Suella Braverman attacks Rishi Sunak over Rwanda and calls for human rights law to be scrapped - LIVE

Former home secretary Suella Braverman has attacked the prime minister’s approach to dealing with the deadlock facing the government’s plans to send asylum seekers to Rwanda.

Writing in the Daily Telegraph, Ms Braverman urged Rishi Sunak to exclude “all avenues” of legal challenge available to asylum seekers, including the Human Rights Act and the European Convention on Human Rights in amendments to the Illegal Migration Act.

“The Bill must exclude all avenues of legal challenge. The entirety of the Human Rights Act and European Convention on Human Rights, and other relevant international obligations, or legislation, including the Refugee Convention, must be disapplied by way of clear “notwithstanding” clauses,” she said.

But Damian Green, the former deputy prime minister, said Ms Braverman’s proposal was the most “unconservative statement” he had “ever heard” from a Conservative politician and compared her plans to the behaviour of Vladimir Putin.

“The second test is the most unconservative statement I have ever heard from a Conservative politician. Giving the state explicit power to override every legal constraint is what Putin and Xi do. We absolutely cannot go there,” Mr Green said on X, formerly Twitter.

Key points

• Braverman compared to Putin over Rwanda proposals

• Suella Braverman urges government to scrap human rights law

• Government’s ex-top lawyer shreds Braverman’s five-point Rwanda plan

Braverman compared to Putin over Rwanda proposals

08:50 , Alexander Butler

Former home secretary Suella Braverman has been compared to Vladimir Putin for urging the prime minister to scrap “all avenues” of legal challenge available to asylum seekers facing deportation to Rwanda.

Tory MP Damian Green said Ms Braverman’s proposal was the most “unconservative statement” he had “ever heard” from a Conservative politician.

“The second test is the most unconservative statement I have ever heard from a Conservative politician. Giving the state explicit power to override every legal constraint is what Putin and Xi do. We absolutely cannot go there,” Mr Green said on X, formerly Twitter.

Downing Street does not rule out debating emergency legislation

12:45 , Alexander Butler

Downing Street has not rules out the prospect of MPs debating an emergency stop the boats law over Christmas.

Sacked home secretary Suella Braverman suggested Parliament should sit over the festive period in order to ensure Rwanda deportation flights can take off before the next election.

Asked about the prospect of Parliament sitting over the Christmas recess, a spokesperson for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “I think we are prepared to do whatever is necessary to ensure that we can get this in place and get flights off the ground.

“I wouldn’t speculate on parliamentary process but I cannot impress (enough) the importance that the Prime Minister places on this necessary legislation to deliver for the public on the important priority of stopping the boats.”

Keir Starmer tells Rishi to ‘stop pursuing expensive gimmicks’

12:26 , Alexander Butler

Sir Keir Starmer said Rishi Sunak should “stop pursuing expensive gimmicks” over his Rwanda plan.

Speaking to broadcasters during a visit to Aberdeenshire, he said: “What we’ve seen from the Government is almost two years wasting time on a gimmick that cost £140m paid to Rwanda, not a single person has gone, which has now been declared unanimously unlawful.

“In response to that what we do not need is another gimmick from the Government to waste more time and more taxpayers’ money. We need a serious solution to a very serious problem because the small boats problem is a very serious problem.

He added: “I would say to the Government stop pursuing the expensive gimmicks that are just wasting time. Get behind our plan to smash the gangs, get the claims processed, where people shouldn’t be here then return them to where they should be.”

Rishi Sunak rejects Braverman’s proposals

12:00 , Kate Devlin

Prime minister Rishi Sunak has rejected Suella Braverman’s proposals for implementing the government’s Rwanda policy, saying his plan was “not about over-ruling laws”.

He also denied her allegation his plan was “tinkering”. “No.. the progress we’ve made this year on tackling this issue is meaningful,” he said on a visit to Bolsover.

Ms Braverman suggested excluding “all avenues” of legal challenge available to asylum seekers in an amendment to the Illegal Migration Act to ensure the government’s Rwanda plan goes ahead.

Second senior Tory accuses Braverman of behaving like a dictator

11:44 , Kate Devlin

A second senior Tory has accused Ms Braverman of behaving like a dictator.

Former minister Tobias Ellwood said her behaviour was: “Completely incompatible with both our democratic and Party values. Bypassing scrutiny to expedite law change is straight from the dictator’s handbook.”

It comes after Damian Green, the former deputy prime minister, said Ms Braverman’s proposal was the most “unconservative statement” he had “ever heard” from a Conservative politician and compared her plans to the behaviour of Vladimir Putin.

