A Labour MP has been confronted by an ex-Tory adviser over why Sir Keir Starmer is looking to clampdown on MPs holding second jobs.
Chipping Barnet MP Dam Tomlinson was accused of being frightened about the “threat” from Nigel Farage after Reform UK finished second to Labour in 89 seats on July 4.
Lucy Harris, who served as a special adviser after defecting from the Brexit Party to the Tories in 2019, said: “Let’s just be honest, you are threatened by Nigel Farage and you’re trying to get him off the TV screens so he doesn’t have a big platform. That’s what you’re doing.”
Tomlinson responded: “I don’t feel threatened by Nigel Farage.”
However, Harris simply said: “Well, you should.”
New rules to make it harder for MPs to hold second jobs were passed by the House of Commons in July.
The measures included closing a loophole to ensure MPs no longer advise businesses on public policy or parliamentary procedures.
Further clampdowns around whether to bar MPs from presenting news or current affairs shows on television are under consideration by Commons Leader Lucy Powell.
Such a decision could put GB News shows hosted by Nigel Farage and Lee Anderson at risk.
The Reform UK leader joined GB News as a fan-favourite presenter in June 2021, with tens of thousands of viewers tuning into his prime-time show on a nightly basis.
Labour has also been accused of hypocrisy as Foreign Secretary David Lammy only stepped down from his weekend LBC show shortly before the 2024 General Election.
Jess Phillips and Emily Thornberry have also previously presented LBC shows.
An Ofcom study released in April showed there was no consensus among the wider public to ban MPs from presenting current affairs programmes.
The media watchdog also concluded that the British public did not believe the use of politicians as presenters risks eroding their overall trust in broadcast media.
Tomlinson narrowly won Chipping Barnet by just 2,914 votes against ex-Tory MP Theresa Villiers on July 4.
Reform UK received 7.8 per cent of the vote in the North London seat.
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Jenrick swats away ‘racism’ claims after vowing to ‘stand up for silent majority’ over pro-Palestine protests
Jenrick swats away ‘racism’ claims after defending stance on pro-Palestine protestsPA
Robert Jenrick has swatted away any suggestion that he is either “racist” or an “extremist” after defending his stance on pro-Palestine protests and “sectarian gangs”.
The ex-Immigration Minister, who is facing-off against ex-Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch to become next Tory leader, took a firm position on protests related to Israel’s war with Hamas.
In the height of unrelated summer riots, Jenrick also argued that demonstrators chanting “Allahu Akbar” should be arrested.
Speaking to Conservative members at a local association meeting over the weekend, Jenrick doubled-down on his position and reiterated that those refusing to believe in British values should not be in the UK.
Tories left RAGING as Starmer takes credit for billions in investment secured by Rishi Sunak
Starmer and Sunak
PA
Conservatives are in uproar over Labour’s claim to have secured a “record” £63billion worth of international investment in the UK – despite almost nine tenths of that having come in under Rishi Sunak.
In the wake of yesterday’s glitzy London summit, the Government was keen to praise the new cash, saying it would “turbocharge growth” and “drive innovation”.
And while the summit came under fire from Nigel Farage, who lambasted Labour for failing to invite billionaire tech magnate Elon Musk, it’s Tory MPs who have been the most vocal with their ire.
A slew of Conservative figures have accused Labour of “taking credit” for investments secured under the previous Tory Government, with one, Kevin Hollinrake, calling the party’s figures “shameless”.
Hollinrake, the shadow business secretary, wrote on social media: “Shameless attempt to distract from a disastrous first 100 days.
“Whilst we welcome all investment in the UK, the vast majority of the £63bn trumpeted yesterday is made up of deals already announced or as a result of auction rounds commissioned by the previous Conservative government, including Amazon’s £8billion and Blackstone’s £10billion.”
While East Wiltshire MP Danny Kruger, replying to said social media post, said: “Investment welcome! (Most of it secured by the last Government).”
Fellow MP for Grantham Gareth Davies joined in the pile-on, saying: “Almost half of this investment was already announced under the Conservatives… The only ‘doubling’ here is Labour’s double counting!”
Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds, however, lauded how Labour had “absolutely smashed any previous record for the UK investment summit” – but of his £63billion, over £54billion had come under the Tories.
Labour’s ‘principled’ push to bin hereditary peers slated as ‘nonsense’ by Tories
The Labour minister was asked if he believed the Royal Family was also “wrong”
PA
Canning hereditary peerages is a “matter of principle” for the Labour Government, a Cabinet Officer minister has said – which has been lambasted as “nonsense” by Tory MPs.
