Passage of Rwanda deportation bill could be delayed until after Easter
The passage of the government's Rwanda deportation bill might be delayed until after Easter, risking backlash from Conservative MPs.
The government's legislative timetable suggests the bill may not become law until mid-April, resulting in a delay in implementing the deportation policy. [ more ]
More than 40 Tory MPs threaten rebellion over English council funding
Over 40 Conservative MPs, including former cabinet ministers, have written to Rishi Sunak demanding more funding for councils in England to prevent deep cuts to services.
The MPs warned that urgent action was needed to secure their support in a crucial vote next month and prevent more councils from going bankrupt due to a 4 billion funding shortfall.
Councils across England are facing financial struggles due to increasing costs, reduced funding, and local missteps, with Birmingham, Nottingham, Woking, and Thurrock among the hardest hit. [ more ]
Rishi Sunak could lose Rwanda bill vote by accident' as Tory revolt builds
Conservative MPs warn that Rishi Sunak could lose a crucial Commons vote on his Rwanda bill by accident.
Tory factions are considering whether to back the beleaguered legislation in a crunch vote on Tuesday, potentially leading to a humiliating defeat for the PM. [ more ]
The Prime Minister has refused to reveal whether a temporary asylum processing centre in Kent will be made permanent.
Rishi Sunak visited Border Force officials at Gatwick Airport after his Rwanda bill passed a crucial Commons vote, despite criticism from 60 Conservative MPs. [ more ]
Collective of rightwing Tory MPs say they will not support Rwanda bill
A collective of rightwing Conservative MPs, called the five families, have announced that they will not support Rishi Sunak's bill on deporting asylum seekers to Rwanda.
The five families claim to represent over 100 MPs and held a joint press conference to announce their decision. [ more ]
If wanting fair and accurate political coverage makes me a nerd, knit me a tank top | Stewart Lee
On last Sunday's BBC politics show, presenter Laura Kuenssberg spoke to the energy secretary, Grant Shapps.On this occasion Shapps manifested as himself, rather than as one of the many false identities he used to inhabit when promoting his internet business.I always find Shapps's appearances as himself uncomfortable, a bit like when Mike Yarwood used to say and this is me! at the end of his impressionist shows and then sing an old jazz standard in a weird American accent while squinting and waving his hands.
Are Tory MPs as deluded as Boris Johnson? It's a tough act to follow, but they're doing their best | Marina Hyde
Carrie Johnson recently confirmed she was expecting her third child, and I wish her stamina.At one point I also had three children under the age of three-and-a-half, and can confirm it's quite a handful.However, at least I was not also married to a toddler at the time.The Johnson household will soon effectively contain four babies of various sizes, with the 58-year-old one currently going through what nanny might call a difficult stage.
Labour's David Lammy has renewed his party's calls for a general election, saying the UK needed certainty in "extraordinarily difficult times".His comments came after the resignation of former PM Boris Johnson as an MP.Two other Conservative MPs also quit, meaning three by-elections will be held.
A matter of honours: why there is a row over Boris Johnson's peerage list
An almighty row over Boris Johnson's resignation honours list has resulted in claims and counterclaims flying between the former prime minister's team and the current No 10 operation.Both sides are pointing the finger of blame at the other for the confusion that has led to two byelections being triggered by those who lost out on being elevated to the Lords.
Sunak did not remove names from Johnson's peerages list, insists minister
Neither the Prime Minister nor members of his Number 10 team removed names from Boris Johnson's peerages submission, according to a senior Government minister.Several reports have suggested Mr Johnson's allies blame Downing Street for Conservative MPs failing to appear on his resignation honours list on Friday despite them being nominated for the House of Lords.
Boris Johnson's notebooks raised national security concerns'
Boris Johnson's notebooks from his time in office raised national security concerns at the highest level, it has been claimed.They are being withheld from him by the government after a security review found pages of highly sensitive material.The Cabinet Office, which has the former prime minister's notebooks, has told the official Covid-19 inquiry that some of the material in question may involve issues of national security.
Divided Tories prepare for free vote on Boris Johnson Partygate report
Conservative MPs head to their constituencies on Friday with the party facing deep divisions over Monday's vote on the privileges committee's report into Boris Johnson.The Commons will hold a free vote on Monday on whether to formally approve the report, which found on Thursday that Johnson deliberately misled parliament over lockdown-breaking parties in No 10.
