Belfast court rules part of government’s Legacy Act breaches human rights - Sky News

The High Court in Belfast has ruled that part of the British government’s controversial Northern Ireland Troubles Legacy Act is in breach of European human rights legislation.

The judge, Mr Justice Colton, said he was satisfied that the provisions of the act that offer immunity from Troubles-era prosecutions breached Articles 2 and 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights.

The judged added that there was "no evidence that granting immunity under the act would in any way contribute to reconciliation in Northern Ireland", and the "evidence is to the contrary".

However, the judge also ruled that new Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR) set up by the act was capable of making effective investigations and was not in breach of human rights law.

Mr Justice Colton told Belfast High Court: "I fully understand the opposition to the new scheme and the reasons for it.

"That said, I cannot at this remove say the system established under the Act cannot provide an article 2 and 3 compliant investigation.

"It has wide powers and wide range of discretion to carry out its reviews. Should it fall short of its obligations on articles 2 and 3, I have no doubt they will be subject to the scrutiny of the court."

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A legal challenge was mounted by a number of victims' relatives against the act, which aims to end Troubles-related prosecutions and brings in a conditional amnesty for suspects, provided they cooperate with the ICRIR.

Four people had challenged the human rights compliance of the act, including its denial of inquests, lack of adequate investigations and ban on civil proceedings.

Read more:
Man charged with attempted murder of NI police detective
Former British soldier to be prosecuted over 1972 Belfast murder

Martina Dillon's 45-year-old husband Seamus was shot dead in loyalist gun attack at the Glengannon Hotel in Dungannon, Co Tyrone in 1997.

John McEvoy survived another loyalist gun attack in Kilcoo, Co Down in 1992, in which another man died.

Lynda McManus's father James was injured in the notorious Sean Graham bookies massacre, also in 1992. That was carried out by the loyalist UDA group.

Brigid Hughes lost her husband Anthony, an innocent civilian who was killed by the SAS as they shot dead eight IRA members in Loughgall in 1987.

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Lawyers expect appeals in the case, which could be brought all the way to the Supreme Court and could take several years to exhaust.

What is the Troubles Legacy Act?

3,500 people died in a bloody period of sectarian violence in Northern Ireland from around 1968 to the Good Friday Agreement in 1998, in what was known as The Troubles.

The British government’s Legacy Act, or to give it its full title, the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act, came into effect in September 2023. It was opposed by all the parties in Northern Ireland, as well as the Irish government. It will end future litigation and inquests into Troubles-era deaths, in what London says is an effort to draw a line under the violence of the past.

Conditional amnesty will instead be offered to those who reveal information about the incidents to a new truth recovery body, the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR).

But many in Northern Ireland say the denial of future prosecutions is a breach of human rights, which the British government refutes.

In December, Ireland announced that it was taking legal action against the UK in the European Court of Human Rights, for only the second time in 50 years. The Irish government said it had received legal advice that the new UK law was in breach of international human rights legislation, and the move was being taken "with regret".

It has severely strained Anglo-Irish diplomatic relations, which may improve if a Labour government is elected at the next election. Party leader Keir Starmer has vowed to repeal the controversial legislation.

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£31m package announced to counter threat to MPs' security - BBC

By Becky Morton

BBC political reporter

MPs facing threats to their safety will get extra security, as part of a £31m package to help protect the UK's democratic processes from disruption, the government has announced.

Measures could include the provision of bodyguards for MPs most at risk.

The funding will also be used for additional police patrols in response to increased community tensions.

Home Secretary James Cleverly said no MP should have to accept threats or harassment as "part of the job"

There has been growing concern in recent months over MPs' safety since the outbreak of the war in Gaza.

Last week, Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle cited threats to politicians in his controversial handling of a debate on calls for a ceasefire in the conflict.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has also raised concerns about MPs being "verbally threatened and physically, violently targeted" in recent weeks, with "legitimate protests hijacked by extremists".