Speaking to the Commons this afternoon as he opened the second reading debate of the House of Lords (Hereditary Peers) Bill, Nick Thomas-Symonds said a person’s ancestry should not determine whether they have a place in Parliament’s upper chamber.
He said the change was “long overdue” and claimed hereditary peerages were out of place in the 21st century.
“It’s a matter of principle for this Government, committed to fairness and equality,” he said. “It isn’t personal.”
But Tory MP Sir John Hayes hit back, branding Labour’s justification “nonsense” and asking if Thomas-Symonds believed the Royal Family was also “wrong”.
Sir John said: “The apex of that constitution is, of course, His Majesty the King.
“He is there, in the Secretary of State’s words, because he belongs to a certain family, and therefore derives a certain authority from that intercedence – is that wrong too?”
Labour making ‘difficult choices’ ahead of the Budget, Treasury Minister says
Murray remained tight-lipped on any impending tax hikes
GB NEWS
Treasury Minister James Murray faced some tough questions on GB News this morning regarding speculation of a potential National Insurance hike for employers in the upcoming Budget.
Murray declined to confirm the rumoured tax increase, stating that “difficult choices” must be made to stabilise public finances.
He emphasised the Government’s commitment to not raising taxes on “working people”, including income tax, VAT, and National Insurance contributions. However, Murray’s careful wording left open the possibility of increased employer contributions.
Tributes for murdered MP Sir David Amess on third anniversary of his death
A photo of Sir David Amess is carried into Westminster Cathedral ahead of a requiem mass in November 2021
PA
Tributes are pouring in for Sir David Amess, the Conservative Southend West MP who was murdered by an Isis fanatic on this day in 2021.
Writing on social media, Tory leadership candidate Robert Jenrick said: “Today marks three years since the murder of Sir David Amess MP by an Islamist terrorist.
“David was a tireless champion of Southend and the very embodiment of a Parliamentarian. His warmth and kindness will never be forgotten.”
Jenrick’s comments were echoed by ex-Home Secretary Priti Patel, who wrote: “Today we remember our friend Sir David Amess, who was taken from us in 2021.
“David will always be remembered for his public service, kindness, and love of Southend. We think of his family, friends and all those who knew David on this sad day.”
The Jo Cox foundation also paid tribute to Amess, saying it remained “vital that we tackle the intimidation and violence faced by elected representatives, and prevent tragedies like this”.
Sadiq Khan now ADMITS to role in Taylor Swift security row as scandal refuses to go away
The Mayor helped organise Swift’s “VVIP” police protectionPA
Sadiq Khan has admitted to having discussed Taylor Swift’s security arrangements with the Metropolitan Police ahead of her tour performances in London – joining a host of Sir Keir Starmer’s top brass in a row over safety.
Swift, 34, had been handed a Met motorbike escort – labelled “VVIP” protection, and typically reserved for heads of state and members of the Royal Family – much to the police’s chagrin.
The Met is understood to have warned officials that the convoy could break its own protocols – even though Swift’s own concerts in Austria had been cancelled over terror threats earlier this year.
On Monday, Khan said: “The Government, the Home Secretary [Yvette Cooper]… myself as the Mayor, speak regularly with the Met Police Service about a whole host of security issues and, of course, we’re going to raise the issue of security around world-breaking concerts.”
But it wasn’t just the Mayor of London involved in ensuring the country star was surrounded by police, new reports say.
Over the weekend, The Sunday Times revealed that Attorney General Lord Hermer KC had been told to step in to assuage the Met’s protocol qualms.
The paper’s sources said it was only after Lord Hermer’s intervention that Swift was given protection – though it remains unclear who asked for his involvement.
One former Government law officer said that if he directly gave advice to Scotland Yard, it would appear to go beyond his remit – advising the Government on the legality of policy – not other bodies.
And last night, The Sun claimed that recently-departed No10 chief of staff Sue Gray had been in negotiations with Swift’s mother Andrea – who is the singer’s manager.
Sources said that Gray was key in convincing the Met to relent – and also alleged that Andrea Swift had threatened to call off her daughter’s London dates entirely if her security demands were not met.
A Downing Street source told the paper that the security was a “matter for the police regardless of what conversations or meetings took place”.
Despite the row having been probed by a Tory shadow minister in the Commons, the Home Secretary joked at a Westminster reception last night: “As [my husband] Ed Balls taught me, you just have to shake it off because the haters gonna hate, hate, hate.”
