Babak Belurs

Kamis, 08 Februari 2024

Keir Starmer 'shocked' by Rishi Sunak trans jibe in Commons - BBC

By Chas Geiger

Political reporter

Sir Keir Starmer says he was "shocked" by Rishi Sunak's jibe about the Labour leader's definition of a woman on the day Brianna Ghey's mother was visiting Parliament.

The PM had earlier accused him of using the transgender teen's murder to distract people from his U-turns.

But Sir Keir told the BBC Mr Sunak had a duty to make every person in the country "feel safe".

It was about "basic decency and respect", he said.

Brianna's father has called on Mr Sunak to apologise, but the prime minister declined to do so, saying his words to the Labour leader during Prime Minister's Questions had been "absolutely legitimate".

"I've nothing but the most heartfelt sympathy for [Brianna Ghey's] entire family and friends.

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"But to use that tragedy to detract from the very separate and clear point I was making about Keir Starmer's proven track record of multiple U-turns on major policies, because he doesn't have a plan, I think is both sad and wrong, and it demonstrates the worst of politics."

In a BBC interview, Sir Keir responded by saying Mr Sunak "shouldn't have said what he said in Prime Minister's Questions and he should apologise. The idea that I'm responsible for his words is through the looking glass."

"I think Rishi Sunak needs to do the decent thing, stop blaming everybody else - he said those words - actually bear some responsibility, do the right thing which is apologise."

Sir Keir added that he was "genuinely shocked" the prime minister "used those words" in front of the mother of a murdered girl.

"I'm not the only one, most of the Conservative MPs in the chamber went immediately quiet. This is not about party politics, it's about the basic decency and respect that matters to me.

"The role of the prime minister is to make sure that every single citizen, whatever their identity, their belief or background, every single person in this country should feel safe and should feel respected, and the prime minister broke that role yesterday and yes I was shocked."

The exchange that triggered the row took place in the Commons as Mr Sunak listed what he described as a number of Labour U-turns, accusing Sir Keir of changing his position on "defining a woman".

"Although in fairness, that was only 99% of a U-turn," he added. The comment referenced an interview in which Sir Keir said 99.9% of women do not have a penis when discussing the rights of people to identify as a different gender to the one they were born.

Sir Keir replied: "Of all the weeks to say that, when Brianna's mother is in this chamber. Shame.

"Parading as a man of integrity when he's got absolutely no responsibility."

Brianna's mother, Esther Ghey, said in a statement she did not want to comment on the remarks as her "focus is on creating a positive change and a lasting legacy for Brianna". She is supporting a campaign for mindfulness in schools.

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Esther Ghey was not in the public gallery on Wednesday for the exchange between the two leaders at Prime Minister's Questions, but arrived shortly afterwards.

Sixteen-year-old Brianna was murdered after being lured to a park and stabbed 28 times by teenagers Scarlett Jenkinson and Eddie Ratcliffe.

Asked about the prime minister's comments, Commons leader Penny Mordaunt said Mr Sunak was a "good and caring man", adding: "I'm sure that he has reflected on things.

"And that is not just about Mr and Mrs Ghey, that he should reflect on, but I am sure he is also reflecting about people who are trans or who have trans loved ones and family, some of whom sit on these green benches.

"I hope the leader of the opposition will also reflect on his actions too.

"This government has been right to protect the safety and dignity of woman at each stage of doing so has sought to bring certainty and assurance to trans people.

"This government is also right to hold the opposition to account for its multiple inconsistencies and u-turns on its policy platform."

But former minister Paul Scully said Mr Sunak should apologise. Speaking on BBC Two's Politics Live, the Tory MP said: "If it was me I would probably pick up the phone to Brianna's father."

He added he had "no doubt that Rishi is compassionate" and accused opposition parties of whipping up "confected outrage" around the comments.

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2024-02-08 18:35:25Z
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Schools closed as Met Office gives amber warning for heavy snow - live - The Independent

Related: Waves crash over runway at Shetland’s Sumburgh airport as 85mph winds batter UK

The Met Office has issued further weather warnings for Thursday with widespread snow and rain forecast across large parts of the country.

All schools in Flintshire have closed as locals prepare for the blast of cold weather, while commuters have been warned of risky driving conditions as temperatures plummet.

Amber warnings for snow have been issued for parts of northern England and north Wales, while a mixture of yellow rain and snow warnings will be in force across the four nations.

Up to 25cm of snow are forecast across high ground in the Peak District and the southern Pennines, with a warning in force from noon until 6pm on Thursday.

A separate warning for snow and ice will be in place between 8am and 3pm across north Wales and Shropshire, with 10-15cm widely expected in both areas.

Met Office chief meteorologist Kathryn Chalk said: “Make sure you’re staying tuned to the forecast and the Met Office warning page for any updates that we may issue. Before that, make sure that for your journey times you plan longer, especially in the snow.”