Watch: Suella Braverman's Rwanda plan proposal compared to Putin

11:26 , Alexander Butler

Ex-cabinet minister backs Braverman’s proposals: ‘Half measures won’t work’

11:00 , Alexander Butler

An ex-cabinet minister has backed former home secretary Suella Braverman’s proposals for dealing with the deadlock surrounding the government’s Rwanda plan.

Writing on X, formerly Twitter, Simon Clarke said: “Suella sets out clear and rigorous tests for new legislation on small boats.

“We should be crystal clear: half measures won’t work. We need the legislation that is brought forward to be truly effective, and if the Lords block it - let’s take it to the country.”

Transport secretary ‘confident’ Sunak’s approach will work

10:45 , Alexander Butler

The transport secretary has insisted he is “confident” Rishi Sunak’s plan to save the Rwanda scheme will work despite criticism from his sacked home secretary and a former Supreme Court judge.

Mark Harper was unable to say whether the UK should be prepared to leave the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) but said ministers would do “what it takes” to send asylum seekers to Kigali including through “change” to international agreements.

The Prime Minister has announced plans for emergency legislation and a new treaty with the east African nation in a bid to address issues that led the UK’s highest court to rule the policy was unlawful.

Speaking to Sky News, Mr Harper said: “We’re confident (the measures) will enable us to send people to Rwanda.”

Suella Braverman’s five point plan ‘to save Rishi Sunak’s Rwanda deportation scheme’

10:29 , Joe Middleton

Mrs Braverman, who was sacked in a reshuffle this week, said Mr Sunak’s “tinkering” of the plans to overcome the Supreme Court’s verdict that it was unlawful would “culminate in yet another defeat” for the government.

Writing in The Telegraph, she said the prime minister’s proposals would likely get bogged down in the domestic and European court system.

She has proposed introducing emergency legislation to amend the Illegal Migration Act that should meet five key tests. We take a look at those points below:

The five things Braverman says Sunak can do to save Rwanda deportation plan

What has Suella Braverman proposed?

09:28 , Alexander Butler

Former home secretary Suella Braverman has proposed a five-point plan to implement the Government’s Rwanda policy which was ruled unlawful by the Supreme Court this week.

Writing in the Daily Telegraph, Ms Braverman attacked the prime minister’s approach and set out her own steps for ensuring the policy’s success before the general election 2025.

She has called for amendments to the Illegal Migration Act to block “all avenues of legal challenge” available to asylum seekers looking to challenge deportation to Rwanda.

“The Bill must exclude all avenues of legal challenge. The entirety of the Human Rights Act and European Convention on Human Rights, and other relevant international obligations, or legislation, including the Refugee Convention, must be disapplied by way of clear “notwithstanding” clauses,” she wrote in the Daily Telegraph.

Government’s ex-top lawyer shreds Braverman’s five-point Rwanda plan

08:59 , Archie Mitchell

The former head of the government’s legal department has savaged Suella Braverman’s latest Rwanda plans as “not remotely sensible”.

Jonathan Jones KC said Ms Braverman’s five-point plan to salvage the illegal deportation scheme is “an attempt to rule outside the law”.

“I don’t remotely see how sensible people in government could go along with it… I don’t believe it will happen,” Sir Jonathan said on X.

He added: “For the sake of putting (at most) a few hundred people on a plane to a place recently found to be unsafe by our highest court [not a foreign court]: she wants the UK to breach every relevant international treaty on torture, mis-treatment, detention or fair process.”

Suella Braverman urges government to scrap human rights law

08:57 , Alexander Butler

Former home secretary Suella Braverman has urged Rishi Sunak to exclude “all avenues” of legal challenge available to asylum seekers, including the Human Rights Act and the European Convention on Human Rights in amendments to the Illegal Migration Act.

“The Bill must exclude all avenues of legal challenge. The entirety of the Human Rights Act and European Convention on Human Rights, and other relevant international obligations, or legislation, including the Refugee Convention, must be disapplied by way of clear “notwithstanding” clauses,” she wrote in the Daily Telegraph.

It comes after Ms Braverman was sacked by Rishi Sunak following a series of controversies including writing an opinion piece for The Times without Cabinet Office approval, and widely perceived inflammatory language about pro-Palestine demonstrations.

Former Home Office permanent secretary wouldn’t advise government to remove asylum seekers’ rights

08:01 , Alexander Butler

A former Home Office permanent secretary said he would not advise the government to remove the right of asylum seekers to appeal against deportation to Rwanda.

Asked what he would advise the Home Secretary to do following the Government’s defeat in the Supreme Court over it’s Rwanda proposal, Sir David Normington told the Today programme on BBC Radio 4: “I certainly wouldn’t advise them to want to try to use Parliament to set aside the law, to override it.

“Suella Braverman is right, in one way, that it is going to be very, very difficult to get people coming across on boats to Rwanda this side of an election,” Sir David said.