Farage fumes at Labour’s Elon Musk snub – ‘He believes in free speech… We can’t have that now, can we?’
“If there’s anybody who is the world’s greatest entrepreneur – who should have been invited to this summit – it’s Elon Musk,” Farage said
REUTERS/X/NIGEL_FARAGE
Nigel Farage has torn into Labour for snubbing Elon Musk from yesterday’s UK investment summit.
The summit had seen business leaders from across the world come to Britain – with the Government keen to heap praise on £63billion worth of investment pledges in the UK.
But Farage wasn’t so sure – and has lambasted the decision not to invite Elon Musk, claiming Labour “don’t like him because he believes in free speech”.
Addressing his legions of followers on social media, the Reform UK leader said: “A huge investment summit going on with the Labour Government and businesses from all over the world.
“But they’re all big corporates – they don’t really invite entrepreneurs, and the one man they haven’t invited is the world’s most amazing guy, Elon Musk.
“Whether it’s buying this platform [social media network X], whether it’s the incredible space missions he’s going on, whether it’s his cars – whatever it is.
“If there’s anybody who is the world’s greatest entrepreneur – who should have been invited to this summit – it’s Elon Musk.
“But Labour don’t like him. You know why? Because he believes in free speech. But we can’t have that now, can we?”
Badenoch ‘delighted’ to see Cass elevated to Lords as she blasts ‘extreme gender ideology’
Those who told the truth about the damage extreme gender ideology was causing children are some of the bravest I’ve ever met. As Equalities Minister, I did all I could to protect them but I knew my time in the role was running out.
Getting their voices into parliament would… https://t.co/CNgCZAfK4F— Kemi Badenoch (@KemiBadenoch) October 15, 2024
Tory leadership finalist Kemi Badenoch has expressed her “delight” at seeing Baroness Dr Hillary Cass elevated to the House of Lords.
Baroness Cass, who led a landmark review into NHS England’s gender identity services for children from 2020 to 2024, was given her crossbench peerage as part of the dissolution honours ahead of July’s General Election.
Badenoch hailed “those who told the truth about the damage extreme gender ideology was causing children” as the “bravest people I’ve ever met” – and heaped praise on the Cass Review.
She wrote: “In the face of intense obstruction and hostility and no doubt at great personal cost, she produced a seminal report that has provided clarity and saved many children from making irreversible decisions that would harm their long-term health.
“Public service at its best.”
Badenoch and fellow leadership hopeful Robert Jenrick will go head-to-head on a special programme chaired by GB News’ Political Editor Christopher Hope later this week.
Susan Hall calls for Cabinet inquiry into ‘Swiftgate’ as she warns Labour has left policing ‘under threat’ from ‘political interference’
Hall has written to Cabinet Office Minister Pat McFadden to demand a formal inquiry
PA
Tory London Assembly member Susan Hall has written to Cabinet Office Minister Pat McFadden to demand a formal inquiry into “Swiftgate”.
In a letter to McFadden on Monday, Hall said it was “highly concerning” how senior Labour politicians in positions of power and responsibility have “sought to create this worrying precedent for future policing matters”.
She wrote: “Given that two of the three politicians involved subsequently accepted free tickets to Taylor Swift’s concerts, it is right and proper that the Cabinet Office now opens a full investigation into this matter.”
Hall has urged for a formal probe into “all correspondence between the Home Secretary, the Mayor of London and the Attorney General with the Metropolitan Police Service.”
She has pushed to know whether:
- Undue and inappropriate pressure was applied to the Met by these three senior Labour politicians.
- On what operational basis the Met reversed its decision and provided Swift “VVIP” status.
- Whether the Home Secretary attending a concert as a gift of Taylor Swift’s record label, and the Mayor of London’s acceptance of six free tickets to a Taylor Swift concert, impacted the lobbying undertaken by these two politicians.
- What legal and operational implications this may have for future policing matters.
Hall added: “Our system of policing must be free from political interference… A principle which is now evidently under threat from this new Labour government.”
Boris and Carrie Johnson cosy up to Falklands hawk Milei as book tour crosses the equator
The trio posed with their thumbs up as Argentina’s president held a copy of Unleashed
X/BORISJOHNSON
Boris Johnson’s tour for his new memoir, Unleashed, has taken an unexpected turn today – with the former Prime Minister and his wife Carrie posing with Argentine president Javier Milei in Argentina’s capital.
Just days after an excruciating own goal for Argentinian officials over a map of the Falkland Islands, the Johnsons visited the country’s famed presidential palace, the Casa Rosada – or Pink House.
