A group of indigenous Chagossians plans to stage a protest in Westminster claiming they have been sidelined from discussions surrounding the handover of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, The Independent understands.
Chagossian Voices insists the UK government has “consistently and deliberately ignored” their perspectives throughout the negotiation process, calling for full inclusion in the treaty drafting.
As tensions mount, Sir Keir Starmer has defended the government’s decision, claiming that the UK-Mauritius deal ensures continued security of the US-UK Diego Garcia military base.
However, the move has drawn significant backlash, particularly from Argentina who capitalised on the situation by vowing to secure “full sovereignty” over the Falklands.
The geopolitical fallout followed the prime minister to Cheshire, where Labour ministers pledged nearly £22 billion to develop carbon capture projects in Merseyside and Teesside.
Sir Keir promised workers that the new investment would create thousands of jobs and attract private investment while helping the UK meet its net-zero targets.
He described today’s investment announcement as a demonstration of “the politics of renewal in action” and declared the new political divide between Labour and the Tories is ‘investment or decline’.
Key Points
- Indigenous Chagossians plan protest after being ‘excluded’ from talks
- PM defends Chagos Islands handover after backlash
- Starmer dodges questions over future of Gibraltar
- Argentina vows to take ‘full sovereignty’ of Falklands
- Labour hails carbon capture ‘national renewal in action’
EXCLUSIVE | Indigenous Chagossians plan protest after being ‘excluded’ from talks
14:57
Milie Cooke
A group of indigenous Chagossians are planning to stage a protest in Westminster on Monday over the decision to hand the archipelago over to Mauritius, The Independent understands, accusing the government of excluding them from talks, Millie Cooke reports.
Chagossian Voices, a group representing indigenous people from the Chagos Islands, has claimed their views have been “consistently and deliberately ignored”, demanding full inclusion in the drafting of the treaty.
The group claimed to have learned the outcome of the negotiations through the media, saying indigenous Chagossians feel “powerless and voiceless in determining our own future”.
The protest has been organised for Monday at 11.30am.
Euston station’s controversial advertising board axed
15:40
Salma Ouaguira
Transport secretary Louise Haigh has ordered the shutdown of a large advertising board at London’s Euston station.
The decision comes as Network Rail responds to mounting criticism over its decision to replace the traditional departure board with a massive advertising display, leaving travellers with smaller train information screens.
A frustrated Ms Haigh said: “For too long, Euston station simply hasn’t been good enough for passengers.
“That’s why I’ve tasked Network Rail with coming up with a clear plan to immediately improve conditions for passengers.
“This includes a shutdown of the advertising boards from today to review their use.”
SNP slams Starmer’s ‘clueless’ snub of Scottish carbon capture project
15:20
Salma Ouaguira
The SNP has accused Labour of being “clueless” for bypassing a key Scottish carbon capture project in favour of developments in England.
The prime minister announced plans for two £22 billion carbon capture clusters in Merseyside and Teesside, while Scotland’s Acorn project in St Fergus, Aberdeenshire, was overlooked once again.
SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn slammed the move, calling it a missed opportunity for economic growth and job creation in Scotland.
“Labour’s decision to prioritise the North of England over the Scottish cluster leaves us in the lurch,” Mr Flynn said.
“They’ve followed in the footsteps of the Tories.”
The Acorn project was given reserve status after being passed over for funding in 2021 by the previous UK government.
Lammy says third UK charter plane has left Lebanon
15:00
Salma Ouaguira
A third UK government charter flight has left Lebanon to help British nationals leave.
— David Lammy (@DavidLammy) October 4, 2024
The situation is volatile. Flights are limited but seats are available.
British nationals who want to leave should register their presence now to receive details on how to request a seat. https://t.co/awiIgxxQiF
BREAKING | Royal Navy chief apologises over bullying and misogyny in submarine service
14:55
Salma Ouaguira
The First Sea Lord has apologised after an investigation found “misogyny, bullying and other unacceptable behaviours” in the submarine service.
Admiral Sir Ben Key, the head of the Royal Navy, ordered an investigation in 2022 into allegations made by former lieutenant Sophie Brook, who described a “constant campaign of sexual bullying”.
