Who is Tulip Siddiq? The departing Labour minister connected to Bangladesh who advocated for Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe's release

Ms. Siddiq, a relative of Bangladesh’s longest-tenured Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who was ousted in a coup the previous year.

Political correspondent @fayebrownSky

Tuesday, January 14, 2025, 4:

Minister for Anti-corruption Tulip Siddiq stepped down from her position following a scandal related to her connections with her aunt’s deposed political group in Bangladesh.

The Member of Parliament for Hampstead and Highgate is widely recognized for her advocacy in securing the freedom of her constituent, Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, who was imprisoned in Iran for six years.

Latest Political Update: Troubled Urban Affairs Minister Resigns from

In 2019, the mother of two made news when she postponed her cesarean section to cast her vote against Boris Johnson's Brexit agreement, arriving at parliament visibly pregnant and using a wheelchair.

Following childbirth, she broke new ground as the first Member of Parliament to cast a vote through a proxy.

Ms. Siddiq secured her initial parliamentary seat in 2015, representing the country's narrowest constituency at that time, and had previously held a position as a local council member in Camden.

The woman, 42, is related to Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has held the position longer than anyone else in the country's history. Hasina was deposed in August after a revolt against her two decades of governance.

In various blog entries from late 2008 to early 2009, Ms. Siddiq, who was then an activist with the Labour Party, shared her experiences of supporting her aunt during the general elections in South Asia, and rejoiced in her aunt's triumph.

Ms Siddiq is the granddaughter of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the inaugural president of Bangladesh, who tragically lost his life in a military coup in 1975, an event that also claimed the lives of the majority of his family members.

Her mother and aunt were spared as they were overseas when the incident occurred – her mother subsequently sought and received political asylum in the UK, which is where the Labour MP was born.

Ms. Siddiq resided in south London until the age of five, after which she spent a decade in various Asian locations, such as India and Bangladesh.

She moved back to the capital of the UK as a teenager and has resided there ever since.

Ms. Siddiq has spoken about experiencing a "unique upbringing," during which she encountered prominent figures such as Bill Clinton and Nelson Mandela.

She explained that her membership in the Labour Party was motivated by the NHS, and her experiences in Bangladesh emphasized the pervasive role of politics in daily life, making it difficult to remain apolitical.

Her connections to the nation's ruling family ultimately led to her downfall.

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Ms. Siddiq has faced scrutiny since December, following her mention in legal documents that alleged her family diverted billions of pounds from a nuclear energy initiative in Bangladesh.

It is claimed that she assisted in arranging discussions with the Russian government about the Rooppur nuclear project in 2013.

She has faced scrutiny following reports that she resided in London properties connected to her aunt's allies.

The Tories demanded Ms. Siddiq's dismissal, while Bangladeshi leader Muhammad Yunus suggested that London properties utilized by the MP be scrutinized and returned to his government, should they have been obtained by outright theft.

What accusations are being made about Ms. Siddiq?

The claims focus on potential financial connections between Tulip Siddiq and supporters of her aunt, Sheikh Hasina, who previously served as Bangladesh's prime minister.

Ms. Siddiq is currently leasing a north London property valued at £2 million, which is owned by a businessperson reportedly connected to Ms. Hasina's Awami League party.

She possesses an apartment in the heart of London, which, according to the Financial Times, was presented to her by a supporter of her aunt.

She was listed at a different property in London, which was passed on to her sister in 2009 through an attorney who has worked for Ms. Hasina's administration.

Ms. Siddiq maintains her innocence, yet recently she sought the guidance of the prime minister's ethics committee.

At that moment, Sir Keir Starmer affirmed that she had "behaved completely appropriately" by referring her own case to Sir Laurie Magnus, the independent ethics advisor, and declared he had "complete trust" in her.

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Ms. Siddiq has moved back to a less prominent parliamentary role, only half a year after securing a position within the government.

Following Labour's triumph in the July elections, she was named the economic secretary to the Treasury.

As the urban minister, commonly referred to as the anti-corruption minister, she was in charge of overseeing financial misconduct and illegal financial activities.

Prior to the national elections, she served in opposition roles related to the Treasury and education under the leadership of Sir Keir Starmer.

She also served in Jeremy Corbyn's shadow cabinet from 2016 to 2017, but stepped down due to a disagreement with his directive not to obstruct the legislation that would initiate Article 50, setting in motion Britain's departure from the EU.

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Increased scrutiny for Sir Keir Starmer as Rotherham representative supports widespread grooming investigation

Sarah Champion, the MP for the Yorkshire town since 2012, states that child sexual abuse is pervasive and must be acknowledged as a critical national issue.

Political journalist @alexrogerssky

Monday, January 13, 2025, 10:

The Labour representative for Rotherham is urging a nationwide investigation into the grooming gangs controversy, increasing the scrutiny on Sir Keir Starmer.

Sarah Champion described child sexual abuse as pervasive throughout Britain and emphasized that it should be treated as a matter of national importance.

She has joined other Labour politicians in demanding a national inquiry into child sexual exploitation (CSE), following Dan Carden, the Labour representative for Liverpool Walton, who was the initial Labour MP to support such a call over the weekend.

Andy Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester, has expressed his openness to another review, while Paul Waugh, the Labour MP for Rochdale, has endorsed an additional inquiry, provided it is supported by the victims and survivors.

