Boris Johnson interview live: Ex-prime minister says he regrets apologising for Partygate in ITV grilling

Boris Johnson has said he regrets apologising for the so-called partygate scandal over lockdown-era gatherings in Downing Street in a new interview.

Facing a grilling on ITV tonight, the former prime minister claimed the move had “inadvertently validated the entire corpus” as accusations were also levelled at officials who were “working very hard”.

He went on to defend the revellers, insisting that he does not think officials involved in the Westminster scandal “thought they were setting out to break the rules”.

Meanwhile, Sky News’s political editor Beth Rigby announced she has pulled out of an interview with Mr Johnson at the Cheltenham Literature Festival after being told she could not make a recording or transcript of the talk, marking the second interview the former Tory MP has lost this week.

It comes as a group of indigenous Chagossians, Chagossian Voices, planned to stage a protest in Westminster, claiming they have been “consistently and deliberately ignored” by the UK government over discussions surrounding the handover of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, The Independent understands.

Sir Keir Starmer has defended the government’s decision in the face of significant backlash, claiming that the UK-Mauritius deal ensures continued security of the US-UK Diego Garcia military base.

Key Points

• Boris Johnson says he regrets apologising for Partygate in ITV grilling

• Boris Johnson does not rule out return to politics

• Boris Johnson defends Partygate revellers

• Indigenous Chagossians plan protest after being ‘excluded’ from talks

• PM defends Chagos Islands handover after backlash

• Starmer dodges questions over future of Gibraltar

• Labour hails carbon capture ‘national renewal in action’

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23:32 , Tara Cobham

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Bill to give ‘choice at end of life’ to be introduced to Parliament this month

22:30 , Salma Ouaguira

Proposals to change the law to give terminally ill people “choice at the end of life” are to be introduced in parliament this month.

Labour MP Kim Leadbeater said she hoped for “honest, compassionate and respectful debate” when her Bill, which will be tabled on 16 October, is considered in the Commons.

The conversation around legalising assisted dying has been increasingly in the spotlight for the past year, with high-profile figures including broadcaster Dame Esther Rantzen calling for a parliamentary debate and vote on change.

Dame Esther said she is “thrilled and grateful” at the news, which she said could mean “terminally ill people like me can look forward with hope and confidence that we could have a good death”.

She said: “I never thought I might live to see the current cruel law change.

“But even if it is too late for me, I know thousands of terminally ill patients and their families will be given new hope.

“All we ask is to be given the choice over our own lives.”

Ms Leadbeater said her private member’s bill (PMB) would establish in law the right for terminally ill eligible adults to have choice at the end of life to shorten their deaths and ensure stronger protections for them and their loved ones in the aftermath.

She said: “Parliament should now be able to consider a change in the law that would offer reassurance and relief – and most importantly, dignity and choice – to people in the last months of their lives.”

Blame Sunak for Tory election drubbing, not me, says Johnson

22:00 , Salma Ouaguira

Blame Sunak for Tory election drubbing not me, says Boris Johnson

Watch: Boris Johnson refuses to rule out return to politics

21:54 , Tara Cobham

Tom Bradby slams Boris Johnson over Partygate in heated confrontation

21:53 , Tara Cobham

Tom Bradby slams Boris Johnson over Partygate in heated confrontation

Review: Unleashed – A memoir that’s twisted, sour and full of more lies

21:30 , Salma Ouaguira

“Shameless, sour, predictable, self-exculpatory stuff”: Enjoy Sean O’Grady’s review of Boris Johnson’s memoir:

Boris Johnson’s Unleashed: A memoir that’s twisted, sour and full of yet more lies

Argentina says it will take ‘full sovereignty’ of Falklands after Chagos Islands return

21:00 , Salma Ouaguira

Argentina has vowed to gain “full sovereignty” of the Falkland Islands after the UK gave up control of a remote archipelago.

The country’s foreign minister, Diana Mondino, welcomed the step taken by Sir Keir Starmer’s Government on Thursday towards ending “outdated practices” after Britain returned the Chagos Islands to Mauritius.

She promised “concrete action” to ensure that the Falklands – the British-controlled archipelago that Argentina calls the Malvinas and claims as its own – are handed to Buenos Aires.

