Sir Keir Starmer has warned that a two-state solution is “the only viable long-term route through” the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, as he said Britain’s thoughts are with the Jewish people on the anniversary of the 7 October attacks.
In a speech to the House of Commons, the prime minister called for an end to the “living nightmare” Palestinians are enduring, and vowed to use the “power of diplomacy” to try to minimise suffering on the ground, as he urged Israel to renew efforts for a ceasefire and called for more relief for civilians.
He took aim at Iran, saying the launching of 200 ballistic missiles at Israel last week “exposes, once again, Iran’s malign role in the region”.
His speech comes as David Lammy sought to reassure MPs the Falkland Islands and Gibraltar are “not up for negotiation” amid backlash over his decision to hand the Chagos Islands over to Mauritius.
The Foreign Secretary told the Commons: “I want to reassure the House and all members of the UK family worldwide that this agreement does not signal any change in policy to Britain’s other overseas territories.”
Key Points
- PM marks anniversary of 7 October in House of Commons speech
- PM says two-state solution must be ultimate goal
- Starmer does not have a ‘woman problem’, says Downing Street
- Sue Gray accused of ‘control freaky’ and blamed for No 10 chaos
- Delaying Budget was ‘miscalculation’, warns Alastair Campbell
- Starmer’s government ‘completely lost grip’, says John McTernan
Mel Stride backs James Cleverly as next Tory leader
19:45
Athena Stavrou
Mel Stride has backed James Cleverly to be the next Tory leader.
The ex-work and pensions secretary, who is now shadowing his former Cabinet role, was eliminated from the Conservative leadership contest in the second round.
Mr Stride posted on X, formerly Twitter: “The Conservative Party needs to rebuild trust on economic competence, cutting migration and reforming public services. Strong, clear and measured. James has what it takes.”
Former party chairman and foreign and home secretary Mr Cleverly was the “standout candidate” at the Conservative Party conference last week when the four remaining leadership hopefuls set out their pitches to members, Mr Stride wrote in The Telegraph.
“We need a leader who both gets the need for the rapid reform of our party machine but who can also reach across the party and appeal to our broad base.
“Someone who has experience in government, the party, and is an effective communicator,” he wrote.
The Conservative Party needs to rebuild trust on economic competence, cutting migration and reforming public services.
— Mel Stride (@MelJStride) October 7, 2024
Strong, clear and measured. James has what it takes.
Read why I’m backing @JamesCleverly https://t.co/Ko6ENSZ6le
Corbyn calls government to apologise to displaced Chagossian people
18:57
Athena Stavrou
Former Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn has called for the British Government to formally apologise for the forced removal of the Chagossian people from the Chagos Islands in the 1960s and 1970s.
Mr Corbyn, who sits as an independent MP and has been a longstanding campaigner on the issue, said when he was Labour leader that he would give the Chagos Islands to Mauritius.
He told the Commons on Monday: “Will the Foreign Secretary take this opportunity to recognise that what happened to the Chagossian people in the 1960s and 1970s was abominable, abusive, illegal and disgraceful, and many of them lived in poverty for many years after that in the Seychelles and in Mauritius?”
Mr Corbyn asked the Government to pay tribute to the Chagossians who had campaigned for a return to the islands. He added: “An apology is due to the Chagossian people for the way that they were treated.”
He went on to ask Foreign Secretary David Lammy whether they would be able to return to Diego Garcia, now the site of a UK and US military base.
Mr Lammy replied: “In relation to whether they will have the right to visit Diego Garcia, I have got to tell him that they will not have such a right under this treaty.
“Any resettlement or visits will be to the outer islands.”
Labour says Falklands and Gibraltar ‘not up for negotiation’ amid Chagos Islands backlash
18:37
Athena Stavrou
David Lammy sought to reassure MPs that the deal with Mauritius “does not signal any change in policy to Britain’s other overseas territories”.
The Foreign Secretary told the Commons: “I want to reassure the House and all members of the UK family worldwide that this agreement does not signal any change in policy to Britain’s other overseas territories.
“British sovereignty on the Falkland Islands, Gibraltar and the sovereign base areas, is not up for negotiation. The situations are not comparable.
“This has been acknowledged across our overseas territories. Fabian Picardo, chief minister for Gibraltar, vocally supported this agreement, stating that there is no possible read across to Gibraltar on the issues of sovereignty.
