Wes Streeting, who quit the government last week and is expected to challenge Sir Keir Starmer, has warned the government is losing the fight against nationalism and that “unless we change course, we risk handing the keys of No 10 to Reform”.
Giving his resignation speech, Mr Streeting said: “I left the government because we are in the fight of our lives against nationalism, and it is a fight that we are currently losing.
“Unless we change course, we risk handing the keys of No 10 to Reform, and I do not want that on our consciences.
“For the first time in our history, nationalists are in power in every corner of the United Kingdom.”
He also defended his call to rejoin the EU.
Sir Keir Starmer is under fire for easing sanctions on imports of Russian diesel and jet fuel. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch branded the plan “insane” but Sir Keir insisted the move was part of a new package of sanctions to mark “more pressure” on Vladimir Putin.
The prime minister confirmed his government would scrap a planned increase in fuel duty.
Key Points
- Streeting warns Labour 'losing fight against nationalism'
- Starmer confirms extension of fuel duty freeze
- Starmer grilled on easing on Russian sanctions
- Minister rejects reports supermarkets urged to cap prices of essential groceries
- Government 'creating obstacles' over Mandelson investigation
Starmer takes aim at Burnham hailing Pep Guardiola as Manchester ‘hero’ before congratulating Arsenal on title win
16:45 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
Sir Keir Starmer paid tribute to “one of Manchester’s great heroes moving on after almost a decade”, before naming Pep Guardiola who is reportedly stepping down from his role as Manchester City FC manager.
At Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday (20 May), Sir Keir told the Commons: “It would be remiss of me not to comment on one of Manchester’s great heroes moving on after almost a decade, so let me congratulate Pep Guardiola on all his success at Manchester City.”
The Prime Minister also said: “And if I could declare an interest, I’d also like to say congratulations to Arsenal Football Club on becoming the Premier League champions.”
It comes after Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham has been named Labour’s candidate in the Makerfield parliamentary by-election in Greater Manchester.
You can see more below:
Starmer congratulates Arsenal on title win - and takes Manchester swipe at Burnham
Date of Burnham by-election next month confirmed
16:18 , Jane Dalton
The Makerfield by-election will take place on Thursday June 18, Wigan council has confirmed.
Andy Burnham will be Labour’s candidate.
Starmer under fire after UK quietly eases sanctions on Russian oil - full report
16:10 , Jane Dalton
Starmer under fire after UK quietly eases strict sanctions on Russian oil
UK fuel licences devastating, says Ukrainian MP
15:45 , Jane Dalton
Ukrainian member of Parliament Lesia Vasylenko said the UK’s trade licences that allow for the import of Russian jet fuel and diesel refined in third countries was devastating, warning it could spark a “domino effect”.
She told BBC Radio 4’s The World At One it was “terrible news for Ukraine” and that Kyiv was “paying the price in human lives” as sales filled Russia’s war chest.
She said the US has been at the forefront of giving waivers to Russian oil and gas and it was “no surprise” the UK had followed.
“You can imagine other economies, other countries looking on at the US and the UK, seeing that they are loosening the sanctions … in order to regulate the rising prices on fuel, they are thinking, why can’t we do the same?”
She added: “It’s only logical that … it will have a domino effect, and that other countries might be following suit, but again, for Ukraine, this is devastating news.”
We still can deliver change, claims Streeting
15:14 , Jane Dalton
Delivering his resignation speech in the Commons on Wednesday, Wes Streeting told MPs: “For the first time in our history, nationalists are in power in every corner of the United Kingdom.
“Scottish and Welsh nationalism represents an existential threat to the future integrity of the United Kingdom.
“And Reform UK represent a threat to the values and ideals that have made this country great.”
He also told MPs he does not believe Labour has “time to waste in government treading water”, but added: “The Labour Party was elected to deliver real change. We still can.”
Government not imposing supermarket price caps, No 10 says
15:00 , Athena Stavrou
Downing Street has insisted the government is not mandating supermarket price caps.
The Treasury has reportedly asked supermarkets to limit food prices, which could see the prices of essential groceries such as eggs, bread and milk capped.
But No 10 said today the government was “not considering” the measures.
The prime minister’s official spokesperson added: “But we are continuing to have constructive conversations with supermarkets on how we can work together to reduce cost pressures.”
UK 'failing to protect young people from AI jobs apocalypse'
15:00 , Jane Dalton
The UK has failed to protect young people from the “AI jobs apocalypse”, Wes Streeting told the Commons.
The Labour former minister said: “For generations, people believed there was a ladder of advancement, an entry-level job, skills acquired over time, promotion, security, progress.
“Now, many young people fear that artificial intelligence may remove the lower rungs of that ladder altogether...
