Sir Keir Starmer has said the next election will be an “open fight” between Labour and Reform UK following figures which show an easy route for Nigel Farage into Downing Street.
Speaking at a panel at the Global Progress Action Summit, the Prime Minister said: “We’re going to face a very different election next time to any of the elections we fought in the United Kingdom for a very, very long time.
“That’s why… I want this to be out as an open fight between Labour and Reform, and I’ll be majoring on this in my conference speech next week.”
He added that his party was “battling with repairing the damage that was done under the last government which was huge” and “rebuilding in a way which embraces and takes on the battle for the soul of the country”.
It follows a new YouGov poll which suggests Reform would increase its MPs from just five to 311, making it the largest party in a hung parliament and just 15 seats short of the 326 needed for an outright majority.
Sir Keir unveiled a new digital ID held on people’s phones, an attempt to tackle illegal migration which will be free of charge and mandatory within the next four years.
"You will not be able to work in the UK if you do not have digital ID," Sir Keir said.
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Key Points
- Starmer confirms digital ID will be mandatory to work in UK
- Controversial ID card will be free of charge and in use by 2029, Starmer confirms
- Reform on brink of outright majority at next election, major new poll says
- Net international migration 'main driver' of population growth, says ONS spokesperson
- Petition against Digital ID crosses one million signature marker
'Intrusive’ digital ID cards were a flop 15 years ago – so what’s changed?
16:00
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Bryony Gooch
Rachel Reeves says if Labour can’t say kids are living better lives at the end of its time in office ‘it's probably time for someone else to take over’
15:45
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Nicole Wootton-Cane
The chancellor said that if Labour was unable to say that children from ordinary backgrounds are living richer lives at the end of its time in office "it's probably time for someone else to take over".
She told the Global Progress Action summit: "In the end, what matters is at the end of our time in office - however long we're in our jobs - at the end of it, can we say that kids from ordinary backgrounds are living richer and more fulfilled lives than we came into office?
"If you can say yes, you've done a good job, and if no, it's probably about time for someone else to take over."
Reeves says ‘trade-offs’ have made people unhappy with her performance as chancellor
15:29
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Nicole Wootton-Cane
Whitehall editor Kate Devlin reports...
The chancellor has said the "trade-offs" she had to make between tax and spend had made people "unhappy" - but insisted they were necessary to avoid a repeat of Liz Truss' mini-budget.
Speaking at the Global Progress Action summit in London, she said there was "nothing progressive about seeing interest rates go up again" because it takes money away from working people, businesses and public services.
She said she wanted to curb the spiralling cost of servicing debt, saying: "I want to reduce those costs so we can use that money to better effect."
The Chancellor told the audience: "No-one can accuse me of not accepting that there are trade-offs.
"That's why there are people who are unhappy. But if you pretend there aren't trade-offs, then we're going to go the way that Liz Truss went."
She warned that Labour would then risk being "consigned to total irrelevance, which is where the Conservatives are".
Reeves says “of course” bond markets matter in riposte to Andy Burnham
15:13
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Nicole Wootton-Cane
Kate Devlin reports...
Rachel Reeves has hit out at Andy Burnham, saying “of course” bond markets matter.
Her comments come just a day after the PM warned there was “nothing progressive about abandoning fiscal rules” as he criticised Mr Burnham’s policies in a defiant interview on Thursday.
The mayor of Greater Manchester said the UK should not be “in hock” to bond markets as he outlined measures that he believed a Labour government should pursue.
Asked about bond markets, Ms Reeves said: “Of course they matter.”
Petition against Digital ID crosses one million signature marker
15:00
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Bryony Gooch
The parliamentary petition not to implement Labour’s Digital ID plan has crossed the one million signatures marker.
The petition reads: “We demand that the UK Government immediately commits to not introducing a digital ID cards. There are reports that this is being looked at.
“We think this would be a step towards mass surveillance and digital control, and that no one should be forced to register with a state-controlled ID system. We oppose the creation of any national ID system. ID cards were scrapped in 2010, in our view for good reason.”