“I think that anything that is done is going to be subject to legal challenge. Therefore, I think there is no option, myself, if they insist on passing the legislation, to take the cases through the court and to fight the cases. I don’t think that there is a way of stopping appeals.

“One of the things we keep hearing, and this is Suella Braverman’s latest idea, is that we should remove all appeals, that we should close off all routes.”

ICYMI: Labour rebels who quit over Gaza ceasefire could rejoin Starmer’s top team after election

06:00 , Matt Mathers

Labour rebels who quit or were sacked over a rebellion on the question of a ceasefire in Gaza could rejoin Sir Keir Starmer’s top team after the election, the shadow defence secretary has suggested.

It comes as the party seeks to play down talk of divisions after Sir Keir lost 10 members of his front bench in a major revolt over the Israel-Hamas war. A total of 56 Labour MPs voted for an SNP amendment to the King’s Speech backing a ceasefire.

Kate Devlin reports:

Labour rebels who quit over Gaza ceasefire could rejoin top team after election

Jeremy Hunt warns benefits ‘coasters’ they will lose free prescriptions if they refuse to take a job

05:00 , Matt Mathers

Jeremy Hunt has warned those who “coast” on benefits will lose handouts if they refuse to take a job as part of a new crackdown.

Claimants deemed fit to work, but who fail to take steps to find employment, will be cut off from accessing benefits such as free prescriptions and dental treatment, help from energy suppliers and cheaper mobile phone packages.

Kate Devlin reports:

Jeremy Hunt warns benefits coasters will lose free prescriptions if they refuse jobs

James Cleverly forgets job title in gaffe during first major speech as home secretary

03:00 , Matt Mathers

James Cleverly appeared to forget his new job title of home secretary as he was in the middle of a speech on Thursday, 16 November, Holly Patrick reports.

The former foreign secretary was speaking at the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners and National Police Chiefs Council joint summit when he said: “I want you to feel that you can speak with me and my team at the Foreign... Old habits die hard” as laughter broke out in the audience.

It comes after Mr Cleverly insisted ministers are “absolutely determined” to get a removal flight to Rwanda before the next election after the deportation policy was ruled unlawful.

Watch the clip here:

James Cleverly forgets job title in gaffe during first major speech as home secretary

Wherever James Cleverly goes, ‘batshit’ will surely follow

02:00 , Matt Mathers

The new home secretary certainly isn’t the first politician to regret an off-the-cuff remark – but he’d better get used to what is his (and his government’s) Ratner moment, writes Paul Clements.

Read Paul’s full piece here:

Wherever James Cleverly goes, ‘batshit’ will surely follow

ICYMI: Former top judge slams Sunak’s Rwanda plan and accuses PM of ‘changing facts by law’

01:00 , Matt Mathers

A former Supreme Court Justice has slammed Rishi Sunak’s latest plan to save his beleaguered Rwanda scheme as “profoundly discreditable” and said it will not work.

Jonathan Sumption said an attempt by ministers to legally deem Rwanda a “safe” country for asylum seekers through an emergency law change would apply in Britain but would not be recognised internationally.

Archie Mitchell reports:

Ex-top judge slams Rwanda plan and accuses PM of changing facts by law

ICYMI: James Cleverly refuses to deny he called Rishi Sunak’s Rwanda scheme ‘batshit’

00:01 , Matt Mathers

James Cleverly has repeatedly refused to deny that he called Rishi Sunak’s Rwanda deportation policy “batshit” as a former top judge slammed the government for trying to use the law to change facts.

The new home secretary said he “did not remember” deploying the expletive to describe the government’s flagship “stop the boats” policy.

James Cleverly refuses to deny he called Rishi Sunak’s Rwanda scheme ‘batshit’

When facts get in its way, this government resorts to fiction

Thursday 16 November 2023 23:00 , Matt Mathers

As James Cleverly adopts an ‘Alice in Wonderland’ approach to defending the unlawful and unworkable Rwanda plan, the Conservatives have gone through the looking glass… again, says Sean O’Grady.

Read Sean’s full piece here:

When facts get in its way, this government resorts to fiction

Keir Starmer’s hardline stance on Gaza is asking for trouble

Thursday 16 November 2023 22:20 , Matt Mathers

The rebellion over the call for an Israeli ceasefire is no threat to the leader, but his handling of it could be, writes John Rentoul.

Read John’s full piece here:

Keir Starmer’s hardline stance on Gaza is asking for trouble

Sunak Rwanda plan won’t work before election - Braverman

Thursday 16 November 2023 21:56 , Matt Mathers

Rishi Sunak must take Britain out of the ECHR if he wants to save his Rwanda plan before the general election, Suella Braverman has said.

