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."

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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.

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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.

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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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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.

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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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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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Lee Anderson: Panel Demands Apology from MP for Cursing at Security Staff in Parliament

An independent committee determined that Mr. Anderson used profane language toward a security officer on two occasions after his entry pass malfunctioned while he attempted to access the parliamentary grounds.

Political journalist @Journoamrogers

Wednesday, November 6, 2024, 11:

Reform Party MP Lee Anderson is required to issue an apology in the House of Commons for using profanity towards a security officer on two occasions after his entry pass malfunctioned while he attempted to access Parliament.

According to findings from the Independent Expert Panel (IEP), Mr. Anderson must issue an apology in the House of Commons for violating the parliament's bullying and harassment policy.

In November 2023, the Member of Parliament for Ashfield was discovered to have used profanity towards a security guard twice after his access card failed to function while attempting to enter the parliamentary grounds.

The report states that on November 3 of the previous year, Mr. Anderson directed the security officer to unlock a door at the Derby Gate search post, which serves as an entry point to parliament.

Latest Political Updates: Starmer Responds to US Election Outcome

When requested to present his pass, Mr. Anderson reportedly responded, "F*** off, everyone lets me in, you're the only exception."

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When asked once more to present his pass, Mr. Anderson responded, "f*** you, I have a train to catch," and then proceeded to leave the checkpoint, as stated in the complaint.

The document stated that Mr. Anderson acknowledged feeling "upset, impatient, and angry," yet he refuted claims of being 'aggressive' and denied using foul language towards the complainant.

The discovery came after a grievance was filed with the Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme (ICGS), leading to a probe by an independent investigator designated by the ICGS, who advised that the complaint be sustained.

Learn more: Labour MP robbed while returning to London apartment. Who are the key figures in Badenoch's updated shadow cabinet?

Mr. Anderson challenged the decision at the IEP, however, the subcommittee reviewing the matter rejected his appeal, finding that it lacked significant merit.

Stay informed with the most recent updates from the UK and globally by tuning into Sky News.

The findings determined that Mr. Anderson ought to issue an apology to the complainant and make a personal statement to the House as a form of redress.

Mr. Anderson initially won the Ashfield seat in 2019 as a member of the Conservative Party. He switched his allegiance to the Reform Party in March of this year following his expulsion from the Conservative parliamentary group. His expulsion came after he declined to apologize for claiming that London Mayor Sadiq Khan was under the influence of "Islamists".

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Hearing of Nominee Christophe Hansen for Commission Membership

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On Monday, the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development conducted an interview with Christophe Hansen, the Luxembourgish nominee for the portfolio of Agriculture and Food.

Der Fraktionsvorsitzende und die Koordinatoren treffen sich um 22:30 Uhr, um die Fähigkeiten und Qualifikationen des vorgeschlagenen Kommissars zu beurteilen.

Empfehlungen zur Optimierung der Arbeits- und Lebensverhältnisse von Bauern

In seiner Antrittsrede erklärte Christophe Hansen, der neu ernannte Kommissar für Landwirtschaft und Ernährung, dass neun Millionen landwirtschaftliche Betriebe für die Versorgung der Europäer mit sicheren und hochwertigen Lebensmitteln verantwortlich sind. Diese Betriebe bilden zudem die vorderste Front gegen den Verlust der Artenvielfalt und den Klimawandel in Europa. Gleichzeitig stehen sie jedoch unter wachsendem wirtschaftlichen Druck durch den globalen Wettbewerb und sind die ersten, die von extremen Wetterbedingungen betroffen sind.

Mr. Hansen committed to continuing the "Strategic Dialogue" launched by the President of the Commission. He plans to visit farmers across Europe and, in close cooperation with the Parliament, develop a "vision for future agricultural and food policy" within his first 100 days in office. This vision will serve as the foundation for the upcoming CAP reform.

Hansen, der seine Kindheit auf einem landwirtschaftlichen Betrieb verbrachte, betonte, dass er sich auf die Erschwinglichkeit von Agrarland und angemessene Einkommen für junge Bauern konzentrieren wolle. Dies soll ihnen helfen, den Übergang zu einem umweltfreundlichen und wirtschaftlich nachhaltigen Agrarsektor zu gestalten.

Upcoming Overhaul of the Common Agricultural Policy

The legislators questioned the commissioner-designate about the size and composition of the future budget for the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and inquired about his plans to ensure that farmers receive a fair price for their products. Mr. Hansen committed to exploring alternative sources of income and promoting capital investments, while also aiming to enhance the bargaining power of the farmers.

When asked about cutting down the bureaucratic burden for farmers and achieving the "Green Deal" objectives within the new CAP, Mr. Hansen emphasized the importance of streamlining current regulations while also supporting the EU's environmental goals.

Additional topics highlighted by the parliament members included the need to establish a level playing field for EU farmers when competing with producers from outside the EU, access to capital and innovations, and ensuring fair wages for workers within the agricultural sector.

Schauen Sie sich die vollständige Aufzeichnung der Anhörung im Videoformat an.