“These are not irrational fears. They are rooted in real economic change and unless mainstream democratic politics can answer these questions, others will exploit that vacuum. They already are.”
Mr Streeting could be seen seated with Labour former minister Jess Phillips and Labour MP for Kettering Rosie Wrighting in the Commons.
Streeting has ‘no regrets’ and ‘rebellious hope’ after quitting job
14:57 , Kate Devlin
Wes Streeting has called in his resignation speech for politicians to tackle the “crisis” affecting the next generation.
He cited AI, climate change and tech among the challenges they should grip.
“Each generation used to provide a better future for the next - we still can,” he said.
“The question is not whether young people would fight for their country, but when their country is going to fight for them.”
And he said he had “no regrets” but “rebellious hope” after resigning from Sir Keir Starmer’s government last week.
Streeting calls for 'patriotism built on shared values'
14:46 , Jane Dalton
Patriotism is “not about who you exclude, it is about who you stand beside”, former health secretary Wes Streeting said as he spoke in the Commons for the first time since leaving Government.
Mr Streeting told MPs: “For too long and too often, patriotism in Britain has been left to the loudest voices and the narrowest arguments, as though love of country belongs to one tribe, one party or one point of view.
“But the Britain I believe in is bigger than that, because patriotism is not about who you exclude, it is about who you stand beside.
“It is not rooted in fear of change or suspicion of difference. It is rooted in solidarity, in the belief that we rise or fall together.
“That is the best of our country’s story – a Britain where people from different backgrounds, different faiths, different nations and regions still see themselves in one another, a country where the son of Indian pharmacists can become our first Hindu prime minister without having his Englishness questioned.
“A patriotism built not on blood and soil, but on shared values, shared institutions and shared responsibilities.”
Streeting defends his call to rejoin the EU
14:43 , Kate Devlin
In a speech in the Commons, the now former health secretary said: “When I gave my maiden speech 11 years ago, I argued that none of the problems facing our country would be solved by leaving the European Union.Today, in the dangerous and volatile world we find ourselves in, dominated by an unpredictable superpower in the USA, a rising superpower in China, and a failed superpower in Russia it is even more clear.”
Mr Streeting has faced criticism for his call at the weekend to rejoin the EU, just as Andy Burnham fights a by-election in Makerfield, which backed Brexit in 2016.
Streeting calls for more and faster investment in defence
14:41 , Jane Dalton
Wes Streeting, who quit last week as health secretary, has called for the government to “invest more heavily in our defence and more rapidly”.
“I know my right hon friend, the Defence Secretary, and his team do not need persuading on this, nor do they need lectures from the Conservative Party who ran down our capability, and now have the audacity to heckle from the sidelines like the arsonist complaining that the fire brigade hasn't turned up fast enough,” he said.
Streeting warns Labour 'losing fight against nationalism'
14:35 , Jane Dalton
Wes Streeting has said in his resignation speech in the Commons that the Labour government is losing the fight against nationalism and that “unless we change course, we risk handing the keys of No 10 to Reform”.
Who has been named as a candidate in the Makerfield by-election?
14:30 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
With the Makerfield by-election due to take place in June, several parties have now announced their candidates in what is expected to be a two-horse race between Labour and Reform UK.
So far, these following names will appear on the ballot:
- Andy Burnham, Labour
- Robert Kenyon, Reform
- Rebecca Shepherd, Restore
- Alan ‘Howlin’ Laud Hope for the Monster Raving Loony Party
The Tories, the Greens and the Lib Dems are yet to name their candidates, but have confirmed that they will be standing in the Manchester seat.
Watch: Starmer says UK has bagged a trade deal with North Korea in PMQs blunder
14:15 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
Comment: What on earth does Keir Starmer have to laugh about?
14:00 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
In photo after photo, the prime minister has never looked happier – but trust me, I know exactly how hard it is to look chipper when you’re at your most miserable, says Cleo Watson.
What on earth does Keir Starmer have to laugh about?
Opinion: The Kremlin will now have more money to kill Britain’s allies in Ukraine
13:58 , Jane Dalton
Men and women I have known since before the Russian invasion of Ukraine, who held back Putin’s invading convoys, now stand a slightly greater chance of being killed because of the British prime minister, writes world affairs editor Sam Kiley:
The Kremlin will now have more money to kill Britain’s allies in Ukraine
An Andy Burnham-led Labour Party could beat Reform UK in a general election, new poll suggests
13:45 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
The Independent’s Whitehall editor Kate Devlin reports:
A day after polls showed that in a straight head-to-head Burnham is more popular than Farage, another survey has offered a boost to the Greater Manchester mayor.