• Gaza vote chaos highlights pressure on MPs
• Kuenssberg: Commons chaos was grisly reminder of threats MPs face
• What does the Speaker of the House of Commons do?

The Home Office said the funding package would be used to increase private sector security provisions for those facing greater risk and to expand cyber security advice to locally elected representatives.

It said the money would also ensure all elected representatives and candidates have a dedicated named police contact to liaise with on security matters.

Meanwhile, a new communities fund will be established to allow extra police patrols in England and Wales, with forces able to use the fund to increase police presence in response to specific events.

On Wednesday Home Secretary James Cleverly will hold talks with police chiefs to discuss how to better ensure the safety of MPs.

"The government will take every possible step to safeguard the people, processes and institutions upon which our democracy relies," he said.

"I take the safety and security of all members of the House with the utmost seriousness. None of us should have to accept that enduring hate crimes, harassment, or threats is part of the job."

Security Minister Tom Tugendhat said: "Over the past few weeks we've seen disgraceful attempts to intimidate MPs and undermine our democratic processes. That behaviour is a threat to our democracy, and toxic for our society."

Earlier this month, Conservative MP Tobias Ellwood's home was targeted by pro-Palestinian protesters, with the police warning his family to stay away as it could have "antagonised the situation".

Another Tory MP, Mike Freer has said he is standing down at the next election, after death threats and an alleged arson attack on his constituency office had "become too much".

Preet Gill, Labour MP For Birmingham Edgbaston, said death threats had become "a norm" in her job, while Conservative Stafford MP Theo Clarke said she carried a panic button directly linked to the police "at all times".

Last November, the office of shadow Welsh secretary Jo Stevens was daubed in red paint and plastered in posters accusing her of having "blood" on her hands after she abstained in a vote on a ceasefire.

The debate over the safety of MPs was heightened after the murder of Labour's Jo Cox in 2016 and Conservative Sir David Amess in 2021.

The murders prompted a review of security measures, with changes including included improved security at MPs' homes and offices and additional private sector-delivered security where necessary.

PA Media

House of Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle said the money provided "much-needed reassurance".

"It will enable us to build on the improvements we have made over the past two years, working with the police and Home Office to enhance security at MPs' homes and offices, and crucially when they are out and about meeting their constituents."

On BBC Breakfast, former Cabinet minister Sir Robert Buckland also said he welcomed the funding, arguing that if MPs were left concerned about their safety "voices will be muffled".

"If we start sequestering politicians away from the public, I'm worried that that Westminster bubble, the ivory tower syndrome, will only get worse and divorce politicians from the people they represent... that's why safety is a very important consideration."

Former deputy Labour leader Harriet Harman had suggested particularly vulnerable politicians could be allowed to participate in the House of Commons from home.

Speaking to LBC she said "they could sometimes vote through the division lobbies, or they could sometimes vote online. I think we've got a process now that we experimented with during Covid, which we could actually bring that back in."

However, the prime minister's deputy spokesperson said Rishi Sunak did not want to see "anything that restricts debate" adding: "MPs should be on the floor of the House having robust debate, expressing their views. That is fundamental to our democracy."

And Labour shadow minister James Murray told Talk TV "face to face interaction makes me a better MP and I think anything that forces us to limit that and make us less accessible and less open I think is bad for democracy".

Related Topics

• Home Office

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Rochdale by-election - live: Candidate gets ‘death threat’ as Pro-Palestine protesters told to stop - The Independent

Thousands of pro-Palestine protesters rally outside Downing Street

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A candidate in the Rochdale by-election has received an alleged death threat as foreign secretary James Cleverly calls on pro-Palestine marchers to end their demonstrations because they have “made their point”.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) launched an investigation after being alerted to a video message sent to Simon Danczuk, who is standing for the rightwing party Reform UK.

The clip was filmed by someone referring to Mr Danczuk as “a white devil” and threatening to “put one in his head”.

