Free nations must commit themselves to a free Taiwan and must be prepared to back it up with concrete measures, Liz Truss has said in a keynote speech in Taipei, in which she called for an “economic Nato” to tackle Beijing’s growing authoritarianism.
The former British prime minister said she had come to show support for Taiwan, which was “on the frontline of the global battle for freedom”, under threat from a totalitarian regime in China. Truss arrived in Taiwan on Monday for a five-day visit, and is expected to meet senior government officials.
Truss, who was prime minister for 49 days in 2022 after serving as foreign secretary for the year prior, is the most senior British politician to make the trip since Margaret Thatcher, and drew a rebuke from China’s UK embassy, which said the visit was “a dangerous political show which will do nothing but harm to the UK”.
Beijing claims Taiwan as a province of China, and Xi Jinping has not ruled out using force to achieve what he terms “reunification”. Taiwan’s government and people overwhelmingly reject the prospect of Chinese rule, and a potential conflict and its fallout are of key concern to the global community.
“We cannot pretend we have meaningful deterrence without hard power,” Truss said in a speech and panel discussion for a Taiwan thinktank, the Prospect Foundation, on Wednesday. “If we’re serious about preventing conflict in the South China Sea we need to get real about defence cooperation.”
Truss said the world could not rely on the UN security council or the World Trade Organization, and instead called for a “network of liberty”, with free nations working together to develop an “economic Nato” to coordinate pushback against Beijing.
She said the G7 – which will meet this weekend in Hiroshima – needed to coordinate economically against Chinese economic coercion, saying “bullying on a major scale” was taking place across the international area.
Truss said Beijing was using Taiwan’s international participation as a strategy, and called for Taiwan’s membership of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership to be fast-tracked and approved – and China’s denied.
Truss is a hawkish member of the British Conservative party, and her speech appeared to rebuke comments made by current members of government and their European counterparts. Last month the UK foreign secretary James Cleverly singled out climate change as an area in which engagement with China was needed, saying it would be a mistake to isolate Beijing.
On Wednesday Truss said there were “too many mixed messages from the free world”, which she blamed on a “false idea” that the west could still cooperate with China on some issues.
The current prime minister, Rishi Sunak, must make good on earlier comments when he declared China “the biggest-long term threat to Britain”, she added. She called for the shutting down of UK-based Confucius institutes, and for the UK to rule out the resumption of economic dialogue with Beijing, saying: “We cannot have more integration with the Chinese economy.”
She said Beijing was already working to make itself economically self-reliant “whether we want to decouple from the economy or not”.
Truss also appeared to swipe at recent comments by the French president, Emmanuel Macron, saying it was “completely irresponsible for European nationals to wash their hands of Taiwan because it’s a long way away or not a core part of our concerns”.
Truss is the latest in a long line of foreign dignitaries to arrive in Taiwan, often drawing rebuke from Beijing, which objects to any action that appears to give credence to Taiwan’s sovereignty.
After the then US speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan in August, Beijing drastically increased its military harassment of the island, setting a “new normal”, the head of the Prospect Foundation said before Truss’s speech.
Asked whether she considered the potential for her visit to worsen the security situation in Taiwan, Truss said Taiwan’s government had invited her and they were “best placed to understand what will help”.
“[Beijing] are trying to limit visits, trying to silence Taiwan’s supporters and intimidate people internationally,” she said. “I think we need to stand up to that bullying.”
An editorial in the Chinese tabloid Global Times on Tuesday night repeated a criticism by Alicia Kearns, the chair of the UK foreign affairs select committee, that Truss’s visit was “the worst example of Instagram diplomacy”.
“These types of ugly performances are attracting fewer and fewer audiences,” the Global Times said.
Plans to scrap "no-fault" evictions in England will be unveiled by the government today.
The Renters' (Reform) Bill will be published later - three-and-a-half years after the government was elected with a manifesto promise to stop the practice.
No-fault - or Section 21 - evictions allow landlords to take back possession from tenants without giving a reason.
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5:35
The unfair reality of no-fault evictions
Housing Secretary Michael Gove said a new ombudsman will be set up to oversee dispute resolutions.
As well as ending no-fault evictions, the bill will seek to give people the legal right to request having a pet in their home. Landlords will have to consider these requests, and won't be able to unreasonably refuse.
