Starmer takes on Sunak at PMQs as suspended Labour MP says she was victim of ‘macho masculinity test’

Labour MP who lost confidence in his party over child benefit cap breaks his silence

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Sir Keir Starmer faces questioning by the Prime Minister for the first time since leading the Labour Party to election victory and moving into Downing Street.

The leader of the opposition is Rishi Sunak, the interim leader of the Tories, while the party launches the election campaign to succeed him.

At today’s PMQs, the last before MPs’ summer recess, the Prime Minister will face questioning after he suffered a backbench rebellion over a vote on the cap on the two-child allowance, which saw seven Labour MPs stripped of their majority.

Corbynistas Apsana Begum, Richard Burgon, Ian Byrne, Imran Hussain, Rebecca Long-Bailey, John McDonnell and Zarah Sultana broke ranks and voted to abolish the policy.

Although the move was seen as a show of force by the Labour leader, Ms Sultana, who represents Coventry South, claimed she had fallen victim to Sir Keir’s “macho masculinity test”.

Charities, trade unions and even former Home Secretary Suella Braverman urged the new prime minister to scrap the tax cap, introduced almost a decade ago as one of George Osborne’s austerity measures.

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Starmer accused of “authoritarian control addiction” for rebelling against cap on two-child allowance

Our political correspondent Archie Mitchell reports the whole story:

Salma OuaguiraJuly 24, 2024 11:32

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Pictured: Starmer leaves Downing Street to attend PMQ meeting

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer leaves 10 Downing Street to attend the weekly Prime Minister's Questions in the Houses of Parliament in London. — British Prime Minister Keir Starmer leaves 10 Downing Street to attend the weekly Prime Minister’s Questions in the Houses of Parliament in London. (AP)

Salma Ouaguira24 July 2024 11:27

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Liz Truss: Kamala Harris “not suitable for the job”

Liz Truss has said that Kamala Harris is not up to the office of US President.

The former prime minister told Fox: “I think there have been some brilliant American women in politics, but I don’t think Kamala Harris is one of them.”

Salma OuaguiraJuly 24, 2024 11:17

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Richard Tice accuses Labour of “downgrading illegal immigration”

Richard Tice accused Labour of “downgrading illegal migration to irregular migration”.

Reform UK’s new deputy leader said voters “would not tolerate this sham”.

The backlash came after the Home Office tweeted: “We are taking control of irregular migration.”

Salma OuaguiraJuly 24, 2024 11:11

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Starmer ‘shocked’ by attack on soldiers in Gillingham

The Prime Minister has condemned the knife attack on a soldier near a barracks in front of his house.

Sir Keir Starmer wrote on X: “I am shocked and appalled by the news that a soldier has been attacked in Kent.

“Our thoughts are with the soldier, his family and our armed forces community who ensure our safety.

“I wish him a speedy recovery.”

Salma OuaguiraJuly 24, 2024 11:06

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Watch: Sigh of relief in House of Commons as Yvette Cooper reveals true cost of Tory Rwanda deal

Sigh of relief in the House of Commons as Yvette Cooper reveals the true cost of the Tory deal with Rwanda

There was a sigh of relief in the House of Commons when Yvette Cooper revealed the true cost of the Tories’ Rwanda deal. The Home Secretary told MPs that the controversial deportation programme cost the UK £700 million despite only sending four volunteers to Kigali. Speaking to MPs on Tuesday (23 July), Ms Cooper described the policy as “the most shocking waste of taxpayers’ money I have ever seen”. The Home Secretary accused the previous Conservative government of creating a “California asylum hotel” where people were admitted into the system but never left.

Salma OuaguiraJuly 24, 2024 10:58

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Nigel Farage accuses Labour of trying to “cover up” illegal immigration

Nigel Farage accused Labour of wanting to “bury” illegal immigration as a topic of discussion.

The Member for Clacton reacted to the Government’s wording on migration.

The Home Office described the people coming to Britain as “irregular migration”.

The chairman of Reform UK said: “We will not let them get away with this.”

Salma OuaguiraJuly 24, 2024 10:58

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Private sector growth reaches 15-month high

Activity across the UK’s private sector has increased this month, with new deal numbers hitting a 15-month high, painting a “positive picture for the new government”, according to new data.

The UK composite purchasing managers’ index (PMI) from S&P Global Flash reported a reading of 52.7 in July, up from 52.3 in June.

The figure was slightly above economists’ expectations, which had forecast a figure of 52.5 for the latest survey.

The provisional figures are based on preliminary data. A value below 50 means that economic activity is declining, a value above that means that economic activity is increasing.

Salma OuaguiraJuly 24, 2024 10:54

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Eluned Morgan could become the next leader of the Welsh Labour Party

Eluned Morgan is set to be named the new leader of the Welsh Labour Party and likely First Minister of Wales on Wednesday.

She will replace Vaughan Gething, who announced his resignation last week after four turbulent months in office that included disputes over donations and the sacking of ministers.

Baroness Morgan, 57, the current Welsh Health Minister, is the only contender to become the new leader of the Welsh Labour Party. Nominations close at 12pm.

While she is expected to become party leader on Wednesday, she would need to be confirmed as First Minister, which would require a vote in the Senedd.

The Welsh Parliament is currently in recess until September and would have to be convened if she wanted to take over sooner.

If confirmed, she would be the first woman to head the Welsh Government.

Welsh Health Minister Eluned Morgan (Welsh Government/PA)

Salma OuaguiraJuly 24, 2024 10:47

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Who are the seven Labour MPs suspended by Keir Starmer?

Thanks to his overwhelming majority, the Prime Minister was able to comfortably fend off the rebellion, as the amendment was defeated by 363 votes to 103 – a majority of 260 votes for Labour.

Here are the seven Labour MPs suspended by Sir Keir:

Salma OuaguiraJuly 24, 2024 10:39

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