Labour's free speech crackdown will ERASE 'the good old British pub', Tories warn

Keir Starmer tells GB News that MPs WILL vote on sending British soldiers to Ukraine as he prepares to deploy military top brass to Kyiv

Sir Keir Starmer has vowed that MPs will have a vote on sending British soldiers to Ukraine "in any scenario on a long-term basis".

After facing calls from the leaders of the Tories, Reform UK and the Liberal Democrats to put the deployment of troops to Parliament, Starmer has confirmed the Commons "will have a say".

He told GB News' Political Editor Christopher Hope in Paris: "I don't want to get of ourselves with votes, because we are not at that stage."

He also set out his "long-standing position" to Chopper...

READ THE FULL STORY HERE

'Watch your language!' Sue Gray rails against 'blob' Civil Service nickname in maiden Lords speech

Sir Keir Starmer's short-termed former chief of staff Sue Gray has told peers to "be careful" with their language when talking about the Civil Service in her maiden speech in the House of Lords.

Despite Labour striving to cull thousands of civil servants' jobs as part of large-scale spending cuts, the party peer said they were important to the Government's "growth" mission - and warned that when derogatory statements were made about them, "they hear it too".

"What... civil servants are doing is central to the Government's and the nation's mission to bring back growth into our economy and security to our society," she said.

"That is why I would caution all of us to be careful, not just about our decisions, but our language.

"When we hear the phrases: 'blobs', 'pen-pushers', 'axes', 'chainsaws' and other implements, they hear it too.

"Difficult decisions are needed of course and the Civil Service will be keen to be part of any reform journey, but we need them and other public servants to succeed.

"I will continue to support a progressive Civil Service. I hope others will do the same."

Runcorn by-election date CONFIRMED as Labour battles to secure 'safe' seat

A by-election in Runcorn & Helsby will take place on May 1, Halton Borough Council has confirmed, following the resignation of disgraced ex-Labour MP Mike Amesbury.

Amesbury won the seat last year with a majority of nearly 15,000 over Reform UK - and now, voters will decide his replacement on May 1, coinciding with the local elections.

The former Labour MP decided to stand down rather than face a recall petition after he received a 10-week prison sentence, later suspended on appeal, for punching a constituent last year.

The candidates selected to contest the by-election are:

• Chris Copeman (Green)
• Paul Duffy (Liberal Democrats)
• Peter Ford (Workers Party of Britain)
• Sean Houlston (Conservative)
• Sarah Pochin (Reform UK)
• Karen Shore (Labour)

'Woke virus!' Farage issues damning verdict of DEI lunacy as he vows 'a big change is coming'

Nigel Farage has issued a scathing verdict of the "lunacies of DEI policy" in the wake of a mass corporate walkback on diversity initiatives.

"I think a woke virus has gone through corporate America and corporate Britain", the Reform UK leader said, when he was asked about his settlement with NatWest following a two-year row over the debanking scandal.

"We have firms like BP pretending they're all about renewable energy rather than producing oil, and the lunacies of DEI policy, of employing people on the basis of their colour, or their chosen sexuality - I'd rather not know myself - is coming to an end," he said.

"We're seeing the tide turning. You know, when even Mark Zuckerberg announces that he's axing the DEI department at Meta, you know that a big change is coming, and we're moving that more towards a system based on meritocracy than based on identity."

Marjorie Taylor Greene snaps at British journalist and tells her to 'go back to your own country' in explosive rant

Marjorie Taylor Greene launched into an angry tirade against a British journalist yesterday, telling her to "go back to your country" during a heated press conference.

The Georgia Republican confronted Sky News reporter Martha Kelner when she attempted to ask about the controversial "Signalgate" scandal involving Trump administration officials.

The exchange occurred as Greene chaired a Department of Government Efficiency subcommittee hearing where she had accused NPR and PBS of using federal funds to push left-wing propaganda.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE

Christopher Hope asks Keir Starmer ‘are you gaslighting Britons?’

GB News Political Editor Christopher Hope grilled Sir Keir Starmer about Rachel Reeves’s Spring Statement.

The Labour Government declared Britons will end up £500 better off thanks to the “difficult” decisions it has had to make.

WATCH THE FULL VIDEO HERE

'We want full or partial ceasefire' leading to a 'just and lasting peace', Starmer tell press conference

Keir Starmer said allies in Paris discussed to implement an“just and lasting peace” in Ukraine.

He said: “That remains our shared goal and it’s what the coalition of the willing is designed to support.

“The political will from partners here today was clear, and this week in London we hosted over 200 military planners from 30 countries coming forward with contributions on everything from logistics and command and control to deployments on land, on air and on sea.

“That work continues at pace.”

European allies are prepared to implement Ukraine peace deal, says Prime Minister

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Thursday that Western allies other than the US would be ready to put into operation any peace deal for Ukraine.

The Labour leader said: "We will be ready to operationalise a peace deal whenever its precise shape turns out to be, and we will work together to ensure Ukraine's security so it can defend and deter against the future."