You can read the full story below:

Argentina says it will take full sovereignty of Falklands after Chagos Islands return

Boris Johnson reveals his Covid battle was worse than public knew

20:38 , Tara Cobham

Boris Johnson reveals his Covid battle was worse than public knew

ICYMI: Starmer declares carbon capture investment as ‘national renewal in action’

20:30 , Salma Ouaguira

Sir Keir Starmer hailed today’s investment announcement as a demonstration of “the politics of renewal in action”.

Addressing an audience at a glass manufacturing facility, he emphasised that the government is “fixing the foundations and providing a long-term industrial strategy”.

Reflecting on his past work as a lawyer for coal mining families during the industry’s decline under the Conservative government, he said: “I worked with families and communities who were going to lose their jobs in a really important industry, and I therefore know first hand what this country lost when we ended coal in that way.

“Because we lost jobs, we lost communities, we lost a way of life. I think we lost dignity, and we also, I think, lost identity.”

He added: “We are the first industrial nation. That’s who we are as a country. It’s our story. A source of pride that this country, our country, communities like here, changed the world. And that what is made here matters.

“You can’t take that away from people without a plan to replace it. It’s like losing a part of yourself, a missing limb, an open wound, a heart ripped out of the nation.”

Full story: Broadcaster pulls out of Boris Johnson interview after no recording allowed

20:12 , Tara Cobham

Sky News political editor Beth Rigby said she has pulled out of an interview with former prime minister Boris Johnson at the Cheltenham Literature Festival after being told she could not make a recording or transcript of the talk.

Mr Johnson had promised to “reveal what really happened during my time as Mayor, Foreign Secretary and PM” during the interview, as he promotes his new memoir titled Unleashed to be published next week.

It comes after an interview with the BBC was dropped earlier in the week after presenter Laura Kuenssberg mistakenly sent him her briefing notes.

Ellie Iorizzo reports:

Broadcaster pulls out of Boris Johnson interview after no recording allowed

Boris Johnson made desperate plea for book sales – and did not rule out a return to politics

20:04 , Whitehall Editor Kate Devlin

Boris Johnson made desperate plea for book sales during the interview.

He said his memoir Unleashed was now “unleashed in all bookshops”.

And he started looking around the TV studio asking “where is Unleashed?”, presumably so he could hold it up for the cameras.

On a possible return to politics, he said: "My chances of returning to politics, as I think I've said before, are about as good as me being reincarnated as an olive, blinded by a Champagne cork, locked in a disused fridge or decapitated by a frisbee."

Which is not a no.

EXCLUSIVE | Diego Garcia blame game deepens as Liz Truss hits out at Boris Johnson for island ‘surrender’

20:00 , Salma Ouaguira

Former prime minister Liz Truss has hit back at claims that she was responsible for the UK losing the crucial Chagos Islands in the Indian Ocean and claimed it was Boris Johnson’s fault.

An extraordinary row broke out yesterday when Keir Starmer’s government announced it was handing the islands to Muritius in a deal which guarantees the UK military air base on Muritius for at least 99 years.

Our political editor David Maddox has the full exclusive below:

Liz Truss blames Boris Johnson for Diego Garcia airbase island ‘surrender’

Boris Johnson declines to explicitly endorse Tory leadership frontrunner Robert Jenrick

19:49 , Tara Cobham

Boris Johnson has declined to explicitly endorse Tory leadership frontrunner Robert Jenrick.

It was put to him that he supported a referendum on leaving the European Convention on Human Rights and so he would likely back Mr Jenrick, the only candidate to advocate for leaving the convention.

Mr Johnson replied: “I think there’s probably some logical fallacy you’ve just committed.”

He also said Donald Trump had not been telling the truth when he claimed to have won the 2020 election.

In a quickfire round of questions during his ITV interview, the former prime minister refused to say who he hoped to win the upcoming vote out of Kamala Harris and the Republican candidate.

Asked whether the former president was telling the truth when he claimed to have won the 2020 election, Mr Johnson said: “No.”

He would not say who he thought had been a better prime minister out of Rishi Sunak or Liz Truss, insisting they “both had good qualities and they both had their share of bad luck”.

Gavin Williamson blocked release of Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, Johnson claims

19:47 , Tara Cobham

Sir Gavin Williamson blocked a £400 million deal to bring Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe home from Iran five years before she was released on the basis the money could be used by Hezbollah, Boris Johnson has said.

The former prime minister claimed that, in 2017, he reached an agreement paving the way for the UK national’s release in return for money owed by Britain to Tehran since the 1970s.