Rise of populism makes economic policy ‘hard’, Rachel Reeves says
14:51
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Kate Devlin, Whitehall Editor
Speaking at the same conference as Keir Starmer, the chancellor has warned the rise of populism makes economic policy ‘hard’.
She said their argument was that there are “too many migrants… and so our public services are not working”.
“That makes economic policy quite hard, because when I talk about some difficult decisions and the trade offs there are some people who will say, ‘Well, you know, actually there's some very simple things you can do - close the borders, don't let people in’”.
Ministers that would lose their seat in YouGov's latest MRP poll
14:45
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Bryony Gooch
Boost for Starmer as top aide Morgan McSweeney avoids investigation over donations
14:31
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Bryony Gooch
Lib Dems on Digital ID: 'We will fight this tooth and nail just like Blair's ID cards'
14:15
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Bryony Gooch
Responding to Keir Starmer’s speech at the Global Progress Action Summit, Liberal Democrat Leader Ed Davey said:
“Keir Starmer seems determined to lead a Government of gimmicks - that just adds to our tax bills and bureaucracy, whilst doing next to nothing to tackle channel crossings.
“Imagine if the Government devoted this much money and focus on getting GP waiting times down, or fixing social care, instead of pursuing the Labour Party’s decades long obsession with ID cards and more state control.
“It is nonsensical and the Liberal Democrats will fight against it tooth and nail - just as we successfully did against Tony Blair’s ID cards.”
Labour Together welcomes Electoral Commission's decision
14:11
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Bryony Gooch
Labour Together has welcomed the Electoral Commission’s decision not to reopen its investigation into the campaign group’s donations.
A spokesperson said: “Today, we welcome the Electoral Commission’s decision that there are no new grounds for action or investigation.
“Labour Together proactively raised concerns about its own reporting of donations to the Electoral Commission in 2020.
“The Electoral Commission’s investigation, with which Labour Together fully cooperated, was completed in 2021.
“Since then, we have taken measures to ensure Labour Together is fully compliant with all Electoral Commission regulations.”
Tories call for Electoral Commission to reopen investigation into Labour Together
14:00
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Bryony Gooch
Conservative chairman Kevin Hollinrake said the Electoral Commission’s decision not to reopen its investigation into Labour Together was “wrong” and he urged the watchdog to release all its files on Morgan McSweeney.
He said: “The Electoral Commission’s decision not to investigate McSweeney is wrong.
“The Commission must now publish all of their Morgan McSweeney files to ensure the public has full transparency.”
He added: “This is not over, we will continue to reveal more evidence and continue to push for a full investigation by the parliamentary standards commissioner into Keir Starmer.
“The British public deserve the full truth, not another cover-up, and the Conservatives will continue to fight until they get that.”
Mapped: Where Reform could win 311 seats in next election
13:45
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Bryony Gooch
Reform responds to Sir Keir Starmer's speech, says Labour is 'just continuing Tory legacy'
13:30
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Bryony Gooch
In response to the Prime Minister’s speech, Reform said the public was “waking up to the fact Starmer is just continuing the Tory legacy of high taxes and mass immigration”.
A party spokesman said: “For decades the British people have been betrayed by both Labour and the Conservatives.
“People have voted election after election for lower taxes and controlled immigration, instead both parties have done the opposite.
“The public are now waking up to the fact Starmer is just continuing the Tory legacy of high taxes and mass immigration. Britain needs Reform.”
Former Lib Dem leader Menzies Campbell dies aged 84
13:16
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Bryony Gooch
Age UK call for 'digital inclusion' steps so older people can use digital ID cards too
13:00
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Bryony Gooch
Age UK have called on the Government to step up its work around digital inclusion as it’s estimated millions may struggle to thrive in the digital world.
Caroline Abrahams CBE, Charity Director at Age UK said: "Many other similar countries already have ID cards so it's no surprise that the UK is considering following suite, but if this initiative is to be successful and fair the Government must also step up and be much more intentional about digital inclusion.