Starmer added that he would like to see a peace deal in Ukraine develop in a matter of days and weeks, rather than months.

Keir Starmer says Vladimir Putin is 'filibustering' to drag out Donald Trump’s peace talks

At the press conference, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “President Trump has rightly called them out for dragging their feet, and we agreed here in Paris today that it’s clear the Russians are filibustering.

“They are playing games, and they’re playing for time.

“It is a classic from the Putin playbook. But we can’t let them drag this out while they continue prosecuting their illegal invasion.”

Keir Starmer arrives at the press conference following ceasefire talks in Paris

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the nations taking part in the “coalition of the willing summit” agreed there should be no easing of sanctions against Vladimir Putin’s Russia.

During the event in Paris, the PM outlined the results of this week’s planning discussions in support of Ukraine, which were held over the past three days at the UK’s military operational headquarters in Northwood.

Pro-Palestine protesters disrupt Labour minister’s speech as they storm stage to demand F-35 export ban

Pro-Palestine protesters disrupted Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds speech earlier today.

Reynolds was speaking at Chatham House when a man stormed the stage waving a Palestinian flag.

He ran behind the minister while hitting out at the Government’s arms sales to Israel, accusing them of complicity in the “massacring of Palestinians”.

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President Macron says Russia has 'not responded to ceasefire' proposals

President Macron started by emphasising that the European leaders who gathered at the Paris summit share a "common view" and "remain united in doing everything possible to establish peace through force" in Ukraine.

He noted that despite the proposal for a 30-day ceasefire, Russia has yet to respond, while new strikes continue daily.

The French president also praised the United States for its efforts toward peace, stressing that he and his allies are committed to exploring every possible avenue for peace with Russia.

He points to discussions on the Black Sea deal in Riyadh as proof of this determination.

Keir Starmer lays out THREE outcomes from meeting with allies in Paris

The Prime Minister said: “Firstly, more support for Ukraine to make sure Ukraine is in the strongest possible position, both now and in further negotiations.

“Second, complete clarity that now is not the time for lifting of sanctions. Quite the contrary, what we discussed is how we can increase sanctions to support the US initiative, to bring Russia to the table through further pressure from this group of countries.

“And of course, we discussed further the plans for reassuring the peace, the coalition of the willing and the military and operational plans, whether they’re on the land, the air or the sea, but there was very strong support.

“And what came out most strongly from the meeting was so many countries standing, as they’ve stood for over three years now, with Ukraine, standing in this crucial moment for as long as it takes.”

Olaf Scholz says lifting Russian sanctions before a peace deal is a 'serious mistake'

Departing German Chancellor Olaf Scholz spoke to press in Paris.

He supported statements made by Keir Starmer and Volodymyr Zelensky - emphasising that lifting sanctions on Russia would be a mistake.

Scholz said that it is "nonsensical to end the sanctions until peace has truly been achieved."

"Regrettably, we are still far from that," he added.

President Volodymyr Zelensky thanks Keir Starmer and France for their support

President Volodymyr Zelensky expresses gratitude to Keir Starmer and France for their support, emphasizing that no sanctions should be lifted until Russia ends the war.

He mentioned that the new aid packages for Ukraine are under discussion and highlights a "unified stance" on pressuring Russia.

The Ukrainian leader underscores that "everyone" recognises Russia has no interest in peace, though efforts to achieve it will continue.

He also notes that today's meeting focused on security guarantees.

Keir Starmer co-hosts  the Coalition of the Willing meeting with President Macron in Paris

Sir Keir Starmer is in Paris for a summit with Ukraine’s allies, where he is set to accuse Vladimir Putin of making "empty promises" in ceasefire negotiations.

During the event, the Prime Minister outlined the results of this week’s planning discussions in support of Ukraine, which were held over the past three days at the UK’s military operational headquarters in Northwood.

These intensive sessions brought together more than 200 military planners from around the world to examine in detail the composition of a potential future force, ensuring Ukraine can defend itself against any future Russian aggression.

Thousands of jobs at risk as Britain's second-biggest steel producer at risk of closure

British Steel has started a consultation process that could lead to the closure of its two blast furnaces in Scunthorpe.

The move may result in more than half of the company's workforce losing their jobs.

Trade unions were in discussions with British Steel on Thursday morning about the redundancy process.

Between 2,000 and 2,500 employees could be axed from the total workforce of 3,500.

A trade union source indicated that meetings were taking place, with a public statement about plans to accelerate the closure of Scunthorpe's blast furnaces expected shortly after.

The company confirmed that the consultations specifically relate to the closure of the blast furnaces in Scunthorpe.

Steelmaking operations at the site are also under threat.

Sadiq Khan launches new measures after dire warning that iconic London black cabs could go extinct soon

Transport for London has unveiled a new Taxi and Private Hire Action Plan to address challenges facing the capital's taxi and private hire industries over the next five years.