The Treasury and the Foreign Office approved, but Number 10 insisted the decision needed to be signed off by all relevant departments, including the Ministry of Defence.

Read the full story here:

Gavin Williamson blocked release of Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, Johnson claims

Watch: Boris Johnson says he still believes in Brexit

19:42 , Tara Cobham

Johnson does not rule out return to politics

19:41 , Tara Cobham

Boris Johnson has not ruled out a return to British politics.

At the end of his interview with ITV’s Tom Bradby to promote his new memoir Unleashed, it was put to the former prime minister whether he believed his political career to be over.

The former Tory MP said he is currently living a life of “blameless obscurity, rustic obscurity” but was not drawn on the interviewer’s question, saying: “The answer to your question is to be found in the 738 pages of Unleashed.”

Mr Bradby responded, “I’ll take that as a return is possible,” to which Mr Johnson offered no denial.

Boris Johnson defends Partygate revellers

19:35 , Whitehall Editor Kate Devlin

Boris Johnson has defended Partygate revellers.

He said he does not think that officials involved in the Westminster partygate scandal "thought they were setting out to break the rules".

The former prime minister told ITV News: "I really, really don't think that those officials thought that they were setting out to break the rules... they were working round the clock and they thought they were within the framework."

Repeatedly pressed on why he regrets apologising for the scandal and whether he understands the scale of public anger, he said: "Of course I understand it and you can't say that I haven't been exposed over the last few years to the full force of people's anger and indignation."

Johnson squirms responding to claim he’s ‘worst prime minister in British history'

19:34 , Tara Cobham

Boris Johnson squirmed as he responded to the claim made by the unofficial biographer of prime ministers that his premiership was the worst of all time.

ITV’s Tom Bradby put to the former Tory MP that author Anthony Seldon “says you’re the worst prime minister in British history” – even worse than Liz Truss’s, whose catastophic tenure ended after just 49 days.

A visibly uncomfortable Mr Johnson responded: “I don’t know this guy very well, but that’s complete nonsense. I think you’ll find a pretty extraordinary story in three years.”

He went on to reel off what he saw as his government’s achievements of Brexit and supporting Ukraine in its fight against Russia.

“Not only did we deliver freedom and independence for our own country,” he said. “We were essential in protecting another European country from having it’s own freedom and independence extinguished.”

Analysis: Boris Johnson uses interview to reignite his feud with Sue Gray

19:24 , Tara Cobham

Boris Johnson is using the interview to reignite his feud with Sue Gray.

The former top civil servant is the one who presided over the official Partygate report.

Mr Johnson asked ITV’s Tom Bradby “what post does she currently hold?” at least five times during ther chat.

Ms Gray is currently Keir Starmer’s chief of staff.

She went to work for the Labour leader after the report – leading to accusations of a stitch up by Mr Johnson’s allies.

Johnson defends those who attend lockdown parties in Downing Street

19:21 , Tara Cobham

Boris Johnson has defended officials who attended parties in Downing Street during lockdown.

Discussing the so-called partygate scandal in a new ITV interview, the former prime minister said: “I really dont think those officials set out to break the rules.”

It comes after it was revealed earlier that the former Tory MP said he regrets apologising for the lockdown-era gatherings, claiming the move had “inadvertently validated the entire corpus” as accusations were also levelled at officials who were “working very hard”.

Analysis: Boris Johnson under pressure in first TV interview since leaving office

19:17 , Whitehall Editor Kate Devlin

Boris Johnson is coming under pressure in his first TV interview since leaving office.

ITV’s Tom Bradby is putting the ex-PM under the microscope and is hitting the former Tory leader – famously never a details man- with details.

He has challenged him on a series of statistics over Brexit’s effect on the economy.

And Mr Johnson squirmed and blustered as he was asked if he regretted his Partygate apology to the Queen.

Johnson denies he was focused on his Shakespeare book as Covid hit

19:15 , Whitehall Editor Kate Devlin

Boris Johnson denies he was too focused on his Shakespeare book as Covid hit.

The ex-PM missed a series of emergency government Cobra meetings as the pandemic took hold.

But he denied to ITV that at that stage he was not focused on his upcoming book about Shakespeare.

“That’s complete nonsense… a total, total myth” he said.

