Sir Keir Starmer has sacked Rebecca Long-Bailey from his front bench in a row over antisemitism. The former shadow education secretary tweeted her praise of Maxine Peake after the actor's views were revealed in an interview with The Independent.
The left-wing actor, who has since clarified that her assumptions were inaccurate, told The Independent: "The tactics used by the police in America, kneeling on George Floyd’s neck, that was learnt from seminars with Israeli secret services." The Labour leader described these comments as an "antisemitic conspiracy theory”.
Meanwhile, Sir Keir suggested Boris Johnson‘s judgement is now “in issue” after backing housing secretary Robert Jenrick, who faces calls to resign after releasing communications pertaining to his approval of a £1bn property development involving Tory donor Richard Desmond.
The 129-page bundle of documents concerning the Westferry Printworks site indicated that Mr Jenrick had personally sought to rush the project through, saving the former Daily Express owner millions in extra taxes in the form of a new Community Infrastructure Levy. While texts show Mr Desmond told the minister to act so that “Marxists” did not get “doe [sic] for nothing”, former Tower Hamlets council leader Andrew Wood has warned that “more will come out” yet.
It came as several councils across England, including those in Leeds, Manchester, Birmingham and Wiltshire, warned they face effective bankruptcy, urging rapid government intervention, with Liverpool’s mayors describing a “profound crisis” ahead, having previously complained the government’s emergency pandemic funding favoured affluent areas.
Please allow a moment for the liveblog to load:
Good morning, and welcome to The Independent's live blog on today's political happenings.
Robert Jenrick ‘insistent’ £1bn property development decision rushed through before Tory donor forced to pay extra taxes
A Conservative minister was said to be “insistent” that a decision on a £1bn property development be rushed through before a Tory donor’s company faced millions in taxes, Lizzy Buchan reports.
Robert Jenrick , the housing secretary, bowed to pressure to publish 129 pages of documents relating to the Westferry Printworks development in east London after being accused of “cash for favours” by Labour.
Emails from January show Mr Jenrick was determined to issue a decision the following day to prevent developer Richard Desmond from being forced to pay a new Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL).
An official wrote: “On timing, my understanding is that SoS [secretary of state] is/was insistent that decision issued this week ie tomorrow – as next week the viability of the scheme is impacted by a change in the London CIL regime.”
Another email said: “LB (London Borough of) Tower Hamlets is adopting a new local plan and CIL regime next week. The appellant (Mr Desmond) believes that the proposal would not be viable if it was liable to CIL charges.”
Mr Jenrick overruled the local authority and the planning inspector to approve the scheme for 1,500 houses in January, only weeks before Mr Desmond personally donated £12,000 to the Conservative Party.
The housing secretary later had to reverse the decision after legal action from the council, conceding the decision was “unlawful by reason of apparent bias”.
Text messages between the pair show Mr Desmond wanted to avoid paying £45m to Tower Hamlets Council and lobbied the cabinet minister to approve the decision before the levy was introduced.
A Conservative minister was said to be “insistent” that a decision on a £1bn property development be rushed through before a Tory donor’s company faced millions in taxes, Lizzy Buchan reports.
Robert Jenrick , the housing secretary, bowed to pressure to publish 129 pages of documents relating to the Westferry Printworks development in east London after being accused of “cash for favours” by Labour.
Emails from January show Mr Jenrick was determined to issue a decision the following day to prevent developer Richard Desmond from being forced to pay a new Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL).
An official wrote: “On timing, my understanding is that SoS [secretary of state] is/was insistent that decision issued this week ie tomorrow – as next week the viability of the scheme is impacted by a change in the London CIL regime.”
Another email said: “LB (London Borough of) Tower Hamlets is adopting a new local plan and CIL regime next week. The appellant (Mr Desmond) believes that the proposal would not be viable if it was liable to CIL charges.”
Mr Jenrick overruled the local authority and the planning inspector to approve the scheme for 1,500 houses in January, only weeks before Mr Desmond personally donated £12,000 to the Conservative Party.
The housing secretary later had to reverse the decision after legal action from the council, conceding the decision was “unlawful by reason of apparent bias”.