The survey, carried out for More in Common (MIC) and seen by the Press Association, found a Burnham-led Labour would get an eight-point boost and move ahead of Reform UK, beating the party by 30 to 27% if an election was held tomorrow.
MIC revealed on Tuesday that Mr Burnham beats Mr Farage by around 14 percentage points in head-to-head polls, performing around 10 points better than Sir Keir Starmer.
Both findings are likely to be seized on by Mr Burnham’s supporters, who argue he has to replace Sir Keir to save the UK from Mr Farage becoming prime minister.
No 10 refuses to say whether PM will campaign in Makerfield
13:39 , Jane Dalton
Downing Street has declined to say whether Sir Keir Starmer would personally be knocking on doors in the Makerfield by-election for leadership hopeful and candidate Andy Burnham.
Asked repeatedly whether the Prime Minister would campaign in the constituency, his press secretary pointed back to remarks on Monday in which he said he wanted “everyone in our movement to support Andy Burnham as the candidate” and that he backed him “100%”.
Comment: Was this the moment Labour began to panic?
13:30 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
Lifting sanctions on Russian oil, putting price caps on supermarkets… two truly terrible new policies in one day suggest that Keir Starmer’s government has finally lost the plot, says John Rentoul.
Was this the moment Labour began to panic?
Andy Burnham cancelled conference appearance today to fight by-election
13:15 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
The Independent’s Whitehall editor Kate Devlin reports:
Mr Burnham had been expected to speak in a building conference in Leeds today, but organisers said “his schedule has changed”.
His team say he cancelled once he became the candidate in the Makerfield by-election, for which he was officially adopted on Tuesday.
Campaigning has already begun in the seat, with the vote expected to be held within weeks, on 18 June.
What does Starmer's freeze on fuel duty mean?
13:00 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
Sir Keir Starmer announced at PMQs this afternoon he will freeze fuel duty for the rest of the year.
The prime minister told MPs the 5p per litre fuel duty cut introduced by the Conservative government in March 2022 would stay until the end of 2026.
That means the rate will remain nearly 53p per litre.
Rates were previously planned to increase by 1p per litre on September 1, with a pair of 2p per litre rises on December 1 this year and March 1 next year.
Iran’s restrictions on tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz means the average price of a litre of petrol and diesel at UK forecourts is 26p and 44p respectively more expensive than before the conflict started on February 28.
Sir Keir said: “Families across the United Kingdom are facing impacts of a war that we did not choose.”
He said: “This is not our war, but while the parties opposite wanted to jump into it, Labour will always protect working people.”
Suspended Labour MP condemns No 10 over briefings about his mental health
12:50 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
The Independent’s political correspondent Millie Cooke reports:
Suspended Labour MP Karl Turner has condemned Sir Keir Starmer's government over government briefings about his mental health, revealing that he lost his nephew to suicide.
The MP - who has been a vocal critic of the government's plan to scrap jury trials - told the Commons: "From 1997, the prime minister campaigned to scrap single judge trials in Northern Ireland.
"Yet when I opposed his government's plan to bring in single judge trials in England and Wales, I received hostile briefings and smears about my mental health from the lads in No 10 Downing Street. The chief whip is shaking his head - but he knows about it, Mr Speaker."
He added: "The prime minister knows that my nephew Matty took his own life as a result of work related stress as a young criminal lawyer. So during mental health awareness week, while ministers spoke with compassion about health and wellbeing can the prime minister reflect on those hostile, discriminatory briefings which he knew about and he allowed to happen."
Responding, the prime minister failed to deny that the briefing had happen - nor did he deny that he knew about it.
Sir Keir said: "Can I thank him, and he has told me previously about Matty and the impact that had on him. And I totally understand that. And I want to be absolutely clear that nobody should be smeared in relation to mental health. Nobody on any issue whatever they may argue on any other issue. Nobody. and I will do everything I can to make sure that is the position."
If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch.
Starmer is all smiles in the face of a huge number of challenges
12:38 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
The Independent’s Whitehall editor Kate Devlin reports:
During a difficult PMQs for the prime minister, Sir Keir Starmer managed to find some lighter moments.
As well as congratulating his beloved Arsenal for winning the Premier League, the PM also had to laugh as he realised he had mistakenly made an international blunder.
He told the Commons he had accidentally claimed that his government had done a trade deal with North Korea - the dictatorship ruled by Kim Jong Un - instead of its democratic neighbour South Korea.
“It was a slip of the tongue but a pretty unfortunate one” he joked to MPs.
“That would be breaking news.”
Watch: Badenoch slams Starmer for 'choosing to buy 'dirty Russian oil'
12:30 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
Starmer asked which of his challengers he agrees with on Brexit
12:27 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
The Independent’s political reporter Athena Stavrou writes:
Sir Keir Starmer has now been grilled on his position after Labour’s Brexit wars reopened over the weekend.
