Politics LIVE: Donald Trump to be allowed ‘veto’ on Chagos Islands deal before treaty finalised

Lammy says Gaza ceasefire agreement ceasefire agreement offered 'a moment of hope'

David Lammy said the Gaza ceasefire agreement ceasefire agreement offered "a moment of hope after over a year of agony."

The Foreign Secretary said: "Today’s announcement of a ceasefire agreement is a moment of hope after over a year of agony, following Hamas’s appalling attack on October 7 2023.

"For the hostages and their loved ones, including British citizen Emily Damari, and Eli Sharabi, Oded Lifschitz and Avinatan Or, this has been an unbearable trauma. For the people of Gaza, so many of whom have lost lives, homes or loved ones, this has been a living nightmare. For the region, this has brought yet more division and conflict.

"With this agreement, hostages and their families will be reunited and Gazans can begin to rebuild their lives. I pay tribute to the tireless diplomatic efforts of Qatar, Egypt and the incoming and outgoing US administrations. Much remains to be done – to implement this in full to all phases of the deal and establish a pathway to lasting peace and security for Israelis and Palestinians alike.

"From our first day in office, this Government has pressed for an immediate ceasefire, to free the hostages, and to bring relief, reconstruction and hope to civilians who have suffered so much. We will play our full part in the coming days and weeks, working alongside our partners, to seize this chance for a better future."

Party leaders react to Gaza ceasefire news 

Party leaders from across the spectrum have welcomed the news of a Gaza ceasefire deal being agreed between Hamas and Israel.

Scotland’s First Minister and SNP leader John Swinney said: "Since the outset of this conflict, the Scottish Government has called for urgent de-escalation, an immediate ceasefire by all sides and the release of hostages. We join the international community in welcoming the agreement of a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas and hope that this can be the beginning of a long-term political solution in the Middle East."

Deputy leader of Reform UK and Boston and Skegness MP Richard Tice told GB News: "We welcome the deal if it guarantees freedom of the hostages and stops the killings."

Green party co-leader Carla Denyer said: "Breathing a sigh of relief that after 15 months of bloodshed, there will finally be a ceasefire in Gaza. My thoughts are with all of those who lost loved ones in this horrific violence, and those who will continue to suffer as a result of the destruction of hospitals, schools and land needed for food."

Starmer welcomes Gaza ceasefire deal and backs effort to 'break the cycle of violence'

Sir Keir Starmer has welcomed the announcement of a ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel.

The Prime Minister said: "After months of devastating bloodshed and countless lives lost, this is the long-overdue news that the Israeli and Palestinian people have desperately been waiting for.

"They have borne the brunt of this conflict – triggered by the brutal terrorists of Hamas, who committed the deadliest massacre of Jewish people since the Holocaust on October 7, 2023.

"The hostages, who were brutally ripped from their homes on that day and held captive in unimaginable conditions ever since, can now finally return to their families. But we should also use this moment to pay tribute to those who won’t make it home – including the British people who were murdered by Hamas. We will continue to mourn and remember them.

"For the innocent Palestinians whose homes turned into a warzone overnight and the many who have lost their lives, this ceasefire must allow for a huge surge in humanitarian aid, which is so desperately needed to end the suffering in Gaza.

"And then our attention must turn to how we secure a permanently better future for the Israeli and Palestinian people – grounded in a two-state solution that will guarantee security and stability for Israel, alongside a sovereign and viable Palestine state.

"The UK and its allies will continue to be at the forefront of these crucial efforts to break the cycle of violence and secure long-term peace in the Middle East."

Miliband confirms no plans for 2035 ban on gas boilers in homes

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has confirmed that the Government is not planning to introduce a future ban on gas boilers, citing concern around the potential cost to consumers.

Speaking at the Energy Security and Net Zero Committee Miliband said he was "wary" of stopping people from having gas boilers by a specific date if the Government cannot guarantee greener alternatives will be cheaper.

The former Labour leader told the committee that the Government never had plans for such a ban.