Text messages between the pair show Mr Desmond wanted to avoid paying £45m to Tower Hamlets Council and lobbied the cabinet minister to approve the decision before the levy was introduced.
Jenrick faces calls to resign after publishing communications dossier
Tim Farron, Liberal Democrat spokesman for Communities, Housing and Local Government, and ex-party leader, has called on Mr Jenrick to quit over the controversy.
"Jenrick's calculated decision to push through a huge development just in time to save a party donor millions exposes something rotten at the heart of this Conservative Government," he told the PA news agency.
"Yet again we are seeing Tory ministers show it is one rule for them and their cronies, and another for everyone else.
"Given the minister has accepted that his decision to sign off the project was unlawful, he should also accept that he is unfit to continue to serve in that role and resign immediately."
Acting Lib Dem leader Layla Moran said Mr Jenrick’s position was “completely untenable”, adding: “These documents are further evidence that he rushed through this planning decision to help a Tory donor avoid paying millions in tax.
"This whole grubby saga netted the Tory party only £12,000, but could have helped Richard Desmond save up to £40m. The public will be appalled at what looks like a clear abuse of power. Robert Jenrick should go and the Conservative party should hand back this donation."
Andrew Wood, a Tory councillor in Tower Hamlets who resigned over Mr Jenrick’s handling of the project said: “I was right to resign.”
Former Green Party leader Natalie Bennet tweeted: "Boris Johnson has a duty to sack."
Tim Farron, Liberal Democrat spokesman for Communities, Housing and Local Government, and ex-party leader, has called on Mr Jenrick to quit over the controversy.
"Jenrick's calculated decision to push through a huge development just in time to save a party donor millions exposes something rotten at the heart of this Conservative Government," he told the PA news agency.
"Yet again we are seeing Tory ministers show it is one rule for them and their cronies, and another for everyone else.
"Given the minister has accepted that his decision to sign off the project was unlawful, he should also accept that he is unfit to continue to serve in that role and resign immediately."
Acting Lib Dem leader Layla Moran said Mr Jenrick’s position was “completely untenable”, adding: “These documents are further evidence that he rushed through this planning decision to help a Tory donor avoid paying millions in tax.
"This whole grubby saga netted the Tory party only £12,000, but could have helped Richard Desmond save up to £40m. The public will be appalled at what looks like a clear abuse of power. Robert Jenrick should go and the Conservative party should hand back this donation."
Andrew Wood, a Tory councillor in Tower Hamlets who resigned over Mr Jenrick’s handling of the project said: “I was right to resign.”
Former Green Party leader Natalie Bennet tweeted: "Boris Johnson has a duty to sack."
Jenrick 'wanted to build more homes', minister says
Business minister Nadhim Zahawi said it was "not at all" time for Mr Jenrick to resign, saying: "There's been a massive document release, Rob Jenrick's explained himself, he's written a detailed letter to the select committee explaining exactly what happened.
"It's only right that planning applications are looked at properly. Another minister will now decide on this application. What Robert Jenrick wanted to do, rightly, is build more homes in London.
"You've got to make sure these [affordable] homes are built rather than just talked about ... Robert Jenrick's absolute energy and focus is on getting more homes built. He actually was the one who said 'look, if the perception is there's been some bias, we'll pull this and another minister has to decide on this'. Rightly so, and that's the system we have in this country."
Meanwhile, asked whether he backed Robert Jenrick staying in his job, Tory MP Bernard Jenkin told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: “Yes, I do. I think it’s interesting the leader of the opposition didn’t go for Robert Jenrick in prime minister’s questions yesterday. This is a very partisan spat. It’s the job of the opposition to exploit this sort of thing – the public don’t like the idea of cabinet ministers and rich businessmen cosying up together.
“But I think two things; one is is that the cabinet secretary has been very clear there is no case to answer. Cleary there’s been a little bit of a mistake, decisions had to be rescinded. But there’s no sign of actual maladministration.
"And secondly, in these things what happens next depends on whether anything new comes out. It looks as though he’s put everything on the table and I suspect this story will pass."
