Politics LIVE: Starmer clashes with Sunak over national security at PMQs as assisted dying bill introduced

Sir Keir Starmer was involved in a tense exchange with Rishi Sunak at Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs) over national security.

Mr Sunak said the PM has halted the implementation of the foreign agents registration scheme. Mr Starmer simply replied “that is not correct”, before sitting down to cheers from Labour backbench MPs.

The foreign agents registration scheme would ensure that those working for a foreign power declare their lobbying activities with the UK government.

At PMQs, Mr Starmer also revealed that the government is considering sanctioning two Israeli ministers over their support for blocking aid from entering the Gaza Strip.

Shortly after PMQs the private members bill on assisted dying was formally introduced to the House of Commons.

Labour MP Kim Leadbeater, who is bringing forward the proposals, has said that disabled and vulnerable people will not be at risk from the legislation as it will apply only to terminally ill adults.

She said the end of life bill will have “stringent” criteria and the legislation was about giving “autonomy” to people at the end of their lives.

Key Points

  • PMQs: Government considering sanctions against Israeli ministers

  • Assisted dying bill won’t put vulnerable at risk, says Labour MP

  • Dame Esther Rantzen urges people to write to their MPs over assisted dying legislation

Pausing our coverage

Wednesday 16 October 2024 15:32 , Alex Ross

We’re pausing our coverage for now - please come back and revisit tomorrow for politics updates

Sunak under fire from shadow cabinet not challenging Starmer over Taylor Swift at PMQs

Wednesday 16 October 2024 14:18 , Kate Devlin

Rishi Sunak is under pressure from his top team after he failed to ask Keir Starmer about Taylor Swift and freebie-gate at PMQs.

The ex-PM is the party’s caretaker leader until his replacement is chosen next month.He used this week’s PMQs to ask about foreign affairs, in an apparent bid to put pressure on the foreign secretary David Lammy.

One member of Mr Sunak’s shadow cabinet told the Independent: “There just had to be one question about Taylor Swift - and the prime minister would not have known what to do. I don’t know why he didn’t ask it”.

Watch: Keir Starmer pays tribute to former SNP leader Alex Salmond

Wednesday 16 October 2024 14:10 , Joe Middleton

EXCLUSIVE: Nigel Farage slams FA over Tuchel appointment: ‘Why the hell can’t we have an English manager?’

Wednesday 16 October 2024 13:45 , Joe Middleton

Nigel Farage has attacked the FA for appointing German Thomas Tuchel to succeed Gareth Southgate, asking: “Why oh why can’t we have an English manager?”

The Reform UK boss joined critics questioning the governing body’s decision to choose Tuchel who will take over from interim boss Lee Carsley in January following Southgate’s resignation after the Three Lions’ Euros campaign in July.

Farage slams FA over Tuchel: ‘Why the hell can’t we have an English manager?’

Keir Starmer says government is 'looking into' sanctioning Israeli ministers

Wednesday 16 October 2024 13:20 , Joe Middleton

Assisted dying Bill introduced to House of Commons

Wednesday 16 October 2024 12:51 , Joe Middleton

The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill has been formally introduced in the House of Commons.

Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle confirmed the Bill will have its Second Reading on Friday, November 29.

On that day it will be debated and could face its first vote, with MPs deciding according to their own conscience rather than along party lines.

The Bill is expected to be more commonly referred to as Kim Leadbeater’s Bill on choice at the end of life for the terminally ill.

Government considering sanctions against Israeli ministers

Wednesday 16 October 2024 12:34 , Joe Middleton

Sir Keir Starmer confirmed the government was still considering sanctions against Israeli ministers as pressure mounted on the Tel Aviv government over its actions in Gaza, the West Bank and Lebanon.

Former foreign secretary Lord Cameron had been “working up” sanctions against Israeli finance minister Bezalel Smotrich and national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir during his final days in the role before the general election was called.

Asked at Prime Minister’s Questions whether those sanctions would be applied, Sir Keir said: “We are looking at that.”

He said the pair had made “abhorrent” comments about the situation in Gaza and the West Bank.

The prime minister added: “The humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire. The death toll has passed 42,000 and access to basic services is becoming much harder.

