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Wednesday, November 6

Today is the third day of the confirmation hearings for the Commissioners-designate. Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) are assessing whether the nominees are suitably qualified to join the College and to perform the specific tasks assigned to them.

Discover comprehensive details regarding the hearing procedures and ways to stay updated on them.

Every hearing is open to the public and can be watched in real-time via Parliament's web streaming service and Ebs/Ebs+.

For more details, visit the specific website Parliament has set up for the hearings.

Locate official statements regarding the proceedings.

The agenda for today's hearings is outlined below:

9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, location: ANTALL 2Q2

Lahbib Hadja

Roles: Preparedness and Crisis Management Commissioner; Commissioner for Equality

Committees in charge

Development Committee

Panel for Gender Equality and Women's Rights

Panel on Freedoms, Justice, and Domestic Affairs

Panel for Environmental, Health, and Food Security Affairs

Connections

Eoghan Walsh

Phone number: +32 485 399443

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Polona TEDESKO can be reached at (+32) 470 88 42 82, under the handle

Lieven COSIJN

Phone number: +32 473 864 141

Isabelle Zerrouk

Phone Number: +32 470 88 02

Tune in to view the live broadcast

Barry Andrews from the Renew group in Ireland, who leads the Committee on Development, along with Lina Gálvez from the S&D party in Spain, who heads the Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality, Javier Zarzalejos from Spain's EPP, chair of the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs, and Antonio Decaro from Italy's S&D, who oversees the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety, will address the media following the hearing, just outside the meeting room.

You have the option to watch it live through Parliament’s online streaming service and on the EbS channel.

From 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, located in room ANTALL 4Q2

Maria Luís Albuquerque

Position: Head of Financial Services and the Union for Savings and Investments

Committee in charge

Economic and Financial Affairs Committee

Connections

Dorota Kolinska can be contacted at the phone number +32 498 98 32 80, and is associated with EP Economics.

Raquel Lopes

Phone number: 0032 477 99 14

Tune in to the live broadcast of

Aurore Lalucq, a member of the S&D party from France and the head of the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs, is set to address the media following the hearing, just outside the conference room.

After the hearing, the nominee for commissioner, Albuquerque, will address the media.

You can watch their comments in real-time on the Parliament's live stream and on EbS.

2:30 PM to 5:30 PM, location: room ANTALL 2Q2

Costas Kadis' name

Position: Head of Fisheries and Marine Affairs

Committee in charge

Fisheries Committee

Connections

Reporter: Raquel LOPES

Telephone number: +32 477 99 14 95

European Parliament's Committee on Fisheries

Kyriakos Klosidis

Phone number: +32 470 96 47

Tune in to the live broadcast of

Carmen Crespo Díaz, a member of the European People's Party from Spain and the head of the Fisheries Committee, is scheduled to address the press following the hearing, which will take place just outside the meeting venue. The event will be available for live viewing via the Parliament's webstreaming service and on EbS.

2:30 PM to 5:30 PM, located in room ANTALL 4Q2

Jozef Síkela

Role: Commissioner for Global Partnerships

Committee in charge

Development Committee

Connections

Eoghan Walsh

Phone number: +32 485 399443

Development of EP

Author: Hana Raissi

Phone number: +32 484 278 754

Stream the proceedings in real-time.

Barry Andrews from the Renew Europe group in Ireland, who serves as the Chair of the Development Committee, is scheduled to address the media following the hearing, just outside the meeting area.

After the hearing, Commissioner-designate Sikela is scheduled to address the media.

You have the option to watch their speeches in real-time through Parliament's online streaming service and on EbS.

From 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM, location: room ANTALL 2Q2

Andrius Kubilius

Role: Head of Defense and Space Affairs

Committee in charge

Foreign Affairs Committee

Committee for Industry, Research, and Energy

Ways to Connect:

Viktor Almqvist

Phone number: +32 470 88 29

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Baptiste Chatain

Phone number: +32 498 98 13 37

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Gediminas Vilkas

Phone Number: +32 470 89 29

Tune in to the live broadcast of

6:30 PM to 9:30 PM, location: ANTALL 4Q2

Olivér Várhelyi's Name

Role: Commissioner responsible for Health and Animal Welfare

Committee in Charge

Panel on Environmental Issues, Health Protection, and Food Security

Agriculture and Rural Development Committee

Connections:

Dana Popp

Phone number: +32 470 95 17

EP_Environmental

Hana Raissi

Contact number: +32 484 278 754

Report on Agriculture by the European Parliament

Eszter ZALÁN

Phone number: +32 477 99 20 73

Tune in to view the live proceedings

Antonio DECARO, representing the S&D group from Italy and serving as the Chair for the Committee on the Environment, Public Health, and Food Safety, is scheduled to address the media following the hearing. This event will take place just outside the meeting venue. The public can watch the live broadcast on the Parliament's webstreaming service and through EbS.

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Hearing for Nominee Hadja Lahbib

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The Development, Women’s Rights, Civil Liberties, and Environment Committees conducted an inquiry with Hadja Lahbib, the nominee for the role overseeing Preparedness, Crisis Management, and Equality.

Fairness

In her opening remarks, Hadja Lahbib, the Belgian Commissioner-designate, emphasized the importance of ensuring that the key equality laws passed in recent years are effectively enforced throughout the European Union. This includes the complete execution of the Istanbul Convention.

In a recent announcement, she revealed plans to introduce a Roadmap for Women's Rights on International Women's Day, March 8, 2025. This roadmap is intended to act as a guiding framework for next year's Gender Equality Strategy. Furthermore, she committed to implementing specific measures aimed at revitalizing the post-2025 LGBTIQ+ Equality Strategy. These measures will include positive incentives, a prohibition on conversion therapies, and the development of a new anti-racism strategy.

