Farage tears into Sunak for 'abandoning veterans' on D-Day - 'Complete and utter disgrace!'

TV Election debate audience accused of 'bias'

The audience at the BBC's television election debate has been slammed as "biased" after an anti-Brexit attack received a huge round of applause.

Angry social media users shared their outrage online and demanded Ofcom take action.

During the debate, Stephen Flynn from the SNP claimed Brexit has increased food prices and proved "an unmitigated disaster for the economy".

The audience - which was selected by independent pollsters Savanta - responded by erupting into applause.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE

Nigel Farage: Closing statement

Closing out the debate, Farage said: "Unlike the other six I don’t need an autocue. I’m here because I believe in what I believe in.

"Our policies aren’t working, you’ve heard these pathetic arguments tonight between the two big parties, really there isn’t much difference.

"But electorally Labour are going to win. The debate is who forms the opposition in the next Parliament?

"Who fights for the rights of ordinary British people? Who fights to control our borders? Who fights for men and women running our small businesses? Reform UK is about to become a political phenomenon, a historic one.
"So I urge you, join the revolt."

Daisy Cooper: Closing statement

The Liberal Democrats' Daisy Cooper said: "Our country is crying out to change and it’s not hard to see why.

"Under this Conservative Government, everything feels broken. Nothing works. Under Ed Davey’s leadership, Liberal Democrats will fix our NHS and social care, tackle the cost of living crisis and put an end to the scandal of filthy raw sewage being dumped in our rivers and streams.

"Every vote for the Liberal Democrats is a vote for a fair deal and a vote to help deliver the change we all so desperately want and change."

Penny Mordaunt: Closing statement

Giving her closing statement, Mordaunt said: "We’ve come through tough times. And now there is a choice to be made.

"You can choose Angela Rayner and Keir Starmer and get higher taxes, higher bills and have your pension raided.

"Or you can stick with us and the plan that is working. We will cut your taxes. We will protect your pension. And we will defend this nation. For a more secure future, vote Conservative."

Stephen Flynn, Rhun ap Iorweth, Carla Denyer: Closing statements 

The SNP's Stephen Flynn said: "The Tories are finished so the choice is simple about who you trust to put Scotland’s interests first in Westminster... Unlike the Labour Party, we will never ever cosy up to Westminster."

The Green Party's Carla Denyer said: "We can all see the Tories are toast, thank goodness, but we deserve better than a Labour Party that is offering more of the same. Angela says Sir Keir Starmer has changed the Labour Party - she’s right, he’s changed it into the Conservative Party."

Plaid Cymru's Rhun ap Iorwerth said: "My vision is a positive one, this isn’t as good as it gets. People across the UK feel they’re being ignored. I will make sure Wales never is."

Angela Rayner: Closing statement

Giving her closing statement, Rayner said: "After 14 years of chaos, it’s time for change. Keir Starmer has changed the Labour Party, our fully-costed plan for Britain will secure our economy, will bring down NHS waiting times with 40,000 new appointments every week and we’ll secure our borders not with gimmicks but with a credible plan to smash the gangs.

"We’ll create Great British Energy, bringing down bills and creating thousands of well-paid jobs. We’ll boost neighbourhood police to tackle anti-social behaviour. We’ll create 6,500 new teaching jobs. If you want change, vote Labour."

Daisy Cooper says stop and search should be used 'in some circumstances'

Lib Dem deputy leader Daisy Cooper said stop and search powers can be used "in some circumstances", calling for it to be used in a "targeted way".

But Farage hit back, saying: "We're scared of our own shadow here".

Mordaunt weighed in, saying violent crime is down by 44 per cent and there were 20,000 new police officers.

She said: "If you live in a Labour area you are 40 per cent more likely to be a victim of crime.

"That is a shocking statistic. We need more police and we need police in communities that can follow up with people."

Farage says we must not be scared to stop and search

Nigel Farage received a round of applause for saying the UK needs to use stop and search powers.