Johnson defends Brexit and its legacy

19:12 , Tara Cobham

Boris Johnson has defended Brexit and its legacy in a new interview with ITV News.

The former prime minister said: “I think the legacy of brexit is that it saved many lives of elderly, vulnerable people during a very difficult time for this country.

“It allowed us to do things differently and better for the people of this country.”

When asked if he thought Britons are poorer now and likely to be poorer in the future because of Brexit, the former Tory MP insisted: “No, I absolutely don’t.”

Boris Johnson tries to blame David Cameron for Brexit chaos

19:09 , Whitehall Editor Kate Devlin

Boris Johnson used his ITV interview to hit out at David Cameron’s handling of the aftermath of the Brexit vote, suggesting it was “not normal”for the former prime minister to “evacuate the stage” after the referendum, writes The Independent’s Whitehall Editor Kate Devlin.

Mr Johnson and Michael Gove, who were part of the Vote Leave campaign, have been accused of unleashing chaos on the UK for campaigning for Brexit without a clear plan for what it would mean.

But Mr Johnson tried to turn the blame on Lord Cameron.

He said: “What we expected and what I think, you know, everybody expected was that the Cameron government having called a referendum a ‘yes’, ‘no’ choice for the people - a leave, remain choice for the people - would bring forward a white paper.”

He said he was shocked when Lord Cameron left Number 10 the morning after the vote. He said: “Because every other European leader when their whole referendum decides, you know, once the people have voted, decides what to do and stays in office.

“So, it’s not normal for the prime minister having asked for a referendum vote suddenly to evacuate the stage.”

In response to the privileges committee, Mr Johnson called their conclusions “deranged” and “the final knife-thrust in a protracted political assassination”.

Ed Miliband backs assisted dying bill, calling current law ‘cruel'

19:00 , Tom Barnes

Energy secretary Ed Miliband has called the UK’s current ban on assisted dying “cruel” and confirmed he will support a new Bill when it reaches parliament.

Speaking on ITV’s Good Morning Britain, Mr Miliband reiterated his long-standing position on the issue, stating: “I will be voting for the assisted dying Bill. It will be a free vote for Members of Parliament. These are very complex and difficult issues and there are very respectable views on both sides.”

He cited the plight of those in the late stages of terminal illness, arguing that people should have the right to control their own life and death.

Mr Miliband added: “Obviously there have to be proper safeguards and I understand the concerns of some people on these issues, but my personal view will to be vote in favour of this Bill.”

Full Boris Johnson interview to air on ITV in minutes

18:50 , Tara Cobham

The full Boris Johnson interview is set to air on ITV in a few minutes.

In clips that have already been released, the former prime minister has said he regrets apologising for the so-called partygate scandal over lockdown-era gatherings in Downing Street.

The former Tory MP has also criticised David Cameron’s handling of the aftermath of the Brexit vote.

Sky News political editor says she has pulled out of interview with Boris Johnson

18:33 , Tara Cobham

Sky News political editor Beth Rigby says she has pulled out of an interview with former prime minister Boris Johnson at the Cheltenham Literature Festival after being told she could not make a recording or transcript of the talk.

Mr Johnson is doing press for his new book “Unleashed” and it comes after an interview with the BBC was dropped earlier in the week after presenter Laura Kuenssberg mistakenly sent him her briefing notes.

In a post on X, Ms Rigby said: “I was looking forward to interviewing Boris Johnson at Cheltenham, but regrettably I can’t go ahead with the event because I am not allowed make an audio recording or transcript of the interview.

“As a journalist in conversation with a former PM at a public event, I can only proceed if we do it on the record. I’m sorry to have to pull out.”

ANALYSIS | Can Starmer convince the public that carbon capture will deliver?

18:30 , Salma Ouaguira

Sir Keir Starmer’s £22 billion carbon capture investment is being framed as a cornerstone of the UK’s green future, with promises of safeguarding jobs in industries like glassmaking.

But the prime minister faces a tough challenge in convincing a skeptical public and environmental critics that this technology is more than just a greenwash.

While carbon capture offers a solution for decarbonising energy-intensive industries without job losses, green activists are unconvinced.

A group of climate scientists recently warned energy secretary Ed Miliband that carbon capture is still largely unproven, particularly at the scale needed to make a real impact.

Timing adds another layer of complexity.

The government’s ambitious plans for Teesside and Merseyside won’t materialise until the next election, and with the 2050 net-zero targets looming, doubts remain whether this technology can deliver quickly enough.