The SNP’s Dave Doogan asked the prime minister “which one of his potential successors” he agreed with on whether or not to rejoin the EU.
“My position is very clear, we have already negotiated a closer relationship with the EU, we did that last year. We have another negotiation and agreement this year in a summit where we’ll get even closer and take a big step forward in our relationship with the EU - which is in our national interest.”
Starmer accuses Farage of dodging scrutiny over £5m donation
12:26 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
The Independent’s political correspondent Millie Cooke reports:
Sir Keir Starmer has accused Nigel Farage of dodging scrutiny amid questions over a £5m donation which he failed to declare, accusing him of keeping the donation secret.
Addressing the Commons, the prime minister said: "The £5m question is, why did the Reform leader keep this donation secret?"
He added: "I see he is not here to answer. And what did the billionaire lining his pockets ask for in return? Those questions need to be answered. That is why he's not here."
The Parliamentary Standards Commissioner has launched an inquiry into whether or not Mr Farage broke Commons rules by accepting the gift and not declaring it.
PMQs analysis: Kemi Badenoch scores in all the open goals Keir Starmer left her
12:23 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
The Independent’s political editor David Maddox reports:
On a day when Keir Starmer openly celebrated his team Arsenal winning the Premier League for the first time in 22 years it was his main opponent Kemi Badenoch who had the open goals to score in.
With the government easing sanctions on Russian oil it was hard for Ms Badenoch to miss and she duly delivered accusing Sir Keir of “shame” for funding Russia’s war on Ukraine and refusing to allow new drilling for UK oil and gas in the North Sea.
She noted how his government has overseen a record drop in employment and accused him of costing Aberdeen, where the oil and gas industry is based, thousands of jobs.
“He’s only interested in holding on to his own job,” she blasted amid the recent speculation over him being ousted in favour of Andy Burnham.
In contrast the accusations of a prime minister more concerned with “processology” and being “patronising” were not disabused by the way Sir Keir struggled to deal with the accusations.
It all highlights how Sir Keir appears to be a prime minister in office but not in power.
Labour ‘just want a better salesman’, Badenoch says
12:22 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
The Independent’s political reporter Athena Stavrou writes:
Kemi Badenoch has taken a swipe at Sir Keir Starmer over his party’s rebellion against his leadership.
The Tory leader noted the “feeble” support from Labour’s backbenchers through the first PMQs since over 100 Labour MPs called for Sir to resign.
“It’s absolutely laughable,” she said. “Yesterday we saw them huddled in the corridors talking about Andy Burnham and Wes Streeting.
The fact is he’s got a cabinet fighting to replace him and the worst part is they aren’t getting rid of him over his terrible agenda - they actually like it. They just want a better salesman.
“So isn’t it the case, Mr Speaker, that it doesn’t matter who replaces him. The real problem is the Labour Party.”
Starmer accuses Kemi Badenoch of 'playing party politics on Ukraine'
12:20 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
The Independent’s political correspondent Millie Cooke reports:
Sir Keir Starmer has accused Kemi Badenoch of "playing party politics on Ukraine" after she criticised the government for easing sanctions on Russian oil.
The Conservative leader hit out at the government after sanctions were eased, allowing for the import of jet fuel and diesel refined in third countries amid surging costs due to the Iran war.
But the prime minister accused Mrs Badenoch of "misunderstanding and misrepresenting" the government's position, adding: "These are new bans, they’re new sanctions, they’re new bans on maritime services on LNG as of yesterday. They’re new bans on refined oil products on Russia as of yesterday.
"They are being phased in in the same way as previous sanctions regimes have been phased in, exactly in the way the last government did and we have done. Other countries have done exactly the same.
"To play party politics on Ukraine, where we have stood firm. And the only people that benefit when we play party politics in here on Russia and Ukraine is Putin."
But Mrs Badenoch hit back that it is "not playing politics, its standing up for the people that are out there".
Watch: Starmer congratulates Arsenal on Premier League win
12:17 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
Starmer grilled on easing on Russian sanctions
12:15 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
The Independent’s political reporter Athena Stavrou writes:
Sir Keir Starmer has been grilled by Kemi Badenoch on the government’s decision to ease sanctions on Russian oil.
The government previously said it would block Russian oil refined in third countries in a bid to “further restrict the flow of funds to the Kremlin”. But, with prices surging as a result of the Iran war, Sir Keir has shifted his stance and will now allow for the import of jet fuel and diesel refined in third countries.
The Tory leader framed her party has holding the strongest position on Russia, telling the House: “Labour are giving money to Russia, Reform are taking money from Russia.”