In a photo shared on social media, the couple could be seen enthusiastically posing with their thumbs up as Milei, flanked by a pair of statuettes of himself, held a copy of Unleashed.
Captioning the image, the ex-PM wrote: “Great conversation with Javier Milei in Buenos Aires.
“Truly uplifting to hear his defence of freedom, capitalism, open markets and democracy worldwide.”
Milei – despite his calls this year for a “roadmap” to Argentine sovereignty over the Falklands, is a known admirer of fellow PMs Liz Truss and Margaret Thatcher – the latter of which earned him scorn in the lead-up to his successful presidential bid in Argentina from hawkish hardliners who want the “Islas Malvinas” passed over to Argentine hands.
Alex Salmond died ‘while opening ketchup bottle’ – witnesses
The pro-independence firebrand died after speaking at a North Macedonia conferenceACADEMY FOR CULTURAL DIPLOMACY
Alex Salmond died “totally out of the blue” while trying to open a bottle of ketchup, an eyewitness has said.
The former Alba Party and SNP leader died aged 69 on Saturday at a diplomacy conference in North Macedonia, where police said he “fell sick and died on the spot” from a suspected massive heart attack.
Mark Donfried, director of the Academy for Cultural Diplomacy, said attendees were eating lunch at the meeting in the historic lakeside city of Ohrid in the country’s southwest when he died.
David Cameron admits plot to sanction ‘extremist’ Israeli ministers – but was told move would be ‘too political’ during election
Cameron was planning to sanction two Israeli ministers just before the previous Government left office
PA
David Cameron was planning to sanction two Israeli ministers – whom he labelled “extremists” – just before the previous Government left office, the then-Foreign Secretary has said.
Lord Cameron said he had been “working up” sanctions on Israeli finance minister Bezalel Smotrich and national security minister Itamar Ben-Gevir in order to pile “pressure on Netanyahu” to act within international law.
He told the BBC: “Before we left office I was working up sanctions on these two ministers, ministers Smotrich and Ben-Gevir, who, when you look at what they say, they have said things like encouraging people to stop aid convoys going into Gaza, they have encouraged extreme settlers in the West Bank with the appalling things they have been carrying out.
Lord Cameron added: “So, actually saying to Netanyahu: ‘Yes, we support your right to self-defence, no, we are not going to end the sale of arms, but actually when ministers in your government who are extremists and behave in this way, we are prepared to use our sanctions regime to say this is not good enough and has to stop.'”
He urged the current Government to “look again at this sanctions issue” rather than go down the “wrong path” of suspending arms exports.
Asked why the sanctions did not go ahead, Lord Cameron said he had been advised that it would have been “too much of a political act” during the election.
Unemployed to receive taxpayer-funded weight-loss jabs as Streeting tackles obese Britain
Wes Streeting has confirmed that pharmaceutical giant Lilly will be splurging almost £300million in the UK
PA
Britain’s unemployed are set to receive weight loss jabs under Government plans to get them back to work, Health Secretary Wes Streeting has said.
In the wake of yesterday’s investment summit, Streeting has confirmed that pharmaceutical giant Lilly will be splurging almost £300million on developing new medicines and treatment delivery methods.
Lilly’s plans will see its drug tirzepatide – sold under brand name Mounjaro – tested in the real world, with its effect on worklessness and productivity under close inspection.
Tirzepatide has been nicknamed the “King Kong” of slimming jabs because it is the most effective on the market, coming ahead of fellow injection semaglutide – known as Wegovy for weight loss and as Ozempic for diabetes.
Writing in The Telegraph, Streeting drew attention to obese Britons’ strain on the NHS and economy.
He wrote: “As a country, we’re eating more, eating less healthily and exercising less. The costs to the individual are clear – a less healthy and shorter life.
“Our widening waistbands are also placing significant burden on our health service, costing the NHS £11billion a year – even more than smoking. And it’s holding back our economy.
“Illness caused by obesity causes people to take an extra four sick days a year on average, while many others are forced out of work altogether.”
Unemployment rate falls to 4% – but claims for DWP jobless benefits INCREASE
UK economy and people waiting on job interview GETTY
Britain’s unemployment rate dropped to four per cent in the three-month period leading up to August 2024, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has said.
Prior forecasts had estimated unemployment would fall at 4.1 per cent – but the latest ONS data has marginally undercut the predictions in a boon for the UK economy.
Despite the drop, the number of people claiming jobless benefits soared by 27,900 in September and 23,700 in August, surpassing the ONS’s expected 20,200 figure.
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