You can read the full story below:
Diane Abbott criticises Starmer over freebies: ‘What’s he hiding?'
14:45
Salma Ouaguira
Diane Abbott has launched a scathing attack on Sir Keir Starmer, accusing him of “admitting wrongdoing” by returning £6,000 worth of luxury gifts after weeks of defending his actions.
Speaking on Sky News, the veteran Labour MP claimed the prime minister’s U-turn revealed a deeper issue.
Ms Abbott said: “He’s spent weeks insisting everything was above board, but now he’s had to give them back, What’s he hiding?”
She added that Sir Keir’s misjudgement shows a disconnect with ordinary people, adding: “He doesn’t understand how taking freebies looks to the public.”
Boris Johnson admits Leonardo DiCaprio snubbed him during cringe encounter
14:35
Salma Ouaguira
Boris Johnson has described how Leonardo DiCaprio “quirked his pace” to walk away from him after a mortifying conversation in which he recited lines from his films in a “South African” accent.
The former prime minister found himself starstruck as he came face-to-face with the Hollywood actor at the Cop 26 summit in November 2021.
You can read the full story below:
Starmer dodges Gibraltar question amid Chagos Islands backlash
14:27
Salma Ouaguira
The prime minister has avoided confirming whether other British overseas territories, like Gibraltar, could face a similar fate to the Chagos Islands after handing them to Mauritius.
Pressed on whether his government would commit to not signing away territories like Gibraltar, Sir Keir Starmer sidestepped the question.
He focused instead on securing the joint US-UK military base on Diego Garcia.
“The single most important thing was ensuring that we had a secure base,” he told reporters during his speech in Cheshire.
A No 10 spokesperson later clarified that the Chagos Islands decision “does not change our policy approach to other overseas territories.”
The islands had been under British control since 1814 but were ceded as part of an agreement aimed at resolving a longstanding legal dispute.
Ed Davey backs Chagos islands decision despite Tory criticism
14:25
Salma Ouaguira
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey has thrown his support behind the government’s Chagos Islands deal.
Despite growing criticism from the Tories, he stressed the importance of adhering to international law, adding that people “need to realise that this had to be done”.
He added: “I have seen the Conservatives complaining about it but they started all the talks. I think it was James Cleverly when he was foreign secretary.”
David Davis: Boris Johnson ‘at best ill-informed’ on ECHR
14:10
Salma Ouaguira
In a rebuke, David Davis has criticised Boris Johnson’s stance on the European Convention of Human Rights (ECHR).
The Conservative MP accused the former prime minister of being “at best ill-informed” over the topic.
Mr Johnson recently suggested a referendum on the UK’s ECHR membership should be brought forward as it fails to offer unique protections.
Speaking to the Telegraph, Mr Davis didn’t hold back.
He compared Mr Johnson’s remarks and those of leadership hopeful Robert Jenrick, whose recent campaign video sparked widespread backlash.
The Tory veteran said: “I am afraid Boris Johnson’s comments that the European Convention on Human Rights does not ‘provide people with protections that they wouldn’t otherwise have’ are, much like Robert Jenrick’s unwise video earlier this week, at best ill-informed.”
EXCLUSIVE: High-flying women suffer from same workplace problems 30 years on
14:00
Salma Ouaguira
Gender equality in the workplace has stalled as women report experiencing many of the same challenges as they did nearly 30 years ago, a new survey of high-flyers suggests.
The group is calling for higher salaries and more effort to tear down the ‘glass ceiling’, the invisible barriers that hold women back, saying it was “deeply concerning” that many felt too little had changed since the Nineties.
Our Whitehall correspondent has the full story below:
ANALYSIS | Can Starmer convince the public that carbon capture will deliver?
13:53
Salma Ouaguira
Sir Keir Starmer’s £22 billion carbon capture investment is being framed as a cornerstone of the UK’s green future, with promises of safeguarding jobs in industries like glassmaking.
But the prime minister faces a tough challenge in convincing a skeptical public and environmental critics that this technology is more than just a greenwash.
While carbon capture offers a solution for decarbonising energy-intensive industries without job losses, green activists are unconvinced.
A group of climate scientists recently warned energy secretary Ed Miliband that carbon capture is still largely unproven, particularly at the scale needed to make a real impact.