“It's not just the millions of older people who aren't internet savvy or online at all who are losing out from the rush towards digital everything, it's also the estimated 8.5 million adults of working age who struggle with reading and writing and who are unlikely to thrive in a digital world.
"This announcement about ID Cards arguably signals that we've reached a tipping point so far as the shift towards digital is concerned, though even without it that moment was drawing near. From the NHS to parking, interacting with Government services to banking, computer enabled approaches are increasingly the norm and there's no turning back.
“However, rather than an orderly transition to a new digital world we're seeing something more like the Gold Rush, with technical design that varies from the excellent to the risible and with no serious or joined up efforts to help those being cut adrift.
"There will always be some people, of all ages, who for various reasons do not use computers so there will be a continuing need to provide good offline alternatives. However, we could reduce the numbers who depend on them with a Government-led and co-ordinated programme so those who want to go online can do so.
“More fundamentally, there is a responsibility on decision-makers to ensure that everyone benefits from the advance of technology, whether they are digital natives or not. This means developing so-called 'assisted digital' approaches too.
"The sprint towards digital by default is chaotic, unfair and inefficient and it's only with Government leadership that we've any chance of getting the best from it and sharply reducing the numbers who feel totally excluded, among them millions of older people. If digital ID cards are coming this really must change."
Ex-Reform UK leader in Wales at Old Bailey accused of accepting bribes in exchange for making favourable statements about Russia in the European Parliament
12:52
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Bryony Gooch
Tony Blair think tank backs Digital IDs idea
12:41
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Bryony Gooch
Digital IDs have “too long been the most powerful tool left on the shelf”, Sir Tony Blair’s think tank said.
Alexander Iosad, director of government innovation policy at the Tony Blair Institute, said: “The Prime Minister is right to say in his speech today that we need to show people the state is on their side and make it work for them. Digital ID can and should be the gateway to this.
“The contribution digital ID can make to combating illegal migration and the criminal groups that exploit desperate people is part of this. But importantly, digital ID can do so much more for our citizens, our communities, and our country.
“Imagine being pre-approved and notified about the services, benefits or tax breaks you’re entitled to, no more lengthy forms, no waiting, no more backdating. Issues in your community reported at a tap and tracking progress on those reports with complete transparency. A new generation of public services built on fairness, control and convenience – personalised, preventative, always on.”
He continued: “It’s too long been the most powerful tool left on the shelf for this country. The public are calling for a state that works and the country to be transformed. This is the moment of opportunity to deliver it – it must not be missed.”
Next election will be 'battle for soul of this country' Starmer says as poll finds Farage on course for No 10
12:30
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Bryony Gooch
Carney tells Keir Starmer the Canadian government cut taxes for the middle class
12:27
,
Kate Devlin, Whitehall Editor
Keir Starmer has come to this conference seeking solidity with other centre left governments.
One of them is Canada, where the former Bank of England governor Mark Carney recently became PM.
But awkwardly Mr Carney’s presence served to remind Sir Keir of how different things are in other countries.
He told a panel session with the PM that one of the first things he did in power was to cut taxes for the middle classes.
But that is not an option that appears open to Sir Keir, as experts predict his canceller will have to raise taxes or rip up her financial rules in the Budget.
In pictures: Mark Carney and Sir Keir Starmer exchange nations rugby shirts ahead of the Women's Rugby World Cup
12:22
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Bryony Gooch
Breaking: Electoral Commission will not reopen investigation into undeclared donations to Labour Together
12:21
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Bryony Gooch
The Electoral Commission has found “no evidence of any other potential offences” and will not reopen the investigation into undeclared donations to Labour Together when it was led by Sir Keir Starmer’s chief of staff Morgan McSweeney, the watchdog has said.
Starmer: Next election will be 'open fight between Labour and Reform'
12:16
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Bryony Gooch
Sir Keir Starmer has said the next election will be an “open fight” between Labour and Reform UK.