Sir Keir insisted the move was part of a new package of sanctions”, and said it marked “more pressure” on Russia.
But Mrs Badenoch hit back, saying he is “choosing to buy dirty Russian oil”, which will be used in Putin’s war on Ukraine.
Starmer confirms extension of fuel duty freeze
12:07 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
The Independent’s political reporter Athena Stavrou writes:
Sir Keir Starmer has just confirmed his government will abandon a planned increase in fuel duty as costs continue to soar as a result of the conflict in the Middle East.
The chancellor announced in the November budget that the fuel duty reduction would be extended until the end of August 2026, with rates then gradually returning to previous levels over the next five years.
But prime minister said in the Commons that the increase of 5p will now not go ahead, after he was accused of a “u-turn” on the matter by Kemi Badenoch.
Starmer pays tribute to soldier, 24, who died at Royal Windsor Horse Show
12:04 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
The Independent’s political reporter Athena Stavrou writes:
Sir Keir Starmer has stood in the Commons to face his first PMQs since nearly 100 Labour MPs called for his resignation and his health secretary resigned ahead of an expected leadership bid.
He began with expressing his condolences to the family of Ciara Sullivan, a 24-year-old soldier who died at the Royal Windsor Horse Show.
He went on to celebrate Arsenal’s title win, after the team - supported by the prime minister - secured victory last night.
Sir Keir Starmer faces MPs at PMQs
12:01 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
Sir Keir Starmer has started PMQs by congratulating Pep Guardiola on his achievements at Manchester City and his team Arsenal on winning the Premier League.
Govt should focus on reducing public policy costs instead of '1970s-style price controls', trade chief says
11:45 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
The boss of a leading trade association for retailers has said the government should focus on the “soaring cost” of its domestic policies rather than imposing price caps.
Helen Dickinson, the chief executive of the BRC, said: “Rather than introduce 1970s-style price controls and trying to force retailers to sell goods at a loss, the government must focus on how it will reduce the public policy costs which are pushing up food prices in the first place.”
She added: “The challenge facing retailers is a combination of higher energy and commodity costs resulting from the Middle East conflict, and the soaring cost of the government’s domestic policies.”
Ms Dickinson also said: “The UK has the most affordable grocery prices in Western Europe thanks to the fierce competition between supermarkets.”
Recap: Publication of Mandelson files pushed back to June
11:40 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
Ministers have confirmed the publication of the highly anticipated final tranche of the Peter Mandelson files has been delayed.
The government has been under pressure to release all documents related to the former Labour peer’s appointment as US ambassador.
The next tranche of files was reportedly due to be released this week, but Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister Darren Jones has now confirmed they will now not be released until June, after Parliament returns from recess the week after next.
“Given the house is due to rise on Thursday and given the length of the publication, the second tranche will now be published after Whitsun recess to give to give the house sufficient time to review the material and to be able to ask me and the government questions,” he told MPs.
“It could have been published this Thursday but I thought that the House would deem that to be inappropriate, given it will be such a significant publication.”
Given the documents would have been ready to publish this week, they are likely to be released early in June - potentially threatening the Labour Party with fresh scandal ahead of the crucial by-election in Makerfield.
Starmer leaves No 10 for Prime Minister's Questions
11:36 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
Sir Keir Starmer has been spotted leaving Downing Street for Prime Minister’s Questions.
He grinned at photographers the morning after his team Arsenal won the Premier League for the first time in 22 years.
In The Room: Does Andy Burnham have what it takes to be PM?
11:30 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
With the writing seemingly on the wall for Keir Starmer, two contenders have already thrown their names into the ring for his job. Former Health Secretary Wes Streeting is suggesting "Brexit 2.0," while "King of the North" Andy Burnham will be running to become an MP, with his sights set on No.10.In the latest episode of In The Room, ex-Whitehall insiders Helen MacNamara and Cleo Watson reveal what Burnham is like to work with and the number one obstacle in Streeting's way.
New episodes of In The Room drop every week. Listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
PM's 'days are numbered', Davey says as he urges MPs to back customs union amendment
11:20 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
Sir Ed Davey said Labour MPs should “send a message” to leadership hopefuls by backing his amendment to the King’s Speech calling for a UK-EU customs union.
Asked whether he was just stirring trouble amid a row over whether to return to the trade bloc as Andy Burnham contends the Leave voting seat of Makerfield, he said: “I hope Labour MPs, realising their Prime Minister’s days are numbered, will send a message to the Labour leadership candidates and saying, ‘look, we expect you, if you want our votes, to be the next leader of the Labour Party, to back this amendment, to back a new UK-EU customs union as a way of renewing our relationship with Europe’.”