Mr Gove said: "Too many renters are living in damp, unsafe, cold homes, powerless to put things right, and with the threat of sudden eviction hanging over them.
"This government is determined to tackle these injustices by offering a new deal to those living in the private rented sector; one with quality, affordability and fairness at its heart."
The plans will impact 11 million tenants and two million landlords in England, according to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.
By sending us your videos/photos/audio, you agree we can broadcast, publish and edit the material.
The government says landlords will also be able to evict anti-social tenants with greater ease, with reduced notice periods for "irresponsible" renters.
Other measures in the bill include plans to make it illegal for landlords and agents to impose blanket bans on benefits claimants or families with children.
It will also apply home quality standards to the private sector for the first time.
The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities has previously said it would introduce the Decent Homes Standard to the sector which will make sure privately rented homes are "safe and decent".
It added that under it, "providers of social housing must take action if hazardous levels of damp and mould are found in properties".
Some campaigners have described the bill as a "once-in-a-generation" announcement - although there are warnings some property owners will still find ways to skirt the laws, such as by using large rent hikes to force unwanted tenants out.
Dan Wilson Craw, acting director of campaign group Generation Rent, said: "Abolishing [no-fault evictions] will take away much of the stress of renting and improve communication and trust between tenants and landlords."
But Siobhan Donnachie, spokeswoman for the London Renters Union, branded the bill "long overdue" and said "inflation-busting rent" will mean renters will still feel insecure.
She warned: "For the many families struggling with housing costs at the moment, a 20% rent hike is simply a no-fault eviction under a different name.
"If the government is serious about bringing renters security in our homes, it must recognise how insecure renters feel speaking out against unsafe housing or planning for the future with the threat of inflation-busting rent increases hanging over our heads."
Battersea Cats and Dogs Home believes the proposed law will significantly reduce the number of animals being "needlessly separated from owners" - and could allow millions of renters to enjoy pet ownership in the future.
And Owen Sharp, chief executive of Dogs Trust, said the reforms are a "potential gamechanger" for responsible dog owners who rent.
Lisa Nandy, the shadow housing secretary, said Labour would go further, with plans to introduce "a four-month notice period for landlords, a national register of landlords, and a host of new rights for tenants - including the right to make alterations to your home, to request speedy repairs, and to have pets".
On Wednesday, a mixture of variable cloud, sunny spells, and isolated showers will be seen developing in the afternoon after a bright start to the day.
The skies are expected to clear overnight, potentially forming isolated fog patches. The maximum temperature for the day is predicted to reach 19C.
This week is set to be largely fine and dry.
Thursday might see the occasional afternoon shower, while Friday will be bright and breezy, with scattered showers potentially developing, some of which could be locally heavy.
By the week’s end, sunny intervals will prevail, accompanied by a blustery feel.
Sunday, however, brings the possibility of cloud and intermittent rain over Scotland and Northern Ireland, which may extend into parts of northwest England and potentially Wales later in the day.
But for many areas, sunshine was forecasted for Sunday. The far southeast could experience cooler temperatures due to a brisk breeze.
Next week, most regions can expect fine and dry weather, with periods of cloud and rain more likely in the northwest of the UK. Unsettled weather remained a possibility in the far southeast.
Overall, temperatures during the day are expected to be above average for most parts of the country, although the far southeast may see temperatures closer to average.
While initially the Met Office indicated a predominantly settled theme for the following week and beyond, looking further ahead, high pressure was set to dominate the UK’s weather in the coming weeks, gradually shifting north over time.
This pattern is likely to bring more settled conditions to central and northern regions, but the risk of rain and showers remained higher towards the southeast.
Meghan Markle looked dazzling as she got ready to receive an award at Ms Foundation's Women of Vision Awards.
And there was a surprise in store as she was joined on the red carpet by hubby Prince Harry and mum Doria as she entered the event at the Ziegfeld Ballroom in New York City.
The Duchess of Sussex, 41, looked the picture of happiness as she stunned in a strapless gold Joanna Ortiz gown, said to be worth $1,850 with matching Tom Ford heels and a £1,100 clutch bag by Carolina Herrera.
She wore her long dark tresses wavy and over one shoulder to perfectly show off her hooped earrings, Her makeup was flawless as she wore a smokey eye shadow and chose a nude lip.
