Louise Haigh set to land key policy control role in Burnham government
Who could Burnham pick for his chancellor and cabinet?
10:47 , Maryam Zakir-HussainWith the prospect of Andy Burnham becoming prime minister now looking inevitable, all eyes are on what his top team could look like - but the contest over who will be his next chancellor is hotting up.
Darren Jones has given up on a threat to stand against Mr Burnham but with the hope, according to some Labour sources, that he will become chancellor instead of the one of the other frontrunners. These included former health secretary Wes Streeting, energy secretary Ed Miliband and home secretary Shabana Mahmood.
The former Greater Manchester mayor, who was sworn in as an MP on Monday, will face demands from both inside and outside the Labour Party to generate real change if he makes it into Number 10.
Who could Burnham pick for his chancellor and cabinet?
Cabinet ministers present Starmer with a carriage clock as a parting gift
10:34 , Maryam Zakir-HussainThe prime minister has received a bespoke gift of a carriage clock from his Cabinet ministers as his leaving gift.
The leaving gift was organised by David Lammy, and is adorned with an engraved message from the Cabinet.
According to The Times, the present was crafted especially for the outgoing PM by Dent London, the clockmakers who furnished the Elizabeth Tower, which houses Big Ben.
Can Andy Burnham succeed where Keir Starmer failed?
10:27 , Maryam Zakir-HussainIt’s Keir Starmer’s final week in office. 739 days ago, after a rejection of the Tories and a sweeping landslide for Labour, he became PM.
So where did it all go wrong for him?
Today we take a trip down memory lane to summer 2024 and the beginning of Keir Starmer’s rocky first 100 days and ask: can Andy Burnham learn from Keir Starmer's mistakes?
Should Farage be offered better state protection after murder of Widdecombe?
10:25 , Maryam Zakir-HussainReform leader organises private security detail and says government offer is inadequate, writes Sean O’Grady:
Does Nigel Farage, as leader of Reform UK, need more protection than the leader of the opposition, Kemi Badenoch? Should the police have to guard members of the Scottish, Northern Ireland and Welsh parliaments as well as those in Westminster? What about councillors? And retired MPs? Or significant public figures who are yet to be elected? Their families?
Should Farage be offered better state protection after murder of Widdecombe?
Starmer was doomed in his first 100 days. Here’s what Burnham needs to do to avoid the same fate
10:10 , Maryam Zakir-HussainStarmer’s first 100 days in power reveal much about what led to his downfall. All the more reason for Andy Burnham to learn from them, say ex-Whitehall insiders Helen MacNamara and Cleo Watson.
Reported by Maja Anushka:
739 days after he was elected in the biggest Labour majority since 1997, it’s Keir Starmer’s last week as prime minister.
When the former human rights barrister arrived in Downing Street in June 2024, he had a net approval rating of -3. One hundred days later, he sat at -26. The PM never managed to reverse the trend, making history in June 2025 with a rating of -66 – the lowest net approval rating recorded by Ipsos for any prime minister going back to 1977.
Meanwhile, as Mr Starmer clears out his desk, Andy Burnham prepares to step up. His current polling shows a divided or uncertain public. On 24 June, YouGov reported Mr Burnham’s net approval rating as -4, with 29% of Britons still unsure how they feel about the incoming leader. Will his first 100 days spell a repeat of frustration and disappointment?
Starmer was doomed in 100 days. Here’s what Burnham needs to do to succeed
'Restrictions on infinite-scrolling are welcome,' children's commissioner says
09:51 , Maryam Zakir-HussainPlans unveiled today will see 16 and 17-year-olds prevented from accessing social media sites between midnight and 6am by default.
New guidance for children, parents and guardians on safe AI use will be published, and media literacy teaching will be strengthened in schools from September.
Children’s commissioner for England Dame Rachel de Souza welcomed Wednesday’s announcements as “a positive step” that responds to young people’s demand for more protection online.
She said: “Young people tell me they try to cut down social media use but find it hard – so restrictions on infinite-scrolling are welcome.
“I want to know more about how the policies, such as a curfew, will be delivered and will be watching closely to make sure they are effective – alongside pushing Ofcom to make full use of its powers to make the online world safer for children.”
Andy Burnham calls for ‘serious review’ of MP security after Ann Widdecombe murder
09:33 , Maryam Zakir-HussainAndy Burnham has called for a “serious review” of MPs’ security after the murder of veteran politician Ann Widdecombe.
The incoming prime minister warned that “something has changed” in politics, saying he is “certainly” prepared to look at the security of politicians when he enters Downing Street.
On Tuesday night it emerged that counter-terrorism police are probing whether the suspect held over Ms Widdecombe’s killing was motivated by left-wing extremism and planning further violence against other high-profile figures.