Business minister Nadhim Zahawi said it was "not at all" time for Mr Jenrick to resign, saying: "There's been a massive document release, Rob Jenrick's explained himself, he's written a detailed letter to the select committee explaining exactly what happened.
"It's only right that planning applications are looked at properly. Another minister will now decide on this application. What Robert Jenrick wanted to do, rightly, is build more homes in London.
"You've got to make sure these [affordable] homes are built rather than just talked about ... Robert Jenrick's absolute energy and focus is on getting more homes built. He actually was the one who said 'look, if the perception is there's been some bias, we'll pull this and another minister has to decide on this'. Rightly so, and that's the system we have in this country."
Meanwhile, asked whether he backed Robert Jenrick staying in his job, Tory MP Bernard Jenkin told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: “Yes, I do. I think it’s interesting the leader of the opposition didn’t go for Robert Jenrick in prime minister’s questions yesterday. This is a very partisan spat. It’s the job of the opposition to exploit this sort of thing – the public don’t like the idea of cabinet ministers and rich businessmen cosying up together.
“But I think two things; one is is that the cabinet secretary has been very clear there is no case to answer. Cleary there’s been a little bit of a mistake, decisions had to be rescinded. But there’s no sign of actual maladministration.
"And secondly, in these things what happens next depends on whether anything new comes out. It looks as though he’s put everything on the table and I suspect this story will pass."
PM urged to stave off 'profound crisis' in Liverpool
Leaders in Liverpool say a "profound crisis" in the city could be prevented if the government provides £467 million towards a post-coronavirus recovery plan.
Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson and metro mayor of the Liverpool City Region Steve Rotheram have written to the prime minister to set out the £1.4bn plan, which they say will create 25,600 jobs, provide 12,000 construction jobs and lead to more than 9,700 apprenticeships.
It comes as the BBC reported at least five English councils have warned they are effectively bankrupt, with Birmingham City Council saying emergency spending controls "would not rectify" its situation.
Liverpool has seen the third highest rate of coronavirus deaths among local authorities and the number of people claiming Universal Credit has risen from 32,000 to 45,000, while 48,600 jobs in the city have been furloughed.
The recovery strategy needs £200m of central government funding for construction and £267m for apprenticeship and skills training programmes.
PA
Leaders in Liverpool say a "profound crisis" in the city could be prevented if the government provides £467 million towards a post-coronavirus recovery plan.
Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson and metro mayor of the Liverpool City Region Steve Rotheram have written to the prime minister to set out the £1.4bn plan, which they say will create 25,600 jobs, provide 12,000 construction jobs and lead to more than 9,700 apprenticeships.
It comes as the BBC reported at least five English councils have warned they are effectively bankrupt, with Birmingham City Council saying emergency spending controls "would not rectify" its situation.
Liverpool has seen the third highest rate of coronavirus deaths among local authorities and the number of people claiming Universal Credit has risen from 32,000 to 45,000, while 48,600 jobs in the city have been furloughed.
The recovery strategy needs £200m of central government funding for construction and £267m for apprenticeship and skills training programmes.
PA
Tory voters will have same access to MPs as the wealthy, minister claims
Business minister Nadhim Zahawi told the BBC that the Jenrick controversy was "not at all" an example of special treatment for a billionaire, adding: "Robert Jenrick wanted to make sure the scheme gets built, it was viable, and affordable housing is delivered. Tower Hamlets had to close one of their planning meetings through lack of business.
"When [we] come on your show ... talking about wanting to get more houses built, get young people on the housing ladder, those families who need the homes built, viability is incredibly important. Getting stuff built is incredibly important to Robert Jenrick, that was his motivation."
Asked why it may seem that only billionaires have such access to Tory ministers, he replied: "If people go to a fundraiser in their local area, Doncaster for the Conservative Party, they'll be sitting next to MPs and other people in their local authority, and can interact with different parts of that authority.
"The important thing, by the way, the access didn't buy this billionaire this decision ... the secretary of state said very clearly ... to Richard Desmond: 'I can't see you, I cannot have this meeting.'