M&S boss slams price caps as 'preposterous'
11:15 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
Marks & Spencer’s boss Stuart Machin has said reported proposals on enforced price caps are “preposterous”.
He said he had “no direct communication” with the government about the reported proposals on price caps and called for ministers to ease regulation.
“It’s completely preposterous,” he told reporters.
“I don’t think the government should be trying to run business.
“My advice is that the government should reduce some of the tax and regulatory burden and free us up in a very competitive market.
“With food inflation at 3 per cent, I think it actually demonstrates that food retailers are taking a big responsibility to try and minimise passing through prices.”
He stressed that the business is making a loss on the sale of a number of essential products, such as milk, bread and bananas.
Govt have 'got things seriously wrong' over price caps, Davey says
11:08 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
Sir Ed Davey said the Government had got things “seriously wrong” and should be “promoting competition” to drive down prices.
Asked whether asking supermarkets to cap prices was the right approach, the Liberal Democrat leader told reporters in Westminster: “I think they’ve got some of these things seriously wrong, we need to be promoting competition, which will drive down prices for people who are really struggling with food bills.
“And they failed to act on the latest big rise in people’s bills, which is in petrol and diesel, as a result of Trump’s idiotic war in Iran.
“Only the Liberal Democrats have put forward an idea about how you cut the price of petrol and diesel at the pumps. That’s what they should be doing.”
Andy Burnham pulls out of conference in Leeds
10:52 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
The Independent’s Whitehall editor Kate Devlin reports:
Andy Burnham had been expected to take part in a conference on building in Leeds today.
The Greater Manchester mayor had been due to appear on a number of panels, talking about “public value in infrastructure”, housebuilding and local government reform.
However, organisers have now said that he will not be appearing, and that “his schedule has changed”.
It is not the first event he has pulled out of since disastrous local elections results triggered calls for Sir Keir Starmer to resign.
Last week Mr Burnham pulled out of his regular BBC phone-in slot amid speculation he was preparing to launch a bid to return to Westminster and challenge for the Labour leadership.
Within days the then MP for Makerfield had announced he was standing down and wanted Mr Burnham to replace him.
And on Tuesday, Mr Burnham was officially selected as the candidate for the Makerfield in the upcoming by-election.
Three quarters of Labour members want a new Labour leader to rejoin the EU’s single market or customs union
10:45 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
The Independent’s Whitehall editor Kate Devlin reports:
The results of a new poll will do little to ease Labour’s internal civil war over Brexit.
The row has dominated the campaign to win the Makerfield by-election since the weekend.
Wes Streeting’s call for Labour to rejoin the EU immediately placed pressure on Andy Burnham to explain his position - just as he tries to win the seat, which voted Leave in 2016.
Now a new poll of Labour members had found that nearly three quarters, 73 per cent, want a new Labour leader to rejoin at least the EU's single market or customs union.
Perhaps more surprisingly, only a quarter, 26 per cent, believe a new leader should pursue a more welcoming immigration policy, compared to 44 per cent who back Shabana Mahmood’s approach, despite which is facing opposition from a number of Labour MPs.
Around half, 53 per cent, believe that a new leader should take the party in a more left-wing direction while 21 per cent support the status quo.
And around half again, 47 per cent, think a new leader should relax Rachel Reeves’ pledge not to increase taxes and borrowing, compared to 37 per cent who feel the party should keep that stance.
Watch: Dame Emily Thornberry says UK has 'let down' Ukraine over oil sanctions
10:30 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
PM set to face first Commons grilling since Streeting resignation
10:15 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
A lot has happened since Sir Keir Starmer last faced questions in the Commons.
His health secretary Wes Streeting will no longer be sat on the front bench with him after resigning his position last week.
Labour is also facing a by-election in Ashton-in-Makerfield that could see Andy Burnham return to Westminster - a result that would put Sir Keir’s position in peril.
And MPs are also likely to voice frustrations over delays to the release of the next tranche of the Mandelson vetting documents.
The prime minister will face questions at midday.
Full report: UK quietly eases Russian oil sanctions as fuel costs surge amid Iran war
10:00 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
The UK government has been accused of leaving Ukrainians “very let down” after it relaxed its sanctions on Russian crude oil.
The UK had previously announced that it would block Russian oil refined in other nations in a bid to “further restrict the flow of funds to the Kremlin”.
But the government has now shifted its stance, announcing on Wednesday that it will permit the import of jet fuel and diesel refined in third countries amid surging fuel costs.
Ministers have sought to defend the measures as “protecting the UK national interest”, as the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and the ongoing crisis in the Middle East sees costs soar.