“Israel must take all possible steps to avoid civilian casualties, to allow aid into Gaza in much greater volumes and provide the UN humanitarian partners the ability to operate effectively.”

New government will work hand-in-hand with Wales to bring down NHS waiting lists, says Starmer

Wednesday 16 October 2024 12:33 , Millie Cooke

Sir Keir Starmer has promised to work with the Welsh government to bring down NHS waiting lists, claiming the previous government was in conflict with them.

This came after The Independent last month revealed that a groundbreaking cross-border deal has been struck between the UK and Welsh governments to help ease the NHS waiting list crisis.

Pointing out that one in five people in Wales are on NHS waiting lists, Plaid Cymru MP Liz Saville-Roberts said: “The secretary of state for Wales says that a new cross border NHS plan would bring down Welsh surgery waiting lists - but the first minister of Wales contradicts her. She denies it has anything to do with bringing down waiting lists.”

Responding, Sir Keir Starmer said: “The difference is, we now have a Westminster government that wants to work with the Welsh government to deliver for the people of Wales. For fourteen long years, the Welsh government was in a position where the then government was in conflict with them.

“We will work together, collaborate and ensure that together we deliver across Wales.”

Sunak rebuked for trying to score ‘party political points’ on Britain’s security

Wednesday 16 October 2024 12:21 , Millie Cooke

Sir Keir Starmer has rebuked Rishi Sunak for attempting to score “party political points” on Britain’s security and education.The leader of the opposition hit out at the government for its decision to halt the progression of the Freedom of Speech Act, suggesting the decision would make it easier for China to exert political influence over UK universities.

Speaking at Prime Minister’s Questions, he said: “Parliament’s Intelligence and Security Committee have warned that British universities are a rich feeding ground for China to exert political influence over us.

“That’s why we passed the Freedom of Speech Act with new powers to help defend universities from this threat, but the new education secretary has since blocked it.

“So can the prime minister tell us how, without this tool, the government will prevent Chinese influence over our universities?”

Responding, Sir Keir said: “I really don’t think party political points on security and intelligence is right. Honestly, throughout the last parliament we stood with the government on all questions of security and intelligence because it was important for the outside world that we did so.”

He added: “He speaks about the record of the last government. That record was 14 years of failure, six years of austerity, three years of Brexit logjam, then Johnson, Truss and the leader of the opposition – utter failure.“And this government was elected to do things differently, to make fairer choices and most importantly to give Britain its future back.”

Analysis: Consensual Rishi Sunak proves why the Tories should have got a new leader already

Wednesday 16 October 2024 12:20 , David Maddox

With Keir Starmer on the backfoot of Taylor Swift-gate, threats of a £40 billion black hole in Labour’s spending plans and inflation figures suggesting that the last government may have actually fixed the economy, there was plenty for Rishi Sunak to shoot at.

Instead he chose to use his six questions on China, a mostly consensual issue apart from a difference over protecting freedom of speech in universities.

With the Budget just around the corner there was an opportunity for an engaged Tory leader of the Opposition to apply pressure.

Mr Sunak missed the chance and even allowed Sir Keir to have a free hit on his government’s record.

This is why there is genuine concern about him responding to the Budget on 30 October with a new leader not in place until three days later.

Sunak claims PM has halted foreign agents registration scheme

Wednesday 16 October 2024 12:12 , Joe Middleton

Sunak claims that the prime minister has halted the foreign agents registration scheme.

Starmer replies “that is not correct” and then sits down to cheers from his backbenchers.

Starmer calls for release of Jimmy Lai

Wednesday 16 October 2024 12:09 , Joe Middleton

Sunak asks if David Lammy will raise the case of imprisoned British citizen Jimmy Lai. Starmer called for the immediate release of Mr Lai.

Starmer congratulates Tuchel on England job

Wednesday 16 October 2024 12:05 , Joe Middleton

The prime minister wished new England men’s football manager Thomas Tuchel all the best in his new role and joked he would not hold his previous job against him. Sir Keir is an Arsenal fan and Mr Tuchel previously managed London rivals Chelsea FC.

And we begin...

Wednesday 16 October 2024 12:03 , Joe Middleton

Sir Keir Starmer’s kicks off PMQs by paying tribute to former SNP leader Alex Salmond who died at the weekend. The prime minister described him as a “monumental figure”.