The Prime Minister said: “We’re going to face a very different election next time to any of the elections we fought in the United Kingdom for a very, very long time.
“That’s why… I want this to be out as an open fight between Labour and Reform, and I’ll be majoring on this in my conference speech next week.”
He said many centre-right parties in Europe have “withered on the vine” and the same is happening in the UK.
Sir Keir said: “The choice before the electorate here of the next election is not going to be the traditional Labour versus Conservative.”
He added that his party was “battling with repairing the damage that was done under the last government which was huge” and “rebuilding in a way which embraces and takes on the battle for the soul of the country”.
Starmer says Donald Trump has a ‘profound belief’ in tariffs
12:08
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Kate Devlin, Whitehall Editor
The Prime Minister has told a panel at the Global Progress Action conference in London what when it comes to tariffs: “The fact is - they are here.”
“Trump believes in them… it is a profound belief he has … and we have to react to that,” he added.
Starmer criticises at 'politics of predatory grievance' on problems of working class people
12:00
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Bryony Gooch
Sir Keir Starmer condemned the “politics of predatory grievance” which he said was “preying on the problems of working people”.
The Prime Minister told the Global Progress Action summit in London: “The way I see it, this is the defining political choice of our times – a politics of predatory grievance, preying on the problems of working people, and using that infrastructure of division, against the politics of patriotic renewal, rooted in communities, building up (a) country brick, by brick, by brick, from the bottom up.”
More than 800,000 sign petition against Digital ID cards
11:50
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Bryony Gooch
A petition against Sir Keir Starmer’s recently announced Digital ID cards has now got more than 800,000 signatures.
The petition reads: We demand that the UK Government immediately commits to not introducing a digital ID cards. There are reports that this is being looked at.
“We think this would be a step towards mass surveillance and digital control, and that no one should be forced to register with a state-controlled ID system. We oppose the creation of any national ID system. ID cards were scrapped in 2010, in our view for good reason.”
Liberal Democrats pay tribute to Sir Menzies Campbell, who has died aged 84
11:45
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Bryony Gooch
Liberal Democrat Leader Ed Davey has paid tribute to Ming Campbell, former leader of the Liberal Democrats, who has died aged 84.
“With a parliamentary career spanning five decades, Ming Campbell was a dedicated public servant, a tireless champion for Fife, St Andrews and the UK, and a true Liberal giant.
“He was the Liberal Democrat spokesperson on foreign affairs when the world changed on 9/11, and his principled leadership opposing the Iraq War was a mark of his morality, courage and wisdom. He spoke up for what was right, even when it was hard.
“Like so many of us, I benefitted greatly from Ming’s advice and guidance over the many years we worked closely together. But more than that, he was an incredibly warm and caring friend and colleague, with such generosity and humour.
“Ming was always great company - whether talking about sport with the authority of a captain of Britain’s athletics team and a British 100m record-holder, or asking about you and your family, when he would always pass on kind thoughts from his wife, Elspeth - his rock.
“All of us in the Liberal Democrat family and beyond will miss him terribly. Our thoughts are with all who loved him.”
Starmer says he is in a battle with Reform ‘for the soul of this country’
11:40
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Bryony Gooch
Speaking at a conference in London, the Labour leader said the UK was at a “crossroads”, reports Kate Devlin, Whitehall Editor.
He said that, with Reform, there was now a “right wing proposition we have not had in this country before … the battle of our times is between patriotic national renewal … versus something which is turning into a toxic divide”.
He pointed to the march in London last week, which he said had sent “shivers” down the spine of many communities.
He says there “is a battle for the soul of this country now, what country do we want to be”.
Former Liberal Democrats leader's life celebrated in family tribute
11:32
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Bryony Gooch
The Liberal Democrats have announced the death of Menzies Campbell, Lord Campbell of Pittenweem, the former Leader of the Liberal Democrats.
His grandson, Gregor Grant-Suttie, has said: “Ming achieved a lot through his life, across sport, law and politics. But the myriad of accolades and awards he collected in his professional life paled in comparison to his achievements as a husband, father figure, grandfather, and friend.