Harry meanwhile opted for a smart two-piece suit and blue tie combo and mum Doria went for a smart black number with see-through sleeves. She matched the look with a plain black heel.
Tickets for the bash set onlookers back $1,500, while a table cost a minimum of $15,000.
Meghan looked stunning in gold (
T.JACKSON / BACKGRID)
Doria Ragland, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex (
Getty Images Ms. Foundation for)
Meghan is among a number of females to be honoured at the prestigious event which has been billed as celebrating generations of progress and power.
Meghan's accolade comes after she was recognised for "her global advocacy to empower and advocate on behalf of women and girls" through her work at her and Prince Harry's Archewell Foundation.
Teresa Younger, Meghan and Gloria Steinem (
Getty Images Ms. Foundation for)
The couple's charitable foundation, which was set up after they stepped down from their royal roles, released a 24-page report earlier this year detailing the causes that have been helped by the money they have donated since it was founded in 2020, which include Covid vaccines and Afghan refugees.
The event's website describes the former Suits star as "a feminist, champion of human rights and gender equity, and global role model."
Other awardees at the 50th anniversary celebration of the annual gala include Black Voters Matter co-founder LaTosha Brown and as well as emerging leaders abortion rights activist Olivia Julianna and LGBTQ+ advocate Rebekah Bruesehoff.
Meghan stunned in the gold gown (
Getty Images Ms. Foundation for)
Harry with Meghan (
Getty Images Ms. Foundation for)
The event is run by America's oldest women's foundation and sees the awardees receive their accolade by political activist and friend of Meghan, Gloria Steinem.
When announcing the honours list, Ms. Foundation's president and CEO, Teresa C. Younger, said: "Meghan, LaTosha, Wanda, Kimberly, Olivia, and Rebekah are incredible leaders.
"We are grateful to be able to shine a light on their many accomplishments and tireless work on behalf of gender and racial equity across the country and the world."
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Plans to scrap "no-fault" evictions will be unveiled by the government today.
The Renters' (Reform) Bill will be published later - three-and-a-half years after the government was elected with a manifesto promise to stop the practice.
No-fault - or Section 21 - evictions allow landlords to take back possession from tenants without giving a reason.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
5:35
The unfair reality of no-fault evictions
Housing Secretary Michael Gove said a new ombudsman will be set up to oversee dispute resolutions.
As well as ending no-fault evictions, the bill will seek to give people the legal right to request having a pet in their home. Landlords will have to consider these requests, and won't be able to unreasonably refuse.
Mr Gove said: "Too many renters are living in damp, unsafe, cold homes, powerless to put things right, and with the threat of sudden eviction hanging over them.
"This government is determined to tackle these injustices by offering a new deal to those living in the private rented sector; one with quality, affordability and fairness at its heart."
The plans will impact 11 million tenants and two million landlords, according to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.
By sending us your videos/photos/audio, you agree we can broadcast, publish and edit the material.
The government says landlords will also be able to evict anti-social tenants with greater ease, with reduced notice periods for "irresponsible" renters.
Other measures in the bill include plans to make it illegal for landlords and agents to impose blanket bans on benefits claimants or families with children.
It will also apply home quality standards to the private sector for the first time.
Some campaigners have described the bill as a "once-in-a-generation" announcement - although there are warnings some property owners will still find ways to skirt the laws, such as by using large rent hikes to force unwanted tenants out.
Dan Wilson Craw, acting director of campaign group Generation Rent, said: "Abolishing [no-fault evictions] will take away much of the stress of renting and improve communication and trust between tenants and landlords."
But Siobhan Donnachie, spokeswoman for the London Renters Union, branded the bill "long overdue" and said "inflation-busting rent" will mean renters will still feel insecure.
She warned: "For the many families struggling with housing costs at the moment, a 20% rent hike is simply a no-fault eviction under a different name.
"If the government is serious about bringing renters security in our homes, it must recognise how insecure renters feel speaking out against unsafe housing or planning for the future with the threat of inflation-busting rent increases hanging over our heads."
Battersea Cats and Dogs Home believes the proposed law will significantly reduce the number of animals being "needlessly separated from owners" - and could allow millions of renters to enjoy pet ownership in the future.