Burnham calls for ‘serious review’ of MP security after Ann Widdecombe murder
Britain now 'safest place for young people' online, minister says
09:17 , Maryam Zakir-HussainPolitical correspondent Millie Cooke reports:
Britain is now “the safest place for young people in their experiences online”, a minister has said after the government proposed social media curfews for teenagers.
Speaking to Times Radio, Kanishka Narayan said: “The big thing I’d say is this is part of an overall package that means Britain is now the safest place for young people in their experiences online.
“(We’ve) banned it for under-16s, the first country in the world to ban romantic and explicit content on chatbots for young people.
“Now the first country in the world to do mandatory breaks on AI chatbots as well, limiting harmful features on gaming. And today, yes, support for 16 and 17-year-olds as well.
“So this is but one part of an overall package, which means Britain is now firmly on the side in terms of regulation of families and parents, not tech platforms.”
It would be a 'disservice' to teenagers to suggest they would turn off optional social media curfews
09:04 , Maryam Zakir-HussainPolitical correspondent Millie Cooke reports:
It would be a "disservice" to 16 and and 17-year-olds to suggest they would just turn off optional social media curfews, the online safety minister has said.
Kanishka Narayan told Sky News the government wanted to “empower” 16- and 17-year-olds, saying: “I wouldn’t belittle that because when we have seen evidence on this sort of stuff. In October, for example, some platforms introduced these defaults of this sort – 90 per cent-plus teenagers said to us that they’ve maintained those defaults as well.
“And so the evidence base is clear, the motivation is very clear and I wouldn’t do the disservice to teenagers of saying they’re all going to switch it off.”
In pictures: Ministers arrive for Starmer's final Cabinet meeting
08:52 , Maryam Zakir-HussainMinisters have arrived for Sir Keir Starmer’s final Cabinet meeting before he officially resigns on Monday.
Burnham says ‘serious review’ into MP safety needed after Widdecombe death
08:40 , Maryam Zakir-HussainAndy Burnham said a “serious review” was needed into MPs’ security following the suspected murder of Ann Widdecombe.
The incoming prime minister said politics has “darkened” in the near decade since he was last in Westminster and protections may need to be “increased further.”
Asked why he thought frontline politics had become so dangerous for serving and former politicians, the recently elected Makerfield MP told reporters outside the Commons: “I notice quite a lot of change in the building behind me 10 years away, no more so than on the question of security.
“Actually, I was quite shocked to see how much security now has to be in place, and even so, it may need to be increased further.
“Politics has darkened in the last decade, there’s no getting away from that.”
Starmer spends last days in office shoring up legacy
08:34 , Nicole Wootton-CaneSir Keir Starmer has spent his final days in office surrounding himself with those he has helped as he looks to shore up his legacy.
The outgoing prime minister, who will leave No 10 on Monday, told a reception attended by campaigners whose causes he had championed on Tuesday that they had “made me who I am”.
Speaking shortly before guiding the Hillsborough Law through its final Commons stages, Sir Keir praised the families who had fought for justice.
As well as those touched by the 1989 Hillsborough disaster, guests in the Downing Street garden included John and Penny Clough, who campaigned to get bail laws changed after the murder of their daughter Jane; Figen Murray who campaigned for changes to public safety laws after the death of her son Martyn Hett in the Manchester Arena bombing; and Pooja Kanda who championed tougher knife laws after her son Ronan was stabbed.
He told them: “I leave on Monday. I leave with good grace, I leave very pleased with what we’ve been able to achieve in government in the two years that I’ve had the privilege of being prime minister.
“I’m pleased to have delivered on the promises that I made to many people in this garden, and I’ll make this last promise, which is I will stand with you and walk with you for as long as I’ve got breath in my body.”
Starmer to face Badenoch for final time at PMQsS
08:32 , Nicole Wootton-CaneSir Keir Starmer is set to face Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch across the dispatch box for the last time as prime minister on Wednesday.
The pair have come face to face across the chamber nearly every week Parliament has been sitting since Sir Keir was elected in 2024, often exchanging pointed comments and blows.
But after announcing he intended to resign, Sir Keir will formally hand over to Andy Burnham on Monday.
The next time we see PMQs after today, there will be a different face across from Ms Badenoch.
Starmer to hold final cabinet ahead of Burnham's coronation
08:32 , Maryam Zakir-HussainSir Keir Starmer is set to hold his final cabinet meeting as he prepares for his last Prime Minister’s Questions in the top job.
The leader will hold farewell talks with his senior ministers in Downing Street before taking his last Commons grilling at the despatch box at noon.
The outgoing PM is expected to formally resign on Monday morning, and Andy Burnham will be coronated that afternoon.