On a visit to New York to discuss migration, Mr Cleverly questioned whether holding regular marches “adds value” to their calls for an immediate ceasefire.

“The question I ask myself is, ‘What are these protests genuinely hoping to achieve?’” he told The Times.

“They have made a point and they made it very, very loudly and I’m not sure that these marches every couple of weeks add value to the argument. They’re not really saying anything new.”

1709113574

Councils warn of drastic cuts amid fears over authorities going bust

Councils have warned that neighbourhood services will have to be cut despite a government bailout, with fears that more authorities will go bust over the coming years.

If further funding is not made available in the Budget on 6 March, communities will face the consequences of a worsening financial crisis across local government, the Local Government Association (LGA) said.

Full report:

Matt Mathers28 February 2024 09:46

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We’ll ‘look’ at any move to increase demonstration notice period - Labour

Labour has said it will “look at” any government proposals on increasing the notice period required for protests.

James Murray, a shadow Treasury minister, told Sky News: “We will have a look at the proposals the government is bringing forward, because what I think we need to get right is a balance between protecting legitimate protest, which is a healthy and important part of our democracy – you know, protests outside oarliament and so on – with the fact that MPs and their offices and their families need to not be threatened or intimidated or face the threat of violence.

“And that’s the balance we’ve got to get right.”

Matt Mathers28 February 2024 09:36

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We’re considering increasing notice period needed for large demonstrations, Philp says

The policing minister said the government was considering increasing the amount of notice protesters are required to give the police for large-scale demonstrations, but had not made a decision.

Chris Philp told Sky News: “I think the home secretary is giving that some thought and it’s being kept under review.”

He added: “For very, very large protests where we’re talking about tens of thousands, or possible even hundreds of thousands of people, it may make planning for the police easier if it’s more like a couple of weeks, but that’s just something the home secretary’s thinking about, and certainly nothing’s been decided.”

File photo: Chris Philp with James Cleverly

Matt Mathers28 February 2024 09:26

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Cleverly gives New York mayor Arsenal jersey on trip to Big Apple

As we reported earlier, James Cleverly was in New York yesterday where he delivered a speech about migration.

The foreign secretary also met with Eric Adams, the city’s mayor, who he presented with an Arsenal jersey. Mr Cleverly is a fan of the north London side.

Mr Cleverly met with other officials and was seen out and about, walking to City Hall where he delivered his speech.

Matt Mathers28 February 2024 09:16

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Chris Philp: We’ll continue to police protests

The policing minister said pro-Palestinian protests would continue to be policed and the government would not seek to prevent them if they carried on.

Asked what the government would do if the protests continued, Chris Philp told Sky News: “We are a free country and people have the right to protest, so we will continue to police those protests.

“Where people cross the line and, for example, incite racial hatred or commit public order offences, then arrests will be made.

“About 600 arrests have been made so far because protests must be within the law, but we are a free country and the right to protest and the right to free speech are fundamental.”

Matt Mathers28 February 2024 09:06

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Ministerial comments due in Commons today

Here are the written ministerial statements due to be made in the Commons on Wednesday:

– Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities: Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Funding.

– Secretary of State for Scotland: Contingencies Fund Advance.

– Secretary of State for Work and Pensions: DWP Estate – Decommissioning of Temporary Jobcentres.

File photo: House of Commons chamber

(House of Commons/UK Parliament/PA Wire)

Matt Mathers28 February 2024 08:56

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Lee Anderson’s comments conflated ‘hateful extremism’ with Muslims in general, minister says

Lee Anderson’s comments about Sadiq Khan conflated “hateful extremism” with “Muslims in general”, a government minister has said.

Policing minister Chris Philp described Mr Anderson’s remarks as “wrong and divisive” but declined to say whether they were racist or Islamophobic.

In an interview with LBC, he said: “First of all they conflated Islamism, which is a form of hateful extremism, with Muslims in general.

“Very often Muslims are victims of Islamist extremism. So conflating the two was wrong, and he was also wrong in the way that he characterised Sadiq Khan.