1707386722

Drivers warned to reduce speeds and use main roads

Chris Wood, from the AA, said: “If you need to travel, reduce your speed to account for the conditions and leave plenty of space behind other vehicles, and try to use main roads where possible as these are more likely to have been gritted.

“Allow extra time as it’s likely your journey will take longer than usual, and ensure you have plenty of fuel or electrical charge if driving an electric vehicle.

“The cold snap is likely to affect vehicle breakdown levels, with faults such as flat batteries and wiper faults.”

Holly Evans8 February 2024 10:05

1707385068

Snow mapped: Where will wintry showers hit UK this week

There are currently 11 weather warnings in place this week as heavy rain, snow and ice are all expected to descend upon the country. Up to 20cm of snow could settle on higher ground as a band of cold air pushes north on Thursday.

Take a look here to see where snow is set to hit in the coming days:

Holly Evans8 February 2024 09:37

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In pictures: Snow falls over the Peak District

<p>Commuters are facing risky driving conditions in the Peak District </p> — Commuters are facing risky driving conditions in the Peak District

<p>Snow has fallen while a weather warning is expected to last throughout the day </p> — Snow has fallen while a weather warning is expected to last throughout the day

<p>People out enjoying the snow in Pavilion Gardens, Buxton, Peak District.</p> — People out enjoying the snow in Pavilion Gardens, Buxton, Peak District.

Holly Evans8 February 2024 09:16

1707382446

Amber weather warning has come into place for Wales.

An amber weather warning is now in place in Wales, which is due to last from 8am until 3pm.

The Met Office have warned that there is the possibility of travel delays, road and rail closures and power cuts.

Holly Evans8 February 2024 08:54

1707382129

All schools in one North Wales county close ahead of snowy weather

Several schools in north Wales have closed today as they prepare for snow and ice in the latest Artic blast to hit the UK.

Flintshire council warned that every school in the county would be closed under the amber weather warning, which includes 72 primary schools, two special needs schools and 11 secondary schools.

Six schools in Gwynedd have also announced that they will be closed on Thursday.

<p>Several schools have closed in anticipation of snow and ice </p> — Several schools have closed in anticipation of snow and ice
(Getty Images)

Holly Evans8 February 2024 08:48

1707380227

Met Office warns snow could lead to poor driving conditions

Met Office meteorologist Amy Bokota said an easterly wind meant that places “inland and higher up” were likely to see the most snow.

She said it was “unlikely” that significant levels of snow would be on the ground for days, but added it could lead to difficult driving conditions on Thursday.

Ms Bokota said: “The snow could cause some pretty poor driving conditions for parts of the Pennines and Wales, particularly through the afternoon and early evening.”

The forecaster added that most places would see a return to milder conditions by the end of Thursday.

She said: “It will be quite a short-lived cold snap for much of the UK, but continuing on a little bit longer through parts of northern England and Scotland into the early hours of Friday and the start of the weekend.”

Holly Evans8 February 2024 08:17

1707375780

Snow to shift north at weekend

The snow risk will move north over the weekend, according to forecasters, but many areas will remain wet.

There are signs of a change to more settled weather for some next week.

<p>Map of yellow warning for Scotland on Saturday</p> — Map of yellow warning for Scotland on Saturday
(Met Office)

Jane Dalton8 February 2024 07:03

1707373801

Arctic blast to bring 10 inches of snow as Met Office issues amber weather warning

The Met Office has issued an amber weather warning, the second most serious alert, for parts of England and Wales. Some yellow weather warnings for rain and snow will also be in effect across almost the entire country.

Up to 10 inches of snow could fall in these regions:

Stuti Mishra8 February 2024 06:30

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How to help birds survive in snow

The RSPB has issued suggestions to householders on helping birds survive the snow.

Jane Dalton8 February 2024 06:03

1707370201

Snow and ice forecast for Thursday

Almost the entire country is under warnings for snow, ice and rain, with almost 10 inches of snow set to fall on higher ground.

Amber weather warnings for snow have been issued for parts of northern England and north Wales, while a mixture of yellow rain and snow warnings will be in force across the four nations.

Here's a map giving an overview of the amount of rainfall different regions can expect today.

<p>Met Office map shows snow and ice risk on Thursday</p> — Met Office map shows snow and ice risk on Thursday
(Met Office)

Stuti Mishra8 February 2024 05:30

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2024-02-08 10:05:22Z
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Keir Starmer: Labour ditches £28bn green investment pledge - BBC

By Chris Mason

Political editor, BBC News

Labour is ditching its policy of spending £28bn a year on its green investment plan in a major U-turn.

An official announcement will be made on Thursday.

Sources insist the party's Green Prosperity Plan, which includes creating a publicly-owned green power company, is not being dropped altogether.

But Labour will no longer commit to investing £28bn a year in green energy projects if it wins the next election.

Labour's position on the policy in recent weeks has been increasingly muddled, with some senior figures repeatedly refusing to use the £28bn figure when pressed in interviews, while others, including party leader Sir Keir Starmer, continued to do so.