In her first article since being sacked as home secretary, the Tory rightwinger attacked the prime minister’s approach to the policy and set out her own proposals.

Sunak’s plan to create a new treaty with Rwanda to declare it a safe country would not allow flights to take off before the general election, she said, branding it a “tweaked version” of his failed Plan A rather than an effective Plan B.

Writing for the Daily Telegraph, she calls for emergency legislation to block “all avenues of legal challenge” against the flights by excluding them from the “entirety” of European and human rights laws.

“There is no longer any chance of stopping the boats within the current legal framework,” she says.

Starmer facing more resignations over Gaza position - report

Thursday 16 November 2023 21:29 , Matt Mathers

Keir Starmer is facing more resignations over the party’s position on Gaza, with MPs angry about how the leader managed last night’s vote for a ceasefire.

Sources told The Guardian many of those who remained loyal and did not back the SNP’s amendment to the King’s Speech are angry and could quit if the party does not take a tougher line on Israeli military action.

“We’ve been warning for weeks that the party was getting its messaging wrong on Gaza,” one told the paper. “Many of us stayed in the end, not to keep our jobs but to continue to push for change from the inside.”

Rushanara Ali, one of three Muslim frontbenchers to back the party line on Wednesday and the shadow minister for investment and small business, said in a statement yesterday: “Leaving the shadow government is something I am always willing to do, which is why I completely respect the decisions taken by my fellow MPs today. The moment I feel my presence is less positively impactful than my absence, I will do so.”

Earlier on Thursday hundreds of schoolchildren marched to the Bethnal Green and Bow MP’s office in east London demanding a ceasefire.

The crowds could be heard chanting “Israel is a terror state” and “free, free Palestine” while walking down a street in the area.

Some 56 Labour MPs voted for the SNP’s amendment to the King Speech’s calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. A total of 10 Labour frontbenchers - including eight shadow ministers - were sacked or resigned for backing the amendment.

Labour: Cameron should take regular questions from MPs in Westminster Hall

Thursday 16 November 2023 20:58 , Matt Mathers

David Cameron should be forced to take regular questions from MPs in Westminster Hall, Labour has said.

Shadow Commons leader Lucy Powell said the new Foreign Secretary, who cannot enter the Commons because he is not an MP, should hold regular “accountability sessions” there as a “starter”.

Ms Powell said: “At a time of war in Europe, a horrifying conflict in Israel and Gaza, and threats from China, Iran and elsewhere, elected members here are now unable to hold the Foreign Secretary to account.

She added: “This House must be able to scrutinise his work effectively because, let’s be honest, there’s a lot to hold him to account for.”

She said it would be “entirely insufficient” for another Foreign Office minister to stand in for Mr Cameron, adding: “The last time the House was in this situation, Conservative members were furious and demanded that questions must be answered in this place.

“The then Labour government was set to bring in the recommendations of the Procedure Committee at the time.

“So does she agree with me that we should immediately dust off that report, and bring forward a motion to put in place its recommendations quickly?

“This would include regular accountability sessions for the Foreign Secretary in Westminster Hall as a starter.”

24 Tories write to Sunak calling for tougher action on Rwanda

Thursday 16 November 2023 20:16 , Matt Mathers

Two dozen MPs from the New Conservatives Group have written to Rishi Sunak calling for tougher measures in his Rwanda bill.

The group, formed by MPs elected in 2019 after the Brexit vote, say that the legislation must be “belt and braces” and “over-engineered” to “make sure we get it right first time”.

They are calling on the prime minister to introduce “notwithstanding” clauses, which would give the legislation power to override the UK’s legal obligations on asylum.

The group, co-founded by Miriam Cates, the MP for Penistone and Stocksbridge and Danny Kruger, MP for Devizes, wants the legislation to disapply the Human Rights Act and grant powers to block “pyjama injunctions”, when last-minute legal challenges are made to prevent flights from taking off.

Many Tories believe the government’s failure to deport asylum seekers and migrants to Kigali will dash their already slim hopes of winning the next election.

Cleverly takes swipe at Braverman as he vows to criticise police in private after protest row

Thursday 16 November 2023 19:30 , Matt Mathers

James Cleverly has vowed to criticise police in private in a veiled swipe at Suella Braverman, who was sacked after she accused Metropolitan Police chiefs of bias in their handling of the pro-Palestine protests.

In his first speech to police chiefs, the newly appointed home secretary said he would “back” police forces and be critical where needed but he would do so “professionally, calmly, directly so that we always maintain that professional working relationship”.

Amy-Clare Martin reports:

Cleverly vows to criticise police in private in swipe at Braverman after protest row

Former top judge slams Sunak’s Rwanda plan and accuses PM of ‘changing facts by law’

Thursday 16 November 2023 18:57 , Matt Mathers

A former Supreme Court Justice has slammed Rishi Sunak’s latest plan to save his beleaguered Rwanda scheme as “profoundly discreditable” and said it will not work.