Timing adds another layer of complexity.
The government’s ambitious plans for Teesside and Merseyside won’t materialise until the next election, and with the 2050 net-zero targets looming, doubts remain whether this technology can deliver quickly enough.
Beyond the environmental angle, Sir Keir’s announcement suggests a possible shift in Labour’s fiscal approach.
With speculation mounting that chancellor Rachel Reeves could loosen borrowing rules for capital investment, Labour will need to prove that these big-ticket investments can deliver real benefits to struggling households.
Nadhim Zahawi ‘went looking for fights’ as a young football hooligan
13:40
Salma Ouaguira
Former chancellor Nadhim Zahawi has admitted that he used to be a football hooligan and would “go out looking for fights”.
The 57-year-old, who served under Boris Johnson, revealed he was a member of Liverpool Football Club’s firm as a younger man.
Speaking at the Henley Literary Festival, a partner of The Independent, Mr Zahawi said: “I was part of Liverpool’s firm and would go out looking for fights as a football hooligan.”
You can read the full story below:
COMMENT | I know who should win the Tory leadership… and who actually will
13:20
Salma Ouaguira
The final four candidates made their pitches to Tory party conference – and none could match what David Cameron showed up with in 2005, says the former PM’s sister-in-law, Emily Sheffield.
But there was still a clear, and surprising, champion:
Your Tory Party conference questions answered by John Rentoul
13:00
Salma Ouaguira
This year’s Conservative Party conference in Birmingham provides a pivotal moment for reflection and debate.
It stands in stark contrast to the 2023 gathering, when Rishi Sunak’s government made a series of last-minute policy announcements, including offshoring prisoners, cutting civil servants, and controversially scrapping HS2.
As the conference unfolds, our chief political commentator John Rentoul has been answering your burning questions on the leadership contest, the fallout from the election defeat, and more.
Pictured: Ed Davey visits Down syndrome support charity Stepping Stones
12:45
Salma Ouaguira
Fears raised over future of Falklands after Chagos Islands deal
12:32
Salma Ouaguira
Concerns have been raised over the future of the Falkland Islands after the UK gave up control of a remote archipelago - a move which has since been dubbed a “strategic disaster”.
The government on Thursday said it had reached a political agreement with Mauritius over the Chagos Islands following negotiations which began in 2022.
Our political correspondent Millie Cooke has the full story below:
Boris Johnson slams Chagos Islands decision as ‘political correctness’
12:14
Salma Ouaguira
The former prime minister has slammed Sir Keir Starmer’s decision to return the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, branding it a product of “sheer political correctness”.
Mr Johnson told GB News: “Get out your maps, get out your atlases, check out the Chagos Islands, see where they are, see where Mauritius is. A long way away.
“What is this claim? It’s nonsense, it’s total nonsense. Why are we doing this? Sheer political correctness, desire to look like the good guys, a desire to look as though we are unbundling the last relics of our empire. It’s nonsense.”
20 ex-Tory MPs back James Cleverly as next leader
11:59
Salma Ouaguira
A group of 20 former Tory MPs have thrown their weight behind James Cleverly to become the next Tory leader, our Whitehall editor Kate Devlin reports.
The former foreign secretary, at the centre of a row over the Chagos Islands, has the experience needed they argue.
The group, who all lost their seats at this summer’s general election write: “As James has said, now is not the time for an apprentice.
He is easily the most experienced candidate, having been party chairman, foreign secretary and home secretary.
As party chairman, he helped Boris Johnson deliver the 80-seat majority that broke the deadlock and got Brexit done. He knows what we need to do to get back to winning ways.”
Keir Starmer announces £21.7 billion funding for carbon capture in speech
11:58
Salma Ouaguira
With the prime minister’s speech on Labour’s new vision for carbon capture over, let’s take a look back at what has been announced.
- ‘National renewal’: The prime minister hailed the government’s plans for two carbon capture clusters in Merseyside and Teesside “politics of national renewal in action”.
- Job Creation: Announcing the plans at a glassmaking factory in Cheshire, Starmer promised the investment would create 4,000 direct jobs and lead to up to 50,000 jobs in the wider supply chain.