PMQs will begin shortly...

Wednesday 16 October 2024 11:56 , Joe Middleton

Sir Keir Starmer will face off against Rishi Sunak for one of the final times before a new Tory leader is crowned. In the future the prime minister will be grilled by either Kemi Badeboch or Robert Jenrick.

Jenrick proposes withholding student loans from 10% worse performing degree courses

Wednesday 16 October 2024 11:38 , Millie Cooke

Robert Jenrick has suggested the government withhold student loans from the 10 per cent worst-performing degree courses in order to fund apprenticeships instead.

He said the funding would support the “biggest expansion of apprenticeships and vocational skills programmes in a generation” in order to deliver “the real skills we need”.

Addressing supporters in Westminster, the Tory leadership contender said: “We are sending people to university who would benefit far more from building practical skills. It’s time to end Blair’s failed experiment with higher education, close down failed institutions, and replace them with apprenticeship hubs for young and old alike, giving people the real chance at a better life they deserve.

“We should never again be reliant on foreign labour for the brickies, welders and electricians that build this country and power our economy forward.

“If we were to withhold student loans to the worst performing 10 per cent of courses for graduate outcomes, we would have 130,000 fewer students going to university.”

He added: “With these policies we would ensure there isn’t drama, not excuses, just delivering the real skills we need.”

EXCLUSIVE: From new MPs to cabinet ministers, how influential think tank is bankrolling Labour

Wednesday 16 October 2024 11:27 , Joe Middleton

More than 100 Labour MPs have registered donations from the think tank linked to Keir Starmer’s new chief of staff and backed by a hedge fund manager.

The donations from Labour Together, totalling about £1.5m and ranging from £5,000 to £137,168, have raised questions over the influence of the think tank and the power of its former director Morgan McSweeney.

The figures come just days after Mr McSweeney, Labour Together’s former director, won the power struggle with Sue Gray in Downing Street to replace her as the prime minister’s chief of staff.

From new MPs to cabinet ministers, how influential think tank is bankrolling Labour

‘No drama, no excuses’, pledges Jenrick

Wednesday 16 October 2024 11:06 , Millie Cooke

Robert Jenrick has promised to lead a Conservative Party “focused on delivery”, saying there will be “no drama” and “no excuses”.

He promised that under his leadership, the Conservatives would be a party “grounded in the concerns of ordinary people”, saying it would “serve the British people once again”.

Mr Jenrick told supporters: “It’s a simple agenda: rather than a big state that fails, we need a small state that works.”“It comes back to the fundamental rewriting of the relationship between the citizen and the state that Thatcher oversaw.”

Breaking: London Underground workers vote for strike action

Wednesday 16 October 2024 11:03 , Joe Middleton

London Underground workers, including drivers, are to stage a series of strikes next month in a dispute over pay, Aslef announced.

Previous government didn’t do enough to take advantage of Brexit, Jenrick says

Wednesday 16 October 2024 10:50 , Joe Middleton

The previous government didn’t do enough to take “full advantage” of Brexit, Robert Jenrick has said.

Giving a speech in Westminster, the Tory leadership contender said: “Brexit should be unpicked, according to Keir Starmer, and Britain brought back under the auspices of the EU’s regulatory orbit.”

While the Labour government has promised to renegotiate the UK’s Brexit deal, Sir Keir has ruled out rejoining the EU.

Speaking about the previous government, Mr Jenrick added: “We started to take advantage of Brexit, but we didn’t do enough to take full advantage of the newfound opportunities that were in our hands.“So we paid a price at the ballot box. And now we need a credible plan.”

Voices: In Beijing, will David Lammy dare to mention the Uyghur genocide?

Wednesday 16 October 2024 10:20 , Joe Middleton

The foreign secretary’s state visit to China has been billed as a chance to reset Britain’s diplomatic ties with the world’s second biggest economy – but, says Rahima Mahmut, it would be a disgrace if he sidestepped the question of human rights abuses

In Beijing, will David Lammy dare to mention the Uyghur genocide?