Latest in Politics: Chancellor to Stay in Office Until Next Election, According to Downing Street

Ms. Champion, who stepped down from her position in Jeremy Corbyn's shadow cabinet in 2017 following her controversial comments about the involvement of British Pakistani men in the abuse and exploitation of white girls, recently released a five-point strategy to combat child sexual exploitation (CSE) on X, the social media platform owned by Elon Musk. Musk himself has shown a growing concern for this issue.

Her involvement is likely to intensify scrutiny on the prime minister, who has until now dismissed the Conservatives' demands for a nationwide investigation into "rape gangs", claiming that such an inquiry would hinder the introduction of initiatives aimed at assisting victims.

Sir Keir, who previously held the position of Director of Public Prosecutions in England and Wales, highlighted the existence of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse conducted by Professor Alexis Jay. However, detractors have claimed that the inquiry was not thorough enough.

At last week's Prime Minister's Questions, Sir Keir stated that a new inquiry would postpone the implementation of Prof Jay's suggestions until 2031.

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He criticized the Conservatives for not putting into action any of the 2022 suggestions, stating: "They've been busy on social media and giving speeches. We've been getting things done."

Last week, officials declared that following a suggestion from Prof Jay, it will now be compulsory for child welfare professionals to report allegations of sexual abuse, with failure to do so resulting in criminal penalties.

Last week, Members of Parliament rejected a Conservative proposal to initiate a new national investigation into the grooming gangs scandal, with 364 votes against and 111 in favor, resulting in a majority of 253.

Even if the Commons had approved the measure, it wouldn't have compelled the government to initiate the sought-after inquiry because of the rules governing parliamentary procedures.

Rather, this would have defeated the government's proposed laws, which are designed to overhaul aspects like the child care system and improve academic standards in educational institutions.

Ms. Champion, who had earlier expressed opposition to an additional investigation, suggested a nationwide inquiry similar to the one in Telford, emphasizing that it should be funded nationally and focus on the victims.

She expressed that local investigations lacked the authority to mandate witness testimonies, which would not quell public worries about potential concealments.

Telford is among several towns and cities where, over a decade ago, groups of men predominantly of Pakistani descent preyed on and abused young girls. This pattern of exploitation also occurred in other locations such as Oldham, Rochdale, Newcastle, and Bristol.

Ms. Champion, a long-time advocate against child sexual exploitation, stated on X: "Child sexual abuse is rampant across the UK and must be acknowledged as a major national concern," she expressed.

"There is a noticeable lack of confidence among the public towards governments and official bodies in addressing and legally pursuing cases of child abuse, particularly child sexual exploitation."

She stated: "Drawing from my extensive experience with victims, survivors, and frontline workers, I've consistently held that a deep comprehension of the crime's dynamics and the shortcomings in how public institutions react is crucial for the genuine protection of children.

"It is evident that only a nationwide investigation into the shortcomings of those in power to prevent, and take responsibility for their inadequacies, concerning grooming gangs will reestablish trust in our protection mechanisms."

In her suggestions, Ms. Champion also proposed conducting a "national audit" to investigate whether grooming gangs are currently active or if any incidents have been overlooked.

Discover more: Understanding child sexual abuse and grooming gangs: Insights and gaps from current data. A timeline of the grooming gangs scandal: Key events explored.

She emphasized the importance of delving deeper into the reasons behind the actions of grooming gang members.

She mentioned that potential initiators for these investigations in local regions could include local councils or police choosing to refer themselves, or an independent panel voicing worries.

According to Ms. Champion, accounts from victims or survivors may prompt an investigation under the proposed framework.

When inquired if Ms. Champion's opinions on the issue are influential due to her background, the spokesperson for the prime minister confirmed, "Definitely. There are a variety of opinions."

"However, we have also received differing opinions from various groups, including those representing victims and survivors. Therefore, our actions and decisions will be directed and influenced by the victims and survivors themselves."

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Reform Party nearly equals government in latest survey, hinting at a 'new era' in UK politics

A recent YouGov survey for Sky News shows Nigel Farage's party trailing the current administration by just one percentage point.

Assistant Political Editor @SamCoatesSky

Tuesday, January 14, 2025, 9:

A recent Sky News poll conducted by YouGov indicates that Reform UK's popularity is now just one percentage point behind Labour, signaling a shift towards a tripartite political landscape in Britain.

Sir Keir Starmer appears poised for a prolonged parliamentary battle with two conservative parties following a significant decline in Labour's backing, as indicated by the first YouGov survey since the general election.

According to a recent survey, the Conservative Party has fallen to third position since Kemi Badenoch assumed leadership two months ago.

Recent polling results from the weekend show Labour leading with 26%, closely followed by Reform UK at 25%. The Conservatives are currently at 22%, with the Liberal Democrats at 14% and the Greens at 8%.

In a significant shift from the general election results, Labour secured 35% of the votes, while the Conservatives trailed at 24%. Meanwhile, Reform UK captured 15%, the Liberal Democrats garnered 13%, and the Greens received 7% of the vote

Latest in Politics: Downing Street Confirms Chancellor to Stay On Through Upcoming Election

This marks the debut of YouGov's weekly polls on voting intentions for Sky News, which is also being shared with The Times.

The data indicates a decline in public approval of the government, an increase in backing for Reform UK, and illustrates the dispersion of the Labour vote into various factions post-election.

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In the recent general election, the Labour Party maintained 54% of its voter base. Of the remaining votes, 7% shifted to the Liberal Democrats, 6% moved to the Green Party, 5% switched to Reform UK, and 4% went to the Conservative Party. Additionally, 23% of respondents were undecided, chose not to disclose their preference, or decided not to vote.

Reform UK has seen an increase in its voter base since the last general election, drawing support from various parties. Notably, 16% of those who previously voted for the Conservatives now indicate they would vote for Reform UK.

Explore further: Is there hope for a Labour comeback? Survey suggests Musk's influence is detrimental to UK politics.

The verdict on Sir Keir's initial half-year tenure is harsh, nonetheless.

Around 10% of individuals believe the government has been effective, whereas 60% consider it ineffective.

Support among senior citizens for the Labour Party has diminished. Currently, only 14% of individuals aged 65 and older support Labour, a decrease from 22% during the election period.

Indications suggest that the Conservative Party continues to struggle with its image. Reform UK emerges as the least disliked, holding a net favorability score of -32. Labour is slightly less favored at -34, while the Conservatives lag significantly behind with a -45 rating.

YouGov conducted interviews with 2,279 British voters on Sunday, January 12, and Monday, January 13.

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Tulip Siddiq steps down from her role as Treasury minister

Ms. Siddiq, whose aunt is ex-Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, resigned following her aunt's ousting and subsequent exile last year. Sheikh Hasina is currently under investigation for corruption.

Political journalist @fayebrownSky

Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at 5

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Tulip Siddiq has stepped down from her position as a Treasury minister following scrutiny regarding her connections to her aunt's deposed political faction in Bangladesh.

In a written communication addressed to Sir Keir Starmer, the Member of Parliament for Hampstead and Highgate stated that although she had "not violated the ministerial code," remaining in her position would divert attention away from the government's activities.

Live Coverage: Responses to Cabinet Member's Departure

Ms. Siddiq is facing scrutiny due to claims concerning real estate connected to her aunt, Sheikh Hasina, who was ousted from her role as the prime minister of Bangladesh in August after a revolt against her two-decade rule, and is currently under investigation for corruption.

Previously, she maintained her innocence but last week, she took the step of referring herself to Sir Laurie Magnus, the prime minister's ethics advisor.

In a communication addressed to Sir Keir, the independent advisor expressed disappointment that Ms. Siddiq did not pay greater attention to the possible reputational hazards linked with her immediate family's ties to Bangladesh.

He referred to this "deficiency" as not constituting a violation of the ministerial code, adding, "however, you may want to evaluate her continuing duties in view of this situation."

Sir Laurie examined the financial dealings and property history of Ms. Siddiq, finding no signs of misconduct in her activities.

In his response, Sir Keir stated that he has received Ms Siddiq's resignation "with regret." He emphasized, "I want to make it clear that Sir Laurie Magnus, the Independent Adviser, has confirmed to me that there was no violation of the ministerial code and no proof of financial wrongdoing by you."

He commended her for choosing to resign despite it being a tough choice, and mentioned that "the door remains open for you" in the future.

Ms. Siddiq has served as a Member of Parliament since 2015, gaining notable recognition for her advocacy efforts to secure the release of her constituent, Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, who was imprisoned in Iran for six years.

Downing Street has confirmed that Wycombe MP Emma Reynolds will take over a new position in the Treasury, succeeding her predecessor. Torsten Bell is set to fill Ms. Reynolds' former position at the Department for Work and Pensions.

Ms. Siddiq served as the city minister, a position that tasked her with addressing illegal finance and corruption issues.

Earlier this week, the UK Anti-Corruption Coalition urged Ms. Siddiq to step down, alleging a significant conflict of interest, irrespective of Sir Laurie's determination regarding any breach of the ministerial code.

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In a message shared on X, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch charged Sir Keir with "hesitation and procrastination in defending his close associate," asserting that it became evident over the weekend that Ms. Siddiq's role "was absolutely unsustainable."

Sarah Olney, the spokesperson for the Cabinet Office from the Liberal Democrats, commented: "Following numerous years of Conservative corruption and controversy, the public rightfully anticipated more from the current administration."

What accusations have been made against Ms. Siddiq?

Reports suggest that Ms. Siddiq resided in London homes associated with supporters of Ms. Hasina, who is currently under scrutiny by a corruption watchdog in Bangladesh.

This encompasses a property in Finchley valued at £2.1 million, leased by the MP and owned by businessman Abdul Karim Nazim, who serves as an executive in the UK branch of her aunt’s Awami League party.

In submitting herself to Sir Laurie for scrutiny, Ms. Siddiq stated that a lot of the coverage about her financial dealings and connections with Bangladesh was incorrect, emphasizing, "I am confident that I have not committed any wrongdoing."

Court documents in Bangladesh have named Ms. Siddiq as allegedly assisting her aunt in negotiating a deal with Russia for the Rooppur nuclear power plant in 2013, a claim she denies.

The anti-corruption agency in Bangladesh has accused her of participating in the unlawful distribution of land plots in the diplomatic area of a development close to Dhaka to her family members, including her mother, sister, and brother.

A source from the Labour Party has completely denied the allegations, stating that she has not been approached by anyone regarding the issue.

Ms. Siddiq was scheduled to be part of a group traveling to China last week, however, she remained in the UK to defend her reputation.

Additional scrutiny arose when Sky News uncovered archived blog entries in which she recounted her experiences helping her aunt campaign during Bangladesh's general election and celebrating her win.

Ms. Siddiq had earlier mentioned that political discussions were never a topic between her and her aunt.

According to The Times, flyers from the MP's Labour Party and a thank-you note addressed to local party members following her election were discovered in a palace in Dhaka owned by her aunt.

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Kemi Badenoch has labeled abusers in grooming gangs as 'peasants' from 'sub-communities' abroad. The Conservative leader has advocated for a fresh nationwide investigation into grooming gangs, focusing on the cultural backgrounds of the offenders and the prevailing "culture of silence."

Political journalist @alixculbertson

Tuesday, January 14, 2025, 10:

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch described individuals involved in grooming gangs as "peasants" and stated that they come from "sub-communities" abroad.

She recently met with survivors, following her admission last week that she hadn't previously met any while advocating for a fresh national investigation into the scandal involving the abuse of predominantly white girls by mostly Pakistani-origin men.

Ms. Badenoch expressed her astonishment at the accounts she heard and emphasized the need for an investigation to address "cultural issues."

Latest in Politics: New Allegations of Corruption Surface Against Tulip Siddiq

She explained to GB News, "We're seeing a consistent trend of conduct that spans across not just one nation, but also various sub-groups within those nations, characterized by specific cultural, social, and professional backgrounds."

"You see, individuals from extremely impoverished, essentially peasant backgrounds, are profoundly rural and often isolated from even their native countries."

"They aren't always from the first generation. The nature of their employment enabled them to engage in this exploitative conduct."

She further mentioned a different problem related to a prevailing "culture of silence, a 'computer says no' attitude, a tendency to dismiss issues with 'move along, nothing to see here', and a 'not our problem' mindset, all of which are reflective of the state's approach."

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The leader of the Conservatives stated that a nationwide investigation should simultaneously examine issues related to culture.

She has consistently been at odds with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, advocating for a fresh national investigation.

The government has stated that there is no need for a new national investigation following the completion of a seven-year study released in 2022 by Professor Alexis Jay.

The emphasis, it is argued, should be on executing the 20 suggestions put forth by Professor Jay, with a preference for inquiries conducted at the local level.

Learn more: Scandal involving grooming gangs – the details. Rotherham's Labour MP supports investigation into gangs. Starmer states that the Treasury will take a 'ruthless' approach during market instability.

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Tech mogul Elon Musk has spotlighted the matter globally by criticizing Sir Keir for his role in addressing grooming gangs during his tenure as chief prosecutor from 2008-2013. The prime minister has countered Mr. Musk's allegations.

Ms. Badenoch stated that a national inquiry would reveal the truth and ensure accountability.

"She emphasized that this concerns the victims who are owed justice."

"The victims seeking justice require our commitment to apprehend and prosecute every identifiable offender, and those who neglected their responsibilities to safeguard their children must be held accountable and revealed."

Her statements were made in conjunction with Rotherham's Labour MP, Sarah Champion, advocating for a nationwide investigation into grooming gangs, with oversight managed at a local level.

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Kemi Badenoch has labeled abusers in grooming gangs as 'peasants' from 'sub-communities' abroad. The Conservative leader has advocated for a comprehensive national investigation into grooming gangs to explore two key issues: the culture of the offenders and the prevailing "culture of silence."

Political correspondent @alixculbertson

Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at 10

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch described the individuals behind grooming gangs as "peasants" from "sub-communities" abroad.

She has since met with survivors following her disclosure last week that she had not previously met any, despite advocating for a new national investigation into the scandal involving the abuse of predominantly white girls by primarily Pakistani-origin men.

Ms. Badenoch expressed her astonishment at their narratives and emphasized the need for an inquiry to examine "cultural issues."

Latest in Politics: New Allegations of Corruption Against Tulip Siddiq

She explained to GB News, "We're seeing a consistent trend of behavior that spans not only across various countries but also among specific subgroups within those nations, influenced by their unique cultural, socioeconomic, and occupational backgrounds."

"Individuals from extremely impoverished, rural backgrounds are often so isolated that they become detached from even their countries of origin."

"They aren't always from the first generation. The nature of their employment enabled them to engage in this aggressive conduct."

She further pointed out the existence of a pervasive "culture of silence, a reflexive 'computer says no' attitude, an inclination to dismiss concerns with 'move along, nothing to see here', and a tendency to abdicate responsibility with 'this is not our problem', all of which are attitudes found within state institutions.

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The leader of the Conservative Party stated that a nationwide investigation should simultaneously examine issues related to culture.

She has consistently been at odds with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer as she advocates for a fresh national investigation.

The government has stated that there is no need for an additional national investigation following the publication of a seven-year inquiry in 2022 led by Professor Alexis Jay.

The emphasis should shift towards putting into action the 20 recommendations suggested by Professor Jay, with a preference for inquiries led at the local level.

Explore further: Scandal involving grooming gangs – the details explained. Rotherham's Labour MP supports investigation into gangs. Starmer states the Treasury will act decisively during market instability.

Stay ahead with the latest breaking news.

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Tech mogul Elon Musk has spotlighted the matter globally by criticizing Sir Keir over his role in dealing with grooming gangs during his tenure as the chief prosecutor from 2008 to 2013. The prime minister has countered Mr. Musk's allegations.

Ms. Badenoch stated that a national inquiry would reveal the truth and ensure accountability.

"She emphasized that this concerns the victims who are owed justice."

"Those who survived deserve justice, which entails apprehending and prosecuting every perpetrator within our reach, and holding accountable and revealing those who neglected their responsibility to safeguard their children."

During a discussion, Sarah Champion, the Labour representative for Rotherham, advocated for a nationwide investigation into grooming gangs, with the inquiry to be conducted at the local level.

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The UK has prohibited the importation of cattle, pigs, and sheep from Germany to halt the spread of foot and mouth disease. This decision follows the discovery of the disease in a water buffalo herd near Berlin, marking Germany's first occurrence in 36 years.

Journalist focused on politics, @alixculbertson

Tuesday, January 14, 2025, 14:

Great Britain has imposed a ban on the importation of cattle, pigs, and sheep from Germany to avoid the transmission of foot and mouth disease.

The prohibition follows the detection of the disease in a group of water buffalo located in Honow, on the periphery of Berlin, this past Friday.

Germany is experiencing its first foot and mouth disease outbreak in 36 years, leading to the preventative culling of 55 goats, sheep, and cattle on a Brandenburg state farm that acquired hay from the implicated buffalo farm.

Latest in Politics: Finance Minister Set to Speak Amid Financial Market Chaos

Numerous wildlife parks, such as Berlin Zoo and Tierpark, another zoo in Germany's capital, have shut down as a preventive measure.

The British government has announced a ban on the import of live cattle, pigs, and sheep from Germany, extending also to products derived from these animals.

This encompasses raw meats, dairy, and additional products derived from animals.

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The issuance of health certificates in Great Britain for animals vulnerable to foot and mouth disease, as well as their derivatives, has been discontinued.

The infectious illness presents no threat to humans or the safety of food, but it spreads rapidly among animals with split hooves like cattle, sheep, and pigs.

Currently, the UK is free of any cases, but the UK's Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr. Christine Middlemiss, emphasized that the country will implement "all possible measures to minimize the risk of introduction and spread of this devastating disease."

In 2001, an outbreak resulted in the slaughter of millions of livestock across the UK and financial losses amounting to billions of pounds, triggering a significant crisis in the British agricultural sector.

The outbreak resulted in 2,000 reported instances, each of which required a farm to cull and incinerate all of its animals, totaling over six million sheep, cattle, and pigs destroyed.

Discover more: UK avoided the majority of COVID fatalities in Europe thanks to vaccination, investigation reveals

Dr. Middlemiss stated, "We are continuously liaising with our counterparts in Germany to stay informed about the recent developments after they reported a solitary case of foot and mouth disease."

"Strong emergency strategies are established to mitigate the threat of this illness, ensuring the safety of farmers and the food supply in Britain. This involves implementing comprehensive measures to curb the risk of entry and proliferation of this destructive disease."

"I strongly recommend that animal caretakers remain highly alert for any symptoms of illness, adhere strictly to biosecurity measures, and immediately report any suspected diseases to the Animal and Plant Health Agency."

Wales's top animal health official, Richard Irvine, has called on livestock owners to maintain the utmost alertness to prevent the spread of animal diseases into Wales.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) noted that foot and mouth disease can lead to substantial economic harm for farmers due to lower milk production and export bans from other nations.

The alert advised farmers that symptoms can differ among animals.

In cows, the primary symptoms include ulcers and vesicles on the hooves, mouth, and tongue, and they may also exhibit a fever, difficulty walking, and a reduced appetite.

Sheep and pigs often exhibit symptoms of limping, which may include blister formation.

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Chancellor Rachel Reeves faces criticism for not acknowledging her shortcomings during recent market instability

As markets plummeted last week, Chancellor Reeves was on a trip to China.

Political correspondent @alixculbertson

Tuesday, January 14, 2025, 3:

Chancellor Rachel Reeves is facing criticism for allegedly avoiding accountability for her mistakes by traveling to Beijing amidst a week of market instability.

Shadow Chancellor Mel Stride criticized the Chancellor for avoiding tough inquiries, claiming that the "government was mishandling the economy" during Ms. Reeves' recent trip to China. She was accompanied by a delegation that included the Governor of the Bank of England and the leaders of HSBC, Standard Chartered, and Schroders.

On Monday, the yields on government bonds for both 30-year and 10-year terms increased, with the 30-year bond yield climbing to 5.47%, a level last observed in the middle of 1998.

The British pound dropped to its lowest level in 14 months, raising concerns about the chancellor's job security.

Latest in Politics: Chancellor Stands by Her Achie

On Tuesday morning, she experienced a minor relief when the pound regained some of its lost value, rising marginally to $1.22, and the cost of government borrowing decreased slightly.

In recent discussions, the Conservatives capitalized on Ms. Reeves's lack of presence last week to criticize her, as Mr. Stride pointed out in the Commons, questioning, "As the government struggled with economic instability, where was the chancellor?"

Further Discussion on the UK Economy

Is Rachel Reeves Responsible for Economic Downturn?

Starmer declares that the Treasury will be 'uncompromising' in reducing expenditures during market instability.

Wes Streeting asserts that Rachel Reeves is under 'pressure', yet he believes 'people should allow her more time'.

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"Her visit to China hadn't started by the time my pressing inquiry was addressed in the House last week; she was still domestically present. Instead of confronting her shortcomings, she delegated the chief secretary to respond.

Could I inquire why Rachel Reeves opted not to reply personally? Naturally, the Chancellor avoided the challenging inquiries by flying out to Beijing.

"It seems that among members of the Labour Party, they're referring to it as the Peking duck."

Ms. Reeves brushed aside the criticism and pledged to adhere to the financial guidelines she established in the October budget, which aim to fund daily expenditures through tax revenue and reduce debt relative to the size of the economy.

"She affirmed their dedication to the financial regulations, promising adherence at all times."

She justified her visit to China, claiming that interacting with nations globally will "promote economic expansion," and mentioned that she addressed human rights concerns with Chinese officials.

"Leadership involves stepping up to challenges, not avoiding them," she declared to the Commons.

"The challenging economic conditions we're currently experiencing underscore the urgency to accelerate and expand our strategies to stimulate economic growth, which sharply declined during the previous administration."

Learn more: UK and China tout their evolving economic ties as mutually beneficial, though the situation is intricate. Meanwhile, Bangladesh's anti-corruption minister is under scrutiny once again due to a fresh probe.

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The chancellor stated that her visit to China has expanded market opportunities for British companies and enhanced the UK's national security.

She stated that new deals on vaccine certifications, fertilizer, whisky labels, legal professions, automobiles, and accounting are set to "release £1 billion in value for the UK economy."

Ms. Reeves mentioned that during her meetings with every Chinese minister, she brought up the situation of Jimmy Lai, the detained British citizen and media mogul.

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She mentioned that she voiced concerns regarding Russia's conflict in Ukraine, human rights issues, limitations on freedoms in Hong Kong, and the entirely unwarranted sanctions imposed on British lawmakers.

"In the discussions, a significant achievement was obtaining China's agreement to enhance the communication pathways allowing for open conversations on delicate matters and their effects on our economy. She emphasized the importance of this engagement, noting that without it, addressing our genuine concerns directly with China would be impossible," she stated.

"This conversation represents a segment of our ongoing interactions with trade allies globally."

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Rachel Reeves dismisses accusations in parliamentary comeback

The chancellor decided to overlook the recent market chaos and demands for her resignation, returning from her trip to China with a defiant stance.

Senior political reporter @joncraig

Tuesday, January 14, 2025, 3:

She emerged combative. Yet, the question remains: can a spirited display in the Commons salvage Rachel Reeves and rebuild trust in her management of the financial markets' chaos?

The response is that she continues to persevere. However, although she has certainly gained some temporary relief, her situation will continue to be unstable unless there is an economic turnaround.

In her initial address to Parliament, the under-fire chancellor staunchly justified her contentious visit to China over the weekend, yet scarcely touched on the issues of the plummeting pound, escalating borrowing expenses, and persistent inflation.

Latest in Politics: Chancellor Dismisses Possibility of an 'Emergency Budget'

She attributed the issues to global influences, which seemed reasonable. However, she also pointed fingers at the Conservative policies of the last 14 years. Eventually, that justification will no longer hold water.

She discussed revealing strategies soon to "stimulate growth." Critics argue that these measures are overdue. Worryingly for Labour MPs, she did not dismiss the possibility of additional budget reductions.

Ms. Reeves adopted an assertive stance, which was essential, but it was the shadow chancellor Mel Stride who truly ignited the scene, delivering a fervent critique detailing the economic troubles. Kemi Badenoch, did you catch that?

Initially, he criticized the chancellor for failing to respond to a question in the Commons before departing for China.

He asserted that within Labour groups, it's being termed as the "Peking duck". Is that so? Regardless, it was a witty remark.

Over the years, opposition parties have repeatedly used a particular criticism against chancellors.

"Downing Street is responsible for this crisis," Mr. Stride proclaimed. To put it another way, the common accusation is that Downing Street is the origin of the recession.

And at last, Mr. Stride truly hit his stride, asserting that the chancellor's performance resembled a tragedy straight out of Shakespeare.

"Should I stay or should I leave?" he quipped, clearly having a great time.

"The prime minister is in a no-win situation; he will face criticism whether he takes action or not."

Learn more: UK and China portray their evolving partnership as mutually beneficial, though it's a complex situation. In Bangladesh, the minister responsible for anti-corruption is under scrutiny in a fresh probe.

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Was that a direct demand for Sir Keir Starmer to dismiss Ms Reeves? Not exactly. However, it could be seen as a cautionary note that should the economy fail to pick up, the Conservatives might soon call for her to step down or be removed.

Despite the backlash surrounding her recent visit to China, the chancellor disclosed that her appetite for international travel remains unshaken, announcing plans to mingle with world leaders at the economic summit in Davos later this month.

Oh no! Was it really a good idea to plan another international trip following the uproar over her visit to China, accusations of her being "absent" and demands for her to "hop on a plane" and return immediately?

Upon her return from her skiing holiday, she may have to initiate another battle in the House of Commons. Could it be a battle on precarious grounds as well?

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Jack Parts Ways with Sam

Monday, January 13, 2025, 07:

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

Sky News' assistant political chief Sam Coates and Politico's Jack Blanchard present their daily preview of UK political events for the final time, as Jack is set to share some significant news.

After discussing preliminary matters, Sam and Jack shift their focus to the current economic situation in the UK, where growth is nearly stagnant. They ponder the potential upcoming developments and the challenges these might pose for Chancellor Rachel Reeves.

Why is the prime minister concentrating on artificial intelligence at this time?

Get in touch with Jack and Sam via WhatsApp at 07511 867 633, or send an email to jackandsam@sky.uk.

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Tulip Siddiq claimed connections with the deposed Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina. These revelations add more strain on Ms. Siddiq, with numerous Labour MPs thinking her position in the ministry is now in jeopardy.

Senior political reporter @joncraig

Monday, January 13, 2025, 7:

Tulip Siddiq has made efforts to separate her image from that of her aunt, the ousted Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina, stating that they never discussed political matters.

Sky News has uncovered that the current City minister once wrote a blog post where she expressed pride in her political alignment with a prominent figure, accompanied by photos of the two together.

In a series of posts from late 2008 and early 2009, when she was active in the Labour Party, Ms. Siddiq shared her experiences of participating in her aunt's campaign during Bangladesh's general election and rejoicing in her aunt's win

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Our announcement aligns with recent findings published in The Times, detailing the discovery of the troubled MP's Labour Party leaflets within her aunt's palace in Dhaka, following her aunt's removal from power due to a coup last year.

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The title of the blog reads: "Tulip Siddiq, part of the Labour Party task force in Bloomsbury and King's Cross." In an entry dated January 11, 2009, Ms. Siddiq informed her followers, "I was quite occupied in Bangladesh as you may have surmised…

I've uploaded images from Sheikh Hasina's press conference following the election, held at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in Dhaka.

The highlight of the press conference, according to my perspective, was Sheikh Hasina's strong emphasis on the necessity for all of Bangladesh's political factions to collaborate for the nation's benefit.

"It's widely known that previous administrations have failed to collaborate with different political factions, and it's crucial that we alter this pattern.

"The prime minister stressed that the Awami League does not endorse 'politics of revenge,' which is a positive development. Let's remain optimistic that this year will usher in a new era of political conduct."

She remarked, "This is a photo of me and the prime minister during the press conference. I can't recall my exact words, but they likely weren't very noteworthy!"

What accusations have been made against Ms. Siddiq?

The accusations focus on purported financial connections between Tulip Siddiq and political supporters of her aunt, Sheikh Hasina, who is the ex-prime minister of Bangladesh.

Ms. Siddiq is currently leasing a north London property valued at £2 million, which is owned by a businessman allegedly connected to Ms. Hasina's Awami League party.

According to the Financial Times, she possesses an apartment in central London, which was a gift from a friend of her aunt.

She was listed at a different property in London, which in 2009 was signed over to her sister by an attorney who has worked for Ms. Hasina's administration.

In a blog entry dated January 21, 2009, she mentioned: "I had the privilege of accompanying Sheikh Hasina in her vehicle on the day of the election.

"The incoming prime minister, who was a candidate for the position at that time, traveled to various electoral districts in Dhaka, making brief stops in each to either meet with the local parliamentary candidates or address the electorate."

She recounted her experience of photographing election day from her aunt's car, stating, "All the pictures I took can be seen here… Sorry if some of them didn't turn out great. It's quite challenging to snap good shots from inside the car!"

Additionally, there's an image of Dhaka Central Jail featured. I captured this image as Sheikh Hasina shared with me that throughout much of her early years, this jail served almost like a second home to her, due to her father, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, being incarcerated there for an extended period.

"She mentioned that visiting him alongside her family was a weekly ritual, making the place quite well-known to her."

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In a previous post dated December 29, 2008, titled "Victory!", Ms. Siddiq expressed her excitement, stating: "The Awami League has secured a landslide victory in the elections! Sheikh Hasina will be the next prime minister! I am thrilled!"

"After spending the entire day following Sheikh Hasina on her campaign journey, I'm too exhausted to write extensively, but I'll provide more details tomorrow."

Despite my reservations, I feel compelled to share a few images. Here we see Sheikh Hasina moments before the election results from a seemingly impossible-to-win district were announced.

"Here she is, reacting to the news that the Awami League's efforts were successful in securing that seat."

According to The Times, promotional materials belonging to Ms. Siddiq, the anti-corruption minister under Sir Keir Starmer, were discovered in a heavily fortified palace in Dhaka, obscured by dust and rubble.

At the summit of the stairs, there were creations by Ms. Sidddiq. Among them, a gratitude card addressed to nearby Labour Party members for their support after her successful election as the MP for Hampstead and Kilburn.

Discover more: Despite Siddiq's potential resignation, the harm to Starmer might be irreversible. Badenoch urges the Prime Minister to dismiss a minister amid real estate accusations.

She also released her 2022 annual report, encouraging people to discover how she supported individuals impacted by the rising cost of living.

The latest revelations are set to intensify scrutiny on Ms. Siddiq and prompt additional demands for the prime minister to dismiss her.

Numerous Labour Members of Parliament think that her career in the ministry is now on very shaky ground.

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

During an appearance on Sky News, Cabinet Minister Peter Kyle spoke with Trevor Phillips, affirming that Ms. Siddiq did the correct thing by volunteering for an ethics probe amid corruption claims. He also suggested that her dismissal could be imminent should it be determined that she violated the ministerial code.

In response to whether she should resign until proven innocent of wrongdoing, Mr. Kyle stated, "I believe she has taken the correct steps. She has initiated the necessary inquiry herself. I feel that this is the proper course of action."

"I am allowing it the necessary room to operate. I will be attentive to the results, just as the Prime Minister will be."

"A procedure is currently in progress, and we are confident that it will be effective. The results will be adhered to by the prime minister and the current government, marking a significant departure from previous administrations."

Sky News has reached out to Ms. Siddiq and the Labour Party to request their comments.

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Tulip Siddiq claimed connections with deposed Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

These latest revelations add more strain on Ms. Siddiq, with numerous Labour MPs thinking that her position in the ministry is now in jeopardy.

Senior political reporter @joncraig

Monday, January 13, 2025, 7:

Tulip Siddiq has made efforts to separate her image from that of her aunt, former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, stating that they have never discussed political matters.

Sky News has uncovered a blog post authored by the current City minister, in which she expressed pride over their political alignment and shared photographs of them together.

In various entries from late 2008 and early 2009, Ms. Siddiq, then an active member of the Labour Party, chronicled her experiences supporting her aunt during Bangladesh's general election and rejoicing in her subsequent win.

For an improved video playback experience, it is recommended to utilize the Chrome browser

Our announcement comes at the same time as a recent article in The Times, which discloses the discovery of the troubled MP's Labour Party leaflets in her aunt's palace in Dhaka. Her aunt was removed from power through a coup the previous year.

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

The title of the blog reads: "Tulip Siddiq, part of the Labour Party's active group in Bloomsbury and King's Cross," and in an entry dated January 11, 2009, Ms. Siddiq informed her followers: "I was quite occupied in Bangladesh, as you might have assumed…

I have displayed images from Sheikh Hasina's press conference following the elections, held at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in Dhaka.

During the press conference, the key point highlighted by Sheikh Hasina was her strong belief in the necessity for all political factions in Bangladesh to collaborate in order to advance the nation's well-being.

"It's well-known that previous administrations have failed to collaborate with different political factions, and it's crucial that we shift away from this pattern.

"The prime minister stressed that the Awami League does not endorse 'vengeful politics,' which is a positive sign. Let's remain optimistic that this year will usher in a new era of political conduct."

She commented, "This is a photo of me speaking alongside the prime minister during the press conference. I can't recall exactly what I was discussing, but it likely wasn't very captivating!"

What accusations are being made about Ms. Siddiq?

The claims focus on the financial connections between Tulip Siddiq and political supporters of her aunt, the ex-Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina.

Ms. Siddiq is presently leasing a north London property valued at £2 million, which is owned by a businessman reportedly connected to Ms. Hasina's Awami League party.

She possesses an apartment in the heart of London, which, according to the Financial Times, was presented to her by a supporter of her aunt.

She was listed under a different London property, which in 2009 was conveyed to her sister by an attorney who has served as a representative for Ms. Hasina's administration.

In a blog entry dated January 21, 2009, she shared her experience: "I had the privilege of accompanying Sheikh Hasina in her vehicle on the day of the election.

"The newly elected prime minister, who was a candidate for the position at that time, made brief visits to various electoral districts within Dhaka. At each location, he either met with the local parliamentary candidates or engaged in conversations with the electorate."

In a post about her election day journey, she mentioned: "Check out all my snapshots from the day here… Sorry about some of the low-quality images. They were shot from within my aunt's car, which made it pretty challenging!"

Additionally, there is a photograph of Dhaka Central Jail included. I captured this image after learning from Sheikh Hasina that the jail was almost like a second home to her during her early years, due to her father, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, being incarcerated there for a lengthy period.

"She mentioned that visiting him alongside her family every weekend was a regular occurrence, making it a well-known landmark for them."

For an optimal video playback experience, it is recommended to use the Chrome browser

In a post dated December 29, 2008, titled "Victory!", Ms. Siddiq expressed her joy, stating, "The Awami League has secured a landslide victory in the elections! Sheikh Hasina will be the next prime minister! I am overjoyed!"

I've spent the entire day following Sheikh Hasina on the campaign trail, so I'm quite exhausted and will write in detail tomorrow.

Despite my hesitations, I find myself compelled to share a few pictures. Here we see Sheikh Hasina moments before receiving the election outcomes from a district deemed impossible to win.

"Here she is, reacting to the news that the Awami League's efforts had finally succeeded in that constituency."

According to The Times, promotional materials associated with Ms. Siddiq, the anti-corruption minister under Sir Keir Starmer, were discovered in a well-secured palace in Dhaka, obscured by dust and rubble.

At the summit of the stairs lay creations from Ms. Siddiq. Among them, a note of appreciation addressed to the local Labour Party supporters, penned after her victory in the Hampstead and Kilburn MP race.

Discover more: Despite possibly stepping down, Siddiq's actions could have already tarnished Starmer. Badenoch urges the Prime Minister to dismiss a minister amid real estate accusations.

Additionally, she released her 2022 annual report, which encouraged readers to explore how she assisted those impacted by the rising cost of living.

The latest revelations are set to increase scrutiny on Ms. Siddiq and intensify demands for the prime minister to dismiss her.

Numerous Labour MPs think that her career as a minister is now on thin ice.

Stay informed with the newest updates from the UK and international news by tuning into Sky News.

During an appearance on Sky News, Cabinet Minister Peter Kyle spoke with Trevor Phillips, agreeing that Ms. Siddiq did the appropriate thing by volunteering for an ethics probe concerning accusations of corruption. He also suggested that her dismissal could be impending if it's determined she violated the ministerial code.

When questioned if she ought to resign while under investigation, Mr. Kyle stated, "I believe she has taken the correct steps. She has initiated the necessary inquiry herself. I think this is the proper course of action."

"I'm allowing it the necessary room to operate. I will be paying attention to the results, just as the Prime Minister will be."

"An operation is in progress, which we fully understand will be effective. The results will be adhered to by the prime minister and his administration, marking a stark difference from previous practices."

Sky News has reached out to Ms. Siddiq and the Labour Party for their response.

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