Asked about how he would tackle knife crime, Nigel Farage said: "Stop and search. We know the areas in which knives are most prevalent, stop and search. And of course, we don’t do it, oh gosh, if this area has a high proportion of people from black and ethnic minority communities, they might call us racist. We’ve got to stop doing this, we have to completely forget the colours of people’s skins... We have to be tough.

"You can go shoplifting now, any of you. You can go shoplifting and nick £200 worth and you won’t be prosecuted. We are seeing a societal decline of law and order in this country. And frankly, Government and police forces have been too scared to do what needs to be done. It is yet another area of Britain that is broken and needs radical surgery."

Rayner challenged over Labour's £28 billion green U-turn

Angela Rayner was challenged over Labour's £28billion green U-turn.

Responding, she said: "We’ve said we want to get to that point. We can’t ignore the fact that we do have to change.

"Nigel says we do have to use oil and gas, and you’re right, but it won’t be forever. Our green prosperity plan is all about insulating your homes and having that energy security."

Farage dubs Starmer 'Blair without the flair' and the PM 'Rishi slippery Sunak'

Nigel Farage has dubbed Sir Keir Starmer "Blair without the flair" and the Prime Minister "Rishi slippery Sunak".

Seemingly praising Angela Rayner, he added: "The real leader of the Labour Party’s here tonight, at least she’s got some personality."

He added that the main parties "don’t really disagree on anything".

Farage continued: "There’s a sense we need a revolt against this system, we need an electoral system where we get some proportional representation in Britain.

"What we’re being offered, frankly, are two parties promising the earth and nothing much will change no matter who goes in. New politics, fresh start, we want a revolt from the British people. That’s what I’m after."

But Rayner said: "To be fair it’s always all about Nigel, and we’ve had this sort of clown personality before with Boris Johnson”.

She added Labour "will not promise anything we cannot fund and we have been absolutely clear, the Tories have had a record number of tax hikes on people in this country".

Penny Mordaunt repeats controversial £2,000 tax rise claim

Penny Mordaunt has repeated Rishi Sunak's controversial claim that the Labour Party will "put up taxes by £2,000."

She claimed the Tories had "supported people through some very difficult times, and we are starting to see the recovery... The only way to keep the economy growing is to give you more money in your pockets."

Mordaunt promised there will be "more in our manifesto next week" on tax cuts, adding: "We have got to cut people’s taxes and we have got to alleviate burdens on businesses. Keir Starmer confirmed this earlier this week, they are going to put up your taxes by £2,000."

She claimed that tax rises are in "Labour's DNA", saying: "This is why the Prime Minister made the very clear pledges he did and you can measure the progress being made against them. We are making progress, we have been through some very hard times but the recovery is there. What we must ensure is that that is not choked off and we must ensure that your taxes are being cut. That is what we have been doing with National Insurance tax cuts."

Green Party's Carla Denyer attacks Farage on Reform's immigration plans

Taking a swipe at Reform UK's immigration plans, the Green Party's Carla Denyer said: "How cold-hearted do you have to be to want to not let people bring their children with them if they are coming to the UK to do a care job?"

She added: "If you meet a migrant on the NHS they’re most likely treating you.

"Migration has been a good thing for this country. Our party is not about arbitrary numbers," and vows to create a fair migration system."

Mordaunt claims Labour 'can’t be trusted on migration'

Penny Mordaunt has claimed Labour will allow "uncontrolled migration", saying they "can't be trusted".

Rayner said migration isn't to blame for "problems with housing, roads", instead saying it is "the damage the Tories have done to our public services."

Hitting back, Mordaunt said: "Starmer has campaigned for freedom of movement. These guys can’t be trusted on migration."

Nigel Farage says the General Election should be 'an immigration election'

Nigel Farage has said this years poll should be "an immigration election".

He said excessive migration is "making us poor, it's diminishing our quality of life".