Upcoming Actions

Based on the committee's recommendations, the Conference of Presidents, which includes EP President Metsola and the leaders of the parliamentary groups, will make the final assessment and announce the conclusion of the hearings on November 21. After the Conference of Presidents officially concludes all hearings, the assessment letters will be made public.

The European Parliament is set to hold a roll-call vote to elect the full College of Commissioners during its plenary session scheduled from November 25 to 28 in Strasbourg.

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Commissioner-designate Apostolos Tzitzikostas Faces Committee

On Monday night, the Transport and Tourism Committee held a hearing with Apostolos Tzitzikostas, the Greek nominee for the role focusing on sustainable transport and tourism.

The chair of the committee, along with the coordinators from various political groups, will convene immediately to evaluate the abilities and credentials of the proposed Commissioner.

Transport that is both competitive and environmentally friendly

During his opening remarks, Mr. Tzitzikostas highlighted his priorities if he is confirmed as the Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism. He plans to boost the EU transport sector's competitiveness, adhere to the schedules for its green and digital transformations, finish the Trans-European Transport (TEN-T) network by the set deadlines, improve transport safety, and ensure the enforcement of existing EU regulations. To advance decarbonization efforts in transport, such as creating sustainable fuels and expanding charging infrastructure, he promised to introduce a sustainable transport investment plan by 2025. Furthermore, regarding competitiveness, he vowed to formulate an EU industrial action plan specifically for the automotive industry.

Regarding changes in transportation methods, the Commissioner-designate announced his intention to unveil a proposal aimed at linking EU capitals and major cities through high-speed rail networks, incorporating overnight train services. Furthermore, Mr. Tzitzikostas pledged to introduce a unified digital system for booking and purchasing rail tickets within the initial year of his tenure.

Addressing the topic of tourism, he emphasized that the European Union should retain its status as the leading global destination. He pledged to implement a strategy focused on sustainable tourism, aiming to bolster the industry while ensuring the welfare of local communities is maintained.

Solutions from Europe, employment environments, transition in transportation methods

A number of Members of the European Parliament urged the incoming Commissioner to back the transport and tourism industries within the EU and to seek EU-wide solutions. Among the requests made to Mr. Tzitzikostas were reducing bureaucratic hurdles, decreasing the need for reporting, and halting new proposals until an impact assessment is conducted.

Members of the European Parliament inquired about the employment conditions within the transport industry, focusing particularly on the aviation and maritime sectors. They obtained a promise from Mr. Tzitzikostas to conduct a thorough assessment of this issue within his initial 100 days in office.

During the discussion, members inquired about Mr. Tzitzikostas's insights on several key issues. These included the evaluation of aviation services and air passenger rights regulations, strategies for transitioning from road to rail transport, specific suggestions to promote high-speed and overnight train services, initiatives for creating environmentally friendly corporate vehicle fleets, and further actions needed to enhance safety in the transport sector.

Mr. Tzitzikostas faced questions about particular strategies to revive the European Union’s car industry, the financial aid required to finish the TEN-T network, and strategies to guarantee maritime safety while addressing the interference caused by Russia's fleet of covert vessels.

The complete video of the hearing is available for viewing here.

Media briefing

Following the conclusion of the hearing, Ms. Elissavet Vozemberg, who leads the Transport and Tourism Committee, addressed the media outside the meeting room. You can view her remarks here.

Future actions

Following the suggestions made by the committee, the Conference of Presidents, which includes EP President Metsola and the leaders of political groups, plans to carry out the concluding assessment and officially end the hearings on November 21. After the hearings are officially concluded by the Conference of Presidents, the letters containing the evaluations will be made public.

Members of the European Parliament are set to vote on the entire group of Commissioners, with the decision requiring a majority of the votes. This roll-call vote is slated for the plenary session happening in Strasbourg from November 25th to 28th.

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Listening Session for Commissioner Nominee Apostolos Tzitzikostas

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On Monday night, the Transport and Tourism Committee held a session to interview Apostolos Tzitzikostas, the Greek nominee for the position overseeing sustainable transport and tourism.

The head of the committee and the leaders of the political groups will convene promptly to evaluate how well the Commissioner-designate has performed and to review their qualifications.

Eco-friendly and competitive transportation

During his opening remarks, Mr. Tzitzikostas emphasized that, if he is confirmed as the Commissioner for sustainable transport and tourism, his priorities will include boosting the competitiveness of the EU’s transportation sector. He plans to adhere to the established schedule for its transition towards green and digital solutions, and aims to complete the Trans-European Transport (TEN-T) network by the designated deadlines. Additionally, he intends to improve transport safety and ensure that current EU regulations are enforced. To advance transport decarbonization efforts, such as increasing the production of sustainable fuels and expanding charging infrastructure, he promised to introduce a sustainable transport investment strategy in 2025. Regarding competitiveness, he vowed to create an EU industrial action plan for the automotive industry.

Regarding the transition to other modes of transport, the Commissioner-designate announced his intention to introduce a proposal aimed at linking EU capitals and major cities through high-speed rail networks, which would also incorporate overnight train services. Furthermore, Mr. Tzitzikostas pledged to unveil a unified digital system for booking and purchasing rail tickets within the first year of his term.