He said: "There isn’t going to be a ban because Rishi Sunak… well, they never legislated for the ban and then he said he wasn’t going to do it. The answer is that we said in our manifesto that we weren’t going to force anyone to rip out their gas boiler.

"I’m very cautious on these questions because we can say to people: ‘You need to get a heat pump, not a gas boiler, potentially at some point in the future’ but I’m very wary that we’re going to stop people having gas boilers at a point when we can’t guarantee that heat pumps are going to be cheaper for people."

Arlene Foster sends desperate plea to Labour as PM paves way for Gerry Adams compensation

Former First Minister of Northern Ireland Dame Arlene Foster has launched a scathing attack on Government plans that could see Gerry Adams receive compensation for his detention during the Troubles.

Speaking to GB News, Foster branded the potential payout as "completely unjustifiable" and "another kick" to victims across Northern Ireland and the UK.

The former DUP leader warned that the issue extends beyond Adams, as many others could claim compensation if the government proceeds with its planned remedial order in Parliament.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE.

Greens demand 'rapid and irrevocable shift away from fossil fuels' 

The Green Party has demanded a "shift away from fossil fuels" amid a new report that suggested armed conflict and extreme weather driven by climate change are viewed as the top risks for the global economy in 2025.

Co-leader and MP for Waveney Valley, Adrian Ramsay said: "War and climate change are rightly recognised by global business and political leaders as the biggest risks to the world in the coming years. The major question is what they will do about them.

"The World Economic Forum meeting in Davos next week needs not just to recognise the problems but to act. For UK leaders, that means pressing for the rapid and irrevocable shift away from fossil fuels and an insistence that international laws and agreements are respected and implemented.

"No state, whoever its leader, should be allowed to tear up international agreements to tackle climate change or bully its neighbours with threats of war."

Streeting says he wants to banish corridor care 'to the history books'

Wes Streeting has told the Commons he wants to "consign corridor care to the history books."

It comes as the Health Secretary said he would make no criticism of Whittington Hospital for advertising for "corridor care" shifts in a bid to get the right staff in place to deliver the "best care possible in the present circumstances."

Responding to concerns raised by Liberal Democrat MP Alison Bennett, Streeting told the Commons: "It’s not the fault of the Whittington that there is corridor care, it is a legacy of 14 years of Conservative failure.

"I would also say that my reaction to seeing that advertisement was the same as hers, which it is was proof that corridor care has been normalised.

"And I want to reassure her, the House and patients across the country that this Government will not accept corridor care as normal care. We will not tolerate corridor care as being acceptable care. We will do everything we can, as fast as we can, to consign corridor care to the history books."

Reform UK councillor on frontline of migrant crisis reveals plan to stop the boats - 'PM has no idea what he's talking about'

Sir Keir Starmer’s ‘smash the gangs’ promise is “just to get headlines”, a Kent Councillor has said as he outlines Reform UK’s plans to deal with illegal immigrants in a “safe” way that “doesn’t jeopardise lives”.

Under proposed Government plans, suspected people smugglers could face bans from using laptops and mobile phones, accessing social media networks, or associating with certain individuals.

As part of a raft of new measures announced at the beginning of this year, suspects could also face restrictions on accessing their finances and travel limitations, with the High Court determining how long these would last.

CHECK OUT THE FULL STORY HERE

Trump will get a 'fantastic deal done' in Greenland, Greg Swenson claims

Donald Trump will "get a fantastic deal done" over Greenland as the country "realises" a relationship with the US would be "beneficial", Republicans Overseas UK Chair Greg Swenson has said

Speaking to GB News, Swenson said: "Trump will get a fantastic deal done with Greenland even if it’s not an outright purchase. Critical mineral exploration and mining, oil and gas, and military bases.

"Greenland wants to be independent from Denmark and they realise a strategic relationship with the US would be beneficial to them- from both economic and security perspectives."

He also added that "Lammy was a clown", referring to the Foreign Secretary's claims that Trump is targeting the world's largest island due to his "concerns about national economic security".