"You have to also be fair and make that clear that, yes, of course there was access because there was a dinner party that Robert Jenrick didn't know he was going to sit next to Richard Desmond in, but Robert Jenrick also said in those messages that he released by promising to the select committee he would release them, said 'I can't have this meeting with you."
Business minister Nadhim Zahawi told the BBC that the Jenrick controversy was "not at all" an example of special treatment for a billionaire, adding: "Robert Jenrick wanted to make sure the scheme gets built, it was viable, and affordable housing is delivered. Tower Hamlets had to close one of their planning meetings through lack of business.
"When [we] come on your show ... talking about wanting to get more houses built, get young people on the housing ladder, those families who need the homes built, viability is incredibly important. Getting stuff built is incredibly important to Robert Jenrick, that was his motivation."
Asked why it may seem that only billionaires have such access to Tory ministers, he replied: "If people go to a fundraiser in their local area, Doncaster for the Conservative Party, they'll be sitting next to MPs and other people in their local authority, and can interact with different parts of that authority.
"The important thing, by the way, the access didn't buy this billionaire this decision ... the secretary of state said very clearly ... to Richard Desmond: 'I can't see you, I cannot have this meeting.'
"You have to also be fair and make that clear that, yes, of course there was access because there was a dinner party that Robert Jenrick didn't know he was going to sit next to Richard Desmond in, but Robert Jenrick also said in those messages that he released by promising to the select committee he would release them, said 'I can't have this meeting with you."
Upcoming bill will allow restaurants and pubs to maximise outdoor space, minister hints
Asked about the changes to rules for the hospitality sector which can be expected in the government's upcoming bill, business minister Nadhim Zahawi said: "We're laying a bill today on business and planning to help, for example, the restaurant industry offer more al fresco dining, more space on pavements outside through licence and planning laws.
"Alok Sharma has had a deep dive ... on the recovery taskforce. This thing's in three chapters. Chapter one was wrap our arms around the economy and jobs ... Chapter two is getting the economy restarted ... we're going to get more businesses open - restaurants, bars and so on.
"And of course the final chapter, is what stimulus can we inject into the economy - both fiscal and non-fiscal - what easements can we look at to make sure the recovery is as dynamic as we can make it."
Asked if pubs will be able to use car parks as outdoor drinking areas, he told the BBC: "What we ant to do is make sure we open as much of the space of the pavements and so on for outdoor al fresco dining, for pubs and restaurants, because every little bit counts here."
Asked about the changes to rules for the hospitality sector which can be expected in the government's upcoming bill, business minister Nadhim Zahawi said: "We're laying a bill today on business and planning to help, for example, the restaurant industry offer more al fresco dining, more space on pavements outside through licence and planning laws.
"Alok Sharma has had a deep dive ... on the recovery taskforce. This thing's in three chapters. Chapter one was wrap our arms around the economy and jobs ... Chapter two is getting the economy restarted ... we're going to get more businesses open - restaurants, bars and so on.
"And of course the final chapter, is what stimulus can we inject into the economy - both fiscal and non-fiscal - what easements can we look at to make sure the recovery is as dynamic as we can make it."
Asked if pubs will be able to use car parks as outdoor drinking areas, he told the BBC: "What we ant to do is make sure we open as much of the space of the pavements and so on for outdoor al fresco dining, for pubs and restaurants, because every little bit counts here."
The government is due to publish the latest data from its coronavirus test and trace system later today, which will reveal its performance in its third week of operation.
Despite figures suggesting the system failed to contact a third of those who tested positive for the virus, Boris Johnson insisted it is a "cluster-busting operation" that would quickly tackle any localised Covid-19 outbreaks.
Meanwhile, Health Secretary Matt Hancock refused to give a date on when the controversial test and trace app would be made available, but said the government is "going to make it work".
Speaking to ITV's Robert Peston on Wednesday night about how the app will work, Mr Hancock said people will have to "self-declare" to the NHS if their phone informs them they have been close to someone who has tested positive.
He said: "I'm not going to put a date on it, I want it to work, I'm really glad now that we've got Apple, are working really well, and I'm very grateful to them for coming to the table, and we're going to make it work."
