In a dramatic twist, the Conservatives have narrowed Labour’s lead to just one point, raising alarms for Sir Keir Starmer’s party months after its sweeping election victory.
The latest More in Common poll revealed the party now sits at 29 per cent, down one percentage point, while the Tories have gained two points, reaching 28 per cent.
This represents the smallest lead Labour has seen since the pollster began tracking voting intentions last year.
Sir Keir’s government is grappling with significant backlash over plans to limit winter fuel payments to pensioners receiving pension credit and the recent gifts row.
But the boost will be welcomed by the Tories, who prepare for a pivotal leadership vote today to narrow down the field to two candidates.
Four contenders, Robert Jenrick, Kemi Badenoch, James Cleverly and Tom Tugendhat are vying to position themselves as the next leader.
Meanwhile, Sir Keir Starmer is to chair his first cabinet meeting today since the announcement that Sue Gray would leave her post as his chief of staff just three months after Labour came to power.
Her successor, Morgan McSweeney, could attend the meeting as the prime minister seeks to bring Labour’s policy agenda back to the fore after weeks of reported infighting.
Key Points
- Starmer holds key cabinet meeting as Labour eyes reforms
- Poll: Labour’s lead slips one point
- Tory leadership candidates braced for crucial vote today
- Poll: Cleverly rises in Tory leadership race after strong conference
- Boris Johnson defends ‘desperate’ PPE pandemic contracts
Poll: Cleverly rises in Tory leadership race after strong conference performance
11:18
Salma Ouaguira
James Cleverly has surged ahead of Robert Jenrick, according to a post-conference survey by Conservative Home.
The poll indicates that the former home secretary has gained traction in both first preferences among party members and in a potential final face-off.
Analysis revealed that Mr Cleverly was the standout candidate at the recent Birmingham conference, with over half of respondents expressing a greater likelihood of supporting him, while only 14 per cent reported the opposite.
In contrast, other contenders, including Mr Jenrick and Tom Tugendhat, saw a notable decline in support.
Kemi Badenoch managed to maintain a stable position, with about a third of Tory members remaining neutral regarding their support for her.
Despite losing media attention due to a controversy over her comments on maternity pay, she faced only minor repercussions.
‘Prisons on the brink’: Lord Timpson blames Tories for crisis
11:12
Salma Ouaguira
Lord James Timpson, minister of state for prisons has issued a stark warning about the state of the prison system.
He blamed the turmoil to the previous government’smismanagement. Speaking at the prison Governor’s association conference in Nottingham, Mr Timpson described the system as “teetering disaster” due to years of overcrowding and inadequate resources.
“It has not been easy to rehabilitate offenders in a system teetering on disaster,” he added.
He revealed that emergency measures had to be implemented to prevent a complete breakdown of law and order.
Highlighting recent public disorder as evidence of the system’s fragility, he claimed: “We came dangerously close to running out of prisons entirely.
“The last government allowed prisons to run so hot for so long, it was nothing short of a disgrace. We had no choice but to introduce emergency measures. To attempt to delay any further would have allowed our justice system to collapse.”
WATCH: Boris Johnson says his Downing Street apartment resembled a ‘crack den’
11:00
Salma Ouaguira
Tugendhat calls for party transformation as Tory MPs face critical choice
10:41
Salma Ouaguira
In a fervent appeal for support, Tom Tugendhat has urged Tory MPs to prioritise “change over continuity” as the race to succeed Rishi Sunak intensifies.
With four candidates remaining, including Kemi Badenoch, James Cleverly and Robert Jenrick, Mr Tugendhat cited the need for a leader who resonates with the broader electorate rather than just the party base.
Posting on X, he warned that clinging to “the same old battles” would yield the same disappointing outcomes.
Mr Tugendhat added: “We [must] choose somebody who can speak to the whole country, who can actually make our message heard and who doesn’t just make us feel good in the room but makes us heard in the country.”
The choice is continuity or change. pic.twitter.com/pZMYj7961V
— Tom Tugendhat (@TomTugendhat) October 8, 2024
Pictured: Cabinet ministers in Downing Street for meeting
10:31
Salma Ouaguira
Louise Haigh teases major update on HS2
10:30
Salma Ouaguira
Transport secretary Louise Haigh has hinted that the long-anticipated High Speed 2 (HS2) rail line could potentially extend into central London.
In an interview with Times Radio, Ms Haigh suggested that an announcement regarding the project’s future would be forthcoming.
When asked about the feasibility of terminating the line at Euston, she replied: “It certainly would never have made sense to leave it between Old Oak Common and Birmingham.”