- End of Coal Era: The PM highlighted the significance of this week, marking the closure of the last coal-fired electricity plant. He said: “I know what we lost when we lost coal. But I also know how we can rewrite our story in the ink of the future.”
- Chancellor’s remarks: Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced a substantial £21.7 billion investment for the projects, calling it a “massive opportunity” to attract further investment.
- ‘Historic shift’: Energy secretary Ed Miliband praised the end of coal-fired electricity as a “historic week for Britain’s energy system” and condemned the “dither and delay” of the Tories.
- Future focus: Starmer concluded the speech by claiming that the UK is poised to compete globally in clean energy, adding: “We’re putting ourselves in the position not just to be in that global race, but to win that global race.”
Cabinet ministers don’t need to pay back freebies, says Starmer
11:39
Salma Ouaguira
Sir Keir Starmer has clarified that cabinet ministers are not obligated to repay gifts following his own decision to return over £6,000 in donations amid a growing controversy.
While addressing the issue, he said: “No, I mean, look, we’re going to draw up some principles so that everyone can see the basis on which donations etcetera can be accepted.
“We’re working on that. Until they’re drawn up, I decided to repay so that any future activities of me or anybody else will be (in line with) whatever the new principles are.”
The prime minister insisted that his repayment was a personal choice, designed to ensure that future actions align with upcoming guidelines.
He added: “I’m not saying others should do the same, but that’s why I did what I did.”
Starmer keeps promise to Rantzen on assisted dying vote
11:35
Salma Ouaguira
Now on assisted dying, Sir Keir Starmer promised to fulfil his commitment made to assisted dying advocate Dame Esther Rantzen regarding the parliamentary vote on the matter.
He told journalists: “I made a promise to Esther Rantzen before the election that we would provide time for a debate and a vote on assisted dying.
“And obviously that opportunity has now arisen, and I’m very pleased that I’m able, as it were, to make good on the promise I made to Esther Rantzen. The Government will be neutral on this.”
Bank of England urged to be cautious on interest rate cuts
11:30
Salma Ouaguira
The central bank’s chief economist has advised to be careful over interest rate reductions amid shifting economic conditions.
Huw Pill told an audience at the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) that borrowing costs will need to be gradually reduced to keep inflation sustainably close to target levels.
“At present, there is ample reason for caution in assessing the dissipation of inflation persistence,” he said.
The comments come a day after Bank of England governor Andrew Bailey signalled “more aggressive” rate cuts could be on the way.
He added: “While further cuts in Bank Rate remain in prospect should the economic and inflation outlook evolve broadly as expected, it will be important to guard against the risk of cutting rates either too far or too fast.
“For me, the need for such caution points to a gradual withdrawal of monetary policy restriction.”
PM defends Chagos Islands handover
11:29
Salma Ouaguira
Unsurprisingly, the prime minister has been asked about the ongoing geopolitical row over the Chagos Islands.
Sir Keir Starmer defended the decision to return the territory to Mauritius claiming that the move ensures continued security of the Diego Garcia military base.
Responding to questions about the agreement, he told reporters in Liverpool: “The single most important thing was ensuring that we had a secure base, the joint US in particular, UK base, hugely important to the US, hugely important to us.
“We’ve now secured that and that is why you saw such warm words from the US yesterday.”
Starmer dismisses government delivering ‘doom and gloom’ message
11:25
Salma Ouaguira
The prime minister has been challenged over his previous remarks regarding UK’s finances and a £22 billion black hole in public finances.
He said: “We’ve got to take difficult decisions in the Budget in relation to the missing money from the last government really tough decisions, like for example, the winter fuel payment, to stabilise the economy.
“Because I’m absolutely convinced that only by stabilising the economy, can we attract the investment that we need in relation to your challenge.”
He added: “In relation to your challenge, as it were, that aren’t we putting off investment, quite the opposite.”
Greens win Lancaster city council after by-election victory
11:20
Salma Ouaguira
Green WIN!
— The Green Party (@TheGreenParty) October 4, 2024
to
Congratulations to Andrew Otway on being elected in Scotforth East with 57.8% of the vote and to @NorthLancsGreen on becoming the largest party on Lancaster City Council! pic.twitter.com/kGE2SIwPq1
Starmer takes questions from the press
11:19
Salma Ouaguira
Sir Keir Starmer is now taking questions from the press.