Despite figures suggesting the system failed to contact a third of those who tested positive for the virus, Boris Johnson insisted it is a "cluster-busting operation" that would quickly tackle any localised Covid-19 outbreaks.
Meanwhile, Health Secretary Matt Hancock refused to give a date on when the controversial test and trace app would be made available, but said the government is "going to make it work".
Speaking to ITV's Robert Peston on Wednesday night about how the app will work, Mr Hancock said people will have to "self-declare" to the NHS if their phone informs them they have been close to someone who has tested positive.
He said: "I'm not going to put a date on it, I want it to work, I'm really glad now that we've got Apple, are working really well, and I'm very grateful to them for coming to the table, and we're going to make it work."
Our political correspondent Lizzy Buchan has more on the government's plans to cut red tape to allow hospitality businesses to utilise outdoor spaces.
Ministers will introduce a new bill in parliament on Thursday that will temporarily change strict licensing laws to allow people to buy alcohol from pubs and drink it in parks or on pavements to make it easier for people to social distance.
Under the new rules, licensed outlets will be able to convert their car parks and terraces into temporary beer gardens, and pubs will be able to set up tables and chairs on pavements to serve their customers.
Ministers will introduce a new bill in parliament on Thursday that will temporarily change strict licensing laws to allow people to buy alcohol from pubs and drink it in parks or on pavements to make it easier for people to social distance.
Under the new rules, licensed outlets will be able to convert their car parks and terraces into temporary beer gardens, and pubs will be able to set up tables and chairs on pavements to serve their customers.
Schools may ditch social distancing in September, reports say
Children will be able to return to school in September without having to stay one or two metres apart, according to The Daily Telegraph.
The government is reportedly planning to place large groups of pupils in “bubbles” to ensure full attendance for the new academic year, Peter Stubley reports.
Schools will instead have to focus on strict hygiene regimes and limit contact between classes or year groups, it is claimed.
The Telegraph, which has previously employed Boris Johnson as a columnist, quoted a Westminster source admitting “it will not be possible for schools to reopen for all pupils if a one metre or one metre plus social distancing rule is applied”.
Instead, the government’s plan means children inside each class or year group “bubble” will not have to keep their distance, and schools can reopen without having to find additional teachers and buildings.
Children will be able to return to school in September without having to stay one or two metres apart, according to The Daily Telegraph.
The government is reportedly planning to place large groups of pupils in “bubbles” to ensure full attendance for the new academic year, Peter Stubley reports.
Schools will instead have to focus on strict hygiene regimes and limit contact between classes or year groups, it is claimed.
The Telegraph, which has previously employed Boris Johnson as a columnist, quoted a Westminster source admitting “it will not be possible for schools to reopen for all pupils if a one metre or one metre plus social distancing rule is applied”.
Instead, the government’s plan means children inside each class or year group “bubble” will not have to keep their distance, and schools can reopen without having to find additional teachers and buildings.
More than 90 per cent of Britons back continued ban on chlorinated chicken imports
In case you missed trade secretary Liz Truss's refusal yesterday to discuss the proposed deal which many fear could see the UK flooded with subpar US meat products, citing fears that the Americans could be listening to her, a new poll indicates how strong the public aversion to chemically-cleansed fowl truly is.
A poll of 2,078 people by Populus for the consumer group Which? showed that 95 per cent of the public believed it was important for the UK to maintain existing food standards, which block chlorinated chicken and meat from animals treated with hormones from being sold in the country, Matt Mathers reports.
The research revealed that 86 per cent were concerned that UK food standards could be weakened as part of potential trade deals, which campaigners have said could lead to chlorinated chicken becoming widespread in Britain.
In case you missed trade secretary Liz Truss's refusal yesterday to discuss the proposed deal which many fear could see the UK flooded with subpar US meat products, citing fears that the Americans could be listening to her, a new poll indicates how strong the public aversion to chemically-cleansed fowl truly is.
A poll of 2,078 people by Populus for the consumer group Which? showed that 95 per cent of the public believed it was important for the UK to maintain existing food standards, which block chlorinated chicken and meat from animals treated with hormones from being sold in the country, Matt Mathers reports.