Beyond the environmental angle, Sir Keir’s announcement suggests a possible shift in Labour’s fiscal approach.

With speculation mounting that chancellor Rachel Reeves could loosen borrowing rules for capital investment, Labour will need to prove that these big-ticket investments can deliver real benefits to struggling households.

In pictures: Labour ministers unveil carbon capture investment plans

18:00 , Salma Ouaguira

Watch: Boris Johnson explains why he thinks apologising for Partygate was mistake

17:43 , Tara Cobham

Johnson criticises Cameron’s handling of aftermath of Brexit vote

17:42 , Tara Cobham

Boris Johnson has criticised David Cameron’s handling of the aftermath of the Brexit vote, suggesting it was “not normal”for the former prime minister to “evacuate the stage” after the referendum.

The former Tory MP told ITV News: “What we expected and what I think, you know, everybody expected was that the Cameron government having called a referendum a ‘yes’, ‘no’ choice for the people – a leave, remain choice for the people – would bring forward a white paper.”

Mr Johnson also claimed he was shocked when Lord Cameron left Number 10, saying: “Because every other European leader when their whole referendum decides, you know, once the people have voted, decides what to do and stays in office.

“So, it’s not normal for the prime minister having asked for a referendum vote suddenly to evacuate the stage.”

Johnson refuses to say whether he regrets apology to Queen over party on eve of Phillip’s funeral

17:41 , Tara Cobham

Former prime minister Boris Johnson has refused to say whether he regrets apologising to the Queen for parties held on the eve of Prince Philip‘s funeral.

The ex-Tory leader said he should not have apologised for the Partygate scandal, in an interview with ITV.

But he would not be drawn on his conversations with the former monarch.

Whitehall editor Kate Devlin reports:

Boris Johnson refuses to say whether he regrets Partygate apology to Queen

Boris Johnson says he regrets apologising for Partygate in ITV grilling

17:36 , Tara Cobham

Boris Johnson has said he regrets apologising for the so-called partygate scandal over lockdown-era gatherings in Downing Street.

The former prime minister claimed the move had “inadvertently validated the entire corpus” as accusations were also levelled at officials who were “working very hard”.

In his interview with ITV News, the former Tory MP and Daily Mail columnist said: “What I was trying to say there was, I think that the blanket apology – the sort of apology I issued right at the beginning – I think the trouble with it was that afterwards, all the accusations that then rained down on officials who’d been working very hard in Number 10 and elsewhere were thought to be true.

“And by apologising I had sort of inadvertently validated the entire corpus and it wasn’t fair on those people.”

Asked whether he regretted apologising to the late Queen, he said: “I don’t discuss my conversations with the Queen.”

The full interview will air at 7pm.

RECAP | Keir Starmer announces £21.7 billion funding for carbon capture in speech

17:30 , Salma Ouaguira

• End of Coal Era: The PM highlighted the significance of this week, marking the closure of the last coal-fired electricity plant. He said: “I know what we lost when we lost coal. But I also know how we can rewrite our story in the ink of the future.”

• Chancellor’s remarks: Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced a substantial £21.7 billion investment for the projects, calling it a “massive opportunity” to attract further investment.

• ‘Historic shift’: Energy secretary Ed Miliband praised the end of coal-fired electricity as a “historic week for Britain’s energy system” and condemned the “dither and delay” of the Tories.

• Future focus: Starmer concluded the speech by claiming that the UK is poised to compete globally in clean energy, adding: “We’re putting ourselves in the position not just to be in that global race, but to win that global race.”

Swinney does not rule out snap election if budget fails

17:00 , Salma Ouaguira

First Minister John Swinney has not ruled out a snap election in Scotland if his budget fails to secure enough support to pass in Holyrood.

The SNP currently runs Scotland as a minority administration, needing just two votes from opposition MSPs to pass legislation.

But the Scottish Government’s budget this year – a draft of which will be published in December – is expected to require swingeing cuts to be made to public spending in response to financial pressures.

Appearing on the BBC’s Political Thinking podcast, the First Minister was asked if failing to pass his tax and spending plans would trigger a vote.

“It depends on the actions of other political parties,” he said.

The budget, he added, will be “sustainable” and will balance the books in Scotland.