Jonathan Sumption said an attempt by ministers to legally deem Rwanda a “safe” country for asylum seekers through an emergency law change would apply in Britain but would not be recognised internationally.

Archie Mitchell reports:

Ex-top judge slams Rwanda plan and accuses PM of changing facts by law

‘Fairness has to be at the heart of our welfare system'

Thursday 16 November 2023 17:40 , Matt Mathers

“Fairness” has to be at the “heart” of the UK welfare system, a cabinet minister has said after the government announced a crackdown on benefits claimants.

Under new rules outlined by chancellor Jeremy Hunt this afternoon, people who are deemed fit to work but not engaging with the system will lose their benefits and entitlements linked to Universal Credit.

As part of the government’s Back to Work Plan, £1bn has been announced to “help more than 1m people with long-term health conditions, disabilities, or who are long-term unemployed to look for and stay in work.”

Mel Stride, the secretary of state of work and pensions, said: “Fairness has to be at the heart of our welfare system.

“So as well as providing additional support for these groups, we’re bringing in tougher sanctions for people who don’t look for work as we roll out the next generation of reforms.”

Osborne: UK leaving ECHR ‘off the table’ with Lord Cameron as foreign sec

Thursday 16 November 2023 17:25 , Matt Mathers

David Cameron’s former chancellor has said leaving the European Convention on Human Rights is “off the table” with the former prime minister serving as foreign secretary.

George Osborne suggested the nuclear option of withdrawing from the international treaty would be too “extreme” for Lord Cameron despite the Supreme Court ruling the government’s Rwanda scheme unlawful.

The new foreign secretary flirted publicly with the prospect of leaving the ECHR in 2015 but never did so, opting to hold the Brexit referendum a year later which effectively ended his pro-Remain administration.

Mr Osborne told his Political Currency podcast with Ed Balls: “The interesting thing about David Cameron’s appointment … I don’t think necessarily he will go along with something as extreme as that. He’s actually more right wing than I am on this. He was a Home Office special adviser for Michael Howard.

“He’s always railed against elements of ECHR judgments. But I think the option of going into the general election saying we’re going to pull out of the ECHR and throw the challenge to Labour, see whether they agree or not, I think that’s basically now off the table because David Cameron is foreign secretary.”

Free prescriptions and legal aid to end for benefit claimants not seeking work

Thursday 16 November 2023 17:10 , Matt Mathers

Free prescriptions and legal aid will be cut off for benefit claimants who are deemed fit to work and do not seek employment as part of a government crackdown.

Digital tools will also be used to “track” attendance at job fairs and interviews under the toughened sanctions regime.

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt said the measures were necessary to prevent “anyone choosing to coast on the hard work of taxpayers” from receiving benefits.

Mr Hunt said: “We’re serious about growing our economy and that means we must address the rise in people who aren’t looking for work, especially because we know so many of them want to, and with almost a million vacancies in the jobs market the opportunities are there.

“These changes mean there’s help and support for everyone, but for those who refuse it, there are consequences too. Anyone choosing to coast on the hard work of taxpayers will lose their benefits.”

Hunt: No guarantee flights will take off next year

Thursday 16 November 2023 16:50 , Matt Mathers

There is no guarantee that flights to Rwanda will take off next year, chancellor Jeremy Hunt has said, apparently putting him at odds with the prime minister.

Rishi Sunak said in a press conference last night that the government was aiming - “as planned” - to get the first planes in the air by spring.

But Mr Hunt said: “We are hopeful we will be able to get flights off to Rwanda next year. We can’t guarantee that, we have to pass legislation”.

Text of Rwanda treaty to be published next week - report

Thursday 16 November 2023 16:40 , Matt Mathers

The text of the government’s treaty with Rwanda will be published on Monday, according to a report.

The emergency law will then follow a week later, according to the Times.

No 10 has said the treaty to block legal challenges to flights deporting asylum seekers to Kigali is the “fastest way” to get planes in the air.

Cleverly clashes with radio presenter over Rwanda policy during interview

Thursday 16 November 2023 16:25 , Matt Mathers

Home secretary James Cleverly clashed with Today presenter Amol Rajan in tetchy exchanges about the Rwanda asylum policy.

The cabinet minister protested at Rajan’s handling of the radio interview, telling him “if you’re just going to make a statement, I can go and get a cup of tea”.

Full report:

Cleverly clashes with radio presenter over Rwanda policy during interview

Lord Cameron to address 1922 Committee next week

Thursday 16 November 2023 16:00 , Matt Mathers

New foreign secretary Lord Cameron will address a meeting of the 1922 Committee of Tory backbenchers.