“He recognises I’m sure that in the end Greenland today is a kingdom of Denmark. There is a debate in Greenland about their own self-determination. But behind it I think are his concerns about the Arctic," Lammy told the BBC.

​Tulip Siddiq: Starmer says there was 'no breach' of the ministerial code

Sir Keir Starmer has said that there was "no breach" of the ministerial code and "no wrongdoing" done on the part of Tulip Siddiq, who resigned as Treasury Minister yesterday.

The MP for Hampstead and Highgate has stepped down from her post following allegations that her family had links to the Bangladeshi government.

Grilled by Kemi Badenoch on why he was "saddened" by her departure, Starmer instead shone light on Priti Patel, who failed to resign after breaking the ministerial code."

Compare that with the shadow foreign secretary, who breached the ministerial code, her predecessor bar two ignored it. It was the adviser that had to resign because it wasn't taken seriously.

"What a contrast, thank God the British public chucked them out."

Badenoch: 'No way' country should be giving up control of Chagos Islands

Kemi Badenoch has said there is "no way" the UK should be giving up control of the Chagos Islands, telling the Government to cancel the proposed deal with Mauritius.

The Leader of the Opposition said the deal be "disastrous" and will cost taxpayers billions of pounds.

She said: “The Prime Minister knows very well the OBR found no such black hole, and he talks about a budget three years ago, the borrowing costs last week are at a 27-year high for 30-year gilts. The Chancellor is apparently promising to be ruthless in reducing spending, let me suggest something he should cut.

“There is no way that we should be giving up British territory in Chagos. He is rushing a deal which will be disastrous and will land taxpayers with a multibillion-pound bill. Why does the Prime Minister think British people should pay to surrender something that is already ours?”

Sir Keir Starmer responded: “We inherited a situation where the long-term operation of a vital military base was under threat because of legal challenge.

“The negotiations were started under the last government. The then foreign secretary came to this house to say why he was starting negotiations and what he wanted to achieve. And he said the aim was, to quote, ensure the continued effective operation of the base. That is precisely what this deal has delivered.”

Reeves will be Chancellor for 'many years to come', PM says

Sir Keir Starmer defended his Chancellor Rachel Reeves, saying he believes she'll be in the role "for many years to come" and will outlast Tory leader Kemi Badenoch.

The Conservative leader asked the PM if he could promise that there would only be one budget this year, as the pound falls and borrowing cost continue to rise.

She said that whilst Starmer has full confidence in the Chancellor, the markets do not and went on the criticise Reeves ability to manage the UK's finances.

Badenoch said: “The talk in the City is that she can’t meet her fiscal rules, and there will need to be an emergency budget. So does the Prime Minister stand by the Chancellor’s commitment that there will be only one budget this year?"

Starmer quipped back that said he did not have enough time to criticise previous Tory chancellors.

He said: “She’ll be pleased to know the Chancellor will be in place for many, many years to come. She’ll outstrip that. If we all thought that politics was about cheap words, I could criticise their chancellors, but I don’t have enough time to go through all the chancellors that they had.

“We had one budget, that’s what we’re committed to, strong fiscal rules, that’s what we’ll stick to, unlike the party opposite.”

Keir Starmer set to give compensation to Gerry Adams and others imprisoned on suspicion of terrorism

Gerry Adams could be in line for a “pay day from the taxpayer”, thanks to Sir Keir Starmer’s human rights plans, senior peers have warned.

The former Sinn Fein president could receive compensation under plans to repeal the Legacy Act.

The legislation currently blocks him - and others interned without trial in the 1970s for suspected involvement in terrorism - from receiving compensation.

However, Starmer’s Government has begun the process of repealing the act by reversing two sections of the 2023 Northern Ireland Troubles Act.

It comes after a ruling by the High Court declared that parts of the act related to the Interim Custody Orders (ICOs) are incompatible with human rights.

Hilary Benn, the Northern Ireland Secretary, said that the move underlined “the Government’s absolute commitment to the Human Rights Act”.

However, IRA bombing victims have branded the decision as “unacceptable”, and 16 leading peers have urged Labour to reconsider.