But Foreign Affairs Committee chairwoman Dame Emily Thornberry has said she does not back the government’s decision, and said the people of Ukraine have been “very let down” by the move.
You can read more below:
UK quietly eases Russian oil sanctions as fuel costs surge
'Trade off' to be had over cost of living and Ukraine support, Davey says
09:45 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey said there was a “trade off” to be made over cost-of-living pressures and support for Ukraine after the government eased sanctions on some Russian oil.
He told Sky News: “The government has a real challenge here, because this appalling war in Iran … is pushing up the cost of living, is pushing up diesel and petrol prices.
“But we’ve also got to remember that we need to support our Ukrainian allies, they are fighting and paying a heavy, heavy price to beat that appalling Russian invasion, they’re on the front line of our defence and security, and the question is, has the government got that trade off right?”
He said his party would look at the detail of the proposal.
“This proposal is complicated … because they’ve got some proposals where they’re tightening the sanctions at the same time, so it’s a package, and it only came up late last night.
“We will look at it. We’re really, really worried if there’s any undermining of our support for Ukraine.”
Do you support supermarket price caps on essential foods?
09:30 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
With ministers reportedly urging supermarkets to cap the price of essentials like bread, eggs and milk amid fears of another inflation spike, our latest poll asks readers whether they support government intervention to keep food prices down. Vote below:
UK still 'leading' in Ukraine support, minister says
09:15 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
Treasury minister Dan Tomlinson insisted the UK could still be an international leader in support for Ukraine while easing sanctions on Russian crude oil.
Asked on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme whether it was right to put “people’s holidays” ahead of sending the clear signal to Vladimir Putin that the UK will pay the price necessary to disapprove of his actions, he said: “(I) reject the binary that you’ve offered me, there.
“I think it is entirely possible, and plausible, and as in fact, what the government is doing, to have one of the strongest sanction regimes in the world, to be leading the international effort to support Ukraine, and to make sure that Vladimir Putin doesn’t get what he wants from his things.
“And at the same time, to take responsible choices that that prioritise, rightly as we should, the domestic security, the family finances here in the UK, and the ability for important products to be available not just for holidays but for international movement of freight and goods and business activity as well.
“And that’s why this time-limited change has been announced by the government.”
Badenoch criticises easing of Russian oil sanctions as 'insane'
09:00 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
Watering down sanctions on Russian oil is “insane” when the UK government is refusing to fully exploit North Sea resources, Kemi Badenoch said.
The Conservative leaders hit out after sanctions were eased, allowing for the import of jet fuel and diesel refined in third countries amid surging costs due to the Iran war.
A trade licence, which came into effect on Wednesday, permits the imports “indefinitely”.
The sanctions were imposed as part of the package of measures targeting Vladimir Putin’s economy after the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Mrs Badenoch said on social media: “After 18 months of ‘standing up to Putin’ the Labour govt quietly issued a licence allowing imports of Russian oil refined in third countries.
“Yesterday Labour MPs voted AGAINST UK oil and gas licences. We are now importing from Russia instead of drilling in the North Sea.”
After 18 months of “standing up to Putin” the Labour govt quietly issued a licence allowing imports of Russian oil refined in third countries.
— Kemi Badenoch (@KemiBadenoch) May 20, 2026
Yesterday Labour MPs voted AGAINST UK oil and gas licences.
We are now importing from Russia instead of drilling in the North Sea.… https://t.co/UBOyWRRiEt
Minister says he has seen no evidence of 'significant price gouging' in supermarkets
08:45 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
Treasury minister Dan Tomlinson said he had not seen evidence that supermarkets are profiteering from higher prices.
He told LBC: “My personal view is that the supermarket sector is a highly competitive and important industry in the UK.
“I think that often profiteering happens when businesses and sectors are not competitive.”
But he said stronger powers being given to the Competition and Markets Authority would allow it to look closely at different industries.
“But right now, my view is that this is a competitive market, and I haven’t seen personally evidence of, you know, of significant price gouging in the supermarket sector, but that’s precisely why we want the CMA, when it comes to future shocks like this, to have the powers to look at it.”
Recap: Government reportedly met supermarkets to discuss price cap
08:35 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
The Treasury is reportedly urging supermarkets to limit food price rises as officials fear the Iran war will push up bills for households already struggling with the cost of living crisis.
The policy, which would be voluntary, would apply to common items such as bread, eggs and milk, according to the Financial Times.
In return, it’s expected the government would ease packaging regulations on supermarkets and potentially delay rule changes on healthy foods.
But ministers have this morning denied that the government is looking to impose a price cap on essential groceries.
Treasury minister Dan Tomlinson told Sky News “this isn’t something we’re looking at”.