The research revealed that 86 per cent were concerned that UK food standards could be weakened as part of potential trade deals, which campaigners have said could lead to chlorinated chicken becoming widespread in Britain.
Jenrick controversy raises questions about planning process, former civil service head says
Lord Bob Kerslake, a former head of the Civil Service and adviser to Jeremy Corbyn, told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "I'm pleased the documents have come out but I do think they have raised some troubling issues, I have to say, about access and influence.
"I don't for a moment suggest the minister took his decision simply because of a donation to the Conservative Party. But the fact is, for the price of a dinner, the developer was able to present his scheme to the minister, follow up with texts and seek to influence the decision."
Mr Jenrick "got to the right place in the end" in turning down the opportunity of a follow-up meeting with Mr Desmond, said Lord Kerslake, before adding: "What I'm saying truthfully is that none of that process should have happened in those circumstances.
"It creates the impression - and appearance here is really important - that the developer has some level of influence over the decisions."
"I don't for a moment suggest the minister took his decision simply because of a donation to the Conservative Party. But the fact is, for the price of a dinner, the developer was able to present his scheme to the minister, follow up with texts and seek to influence the decision."
Mr Jenrick "got to the right place in the end" in turning down the opportunity of a follow-up meeting with Mr Desmond, said Lord Kerslake, before adding: "What I'm saying truthfully is that none of that process should have happened in those circumstances.
"It creates the impression - and appearance here is really important - that the developer has some level of influence over the decisions."
Manchester council pleads with government for funding to stave off effective bankruptcy
Sir Richard Leese, Labour leader of Manchester City Council, said his administration was looking at a financial loss of £166m, with a shortfall of £31m this year and £162m the next - a quarter of its net budget.
Speaking to BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Sir Richard said warnings to the government that the council might need to use a Section 114 order - effectively declaring bankruptcy - was a warning that it would not be able to afford to look after the most vulnerable in society if more cash was not forthcoming.
"This is more than a plea for help," he said. "This is saying there are things the law says we have to do that we simply will not be able to do unless we get more funding.
Sir Richard Leese, Labour leader of Manchester City Council, said his administration was looking at a financial loss of £166m, with a shortfall of £31m this year and £162m the next - a quarter of its net budget.
Speaking to BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Sir Richard said warnings to the government that the council might need to use a Section 114 order - effectively declaring bankruptcy - was a warning that it would not be able to afford to look after the most vulnerable in society if more cash was not forthcoming.
"This is more than a plea for help," he said. "This is saying there are things the law says we have to do that we simply will not be able to do unless we get more funding.
And a very substantial amount of funding."
Councillor Philip Whitehead, Tory leader of Wiltshire Council, echoed Sir Richard's concerns on the same programme, with his administration seeing a net financial impact of £51m after accounting for money already granted by the government, saying: "So far the government has given tranches of money, we just need more of them."
Councillor Philip Whitehead, Tory leader of Wiltshire Council, echoed Sir Richard's concerns on the same programme, with his administration seeing a net financial impact of £51m after accounting for money already granted by the government, saying: "So far the government has given tranches of money, we just need more of them."
The German health minister Jens Spahn's Twitter account has retweeted yesterday's article by The Independent headlined: "Boris Johnson confronted over claim no country has working coronavirus app".
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer rebuffed the prime minister's repeated claim at PMQs yesterday by saying: "Germany - 12 million downloads."
A Labour spokesperson later said: “If you want other examples, Singapore has launched an app, South Korea has also got an app. So there are a number of countries that are far, far ahead of us.”
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer rebuffed the prime minister's repeated claim at PMQs yesterday by saying: "Germany - 12 million downloads."
A Labour spokesperson later said: “If you want other examples, Singapore has launched an app, South Korea has also got an app. So there are a number of countries that are far, far ahead of us.”
Councils grapple with bankruptcy threat
Five local authorities across the country, including Leeds, Wiltshire, Trafford, Tameside and Barnet have warned they face effective bankruptcy without additional funding from the government.
Meanwhile Birmingham City Council has said that even effectively declaring bankruptcy with a section 114 notice "would not rectify this situation", given the size of the shortfall it faces.