Asked if the announcement may come on 30 October, the date of the Budget, she added: “It may be made around those decisions.”
James Cleverly admits ‘mistake’ in declaration of freebies
10:18
Salma Ouaguira
Tory leadership contender James Cleverly has openly acknowledged a “mistake” in declaring gifts he received while attending high-profile sporting events.
Over the weekend, it was revealed that he attended both Wimbledon and the Women’s World Cup final with his wife, Susannah, without properly declaring expenses.
In response to the allegations, a spokesperson for Mr Cleverly said: “James has always been fully transparent with any gifts and hospitality received.
“On this case there was a mistake in the declaration and we have contacted the FCDO to ask them to rectify it.”
This incident comes after Sir Keir Starmer faced backlash over tens of thousands of pounds in freebies since assuming his role.
The prime minister has since returned £6,000, which includes the cost of four tickets to Taylor Swift’s recent Eras Tour.
COMMENT | The fall of Sue Gray proves one thing, once and for all
10:10
Salma Ouaguira
...that too many cooks spoil the broth, writes Sean O’Grady. Or, to put it another way, why does the prime minister need a ‘chief of staff’ anyway?
Tugendhat: I’m the only candidate who can win back country
09:55
Salma Ouaguira
The numbers are clear.
— Tom Tugendhat (@TomTugendhat) October 8, 2024
I'm the only candidate who can win back and lead this country. pic.twitter.com/bDy9MxxBJf
Poll: Labour can’t rely on ethnic minority voters
09:45
Salma Ouaguira
Despite securing a significant majority in the last election, Labour’s grip on ethnic minority voters may be slipping.
A new report from the think tank UK in a Changing Europe has revealed that while ethnic minorities still lean left, voting 66 per cent for Labour, the Greens and the Liberal Democrats, this support can’t be taken for granted.
The pollster behind the study, James Kanagasooriam, highlighted a worrying trend. Labour’s appeal among these voters is more a historical legacy than a solid foundation.
He said: “Labour cannot rely on ethnic minority voters as a ‘bloc’ of support. It is true that the Labour Party still convinces a far greater proportion of minorities with ‘warm’ views of the party to vote for it than the Conservative Party does.
“But among many ethnic groups, there is a fundamental disjunction between opinion on the salient issues of the day and voting patterns.
“Our polling suggests that Labour support among ethnic minorities is an ossified cultural and historical legacy that could disappear very quickly.”
Pictured: Labour cabinet arrives at No 10 ahead of meeting
09:25
Salma Ouaguira
Tories urge Labour to pause VAT policy on private schools
09:15
Salma Ouaguira
Shadow education secretary Damian Hinds has called on the government to “pause” its plan to eliminate VAT exemptions for private school fees by January.
The Tory MP warned the government of potential repercussions. He emphasised the need for the government to publish its analysis regarding the impact of the policy on state schools.
Mr Hinds cautioned that removing these exemptions could displace students from private institutions, resulting in fewer choices for parents seeking preferred schools for their children.
He told Sky News that Labour must “rethink every aspect” of this policy if they are to avoid adverse consequences.
Mr Hinds added: “It means disruption for teachers, and it means ultimately more schools being full, and that means less chance of parent, of getting your preferred choice of school for your child.”
Pictured: Angela Rayner arrives at Downing Street
09:00
Salma Ouaguira
Poll: Labour’s lead slips one point
08:44
Salma Ouaguira
Labour’s position in the latest poll has dwindled, with its lead shrinking to one point as recent rows impact public perception.
According to More in Common, the party now sits at 29 per cent, a drop of one percentage point.
The Conservatives have gained two points, reaching 28 per cent.
Meanwhile, Reform UK continues to attract support, rising to 19 per cent, while Liberal Democrats have fallen to 11 per cent - down two points.
The Green Party has decreased to 7 per cent, down one point.
Coming up: Tory leadership candidates braced for crunch vote today
08:27
Salma Ouaguira
Today marks a critical moment for the Conservative Party as it holds a leadership vote that will narrow the field of candidates vying for Rishi Sunak’s successor.
Four contenders, Robert Jenrick, Kemi Badenoch, James Cleverly and Tom Tugnedhat, are competing for the chance to secure their party’ s future direction.
Mr Cleverly has gained momentum following a strong conference speech, securing Mel Stride’s endorsement.
By Wednesday, only two will remain, and party members will decide the winner.
James Cleverly wins backing of former rival in Tory leadership race
08:20
Salma Ouaguira
James Cleverly‘s hopes of becoming Tory leader have received a major boost ahead of another crucial vote by Conservative MPs today as a former rival endorsed his candidacy.