“And similarly, the governor of the Falklands has confirmed that the historic context of the Chagos islands and Falklands are very different.
“The Government remains firmly committed to modern partnerships with our overseas territories based on mutual consent.
“After Mauritius’ elections, the Government will move towards treaty signature, and it is then our intention to pursue ratification in 2025 by submitting the treaty and the Bill to this House for scrutiny.
“This is a historic moment, a victory for diplomacy. We saved the base. We secured Britain’s national interest for the long term.”
Giving up Chagos Islands ‘strengthens UK position on Ukraine’, says Lammy
18:01
Andy Gregory
Giving up sovereignty over the Chagos Islands “strengthens our arguments when it comes to issues like Ukraine”, David Lammy has said.
He told the Commons: “Under the previous government, there were 11 rounds of negotiations, the last one held just weeks before the general election was called, so in July this government inherited unfinished business where the threat was real and inaction was not a strategy.”
Mr Lammy added: “Inaction posed several acute risks to the United Kingdom. First, it threatened the UK-US base from countering malign Iranian activity in the Middle East to ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific.
“It’s critical for our national security. Without surety of tenure, no base can operate effectively nor truly deter our enemies. Critical investment decisions were already being delayed.
“Second, it impacted on our relationship with the United States who neither wanted nor welcomed the legal uncertainty and strongly encouraged us to strike a deal. I am a trans-Atlanticist. We had to protect this important relationship.
“And third, it undermined our international standing where showing what we mean is what we say on international law and our desire for partnerships with the Global South. This strengthens our arguments when it comes to issues like Ukraine or the South China Sea.”
British sovereignty on Falklands ‘not up for negotiation’, says Lammy
17:59
Andy Gregory
David Lammy has sought to reassure MPs that the deal with Mauritius to relinquish sovereignty over the Chagos Islands “does not signal any change in policy to Britain’s other overseas territories”.
The foreign secretary said: “I want to reassure the House and all members of the UK family worldwide that this agreement does not signal any change in policy to Britain’s other overseas territories.
“British sovereignty on the Falkland Islands, Gibraltar and the sovereign base areas, is not up for negotiation. The situations are not comparable.
“This has been acknowledged across our overseas territories. Fabian Picardo, chief minister for Gibraltar, vocally supported this agreement, stating that there is no possible read across to Gibraltar on the issues of sovereignty.
“And similarly, the governor of the Falklands has confirmed that the historic context of the Chagos islands and Falklands are very different.
“The government remains firmly committed to modern partnerships with our overseas territories based on mutual consent.
“After Mauritius’ elections, the government will move towards treaty signature, and it is then our intention to pursue ratification in 2025 by submitting the treaty and the Bill to this House for scrutiny.
“This is a historic moment, a victory for diplomacy. We saved the base. We secured Britain’s national interest for the long term.”
Lammy says Chagos Islands deal is ‘strongly backed’ by US
17:55
Andy Gregory
Foreign Secretary David Lammy told MPs that the deal to relinquish sovereignty over the Chagos Islands is “strongly supported by partners” and recognises the “wrongs of the past”.
He told MPs: “It is strongly supported by partners, with President Biden going so far as to applaud our achievement. Within minutes of the announcement, Secretary Blinken and Secretary Austin have also backed this successful outcome, which reaffirms our special defence relationship.”
“This agreement will be underpinned by a financial settlement that’s acceptable to both sides. Members will be aware the government does not normally reveal payments for our military base overseas, and so it would be inappropriate to publicise further details of these arrangements at this stage.
“The agreement also recognises the rights and wrongs of the past. The whole House would agree that the manner in which Chagossians were forcibly removed in the 1960s was deeply wrong and regrettable.
“Mauritius is now free to implement a resettlement programme to islands other than Diego Garcia.
“The United Kingdom and Mauritius have also committed to support Chagossians welfare, establishing an entrust fund capitalised by the UK and providing additional government support to Chagossians in the UK and the UK will maintain the pathway for Chagossians to obtain British citizenship.”
Tory MP says ‘not true’ as Lammy sets out ‘context’ of Chagos Islands deal
17:40
Andy Gregory
Tom Tugendhat repeated the words “not true” as David Lammy set out the “context” to the United Kingdom’s decision to relinquish sovereignty over the Chagos Islands.
The Conservative Party leadership hopeful repeated the phrase from the opposition benches as Mr Lammy told the Commons: “Since its creation, the territory and the joint UK-US military base on Diego Garcia has had a contested existence. In recent years, the threat has risen significantly.
