2 h. ago Merz calls for UK, Germany and France to align on migration and defence

German chancellor’s proposal for strategic axis comes as London and Berlin sign first treaty since second world warThe German chancellor has called for a strategic axis between London, Paris and Berlin to tackle illegal migration and deepen defence cooperation, despite declaring that he “deeply deplores” Brexit.Friedrich Merz appeared alongside Keir Starmer at a press conference in Stevenage after the signing of the Kensington treaty, the first formal pact between the UK and Germany since the second world war. The agreement, signed at the V&A Museum and followed by a meeting at Downing Street, sets out plans for closer cooperation on migration, defence, trade and education, including a framework for school exchanges.A mutual assistance clause on national security, including shared recognition that Russia poses “the most significant and direct threat” to both countries.Joint procurement and development of defence technologies including Typhoon jets, Boxer vehicles and long-range ...

Politics

5 h. ago Keir Starmer says deal with Germany on tackling Channel boat gangs is 'clear sign we mean business' as he hosts Chancellor Merz (but crackdown was already announced last year)

Keir Starmer said the countries were sending a 'clear sign we mean business' as he and Friedrich Merz signed the first bilateral treaty since the Second World War.

Economics

8 h. ago Keir Starmer hails German deal to help smash Channel boat gangs as he meets Chancellor Merz in No10 (but crackdown was already announced last year)

Keir Starmer and Friedrich Merz have signed the first bilateral treaty between the countries since the Second World War.

Economics

9 h. ago Keir Starmer signs landmark deal to explore direct rail line from UK to Germany

Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz have signed a treaty beefing up security arrangements between the nations and containing measures to tackle small boat crossings

Economics

16 h. ago Leaders of the UK and Germany to sign a treaty on defense, trade and migration

U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz are signing a treaty Thursday to strengthen defense ties and combat migrant smuggling across the English Channel

Politics

7 d. ago Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron to sign migrant returns deal

Final touches being made to ‘one in, one out’ pilot scheme on Thursday

Politics

2 w. ago BBC says it ‘should have pulled’ Glastonbury live stream of Bob Vylan anti

Broadcaster says footage from festival contained ‘utterly unacceptable’ antisemitic sentimentsMiddle East crisis – live updatesThe BBC has said it should have cut the live stream of Bob Vylan’s Glastonbury performance, saying it contained “utterly unacceptable” antisemitic sentiments.The corporation and its director general, Tim Davie, have come under significant pressure from Keir Starmer and ministers following the broadcast on Saturday in which the musician Bobby Vylan of the punk-rap duo Bob Vylan led chants of “Free, free Palestine” and “Death, death to the IDF [Israel Defense Forces]”. Continue reading...

Politics

2 w. ago Kneecap to take to Glastonbury stage in what could be festival

Music executives have condemned Irish rappers and Keir Starmer says appearance is not ‘appropriate’, but 100 musicians have signed letter in supportKneecap will be taking to the Glastonbury stage on Saturday afternoon in front of a packed crowd eagerly anticipating what could be one of the most controversial sets in the festival’s history.The Irish rap group are performing at 4pm on the West Holts stage, amid criticism from music industry executives and from the UK prime minister, Keir Starmer, who said it was not “appropriate” for the band to perform. Continue reading...

Politics

2 w. ago Kneecap to perform in what could be one of Glastonbury’s most controversial sets

Music executives have condemned Irish rappers and Keir Starmer says appearance is not ‘appropriate’, but 100 musicians have signed letter in supportKneecap will be taking to the Glastonbury stage on Saturday afternoon in front of a packed crowd eagerly anticipating what could be one of the most controversial sets in the festival’s history.The Irish rap group are performing at 4pm on the West Holts stage, amid criticism from music industry executives and from the UK prime minister, Keir Starmer, who said it was not “appropriate” for the band to perform. Continue reading...

Politics

3 w. ago Labour meltdown on benefits curbs: Sadiq Khan joins more than 100 MPs demanding Starmer ditch reforms or face Commons defeat

Some 108 Labour MPs have signed a 'reasoned' amendment that would effectively kill off the legislation in a Commons vote on July 1.

Politics

3 w. ago Labour meltdown on benefits curbs: Starmer 'pressing ahead' with welfare reforms despite facing defeat as more than 100 MPs sign fatal amendment

Some 108 Labour MPs have signed a 'reasoned' amendment that would effectively kill off the legislation in a Commons vote on July 1.

Events

3 w. ago Keir Starmer faces DEFEAT on benefits curbs as more than 100 Labour MPs sign fatal amendment

Some 108 Labour MPs have signed a 'reasoned' amendment that would effectively kill off the legislation in a Commons vote on July 1.

Events

4 w. ago Doctor Who star and Dame Judi Dench join calls to end arms sales to Israel

The letter signed by celebrities also calls on Sir Keir Starmer to ‘use all available means’ to ensure humanitarian aid gets in to the territory.

Politics

4 w. ago Keir Starmer signals support for assisted dying as MPs prepare for crunch vote

Keir Starmer said his position on the highly sensitive issue of assisted dying 'is long-standing and well-known' after he voted in favour of changing the law last year

Politics

last month Keir Starmer makes major visa threat to countries that don't sign asylum returns deals

Keir Starmer said the UK is looking at a more 'transactional' approach which would see countries that refuse to take back failed asylum seekers given fewer visas

Economics

last month Trump leaves G7 early for something ‘bigger than a ceasefire’ amid Iran

US president denies claims from France’s Macron that he is working on a truce after earlier urging Tehran residents to flee from Iranian capitalCeasefire offer has been made, says Macron, as Trump leaves G7 earlyJust to recap on events, Donald Trump and UK prime minister Keir Starmer signed off a UK-US trade deal at the G7 summit n Kananaskis, Alberta, on Monday.The US president said Britain would have protection against future tariffs “because I like them”. Continue reading...

Politics