“He was a rare breed of Scotsman whose contribution and ideas spanned so much further than his home country's borders; his level of thinking around issues that were international, particularly around defence, gave Scotland the ability to be extremely proud of one of their own, whose ideas were so much larger than narrowly focused UK politics.
“He was of a generation where hard work and improving oneself through education were prioritised, while the modern day notion of relative standards versus others was alien to him - in every step of his life he only ever compared himself against his own exceptionally high standards.”
Sir Keir Starmer's keynote speech has finished. Here are the key takeaways:
11:31
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Bryony Gooch
Sir Keir Starmer has finished giving his speech at the Global Progress Action Summit. Here are the key takeaways:
- He confirmed digital ID will be mandatory to work in the UK.
- The digital ID will be free for all and implemented by 2029.
- He criticised populist “lies”, calling for “social democrats to confront directly some of the challenges and some of the lies, frankly, that have taken root in our societies.”
Controversial ID card will be free of charge and in use by 2029, Starmer confirms
11:21
,
Kate Devlin, Whitehall Editor
Keir Starmer says a new digital ID will be free of charge as well as mandatory within the next four years, by 2029.
“You will not be able to work in the UK if you do not have digital ID," he says.
Watch: Digital ID to be compulsory to have but not to show, Lisa Nandy says
11:20
,
Bryony Gooch
Starmer confirms digital ID will be mandatory to work in UK
11:18
,
Bryony Gooch
Sir Keir Starmer has made a long-awaited announcement at the Global Progress Action Summit to confirm mandatory Digital ID in the UK.
The prime minister warned “we do need to know who is in our country”.
Unveiling the announcement, Sir Keir said "you will not be able to work in the United Kingdom if you do not have digital ID".
But the idea of an ID card has already proven controversial - amid a row over civil liberties, says Kate Devlin, Whitehall Editor.
Starmer says global leaders have to stand up against populist ‘lies’
11:16
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Kate Devlin, Whitehall Editor
The Prime Minister said: "I don't accept that argument that somehow our politics is dying out, but I do accept that it is now time for social democrats to confront directly some of the challenges and some of the lies, frankly, that have taken root in our societies.
“Because we don't just hear these stories about our politics. We also hear stories about our own countries, our communities, our cities that simply do not match the reality that we see around us."
Starmer makes the case for social democracy
11:15
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Bryony Gooch
Sir Keir Starmer has issued a passionate rallying call to “take on the lies” of populism, says Politics Editor David Maddox.
The eve of Labour conference speech to international social democratic parties is his first big fightback against the surge of Nigel Farage and Reform UK.
The prime minister unashamedly insisted that Labour and other social democratic parties “need to stand up for our values” of “decency and honesty.
”He tells them that the populists use “predatory grievance” against their “patriotic progressive” politics.
He warned that parties like Reform will use division to bolster their support.
But he admits that parties like Labour “need to deliver renewal” and admits “it needs to be more than managerial politics.”
Starmer celebrates centre-left politics at Global Progress Action summit
11:12
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Bryony Gooch
Sir Keir Starmer told the Global Progress Action summit “we are in an era of huge challenge” amid suggestions that centre-left politics is “dying out”.
In a keynote speech, the Prime Minister said: “This is a gathering of people bound by a common cause.
“The patriotic renewal of our nations that is underpinned by the values of dignity and respect, equality and fairness, and the belief that social democratic means are the best way to pursue that goal.
“But it’s also a room that puts aid to a story we often hear in the press these days, that somehow our politics is dying out.
“And yes, we are in an era of huge challenge, but we can take heart when we look around the world, in fact we only need to look around this room.”
He cited other leaders including Spanish premier Pedro Sanchez and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, adding: “I’d say centre-left parties are having quite a year so far.”
In pictures: Starmer and Carney shake hands during bilateral meeting at 2025 Global Progress Action Summit
11:10
,
Bryony Gooch
Keir Starmer says he “take heart” from other centre left governments around the world
11:08
,
Bryony Gooch
After a difficult year for the new Labour government “we can take heart when we look around the world”, the PM told a conference in London.