“There’s a lot you can criticise Sadiq Khan for - for example, London is the only part of the country where knife crime is going up - Ulez is a disaster… he is a terrible mayor.

“But what Lee said about Sadiq Kahn wasn’t true… I would characterise it as being wrong and divisive.”

Matt Mathers28 February 2024 08:46

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Home Office unveils £31m security package to protect MPs from threats

Security measures for MPs will be bolstered with a £31 million package that will include providing elected politicians with a dedicated police contact to liaise with over safety issues.

Home secretary James Cleverly, who made the funding announcement, will meet with police chiefs on Wednesday to discuss what more can be done to improve the safety of MPs.

Full report:

Matt Mathers28 February 2024 08:36

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Four arrested after party political meeting disrupted by protesters

Four people have been arrested after a party political meeting in Stoke-on-Trent was disrupted by protesters, the policing minister has said.

Discussing MPs’ security, Chris Philp told LBC: “There was also an event in Stoke on Friday night when a party fundraiser was shut down by protesters, intimidatory protesters, who weren’t just outside the venue but got inside and started harassing people to the extent that it had to be closed down.

“I’m pleased to say in that case Staffordshire Police have now made four arrests.

“But all of those events, besides the tragic murders of Jo Cox and Sir David Amess, just show how serious this is.

“We can’t cede an inch of territory to people who seek to intimidate our elected representatives.”

Chris Philp

Matt Mathers28 February 2024 08:26

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ICYMI: Reform candidate blames George Galloway for ‘whipping up division’ in Rochdale after receiving ‘death threat’

Full report:

Matt Mathers28 February 2024 08:22

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Royal shock as Lady Gabriella Kingston's husband Thomas dies aged 45 - Evening Standard

The Duke of Sussex was among other guests at the wedding that included the Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes, designer Nicky Haslam and the family of the Princess of Wales, her parents Carole and Michael Middleton and siblings Pippa and James, who were joined by their partners.

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Paul Scully: Former minister and MP sorry for 'no-go' areas comment - BBC

London Conservative MP and former minister Paul Scully has apologised for suggesting there are "no-go" areas in parts of Tower Hamlets.

He made the comment in radio and TV interviews on Monday, prompting accusations of Islamophobia and a rebuke from the prime minister.

Mr Scully had also said some people were "fearful for going out".

In a BBC Radio London interview on Tuesday, he said he "put his hands up" for using language he "regrets".

Mr Scully added he was "frustrated in the language" he used and lost "nuance" in the issues he wanted to get across.

People 'feel uncomfortable'

The former minister for London, who was also a former mayoral candidate, said: "What I was trying to say, I thought I was being specific about but clearly not, is the fact that a lot of the conversation, and the vacuum that's allowed to then be filled by populists, is when prejudice builds up because of perception.

"There are areas of this country where there are tiny, tiny groups of people that cause people to feel uncomfortable in particular areas.

"That might be a white gang, that might be a black gang, a Muslim gang, whatever, and that then tends to write off whole communities for some people," he added.

The Sutton and Cheam MP described this line of thinking about some communities as "totally inappropriate".

His original comments on Monday - made to BBC Radio London, and later BBC London TV - criticised fellow MP Lee Anderson's remarks that Islamists had "got control" of Mayor of London Sadiq Khan.

He began the radio interview by saying Mr Anderson's comments were "wrongheaded" and "really inflammatory" and that he needed to apologise, but he could see what he was "trying to drive at".

However, Mr Scully went on to say parts of Tower Hamlets as well as Sparkhill in Birmingham were "no-go areas".

He then defended those comments in the later TV interview, saying people were concerned by "neighbourhoods changing".

He added: "There are areas where there are a tiny minority of people who make people uncomfortable about not being of their religion, of their culture, who are misinterpreting their own doctrine. That's not to say Tower Hamlets itself is a no-go area."

'Load of nonsense'

Mr Scully's remarks have drawn criticism from Tower Hamlets Council, which said it was "surprising and extremely disappointing".

A spokesperson for the borough said the area was actually an "example of how people of all backgrounds get on together".

Tower Hamlets residents also spoke of their anger about what was said.

During a visit to the borough, one woman told BBC London the MP's comments were "completely inaccurate" and "really offensive".

"I think he's just chatting a load of nonsense to be honest because Tower Hamlets is a very inclusive area," she said.

Tower Hamlets facts

Covering an area of about eight sq miles (21 sq km) in London's East End and with a population of more than 310,000 people, Tower Hamlets is the most densely populated borough in England.

It also has the fastest-growing number of residents, according to the 2021 census.

In the same census, just over 51% of the population said they were born in England, while Bangladesh was the country that was next most represented, with about 14% of people saying it was their place of birth.

Getty Images

The borough also has extremes in terms of deprivation and wealth.

Parts of borough have high levels of poverty, but the area also covers very wealthy places like Canary Wharf and the edges of the City.

While admitting that Tower Hamlets had "good bits and bad bits", another resident told the BBC he did not think "there's 'no-go' areas at all".

"I don't find that's true in Tower Hamlets at all. Everybody respects everybody and their religion," he added.

Reuters

The council spokesperson added the area was "one of the most popular places in the country to live, work and visit".

"Tower Hamlets is a microcosm of an international city. We are an example of how people of all backgrounds get on together in one of the most diverse places in the country."

"In fact, 87% of people said they get on with each other in our recent survey of residents," they added.

Meanwhile, a source close to London mayor Sadiq Khan accused Mr Scully's original comments of "resorting to a notorious Islamophobic trope", adding: "As a former government minister, Mr Scully should be striving to unite our communities, not sending out deeply divisive messages about Muslims."

Ali Milani, of the Labour Muslim Network, said comments like the ones made by Mr Scully had "real world consequences".

"I've had death threats through my door as a result of comments made in the House of Commons and by MPs, so Muslims become less safe as a result of the comments that are made."

Listen to the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to hello.bbclondon@bbc.co.uk

Related Topics

• Islamophobia
• Cheam
• Lee Anderson
• Rishi Sunak
• Sutton
• Paul Scully
• Sadiq Khan

Related Internet Links

• Tower Hamlets Council

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British rower found dead on boat while attempting Atlantic charity challenge - The Guardian

A British man has died while attempting to row between Gran Canaria and Barbados on a solo Atlantic Ocean charity challenge.

The family of Michael Holt, 54, who lived in Wirral, announced his death on his Facebook page.

Holt, who had type 1 insulin-dependent diabetes, set off on his nearly 3,000-mile challenge on 27 January, expecting it to take between 40 and 110 days.

It has now emerged that Holt became ill and died on his boat. His body was found by the crew of a fishing vessel which had sailed to his aid.

Holt’s brother, David, said on Facebook: “We have been working tirelessly to get help to Michael over the past four days but have found it incredibly difficult to do so. Last night the fishing vessel Noruego accepted a tasking from Cape Verde Joint Rescue Coordination Centre and made directly for Michael’s coordinates.

“Very sadly, upon arrival, Michael was found dead inside his cabin.

“Of course this was not the ultimate conclusion we were looking for, but I am somewhat comforted knowing he died doing something he absolutely wanted to do with a passion and managed to row in excess of 700 miles in the process. An achievement in itself.

“This is a huge shock to myself, his wife Lynne & daughter Scarlett and my parents, not to mention wider family and friends. Many thanks for the kind words & wishes that you have already sent us during the past few days. They mean a great deal to all the family.”

Holt was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 28. After a severe low blood sugar event in 2015 he needed reconstructive surgery on his shoulders with, he said, “a titanium fitting in my right arm and approximately 20 titanium pins and a plate being fitted in my left side. I have no recollection of any of the event taking place.”

He billed his challenge as “1 Diabetic Rower, 2 Reconstructed Shoulders, 3 Thousand Miles of Ocean”.

Holt was raising money for Mind Cymru and Liverpool Charity and Voluntary Services, which said it was sending love to his family and friends.

Holt, from Porthmadog in north Wales, had been travelling alone on his boat, named Mynadd. He had faced challenges including a 3 metre shark having “a party” with his rudder.

Before a search and rescue operation was launched he was trying to make his own way to Cape Verde after becoming ill.

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Lee Anderson latest: Conservative MP refuses to apologise for Islamophobic Sadiq Khan comments - The Independent

Sunak condemns Lee Anderson's comments as 'unacceptable' and 'wrong'

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Rishi Sunak “lacks the backbone” to call out Lee Anderson’s remarks about London mayor Sadiq Khan as Islamophobic, Sir Keir Starmer has said.

The prime minister finally condemned Mr Anderson’s claims that “Islamists” have “got control” of Mr Khan as “wrong”, but refused to say whether they were Islamophobic and insisted the Tory party did not have Islamophobic tendencies.

Meanwhile, Mr Anderson doubled down on his remarks attacking Mr Khan, insisting that apologising would be “a sign of weakness” and accusing the London mayor of “double standards” for failing to call for pro-Palestine protests to be “cancelled”.

As calls mounted for an independent investigation into Tory Islamopobia, peer Barones Warsi accused the government of having “dragged its heels on any work” to tackle racism against Muslims.

And Labour Party chair Anneliese Dodds alleged she had written to Tory party chairs seven times over the past three years calling for them to take action against Islamophobic racism in the party, telling the BBC: “This isn’t something that popped up five minutes ago, it is a continuing concern.”

1709013600

What is Islamophobia? Definition of anti-Muslim prejudice as Tories suspend MP over rant

The meaning of the term Islamophobia has come under the spotlight following MP Lee Anderson’s suspension for an anti-Muslim rant about Sadiq Khan.

The former deputy chairman of the Conservative party lost the party whip after failing to apologise over a widely criticised interview on GB News in which he said “Islamists” have “got control” of Mr Khan.

In response, the mayor of London said the comments were Islamophobic, anti-Muslim and racist.

Joe Middleton27 February 2024 06:00

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Watch: Starmer says Sunak 'lacks backbone' to call out Lee Anderson's Islamophobia

Starmer says Sunak 'lacks backbone' to call out Lee Anderson's Islamophobia

Joe Middleton27 February 2024 05:00

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Fury over foreign aid budget being used to train Russia’s future leaders at British universities

Rishi Sunak has been accused of aiding Vladimir Putin’s regime over the government’s plans to spend hundreds of thousands of pounds of taxpayers’ money training up the next generation of Russian leaders.

Britain barred Russians from applying to the Chevening scholarship programme – a fully funded masters degree aimed at “emerging leaders” from all over the world – after Mr Putin invaded Ukraine two years ago.

But, despite the conflict still going on – and Britain ramping up sanctions on Moscow in response to the death of opposition leader Alexei Navalny – The Independent can reveal that the scheme has been reopened to applicants from Russia.

Joe Middleton27 February 2024 04:00

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Lee Anderson’s comments about Sadiq Khan ‘unambiguously racist,’ Labour party chair says

Lee Anderson’s comments about Sadiq Khan were “unambiguously racist, Islamophobic, divisive and damaging,” Labour’s party chair has said.

Anneliese Dodds told Sky News on Monday (26 February) she has written to the Conservative Party chairs seven times over the past three years calling for them to take action against Islamophobia in the party.

The former Tory deputy chair lost the Conservative whip after failing to apologise for claiming “Islamists” had “got control” of the London mayor and the capital city.

The prime minister “acted when it appeared no apology was going to be forthcoming,” Dodds added.