Someone reminded the prime minister that the carbon capture technology project is “not new” and it was a Conservative idea.
He replied: “The Tories spoke about this, but they did not put the money aside.”
Sir Keir added that his government’s attempt to seek private investment represents “the difference between invest or decline”
“We were elected for change,” he added.
Starmer declares carbon capture investment as ‘national renewal in action'
11:22
Salma Ouaguira
Sir Keir Starmer hailed today’s investment announcement as a demonstration of “the politics of renewal in action”.
Addressing an audience at a glass manufacturing facility, he emphasised that the government is “fixing the foundations and providing a long-term industrial strategy”.
Reflecting on his past work as a lawyer for coal mining families during the industry’s decline under the Conservative government, he said: “I worked with families and communities who were going to lose their jobs in a really important industry, and I therefore know first hand what this country lost when we ended coal in that way.
“Because we lost jobs, we lost communities, we lost a way of life. I think we lost dignity, and we also, I think, lost identity.”
He added: “We are the first industrial nation. That’s who we are as a country. It’s our story. A source of pride that this country, our country, communities like here, changed the world. And that what is made here matters.
“You can’t take that away from people without a plan to replace it. It’s like losing a part of yourself, a missing limb, an open wound, a heart ripped out of the nation.”
PM hails skilled jobs ‘key to economic security'
11:15
Salma Ouaguira
In his address, the prime minister has revisited the familiar anecdote of his father, a toolmaker, while acknowledging it is now a political cliché.
He told the audience in Liverpool: “I’ve said many times my dad was a tool maker. He worked in a factory. But that matters to me, because until I went off to college, I didn’t even know any working environment other than a factory.”
Sir Keir Starmer then highlighted the significance of visiting workplaces like Encircled Glass across the country, adding: “What matters to me and to us as a government is what a difference it makes to your lives and the lives of other people who are doing jobs like you, not just now and next year, but into the future.
“And making sure that we have you and them in our mind’s eye when we make our decisions, because politics is about who are you thinking about when you’re making your decisions.”
Pictured: Ministers unveil net zero plans in Liverpool
11:12
Salma Ouaguira
Chancellor vows carbon capture will drive investment and create jobs
11:10
Salma Ouaguira
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has been speaking next.
She emphasised that carbon capture technology is pivotal not only for cleaning up industries but also for attracting investment.
She told workers in Liverpool: “We’re removing the barriers that stop investment so that we can get Britain building again.
“And our first international investment summit will take place in just ten days to bring new investment and more opportunities to the UK. That’s the change that this government is offering.”
Miliband: Britain must seize industrial opportunities for a brighter future
11:06
Salma Ouaguira
Ed Miliband has declared that Britain has “blown its chance of industrial success” too often in the past, urging a renewed commitment to industrial policy.
Announcing £21.7 worth of investment for projects in Teesside and Merseyside, he said: “Too often in the past Britain has blown its chance of industrial success. We say today. Not this time.
“This government is committed to use every lever to win for Britain. This Government is committed to a proper industrial policy, and this government has a Chancellor who understands the importance of public and private investment to build the future Britain deserves.”
Ed Miliband starts speech from Liverpool
11:02
Salma Ouaguira
Sir Keir Starmer, Rachel Reeves and Ed Miliband are all at the event at Encircled Glass.
The energy secretary starts speaking first, declaring: “This is a historic week for Britain’s energy system.”
What’s next for the Falklands and other British overseas territories after Chagos deal?
11:00
Salma Ouaguira
The UK has handed sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius after decades of negotiations. The Indian Ocean archipelago had been a British island territory for over half a century, and now returns to neighbouring Mauritius.
The deal stipulates that the strategically significant Diego Garcia US-UK military base will remain in place and under its current control – thought to be a major factor in securing the agreement.
Here’s everything you need to know:
Tory criticism grows over Chagos Islands deal
10:49
Salma Ouaguira
While we wait for the prime minister to speak, here’s more criticism from the Tories over Labour’s Chagos Islands deal.
Former Conservative leader Iain Duncan Smith, MP for Chingford and Woodford, voiced his astonishment at the agreement, highlighting the geopolitical risks involved.