Mel Stride, who was eliminated in the last round, has come out in support of the former home and foreign secretary as momentum continues to build for him to succeed Mr Sunak.
In a message on X (formerly Twitter), Mr Stride said: “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. “
Momentum for Mr Cleverly appears to have been building since his speech on the last day of the Tory conference energised the audience with his call for Conservatives to start “being normal again”.
Our politics team has the full story below:
Starmer to hold key cabinet meeting as Labour eyes reforms
08:06
Salma Ouaguira
Sir Keir Starmer will meet cabinet ministers today as his government prepares to unveil the October budget.
With the cost of living crisis, energy policy, and NHS reforms high on the agenda, the prime minister is expected to outline his strategy for delivering on Labour’s ambitious manifesto promises in a matter of weeks.
This cabinet meeting comes as Sir Keir seeks to solidify his leadership and demonstrate Labour’s readiness to address the challenges facing the nation.
Cabinet ministers will discuss immediate action plans while laying the groundwork for longer-term reforms.
Minister defends Lord Alli amid allegations of influence and gifts row
08:00
Salma Ouaguira
Labour peer Lord Alli came under scrutiny following allegations that he played a key role in shaping Labour’s first 100 in office, alongside controversy over gifts given to Sir Keir Starmer.
The revelations prompted the prime minister to return £6,000 in freebies.
But speaking to Sky News, transport secretary Louise Haigh pushed back on claims about Lord Alli’s influence, adding: “I don’t recognise these allegations.”
Ms Haigh claimed that while she hasn’t worked directly with the Labour donor, she emphasised his longstanding political involvement.
She said: “He’s not just a donor, but he is a Labour peer who has donated to the Labour Party over many years.
“But I can’t personally tell you exactly what decisions he’s been involved in.”
Former prime minister defends ‘desperate’ PPE chaos
07:52
Salma Ouaguira
Boris Johnson has defended the government’s handling of personal protective equipment (PPE) contracts during the pandemic.
Speaking to LBC, he admitted some were questionable but insisted urgent action was needed.
The former prime minister admitted the “dubious nature” of certain deals but stressed that “our country was desperate” for PPE and speed was the priority.
Mr Johnson’s comments come after Transparency International UK flagged over 130 pandemic contracts as potentially corrupt, with many allegedly awarded to inexperienced suppliers linked to Conservative figures.
Defending the rush to secure PPE, he said: “I’m sorry about that but we needed that stuff as fast as possible.”
Does Starmer have a problem with women?
08:15
Salma Ouaguira
Transport secretary Louise Haigh has firmly rejected claims that Sir Keir Starmer struggles tow work with women, following accusations from former Labour MP Rosie Duffield.
The MP for Canterbury, who resigned from the party in September, accused Sir Keir’s team of “sleaze, nepotism, and greed” suggesting the prime minister has issues working with women.
Number 10 has strongly denied these claims, and Ms Haigh echoed the stance.
Speaking on Sky News this morning, she highlighted the diversity in the PM’s leadership team, adding: “I don’t think the prime minister has any problem working with women.
“If you look at the women he has around in the first female chancellor, Angela Rayner, the cabinet is, is gender balanced.
“We have more female Labour MPs than there are Tory MPs in total.”
Boris Johnson takes swipe at Starmer over ‘greedy’ gifts
07:47
Salma Ouaguira
The former prime minister has launched a sharp critique of Sir Keir Starmer, labelling the Labour leader’s acceptance of gifts as “greedy”.
In a candida interview with LBC, Mr Johnson, who is promoting his memoir Unleashed, questioned why Sir Keir would accept lavish gifts when “he must be worth a bob or two”.
He said: “I want you to know, I have no donors paying for my suits. Or spectacles. Who pays for your spectacles? You pay for your spectacles, don’t you? It’s unbelievable.
“I mean, the guy (Sir Keir), he’s a silk, right? I mean, he must be worth a bob or two. Why has he got some guy paying for his spectacles?”
He added: “You know, that looks greedy, right? But if you then give the guy a pass to Number 10, that looks corrupt. And so I just don’t get it. I don’t know why he’s still wearing those spectacles.
“Well apart from the fact he can’t see. He can’t see what a mess he’s making of things.”
Minister ‘sorry’ for Sue Gray’s departure
07:40
Salma Ouaguira
Transport secretary Louise Haigh has weighted in on Sue Gray’s departure as Keir Starmer’s chief of staff.
Speaking to Kay Burley on the media morning round, Ms Haigh expressed both regret and optimism over Ms Gray’s move, which was officially confirmed on Sunday.
The former partygate investigator will now take a key role as envoy to the nations and regions.
When asked how Ms Gray’s contribution will be remembered, Ms Haigh was quick to praise her, adding: “Sue Gray is an exceptional public servant and she worked really hard for us in opposition in helping prepare our manifesto.”
Her new position, however, raises questions about whether she should have stepped aside from her previous role.
The minister told Sky News: “I understand why she did.”
She added that while she was “sorry to see her go” as chief of staff, she remains “delighted” that Ms Gray will continue serving the partying hernia capacity.”
“I’m really grateful for the work that she did, both in opposition and in our first hundred days.
“But as I say, I’m really pleased that I will continue to work with her and the prime minister will, as the chair of the Council of Regions and Nations,” she added.
Good morning
07:30
Salma Ouaguira
Welcome back to the politics live blog.
Former prime minister Boris Johnson has denied mocking the public over their compliance with Covid lockdowns in an interview with broadcasters.
Big changes are afoot in the Conservative Party. The final four leadership hopefuls, James Cleverly, Tom Tugendhat, Robert Jenrick and Kemi Badenoch, will be whittled down to three.
The next round of voting is set for Wednesday, aiming to finalise the two candidates who will battle it out to replace Rishi Sunak.
Meanwhile, Sir Keir Starmer is holding his first cabinet meeting since bringing in Morgan McSweeney on board as his new chief of staff. He replaced Sue Gray after her departure over the weekend.
Follow us for the latest updated throughout the day.
POLITICS EXPLAINED | Recess is over – so what is in store as MPs head back to the Commons?
07:16
Salma Ouaguira
Good news. The House of Commons is back in session, and the coming weeks will provide ample opportunities for your parliamentarians to opine, shine, and, of course, whine for personal and party advantage, as well as for the betterment of the British people.
In a still-new parliament with a record turnover of members, all among them, from the new-ish prime minister to the new leader of the opposition, will have much to prove and still more to keep them busy...
Sean O’Grady offers a preview of the highlights to look out for over the coming weeks:
Labour says Falklands and Gibraltar ‘not up for negotiation’ amid Chagos Islands backlash
07:00
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.”
Keir Starmer takes aim at ‘malign’ Iran and vows never to ban all arms sales to Israel
06:00
Athena Stavrou
Sir Keir Starmer used the first anniversary of Hamas’s barbaric terrorist attack on Israel to urge the international community to turn its focus on the “malign” regime in Iran.
In a carefully crafted statement in the Commons to commemorate the 7 October atrocity, which sparked war in the Middle East, Sir Keir’s message to MPs was that the ayatollahs who rule Iran must be held to account and forced to take responsibility for the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region.
He said his government “will never stop selling weapons to Israel” despite calls from French President Emmanuel Macron for a full arms embargo.
James Cleverly wins backing of former rival in Tory leadership race
05:00
Athena Stavrou
James Cleverly‘s hopes of becoming Tory leader have received a major boost ahead of another crucial vote by Conservative MPs today as a former rival endorsed his candidacy.
Mel Stride, who was eliminated in the last round, has come out in support of the former home and foreign secretary as momentum continues to build for him to succeed Mr Sunak.
In a message on X (formerly Twitter), Mr Stride said: “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. “
Momentum for Mr Cleverly appears to have been building since his speech on the last day of the Tory conference energised the audience with his call for Conservatives to start “being normal again”.
Watch: Starmer’s blunt response to suspended Labour MP’s question on Israel arms sales
04:00
Athena Stavrou
Plans to invest £500m to build hundreds of electric buses announced by operator
03:00
Athena Stavrou
Bus operator Go-Ahead has announced plans to invest half-a-billion pounds to build hundreds of UK-made electric buses to decarbonise its fleet.
The firm’s investment is expected to support 500 manufacturing jobs as well as create a dedicated manufacturing line and partnership with Northern Ireland-based bus maker Wrightbus.
Plans involve funding up to 1,200 new zero-emission buses over the next three years to help accelerate the transition to greener transport in areas such as Plymouth, Gloucestershire, East Yorkshire, London and the Isle of Wight.
The Department for Transport (DfT) said the investment will also support an additional 2,000 jobs across the wider UK supply chain by 2026.
To coincide with the announcement, Transport Secretary Louise Haigh is set to meet industry leaders on Tuesday, including Wrightbus owner Jo Bamford and chief executive Jean-Marc Gales.
She plans to reiterate the Government’s commitment to decarbonising local transport, supporting jobs and fostering an environment for investment in UK manufacturing, the DfT said.
Scottish Government to give grants to projects that support impoverished people
01:00
Athena Stavrou
The Scottish Government is awarding grants of up to £80,000 to 12 local projects that support families in poverty around the country.
