Sir Keir Starmer and chancellor Rachel Reeves are the new occupants of Downing Street, although the moving process will take a few days
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The change of tune is already underway in Downing Street after a piano and a sofa were spotted being removed from Number 10.
After Labour’s general election landslide, former prime minister Rishi Sunak and ex-chancellor Jeremy Hunt lost their residences as Sir Keir Starmer took power.
On his third day in government, Labour cabinet minister Jonathan Reynolds ruled out introducing digital ID cards after Tony Blair called for their use to help control migration.
Business secretary initially said the government would be “looking at all sorts of things” and he did not want to pre-empt that plan, but in an interview later he ruled it out.
In light of the Tories’ historic defeat, Suella Braverman admitted Reform could kill off the Conservatives after Nigel Farage managed to secure five seats in parliament.
The PM is set to kick off his UK-wide tour in Edinburgh today, where he will meet First Minister John Swinney in an effort to “turn disagreement into co-operation” with the SNP.
Sir Keir prioritised seeking an “immediate reset” of the relationship between Westminster and devolved nations.
UK and South Africa to work together on climate change
As the prime minister continues first calls with international leaders, Sir Keir Starmer agreed with South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa about the need to work together on climate change ahead of the G20.
A No 10 spokesman said: “The Prime Minister spoke to South Africa’s President, Cyril Ramaphosa, this morning.
“The president began by congratulating the Prime Minister on his election victory and said he welcomed this early opportunity to speak. The leaders reflected on the significance of South Africa’s state visit in 2022, noting that it was the first official state visit of His Majesty King Charles III’s reign.
“Turning to the strong bond between the UK and South Africa, the Prime Minister said he looked forward to strengthening and progressing the relationship between the two countries. The Prime Minister and president agreed to continue working together on climate change, economic growth and opportunity and equality ahead of the G20 in South Africa next year.”
The PM is set to travel to Washington on Tuesday to attend the Nato Summit.
Salma Ouaguira7 July 2024 14:42
Minister rejects Blair’s ID card call two hours after refusing to rule it out
A Labour cabinet minister has ruled out the introduction of digital ID cards after Tony Blair called for their use to help control migration.
Business secretary Jonathan Reynolds initially said the government would be “looking at all sorts of things” and he did not want to pre-empt that work. But in an interview nearly two hours later he said: “I can rule out ID cards for you. That’s not something which is part of our plans.”
The idea was one of the former prime minister’s flagship policies in Downing Street, but it was killed off after he lost power. Pushing the new government to embrace the scheme, he said: “We need a plan to control immigration. If we don’t have rules, we get prejudices.”
On Sunday, Mr Reynolds said the home secretary Yvette Cooper would look at “all sources of advice” on the issue. But sources close to Ms Cooper said ID cards were not Labour policy and that had not changed. He later told Times Radio he could rule out ID cards.
Our Whitehall editor Kate Devlin has the full story:
Minister rejects Blair’s ID card call two hours after refusing to rule it out
Former Labour PM has warned new government: ‘We need a plan to control immigration. If we don’t have rules, we get prejudices’
Salma Ouaguira7 July 2024 14:19
David Lammy: Let’s put Brexit behind us
New foreign secretary David Lammy is on a trip across Europe visiting his counterparts in Poland and Sweden.
During his stop in Germany on Saturday, Mr Lammy said he was ready to re-set the UK’s relations with the EU.
He told Germany’s foreign secretary Annalena Baerbock: “Let us put the Brexit years behind us.
“We are not going to re-join the single market and the customs union but there is much that we can do together.”
Salma Ouaguira7 July 2024 14:13
Starmer vows to recognise state of Palestine in call with president Mahmoud Abbas
Sir Keir Starmer has told Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas that he plans to prioritise securing a ceasefire, the safe return of hostages and increasing humanitarian aid.
In a call on Sunday, the two leaders discussed UK’s next steps on the ongoing war on Gaza.
A Downing Street spokeswoman said: “The Prime Minister updated President Abbas on his immediate priorities, including securing a ceasefire, the return of hostages, an increase and acceleration in humanitarian aid, and financial support for the Palestinian Authority.
“Discussing the importance of reform, and ensuring international legitimacy for Palestine, the Prime Minister said that his longstanding policy on recognition to contribute to a peace process had not changed, and it was the undeniable right of Palestinians.”
Salma Ouaguira7 July 2024 14:04
Keir Starmer tells Netanyahu ceasefire needed in Gaza
In a meeting, Sir Keir Starmer has told Benjamin Netanyahu he is committed to reinforce UK’s relationship with Israel.
The new prime minister told Mr Netanyahu, who faced arrest warrants by the International Criminal Court, there are increasing calls to negotiate a ceasefire in Gaza.
A Downing Street spokesman said: “The Prime Minister reiterated his condolences for the tragic loss of life following the October attacks. He then set out the clear and urgent need for a ceasefire, the return of hostages and an immediate increase in the volume of humanitarian aid reaching civilians.
“He added that it was also important to ensure long-term conditions for a two-state solution were in place, including ensuring that the Palestinian Authority had the financial means to operate effectively.”
Salma Ouaguira7 July 2024 13:58
Voices: Welcome to a Labour government – it’s time to fix the Brexit mess
Now that Keir Starmer and his party have finally achieved power, it’s time to stop being scared of sounding ‘too left wing’ and start working on making a real difference, writes Femi Oluwole. Failing to do so could be catastrophic – and could hand Nigel Farage the keys to No 10...
Welcome to a Labour government – it’s time to fix the Brexit mess
Now that Keir Starmer and his party have finally achieved power, it’s time to stop being scared of sounding ‘too left wing’ and start working on making a real difference, writes Femi Oluwole. Failing to do so could be catastrophic – and could hand Nigel Farage the keys to No 10...
Jabed Ahmed7 July 2024 13:50
Comment: How Nigel Farage took over my hometown – and why Keir Starmer should be worried
With the highest leave vote in the country, Boston and Skegness became known as Farageland, so it was no surprise to Zoe Beaty that it was where Reform’s Richard Tice won a seat. It is also why Labour needs to stop treating Farage like a joke
Read the full article here:
With the highest leave vote in the country, Boston and Skegness became known as Farageland, so it was no surprise to Zoe Beaty that it was where Reform’s Richard Tice won a seat. It is also why Labour needs to stop treating Farage like a joke
Jabed Ahmed7 July 2024 13:40
Watch: UK’s youngest MP praised by BBC host for ‘batting back’ question during live interview
Jabed Ahmed7 July 2024 13:30
Hugs, kisses and no wi-fi: The moment Keir Starmer found out he would be prime minister
Sir Keir Starmer’s biographer has revealed the moment the Labour leader found out he would become the next prime minister.
Read the full article below:
The Labour leader has previously said his greatest fear about becoming prime minister is its impact on his children
Jabed Ahmed7 July 2024 13:20