The former PM will address his colleagues at 5.45pm on Monday, HuffPost’s Kevin Schofield reports.

Some rightwing Tories are said to be opposed to the return of Lord Cameron, a liberal remainer from the center of the party.

MoD ‘deeply concerned’ about complaints made by sixty senior women

Thursday 16 November 2023 15:45 , Matt Mathers

The Ministry of Defence has said it is “deeply concerned” by complaints made by a number of senior women working at the department.

Sixty senior women working in the Civil Service described a “hostile” and “toxic” culture at the department, The Guardian reports.

They have written a letter to MoD’s permanent secretary, which also accuses male colleagues of sexual assault, harassment and abuse by male colleagues, the paper added.

The MoD said in a statement: “We are deeply concerned by the complaints made and we are taking action to tackle the issues raised.

“No woman should be made to feel unsafe in defence and this behaviour will not be tolerated.

“We also continue to encourage anyone who has experienced or witnessed this kind of inexcusable behaviour, to report it immediately.”

Downing Street refuses to be drawn on how much more Rwanda plan could cost taxpayer

Thursday 16 November 2023 15:30 , Matt Mathers

The government refused to be drawn on how much taxpayers’ money would go to Rwanda under the new treaty.

The prime minister’s official spokesman said: “I obviously wouldn’t get into any commercial discussions with another country, those are confidential.

“We have previously set out that Rwanda has received an initial £120 million as part of the economic and transformation fund and an advance payment was also paid last year to help with initial set-up costs.

“Obviously, it is worth putting that in comparison to the £8 million per day which the UK taxpayer has been funding to house migrants in hotel rooms because of these pressures.”

Starmer condemns ‘unforgivable’ trade policy on visit to whisky distillery

Thursday 16 November 2023 15:20 , Matt Mathers

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has attacked the UK government’s “unforgivable” trade strategy during a visit to a Scottish distillery.

Visiting the InchDairnie distillery in Glenrothes, Fife, on Thursday, Sir Keir said a government he leads would put in place a trade strategy that would “back Scotch producers to the hilt”.

He added: “Scotch should be something we’re knocking back, not knocking down. The nation’s number one export, Scotland is the beating heart of the world’s whisky industry.

“From Skye to Stirling, Scotland’s 140 distilleries put the nation on the map around the world. Nowhere is Scotch whisky more popular than India. We should be celebrating that fact.

“But instead of backing the industry with a coherent strategy for international trade, successive Conservative governments have broken promises, failed to negotiate a deal with India, and watched opportunities for growth drain away.

“That’s unforgivable.The industry is crying out for certainty. Whether it’s micro distilleries scaling up, or larger businesses reaching new international markets, they need stability to make that happen.

“Hearing from staff at InchDairnie today, the importance of that is not lost on me. It brings much-needed security for working people.”

David Cameron’s frontbench appears to mocks Ed Balls after stammer in resurfaced video

Thursday 16 November 2023 15:10 , Matt Mathers

David Cameron and George Osborne appeared to mock Ed Balls after he stammered during a speech in the House of Commons in 2012, resurfaced footage shows, Holly Patrick reports.

The former shadow chancellor was replying to the autumn statement when he appeared to have a hesitant start to his speech.

At the time, Downing Street denied that Lord Cameron and Mr Osborne were laughing at Mr Balls because he was struggling with his speech problem.

The clip has resurfaced after Mr Balls shared a tearful moment with Gareth Gates on Wednesday as they opened up about their stammers.

Watch the clip here:

David Cameron’s frontbench appears to mocks Ed Balls after stammer in

Schoolchildren march on office of Labour MP who abstained on Gaza vote

Thursday 16 November 2023 14:59 , Matt Mathers

Hundreds of schoolchildren marched to the office of Labour MP Rushnara Ali after she abstained on last night’s Gaza vote.

The crowds could be heard chanting “Israel is a terror state” and “free, free Palestine” while walking down a street in Bethnal Green, east London.

Some 56 Labour MPs voted for the SNP’s amendment to the King Speech’s calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. A total of 10 Labour frontbenchers - including eight shadow ministers - were sacked or resigned for backing the amendment.

Deputy Speaker and Tory MP face Commons watchdog probe

Thursday 16 November 2023 14:47 , Matt Mathers

The Deputy Speaker and a Tory MP are under investigation by the Commons standards watchdog.

Commons’ Standards Commissioner Daniel Greenberg is looking into allegations that Dame Eleanor Laing and Virginia Crosbie, MP for Ynys Mon, may have broken rules for MPs.

The allegations relate to “actions causing significant damage to the reputation of the House as a whole, or of its Members generally”.

The Commissioner has not released any further details regarding the probe.