Shadow Attorney General Lord Wolfson KC, one of the peers, said: “The Government's decision to repeal sections 46 and 47 of the Northern Troubles Act 2023 is inexplicable and unexplained.

“Parliament must now ask hard questions about why the Government is determined to override Parliament's recent, unanimous decision to vindicate the Carltona principle and to block Gerry Adams from being paid public money.”

Adams has always denied being a member of the IRA.

Mauritius issues defiant statement as it rejects Labour's Chagos deal terms AGAIN 

The government of Mauritius has issued a statement after once again rejecting Labour's Chagos deal, saying their commitment to reach an agreement remains "unshaken".

The Cabinet of Mauritius met this morning under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Navin Ramgoola to be informed of the developments on the deal.

The Attorney General travelled to London recently in relation to the proposed treaty on the sovereignty of Mauritius over the Chagos Archipelago.

He will now travel to London again this evening in order to continue discussions with the UK Government.

CHECK OUT THE FULL STORY HERE

‘An absolute SCANDAL!’ Mike Parry in blistering rant over Labour’s ‘outrageous’ rush to seal Chagos deal

Broadcaster Mike Parry has lashed out at Britain and Mauritius’ last-ditch attempt to finalise a deal over the sovereignty of the Chagos Islands ahead of Donald Trump’s inauguration.

The president-elect is said to be sceptical about Labour’s plan, sparking fears that his elevation to power could throw it into doubt.

British officials say “good progress” is being made with a crucial round of talks scheduled ahead of Trump taking office on January 20.

Speaking on GB News, Parry branded Labour’s efforts an “absolute scandal” as he lashed out at Sir Keir Starmer and Foreign Secretary David Lammy.

CHECK OUT THE FULL STORY HERE

Chagos Islands deal: UK and Mauritius say 'good progress' is being made on revised agreement

The UK and Mauritius are “mid-negotiation” on a revised deal to hand back the Chagos Islands, a minister has said.

Mauritian Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam is holding a special cabinet meeting on Wednesday morning to sign off the deal, reports have said.

However, Chief Secretary to the Treasury Darren Jones, said that the UK was still in talks with the East African island.

The UK and Mauritius have said they have made “good progress” on a revised agreement, with Ramgoolam claiming the UK wants it finalised before Donald Trump's inauguration on January 20.

The future of the joint UK-US military base on Diego Garcia – the largest island in the Chagos archipelago – might be secured for only 50 years rather than the 99 years initially discussed, media reports have suggested.

“We are mid-negotiation with the Mauritian government on the Chagos Islands,” Jones told LBC.

“Listeners will probably know, I suspect, that this is an island that is an important military base for the UK, important to our national security. It’s right, therefore, that we secure our presence and operations on that island.”

'Relief' for Rachel Reeves as FTSE 100 SURGES while borrowing costs plummet in boon for UK economy

The UK economy is experiencing a slight boon in the wake of today's inflation figures with the stock market jumping and borrowing costs plummeting. Economists cite this as much-needed "relief" for Chancellor Rachel Reeves amid recent market turmoil.

Figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) published today revealed the consumer price index (CPI) rate of inflation for the 12 months to December 2024 fell to 2.5 per cent, down from 2.4 per cent.

This morning, the FTSE 100 added 55 points at the open to reach 8,257, primarily led by Persimmon PLC (LSE:PSN) and other housebuilding companies, signalling renewed confidence among parts of the private sector.

CHECK OUT THE FULL STORY HERE

MP who is 'survivor of abuse' launches legal action against Tate brothers

An MP has launched legal action against Andrew Tate and his brother Tristan over their controversial social media posts.

Sorcha Eastwood, of the Alliance Party in Northern Ireland, told the House of Commons the day prior that she was a "survivor of abuse".

During a debate on violence against women and girls, she also said she was once approached by a member of the public who said that he wanted to rape her.

Kevin Winters of KRW Law said: “We act on behalf of Sorcha Eastwood MP.

“We are instructed to issue legal proceedings against Andrew and Tristan Tate over their continued publication of social media postings on 10 January 2025.

“We can confirm service of correspondence on today’s date to their solicitors.

“In light of the sensitivities of the issues engaged, we have no further comment at this stage.”

Andrew Tate has previously been banned from TikTok, YouTube and Facebook after the platforms accused him of posting hate speech and misogynistic comments,

‘Get a grip!’ Rachel Reeves savaged by Mel Stride over ’stone dead’ growth 

Shadow Chancellor Mel Stride has launched a blistering attack on Rachel Reeves, telling GB News she needs to "get a grip" on the economy.

The former Chancellor accused his successor of presiding over "stone dead" growth and claimed the Labour government had "taxed the living daylights out of business."

His strong criticism prompted GB News star Eamonn Holmes to intervene, suggesting Stride was being "mean" to Reeves given the global economic situation.

CHECK OUT THE FULL STORY HERE

Keir Starmer faces PMQs grilling just hours after Tulip Siddiq quits No10

Sir Keir Starmer will face a grilling from Kemi Badenoch at Prime Minister's Questions today, just hours after Labour's Treasury Minister Tulip Siddiq stepped down from the role.

The MP for Hampstead and Highgate has stepped down from her post following allegations that her family had links to the Bangladeshi government.

Siddiq, whose role as Economic Secretary to the Treasury included tackling corruption in UK financial markets, had ties to the political party led by her aunt Sheikh Hasina, the former prime minister of Bangladesh.

An investigation that began last month has been probing claims that her family embezzled up to £3.9billion from infrastructure spending in the south Asian country.

In a letter to Starmer, Siddiq said that although she had "not breached the ministerial code", her continuation in her role as the anti-corruption minister would be "a distraction from the work of the Government".

In response to her letter of resignation, Starmer said that he accepted her decision "with sadness", writing: "I also wish to be clear that Sir Laurie Magnus as Independent Adviser has assured me he found no breach of the ministerial code and no evidence of financial improprieties on your part."

Badenoch, who Starmer will face later today at PMQs, has said the Prime Minister "dithered and delayed to protect" Siddiq.

The Prime Minister will also reportedly meet with senior figures today, amid speculation that the Chagos Island's deal is soon to be completed.

Treasury minister rules out March budget: 'There will only be one major fiscal event a year'

Darren Jones, Chief Secretary to the Treasury, has said there will be no mini-Budget in March and the only major fiscal event will take place in autumn.

Speaking to Times Radio, he said: “We’ve been very clear there’s only going to be one major fiscal event, Treasury language for a budget, a year. We did that in the autumn last year."

Asked whether he was ruling out a spring mini-Budget, as the pound falls and borrowing cost continue to rise, the minister said there would be a spring statement on March 26.

“But we will only be having one major fiscal event a year, budget, and that will be in the autumn.”

Downing Street breathing 'sigh of relief' after inflation drop

Downing Street will be breathing a “sigh of relief” after UK inflation unexpectedly fell last month, a former Bank of England policymaker said.

Economist Michael Saunders said of the new figures: “I think you can hear a sigh of relief coming out from Downing Street, the Bank of England and across financial markets as a whole.

“To be sure, inflation is a little bit above the 2 per cent target, but markets have been expecting today’s figure to be stable or higher and it came in a little lower than expected with services inflation, which the Bank of England is closely focused on, sharply lower than the previous month,” he told the BBC.

He added that the new figure would be “some help” in easing some of the “worries about the outlook for the UK”.

Inflation DROPS to 2.5% in win for Rachel Reeves after market turmoil

Inflation in the UK has falling slightly in a win for consumers, according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The consumer price index (CPI) rate for the 12 months to December 2024 dropped to 2.5 per cent, up from 2.6 per cent the month before.

Britons have been saddled with inflation-hiked prices amid the ongoing cost of living crisis with today's figures likely to ease financial concern for millions of households across the country.

The news places is good news for Chancellor Rachel Reeves, who is under scrutiny over the Autumn Budget decisions which many have blamed for gilt yields rising over the past week.

CHECK OUT THE FULL STORY HERE