Politics LIVE: Labour women's minister SILENT following Supreme Court ruling over biological sex definition

Over 700 small boat migrants cross channel in new one-day record

Home Office official figures confirm 705 small boat migrants crossed the Channel on Tuesday in a new one-day record for illegal arrivals this year.

It comes after a Government minister has not ruled out plans for a migrant removals agreement with the French, which could see a person deported from the UK in exchange for France sending another individual across the English Channel.

The Financial Times reported that talks have begun to develop the pilot scheme based on "a one-for-one principle."

A Home Office spokesman said the Government is “intensifying” its collaboration with France and other European countries.

Asked about the arrangement, transport minister Lilian Greenwood said that "there are discussions ongoing with the French government" but did not say what a future deal could look like.

Court ruling leaves sports bodies with 'no excuses' on trans rules, says charity

Sports bodies now have "no excuses" for continuing to allow transgender women to compete in female categories after a landmark ruling by the UK’s Supreme Court.

Director of campaigns at Sex Matters Fiona McAnena said: "There are now no excuses for sports governing bodies that are still letting trans-identifying men into the women’s category.

"The judges mentioned fairness in sport this morning. The law was always clear that everyone male can be excluded to provide fair, safe sport for women and girls, but some people claimed it was unkind or complicated to do so.

"It’s neither of those: it’s essential for fairness and safety for everyone female."

WATCH: Scottish government have been left 'exposed' after Supreme Court ruling, Alba MSP claims

The Scottish government has been left "humiliated" after the Supreme Court ruled in favour of biological women - a landmark ruling against trans women.

Following a challenge by campaign group For Women Scotland, Lord Hodge declared that the Equality Act 2010 refers to "a biological woman and sex".

FULL STORY HERE.

Amnesty International describes Supreme Court ruling as 'disappointing'

Amnesty International UK described the Supreme Court ruling as "disappointing" with "potentially concerning consequences for trans people."

Chief executive Sacha Deshmukh said: "The outcome of today’s judgment is clearly disappointing. It is a long and complex judgment and we will take time to analyse its full implications.

"There are potentially concerning consequences for trans people, but it is important to stress that the court has been clear that trans people are protected under the Equality Act against discrimination and harassment.

"The ruling does not change the protection trans people are afforded under the protected characteristic of ‘gender reassignment’, as well as other provisions under the Equality Act.

"Amnesty intervened in this case to remind the court that legal gender recognition is essential for trans people to enjoy the full spectrum of rights each of us is entitled to, including safety, health and family life.

"The Supreme Court itself today made clear that the vilification of a marginalised minority group is absolutely wrong. All public authorities in the UK need to unequivocally enforce protections for trans people against discrimination and harassment."

Starmer brought Labour 'back to common sense position' says source

A Labour source said Sir Keir Starmer had "gradually moved the party from one that took the activist position to a serious, sensible one that protected women’s spaces while allowing for respectful debate."

Responding to the Supreme Court ruling, the source said: "This just shows why it was so important that Keir hauled the Labour Party back to the common sense position the public take on these sorts of issues.

"He gradually moved the party from one that took the activist position to a serious, sensible one that protected women’s spaces while allowing for respectful debate.

"It’s one of the reasons the country felt Labour was safe to elect just a few years after the disaster of 2019."

Stonewall says today's Supreme Court ruling is 'incredibly worrying'

Stonewall said there is a "deep concern" around the consequences of the Supreme Court ruling, which it said is "incredibly worrying for the trans community."

Chief executive Simon Blake said: "Stonewall shares the deep concern at the widespread implications for today’s ruling from the Supreme Court. It will be incredibly worrying for the trans community and all of us who support them.

"It’s important to be reminded the Court strongly and clearly re-affirmed the Equality Act protects all trans people against discrimination, based on Gender Reassignment, and will continue to do so.

"Once we read and fully digest the judgement, we will work with stakeholders across all sectors to provide as much clarity as possible.

“Stonewall will continue its work with the Government and parliamentarians to achieve equal rights under the law for LGBTQ+ people."

Swinney says SNP 'accepts' today's Supreme Court ruling

First Minister John Swinney said the Scottish Government “accepts today’s Supreme Court judgment” in the For Women Scotland appeal against Scottish ministers on the legal definition of a woman.

The SNP leader said on social media: "“The Scottish Government accepts today’s Supreme Court judgment. The ruling gives clarity between two relevant pieces of legislation passed at Westminster.

"We will now engage on the implications of the ruling. Protecting the rights of all will underpin our actions."

Scottish Labour spokesman Paul O’Kane added: "This court ruling should of course be respected, and as Lord Hodge said, this must not be read as a triumph of one or more groups at the expense of another.

"Now that we have this clarity, the SNP government must now provide clear guidance for Scottish public services so they can implement the Equality Act properly and uphold the rights and dignity of all."

Government welcomes Supreme Court ruling as bringing 'clarity'

Reacting to the Supreme Court ruling, a UK government spokesperson says: "We have always supported the protection of single-sex spaces based on biological sex.

"This ruling brings clarity and confidence, for women and service providers such as hospitals, refuges, and sports clubs.

"Single-sex spaces are protected in law and will always be protected by this government."

Scottish Greens say today's ruling is 'deeply concerning' for human rights

Scottish Greens MSP Maggie Chapman said today's ruling is deeply concerning for rights of trans people across the UK.

The MSP for North East Scotland told the BBC: "This is a deeply concerning ruling for human rights and a huge blow to some of the most marginalised people in our society.