Manchester City Council and Liverpool's mayor have also warned of bankruptcy and an impending "profound crisis" respectively unless extra funding is pledged.
Nearly 150 local authorities have forecast a combined budget shortfall of at least £3.2bn, according to the BBC - equal to the number already given to councils by central government.
It comes as correspondence released by the Tory party suggest that housing, communities and local government secretary Robert Jenrick strived to achieve a situation that effectively kept tens of millions of pounds in the pocket of billionaire developer Richard Desmond - and out of the grasp of Tower Hamlets Council.
His allies say the decision was in the interest of ensuring the £1bn project remained "viable".
Five local authorities across the country, including Leeds, Wiltshire, Trafford, Tameside and Barnet have warned they face effective bankruptcy without additional funding from the government.
Meanwhile Birmingham City Council has said that even effectively declaring bankruptcy with a section 114 notice "would not rectify this situation", given the size of the shortfall it faces.
Manchester City Council and Liverpool's mayor have also warned of bankruptcy and an impending "profound crisis" respectively unless extra funding is pledged.
Nearly 150 local authorities have forecast a combined budget shortfall of at least £3.2bn, according to the BBC - equal to the number already given to councils by central government.
It comes as correspondence released by the Tory party suggest that housing, communities and local government secretary Robert Jenrick strived to achieve a situation that effectively kept tens of millions of pounds in the pocket of billionaire developer Richard Desmond - and out of the grasp of Tower Hamlets Council.
His allies say the decision was in the interest of ensuring the £1bn project remained "viable".
'Misleading and dangerous' to think of China disputes as new Cold War, Tony Blair says
The West will sometimes clash with China now that it is a major power, but it is "misleading and dangerous" to think of it as a new Cold War, Tony Blair has said, after a survey by his think tank found a shift towards a "markedly more hostile attitude" in the West.
The former prime minister said China had "serious questions" to answer about the Covid-19 outbreak, as the YouGov survey of citizens in the UK, US, Germany and France suggested that attitudes to Beijing had hardened during the pandemic.
The former prime minister he urged the West to take a strategic view of the relationship with China rather than an "ad hoc or purely reactive" stance, contending that the rise of China was both "inevitable and right" given its population, economic power and record on technological innovation.
The West must "actively and intensely" engage with China - both at the level of government and people-to-people - in order to "enlarge the space for cooperation, shrink that of confrontation and keep competition according to international laws and norms", he said.
The West will sometimes clash with China now that it is a major power, but it is "misleading and dangerous" to think of it as a new Cold War, Tony Blair has said, after a survey by his think tank found a shift towards a "markedly more hostile attitude" in the West.
The former prime minister said China had "serious questions" to answer about the Covid-19 outbreak, as the YouGov survey of citizens in the UK, US, Germany and France suggested that attitudes to Beijing had hardened during the pandemic.
The former prime minister he urged the West to take a strategic view of the relationship with China rather than an "ad hoc or purely reactive" stance, contending that the rise of China was both "inevitable and right" given its population, economic power and record on technological innovation.
The West must "actively and intensely" engage with China - both at the level of government and people-to-people - in order to "enlarge the space for cooperation, shrink that of confrontation and keep competition according to international laws and norms", he said.
In a wide-ranging interview with The Independent's Alexandra Pollard, actress Maxine Peake touches upon dismantling capitalism, systemic racism, and her thoughts on voting Labour (or not) under its varied leadership.
“Those people who were normally Labour supporters who felt they couldn’t vote Labour? Well I’m sorry, they voted Tory as far as I’m concerned,” she said. “And it breaks my heart, because you know what? I didn’t like Tony Blair, but I still voted Labour because anything’s better than the Tories. There’s a lot of people who should hang their heads in shame. People going, ‘Oh, I can join the Labour Party again because Keir Starmer’s there,’ well shame on you.”
Of the new Labour leader, Ms Peake added: “You know what, at the end of the day, all I want is the Tories out. I think people will get behind Starmer, won’t they? He’s a more acceptable face of the Labour Party for a lot of people who are not really left wing. But that’s fine. Whatever. As long as the Tories get out, I don’t care anymore. You can’t be sad, you’ve just got to get on and organise, without standing at the rooftops and going, ‘You reap what you sow!’ There were moments when I wanted to scream that. But no, we’ve got to keep moving forward.”