Farage added: "It's nothing to do, nothing to do with race or any of those issues. It's to do with actually putting the interest, we need to get net migration... down to an even figure for the next few years, and maybe then we can hope to catch up with housing, with health and many of those things."

Migration is 'absolutely essential', Stephen Flynn says 

Stephen Flynn has said migration is "absolutely essential to our public service", warning voters against "the demonization of migration".

He said: "Migration is absolutely essential to our public services.

"It's absolutely essential to our businesses, and it's absolutely essential. What we need to do is end the demonization of migration.

"In Scotland, we have a declining working age population, despite a net number of people moving from the rest of the rest of the UK to Scotland."

Mordaunt says D-Day row should not become 'political football'

Penny Mordaunt has said the Prime Minister’s decision to leave D-Day commemorations early should not become "a political football".

She said: "Look, I think what happened was very wrong and I’m glad the Prime Minister has said that, and he’s apologised – he’s apologised to veterans – but I think he also has apologised to everyone because he was there representing us, and what I hope is that our veterans will feel treasured and their families will feel treasured at the end of this week."

Mordaunt added: "I don’t want this issue to become a political football."

Weighing in, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage replied: "Well, it already is.

"It already is, because the veterans themselves are speaking out saying he’s let the country down."

Penny Mordaunt tears into Labour for lack of 'credibility'

Penny Mordaunt has criticised the Labour Party's record on defence, claiming their "credibility is shot".

She told the Leaders Debate: "The cornerstoneofourdefenceisournucleardeterrent,andyouneedmorethansubmarinesailorsand warheads todeliverthat.Youneedcredibility,andit'stoolateforLabouroncredibility.

"AngelaRaynervotedrecently,alongwithaguythatwantstobeyourforeignsecretaryandhalfthe Labourfrontbenchtoendournucleardeterrent,doubtingthattheywouldusethatforce.

"And shemightbePrimeMinisterinfourorfiveyearstime.

"IfyouaredoubtingthatsheorDavidLammyorKeirStarmerwouldusethat,imaginewhatPutinisthinking.

"Withoutcredibility,webecomeatarget.Ifwebecomeatarget,youarelesssafe."

She added: "It'stoolateforthisgenerationoflabourpoliticiansthatcredibilityisshot.Donotvotethesepeoplein".

Hitting back at Mordaunt, Angela Rayner said: "You can keep pointing at me, but you're the party that cut the armed forces, crashed the economy and left us in a real mess."

She added: "We've become a laughingstock internationally because of your party."

Ex-Tory MP attacks own party as she reveals reason for standing down

Former Tory MP Jo Gideon has said that she is "very sad this is the end" after she revealed that she has faced "persistent bullying" in the Tory Party.

Gideon issued the damning statement attacking her own party on Friday afternoon.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE

EXCLUSIVE: Holly Valance will NOT stand as MP in 2024 General Election

​Holly Valance has decided not to stand to be an MP at the 2024 election, GB News understands.

The former popstar had considered standing in Billericay and Basildon against Tory party chairman Richard Holden.

However, she told GB News today that she had decided against standing.

She told GB News' Christopher Hope: “It's not going to work for me - it was very difficult logistics-wise.”

Pro-Palestine protesters gather outside Labour HQ

Pro-Palestinian protesters have gathered outside the Labour Party’s meeting finalising its manifesto for the General Election.

Around nine demonstrators wearing a mixture of keffiyeh scarves and black masks shouted slogans outside the central London building where senior Labour figures are meeting, accusing Starmer of being complicit in Israel’s war in Gaza.

Tory adviser quits party over Sunak's D-Day 'disrespect' 

A leading adviser to Michael Gove has quit the Conservative Party over Rishi Sunak’s decision to leave D-Day commemorations early.

Ian Acheson, formerly an adviser to the Communities Secretary on extremism, said the PM's decision to leave the event early was a “colossal act of disrespect”.

In his resignation letter, seen by The Telegraph, Acheson said: "It was an act of either colossal stupidity or cynical calculation.