At the heart of his criticism is the concern that the pro-China stance of Mauritius could jeopardise the strategic significance of the islands.
Mr Duncan Smith said: “If China gets involved with Mauritius, I cannot see how you can continue to use that place as it is now, or how the Americans can either.”
He branded the decision a “huge mistake” and a “fatal mistake,” claiming that it reflects a broader failure of the UK to grasp its strategic arrangements.
10:40
Salma Ouaguira
Coming up: Starmer to give speech on capture investment plans
10:37
Salma Ouaguira
In the next few minutes, we will hear Sir Keir Starmer deliver a speech from Merseyside, unveiling the government’s plan to invest in green technologies.
Labour pledged nearly £22 billion over the next 25 years for carbon capture and storage initiatives.
Ahead of the announcement, the prime minister said: “Today’s announcement will give industry the certainty it needs – committing to 25 years of funding in this groundbreaking technology – to help deliver jobs, kickstart growth, and repair this country once and for all.”
Nigel Farage demands parliament debate on Chagos Islands
10:30
Salma Ouaguira
Parliament must have a debate and a vote on the surrender of the Chagos Islands when it returns on Monday.
— Nigel Farage MP (@Nigel_Farage) October 4, 2024
No government should be able to surrender sovereignty without debate, especially as this was not in the Labour manifesto.
Rees-Mogg: Labour risks western security with Chagos Islands handover
10:16
Salma Ouaguira
Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg has accused the Labour government of failing to take western security seriously by transferring sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius.
The former cabinet minister, who lost his seat at the general election, expressed concerns about handing over territory to a nation with which the UK has a “tricky relationship”.
The Chagos Islands, including Diego Garcia - home to a crucial US-UK military base - were British-owned since 1814 before the recent agreement aimed at resolving a long-standing dispute.
Mr Rees-Mogg argued that the decision reflects poorly Labour’s commitment to national security, particularly in light of potential Chinese interest in the region.
Speaking to GB News, he said: “We lost a legal action and therefore the government entered into talks. But interestingly, when the Conservatives were in office, as these sorts of ideas were floated, they were being heavily shot down, not least by Conservative backbenchers.
“But Labour doesn’t seem to take the security of the West seriously.”
Ministers confused over freebies after Starmer donation row
10:00
Salma Ouaguira
Ed Miliband has denied that Cabinet ministers are under pressure from Sir Keir Starmer to return donations following the freebies row that has engulfed the Labour Party in recent weeks.
On Wednesday, the prime minister attempted to draw a line under the issue by repaying £6,000 for hospitality and gifts he had received since entering Downing Street.
But one government minister told The Times there is confusion over what they can and can’t accept, accusing the prime minister of having let the row drag on.
Our political correspondent Millie Cooke has the full story below:
Reeves reveals date for maiden City speech at Mansion House
09:49
Salma Ouaguira
Chancellor Rachel Reeves is set to deliver her inaugural address at the Mansion House dinner in mid-November.
Sources from Sky News revealed that the Treasury, Bank of England, and City of London Corporation have confirmed the dinner for 14 November.
The high-profile gathering will take place just two weeks after Ms Reeves presents her first 30 October Budget, with expectations mounting for significant tax increases.
ANALYSIS | Miliband’s message of hope: A break from fiscal caution?
09:40
Salma Ouaguira
Ed Miliband has made it clear that the funds for the government’s ambitious carbon capture plans will be sourced through borrowing.
This marks a notable departure from the usual rhetoric of the current government, which typically focuses on saving rather than spending.
In recent weeks, there has been mounting concern regarding the prevailing sense of doom and gloom emanating from Labour, especially in light of the potential financial pain forecasted from the upcoming Budget on 30 October.
The Tories fear the bleak outlook could have dampened investment confidence leaving businesses apprehensive about prospects.
However, there has been a shift in tone, which was noticeable during the Labour conference speech delivered by a smiling Rachel Reeves.
Mr Miliband echoed this sentiment during the media rounds, telling Sky News: “I am in politics for change and hope, not for doom and gloom.”
Labour is still cautious about how much the minister can discuss about green investment spending, as it could somewhat conflict with the chancellor’s message for fiscal rectitude.