Regarding tourism, he emphasized that the European Union should continue to be the top global destination. He pledged to implement a sustainable tourism plan that would bolster the industry while ensuring the welfare of local populations is safeguarded.

Approaches in Europe, employment environments, transition in transportation methods

A number of Members of the European Parliament urged the nominated Commissioner to back the EU's transport and tourism industries and seek EU-wide solutions. Among their requests, MEPs called for reducing bureaucratic hurdles, decreasing the need for reports, and halting new initiatives until an impact assessment is conducted. These appeals were directed towards Mr. Tzitzikostas.

Members of the European Parliament raised concerns about employment conditions in the transportation industry, focusing particularly on the aviation and maritime sectors. They obtained a promise from Mr. Tzitzikostas to conduct a thorough review of these conditions within his initial 100 days in office.

Members raised inquiries with Mr. Tzitzikostas about several topics, including the evaluation of aviation services and regulations concerning air passenger rights. They also discussed strategies for transitioning from road transport to rail, specific plans to promote high-speed and overnight train travel, the advancement of environmentally friendly corporate vehicle fleets, and further initiatives to enhance transport safety.

Mr. Tzitzikostas faced questions about particular actions to aid the revival of the EU's car industry, the funding required to finish the TEN-T network, and strategies to secure maritime safety while addressing the interference caused by Russia's covert fleet.

You can view the complete hearing's video recording at this link.

Media briefing

Following the conclusion of the hearing, Ms. Elissavet Vozemberg, who serves as the Chair of the Transport and Tourism Committee, addressed the press outside the meeting room. You can view it here.

Upcoming Actions

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

Members of the European Parliament are set to vote on the entire group of Commissioners, with the decision determined by a majority in a roll-call vote. This event is planned to occur at the plenary session in Strasbourg from November 25 to 28.

Contacts:

Gediminas VILKAS

Kyriakos KLOSIDIS

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Commissioner-Designate Apostolos Tzitzikostas' Hearing

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On Monday night, members of the Transport and Tourism Committee interviewed Apostolos Tzitzikostas, the candidate from Greece, regarding his prospective role overseeing sustainable transport and tourism.

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

Environmentally friendly transportation options that prioritize competitiveness

In his opening address, Mr. Tzitzikostas emphasized that, if approved as the Commissioner for sustainable transport and tourism, his priorities will include boosting the EU transport sector's competitiveness, adhering to the planned schedule for green and digital transitions, finishing the Trans-European Transport (TEN-T) network on time, improving transport safety, and ensuring the proper implementation of existing EU regulations. To advance transport decarbonization initiatives, such as creating sustainable fuels and expanding charging infrastructure, he promised to unveil a sustainable transport investment strategy in 2025. Additionally, to enhance competitiveness, he vowed to craft an EU industrial action plan specifically for the automotive industry.

Regarding changes in transportation modes, the Commissioner-designate announced his intention to unveil a strategy aimed at linking EU capitals and major cities via high-speed rail networks, which would also encompass night train services. Furthermore, Mr. Tzitzikostas pledged to introduce a unified digital platform for booking and purchasing rail tickets within the first year of his term.

Discussing tourism, he emphasized the importance of the EU retaining its position as the top global destination. He pledged to implement a plan for sustainable tourism that would bolster the industry while ensuring the health and prosperity of local communities.

Approaches in Europe, job environments, and changes in transportation methods

A number of members of the European Parliament urged the Commissioner-designate to bolster the EU's transport and tourism industries, while also seeking EU-wide solutions. Among the requests made to Mr. Tzitzikostas were reducing bureaucratic hurdles, decreasing the need for extensive reporting, and halting the introduction of new proposals until impact assessments are conducted.

Members of the European Parliament inquired about the labor conditions in the transport industry, with a particular focus on aviation and maritime sectors. They received a pledge from Mr. Tzitzikostas to conduct a thorough assessment of the current state of affairs in these sectors within his first 100 days in office.

Members inquired of Mr. Tzitzikostas regarding the examination of regulations governing aviation services and the rights of air passengers. They also discussed the transition of transportation from road to rail, specific suggestions to promote the use of high-speed and overnight trains, the advancement of environmentally friendly company vehicle fleets, and further actions to guarantee the safety of transport.

Mr. Tzitzikostas was also asked about particular strategies to save the EU's car manufacturing sector, the funding required to finish the TEN-T network, and the initiatives to guarantee maritime safety while addressing the disruptions caused by Russia's fleet of covert ships.

The complete video of the hearing is available for viewing here.

Media briefing

Following the conclusion of the hearing, Ms. Elissavet Vozemberg, who leads the Transport and Tourism Committee, addressed the media outside the meeting room: you can view it here.

Upcoming Actions

Following the suggestions made by the committee, the Conference of Presidents, which includes EP President Metsola and the leaders of the political groups, plans to carry out the final assessment and officially conclude the hearings on November 21. After the Conference of Presidents announces the conclusion 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, requiring a majority of votes in a roll-call format. This election is planned to occur at the plenary session in Strasbourg from November 25 to 28.

Contact Persons:

Gediminas VILKAS

Kyriakos KLOSIDIS

Additional Details

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