It is expected Labour will argue that they have to focus on being seen as responsible stewards of the economy, rather than committing to a spending pledge that opponents regard as reckless.

It comes on the same day the EU's climate change service announced that global warming has exceeded 1.5C across an entire year for the first time.

Labour's plan to spend £28bn a year on green energy projects, like offshore wind farms and developing electric vehicles, was first announced by shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves in September 2021.

That pledge was watered down last June, with the £28bn target adjusted so that a Labour government would meet it about halfway through its first term rather than in its first year.

At the time Ms Reeves said the party needed to be "responsible" with the public finances, given the poor economic backdrop and rising cost of borrowing.

Since then there have been growing questions about whether the policy could be scaled back further.

In an interview last month, Sir Keir described the £28bn figure as "a confident ambition", which was subject to the party's fiscal rules.

These include that debt has to be falling as a share of the size of the economy in five years.

However, unlike some of his shadow ministers, he has continued to use the figure as recently as Tuesday.

The prime minister has repeatedly attacked Sir Keir over the policy, suggesting it will lead to higher taxes.

Privately Labour figures acknowledge a long-standing "brand weakness", as one source put it, when it comes to economic credibility.

So the decision has been taken to focus on attempting to reassure voters they can be trusted with the economy, rather than keeping the £28bn promise.

The move was criticised by left-wing campaign group Momentum and Unite, Labour's biggest union backer.

"This latest Starmer U-turn represents yet another capitulation to right-wing interests," a spokesperson said.

"Sadly, there is a huge gap emerging between the scale of the economic and environmental crises facing us, and the solutions being offered by a Labour leadership afraid of its own shadow."

Unite leader Sharon Graham said: "The Labour movement has to stand up to the Conservatives' false accusations of fiscal irresponsibility.

"There is a catastrophic crisis of investment in Britain's economic infrastructure."

Barry Gardiner - Labour MP and a former shadow environment secretary - told the BBC's Today programme: "It's economically illiterate, it's environmentally irresponsible and it's politically jejune."

He said he understood the desire to "minimise the attacks from the opposition" but warned his party against becoming "so bland that you stand for nothing".

Carla Denyer, co-leader of the Green Party, said: "This is a massive backward step - for the climate, for the economy and for good quality jobs.

"Both the security of our planet for future generations and the UK's future prosperity is dependent on greening our economy and that requires large scale investment."

Chief Secretary to the Treasury Laura Trott said: "This is a serious moment which confirms Labour have no plan for the UK, creating uncertainty for business and our economy.

"On the day that Labour are finalising their manifesto, Keir Starmer is torpedoing what he has claimed to be his central economic policy purely for short-term campaigning reasons."

Sir Keir had set a deadline of Thursday to finalise his party's draft general election manifesto.

It comes on the day the Conservatives claimed, via Treasury analysis, that part of the plan, to insulate homes, would cost double what Labour had claimed it would. Labour has rejected the analysis as "bogus".

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2024-02-08 08:54:38Z
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Prince William speaks after King Charles cancer diagnosis – video - The Guardian

Speaking about his families' health problems in public for the first time, the heir to the throne thanked people for their 'kind messages of support' at a charity gala dinner. Prince William has made a return to royal duties after his father, King Charles III, announced his cancer diagnosis and his wife, Kate, was hospitalised for abdominal surgery. Charles, 75, is at his Sandringham estate in Norfolk, having received outpatient treatment in London on Monday. Since he is unable to undertake public-facing duties for the foreseeable future, Prince William, 41, becomes the leading member representing the monarchy in public.

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Weather warnings in UK: Heavy snow alert by Met Office with up to 25cm falling in Arctic blast - The Independent

Related: Waves crash over runway at Shetland’s Sumburgh airport as 85mph winds batter UK

The Met Office has issued further weather warnings for Thursday with widespread snow and rain forecast across large parts of the country.

Amber warnings for snow have been issued for parts of northern England and north Wales, while a mixture of yellow rain and snow warnings will be in force across the four nations.

Up to 25cm of snow are forecast across high ground in the Peak District and the southern Pennines, with a warning in force from noon until 6pm on Thursday.

A separate warning for snow and ice will be in place between 8am and 3pm across north Wales and Shropshire, with 10-15cm widely expected in both areas.

“Be sure to check your general car situation – if you have to travel check your tyres, the oil and your screen wash, and take longer on your journey time as well.”

1707380227

Met Office warns snow could lead to poor driving conditions

Met Office meteorologist Amy Bokota said an easterly wind meant that places “inland and higher up” were likely to see the most snow.

She said it was “unlikely” that significant levels of snow would be on the ground for days, but added it could lead to difficult driving conditions on Thursday.

Ms Bokota said: “The snow could cause some pretty poor driving conditions for parts of the Pennines and Wales, particularly through the afternoon and early evening.”

The forecaster added that most places would see a return to milder conditions by the end of Thursday.

Holly Evans8 February 2024 08:17

1707375780