"It could remove important protections and will leave many trans people and their loved ones deeply anxious and worried about how their lives will be affected and about what will come next.

"Trans people just want to be able to live their lives like any of us, without the fear of prejudice or violence, but today they have been badly let down."

She added: "We will always stand up for human rights, dignity and respect for all people. We will stand with the trans community today, tomorrow and always."

Labour peer insists today's ruling protects trans people as well as women

Harriet Harman has said that today's Supreme Court ruling protects both "rights of women and trans women."

The Labour peer and former deputy party leader said: "Single sex spaces for women are important & can exclude trans women but only where necessary."

"The Act, & ruling, protects rights of women while also respecting the rights of trans women."

Scottish Tory leader welcomes Supreme Court biological sex ruling

Leader of the Scottish Conservatives Russell Findlay MSP has welcomed today's ruling that the legal definition of a woman is based on biological sex

The MSP for West Scotland said: "A victory for woman across the United Kingdom and a victory for common sense."

Independent MP for Great Yarmouth Rupert Lowe added: "Absolute madness that we're even debating what a woman is - it's a biological fact. No amount of woke howling will ever change that.

"Now - let's keep men out of women's sports and spaces. We must prioritise safety over inclusivity, dignity over wokery, reality over ideology."

Stride SLAMS Labour for 'driving up the cost of living'

Shadow chancellor Mel Stride has accused the Government of making choices that are "driving up the cost of living."

Reacting to the news that inflation had slowed, the MP for Central Devon said: "Inflation remains above target and we know from official forecasts that price rises are set to increase further this year because of the Chancellor’s choices.

"The Conservatives left Labour with inflation bang on target but the Chancellor’s reckless union payouts, tax hikes, and borrowing binge is driving up the cost of living.

"Be in no doubt, the Chancellor’s choices are keeping inflation higher for longer and working families are paying the price."

Robert Jenrick demands release of grooming gang trial transcripts amid 'cover-up' by UK judges: 'Further insult to injury!'

Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick has demanded the release of transcripts from grooming gang trials, following the rejection of a request made to a judge in Bradford.

Jenrick's calls to Labour follow the decision by the judge to reject the release of transcripts from a key grooming gang trial, arguing that it would be "contrary to the public interest".

Speaking to GB News, Jenrick declared that it is "completely wrong" for the judges to reject such requests, and adds "further insult to injury" for the victims and survivors of the gangs.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE.

Birmingham City Council leader says strike is 'unacceptable'

The state of some streets in Birmingham amid the bin collectors’ strike is "unacceptable", the leader of the city council has said.

Asked by the BBC about the stare of the city, John Cotton said: "The scenes that we’ve seen on the streets are unacceptable. They’ve caused real problems for residents, and obviously they do not reflect well on this city.

"But what they don’t tell is the entirety of the story of Birmingham – a place that is attracting record levels of investment, has huge jobs and growth opportunities as well – and that’s really what I want us to get back to talking about, which is why I’m so focused on ensuring we bring this dispute to a close."

Cotton added that the council is "absolutely focused" on ensuring the accumulation of waste is cleared and it will be "addressing any incidents" that have arisen round pest infestation.

Lib Dems BLAST loss of community policing in rural areas 

Sir Ed Davey has blasted "an utter disgrace" over the loss of community policing in rural communities.

The Liberal Democrats have proposed their plans for a "Countryside Copper Guarantee" which would see dedicated rural crime teams or specialists embedded in every police force - including a dedicated rural crime police lead for communities to report rural crimes to.

It comes as GB News spoke to politicians, farmers and countryside experts about the soaring crime rate across rural Britain.

Davey said: "For too long, our countryside has been plagued by rural crime, from hare coursing to livestock theft.

"To have so few officers dedicated to tackling this issue is an utter disgrace. The loss of community policing can be felt in communities up and down the country, but the situation is particularly stark in rural areas. The needs of these communities cannot be ignored for any longer.

"Liberal Democrats are clear that the scourge of rural crime needs to be taken seriously - which is why the Government must implement our Countryside Copper Guarantee and finally give our rural communities the support they deserve."

WATCH: Martin Daubney BLASTS 'another day in clown world' as migrant crisis hits new record

GB News host Martin Daubney has expressed his disbelief at the latest record-breaking migrant Channel crossings, describing it as "another day in clown world."

The presenter made the comments after the People's Channel exclusively revealed that today has seen the highest number of small boat arrivals this year.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE

Reeves says there is 'more to be done' as UK inflation falls unexpectedly

UK inflation dropped to 2.6 per cent in March, according to official figures released today in a steeper fall than forecast and the lowest rate since July 2021.

Reacting to today's news, Chancellor Rachel Reeves said: "Inflation falling for two months in a row, wages growing faster than prices, and positive growth figures are encouraging signs that our plan for change is working, but there is more to be done.

"I know many families are still struggling with the cost of living and this is an anxious time because of a changing world.

"That is why the Government has boosted pay for three million people by increasing the minimum wage, frozen fuel duty and begun rolling out free breakfast clubs in primary schools."

READ THE FULL STORY HERE.

Reynolds to head to Beijing as trade deal conflict rumbles on

Business secretary Jonathan Reynolds is set to travel to Beijing in an attempt to resuscitate a key trade dialogue with China.

It comes as Reynolds had previously said it had been naive to allow Chinese investment in sensitive sectors, reports The Guardian.

The MP for Stalybridge and Hyde is scheduled to travel to China later this year for high-level talks in an effort to boost bilateral trade and investment.