You can read more below:
Treasury urges supermarkets to cap food prices to alleviate cost of living crisis
Supermarket price cap suggestions 'unworkable' and 'idiotic', former Asda boss says
08:19 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
A former supermarket boss has said any plans for government-imposed price controls are “idiotic” and “absolute nonsense”.
Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, former Asda boss Lord Stuart Rose said the idea is “unworkable” and will “backfire” on ministers.
“I think the whole idea is the stuff of nonsense and it will never fly,” he said. “This smacks of state control.”
He continued: “I want to know who is going to pay the bill, who decides what products, who polices it, who is involved, is it small retailers, big retailers, I mean it is absolute nonsense.
“We have no better system than free market economy,” he said. “Free market economy does work. If you start pushing into one side you won’t get a reaction somewhere else. You’ll get the unintended consequences of trying to do something to keep prices...it’ll backfire and it’s impossible to police.
“It’s unworkable.”
Ukrainians 'very let down' by relaxing sanctions on Russian oil, Emily Thornberry says
08:11 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
The people of Ukraine have been “very let down” by the government’s decision to relax sanctions on Russian crude oil, the Foreign Affairs Committee chairwoman has said.
Dame Emily Thornberry told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “We are talking about our allies in Ukraine who have been fighting a war bravely against Russia for years and years with our support.
“They have looked to Britain as one of their most important allies, and they don’t understand, given that we promised that we would stop this loophole in October, and we still haven’t done it. In fact, it seems to have got worse. People feel very let down.”
She said that Ukraine has been able to attack oil refining facilities, adding: “The capacity in Russia has gone down by 10%.
“It is really hurting the Russian economy and they believe that every bit of joint pressure they make with their allies is pushing Russia ever closer to ending the war because this is absolutely crippling their economy.”
Minister insists govt is 'protecting national interest' over easing sanctions on Russian oil
08:00 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
A minister said the government needed to make sure it was “protecting the UK national interest” after it relaxed sanctions on Russian crude oil to allow for the import of jet fuel and diesel refined in third countries amid surging costs.
Treasury minister Dan Tomlinson told Sky News: “When there are international conflicts, we’ve just been talking about the conflict in Iran, talking about the conflict in Russia … what we have to do as a government is make sure that we’re protecting the UK national interest, making sure that this impact of conflicts that wash up on our shore, that we’re protecting individual families.”
He later added: “The government has announced yesterday this time-limited change to the rules around oil and refining given the extremes of the impacts of the conflict in Iran, and the impact of it washing up on our shores.”
Minister rejects reports supermarkets urged to cap prices of essential groceries
07:52 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
A minister has rejected reports that the government has urged supermarkets to voluntarily cap the prices of essential groceries.
Treasury minister Dan Tomlinson told Sky News “this isn’t something we’re looking at” when asked if there had been conversations with supermarkets about bringing in price caps.
He said: “You have to talk to the supermarkets about that.
“The government is not looking at doing this.
“Instead, what we’re doing is looking across the economy at what are the different ways that we can help households.”
Reeves insists UK has 'right economic plan' as CPI falls
07:45 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
In response to fresh inflation data which shows the rate of Consumer Prices Index (CPI) inflation fell to 2.8 per cent, Rachel Reeves said the UK has the “right economic plan”.
The chancellor said: “The war in Iran is not our war but one we will need to respond to, and the decisions I took in the Budget last year have kept inflation down as we deal with global instability.
“We have the right economic plan, and to change course now would risk our economic stability and leave working people worse off.
“We have already taken £117 off energy bills, frozen rail fares, and lifted the two-child limit, and over today and tomorrow I’ll set out the next phase of how we will support UK households.”
Starmer 'unlikely' to step down before Christmas, reports say
07:30 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
Sir Keir Starmer could stay at No 10 until early next year, his allies have said, as the prime minister refuses to set out a timetable for his resignation.
Andy Burnham could still face significant challenges getting the keys to Downing Street even if he wins the by-election in Ashton-in-Makerfield, sources told The Times.
They suggested Mr Burnham could not take over as prime minister until at least November following the mayoral by-election that will take place if he is elected as an MP.
Some also said his campaign to become leader could face further challenges if Labour lose that by-election, undermining his credibility.
In that scenario, sources close to Sir Keir predicted a full contest for the succession that could run into early 2027 while Starmer remains in Downing Street.
CPI falls to 2.8 per cent
07:19 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
The rate of Consumer Prices Index (CPI) inflation fell to 2.8 per cent in April from 3.3 per cent in March, the Office for National Statistics said.
Experts say the drop came from a fall in household energy bills which offset a jump in fuel prices – but warned of turbulence ahead as the Iran energy price shock “catches up” with the cost of living.