Labour MP not concerned about Justin Welby’s ‘slippery slope’ argument

Wednesday 16 October 2024 10:02 , Joe Middleton

Labour MP Kim Leadbeater was asked if she was worried about the so-called slippery slope argument, but responded that she would not be concerned so long as “we get this legislation right”.

The Archbishop of Canterbury has warned of such a danger ahead of a new Assisted Dying Bill being formally introduced in the House of Commons on Wednesday.

Ms Leadbeater told ITV’s Good Morning Britain: “That’s why the next six weeks and the debates that will come in the following months are really important.

“We’ve got the benefit in this country of looking at what other countries have done. And I’m very clear, based on what I’ve seen so far and the research that I’ve done is, if we get this right from the start, which some places have done, places like Oregon and certain states in Australia, we have very strict criteria, then those jurisdictions do not broaden out the criteria.

“So we have to get it right from the start with very clear criteria, safeguards and protections.

“And I’m not looking at the model that is going on in Canada. I’m looking at those other jurisdictions where this is done well and in some cases it’s been done for a long time, very well, and the criteria have never been extended.”

Assisted dying bill won’t put vulnerable at risk, says Labour MP

Wednesday 16 October 2024 09:46 , Joe Middleton

A Labour MP bringing forward proposals to legalise assisted dying has said that disabled and vulnerable people will not be at risk from the legislation as it will apply only to termially ill adults.

Kim Leadbetter said the end of life bill will have “stringent” criteria and the legislation was about giving “autonomy” to people at the end of their lives. The private members bill is due to be formally introduced to the House of Commons today.

She told ITV’s Good Morning Britain: “The health inequalities in this country, the pressure that disabled people feel and the fact that they don’t feel they’ve got the same rights as other people, let’s address those issues, and I will champion those causes all day long.

“But this is about people who are terminally ill, who just want the autonomy to have the choice to end their lives in a way that they feel more comfortable with, that respects their family and their friends and their loved ones.”

Baroness Grey-Thompson ‘worried’ about assisted dying bill

Wednesday 16 October 2024 09:21 , Joe Middleton

Crossbencher Baroness Grey-Thompson is one of a number of people concerned about the proposed legislation being presented in the House of Commons today.

The former paralympic champion is particularly exercised about the safeguards that would allow terminally ill adults who had six months to live to be assisted to end their life.

She told Prospect: “The reality is there’s many conditions of disability that could fit into those six months,”

“People have said to me, ‘if my life was like yours, I’d end it’. And I have a massive amount of privilege. If you think that about my life, what do you think of other disabled people as well? So, I am really worried.”

What is happening at Westminster?

Wednesday 16 October 2024 09:08 , Joe Middleton

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer had said he was “committed” to allowing a vote on legalising assisted dying should his party win the general election, and now one of his MPs is bringing forward a bill.

On Wednesday, Kim Leadbeater will formally introduce her bill to give choice at the end of life for the terminally ill.

A debate and first vote are expected to take place on November 29.

If the bill - the formal title of which will be announced on Wednesday - passes the first stage in the Commons, it will go to committee stage where MPs can table amendments, before facing further scrutiny and votes in both the House of Commons and the House of Lords.

Welby warns of ‘slippery slope’ ahead of assisted dying bill

Wednesday 16 October 2024 08:51 , Joe Middleton

The Archbishop of Canterbury has warned of a “slippery slope” ahead of an assisted dying bill being officially introduced to Parliament.

Justin Welby told the BBC on Tuesday: “I think this approach is both dangerous and sets us in a direction which is even more dangerous, and in every other place where it’s been done, has led to a slippery slope.”

A private members bill is due to be formally introduced to the House of Commons on Wednesday described as offering choice at the end of life.

It will be brought forward by Labour MP Kim Leadbeater, who has said that any change in the law would be “potentially one of the most important changes in legislation that we will ever see in this country”.

Speaking to BBC’s Newsnight on Tuesday, the MP for Spen Valley said: “There has to be a change in the law, I’m very clear about that, but we’ve got to get the detail right.”

What is the current law in relation to assisted dying?

Wednesday 16 October 2024 08:50 , Joe Middleton

Assisted suicide is banned in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, with a maximum prison sentence of 14 years.

In Scotland, it is not a specific criminal offence but assisting the death of someone can leave a person open to being charged with murder or other offences.