Watch: Cleverly vows not to criticise police in private in swipe at Braverman

Thursday 16 November 2023 14:30 , Tara Cobham

James Cleverly refuses to deny he called Rishi Sunak’s Rwanda scheme ‘batshit’

Thursday 16 November 2023 14:20 , Matt Mathers

James Cleverly has repeatedly refused to deny that he called Rishi Sunak’s Rwanda deportation plan “batshit”.

The new home secretary said he “doesn’t remember” describing the scheme that way after Yvette Cooper claimed he did during a grilling in the House of Commons.

Archie Mitchell reports:

James Cleverly refuses to deny he called Rishi Sunak’s Rwanda scheme ‘batshit’

Starmer: I want Labour to be as ‘united as we can’ on Gaza

Thursday 16 November 2023 14:10 , Matt Mathers

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said he wanted his party to be “as united as we can” over the Gaza crisis.

He was hit by the departure of eight shadow ministers and two parliamentary aides who rebelled in the Commons on Wednesday night against Labour’s policy by backing a ceasefire.

Sir Keir told ITV News: “Of course, I want us to move forward as united as we can as a party, but you wouldn’t expect me to stand here today and say my concern is the Labour Party management rather than the hostages and the innocent civilians and children that are dying in Gaza.

“My focus and attention is there, and that’s where it is and where it will always be.”

Labour rebels ‘could rejoin Starmer’s top team after election’

Thursday 16 November 2023 14:00 , Tara Cobham

Labour rebels who quit or were sacked over a rebellion on Gaza could rejoin Keir Starmer‘s top team after the election, the shadow defence secretary has suggested.

It comes as the party seeks to play down talk of splits after Sir Keir lost 10 members of his frontbench in a major revolt over the Israel-Hamas war.

A total of 56 Labour MPs voted for an SNP amendment to the King’s speech backing a ceasefire.

Kate Devlin, Politics and Whitehall Editor reports:

Labour rebels who quit over Gaza ceasefire ‘could rejoin top team after election’

Rachel Hopkins and Luton MPs voted with their ‘conscience’

Thursday 16 November 2023 13:50 , Matt Mathers

Rachel Hopkins, the former shadow minister for veterans, has said she and her fellow Luton colleagues voted for last night’s amendment with their “conscience”.

Explaining her decision, the MP for Luton South said she wanted to see an immediate end to the violence “against innocent civilians, the release of hostages and the vital access of humanitarian aid into Gaza”.

Read the statement in full below:

Labour extends poll lead over Tories to 27% amid cabinet reshuffle and Gaza row - poll

Thursday 16 November 2023 13:40 , Matt Mathers

Labour has extended its poll lead over the Tories to 27 points following Rishi Sunak’s cabinet reshuffle and despite the opposition’s divisions over Gaza.

A Find Out Now poll, conducted after David Cameron rejoined the government as foreign secretary, had the opposition up two points to 46 per cent.

Support for the Tories had fallen four points in a fortnight to 19 per cent, with Reform UK also up two points to 10 per cent. The poll, first reported by the Daily Mirror, interviewed 2,198 adults online in Great Britain on November 13 and 14.

Commons Speaker ‘working with Palace security’ over MPs’ safety

Thursday 16 November 2023 13:30 , Tara Cobham

The Speaker of the House of Commons has been working with Buckingham Palace security to ensure the safety of MPs, Penny Mordaunt has said.

The Commons Leader made her remarks in the Commons during a session of questions related to the business of the House.

Ms Mordaunt said: “It is quite right that members of Parliament should be able to go around their business, and also their staff, in safety and security and not to be disrupted in going about their business.

“I know that Mr Speaker has been particularly concerned even prior to yesterday’s incidents and has been working with Palace security and other organisations to ensure the safety, in particular, of members of Parliament.”

Rwanda law will be produced in ‘coming weeks'

Thursday 16 November 2023 13:18 , Matt Mathers

Rishi Sunak’s Rwanda law will be produced in the “coming weeks” and will be primary legislation, Downing Street has said.

This means it will have to pass the House of Lords, where it will likely face stiff opposition - and a former Supreme Court judge has already predicted it will not get through.

“Certainly we want to do it as quickly as possible,” the prime minister’s official spokesman said earlier.

The spokesman said the legislation will “make clear Rwanda is safe on the basis of the work we have done” over the last 15 months and the “upgraded assurances we have secured to address the court’s concerns in our new treaty”.

The treaty will provide a “guarantee” that the risks of refoulement – the process of returning refugees to their origin countries – identified by the court will not materialise.

Watch: James Cleverly forgets new job title in middle of speech

Thursday 16 November 2023 13:00 , Tara Cobham

James Cleverly appeared to forget his new job title of home secretary as he was in the middle of a speech on Thursday, 16 November.