Boris and entitled' Tories have damaged UK, says former Eton master
A former Eton master has lashed out at Boris Johnson and other senior Tories who attended the elite private school saying they had damaged the very fabric of the country.John Claughton said he had failed to educate former pupils such as the former PM, former Commons leader Jacob Rees-Mogg and ex-chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng properly.
Nadine Dorries has delayed formally resigning as an MP which threatens to prolong the agony of a series of tough by-elections for Rishi Sunak.The former culture secretary and Boris Johnson ally said on Friday she would step down from her Mid Bedfordshire seat with immediate effect, sparking a contest to replace her.
There is little consensus on the front of Thursday's papers as a wide range of stories battle for attention.Only two titles agree on the main story of the day with the Daily Mail and Daily Mirror both focusing on the continuing drama around This Morning.The Daily Mail describes the programme as being in meltdown as it says ITV has been forced to order an inquiry into the Phillip Schofield scandal.
Decision on Commons suspension for MP Margaret Ferrier delayed
Margaret Ferrier's proposed 30-day suspension from the House of Commons for breaching coronavirus rules has been delayed.A motion was listed on Thursday's order paper which, if approved, would have confirmed Ms Ferrier (Rutherglen and Hamilton West) was suspended from Friday.But Conservative whip Ruth Edwards replied not moved when asked by Deputy Speaker Sir Roger Gale to move the motion.
One in five will be paying highest income tax rate by 2027
Rishi Sunak faces backlash over stealth tax hikes which will drag one in five taxpayers into the 40p rate of income tax within years, experts have warned.The prime minister's decision to freeze income tax thresholds means one in four teachers and more than one in eight nurses will be paying the highest income tax rate by 2027, analysis by the influential Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) think tank shows.
Boris Johnson Partygate report: Key findings at a glance
The long-anticipated report by MPs into whether Boris Johnson misled Parliament over Covid lockdown parties in No 10 is finally out.The report by the seven-member privileges committee followed a year-long investigation and runs to around 30,000 words.The former prime minister stood down as an MP last week after receiving an advance copy, angrily accusing the committee of bias.
Nigel Farage suggests more than 10 Tory MPs could be willing to join new party
Nigel Farage said he believes it's the end of Boris Johnson in the Conservative Party as he suggested more than 10 Tory MPs could be willing to join a new party.The prominent Leave campaigner, appearing on the BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg show, added that the gap for another insurgency is actually bigger than it was 10 years ago.
E-bikes need number plates and insurance, say MPs and industry
Electric bikes must have number plates and insurance in order for pedestrians to be safe, Conservative MPs and the industry have said.They want them to be regulated in the same way as other vehicles given the damage they can do if they hit someone.E-bikes can weigh twice as much as a conventional bicycle and, while most cannot travel faster than 15.5mph by law, some have been modified to go much faster.
Chris Mason: The ghost of Boris Johnson haunts Rishi Sunak
Political editor, BBC News
In his seven months as prime minister, the most notable characteristic Rishi Sunak has brought to government is - relatively speaking at least - stability.But 2022 - or much of it - was defined, politically, by a soap opera of Conservative squabbling.It didn't disappear with the arrival of Mr Sunak in Number 10, but it quietened down substantially.
Tory MPs defeat bid to release Government correspondence on Teesworks inquiry
Conservative MPs faced claims of a cover up after they blocked the release of documents showing the Government's decision-making over an inquiry into the UK's largest freeport.Labour questioned why the National Audit Office (NAO) was not tasked with leading the probe into allegations of wrongdoing linked to Teesworks in the north east of England, as the region's Conservative mayor Ben Houchen originally requested.
Dominic Raab's Bill of Rights under threat as successor reviews priorities
Dominic Raab's controversial Bill of Rights is under threat as his successor draws up his own plans for the overloaded Ministry of Justice.New justice secretary Alex Chalk KC did not publicly back the law - or commit to pursuing it - when questioned in parliament on Tuesday.He also acknowledged that his department has other priorities.
Walmart joins Canadian grocery rivals in pushing back against profiteering claims | CBC News
Like its Canadian counterparts, Walmart is pushing back against claims that grocers are profiting from the rising cost of food.Gonzalo Gebara, the head of Walmart Canada, told MPs on the House agriculture committee Monday that rising prices were caused by "a perfect storm" of external factors, not price-gouging.