What is assisted dying?

Wednesday 16 October 2024 08:45 , Joe Middleton

This, and the language used, varies depending on who you ask.

Pro-change campaigners Dignity in Dying say that assisted dying allows a person with a terminal condition the choice to control their death if they decide their suffering is unbearable.

They argue that, along with good care, dying people who are terminally ill and mentally competent adults deserve the choice to control the timing and manner of their death.

But the campaign group Care Not Killing uses the terms “assisted suicide” and “euthanasia”, and argues that the focus should be on “promoting more and better palliative care” rather than any law change.

They say legalising assisted dying could “place pressure on vulnerable people to end their lives for fear of being a financial, emotional or care burden upon others” and argue the disabled, elderly, sick or depressed could be especially at risk.

Dame Esther Rantzen urges people to write to their MPs over assisted dying legislation

Wednesday 16 October 2024 08:32 , Joe Middleton

Assisted dying can be “carefully legalised”, Dame Esther Rantzen has said as she urged people to write to their MP as proposed legislation is brought before the Commons for the first time in almost a decade.

The Childline founder said she is writing to her own representative in Parliament to make her case for a change in the law, telling her story of terminal illness and a wish to have a choice over the end of her life.

Dame Esther, who has stage four lung cancer, has been outspoken on the issue since revealing last December that she had joined Dignitas due to her fears around a drawn-out, painful death.

Dame Esther urged people to make their feelings known to their MPs, who will likely have a first vote on the issue at the end of November.

She said: “Please write to your MP and explain your reasons why this time they should vote for change and assisted dying should be carefully legalised.

“Tell them your story. I am writing to mine. Explain this is a life and death issue and all we are asking is the right to choose, not to shorten our lives, but to shorten our deaths.

“Your words may just make the difference. If so, thanks to you we may all, for the first time, be able to look forward with hope and confidence to a good death.”

Kemi Badenoch claims Tory Party could cease to exist if Robert Jenrick wins leadership race

Wednesday 16 October 2024 08:05 , Joe Middleton

Kemi Badenoch has warned the Conservative Party could cease to exist if her opponent Robert Jenrick wins the Tory leadership contest.

The former business secretary has said the Tories have “one chance” to pick the right candidate to succeed Rishi Sunak, adding that the rise of Reform UK and the Liberal Democrats is “existential” for the party.

Addressing Tories who do not support either of the right-wingers vying for the leadership, Ms Badenoch voiced concern at speculation they could hold another contest before the next election.

Kemi Badenoch claims Tory Party could cease to exist if she loses leadership race

Inflation falls below 2% target for first time in three years

Wednesday 16 October 2024 07:57 , Joe Middleton

UK inflation has decreased to below the 2 per cent target for the first time in over three years.

The consumer price index (CPI) has dropped to 1.7 per cent, down from 2.2. per cent in August, according to the Office for National Statistics.

The figure has beaten expert predictions, which largely estimated a more modest drop to 1.9 per cent.

It’s expected the drop will empower policymakers at the Bank of England to slightly cut interest rates in November to 4.75 per cent.

Albert Toth reports

Inflation falls below 2% target for first time in three years

Watch: Former Tory MP warns of side effects after stopping weight-loss jabs

Wednesday 16 October 2024 07:00 , Joe Middleton

Could ‘jabs for jobs’ be the miracle drug Wes Streeting needs to fix the NHS?

Wednesday 16 October 2024 06:00 , Joe Middleton

These are still early days, but weight-loss drugs such as Ozempic or Mounjaro could dramatically reduce demands on the health service, writes John Rentoul

Could ‘jabs for jobs’ be the miracle drug Wes Streeting needs to fix the NHS?

Watch: David Cameron hits back at Boris Johnson Brexit claim

Wednesday 16 October 2024 05:00 , Joe Middleton

‘We do not pay reparations’: Starmer rejects slavery atonement bid ahead of Commonwealth summit

Wednesday 16 October 2024 04:00 , Joe Middleton

Sir Keir Starmer has ruled out the prospect of Britain paying slavery reparations as he prepares for a major Commonwealth summit - with the issue “not on the agenda”, according to Downing Street.