Read the full piece here:
“Those people who were normally Labour supporters who felt they couldn’t vote Labour? Well I’m sorry, they voted Tory as far as I’m concerned,” she said. “And it breaks my heart, because you know what? I didn’t like Tony Blair, but I still voted Labour because anything’s better than the Tories. There’s a lot of people who should hang their heads in shame. People going, ‘Oh, I can join the Labour Party again because Keir Starmer’s there,’ well shame on you.”
Of the new Labour leader, Ms Peake added: “You know what, at the end of the day, all I want is the Tories out. I think people will get behind Starmer, won’t they? He’s a more acceptable face of the Labour Party for a lot of people who are not really left wing. But that’s fine. Whatever. As long as the Tories get out, I don’t care anymore. You can’t be sad, you’ve just got to get on and organise, without standing at the rooftops and going, ‘You reap what you sow!’ There were moments when I wanted to scream that. But no, we’ve got to keep moving forward.”
Read the full piece here:
Labour peer Andrew Adonis has called for a police investigation into the Robert Jenrick controversy following his release of communications on the matter.
Minister denies Robert Jenrick gave 'special treatment' to billionaire developer, saying voters can go to Tory fundraisers
Our political correspondent Ashley Cowburn has more on the government's defence of housing secretary Robert Jenrick this morning.
Business minister Nadhim Zahawi suggested voters should consider attending Tory fundraisers in their local area if the want access to MPs, as he rejected claims Robert Jenrick gave “special treatment” to a billionaire property developer.
Mr Zahawi rejected there was any “smoking gun” over the issue, and that Mr Jenrick had pulled the plug on Richard Desmond’s proposed east London property development when there was a “perception of bias”.
Our political correspondent Ashley Cowburn has more on the government's defence of housing secretary Robert Jenrick this morning.
Business minister Nadhim Zahawi suggested voters should consider attending Tory fundraisers in their local area if the want access to MPs, as he rejected claims Robert Jenrick gave “special treatment” to a billionaire property developer.
Mr Zahawi rejected there was any “smoking gun” over the issue, and that Mr Jenrick had pulled the plug on Richard Desmond’s proposed east London property development when there was a “perception of bias”.
Racism in UK policing ‘reflects an imperfect society’, senior officer says
A senior police leader has denied that racism is “rife” in British policing and said officers “reflect an imperfect society”, our home affairs correspondent Lizzie Dearden reports.
Martin Hewitt, chair of the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), told MPs that forces were listening to ongoing Black Lives Matter protests sparked by the death of George Floyd in the US.
“I very much refute the allegation that racism is rife in the police service,” he said in evidence to parliament’s Home Affairs Committee. “No organisation can say there are not people who potentially hold racist views. The police service is no different and we reflect the imperfect society that we come from.”
Mr Hewitt was giving evidence on Wednesday to the committee's policing and race inquiry, which marks 21 years since a landmark report on the murder of black teenager Stephen Lawrence.
Last week, a former senior officer told the committee that racism was “alive and kicking” in British policing and accused leaders of taking a “tick box approach” to combating discrimination.
A senior police leader has denied that racism is “rife” in British policing and said officers “reflect an imperfect society”, our home affairs correspondent Lizzie Dearden reports.
Martin Hewitt, chair of the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), told MPs that forces were listening to ongoing Black Lives Matter protests sparked by the death of George Floyd in the US.
“I very much refute the allegation that racism is rife in the police service,” he said in evidence to parliament’s Home Affairs Committee. “No organisation can say there are not people who potentially hold racist views. The police service is no different and we reflect the imperfect society that we come from.”
Mr Hewitt was giving evidence on Wednesday to the committee's policing and race inquiry, which marks 21 years since a landmark report on the murder of black teenager Stephen Lawrence.
Last week, a former senior officer told the committee that racism was “alive and kicking” in British policing and accused leaders of taking a “tick box approach” to combating discrimination.