I struggled to believe it': my part in exposing Partygate
My initial reaction at the time was that this was some kind of try-on, Boris Johnson said of the moment when I first approached Downing Street with the news we were about to publish a story about lockdown parties at the heart of government.At the time, it seemed implausible to me that there could have been an illegal event at No 10 almost a year earlier that I had not heard about before, the former prime minister said in his written evidence to the privileges committee on Tuesday.
Johnson's defence passed to MPs preparing to question him over partygate lies'
Boris Johnson's legal team has handed over to MPs his defence dossier seeking to rebut allegations he lied to Parliament with his partygate denials.Sources close to the former prime minister urged the Privileges Committee to make the evidence public as soon as possible ahead of his televised questioning on Wednesday.
Johnson ally warns ex-PM could face parliamentary witch hunt' over partygate
Boris Johnson could face a witch hunt when he appears before MPs investigating his partygate comments, an ally of the former prime minister has warned.Lord Greenhalgh said he hopes Mr Johnson gets a fair and just hearing but he voiced concerns about the Privileges Committee process.The peer, who was a deputy mayor when Mr Johnson was in London's City Hall and became a minister under him as prime minister, has backed a campaign which calls for Conservative MPs on the committee to pull out of the kangaroo court.
Margaret Ferrier suspended from House of Commons after Covid rules breach
Margaret Ferrier has been suspended from the House of Commons for 30 days for breaching coronavirus rules.The Commons voted 185 to 40, majority 145, to approve the motion to suspend the independent MP for Rutherglen and Hamilton West.Ms Ferrier, a former SNP MP, was in the Commons chamber as MPs approved her suspension.
Tory MPs accused of cosying up' to far-right Hungarian leader Orban
Three Conservative MPs have been condemned after attending a conference hosted by the populist Hungarian prime minister, Viktor Orban, along with representatives from a series of hard right and far-right European parties.Veteran backbenchers Sir Edward Leigh, Sir Christopher Chope and Ian Liddell-Grainger were pictured in Budapest alongside Orban and members of other populist or far-right parties including Belgium's Vlaams Belang, Spain's Vox and the Sweden Democrats.
Covid inquiry chairwoman expected to address ministers' High Court challenge
The chairwoman of the UK Covid-19 Inquiry is expected to respond for the first time to a High Court challenge of her request for Boris Johnson's unredacted WhatsApp messages.Baroness Heather Hallett is due to hold a preliminary inquiry hearing on Tuesday in which she is set to address ministers' decision to bring forward a judicial review.
Economists dismiss Tory push to scrap inheritance tax
Calls by senior Tories to abolish inheritance tax (IHT) have been met with scepticism from senior economists and tax experts.More than 50 Conservative MPs, including former chancellor Nadhim Zahawi, have urged prime minister Rishi Sunak and chancellor Jeremy Hunt to scrap the tax, according to the Daily Telegraph.
The front pages of Sunday's newspapers continue to carry the fallout from Phillip Schofield's exit from This Morning, The Sun on Sunday and the Daily Star Sunday feature Holly Willoughby saying her former co-star lied to her about the affair he was having with a younger colleague.Also covering the drama, the Sunday People wonders about This Morning's future, while the Mail on Sunday says Schofield's lover was just 15 when they first met.
10% of Tory MPs have announced plans to retire at next UK election
Approximately 10% of Conservative MPs have announced plans to retire at the next election, sparking suggestions that they are jumping ship in the expectation of losing the next election.Having resigned as justice secretary over bullying claims, Dominic Raab is the latest high-profile Tory politician to confirm they are serving their final term in parliament.
Union protest against law on minimum service levels during strikes
A protest is being held on Monday against the Government's controversial legislation on minimum levels of service during strikes, which unions warn could lead to workers being sacked for legally voting to take industrial action.Union leaders involved in the current wave of strikes will speak at the event in Parliament Square and will criticise the Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Bill, which returns to Parliament for MPs to discuss amendments put forward by the Lords.
The leasehold system will not be abolished in England and Wales this year, despite Housing Secretary Michael Gove previously promising to scrap it.Mr Gove has described the system - where the owner of a property pays maintenance charges and often ground rent - as unfair and outdated.
Lib Dem peer in bid to block Illegal Migration Bill
A Lib Dem peer is seeking to block the government's Illegal Migration Bill as the plans are set to face significant opposition in the Lords.Lord Paddick intends to put forward a rare "motion to decline" on Wednesday.If the motion is passed the bill would have to be dropped - although with Labour not expected to support it, this is unlikely to happen.
It's a con': Labour amendment to put Sunak's migrant bill under fresh scrutiny
Labour will seek to put Rishi Sunak's inability to secure an EU migrant returns deal under fresh scrutiny, with a vote on the government's controversial migration bill, which returns to the Commons this week.The illegal migration bill will return to the Commons on Monday for its committee stage, where MPs will examine it line by line over two days.
French government survives first no-confidence vote in pensions bill row
The French government has survived a no-confidence vote in the lower chamber of parliament and is expected to survive a second one, after its push last week to raise the retirement age from 62 to 64. he no-confidence motion filed by a small centrist group and supported by a coalition from the left received 278 votes on Monday, falling short of the 287 needed to pass.
Ban on imports of animal hunting trophies set to become law
Plans to ban imports of animal hunting trophies to Great Britain are set to become law.The government has backed legislation which would stop hunters bringing back body parts of thousands of species, including lions, rhinos, elephants and polar bears, killed abroad.Tory MP Henry Smith, who proposed the bill, said it would help conserve the world's most endangered species.
One in five workers will be higher-rate taxpayers by 2027 IFS
One in four teachers and one in eight nurses will be higher-rate taxpayers by 2027 as a result of the government's record freeze on income tax allowances and thresholds, according to a leading thinktank.The Institute for Fiscal Studies said better-paid public sector workers will be among the almost 8 million people one in five of all taxpayers who will pay income tax at 40% or above as result of the Treasury's attempt to reduce the UK's budget deficit.
Justin Welby: from crowning King Charles to conviction and speeding fine
It has been a momentous week for Justin Welby, the 105th archbishop of Canterbury.Last Saturday, he was on the global stage as he crowned King Charles III, anointing the sovereign with holy oil and issuing a resounding God save the King! before 2,000 people in Westminster Abbey and 20 million Britons watching on television.
Almost two-thirds of young women have been sexually harassed at work, says TUC
Almost two in three young women have experienced sexual harassment, bullying or verbal abuse at work, according to a TUC poll.However, most victims do not report it for fear of not being believed or of damaging their relationships at work or their career prospects, the TUC said.Overall, almost three in five women (58%) have experienced harassment at work, the poll showed.
Two-thirds of young women have experienced abuse at work TUC survey
Two out of three young women have experienced sexual harassment, bullying or verbal abuse at work, new research suggests.The TUC said its survey of 1,000 women found that most victims don't report incidents because they fear they won't be believed or it could damage their career.Three in five of those polled, rising to almost two-thirds of women aged between 25 and 34, said they have experienced sexual harassment, bullying or verbal abuse at work.
Chris Mason: Sunak pledge to scrap EU laws collides with reality
Political editor, BBC News
This is a classic example of a big, bold campaigning promise colliding with reality.When Rishi Sunak was running to be Conservative leader last summer, he put out a video.In it, inside what is called the 'Brexit Delivery Department,' vast bundles of paper representing EU laws thud down on a desk, and then a shredder is wheeled into the room.
Labour not even entertaining' prospect of coalition with Lib Dems
A senior Labour MP has avoided discussing whether the party would go into coalition with the Liberal Democrats if it falls short of a majority at the next general election, saying We're not even entertaining that prospect.Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey has explicitly rejected any coalition with the Tories under Rishi Sunak, but avoided ruling out a coalition deal with Labour, stressing his party's focus is getting rid of Conservative MPs.
King greets realm prime ministers and governors general for lunch
The King joined realm prime ministers and governors general for lunch before heading to a Commonwealth Heads of Government leaders meeting the day before his coronation.The Prince and Princess of Wales, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, the Princess Royal and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence were at the lunch at Buckingham Palace.
Cleverly raises areas of deep disagreement' in talks with China vice-president
The Foreign Secretary said he broached areas of deep disagreement during a meeting with the Chinese vice-president in London.James Cleverly said he made plain the UK's position on Hong Kong, Xinjiang and Taiwan during talks on Friday with Han Zheng ahead of the coronation.The Chinese politician, who has been blamed for overseeing a crackdown on freedom in Hong Kong, was recently appointed as President Xi Jinping's deputy and is set to represent China at the royal event on Saturday.