Asked for the Prime Minister’s view on paying compensation relating to Britain’s colonial past, a Downing Street spokesperson said on Monday: “We do not pay reparations.”

The question was put forward ahead of Sir Keir meeting the Commonwealth heads of government in Samoa on 21 October.

Starmer rejects slavery reparations bid ahead of Commonwealth summit

Watch: Health secretary Wes Streeting denies using weight loss jabs

Wednesday 16 October 2024 03:00 , Joe Middleton

EU entry-exit system would have been ‘complete and utter carnage’, says Dover council leader

Wednesday 16 October 2024 02:00 , Joe Middleton

The planned 10 November introduction of the EU’s now-postponed entry-exit system “would have been complete and utter carnage” according to the leader of Dover District Council.

Councillor Kevin Mills was speaking at a special session of the House of Lords Justice and Home Affairs Committee, following last week’s postponement of the entry-exit system (EES).

With a month to go, interior ministers decided to postpone the introduction of the EES indefinitely and apply a staged approach.

Dover council leader says EU entry-exit system ‘would have been complete carnage’

Alex Salmond died as he opened bottle of ketchup, witness claims

Wednesday 16 October 2024 01:00 , Joe Middleton

Former first minister of Scotland Alex Salmond died as he opened a bottle of ketchup, a witness has claimed.

The Alba Party leader died suddenly in North Macedonia on Saturday aged 69.

He had made a speech at the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy Forum in the city of Ohrid before collapsing at lunch in a crowded room.

Alex Salmond died as he opened bottle of ketchup, witness claims

British Army set to shrink to smallest size since before Napoleonic wars

Tuesday 15 October 2024 23:59 , Joe Middleton

Defence secretary John Healey has shocked MPs after he admitted that the army is on course to fall to its lowest number of personnel for more than 230 years.

Answering questions from in parliament, the minister confirmed that the size of the army will fall below 70,000 for the first time since 1793.

Back then, the British Army had around 40,000 soldiers but was rapidly increased to fight the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic wars.

British Army set to shrink to smallest size since before Napoleonic wars

Watch: Keir Starmer refuses to rule out raising national insurance contributions

Tuesday 15 October 2024 23:00 , Joe Middleton

David Cameron reveals Tories planned to sanction two Israeli ministers

Tuesday 15 October 2024 22:00 , Joe Middleton

The previous Tory government was preparing to sanction two Israeli ministers over comments encouraging blocking aid to Gaza, David Cameron has said.

Piling pressure on Labour to revive his plans, Lord Cameron said that before the general election he was “working up” sanctions on Israeli finance minister Bezalel Smotrich and national security minister Itamar Ben-Gevir as a way of putting “pressure on Netanyahu“ to act within international law.

Mr Smotrich was recently criticised for appearing to suggest it might be “just and moral” to withhold food aid from Gaza, while Mr Ben-Gvir has backed the expansion of illegal settlements in the West Bank.

David Cameron reveals Tories planned to sanction two Israeli ministers

Voters don’t believe Boris Johnson’s most controversial claims in new book, poll finds

Tuesday 15 October 2024 21:00 , Joe Middleton

Voters do not believe a raft of key claims in Boris Johnson’s new memoir, covering everything from Prince Harry to Covid, according to a new poll.

Mr Johnson was found to have lied to parliament over “Partygate” late-night bashes in Downing Street while the rest of the country was under Covid restrictions.

And since the release of his new book Unleashed key passages have been disputed.

Poll shows voters don’t believe Boris Johnson’s most controversial claims in new book

Bishops’ automatic seats in House of Lords must be abolished, MPs tell Starmer

Tuesday 15 October 2024 20:00 , Joe Middleton

Sir Keir Starmer is under pressure to go further with reform of the House of Lords, with MPs calling for him to abolish Bishops’ automatic seats in the chamber.

It comes as the House of Lords (Hereditary Peers) Bill moves a step closer to becoming law with its Second Reading in the Commons taking place on Tuesday.

The landmark legislation, introduced last month, will remove the right of the remaining 92 hereditary peers to sit and vote in the House of Lords and is the largest constitutional reform to Parliament in a quarter of a century.

Bishops’ seats in House of Lords must be abolished, MPs tell Starmer