"Either way, it revealed to me that while I still embrace a conservative philosophy, I am no longer willing to have it outsourced to a bunch of mendacious, incompetent and disreputable clowns"

Sunak torn apart over migration record

Stephen Kinnock has torn into the Government's migration record, saying Rishi Sunak’s “false claim about making progress on small boats” is a “desperate attempt to pull the wool over voters’ eyes”.

This came after figures showed more than 11,000 migrants have crossed the Channel to the UK this year.

The Shadow Immigration Minister said: “Under Rishi Sunak and the Tories, the number of small boat crossings in the Channel just keeps on going up, now passing 11,000 this year, a record high.

“His false claim about making progress on small boats sits alongside his lies about the NHS and tax as desperate attempts to pull the wool over voters’ eyes.

“The Labour Party has a comprehensive plan to deliver a new Border Security Command which will see hundreds of specialist investigators working across Europe and beyond to smash the criminal smuggling gangs that are running our borders, and a commitment to create a new Returns and Enforcement Unit to remove people from Britain who have no right to be here.”

Eco-protesters demand 'massive investment' to tackle the climate crisis

Eco-protesters picketing outside Labour's Clause V meeting have demanded "massive investment to tackle the climate crisis".

Zak Coleman, 23, the former student union president at the University of Cambridge and spokesperson for Green New Deal Rising, told reporters: “Young people know that this Labour Party is refusing to commit to the transformational policies that we need to see.

“We need to see massive investment to tackle the climate crisis; they’re promising us nothing. We need to see an end to the housing crisis, an end to the crisis of student debt.

“What is this Labour Party offering young people? What real alternative do we have to the Conservatives? We have suffered for 14 years of Conservative rule, Tory decline.

“They’re promising us change, but where is it? Where’s it going to be in this manifesto? This is the last parliament that can tackle the climate crisis and this government has to do it.”

Popstar Holly Valance holds last-minute talks with Reform UK to stand against Tory chairman in election

Former popstar Holly Valance is in talks with Reform UK about standing against Tory party chairman Richard Holden in a bid to be elected as an MP in the July 4 general election.

Friends have told GB News that the Australian-born singer is in talks now and has to decide by 4pm today whether to stand against Holden in Basildon and Billericay.

One friend said she was discussing the idea with the Reform now, adding: "She has to decide by 4pm."

Holden is already under fire after he was proposed as the only candidate for the Essex seat.

Party rules say candidates can be imposed on seats if it is 48 hours before the close of nominations.

Valance, married to property millionaire Nick Candy, has emerged as a darling of the Right after she spoke to GB News about her political beliefs at a Popular Conservativism rally in February.

She attended Monday's surprise announcement by Nigel Farage to take over as Reform leader and stand in the Tory-held seat of Clacton.

On Monday she told GB News that she would help Farage by knocking on doors "if asked".

It now seems that she might go one step further and stand to be a MP.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE

Rishi Sunak says D Day should not be 'politicised' 

Rishi Sunak said the D-Day events should not be politicised and called for the focus to be on veterans when challenged for leaving a D Day commemoration event early.

Speaking to broadcasters on a campaign visit to Wiltshire, the Prime Minister said: “Over the past two days I’ve participated in a number of events in Portsmouth and France to honour those who risked their lives to defend our freedom and our values 80 years ago.

“The itinerary for these events was set weeks ago before the start of the General Election campaign, and having participated in all the British events with British veterans, I returned home before the international leaders' event later in the day. On reflection, that was a mistake and I apologise.

“I think it’s important though, given the enormity of the sacrifice made, that we don’t politicise this. The focus should rightly be on the veterans who gave so much.

“I had the honour and privilege of speaking to many of them and their families, hearing their stories, expressing my gratitude, personally to them.

“But I’m someone who will always admit when I’ve made a mistake and that’s what you’ll always get from me.”

