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Readout from Starmer’s meeting with Palestinian Authority PM Mohammad Mustafa
In response to inquiries regarding Gaza, the Downing Street readout of Keir Starmer‘s discussion with Mohammad Mustafa, the Prime Minister of the Palestinian Authority, has been made available. A spokesperson from No 10 provided the following details:
The Prime Minister commenced by offering heartfelt condolences for the tragic loss of life in Gaza, emphasizing that the UK does not endorse the resurgence of conflict, which serves no one’s interests. He made it clear that the UK would persist in advocating for a return to a ceasefire as a precursor to lasting peace, asserting the critical importance of humanitarian aid entering Gaza.
Starmer also expressed concern about the deteriorating situation in the West Bank, highlighting issues related to illegal settlements and violence.
On the Arab Plan for Gaza, the Prime Minister conveyed the UK’s endorsement of the Palestinian Authority’s reform agenda, which he described as vital. The leaders concurred on the necessity of a strategic political framework as part of the execution of a two-state solution, reiterating that Hamas should not participate in Gaza’s governance.
Both leaders agreed that the UK would maintain close collaboration with the Palestinian Authority and regional stakeholders to discover a viable path forward, aiming to establish enduring peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians.
Kneecap apologizes to families of murdered MPs over ‘dead Tory’ statements
Kneecap, the Belfast-based Irish-language rap group, has issued an apology to the families of slain MPs David Amess and Jo Cox following the emergence of a video in which members allegedly call for the killing of politicians. This was reported by Jamie Grierson.
The group released a statement, which can be found here on Bluesky.
They emphasized their position, stating: “We do not and have never supported Hamas or Hezbollah. We categorically condemn all civilian attacks; such actions are never acceptable, particularly given the history of our nation.”
The statement further clarified that any implication of inciting violence against any MP or individual is unfounded, describing footage that has been taken out of context to instigate controversy.
This misrepresentation, they assert, is not only ridiculous but also a deliberate attempt to distract from the pressing issues at hand.
The situation in Gaza is dire, with claims that all two million residents are facing severe deprivation due to actions by Israel. Reports indicate that at least 20,000 children have lost their lives, amidst ongoing arms supplies from the UK to Israel, despite warnings regarding the indiscriminate killing of children.
Yvette Cooper emphasizes UK’s focus on ‘resilience’ amid power cuts in Spain and Portugal
Yvette Cooper, the Home Secretary, participated in a media round to address the recent announcement regarding measures for foreign sex offenders. When questioned about potential power shortages mirroring those in Spain and Portugal, she stated that the UK is committed to maintaining a robust “resilience” strategy concerning security.
She elaborated, “Our security reviews address resilience and the various challenges we face. This includes traditional security threats as well as issues similar to those affecting Spain and Portugal, and we extend our support to their government initiatives.”
Labour claims Tories are ‘gifting’ Runcorn by-election to Reform party as Badenoch dismisses electoral implications
Good morning. With just two days remaining until the local elections in England, Labour campaigners are strategically highlighting the government’s recent initiative aimed at preventing sex offenders from seeking asylum in the UK. Rajeev Syal provides further insights.
The government has announced this initiative, which involves an amendment to the ongoing border security, asylum, and immigration bill currently nearing its report stage in the Commons. While immigration policy typically falls outside local authority purview, Labour hopes that today’s coverage will influence how people vote.
With expectations suggesting Conservatives might lose approximately 500 council seats, as per estimates, these elections could pose significant challenges for Kemi Badenoch. However, in an interview with BBC Breakfast, she stated that she doesn’t perceive electoral outcomes as reflective of her personal popularity.
Badenoch remarked, “After last year’s historic defeat, rebuilding is a gradual process. It won’t happen overnight.” She acknowledged the need for time to regain public confidence, comparing her leadership experience to the lengthy recovery periods of past oppositions.
Additionally, a by-election for Runcorn and Helsby is scheduled for Thursday, where Labour previously held a significant majority of nearly 15,000 votes. With overnight counting, early narratives surrounding the election will largely rely on the outcome in Runcorn, where Reform UK is hopeful for a victory. While such by-election wins don’t necessarily translate to general election success, a narrow win for Labour could still buoy Keir Starmer.
Labour critiques suggest that the Conservative party has effectively abandoned the campaign in this constituency. Labour’s chair, Ellie Reeves, indicated that Conservative MP Esther McVey has suggested the party step back to allow Reform to take the lead.
Reeves articulated, “It appears that Tories have ceased all ground efforts here, essentially handing it to Reform.” Even though her position incentivizes maximizing Labour’s vote to keep Reform at bay, her assertions reflect how the Conservatives have acknowledged their dwindling prospects in this seat.
The day’s agenda features several key events:
9.30am: Keir Starmer chairs a cabinet meeting.
Morning: Ed Davey, the Liberal Democrat leader, campaigns in East Anglia.
10am: Industry figures from the comedy sector, including podcaster Matt Forde, testify before the Commons culture committee on the live comedy landscape.
2.20pm: Jack Thorne, creator of Netflix’s Adolescence, alongside co-executive producer Emily Feller, presents their findings on issues of misogyny among young men to the Commons women and equalities committee.
2.30pm: Andy Burnham, the Greater Manchester mayor, and Kim McGuinness, the North East mayor, provide testimony on industrial strategy to the Commons business committee.
Afternoon: Kemi Badenoch hosts a campaign event in the South West.
Afternoon: Nigel Farage, the leader of Reform UK, campaigns in Scunthorpe with Andrea Jenkyns, their candidate for Greater Lincolnshire mayor.
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Updated at 10.44 CEST
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