The plan aims to secure the future of these vital services, which play a crucial role in London's green and sustainable transport network, and has been backed by Mayor Sadiq Khan.

The action plan follows TfL's first strategy published in 2016 and responds to significant changes in the industry since then, alongside the threat that the iconic vehicles could become extinct by 2045.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE

Britain is still 'crying out for change' following Labour's Spring Statement, Daisy Cooper claims

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has been warned of a "missed opportunity" in her Spring Statement by the Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrats, following the fiscal announcement on Wednesday.

Reeves laid out her economic plan in the House of Commons, but sparked swathes of criticism for her cuts to welfare benefits - amounting to almost £5billion.

SEE THE FULL VIDEO HERE

National Insurance raid will not hit small businesses, Rachel Reeves insists as Chancellor admits tax 'consequences'

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has defended her National Insurance raid, which is set to come into effect next month.

Speaking on GB News, Reeves defended the measure which was set out in the Autumn Budget and not mentioned in yesterday’s Spring Statement.

Employer National Insurance contributions (ENICS) will rise from 13.8 per cent to 15 per cent and the annual salary threshold at which employers behind paying NICs will decrease from £9,100 to £5,000.

GB News’s Stephen Dixon asked the Chancellor about concerns small businesses may have about the changes - but Reeves insists they will not have an adverse effect.

WATCH THE CHANCELLOR SPEAKING TO GB NEWS HERE

Rachel Reeves tells GB News she is 'not complacent' about the 'challenges' British families face

Rachel Reeves told the People's Channel that she is "not complacent" about how British people will tackle financial struggles and "recognises" that the cost of living crisis "continues to bite".

"The OBR forecast yesterday shows that the real household disposable income per person will be £500 greater at the end of the parliament compared with the plans that I inherited," she said.

"And obviously the last parliament was the worst on record for living standards, and the OBR confirmed yesterday that real household disposable income will increase in every year of this parliament.

"I recognise that the cost of living crisis continues to bite. I'm not complacent about the challenges that families face with their finance, but for the last few months, wages have been rising at about twice the rate of inflation.

"And that is welcome news after the double digit inflation that we that was inflicted upon us in the last parliament."

Rachel Reeves does not want to 'escalate trade war' with Donald Trump as US slaps 25% tariffs on UK business

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has asserted the Labour Government does not want to "escalate" the looming trade war between the UK and the US.

Yesterday, President Donald Trump announced a 25 per cent tariff on all motor vehicles imported to the US, in a fresh blow to the UK economy.

It comes as a blow to Reeves as it came mere hours after her Spring Statement, which left little headroom for gross domestic product (GDP) growth if tariffs impact key sectors of the economy.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE

Daisy Cooper says Rachel Reeves missed HUGE opportunity to change Britain’s fortunes

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has been warned of a "missed opportunity" in her Spring Statement by the Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrats, following the fiscal announcement on Wednesday.

Reeves laid out her economic plan in the House of Commons, but sparked swathes of criticism for her cuts to welfare benefits - amounting to almost £5billion.

Speaking to GB News, Daisy Cooper hit out at Reeves for targeting the vulnerable in society whilst looking to award "tax cuts" to the "billionaires" such a Elon Musk.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE

WATCH: Rachel Reeves warned of 'grave impact' of Spring Statement on Britons: 'Another break of promise'

Shadow Minister Victoria Atkins has launched a scathing attack on Labour's economic policies, claiming the additional money promised for the NHS is primarily being spent on National Insurance increases and pay rises rather than frontline services.

Speaking to GB News, Atkins criticised Rachel Reeves' November budget and recent economic decisions.

She argued that Labour's promises of extra NHS funding are misleading.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE

Labour backbench rebellion intensifies over 'cruel' benefit cuts that could push 50,000 more children into poverty

Labour faces a fierce backbench rebellion after a government assessment revealed that welfare cuts could push 250,000 more people— including 50,000 children— into poverty.

MPs confronted Chancellor Rachel Reeves in the Commons following her Spring Statement, condemning the cuts as "cruel" and demanding a U-turn, while urging higher taxes on the wealthy.

Reeves argues that her reforms will save £4.8 billion after the economic downturn caused by her October budget. However, an internal Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) assessment found that 3.2 million families will lose an average of £1,720 per year by April 2030.

Although 3.8 million families will see a £420 annual gain, the report also warns that 150,000 family carers could collectively lose up to £500 million in payments.

In the Commons, Reeves defended the cuts, insisting the welfare system is "broken" and arguing that without reform, "we are writing off an entire generation" reliant on sickness benefits.

RECAP: Donald Trump confirms 25% tariffs on ALL cars not made in US

Donald Trump has confirmed that he will impose tariffs of 25 per cent on all cars not made in the US on April 2.

The announcement came after White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt hinted at the US President announcing tariffs on auto imports earlier this afternoon.

"We’re signing an executive order today that’s going to lead to tremendous growth in the automobile industry," Trump said.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE