London politics latest LIVE: Chancellor Rachel Reeves says race for growth is 'national mission' as Keir Starmer visits Belfast

Rachel Reeves has delivered her first major speech as chancellor as Prime Minister Keir Starmer continues his UK tour with a visit to Northern Ireland.

In Monday morning’s speech in London, Ms Reeves declared that kickstarting economic growth is a "national mission".

The Chancellor committed to major planning reform such as mandatory house-building targets and ending the ban on new on-shore wind to speed up infrastructure projects and unlock private investment.

Meanwhile the board of the Conservative party will reportedly meet today to discuss the way forward following last week’s crushing election defeat to Labour.

We’ll bring you all the major developments as Sir Keir Starmer starts his first week as Prime Minister...

New Green MP: End two child benefit cap

15:06 , Josh Salisbury

Green Party co-leader Carla Denyer has urged Labour to scrap the two-child benefit cap and revoke the licence for the Rosebank oil field.

Ms Denyer - one of four new Green MPs - told the PA news agency: "We'll be pushing Labour to, especially in these first 100 days, take some swift actions on those low-hanging fruit that they could take to help make this country a fairer, greener place straight away.

"So for example, the Labour Party supports the Conservative policy of a two-child benefit cap.

"They want to keep that in place even though it holds 250,000 children into poverty unnecessarily. It's not even that expensive to lift it and it would be a massive single policy intervention they could make to help deal with inequality in this country.”

Dentists welcome meeting with new Health Secretary

14:08 , Josh Salisbury

Leading dentists have welcomed a "chance to move forward" after meeting the new Health Secretary.

During the General Election campaign, Wes Streeting pledged to meet dentists on July 8 to begin discussions about reforming the NHS dental contract, which has been branded by many as "not fit for purpose".

The contract for dental services has been blamed for a number of problems in dentistry, including an exodus of NHS dentists and so-called dental deserts, where patients struggle to find NHS care close to where they live.

After the meeting, the British Dental Association (BDA) said that Mr Streeting recognised that "failed contracts and underfunding have fuelled the current crisis".

The BDA also said it feels there is now a chance to "to rescue and reform a service millions depend on".

It said it will "work constructively" with the new Government on delivery of its manifesto commitment of 700,000 new urgent and emergency dental appointments.

Government's decision to scrap onshore wind ban welcomed by industry and campaigners

13:20

The de facto ban on onshore wind has been scrapped as part of a range of planning reforms unveiled by Chancellor Rachel Reeves to boost growth.

Green campaigners and the energy sector have welcomed the move, which reverses measures brought in for England by the Conservatives in 2015 under David Cameron.

Onshore wind was treated differently from other developments under the rules, which stopped schemes going ahead if there were any objections.

The energy industry says onshore wind is one of the cheapest forms of new power, can be built quickly and reduces dependence on expensive gas, contributing to efforts to cut climate emissions.

Labour previously said it would overturn the ban within weeks if it came to power after the election, as it seeks to double onshore wind as part of its plans to transform the grid to clean energy by 2030.

The new Government issued a policy statement earlier today which brought an immediate end to the ban.

Energy UK’s chief executive Emma Pinchbeck, said: “It’s excellent to see the new Government prioritise planning reforms as a key enabler for economic growth and enhancing our energy security.

“Unblocking the planning system, removing the de-facto ban to double onshore wind and ensuring adequate resourcing for planning authorities are crucial steps the industry has long been calling for.”

Defence Secretary 'will represent veterans'

13:05 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks

New Defence Secretary John Healey will represent veterans in the Cabinet, a spokesperson for the Prime Minister has said.

“First and foremost, the Defence Secretary will represent veterans at Cabinet,” they said. “Veterans are part of our military family and the Secretary of State will drive work with Cabinet colleagues to deliver for them.

“The Government is determined to change how we do government, stopping silos and working collaboratively across departments to serve the public, including veterans.”

Migration will be 'challenging' issue this summer, says Starmer spokesperson

12:48 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks

The summer will be “challenging” for the Government as small boat crossings continue, a spokesperson for the Prime Minister has said.

“Clearly the Government has set out its very clear position that as the Prime Minister said over the weekend, the Rwanda scheme is dead and buried,” they said. “It started. The scheme was cancelled and flights won’t go ahead.

“The Government is now focused on the work needed to secure our borders and smash the gangs in addition to recruiting for the Border Security Command.

“The Home Secretary has also commissioned an investigation from the Home Office and the National Crime Agency into the tactics used by people smuggling gangs to inform a major law enforcement drive over the coming months and we’re getting to work straight away because we know that this summer will be challenging.”

On additional powers the Border Security command would have, the spokesman said: “The Home Secretary has previously set out that the new command will have new counter-terror powers to enable search and seizure.”

Former TfL boss made transport minister

12:23 , Josh Salisbury

While Chancellor Rachel Reeves was speaking, the Government also announced a slew of new ministerial appointments.

Interestingly, they include former TfL chief Peter Hendy as Transport Minister.

Former London deputy mayor Heidi Alexander has also been given a post as Minister of State in the Ministry of Justice.

Bridget Phillipson has been made Minister for Women and Equalities in addition to her role as Education Secretary.

See the full list here.

'No quick fix on prisons', says Cooper

12:14 , Josh Salisbury

The Home Secretary has said there is no "quick fix" to tackling overcrowding in jails, as the Government considers releasing more prisoners early.

Yvette Cooper accused the Conservatives of leaving behind a "legacy" of "chaos" and crisis in prisons as ministers are reportedly deciding whether to free inmates after less than half of their sentence to ease pressure on cell space.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is said to be expected to authorise emergency measures this week which could see criminals automatically freed after serving 40% of their sentence.

Speaking to reporters in Lewisham, Ms Cooper said: "I'm extremely concerned with the legacy that the Conservatives have left us with on prisons ... All of those things are going to need to be addressed and to be fixed, and the Prime Minister has said there isn't going to be a quick fix.”

Conservatives' Twitter account disappears

12:00 , Josh Salisbury

The Twitter / X account for the Conservative Party appears to have been removed from the platform after its resounding defeat in Thursday’s election.

It is not clear why this is.

Reeves declines to reinstate HS2

11:27 , Josh Salisbury

Taking the last two final questions, the Chancellor declines to confirm to reinstating the cancelled HS2 leg.

She says she won’t make any spending commitments without saying where the money is coming from.

She also confirms that leaseholder reform will also apply to those who’ve bought their flats from local authorities.

Starmer tells politicians in Belfast: 'I'm committed to the Good Friday Agreement'

11:21 , Josh Salisbury

Away from the Chancellor’s speech, PM Keir Starmer is visiting Belfast.

Asked about the potential for a referendum on Irish unity, Sir Keir said he wanted to reaffirm the principles of the 1998 Good Friday Agreement.

The agreement, which ended The Troubles, says the Secretary of State should call a referendum on the status of Northern Ireland where there appears to be majority support for border poll.

Sir Keir said: "Today is a recommitment to that and to the approach and the role of the UK Government in that as the honest broker.

"I am the Prime Minister for the whole of the UK, elected into office just a few days ago.

"But to reaffirm the importance of the principles of the Good Friday Agreement is part and parcel of why I am here today."

Reeves declines to give target for growth

11:12 , Josh Salisbury

Grilled by Sky News when we can expect more economic growth, the Chancellor declines to give a specific time target.

“As I said in my speech, there is no time to waste,” she says. “That’s why within 72 hours I’m here already announcing a whole range of measures to unlock private sector investment in housing, energy infrastructure and more widely.”

Chancellor: I'm a YIMBY

11:10 , Josh Salisbury

Asked if she is a YIMBY, the Chancellor says: “Yes, I do support development and I think as a constituency MP I have done just that.”

She says the private sector will need to build homes, but they need to be affordable and good quality.

“This is not a green light for any type of housing,” she says. “We want ... to make sure we’ve got the housing mix our country needs.”

Reeves: Homes must be built

11:08 , Josh Salisbury

Asked by a reporter if today’s announcement was a declaration of war on NIMBYs, Ms Reeves says it will still be up to local communities where housing gets built - but it has to be built.

“Continuing as we are means living standards continuing to decline, and public services continuing to deteriorate,” she says. “And I’m not prepared to accept that status quo.”

Asked about social housing, she says Britain has less home ownership than it should, and less social housing too.

She says including in the one-and-a-half million new homes, it will include new social homes. The Chancellor adds no fault evictions will be abolished.

Reeves: We have done more than last Government did in 14 years

11:03 , Josh Salisbury

Closing her speech, the Chancellor says the changes announced today means the Government has done more to reform the planning system that the previous Government had done in fourteen years.

“The work towards a decade of national renewal, there is no time to waste, and we’re just getting started,” she ends.

Chancellor: Britain will get building again

10:59 , Josh Salisbury

Elsewhere on planning reform, the Chancellor says energy projects will be given priority, alongside other nationally important infrastructure.

“I know there will be opposition to this, and I must acknowledge that trade-offs exist,” she says.

But she adds: “We will not succumb to a status quo which responds to the existence of trade-offs by always saying no. And relegates the national interest below other priorities.”

Chancellor confirms return of housebuilding targets

10:53 , Josh Salisbury

The Chancellor has confirmed plans to reform the planning system - saying politicians have been too timid to tackle the issue before.

“Our antiquated planning system leaves too many important projects tied up for years and years in red tape before shovels even get in the ground,” she says.

She says this will help kickstart economic growth, including by building one-and-a-half million new homes.

As part of this, new planning rules will come into force - including mandatory home building targets.

And the ban on new onshore wind turbines in England will end.

Plan for growth is stability, investment and reform, says Reeves

10:47 , Josh Salisbury

Our plan for growth is stability, investment and reform, says Reeves

The Chancellor says her approach for growth rests on three pillars: stability, investment and reform.

Turning to stability first, she says that means no changes to plans outline in the manifesto not to raise income tax, national insurance or VAT.

“I know there are some who will argue the time for caution is past,” she says. “Who hold that the platform on which we were elected can now be swiftly forgotten ... But I believe that the promises that a party is elected on should be delivered in Government and we will do so.”

Reeves: Review of financial inheritance underway

10:42 , Josh Salisbury

Ms Reeves says she has instructed Treasury officials to conduct an assessment of the nation’s finances - separate to a Budget - which she will present to Parliament before summer recess.

The Budget will be held later this year, she says.

Reeves: Race for growth 'national mission'

10:40 , Josh Salisbury

Rachel Reeves has now begun her speech, by saying sustained economic growth is a “national mission.”

“There is no time to waste,” she says, saying she will outline her first steps - adding she has inherited the worst set of public finances since the Second World War.

“What I have seen in the past 72 hours has only confirmed that,” she says. “Our economy has been held back by decisions deferred and decisions ducked ... a Government that put party first and country second.

“We face the legacy of fourteen years of chaos and economic irresponsibility.”

Cooper declines to commit to immediately scrap Bibby Stockholm

10:26 , Josh Salisbury

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has declined to commit to immediately scrapping the Bibby Stockholm asylum barge when asked.

Asked about whether the new Government would get rid of the barge moored in Dorset while on a visit to Lewisham police station, Ms Cooper told broadcasters: "We need to clear the Conservatives' asylum backlog, but the first priority has to be to get the stronger border security in place, and that is why our first step is setting up the new border security command."

Ms Cooper had earlier said: "We are setting up a major new approach to law enforcement against the criminal gangs who are undermining our border security and putting lives at risk.

"I am determined that work has to start now to strengthen our borders and make sure that we have a proper functioning system rather than the chaos that we have inherited."

Foreign Secretary meets Canadian counterpart

09:50 , Josh Salisbury

David Lammy has met his Canadian counterpart, in the first engagement he has hosted as Foreign Secretary.

Mr Lammy met with Melanie Joly, Canada's minister of foreign affairs, on Monday morning.

"Can I thank you so much for being my first official visitor as Foreign Secretary here in the UK," he said.

"I have known Canada all of my life, it is a country I love, I have family in Canada, so this means the world to me."

Mr Lammy stressed the two nations had "the closest of relationships" and said he and Ms Joly had got to know each other while he was serving as shadow foreign secretary.

He added: "Lots to discuss this morning, I can't tell you how pleased I am that you have made this so special by coming to my first official visitation."

Labour denies 'secret tax plan'

08:55 , Josh Salisbury

Treasury minister Darren Jones has denied Labour has a "secret tax plan", and said Chancellor Rachel Reeves will be announcing "radical" and "immediate" interventions to stimulate economic growth.

Ms Reeves is due to give her first speech at the Treasury at 10.30am.

Ahead of that, her second-in-command Mr Jones told Good Morning Britain: "We can't keep dipping into recession and bumping along the bottom, which is what you're going to hear from the Chancellor today.

“It's a pretty radical, strong, immediate intervention to kick-start growth in the economy, as well as recognising that it will take some time for that to come through the system."

On Labour not ruling out raising tax beyond VAT, national insurance and income tax, Mr Jones said: "There is not a secret tax plan. This was an attack from the Conservatives. It is not a reflection of reality.”

'We can win 2029', insists Tory MP

08:32 , Josh Salisbury

Conservative former minister Kevin Hollinrake has said the Tories can win the 2029 general election if they "get the right leader".

It comes after the party suffered its worst electoral defeat in modern history on Thursday.

He told Times Radio: "I would argue we lost it rather than they won it, because look at the percentage share of the vote, no government has ever formed a majority with less than 34% of the vote, it's quite incredible that's the case.

"Hats off to them, the winner takes it all, they've got the spoils of victory, we need to hold to account for all those things."

On the timescale for electing a new party leader Mr Hollinrake said: "It should be a few months of a job so we start on that process probably in September and then we elect our leader by the end of the year that's the kind of timescale I would like."

Keir Starmer arrives at Stormont for Northern Ireland talks

08:26 , Josh Salisbury

Good morning and welcome to today’s live coverage of all of the day’s political developments.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has just arrived at Stormont Castle in his first visit to Northern Ireland since becoming PM.

He was greeted at the castle steps by Northern Ireland's First Minister Michelle O'Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly.

They were joined by new Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn.

Sir Keir is on a whistlestop tour of all four UK nations, and will next visit Wales.