Sunak hits back at claims he planned to skip D Day altogether 

Rishi Sunak insisted he “stuck to the itinerary” that had been laid out for him for D-Day.

The Prime Minister told broadcasters in Wiltshire: “I stuck to the itinerary that had been set for me as Prime Minister weeks ago, before the election, fully participated.

“As I said, on reflection it was a mistake not to stay longer and I’ve apologised for that, but I also don’t think it’s right to be political in the midst of D-Day commemorations. The focus should rightly be on the veterans and their service and sacrifice for our country.”

Downing Street also denied reports that Sunak was initially considering missing the D-Day commemorations altogether.

A No 10 spokesperson said: “The Prime Minister was always scheduled to attend D-Day commemorations, including the UK National Commemoration event in Normandy, and it is incorrect to suggest otherwise.”

He also pointed to his record on supporting the Armed Forces and veterans when confronted with criticism from within Tory ranks.

It was put to the Prime Minister that a Conservative candidate said his D-Day ceremony snub showed a disdain for the military.

Sunak told broadcasters in Wiltshire: “I think people can judge me by my actions when it comes to supporting the Armed Forces.

“In this campaign, it’s the Conservative Party led by me which is increasing the amount of investment that we’re putting into our Armed Forces to 2.5 per cent of GDP. That’s not something that’s been matched by the Labour Party.

“So there is a clear choice about backing our Armed Forces. And it’s also me as Prime Minister that’s made sure we have the first ever dedicated veterans minister in Cabinet with a dedicated Office of Veterans’ Affairs.”

Recognition of Palestinian State to be included in Labour manifesto, Starmer confirms 

Recognition of Palestinian statehood as part of any peace process in the Middle East will be included as a commitment in the Labour manifesto, Sir Keir Starmer has confirmed.

Speaking to the BBC during a visit in Greater London, the Labour leader said: “That needs to be part of the process, it’s very important we have a viable Palestinian state alongside a safe and secure Israel.”

He added: “It is an inalienable right of the Palestinians, it’s not in the gift of Israel, so it has to be part of the peace process.”

Asked whether this will be in the manifesto, he said: “It will be.”

John Swinney scrambles to defend soaring SNP taxes as FM takes swipe at 'Tory spending cuts'

John Swinney scrambled to defend the SNP's soaring taxes, hitting out at "Tory spending cuts" in a major campaign speech in Scotland.

The SNP leader claimed that a "vote for the Labour Party is a vote for the continuation of Tory spending cuts".

He criticised Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves' promise to deliver "iron fiscal discipline", saying it will "do significant damage to public services in Scotland".

Workers in Scotland who earn more than £28,850 pay more income tax than their counterparts in the rest of the UK as a result of frozen thresholds and higher rates.

The average person earning £50,000 in Scotland pays £1,500 more than their equivalent in England. And last year, the Government introduced a new "advanced" income tax rate aimed at high earners.

Despite Scotland's comparatively high taxes, a report from economists at the Frazer Allander Institute published in December suggested that the Scottish Government must address a £1 billion funding gap on resource spending.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE

'Patriotic people who love their country' should not vote for Rishi Sunak, says Nigel Farage

Nigel Farage says “patriotic people who love their country” should not vote for Rishi Sunak after his snub of the international D-Day anniversary event.

Referring to unverified reports that the Prime Minister initially planned to skip D-Day commemorations altogether, the Reform UK leader tweeted: “Now we learn that @RishiSunak’s original plan was not to attend the D-Day 80th at all.

“Patriotic people who love their country should not vote for him.”

'Total dereliction of duty!' Davey blasts Sunak for leaving D-Day event

Ed Davey has accused Rishi Sunak of a "total dereliction of duty".

Writing on social media, he said: "One of the greatest privileges of the office of Prime Minister is to be there to honour those who served, yet Rishi Sunak abandoned them on the beaches of Normandy.

"It is a total dereliction of duty and shows why this Conservative government just has to go."