And Owen Sharp, chief executive of Dogs Trust, said the reforms are a "potential gamechanger" for responsible dog owners who rent.
Lisa Nandy, the shadow housing secretary, said Labour would go further, with plans to introduce "a four-month notice period for landlords, a national register of landlords, and a host of new rights for tenants - including the right to make alterations to your home, to request speedy repairs, and to have pets".
Tenants and campaigners have warned Michael Gove not to create a “back door” for unfair evictions as private rented sector reforms are unveiled on Wednesday.
The legal overhaul will ban no-fault evictions but strengthen landlords’ rights to throw tenants out for antisocial behaviour.
The secretary of state for levelling up, housing and communities will announce the renters’ reform bill affecting 11 million private renters in England.
“Too many renters are living in damp, unsafe, cold homes, powerless to put things right and with the threat of sudden eviction hanging over them,” he will say.
But after lobbying from landlords, he will also “strengthen powers to evict antisocial tenants, broadening the disruptive and harmful activities that can lead to eviction and making it quicker to evict a tenant acting antisocially”, his department said.
It could mean renters being given a two-week notice period for antisocial behaviour evictions and that any behaviour “capable” of “causing nuisance or annoyance” could trigger eviction.
The bill will not, however, limit the frequency with which landlords can hike rents or rent caps. It is expected to outlaw extreme rent increases targeted at pushing tenants out. This will be policed by a new ombudsman for private rented housing and the courts.
It comes four years after the government first promised to ban the 1988 no-fault eviction law, which has had a chilling effect on tenants’ confidence to challenge non-decent homes, of which there are estimated to be 1m in England.
Since that promise was made by Theresa May and repeated in Boris Johnson’s December 2019 Conservative election manifesto, more than 54,000 households in the private rented sector in England have been threatened with a no-fault eviction and almost 17,000 households were evicted by bailiffs.
Gove will say: “Our new laws introduced to parliament today will support the vast majority of responsible landlords who provide quality homes to their tenants, while delivering our manifesto commitment to abolish section 21 no-fault evictions.
“This will ensure that everyone can live somewhere which is decent, safe and secure – a place they’re truly proud to call home.”
Keir Starmer is expected to announce on Wednesday that a Labour government would reform the planning system and “bring back local housing targets”, describing his party as “builders not blockers”.
Labour will become the party of housebuilders, he pledged in an interview with the Times, announcing plans to loosen restrictions on building in the green belt to help boost local housing supply.
The bill looks set to be subject to fierce debate in parliament over definitions of antisocial behaviour and the policing and timing of new decency standards.
Basic decent homes standards, which already apply to social housing, will be introduced, although there is no timetable yet for when landlords should fix issues such as damp, cold and pests.
It comes as the private rented sector is in crisis. The number of households renting in England more than doubled between 2001 and 2021, the census showed, and demand for rentals after the pandemic is up 50% on the five-year average – and coincides with a fall in the stock of rental homes, pushing the price of new lets up more than 11% a year in March, according to Zoopla.
Gove will also announce a new right for tenants to ask to live with a pet, which landlords “cannot unreasonably refuse”, and will make it illegal to refuse tenancies to people on benefits or with children.
The London Renters Union said the bill was a “huge step forward for renters forced to live under the threat of ‘no-fault’ eviction” but it said “it will not bring us security in our homes”.
“Landlords could circumnavigate the new eviction ban by using large rent hikes and other ‘back door’ evictions to force unwanted tenants out,” it said.
The housing charity, Shelter, said the bill moved renters “one step closer to fairer, more secure housing”, but cautioned it must be “as strong as possible with every loophole closed so that no renter can be unfairly evicted”.
Toby Lloyd, who was a Downing Street housing adviser when May first pledged the ban on section 21 no-fault evictions, said: “Widening landlords’ ability to gain possession over antisocial behaviour and non-payment of rent must not create another back door route to no fault evictions.”
Ben Beadle, chief executive of the National Residential Landlords Association, warned that the plan outlined so far “lacks detail” and said that without assurance of repossession powers, “the bill will only exacerbate the rental housing supply crisis many tenants now face”.
The lobby group also called for more staff in the court system to meet what is expected to be an increased workload if antisocial behaviour evictions take off.