King hosts overseas heads of states at Buckingham Palace on coronation eve
The King has hosted heads of state from around the world at a Buckingham Palace reception on the eve of the coronation.The Prince and Princess of Wales, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, the Princess Royal and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence also greeted their overseas guests at the event.Completing the royal contingent were the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester and the Duke of Kent.
King joins special lunch for realm prime ministers and governors general
The King has joined a special lunch for realm prime ministers and governors general at Buckingham Palace.The Prince and Princess of Wales, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, the Princess Royal and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence were also at the event, which took place 24 hours before the coronation.Completing the royal contingent were the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester and the Duke of Kent.
Royal stories again take centre stage on several of Thursday's newspaper front pages, but a range of other topics battle for attention.Security in London is the main focus of the royal stories as the countdown to the coronation continues.The Daily Mail splits its front page between a picture of the coronation rehearsal on The Mall and what it calls the biggest security operation ever with 11,500 police officers and facial recognition cameras scanning the crowd.
King to host global leaders in busy run of diplomatic duties ahead of coronation
The King is to host world leaders at Buckingham Palace and be presented with his own feathered crown in the days leading up to the coronation.In a busy run of diplomatic duties, Charles will be joined by working royals at a special lunch for realm prime ministers and governors general at the royal residence on Friday, the day before his crowning.
Incredibly unlikely' UK would leave human rights convention, says minister
Leaving the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) would further destabilise an international system that was already on the back foot, a cabinet minister has said.Development minister Andrew Mitchell said on Wednesday it was incredibly unlikely that the UK would leave the ECHR and warned strongly against doing so during an event at Chatham House in London.
He's a great guy': Kwasi Kwarteng told fake firm he could introduce them to Boris Johnson
Kwasi Kwarteng told representatives of a fake South Korean firm that he could introduce them to Boris Johnson the best campaigner you will ever see in the hope of securing a 10,000-a-day second job.Kwarteng also indicated that Conservative whips would allow him to skip his parliamentary duties in order to further the interests of the fake firm, after apparently being duped by the campaign group Led By Donkeys.
Employing serving MPs as presenters is very concerning', says Labour's Powell
The employment of serving MPs as presenters on different media channels is very concerning, shadow culture secretary Lucy Powell has said, adding that Ofcom should be looking at these issues.The Manchester Central MP noted that news channels and broadcasters are bound by licensing conditions which mean that they do have to provide balance and some impartiality.
Rishi Sunak's Northern Ireland Brexit plan passes but 20-plus Tories rebel
The Commons has approved Rishi Sunak's revised plan for post-Brexit Northern Ireland trade, but with a rebellion by a seeming 20-plus Conservative MPs.The vote was passed by 515 votes to 29.While the breakdown of votes is not immediately released, with eight Democratic Unionist party MPs set to have voted against it, that is likely to have meant 21 Conservative rebels defied the three-line whip.
Boris Johnson faces day of reckoning during Partygate committee hearing
Boris Johnson faces a battle for his political future as he tries to convince a cross-party committee of MPs that he only misled the House of Commons unintentionally over the Partygate scandal.Ahead of a marathon evidence session with the privileges committee, the former prime minister claimed that his assurances to MPs that Covid rules had been followed had been made in good faith.
Chris Mason: Boris Johnson's political future and reputation on trial
Political editor, BBC News
Boris Johnson's reputation is on trial.His political future is on trial too.Not in a court of law.But, rather like a court of law, in front of his peers.In this instance, the judge and jury are his fellow MPs, exploring a narrow question in relation to all those partygate revelations.
No 10 warns Johnson allies against portraying inquiry as witch hunt'
Downing Street has warned allies of Boris Johnson against interfering in the inquiry into whether he lied to Parliament with his partygate denials.Rishi Sunak's official spokesman defended the Privileges Committee investigation as friends of the former prime minister sought to portray it as a witch hunt.
New pension protests in France ahead of crucial votes
After weeks of peaceful strikes and marches against raising the official retirement age from 62 to 64, police on Saturday closed the Place de la Concorde opposite parliament for demonstrations following two successive nights of clashes.Some individual lawmakers were targeted, with Eric Ciotti chief of the conservative Republicans party expected not to back the no-confidence motions finding early Sunday that his constituency office had been pelted with rocks overnight.