Sunak accused of 'prioritising vanity' over veterans

Rishi Sunak has been accused of prioritising "vanity TV appearances over our veterans", as the row over the PM's early departure from D-day continues to escalate.

Shadow paymaster general Jonathan Ashworth said: “Yesterday’s D-Day commemorations were about remembering the bravery of all those who serve our country.

“In choosing to prioritise his own vanity TV appearances over our veterans, Rishi Sunak has shown what is most important to him.

“It is yet more desperation, yet more chaos, and yet more dreadful judgment from this out-of-touch Prime Minister.”

Andrew Pierce lets rip at Kevin Maguire in fierce clash

A fierce row took place on Chopper's political podcast this week after Kevin Maguire labelled migrants "poor souls."

Pierce, Chopper and Maguire sat round a table this week and discussed all the latest politics news - and there was a lot to sink their teeth into.

Maguire said: "It would have exposed that you put your straps on poor souls on a plane to Rwanda, and the board to keep on coming. It's shown that it was never going to work."

Pierce fumed: "Poor souls? You mean illegal immigrants?"

He responded: "Hang on, migrants and asylum seekers are still poor souls." To which Pierce furiously denied.

He said: "I know a lot of the economic migrants with their big flashy watches and their designer stuff are not poor souls, a lot of them."

WATCH THE FULL CLIP HERE

Sunak fury explodes as anger at PM for 'ducking' D-Day event intensifies

Rishi Sunak has been slammed after being accused of "ducking" a key D-Day event to mark the 80th anniversary of Operation Neptune yesterday.

The Prime Minister, who was in Normandy earlier in the day, returned to the UK to campaign in the election.

Sunak is languishing behind Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer in the opinion polls, with an enormous lead of over 20-points.

The Leader of the Opposition joined veterans in Normandy in the afternoon and was snapped with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Foreign Secretary Lord David Cameron and Defence Secretary Grant Shapps were representing the UK Government when Sunak skipped the major gathering of world leaders at Omaha Beach.

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage led the charge against the Prime Minister.

He said: "The Prime Minister has ducked out of the international D-Day event to fly back to the UK to campaign. I am here in Normandy in a personal capacity because I think it matters. Does he?"

Gulf War veteran Colonel Stuart Crawford added: “I think Mr Sunak misjudges the mood of the nation by doing so.

“It’s a solemn occasion and sadly the last major anniversary of the landings which will feature many of the surviving veterans.

“Campaigning for an election which everyone knows he’s going to lose anyway is a poor excuse.

“He should be there with the others, and his absence and Starmer’s presence makes it look as if he’s passed the premiership to Sir Keir already.”

Tory election candidates were reportedly frustrated with the Prime Minister's decision.

Lord Shaun Bailey, who stood for London Mayor in 2021, told GB News: “There’s two ways to look at this.

"You are in the middle of a campaign, you want to make a big impact. The best impact you can make at this point is being seen on the world stage with the biggest leaders in the world.

“That is probably the way to go. On top of that, you have possibly the biggest event in the last 100 years that they are celebrating, you should be there, it sends a message.”

He added: “I think it was a mistake to leave.”

However, Conservative sources stressed Sunak will meet with other G7 leaders next week at a summit in Italy.

Reform will overtake Tories by weekend, claims Dorries

Reform UK will overtake the Conservative Party by the weekend, former Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries has claimed.

Dorries, who prompted a bruising by-election defeat for Rishi Sunak by resigning as Mid Bedfordshire MP last year, suggested a recent candidate selection farce in Basildon & Billericay could result in the shift.

She said: “I’m guessing that after the appalling events of the past few days over candidate selection, that Reform will have overtaken us in the polls by Saturday evening.”

Dorries' comments came after Richard Holden was imposed on Tory members in the safe Essex seat.

However, it also coincided with new opinion polls suggesting Reform UK received a boost after Farage announced he will stand in Clacton on July 4.

The populist party is now only trailing the Tories by two-points, a recent YouGov survey has revealed.