The grant will help families access health services, budgeting advice, and support employees.
It comes as part of this year’s programme for government and ties in with Challenge Poverty Week 2024.
First Minister John Swinney is expected to welcome the announcement to CentreStage, a performing arts charity in Kilmarnock, East Ayrshire, on Tuesday.
He will also meet with people with experience of poverty at Bute House later in the day, before leading a parliamentary debate on the topic.
Government faces criticism for £22 billion spend on carbon capture projects
Tuesday 8 October 2024 00:01
Athena Stavrou
The Government has been criticised for spending billions on carbon capture and storage projects while it continues with its plans to means-test the winter fuel allowance.
Reform UK’s Richard Tice argued that millions of pensioners will view the decision to spend £22 billion on renewable energy as “absolutely extraordinary”.
Meanwhile, Tory former minister Andrew Murrison said the Chancellor’s decision to “magic” up money to fund the projects is surprising due to her recent focus on financial “black holes”.
This comes after Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced the plans to develop projects to capture and store carbon emissions from energy, industry and hydrogen production at a glassmaking factory in Cheshire last week, alongside Energy Secretary Ed Miliband and Rachel Reeves.
NHS needs to ‘reform or die’, Streeting says
Monday 7 October 2024 23:00
Athena Stavrou
The NHS needs to “reform or die”, Wes Streeting told a debate discussing a major report into the health service.
The Health Secretary said that the choice over provision in England was either “NHS reform or no NHS”, as he said the country was at a critical point in determining the service’s future.
Mr Streeting was speaking about the report published by surgeon and former health minister Lord Darzi of Denham which had criticised the Conservative Party’s record over the NHS while in government.
Mr Streeting told the Commons: “The NHS now stands at a fork in the road. There is a choice before us, and there are different opinions on the best way forward held by parties represented in the house today.
“The first option is for the NHS to continue on its current path, heading down the road to ruin, mismanaged decline, a status quo so poor, that patients are forced to raid their savings to go private.”
He later added: “Just so we’re clear on this side of the house, over my dead body. This Labour Government will always defend our NHS as a public service free at the point of use, so that whenever you fall ill, you never have to worry about the bill.”
Minister pressed on pensioner death estimates linked to winter fuel payment cut
Monday 7 October 2024 22:00
Athena Stavrou
The Work and Pensions Secretary has declined to put a figure on how many pensioners the Government thinks could die this winter as a result of fuel payment changes.
When asked by her Conservative shadow Mel Stride about “premature deaths”, Liz Kendall instead suggested the Tories should “apologise” for facilitating an extra 200,000 pensioners into poverty.
The Government has ended the universal scheme and will instead issue winter fuel payments of up to £300 to pensioners who receive some means-tested benefits, including pension credit and universal credit.
Shadow work and pensions secretary Mr Stride pointed to Labour research from 2017, when his party mooted a means-tested winter fuel payment system in its manifesto, which suggested almost 4,000 pensioners would die as a result of the policy.
He asked: “Does (Ms Kendall) stand by that figure of around 4,000, if not, how many premature deaths does she believe will occur as a result of this policy?”
The Cabinet minister said: “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.”
Ed Miliband gives update on green mission
Monday 7 October 2024 21:01
Athena Stavrou
Ed Miliband has said “we are in a hurry to deliver our mission to make Britain a clean energy superpower”.
The Energy Security and Net Zero Secretary told the Commons: “I can confirm to the House, we have agreed commercial terms and £21.7 billion of funding over 25 years for five carbon capture usage and storage projects across two clusters – HyNet in the North West and the East Coast Cluster in the North East.
“This announcement will enable construction of two transport and storage networks that will underpin this new industry – the highways for carbon capture – and the deals we’ve agreed will also kick-start development of Net Zero Teesside, the world’s largest gas with CCUS (Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage) plant, Protos, a new CCUS energy-from-waste facility, and EETH, the UK’s first large-scale blue hydrogen project, indeed the cleanest in the world, both of them in Ellesmere Port.
“Crowding in £8 billion of private investment across these two clusters, creating 4,000 jobs in our industrial heartlands, and building an initial capacity to remove about 8.5 million tonnes of carbon emissions each and ever year.”
Mr Miliband also said: “This is all part of a Government that in the last three months has shown we are in a hurry to deliver our mission to make Britain a clean energy superpower.”
Mel Stride backs James Cleverly as next Tory leader
Monday 7 October 2024 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
Monday 7 October 2024 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
Monday 7 October 2024 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
Monday 7 October 2024 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
Monday 7 October 2024 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 r