The former foreign secretary was speaking at the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners and National Police Chiefs Council joint summit when he said: “I want you to feel that you can speak with me and my team at the Foreign... Old habits die hard” as laughter broke out in the audience.

It comes after Mr Cleverly insisted ministers are “absolutely determined” to get a removal flight to Rwanda before the next election after the deportation policy was ruled unlawful.

Holly Patrick reports:

James Cleverly forgets new job title in middle of speech

‘Concerning if MPs fear being mobbed outside Parliament'

Thursday 16 November 2023 12:24 , Tara Cobham

Conservative MP Sir Julian Lewis said MPs should not find themselves in the situation of receiving advice over which parliamentary exits to use “for fear of being mobbed by an unauthorised demonstration”.

However, he did not directly reference the Pro-Palestinian protest, which marched past Parliament as MPs voted on Wednesday night to reject an SNP amendment to the King’s Speech calling for a ceasefire in Gaza.

Sir Julian said: “Even if demonstrations do continue to be allowed in Parliament Square, I think it should be a common concern on both sides of the House that members should not find themselves getting advice from their whips which exits they can and can’t use for fear of being mobbed by an unauthorised demonstration right up to the gates of Parliament.

“This really has gone too far and sooner or later there will be an incident, unless the security of entering and leaving the Houses of Parliament is restored.”

Mordaunt: MPs under increased threat after Gaza ceasefire vote

Thursday 16 November 2023 11:58 , Tara Cobham

Some MPs have come under “increased threat” after the Commons voted against backing calls for a ceasefire in Gaza, Penny Mordaunt has said.

The Commons Leader made her remarks in the Commons during a session of questions related to the business of the House.

She said: “The debate last night did show this House its two main parties and the bulk of members united in its support for Israel’s duty to protect her people and for there to be an end of suffering for civilians – all civilians – and for the longer-term solution for peace.

“Since the vote last night I know some members have come under increased threat. No matter which way people voted, it will have been a considered decision.

“No matter whether you agree with them or not, it is their duty to exercise their own judgement.

“Today all members should think about what they can do to diffuse such threats made against our colleagues in this place.”

Jess Phillips ‘takes practical action’ as she speaks after resignation

Thursday 16 November 2023 11:40 , Tara Cobham

High-profile MP Jess Phillips has spoken of her belief in “taking practical action” as she speaks following her resignation over the war in Gaza.

She was among 10 frontbenchers to quit or be sacked from their role as Keir Starmer faced a mass rebellion over his refusal to back a ceasefire in Gaza.

Writing on social media for the first time since she quit, Ms Phillips said: “Yesterday I voted to support an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. However, I also believe in taking practical action, and that is why I have launched the following campaign to raise as much money as possible for Medical Aid for Palestinians. The lifesaving work of Medical Aid for Palestinians is urgently needed now more than ever.”

She added: “While I have resigned from frontbench politics, I will continue to work hard representing my constituents of Birmingham Yardley as a backbench MP, and fight for the Labour government the country desperately needs at the next general election.”

Labour seeks to portray ‘unity’ after rebellion over Gaza war

Thursday 16 November 2023 11:32 , Tara Cobham

Labour has sought to play down splits in the party after Sir Keir Starmer lost 10 shadow ministers and parliamentary aides in a major rebellion over his stance on the war in Gaza.

Amid the fallout on Thursday morning, shadow defence secretary John Healey insisted there is a “deeper unity” in the Labour Party than the rebellion indicated.

He told BBC Breakfast he understands why backbenchers wanted to “respond to their constituents and call for an immediate ceasefire”.

But he insisted the “vast majority” back “the most practical step” of calling for humanitarian pauses to get aid into Gaza and the Israeli hostages out.

“On the front benches a small number had to resign while the vast majority backed humanitarian pauses – the best way in these circumstances now trying to relieve the suffering – but the deeper unity of the Labour Party was clear last month,” he said.

“At the Labour Party conference you saw us totally unified and determined in solidarity with Ukraine, behind a plan to help people with the cost of living, and in getting rid of an infighting, failing 13 years of Conservative Government.”

Cooper warns against ‘spiral of disrespect’ between ministers and police

Thursday 16 November 2023 11:00 , Tara Cobham

Shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper has said “a spiral of disrespect” cannot be allowed to develop between the Government and the police, following intense political pressure over protest marches.

Speaking at a policing conference in Westminster, Ms Cooper called the attacks by former home secretary Suella Braverman on the Metropolitan Police last week “a disgrace”.

Mrs Braverman took the extraordinary step of writing an article for the Times, accusing the force of showing bias in favour of left-wing protesters.

Margaret Davis reports:

Yvette Cooper warns against ‘spiral of disrespect’ between ministers and police