Johnson will offer robust defence' as he fights partygate claims, says Dowden
Boris Johnson will give a robust defence of his actions but ultimately his fate will be in the hands of MPs, a Cabinet minister has said.The former prime minister will submit a written dossier of evidence to MPs ahead of a public hearing on Wednesday as he attempts to clear his name over allegations he misled Parliament about the partygate scandal.
Boris Johnson has bombshell defence dossier to clear name over Partygate'
Boris Johnson will submit a bombshell defence dossier of evidence to MPs as he attempts to clear his name over allegations he misled Parliament over the Partygate scandal.The former prime minister will provide the statement to the Privileges Committee as he battles to save his political career.Mr Johnson will appear before the panel on Wednesday for a televised grilling, and it is expected he will submit his written evidence before then.
Just 14% of people think Stanley Johnson should get a knighthood, poll shows
A large majority of the British public is opposed to Boris Johnson's father Stanley receiving a knighthood, with just 14 per cent backing the proposal.Exclusive polling for The Independent by Savanta ComRes found nearly two-thirds (65 per cent) thought the elder Mr Johnson, a Tory campaigner and former MEP, should not be made a sir in his son's resignation honours list.
Sunak's post-Brexit deal to face first hurdle in Commons next week
Rishi Sunak's post-Brexit trade deal for Northern Ireland faces its first hurdle next week as MPs will vote on a key part of the arrangement.The full statutory instrument relating to the Stormont brake of the Windsor framework will be published on Monday before a vote in the Commons on Wednesday, the Commons leader, Penny Mordaunt, has confirmed.
Labour would scrap Chancellor's gilded giveaway' to wealthy pensions savers
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Labour has pledged to scrap Jeremy Hunt's gilded giveaway to higher earners as the Chancellor defended his multi-billion pound tax break on pensions savings.
Jeremy Hunt refuses to commit to tax cuts before 2024 election
Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Chancellor Jeremy Hunt refused to commit to tax cuts before the 2024 general election putting him on a collision course with Conservative MPs on the right.Mr Hunt refused to bow to backbench Tory pressure to cut taxes, hiking corporation tax from 19 to 25 per cent and freezing personal thresholds in cash terms rather than increasing them with inflation.
Hunt defends transformational' Budget amid 1bn tax giveaway for wealthy
Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Jeremy Hunt has defended his Budget plan to get people back to work amid accusations he is handing a massive 1 billion tax giveaway to the some of the wealthiest people in the country.
Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Jeremy Hunt will unveil his Budget on Wednesday as the country faces the pressing issues of inflation, pay and public finances.The Budget comes in the wake of the autumn statement last November, which saw the chancellor hike taxes as he and Rishi Sunak sought to restore UK financial credibility after Liz Truss' short-lived premiership.
Budget 2023Jeremy Hunt to announce 4bn boost for childcare in England
A 4bn expansion of free childcare for one- and two-year-olds in England is expected to be announced in the budget on Wednesday as part of a wider drive to help people into work and boost growth.The plan would provide an extra 30 hours a week to parents of one- and two-year olds, and increase funding for the existing programme of free childcare for three year-olds.
Theresa May says asylum plan won't solve illegal migration issue
Government plans to tackle small boat crossings will not solve the issue of illegal migration, former Prime Minister Theresa May has warned.Under the proposals, modern slavery victims would be "collateral damage" and denied support, she told MPs.Several other Tories also called for changes to the Illegal Migration Bill.
Rishi Sunak announces 5bn extra defence spending during US trip
By Paul Seddon & Chris Mason
Rishi Sunak has pledged to increase defence spending by nearly £5bn over the next two years to counter emerging threats from hostile states.The funding boost will be confirmed in a new UK foreign and security strategy, to be published on Monday.It comes ahead of talks between the prime minister and his US and Australian counterparts in California.
Lee Anderson: new Tory deputy chair is one-man controversy machine
While Rishi Sunak's decision to appoint Lee Anderson as the Conservative party deputy chair will doubtless cheer a number of Anderson's red wall colleagues, it is also fair to say at least some fellow Tory MPs will have their head in their hands at the news.The political logic is obvious.The new party chair, Greg Hands, is the long-serving MP for a central London constituency and a former banker.