“Coming into office, the status quo was clearly not sustainable. A binding judgment against the UK seemed inevitable and it was just a matter of time before our only choices would’ve been abandoning the base altogether or breaking international law.”
Lammy hails ‘historic’ Chagos Islands deal
17:04
Andy Gregory
Foreign secretary David Lammy is now speaking to MPs about the UK government’s deal to hand the Chagos Islands to Mauritius.
Amid a backlash over the decision, Mr Lammy began by calling Thursday’s announcement “historic” and said it came after two years of negotiations “and decades of disagreement”.
He added that the treaty “is neither signed nor ratified” yet, but that formal negotiations have concluded.
Starmer asked to confirm UK will not be involved in Israeli response to Iran missile attack
16:59
Andy Gregory
Stephen Flynn of the SNP has asked Sir Keir Starmer to confirm that there “will be no British involvement – be that personnel, facilities or airbases – in any Israeli response” to Iran’s “abhorrent” attack on Israel last week.
Sir Keir replied: “I thank him for his question. I’m not – and he will understand – going in to details on the floor of the House as to our capabilities.
“But he will know that the involvement so far, for example in relation to the attack in April, was in relation to Israel’s self-defence when missiles were raining in on Israel. That is the support that we did provide and would always be prepared to provide.”
Britain must do ‘all it can’ to prevent wider war in Middle East, says Ed Davey
16:39
Andy Gregory
Britain must do “all it can” to prevent a wider war in the Middle East, Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey has said.
Responding to the PM’s statement on the anniversary of the 7 October attacks, Sir Ed said: “We must never forget the trauma of the hostages and their families.
“In Tel Aviv, I met Itzik Horn, a father still praying for his two sons Gair and Eitan to come home,” he said, adding that everything must be done to ensure everyone takes the steps most likely to get the hostages home quickly and safely.
He added: “The last year has seen terrible violence in the Middle East, a humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza and an appalling spike in hate crimes here in the UK, so we must stand firm against antisemitism [and] Islamophobia.
“We must press for an immediate bilateral ceasefire to end the terrible cycle of violence and bring about lasting peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians, and we must do all we can to prevent a regional war in the Middle East.”
He continued: “I hope the government will try to convince Israel that keeping her citizens safe and secure is best achieved by restraint, not retaliation, and the risk of regional war.”
Sir Keir Starmer replied: “The messaging is very much de-escalation across the region.”
Labour reshuffle: Who’s in and out after Sue Gray resigns
16:30
Salma Ouaguira
Sue Gray has resigned as Sir Keir Starmer’s chief of staff, saying that “intense commentary” around her position had become a “distraction”.
The special adviser became a household name in 2022 when she headed a report into the Partygate scandal, criticising Boris Johnson and the Conservative government of the time.
Ms Gray was given the influential position of Downing Street chief when Labour came into power in July. However, her resignation means she will have held the role for less than 100 days.
You can read the full story below:
Zarah Sultana urges Starmer to ban all arms sales to Israel
16:20
Salma Ouaguira
Suspended Labour MP Zarah Sultana has pushed Sir Keir Starmer to ban “all sales to Israel” following his statement on the anniversary of 7 October.
The MP for Coventry South said: “In light of Israel’s genocidal assault in Gaza, the violence in the West Bank and the invasion of Lebanon, I ask the prime minister if he believes that Israel right to self-defence justifies a death toll, which according to research by US medical professionals in Gaza, has now surpassed a 180,000.”
She then asked: “Will he do what is morally and legally right by ending the government complicity in war crimes by banning all arm sales to Israel including F-35 fighter jets not just 30 licenses, yes or no?”
Sir Keir bluntly responded: “No. Banning all sales would mean none for defensive purposes.”
Ms Sultana has been a fierce critic of the prime minister, not only on Israel’s war in Palestine. She was suspended after voting against her party leader on winter fuel payment cuts.
Starmer condemns Iran’s ‘malign role’ in Middle East
16:18
Andy Gregory
Sir Keir Starmer said attacks on Israel expose Iran’s “malign role” in the Middle East, as he reiterated calls for British citizens to leave Lebanon.
In a statement to the Commons, the Prime Minister said: “We support Israel’s right to defend herself against Iran’s aggression, in line with international law, because let’s be very clear, this was not a defensive action by Iran, it was an act of aggression and a major escalation in response to the death of a terrorist leader.
“It exposes, once again, Iran’s malign role in the region: they helped equip Hamas for the seventh of October attacks, they armed Hezbollah, who launched a year-long barrage of rockets on northern Israel, forcing 60,000 Israelis to flee their homes, and they support the Houthis, who mount direct attacks on Israel and continue to attack international shipping.”
He added: “I say again, an important message to British citizens still in Lebanon, you must leave now.”
More than 430 Britons have left Lebanon on chartered flights, PM says
16:17
Andy Gregory
Sir Keir Starmer said more than 430 British citizens had been brought out of Lebanon on chartered flights so far, as he pledged to lead calls for a “political plan” in Lebanon.
He told the Commons: “In the weeks ahead, we will continue this work focused on three areas: firstly, Lebanon, where our immediate priority is the safety of British citizens, our team is on the ground helping to get people out.
“We have already brought over 430 people home on chartered flights, and we stand ready with additional evacuation efforts as necessary.”
“We will continue to lead calls for an immediate ceasefire and the return to a political plan for Lebanon based on security council resolution 1701 which requires Hezbollah to withdraw north of Litani River. They must stop firing rockets and end this now so that people on both sides of the border can return to their homes,” he added.
Sir Keir also urged Israel to allow more aid into Gaza: “The ongoing restrictions on aid are impossible to justify. Israel must open more crossings.”
He added: “Crucially, they must provide a safe haven for aid workers. Too many have been killed, including three British citizens. Israel must act now so that, together with our allies, we can surge humanitarian support ahead of the winter.”
Starmer vows to use ‘power of diplomacy’ to minimise suffering in Middle East
16:16
Andy Gregory
Sir Keir Starmer has pledged to use the “power of diplomacy” to “minimise the suffering on the ground” in the Middle East.
Concluding his statement to the Commons on the anniversary of Hamas’s attack on Israel, Sir Keir said: “Nobody in this House can truly imagine what it feels like to cower under the bodies of your friends hoping a terrorist won’t find you, mere minutes after dancing at a music festival.
“Nobody in this House can truly imagine seeing your city, your homes, your schools, your hospitals, your businesses obliterated, with your neighbours and family buried underneath.
“It is beyond our comprehension, and with that should come a humility. It is hard even to understand the full depth of this pain, but what we can do is remember. What we can do is respect and listen to the voices that reach out to us at these moments.
“And what we can do is use the power of diplomacy to try and find practical steps that minimise the suffering on the ground and work towards that long-term solution so that a year of this terrible and bloody conflict can never happen again.”
Keir Starmer pressed on two-state solution
16:10
Salma Ouaguira
The House of Commons has echoed Sir Keir Starmer’s statement about the situation in the Middle East and the 7 October attack.
But Labour MP Clive Betts pressed the prime minister over comments from Benjamin Netanyahu saying he does not accept the two-state solution as a goal.
In response, Sir Keir said it was important to be ‘“very clear” that the two-state solution was “the only viable long-term route through this conflict”.
Sunak responds to Starmer’s speech
16:02
Salma Ouaguira
Rishi Sunak has responded from Sir Keir Starmer’s statement from the oppostion.
The Tory leader paid tribute to the hostages in Gaza and their families and welcomed the prime minister’s efforts to evacuate Brits trapped in Lebanon.
Starmer says two-state solution must be ultimate goal
15:57
Salma Ouaguira
The prime minister has urged Israel to renew effors for a ceasefire in Gaza, Palestine.
He called for more relief for civilians, claiming that ongoing restrictions on age are “impossible to justify”.
Sir Keir Starmer added: “Crucially, they must provide a safe haven for aid workers. Too many have been killed, including three British citizens. Israel must act now so that, together with our allies, we can surge humanitarian support ahead of the winter.”
He also urged for long-term solutions and championed for a two-state solution as the ultimate goal.
“That is what MPs have done, and what the government will continue to do,” he said.
PM: We stand with all communities against hatred
15:50
Salma Ouaguira
Sir Keir Starmer has declared his commitment to “stand against hatred” towards religious communities in the UK.
He told the Commons: “We stand with all communities here in the United Kingdom against hatred of Jews and Muslims.
“Because any attack on a minority is an attack on our pride values of tolerance and respect and we will not stand for it.”
Pictured: Theresa May attends Women of the Year Lunch
15:40
Salma Ouaguira
Sir Keir Starmer speaks at the House of Commons
15:37
Salma Ouaguira
The prime minister has started his statement by marking the first anniversary of the attacks on 7 October.
“Our thoughts today are with the Jewish people around the world and those in the United Kingdom,” he said.
“The human toll among innocent civilians in Gaza is truly devastating. Over 41,000 Palestinians have been killed, tens of thousands orphaned, almost two million displaced facing disease starvation and desperation without proper care.”
He added: “We stand with all innocent victims in Israel, Gaza, West Bank, Lebanon and beyond.”
Watch live: Starmer says UK must ‘stand with Jewish community’ as he marks October 7 anniversary
15:35
Salma Ouaguira
Liz Kendall unveils 31 DWP reports that were ‘sat on’ by the Tories
15:35
Salma Ouaguira
The work and pensions secretary has just announced that her department has revealed 31 reports she says were commissioned under the Tories’ administration.
The minister told the Commons that the results were “sat on” because Rishi Sunak’s government did not want to release them to the public.
You can find a list of all the reports out on the website of the Department for Work and Pensions.
Tories claim Labour’s winter fuel cuts will lead to ‘premature deaths’
15:31
Salma Ouaguira
Means testing the winter fuel allowance could lead to premature deaths, shadow work and pensions secretary Mel Stride has suggested.
The former minister told the House of Commons: “In the general election the party opposite promised that it had no plans to means test the winter fuel allowance and yet we learn that millions of pensioners (are) to be affected.
“Indeed, in 2017 her own party produced an analysis suggesting that around 4,000 pensioners would die prematurely, were this policy to be brought into effect. Does (Ms Kendall) standby that figure of around 4,000, if not, how many premature deaths does she believe will occur as a result of this policy?”
Work and pensions secretary Liz Kendall replied: “In 2017 his party’s manifesto promised to means test winter fuel payments.
“So I would just say to (Mr Stride) until party members opposite know that they have to apologise to the British people for the 200,000 extra pensioners in poverty over the last 14 years, and for a £22 billion black hole in the public finances, which we are now putting right, which has put the public finances at risk, they will remain on those seats and we will remain on these.”
Mr Stride then disputed the claim that 200,000 more pensioners are in poverty, with Ms Kendall responding: “There are 200,000 more pensioners in poverty and I am happy to put those figures in the public debate, to set the record straight on that.”
According to the Institute of Fiscal Studies, the number of poor pensioners fell from 18 per cent in 2019 to 16 per cent in 2022. But the proportion of pensioners unable to afford key material items rose from six per cent to eight per cent over the same period.
Those who could not afford to heat their homes rose from two per cent to five per cent under the Tories over the same years.
Farage U-turns on claim he was told not to hold face-to-face surgeries over security concerns
15:25
Salma Ouaguira
Nigel Farage has U-turned on his claim that he was told not to hold the face-to-face meetings with voters as a result of security concerns in his Essex constituency.
The Reform UK leader found himself at the centre of a row after parliamentary sources disputed the suggestion he was given such advice from security teams, given it would interfere with his democratic duties.
When asked on Monday, “which one of you is lying” - in reference to conflicting claims from himself and parliamentary sources - the Reform UK leader responded: “The Speaker’s Office is always right.”
Our political correspondent Millie Cooke has the full story below:
Labour MP ‘really worried’ about winter fuel cuts impact on pensioners
15:20
Salma Ouaguira
A Labour MP has said she is “really worried” about pensioners as the government ploughs ahead with its plans to means-test the winter fuel allowance.
Speaking in the Commons, Rachael Maskell for York Central said: “We are really, really worried now, as winter is approaching, about the impact this is going to have, particularly on the health of older people.
“Will she look at the work that has been done by Energy Systems Catapult and NHS Gloucestershire in social prescribing to ensure that people can receive energy payments that way?”
Work and pensions secretary Liz Kendall replied: “I am determined to bring forward the merger of housing benefit and pension credit, which the former government delayed for years.
“And I very much agree with the need to bring together social prescribing, help from the household support fund, and other areas, to make sure pensioners get all the help they need.”
Who is Morgan McSweeney? The Labour election guru replacing Sue Gray as chief of staff
15:10
Salma Ouaguira
Labour election guru Morgan McSweeney will take over as Sir Keir Starmer’s chief of staff after Sue Gray quit.
McSweeney is the creative intelligence behind Starmer’s success, first in winning the leadership of the Labour Party and then in winning a huge election victory in the country. It makes sense to have him at the top of the political side of No 10, writes Jabed Ahmed.
Coming up: Keir Starmer and David Lammy to deliver statements in parliament
15:00
Salma Ouaguira
MPs are currently putting questions to work and pensions secretary Liz Kendall, who is being quizzed over Labour’s plan to cut winter fuel payments for pensioners.
Her statement will be followed by a statement from Sir Keir Starmer on the 7 October anniversary and the conflicts in the Middle East.
We will then hear from the foreign secretary David Lammy, who will be grilled over the recent Chagos Island deal with Mauritius.
COMMENT | Why a reshuffle of Starmer’s inner circle will put No 10 back on track
14:45
Salma Ouaguira
The prime minister has toughened his defences against a right-wing press vendetta against him, writes John Rentoul:
In pictures: Pensioners protest against winter fuel payment in Westminster
14:41
Salma Ouaguira
No 10 rules out giving away Falkland Islands and Gibraltar
14:25
Salma Ouaguira
Downing Street has insisted the deal to give up sovereignty over the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) was due to the “unsustainable” legal position and had no impact on other disputed territories including the Falkland Islands and Gibraltar.
The prime minister’s official spokesman would not be drawn on the cost to the UK taxpayer of the deal which will see Mauritius being given sovereignty over the islands, with a 99-year agreement to secure the strategically important UK-US military base on Diego Garcia.
The spokesman said: “The government inherited a situation where the long-term secure operation of the military base at Diego Garcia was under threat with contested sovereignty and legal challenges, including through various international courts and tribunals.
“You will be aware that the previous government initiated sovereignty negotiations in 2022 and conducted a number of rounds of negotiations. This government picked up those negotiations and has reached an agreement, which means that for the first time in over 50 years, the base will be undisputed, legally secure, with full Mauritian backing.”
Asked why the BIOT should not be seen as a precedent for other sovereignty disputes such as the Falklands and Gibraltar, the spokesman said: “It’s a unique situation based on its unique history and circumstances, and has no bearing on other overseas territories.”
The spokesman added: “British sovereignty of the Falkland Islands or Gibraltar is not up for negotiation.”
Average UK house price ‘just shy of record high’ in September
14:10
Salma Ouaguira
House prices increased by 0.3 per cent month-on-month in September, matching a rise seen in August, Halifax said.
Year-on-year price growth ran at 4.7 per cent, the strongest rate since November 2022.
The average house price was £293,399, just shy of a record high of £293,507 set in June 2022.
ICYMI: Starmer under pressure as Labour big beasts warn he has ‘lost grip’
13:55
Salma Ouaguira
Sir Keir Starmer is under growing pressure as Labour heavyweights warned he has lost his grip on the political narrative, after he was forced to accept the resignation of his chief of staff over the weekend.
Sue Gray resigned from her position after weeks of reported tensions in Number 10.
Labour grandee Baroness Harriet Harman has said the turmoil that culminated in her resignation has been “uncomfortable” for the prime minister, warning that nobody wants to see political infighting on the front pages of newspapers.
Our political correspondent Millie Cooke has the full story below:
Starmer does not have a ‘woman problem’, says Downing Street
13:40
Salma Ouaguira
Downing Street has rejected suggestions that Sir Keir Starmer has a “woman problem” after he replaced his chief of staff Sue Gray with Morgan McSweeney.
The prime minister was accused by Rosie Duffield of “having a problem with women” after sensationally quitting the Labour Party over his “greed”.
Asked whether the Canterbury MP was right to have said the prime minister has a problem with women given the most senior woman behind the scenes had been stood aside with a man taking over her role, his spokesman said: “I wouldn’t accept that characterisation at all.”
On whether Sir Keir believed journalists were “scumbags” after a report in The Times suggested Ms Gray used the term to refer to some members of the press, the spokesman said: “I’m not going to get into unsourced briefings.”
No 10 rejects suggestions Sue Gray will clash with ministers in new role
13:25
Salma Ouaguira
Downing Street rejected suggestions that Sue Gray might clash with cabinet ministers for the devolved nations in her new role as envoy.
Asked whether there was a risk of Ms Gray’s new position clashing with those of the secretaries of state for Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, the prime minister’s official spokesman said: “No, no, not at all.
“They will work constructively and collaboratively within the existing set-up.”
It comes after top aides accused the former partygate investigator of alienating her colleagues during her time in Downing Street.
Pictured: Keir Starmer walks into Downing Street
13:07
Salma Ouaguira
No 10 refuses to say whether Sue Gray was sacked or resigned
13:00
Salma Ouaguira
Downing Street has tried to further clarify the fallout from the departure of Sue Gray.
Sir Keir Starmer wants to ensure he had “the right structures in place going forward to deliver change for the country,” Downing Street said when asked whether Sue Gray was sacked.
No 10 was pressed on whether the right structures had not been in place in Downing Street following Ms Gray’s departure.
A spokesman said: “I think it’s right to reflect on the first weeks and months in office to ensure that you do have the right structures in place going forward to deliver change for the country and as the prime minister said the appointments he’s made will strengthen the Downing Street operation and demonstrate his determination to deliver the change that the country voted for.”
Lunchtime bulletin
12:43
Salma Ouaguira
Labour ministers have marked the first anniversary of the 7 October attack by Hamas which triggered Israel’s ongoing striking in Palestine.
- Sir Keir Starmer has declared “we must unequivocally stand with the Jewish community” as he marked the first anniversary.
- The prime minister also reiterated calls for a ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon amid global fears of all-out war in the Middle East.
- The foreign secretary David Lammy has visited members of the Jewish community at the South Tottenham United Synagogue.
- Away from foreign politics, Labour continues to placate backlash over the recent resignation of former chief of staff Sue Gray yesterday.
- Former Tony Blair’s political advisers Alastair Campbell and John McTernan warned the PM against taking “too many missteps” and criticised the timing of the upcoming Budget.
- In the polls, Labour has been hit by a grim reading with more than half of Britons thinking the new government has been “sleazy”, according to YouGov.
- In other news, Reform UK has threatened the home office to launch a private prosecution against the people involved in the Manchester Airport fight with police officers in July.
- In the House of Commons, the prime minister will deliver a statement, with the ongoing Middle East conflict at the top of the agenda, at around 3.30pm.
- We will then hear from the foreign secretary following the backlash over the government’s decision to return the Chagos Islands to Mauritius.
We will bring you all the latest updates and analysis throughout the day.
Watch: Boris Johnson interview highlights: From ‘worst prime minister in history’ clash to ‘loopy’ Brexit
12:30
Salma Ouaguira
Pictured: Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg in No 10
12:15
Salma Ouaguira
Democratic mega-donor and owner of Boomberg has been spotted entering Downing Street.
ANALYSIS | Could Starmer’s strategic shake-up regain control of Number 10?
12:00
Salma Ouaguira
In a pivotal moment for Sir Keir Starmer, significant changes have been implemented behind the iconic black door of Number 10, to recalibrate the government’s operations.
With the clock ticking toward his first 100 days, the Labour leader has displayed a decisive edge by replacing Sue Gray with Morgan McSweeney, his former chief of staff and head of political strategy.
The move shows Sir Keir’s patience is waning as he strives to reassert control after a tumultuous start to his premiership.
Despite Ms Gray’s previous contributions, her tenure has been marred by controversy and criticism, particularly surrounding the “freebie-gate” scandal.
Insider sources told Sky News that her departure was mutually agreed upon, with Ms Gray transitioning to a new role as envoy for the nations and regions.
One said: “This is about a PM wanting to regain grip.”
The prime minister’s decision reflects a broader strategy to streamline operations at Downing Street, especially after a lacklustre performance following a successful election campaign.
The reshuffle not only promotes Mr McSweeney but could be seen as an attempt to enhance the communications team, bringing in seasoned professionals to fortify the government’s messaging.
While some view this as a capitulation to internal dissent, ministers have insisted that Sir Keir is committed to unifying his team and addressing operational weaknesses.
Pictured: Foreign secretary meets members of the Jewish community
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Salma Ouaguira
Meanwhile, David Lammy has visited South Tottenham United Synagogue this morning to mark the 7 October anniversary.
Breaking: London’s deputy mayor for policing and crime steps down
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Salma Ouaguira
Sadiq Khan has just announced that Sophie Linden, London’s deputy mayor for policing and crime, is resigning.
Ms Linden quits after eight years working with the Mayor of London to take a job as an adviser to the justice secretary Shabana Mahmood, Mr Khan said.
In a statement, she claimed that policing in the capital was “far more diverse, transparent and accountable” than when she started.