Kate Devlin, The Independent’s Whitehall Editor, said he pointed to Mark Carney who stormed to victory in Canada early this year.
He said his brand of politics was having “quite a year so far”.
But he added: “I do accept it is now time for social democrats to confront some of the challenges and some of the lies” that have taken root.
In pictures: Keir Starmer arrives to give keynote speech
11:03
,
Bryony Gooch
Sir Keir Starmer has just stepped up to the podium at the Global Progress Action Summit, where he's expected to give more detail about plans to introduce digital ID.
Stay tuned for the top lines.
Mayor of London thinks Andy Burnham has raised 'legitimate concerns' about Starmer leadership
11:00
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Bryony Gooch
Andy Burnham has raised “legitimate concerns” about Sir Keir Starmer’s leadership, the mayor of London has said.
Speaking on an LBC phone-in show on Friday, Sir Sadiq Khan said: “I think Andy’s raising legitimate concerns he has, and, you know, he’s entitled to do so.”
Asked by presenter James O’Brien whether Mr Burnham was going further than that and manoeuvring for leadership of the Labour Party, Sir Sadiq said that was “your characterisation”.
He added: “I think we’ve got 400 MPs, so it won’t be a surprise to anybody that there may be a small minority not happy with the leadership.
“I’m going to conference next week, and the joy of conference when Labour is in Government far outweighs any concerns people may have.”
Sir Sadiq said he had no intention of running for any other job in politics himself.
Incoming: Starmer set to make keynote speech at Global Progress Action conference
10:57
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Bryony Gooch
We’re in central London, waiting for prime minister Sir Keir Starmer to make his keynote speech at the Global Progress Action conference.
The prime minister is set to give his speech at 11am today. Whitehall editor Kate Devlin will share more from the summit.
Labour in crisis? Join live Q&A with chief political commentator John Rentoul to dissect Starmer’s future
10:54
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Bryony Gooch
Carney praises Starmer's leadership in 'coalition of the willing'
10:51
,
Bryony Gooch
Mark Carney gave Sir Keir Starmer a strong show of support, telling him: “I want to salute your leadership” as the two premiers exchanged gifts of Canadian and English rugby shirts.
The Canadian prime minister highlighted security co-operation between the UK and Canada before adding: “But I also want to salute your leadership, Keir.
“In Ukraine, in the coalition of the willing, in the Middle East, more broadly in this next phase of multilaterals.”
He joked the Women’s Rugby World Cup final would be a “great match” on which they would have to “agree to disagree” as the pair met for bilateral talks on the sides of the Global Progress Action summit.
Sir Keir then presented Mr Carney with Red Roses rugby shirt while his Canadian counterpart presented him with a signed Canadian women’s rugby shirt.
Badenoch: 'Digital ID gimmick won't stop the boats'
10:45
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Bryony Gooch
Leader of the opposition Kemi Badenoch has criticised Sir Keir Starmer’s plans for a digital ID card as part of his plans to curb illegal immigration.
“Labour’s ‘Digital ID’ gimmick won’t stop the boats. It’s a desperate distraction from their scandals. We won’t back any system that makes ID mandatory for British citizens. Only Conservatives have a real plan to secure our borders”, she said on X.
Labour’s “Digital ID” gimmick won’t stop the boats. It’s a desperate distraction from their scandals.
— Kemi Badenoch (@KemiBadenoch) September 26, 2025
We won’t back any system that makes ID mandatory for British citizens.
Only Conservatives have a real plan to secure our borders.
https://t.co/E73aJgdMIg pic.twitter.com/xcuHJr8OqO
Starmer hails 'strength of personal relationship' with Canada PM Carney
10:38
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Bryony Gooch
Sir Keir Starmer hailed the “strength of our personal relationship” as he welcomed Mark Carney to a bilateral meeting on the sides of the Global Progress Action summit in London.
The