Lee Anderson’s comments ‘unambiguously racist,’ Labour party chair says

Lee Anderson’s comments about Sadiq Khan were “unambiguously racist, Islamophobic, divisive and damaging,” Labour’s party chair has said. Anneliese Dodds told Sky News on Monday (26 February) she has written to the Conservative Party chairs seven times over the past three years calling for them to take action against Islamophobia in the party. The former Tory deputy chair lost the Conservative whip after failing to apologise for claiming “Islamists” had “got control” of the London mayor and the capital city. The prime minister “acted when it appeared no apology was going to be forthcoming,” Dodds added.

Joe Middleton27 February 2024 03:00

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Richard Madeley clashes with Tory minister over Lee Anderson’s comments

Richard Madeley accused Transport Secretary Mark Harper of not answering a “simple” question on whether Lee Anderson’s comments about London Mayor Sadiq Khan were Islamophobic in a heated exchange on Good Morning Britain on Monday (26 February).

Mr Anderson had the Conservative whip removed over the weekend after he claimed that “Islamists” have “got control” of the London mayor.

Mr Madeley asked Mr Harper several times if Mr Anderson’s claims were Islamophobic, but the MP would not give a straight answer.

Mr Madeley asked: “Was it Islamophobic, straight answer, yes or no?

“I am giving you an opportunity to answer a straight question.

“Would you just answer?”

Richard Madeley clashes with Tory minister over Lee Anderson’s comments

Richard Madeley accused Transport Secretary Mark Harper of not answering a “simple” question on whether Lee Anderson’s comments about London Mayor Sadiq Khan were Islamophobic in a heated exchange on Good Morning Britain on Monday (26 February). Mr Anderson had the Conservative whip removed over the weekend after he claimed that “Islamists” have “got control” of the London mayor. Mr Madeley asked Mr Harper several times if Mr Anderson’s claims were Islamophobic, but the MP would not give a straight answer. Mr Madeley asked: “Was it Islamophobic, straight answer, yes or no? “I am giving you an opportunity to answer a straight question. “Would you just answer?”

Joe Middleton27 February 2024 02:00

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Watch: Sunak denies he is ignoring local community over Lincolnshire asylum accommodation

Sunak denies he is ignoring local community over Lincolnshire asylum accommodation

Joe Middleton27 February 2024 01:00

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Speaker refuses to grant second Gaza debate as SNP demands investigation into Labour ‘dirty tricks’

The speaker has refused to grant the SNP a second debate on a humanitarian ceasefire as the party demanded an investigation into the chaos surrounding the Gaza ceasefire vote last week.

Sir Lindsay Hoyle has said he won’t allow a requested emergency debate on Gaza because the government will bring forward a “relevant statement” tomorrow.

The SNP walked out of the chamber in fury last week after Sir Lindsay selected a Labour amendment to their opposition debate calling for a humanitarian ceasefire.

Joe Middleton26 February 2024 23:59

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Has Labour’s Rochdale debacle gifted George Galloway an open goal?

What was set to be a straightforward contest to replace the late Labour MP Tony Lloyd, who died of blood cancer aged 73, has been mired by a series of scandals. Archie Mitchell asks how we got here, and what will happen next

Joe Middleton26 February 2024 23:00

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Watch: Minister refuses seven times to say Lee Anderson's anti-Muslim rant was racist

Minister refuses seven times to say Lee Anderson's anti-Muslim rant was racist

Joe Middleton26 February 2024 22:00

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ICYMI: Muslim group demands Tories investigate ‘structural Islamophobia’

The UK’s largest Muslim group has written to the Conservative Party demanding an investigation into claims of “structural Islamophobia” within its ranks.

The Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) said it addressed a letter to Conservative chair, Richard Holden, on Sunday after what it alleged was “a week of inflammatory statements and Islamophobia from senior figures in the party”.

The body pointed to comments made by the former Tory party deputy chair Lee Anderson, who had the whip suspended after drawing widespread criticism for claiming on Friday that “Islamists” have “got control” of London Mayor Sadiq Khan.

Joe Middleton26 February 2024 21:00

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