But it appears that the energy secretary has been granted more leeway to advocate for a greener future without the usual warnings.
Miliband signals shift towards annual EV charging point targets
09:30
Salma Ouaguira
The energy minister has opened the door to the introduction of annual targets for electric vehicle (EV) charging point installations across the UK.
Ed Miliband acknowledged the urgent need for enhanced infrastructure to support the country’s transition to greener transport.
Asked about whether an annual target was needed, Mr Miliband told broadcasters: “Happy to look at that. We’ll look at all of these things.
“We’re working on a plan across government to make sure that we have the charging infrastructure in place that we need. The country is only going in one direction which is towards EVs. Now we can either go slowly, lose out competitively and not meet our climate targets or we can do the right thing and drive forward with this.”
Starmer hails ‘groundbreaking’ green energy investment plan
09:20
Salma Ouaguira
My government has committed to funding groundbreaking carbon capture technology to help deliver jobs, kickstart growth and repair our country once and for all.
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) October 4, 2024
We are reigniting our industrial heartlands by investing in the industry of the future.
Minister condemns pay-for-access scheme, urges Labour to learn from misstep
09:10
Salma Ouaguira
The energy secretary has urged the Labour Party to refrain from offering private companies meetings with ministers in exchange for financial contributions.
Ed Miliband’s warning comes following revelations that Labour’s commercial team proposed a £30,000 package for business leaders to gain insights from business secretary Jonathan Reynolds.
Asked about his message to his party, Mr Miliband told ITV’s Good Morning Britain: “Don’t do it again is my message.”
He also defended his cabinet colleague Mr Reynolds, claiming that the minister was “completely unaware of this invitation”, adding: “He is not attending this.”
Mr Miliband also said: “The answer is – whether it is me or Jonathan Reynolds – it is not about paying to have access. That is not what we are about, no.”
He also said Sir Keir Starmer’s decision to repay £6,000 worth of donations sends “a signal” and was a “prelude” to introducing new rules on gifts for ministers.
EXCLUSIVE: Tory leader bids fail to inspire as poll shows support for Starmer
09:00
Salma Ouaguira
Keir Starmer’s lead in the polls has barely been dented after another week of criticism for the prime minister and his government over gifts and blanket coverage of the Tory leadership contest.
The latest weekly Techne UK tracker poll has revealed that Labour’s share of the vote dropped just one point to 31 per cent while the Tories gained one to 23 per cent.
Our political editor David Maddox has the full story below:
UK envoy rejects ‘hooey’ claims of Chinese base in Chagos
08:50
Salma Ouaguira
Jonathan Powell, the prime minister’s special envoy for negotiations with Mauritius, has dismissed concerns that China could establish a military base in the Chagos Islands.
In an interview with Times radio, he emphasised the close involvement of US officials in the negotiation process, claiming that “every single sentence and paragraph” of the agreement underwent scrutiny by various agencies in Washington.
Mr Powell added that the Chinese base is just “hooey”. “It can’t happen, won’t happen,” he declared.
However, Tom Tugnedhtat raised concerns that the UK’s decision to cede sovereignty over the Chagos Islands could inadvertently pave the way for China to establish a military base there.
The Tory leadership candidate claimed that while Britain retains power over Diego Garcia, the only inhabited island and home to a key US/UK airbase, Mauritius has not assured that it will refrain from leasing other islands to foreign powers - including China.
Responding to the claims, Mr Powell said: “The fact that some of the newspapers have suggested Mauritius is an ally of China – it could hardly be further from the truth. Mauritius is very, very close to India and the Indians also have welcomed this agreement because they see it as so important for security in the Indian Ocean.
“Mauritius is one of only two countries in Africa that’s not a member of China’s Belt and Road (Initiative). So this notion that we’ve somehow given the Chagos Islands to an ally of China is rubbish, and anyway, the negotiations were started by the previous Tory government.”
‘New era begins’: Ed Miliband hails Labour’s green investment plan
08:21
Salma Ouaguira
Energy secretary Ed Miliband has been doing the morning media round.
Speaking on Sky News, the minister declared that Labour’s plan to fund carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects will be a step for the UK’s green economy.
He has promised that it wi