When questioned by Members of the European Parliament, she refuted claims that the equality portfolio is being diminished. She emphasized that her resources will match those available to the current Equality Commissioner, Helena Dalli. She pledged to push forward on particular topics, including the EU’s establishment of a consent-based definition of rape, abortion rights, maternal surrogacy, children's rights, and poverty. Her approach will focus on dialogue, raising awareness, and most importantly, respecting the individual rights of women, children, and other vulnerable populations.

Being Ready

To better handle future emergencies, Ms. Lahbib urged the European Union to adopt a comprehensive strategy that enhances collaboration and engages all sectors of society, especially the public. Drawing from the Niinistö report on bolstering EU preparedness both in civil and military capacities, she aims to strengthen key EU solidarity tools such as the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, the Emergency Response Coordination Centre, and the rescEU strategic reserve. Additionally, Ms. Lahbib intends to formulate a new plan for medical countermeasures to tackle public health risks, incorporating joint procurement and the establishment of stockpiles.

In response to inquiries from Members of the European Parliament about improving the EU Civil Protection Mechanism to better aid vulnerable groups and boost solidarity within the EU, Ms. Lahbib proposed a comprehensive approach. This strategy would integrate both civil and military defence measures, addressing a wide range of disasters, including health-related and environmental crises. The focus would be on both managing emergencies and preventing them from occurring.

Assistance for Humanitarian Needs and Emergency Response

Ms. Lahbib aims to advocate for a unified strategy across the Commission to assist countries facing humanitarian emergencies, with a special focus on effectively applying the humanitarian-peace-development triple nexus. To address the shortfall in humanitarian assistance, she plans to urge EU member nations to boost their financial contributions, seek out additional donors, and promote greater involvement from the private sector in the creation and distribution of humanitarian aid.

In response to questions from Members of the European Parliament regarding the Middle East, particularly the conditions in Gaza and Lebanon, she supported the EU's impartial stance on providing humanitarian assistance. She emphasized the importance of adhering to international humanitarian law and upheld the principles outlined in the Geneva Conventions.

Media briefing

Following the hearing, the leaders of the Development, Women's Rights, Environment, and Civil Liberties committees—Barry Andrews from the Renew group in Ireland, Lina Galvez from the Socialists and Democrats in Spain, Javier Zarzalejos from the European People's Party in Spain, and Antonio Decaro from the Socialists and Democrats in Italy—addressed the media outside the conference room.

Future actions

The leaders and coordinators of the four relevant committees will convene promptly following the hearing to evaluate the abilities and credentials of the nominated Commissioner.

Following the suggestions from the committees, the Conference of Presidents—which includes EP President Metsola and the leaders of the political groups—will carry out the ultimate assessment and officially conclude the hearings on November 21. After this declaration, the evaluation letters from the committees will be made available to the public.

Members of the European Parliament are set to vote on the entire group of Commissioners during a roll-call at the plenary session scheduled in Strasbourg from November 25 to 28.

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Interview with Nominee Maria Luis Albuquerque

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On Wednesday, the Monetary and Economic Affairs Committee conducted an interview with Maria Luis Albuquerque, who has been nominated for the role overseeing the Financial Services and the Savings and Investments Union portfolio.

In her opening remarks, Maria Luis Albuquerque of Portugal vowed to prioritize the stability and integrity of the European Union's financial system, viewing it as the cornerstone for fostering a robust and competitive economy in Europe.

Upon confirmation, Ms. Albuquerque stated her commitment to fostering innovation and promoting inclusive development, while also advocating for social mobility and consumer empowerment. She vowed to advance the Savings and Investment Union, ensure consistent oversight across borders, and create more avenues for investment funding. Ms. Albuquerque also promised to adopt a balanced strategy in digital finance, aiming to build trust in the financial system. Furthermore, she seeks to empower European citizens to engage in the financial system equitably, allowing them to manage their financial destinies.

To enhance the EU's competitiveness, the Commissioner-designate intends to concentrate on facilitating smooth capital movement and lessening regulatory constraints, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises. Moreover, she revealed her commitment to intensifying efforts against financial crimes, notably money laundering and terrorist financing, by prioritizing the establishment of the EU's Anti-Money Laundering Authority.

Ms. Albuquerque vowed to cultivate a cooperative partnership with the European Parliament by engaging in frequent and transparent discussions.

Economic security, safeguarding deposits, and enduring financial practices

A number of Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) inquired of the Commissioner-designate regarding the European Union's financial stability and the banking sector's competitiveness, particularly in view of the postponed enactment of Basel III international guidelines and the European Deposit Insurance Scheme. They also raised issues related to sustainable finance and the accurate labeling of environmentally-friendly investment products, highlighting the crucial role of private sector investments in driving green and digital transitions.

In reply, Ms. Albuquerque expressed her intention to urge global partners to adopt Basel III standards. She promised to enhance the safeguarding of deposits across Europe and to seek a middle ground regarding the Crisis Management and Deposit Insurance (CMDI) framework. Additionally, she vowed to advocate for a sustainable finance system tailored to smaller market players, aiming to reduce reporting duties and administrative complexities.

Members of the European Parliament brought up several concerns, including ensuring fair competition while advancing the capital markets union, providing equal investment opportunities to all citizens, and ensuring that everyone benefits from the digital transformation of payment systems. Many participants expressed apprehension about the increasing influence of non-bank financial entities within the EU and called for measures to mitigate this risk. They also raised questions about the potential dangers of securitization and how it could be used safely to lessen business reliance on banks for funding projects. In response to a request for practical examples to enhance the Capital Market Union, Ms. Albuquerque proposed more unified supervision and pledged to eliminate obstacles to market-led consolidation by implementing more standardized tax policies.

View the complete footage of the entire hearing.

Media briefing

Following the conclusion of the hearing, Ms. Aurore Lalucq, who serves as the Chair of the Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee, addressed the media at a press briefing held outside the meeting venue. You can view it here.

Subsequent

The chair and coordinators of the political group are scheduled to convene promptly to evaluate how the Commissioner-designate has performed and whether they are suitably qualified. Following the committee's advice, the Conference of Presidents, which includes EP President Metsola and the leaders of the political groups, will carry out the concluding assessment and officially close the hearings on November 21. After this declaration, the letters detailing the evaluations will be made public.

The Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) are set to vote on the entire group of Commissioners through a roll-call vote, requiring a majority to pass. This election is planned to occur at the plenary session in Strasbourg from November 25th to 28th.

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Jozef Síkela’s Confirmation Hearing

The Development Committee conducted a hearing on Wednesday with Jozef Síkela, the nominee from the Czech Republic for the role in International Partnerships.

Worldwide Portal

In his opening remarks, Jozef Síkela, the nominee for the role of Commissioner for International Partnerships, expressed that his strategy for the EU's Global Gateway initiative would involve maintaining a balance between profitability and ethical standards. He emphasized that the EU should utilize public-private collaborations, reduce investment risks, and draw in private funding to stimulate investments and address the shortfall in development aid.

Mr. Síkela emphasized that the European Union's development strategy ought to prioritize addressing the fundamental issues leading to irregular migration, preventing conflicts, and promoting effective governance. He highlighted the importance of concentrating efforts on the Least Developed Countries and enhancing ties with African nations. Furthermore, he stressed the need for alignment with the EU's Green Deal aims. Mr. Síkela also suggested that the EU should adopt a more confident approach when engaging with partner countries, especially in light of the presence of other, more assertive competitors in areas such as Africa.

Eliminating poverty, priorities of the European

Members of the European Parliament concentrated their inquiries on the Commissioner-designate's strategy regarding the Global Gateway. They questioned how he plans to move the initiative forward to serve the economic interests of the European Union and addressed a seemingly conflicting goal of both expanding markets for the EU and eliminating poverty. Mr. Síkela countered by saying he did not see any contradiction, emphasizing the importance of engaging the private sector to foster sustainable economic development in partner nations.

Financial assistance and learning opportunities

Addressing the European Parliament members' worries regarding the openness and responsibility in the allocation of EU development aid—which covers expenditure, parliamentary supervision, and breaches of human rights—Mr. Síkela emphasized that ensuring the effective use of aid funds will be his main focus.

Addressing concerns from Members of the European Parliament about the EU's declining emphasis on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Mr. Síkela emphasized the crucial role of private investment in achieving these objectives. He also pledged to uphold the EU's commitment to allocate 10% of its aid budget to education and to explore possibilities for debt relief for partner nations, contingent upon talks with other supportive donor countries.

Several Members of the European Parliament brought up the topic of utilizing development policy to manage migration. This included the idea of tying aid assistance to the obligation of returning migrants. In response, Mr. Síkela stated that he would adopt a comprehensive strategy that aligns with the values of the European Union.

View the complete video footage of the hearing.

Media briefing

Following the hearing, Barry Andrews, the Chair of the Development Committee and a member of the Renew Europe group from Ireland, spoke to the press outside the meeting room.

Subsequent

The head and leaders of the political group will promptly convene to evaluate the abilities and credentials of the proposed Commissioner.

Following the suggestions made by the committee, the Conference of Presidents, consisting of EP President Metsola and the leaders of the political groups, plans to perform the concluding assessment and officially close the hearings on November 21. After the Conference of Presidents announces the closure of all hearings, the evaluation letters will be made public.

Members of the European Parliament are set to vote on the entire group of Commissioners, with the decision made by a majority through a roll-call vote. This election is planned for the plenary session in Strasbourg from November 25th to 28th.

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Review of Commissioner-Designate Costas Kadis

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On Wednesday, the Fisheries Committee conducted an inquiry with Costas Kadis, the nominee from Cyprus for the Fisheries and Oceans position.

Guaranteeing financial success, advancing the marine-based economy, and safeguarding ocean ecosystems

During his opening remarks, Mr. Kadis emphasized the importance of establishing fisheries and aquaculture industries that are sustainable, competitive, and capable of withstanding challenges. He also highlighted the necessity of advancing the blue economy while ensuring the protection of ocean environments.

To achieve this, the Commissioner-designate plans to base his actions on the findings from the current review of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP). This review involves an extensive examination of the existing regulations and will feature wide-ranging consultations with various stakeholders. The results of this evaluation, anticipated by the close of 2025, will be presented for discussion with Parliament. In addressing inquiries from Members of the European Parliament, Mr. Kadis indicated that he is open to amending legislation, considering this assessment and the developments within the EU's fishing fleet.

When questioned on the regulations concerning the landing obligation, the Commissioner-designate emphasized the necessity of tackling the issue of discards and underscored the significance of having thorough and high-quality data. He pointed out that discarding fish neither boosts profits nor supports the sustainability of marine environments.

Recognizing the distinctions between large-scale and small-scale fishing operations, and mindful of the considerable disparities across various fishing regions, Mr. Kadis pledged to develop a roadmap for transitioning to sustainable energy in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors, looking ahead to the year 2050, by the conclusion of 2025. He additionally highlighted the importance of the social aspect within the fishing industry and vowed to assist coastal communities.

Mr. Kadis highlighted several other issues, including outdated vessels, a shortage of skilled workers, a gender imbalance in the industry, a lack of young people entering the field, and the necessity to cut bureaucratic hurdles. He mentioned that these matters will be central to the European Oceans Pact, a strategic plan that the Commissioner-designate aims to unveil in June 2025.

The Baltic Sea, the UK's departure from the EU, and interactions with non

In addressing members of the European Parliament, the nominee for Commissioner advocated for a comprehensive strategy to address the deterioration of the Baltic Sea, emphasizing the importance of including all relevant scientific and environmental parties. Concerning the upcoming discussions in 2026 on fishing quotas with the UK, Mr. Kadis assured that EU fishing boats would continue to have access to their traditional fishing zones.

The nominee for the position of Commissioner will address the issue of fishing products that are illegal or not properly regulated. Additionally, they will work on increasing the EU's ability to produce its own food and ensure that agreements for sustainable fishing partnerships create fair conditions, encouraging third countries to meet the high standards set by the EU.

Safeguarding Biological Diversity and Its Economic Advantages

When questioned, the Commissioner-designate pledged to advocate for solutions grounded in scientific research to address the challenges facing the sector. He committed to engaging with various stakeholders, with a particular focus on local communities' input. He underscored the sea's function as a carbon absorber and emphasized the importance of maintaining biodiversity for both ecological sustainability and economic benefit. Mr. Kadis pointed out the significant contribution of protected areas, noting that they not only support environmental goals but also boost fishing income.

The entire hearing has been captured on video, and you can view it.

Media briefing

Following the conclusion of the hearing, Carmen Crespo Díaz, who leads the Fisheries Committee and is a member of the European People's Party from Spain, addressed the press just outside the meeting venue.

Future actions

Following the hearing, the head of the committee and the coordinators of the political groups will convene to evaluate how well the Commissioner-designate performed and whether they are qualified for the role.

Following the suggestions put forth by the committee, the Conference of Presidents, which includes EP President Metsola and the leaders of political groups, is scheduled to carry out the concluding assessment and announce the closure of the hearings on November 21. After the Conference of Presidents has officially closed all the hearings, the evaluation letters will be made public.

Members of the European Parliament are expected to vote on approving the entire group of Commissioners during a plenary session in Strasbourg, which is set for November 25-28. The voting will be done by roll-call and requires a majority of the votes cast.

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Labour MP Chris Webb was robbed by several people while returning to his London apartment

At 38 years old, he reported being "assaulted and robbed by a group of people" on his way back to his apartment in London.

Tuesday, November 5, 2024 3:03

A Labour Member of Parliament was robbed while returning to his flat in London.

Chris Webb reported that the incident occurred on Monday night while he was returning from Parliament.

The representative for Blackpool South, aged 38, reported that he was assaulted and robbed by a group of people on bicycles, who had their faces covered with balaclavas.

"Fortunately, I'm unharmed and fine. However, they did steal my phone, so I'll be without one for a while," he further stated.

"I am grateful to the Metropolitan Police for their rapid and supportive action. The officers involved provided exceptional assistance and truly exemplified the integrity of the force."

He mentioned that he was still accessible through his office.

The Metropolitan Police verified that their officers received a call at 9:55 PM on Monday concerning a robbery report on Lambeth Walk in South London.

"A spokesperson reported that a group of men confronted the victim and forcibly took the phone from his grasp."

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Mr. Webb, who won his seat in a special election in May, informed the PA news agency that he didn't believe he was singled out as a Member of Parliament since "they wouldn't have known [he] was an MP."

"I'm quite tall, standing at six feet two inches, so I'm not someone who's easily targeted. Yet, it seems they were bold enough to confront and detain me momentarily to ensure their escape," he explained.

"I'm usually very conscious of my environment, and thanks to my training, especially in boxing, I have developed quite good reflexes."

Stay updated on current events from the UK and globally by tuning into Sky News.

Mr. Webb secured his iPhone by activating the lock through his smartwatch. Upon the arrival of law enforcement, he assisted them in locating the device, leading to the arrest of a suspect at the traced location.

Mr. Webb's phone remains missing.

Authorities are continuing their investigation and are urging anyone with details regarding the reported robbery to come forward.

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Campaign advocate Sir Alan Bates warns Prime Minister that time is running out for Horizon scandal redress

Sir Alan Bates, in his correspondence to the prime minister, noted that it had been over a month since their last communication. He urged for a firm March 2025 deadline to be set for compensating the sub-postmasters affected by the Horizon debacle, pressing Sir Keir Starmer to expedite the process.

Business reporter @SkyNewsAdele

Tuesday, November 5, 2024, 4:

Advocate for Post Office reform, Sir Alan Bates, has sent a letter to Sir Keir Starmer, emphasizing that time continues to progress towards a looming deadline for victim compensation.

In his correspondence with the prime minister, Sir Alan insisted on setting a March 2025 deadline to provide reparations to the sub-postmasters affected by the Horizon incident.

Earlier today, Sir Alan informed Sky News that he had not yet received a response from the prime minister.

"He mentioned that it happened more than a month ago."

I reached out to him with a reminder the day before. I emphasized that time was continuing to pass and that we are now five months away from the March deadline, which, according to other experts, remains attainable.

"Let's proceed, that's all we're asking for. Just proceed."

Later in the day, Downing Street announced that Sir Keir had replied to the letter from Sir Alan.

The spokesperson for the prime minister stated: "Clearly, it was necessary for us to take the necessary time to deliberate on the concerns mentioned in the letter addressed to the prime minister, formulate our reply, ensure its precision and comprehensiveness, and naturally, we collaborated with the pertinent departments to guarantee that the prime minister's response was thorough."

"The reply was given earlier today. Regarding the core of the matter, the authorities are dedicated to swiftly providing compensation to those impacted and are exerting every effort to accelerate the process in all related programs."

Officials reported that by the beginning of this month, over 3,100 claimants had received a total of approximately £438 million.

Discover further details at Sky News: Ukraine initiates bombardment of North Korean forces on Russian territory. What comparisons can be drawn between 2024 and the most eventful US election evenings? Glastonbury Festival introduces modifications to its ticketing system.

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Sir Alan discusses 'changing objectives'

Sir Alan testified before the Business and Trade Select Committee on Tuesday, addressing inquiries about reported delays faced by claimants in several compensation programs.

He talked about problems such as "changing standards" within the "rules and foundations" of the programs, noting that they "have been altered multiple times".

He also mentioned that the programs frequently became entangled in red tape.

Stay informed about the most recent developments in the UK and globally by tuning into Sky News.

Suing the government 'under consideration'

Sir Alan highlighted the concept of "fairness" in the plans, asking whether it should be the government or the victims who make the decisions.

When questioned about the fairness of his proposal, he responded, "According to whom?"

He additionally mentioned that taking legal steps against the government is being contemplated if they fail to address the issue by March of the following year.

He expressed worries that it could potentially "stop" the ongoing Group Litigation Order (GLO) scheme, but noted it "could be a risk that individuals are willing to accept."

"He emphasized the importance of establishing deadlines," he noted. "They [the Department for Business and Trade] are extremely apprehensive about setting deadlines."

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The Impact of Donald Trump on UK Politics

Wednesday, November 6, 2024, 07:35, UK

Sky News’ assistant political editor, Sam Coates, alongside Politico’s Jack Blanchard, deliver a daily briefing on political events, all condensed into a quick, sub-20-minute overview.

As the prospect of Donald Trump returning to the White House becomes increasingly likely, the question arises: what will be the UK government's response?

Big developments are unfolding in the UK, but Sir Keir Starmer must also zero in on today's session in the House of Commons where he'll challenge Kemi Badenoch during her debut PMQs as the new Opposition leader. Jack and Sam speculate on her likely approach and the prime minister's performance against her.

🎧 Tune into the Politics At Jack And Sam's podcast on your favorite podcast platform! 🎧

Additionally, the chancellor will undergo intense questioning by the Treasury Select Committee regarding her budget that includes tax increases.

To reach Jack and Sam, you can either message them on WhatsApp at 07511 867 633 or send an email to jackandsam@sky.uk.

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US Election: Starmer and Badenoch Headline UK Well-Wishes as Trump Secures Victory

Donald Trump has triumphed over Democratic rival Kamala Harris in the contest to be the next President of the United States, and Sir Keir Starmer has expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with him moving forward.

Political correspondent @alixculbertson

Wednesday, November 6, 2024, 1:

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Sir Keir Starmer and Kemi Badenoch have each extended their congratulations to Donald Trump for his "remarkable" and "noteworthy" victory in the US elections, expressing their commitment to collaborate closely with the incoming president.

The prime minister expressed his desire for the UK and the US to maintain their collaborative efforts in upholding the mutual principles of liberty and democratic governance.

He informed members of parliament, "After dining with President-elect Trump recently, I am eager to collaborate with him in the upcoming years."

Sir Keir extended his congratulations alongside Kemi Badenoch, the recently appointed Tory leader, who commented on Mr. Trump's "remarkable win" during their initial joint appearance at Prime Minister's Questions.

Current US Election Update: Trump Secures Victory

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey described it as a "dark, dark day for people across the world," labeling Mr. Trump as a "dangerous destructive demagogue."

In her inaugural address as the Conservative leader at the despatch box, Ms. Badenoch quickly took the opportunity to confront Sir Keir regarding previous remarks by his Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, which she described as "disparaging and crude" towards Mr. Trump.

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The Implications of Donald Trump's Victory for Sir Keir Starmer and the UK

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She inquired if either Sir Keir or Mr. Lammy had issued an apology to Mr. Trump during their meeting in September, a question to which the prime minister did not respond directly.

Mr. Trump announced his win at 2:20 a.m. local time in Florida, which is 7:20 a.m. in the UK on Wednesday, after securing 266 electoral votes compared to Kamala Harris's 219. He stated his intention to "heal the country."

His win was secured as he exceeded the 270 electoral college votes needed after capturing Wisconsin, and he continues to be on track to take all seven battleground states.

Sir Keir and Mr. Trump have historically had a strained relationship, evidenced by the Trump team lodging a formal complaint against Labour representatives who went to key U.S. states to support the Harris campaign as volunteers.

In a communication addressed to the U.S. Federal Election Commission, the letter described the volunteer efforts as "unlawful contributions from foreign nationals."

Sir Keir emphasized that his relationship with Mr. Trump was positive, noting that they had recently dined together in New York to maintain friendly relations.

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Previously, Mr. Lammy had labeled Mr. Trump as a supporter of the KKK and Nazis, yet he extended his congratulations to the newly elected president and expressed his eagerness to collaborate with him and the incoming vice president, JD Vance.

"He stated that the United States is the United Kingdom's closest ally, emphasizing that this cherished bond has been maintained for over eight decades."

Sir Ed, alongside Green co-leader Carla Denyer and London Mayor Sadiq Khan, a member of the Labour Party, expressed more critical comments.

The leader of the Liberal Democrats stated, "Today is a grim day for individuals worldwide. The most sizable economy and the mightiest military force will now be under the control of a perilous and ruinous leader."

The upcoming leader of the United States is someone who consistently challenges the principles of legality, human rights, international commerce, environmental initiatives, and worldwide safety.

"Countless individuals across the United States, particularly women and people of color, are facing significant anxiety about future developments. We are in solidarity with them."

He emphasized that repairing the UK's "fractured relationship" with the EU has become "more critical than ever" in order to mitigate the potential harm caused by Trump's actions.

Discover more: Identifying the Key Figures in Kemi Badenoch's Latest Shadow Cabinet. Increase in University Tuition Fees Condemned as 'Ethically Unjustifiable'

Mr. Khan expressed his understanding that "numerous residents of London might feel apprehensive and scared" regarding the implications for democratic values and women's rights, as well as the potential effects on the Middle East and Ukraine.

"Today's takeaway is that advancement isn't guaranteed," he remarked.

"Today, it is crucial that we reaffirm our commitment to progressive ideals—creating a society that renounces racism and hatred, vigorously defends the essential rights of women and girls, and confronts the climate change emergency directly."

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Ms. Denyer of the Green party described the situation as a "dark day," labeling Mr. Trump as "a dangerous bigot, bully, and liar… a convicted criminal and a fascist… a denier of climate change, an avowed racist and misogynist, and someone who has attempted to undermine elections and provoke insurrection."

Reform UK chief Nigel Farage described Mr. Trump's victory as "the most remarkable political revival we've seen in our lives."

Ex-Prime Minister Liz Truss commented that his win is "excellent news for the US and Western nations," and stated: "Let the comeback start!"

Former Conservative Home Secretary Suella Braverman stated that Mr. Trump "is now positioned to champion the causes of democracy, prosperity, and peace globally," and she further noted that the UK "will remain supportive of your efforts."

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US Election: Starmer and Badenoch Headline UK Congratulatory Messages as Trump Secures Victory

Donald Trump has emerged victorious over Democratic challenger Kamala Harris in the contest for US presidency, with Sir Keir Starmer expressing eagerness to collaborate in the coming years.

Political correspondent @alixculbertson

Wednesday, November 6, 2024, at 1

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Sir Keir Starmer and Kemi Badenoch have each extended their congratulations to Donald Trump for his "historic" and "impressive" victory in the US election, committing to collaborate closely with the incoming president.

The prime minister expressed his desire for the UK and the US to maintain their collaboration in upholding the common principles of liberty and democratic governance.

He informed members of parliament, "After recently dining with President-elect Trump, I am eager to collaborate with him in the forthcoming years."

Sir Keir, along with Kemi Badenoch, the newly appointed leader of the Conservatives, commended Mr. Trump on his significant win during their initial joint appearance at Prime Minister's Questions.

Breaking News: Trump Secures Victory in US

Liberal Democrat chief Sir Ed Davey described the day as "extremely grim for people worldwide," labeling Mr. Trump a "harmful and ruinous leader."

In her debut address as the Conservative leader at the dispatch box, Ms. Badenoch quickly confronted Sir Keir regarding statements by David Lammy, his Foreign Secretary, which she characterized as disrespectful and crude remarks previously directed at Mr. Trump.

Further Discussion on Donald Trump

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The Implications of Donald Trump's Victory for Sir Keir Starmer and the United Kingdom

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She inquired if either Sir Keir or Mr. Lammy had offered an apology to Mr. Trump during their meeting in September, a question to which the prime minister did not respond directly.

Mr. Trump announced his win at 2:20 AM local time in Florida (7:20 AM UK time) on Wednesday, having secured 266 electoral votes compared to Kamala Harris's 219, and stated his intention to "heal the country."

His triumph was sealed as he exceeded the 270 electoral college votes needed by securing Wisconsin, and he is on track to sweep all seven battleground states.

Sir Keir and Mr. Trump have historically had a strained relationship, evidenced by the Trump team lodging a formal complaint against Labour representatives who went to key American states to support the Harris team as volunteers.

In a communication addressed to the U.S. Federal Election Commission, it was stated that the volunteer efforts constituted "unlawful contributions from foreign nationals."

Sir Keir affirmed that he maintains a "good relationship" with Mr. Trump, noting that they had dinner together in New York last month to solidify their positive rapport.

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Previously, Mr. Lammy had labeled Mr. Trump as a sympathizer of the KKK and Nazis, yet he extended his congratulations to the newly elected president and expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with him and the vice president-elect, JD Vance.

"He stated that the United States is the United Kingdom's most steadfast ally, emphasizing that the cherished special relationship has thrived for over eight decades across both sides of the Atlantic."

Sir Ed, alongside Green co-leader Carla Denyer and London Mayor Sadiq Khan, expressed less compromising statements.

The leader of the Liberal Democrats stated: "Today marks a grim moment for individuals worldwide. The biggest economic power and top military force is now under the control of a perilous and ruinous populist."

The incoming U.S. president is someone who consistently challenges the principles of legal integrity, human rights, international commerce, climate initiatives, and worldwide safety.

"Countless individuals across the United States, particularly women and people of color, are deeply concerned about future developments. We are in solidarity with them."

He emphasized the increased urgency to mend the UK’s “strained ties” with the EU to “shield ourselves from the harm Trump might cause.”

Discover more: Identifying the key figures in Kemi Badenoch's latest shadow cabinet. The increase in university tuition fees has been criticized as 'ethically unjustifiable'.

Mr. Khan expressed his understanding that "numerous residents of London might feel apprehensive and concerned" regarding its implications on democratic values and women's rights, as well as its effects on the Middle East and Ukraine.

"Today's takeaway is that advancement isn't guaranteed," he remarked.

"Emphasizing our progressive principles has never been more crucial—pledging anew to create a society that dismisses racism and hatred, steadfastly protects the essential rights of women and girls, and confronts the climate change emergency directly."

🎧 Tune in to the Politics At Jack And Sam's podcast on your favorite listening app 🎧

Ms. Denyer from the Greens described the situation as a "dark day" and labeled Mr. Trump as "a dangerous bigot, bully, and liar… a convicted criminal and a fascist… a denier of climate change, an avowed racist and misogynist, and a man who has attempted to undermine elections and provoke insurrection."

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage described Mr. Trump's victory as "the most remarkable political resurgence in our lifetime."

Former Prime Minister Liz Truss referred to his win as "great news for the US and the West," and declared, "Let the fightback start!"

Former Conservative Home Secretary Suella Braverman expressed that Mr. Trump is now in a position to champion democracy, prosperity, and peace globally. She also mentioned that the UK will maintain its support for him.

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US Election: Starmer and Badenoch Extend British Congratulations Following Trump's Victory

Donald Trump has emerged victorious over Democratic challenger Kamala Harris in the contest for US president, with Sir Keir Starmer expressing eagerness to collaborate with him in the coming years.

Political journalist @alixculbertson

Wednesday, November 6, 2024, 1:

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Sir Keir Starmer and Kemi Badenoch have each extended their congratulations to Donald Trump for his "remarkable" and "significant" win in the US election, committing to collaborate closely with the incoming president.

The prime minister expressed his desire for the UK and the US to "maintain their collaboration in upholding the common values of liberty and democracy."

He informed members of Parliament, "After recently having dinner with President-elect Trump, I am eager to collaborate with him in the forthcoming years."

Sir Keir, accompanied by Kemi Badenoch, the newly appointed Tory leader, commented on Mr. Trump's "remarkable win" during their initial joint appearance at Prime Minister's Questions.

Latest Update on US Elections: Trump Emerges

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey described the situation as a "dark, dark day for people across the world," labeling Mr. Trump as a "dangerous destructive demagogue."

Addressing Parliament as the Conservative leader for the first time, Ms. Badenoch quickly confronted Sir Keir regarding statements made by his foreign secretary, David Lammy, which she described as "derogatory and scatological" towards Mr. Trump.

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How Donald Trump's Victory Could Impact Sir Keir Starmer and the UK

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She inquired if either Sir Keir or Mr. Lammy had offered an apology to Mr. Trump during their encounter in September, a question to which the prime minister did not provide a direct response.

Mr. Trump announced his win at 2:20 AM local time in Florida, which was 7:20 AM in the UK on Wednesday, after securing 266 electoral votes compared to Kamala Harris's 219. He stated his intention to "heal the country."

His win was secured after he exceeded the 270 electoral college votes needed by taking Wisconsin, and he is poised to sweep all seven battleground states.

Sir Keir and Mr. Trump have historically had a strained relationship, evidenced by the Trump team's legal actions against Labour representatives who went to key U.S. states to support the Harris campaign as volunteers.

In correspondence with the US Federal Election Commission, it was stated that the volunteer work constituted "unlawful contributions from foreign nationals."

Sir Keir emphasized that he maintains a "good relationship" with Mr. Trump, noting that they recently had dinner together in New York to confirm their amicable rapport.

For an optimal video viewing experience, it is recommended to utilize the Chrome browser

Previously, Mr. Lammy labeled Mr. Trump as a sympathizer of racists, the KKK, and Nazis. However, he congratulated the newly elected president and expressed his eagerness to collaborate with him and Vice President-elect JD Vance.

"He stated, 'The United States is the United Kingdom's most steadfast ally, a bond that has been deeply valued for over 80 years by both nations across the Atlantic.'"

Sir Ed, Green co-leader Carla Denyer, and London's Labour mayor Sadiq Khan expressed less accommodating comments.

The leader of the Liberal Democrats stated: "Today is a profoundly grim day for individuals worldwide. The biggest economic system and the strongest military force are now under the command of a perilous, ruinous leader.

The forthcoming U.S. president is an individual who consistently challenges the principles of legal governance, human rights, international commerce, environmental initiatives, and worldwide safety.

"Countless people across the United States, particularly women and individuals from minority groups, are deeply concerned about future developments. We are in solidarity with them."

He emphasized the increased urgency of repairing the UK's "fractured relationship" with the EU to "shield ourselves from the harm Trump may cause."

Discover more: Identifying the key figures in Kemi Badenoch’s latest shadow cabinet. Increase in university fees condemned as 'ethically unjustifiable'

Mr. Khan expressed his understanding that "numerous residents of London might feel uneasy and apprehensive" regarding the implications for democracy and women's rights, as well as the potential effects on the Middle East and Ukraine.

"Today's takeaway is that advancement isn't guaranteed," he stated.

"Emphasizing our progressive ideals has never been more crucial – reaffirming our dedication to creating a society where racism and hatred are dismissed, the essential rights of women and girls are respected, and where we persist in confronting the issue of climate change directly."

👉 Tune into the Politics At Jack And Sam's podcast on your favorite podcast platform👈

Ms. Denyer of the Greens labeled the day as "bleak" and described Mr. Trump as "a perilous bigot, intimidator, and deceiver…a confirmed felon and a fascist…a denier of climate science, an avowed racist and misogynist, and someone who has attempted to undermine elections and stir up rebellion."

Reform UK chief Nigel Farage described Mr. Trump's victory as "the most astonishing political revival we've witnessed in our lifetime."

Ex-Prime Minister Liz Truss expressed that his win was "excellent news for the US and Western nations," adding, "Let the counterattack start!"

Former Conservative Home Secretary Suella Braverman stated that Mr. Trump "is now in a position to champion democracy, prosperity, and peace globally," and she added that the UK "will keep backing you."

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The Impact of Donald Trump's Victory on Sir Keir Starmer and Britain

For years, efforts have been made to mend relations, and soon, Downing Street will find out if these efforts have been successful.

Assistant Political Editor @SamCoatesSky

Wednesday, November 6, 2024, 1:

In a June 2019 article, Sir Keir Starmer discussed his least favored figures in international politics, stating, "Receiving support from Donald Trump is a clear indicator of the flaws in Boris Johnson's political approach and his unsuitability for the role of prime minister."

In the same month, he once more expressed his criticism, stating, "Humanity and dignity. Two concepts that President Trump fails to comprehend."

At that time, Theresa May held the position of Prime Minister, while Jeremy Corbyn was at the helm of the Labour Party, and Sir Keir was already contemplating a leadership bid in the event that his party did not win the election.

At that moment, Sir Keir's tweets were simply meant as a benign attempt to increase his attractiveness among Labour supporters by rallying against a shared political adversary. Clearly, they were not intended to leave a lasting impact on diplomatic relations.

2024 US Election Coverage: Live Updates

The current Foreign Secretary under Sir Keir, David Lammy, had previously expressed strong criticisms about Donald Trump in 2017. At the time, not bound by the responsibilities of being a frontbencher and during Jeremy Corbyn's leadership, Lammy accused Trump of supporting "a fascist, racist, extremist hate group." Speaking directly to the then-president, Lammy declared: "You are not welcome in my country and my city."

Different from Sir Keir, Lammy lacked a greater objective when he shared his posts. In his book, "Tribes," Lammy confessed that he opted for particularly sharp and direct words when crafting his message, aware that it would create a stir on Twitter. Indeed, it did; he mentions in his book that the message was reshared 58,000 times.

These two individuals must now rely on the hope that their previous incidents have faded from memory, enabling them to collaborate with one of the world's most erratic, unforeseeable, and self-centered political figures. This politician has recently made a dramatic comeback to the White House after spending four years out of the spotlight.

Since his appointment as shadow foreign secretary in November 2021, addressing this issue has been a primary focus for Lammy.

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Lammy, who experienced his childhood summers in New York and later pursued his education at Harvard Law School, is well-acquainted with American political dynamics. He made multiple trips, at least five, to the United States as a member of the Opposition, focusing on strengthening ties with Republican leaders. During this time, he observed the growing likelihood of Donald Trump making a comeback to the White House.

His network of Republican contacts now features Robert O'Brien, who served as the last National Security Adviser during Trump's initial term, Mike Pompeo, the former Secretary of State, and Elbridge Colby, a potential candidate for a defense or security position should Trump regain the presidency.

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Lammy's ability to win over Colby, who is known for his tough stance on China and might be expected to align with the Conservatives, was so effective that he recently provided an impressive interview to the Telegraph, indicating that real advances may have been achieved.

"Currently, there seems to be a significant gap between American conservatives and their British counterparts," Colby explained to the publication. He continued to commend the Labour Party's broader foreign policy strategies.

"Colby notes that Lammy has genuinely tried to engage with conservatives and those aligned with the new Right in the United States," he mentions. "I appreciate the messages coming from both Lammy and [Defence Secretary John] Healey," he adds.

"Indeed, in their strategy for defense, I perceive a much more pragmatic assessment of objectives, strategies, and resources, which marks a significant improvement over Cameron's methods that were notably disjointed and ultimately shifted the responsibility onto the Americans – with the 2011 Libya bombing campaign as the most striking instance."

Colby dismissed Lammy's previous remarks, noting, "Many people have made statements in the past that they no longer stand by."

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Lammy is also convinced that he possesses another, potentially more significant diplomatic asset to help mend ties—Trump's choice for vice president, JD Vance.

Lammy and Vance initially crossed paths well before Vance became Trump's vice presidential pick. Interestingly, both had previously expressed criticism towards Trump. They connected through their shared experiences of writing books, overcoming challenging backgrounds, and practicing law prior to their political careers.

The task will be to transform that connection into something significant when the most unpredictable figure reenters the White House in January.

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The past couple of months have demonstrated the volatile nature of relationships.

The peak moment came during a two-hour meal at Trump Tower in September, attended by Trump, Starmer, and Lammy. A UK official noted, "We interpreted that, particularly the choice of venue, as a sign of goodwill."

The nadir came with the exposure of Labour's mobilization to support the Democrats, featuring many party members aiming to block Trump’s win—an endeavor that the candidate himself exploited, leading the Republican Party to initiate legal action. It remains uncertain what recollections Trump will bring with him into the presidency.

Yet, international challenges and the effects of U.S. internal policies may still deteriorate worldwide interactions.

Considerable deliberation has been dedicated to the strategies the UK and EU nations will adopt in response to potential threats to NATO and President Trump's position on Ukraine.

This Thursday, European officials are set to convene at the European Political Community meeting to review the evolving international landscape.

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In Whitehall, there's hope that Trump's passion for negotiating could lead him to push Russian President Vladimir Putin on the issue of Ukraine instead of just abandoning the matter.

Europe, along with the UK, has started discussing future plans, whether the US is involved or not.

The UK appears more vulnerable in the looming trade conflict, particularly with President Trump's proposed 10% tariff on imported goods. Conversations with some government officials reveal a somewhat indifferent attitude, highlighting that most of the UK's trade dealings with the US involve services, which might not be affected by this tariff.

Manufacturers argue that this perspective is overly content, noting that the UK exports cars, pharmaceuticals, and Scotch whisky to the US, totaling £70 billion – a figure that is twice as much as exports to Germany, the UK's second largest export market.

They have been urgently requesting that the business department ministers address the risk with the seriousness it warrants. Recently, Jonathan Reynolds, the business secretary, approved simulations to study the potential effects of any proposed tariffs.

Several Labour MPs believe that if Trump is victorious, it could significantly impact GDP growth negatively, serving as a criticism of those in the administration who have underestimated the potential consequences of US protectionism.

Economic and international instability always comes at a price, yet the Starmer administration is optimistic that it has taken feasible steps to offer some level of protection.

They will shortly discover whether it is effective.

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