TV licence fee: Why evasion could be decriminalised and what it means for you

16:30 , Salma Ouaguira

The government is set to support the de-criminalisation of TV licence fee evasion, over concerns it disproportionately affects women.

Around 34,000 were prosecuted for wrongly not paying their TV licence last year, with many saying criminal punishment for not paying the £169.50 annual fee is too harsh.

You can read the full story below:

TV licence fee: Could evasion be decriminalised and why?

Bugging device found in my bathroom after Netanyahu visit, Johnson claims

16:00 , Salma Ouaguira

A bugging device was found in Boris Johnson’s bathroom after a visit by Benjamin Netanyahu when he was foreign secretary, the former prime minister has claimed.

Mr Johnson alleged that his security team made the discovery when they did a sweep of the toilets after the Israeli premier had used them during a meeting in 2017.

Writing in his memoir Unleashed, the former Tory MP said Mr Netanyahu had excused himself during talks at his old office to use the washroom, described as “a secret annex… a bit like the gents’ in a posh London club”.

“Thither Bibi repaired for a while, and it may or may not be a coincidence but I am told that later, when they were doing a regular sweep for bugs, they found a listening device in the thunderbox,” Mr Johnson said.

It is unclear whether the Israeli government was confronted about the incident.

The Israeli embassy in London has been contacted for comment.

Euston station’s controversial advertising board axed

15:40 , Salma Ouaguira

Transport secretary Louise Haigh has ordered the shutdown of a large advertising board at London’s Euston station.

The decision comes as Network Rail responds to mounting criticism over its decision to replace the traditional departure board with a massive advertising display, leaving travellers with smaller train information screens.

A frustrated Ms Haigh said: “For too long, Euston station simply hasn’t been good enough for passengers.

“That’s why I’ve tasked Network Rail with coming up with a clear plan to immediately improve conditions for passengers.

“This includes a shutdown of the advertising boards from today to review their use.”

SNP slams Starmer’s ‘clueless’ snub of Scottish carbon capture project

15:20 , Salma Ouaguira

The SNP has accused Labour of being “clueless” for bypassing a key Scottish carbon capture project in favour of developments in England.

The prime minister announced plans for two £22 billion carbon capture clusters in Merseyside and Teesside, while Scotland’s Acorn project in St Fergus, Aberdeenshire, was overlooked once again.

SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn slammed the move, calling it a missed opportunity for economic growth and job creation in Scotland.

“Labour’s decision to prioritise the North of England over the Scottish cluster leaves us in the lurch,” Mr Flynn said.

“They’ve followed in the footsteps of the Tories.”

The Acorn project was given reserve status after being passed over for funding in 2021 by the previous UK government.

Lammy says third UK charter plane has left Lebanon

15:00 , Salma Ouaguira

EXCLUSIVE | Indigenous Chagossians plan protest after being ‘excluded’ from talks

14:57 , Salma Ouaguira

A group of indigenous Chagossians are planning to stage a protest in Westminster on Monday over the decision to hand the archipelago over to Mauritius, The Independent understands, accusing the government of excluding them from talks, Millie Cooke reports.

Chagossian Voices, a group representing indigenous people from the Chagos Islands, has claimed their views have been “consistently and deliberately ignored”, demanding full inclusion in the drafting of the treaty.

The group claimed to have learned the outcome of the negotiations through the media, saying indigenous Chagossians feel “powerless and voiceless in determining our own future”.

The protest has been organised for Monday at 11.30 am.

BREAKING | Royal Navy chief apologises over bullying and misogyny in submarine service

14:55 , Salma Ouaguira

The First Sea Lord has apologised after an investigation found “misogyny, bullying and other unacceptable behaviours” in the submarine service.

Admiral Sir Ben Key, the head of the Royal Navy, ordered an investigation in 2022 into allegations made by former lieutenant Sophie Brook, who described a “constant campaign of sexual bullying”.

You can read the full story below:

Royal Navy chief apologises over bullying and misogyny in submarine service

Diane Abbott criticises Starmer over freebies: ‘What’s he hiding?'

14:45 , Salma Ouaguira

Diane Abbott has launched a scathing attack on Sir Keir Starmer, accusing him of “admitting wrongdoing” by returning £6,000 worth of luxury gifts after weeks of defending his actions.

Speaking on Sky News, the veteran Labour MP claimed the prime minister’s U-turn revealed a deeper issue.

Ms Abbott said: “He’s spent weeks insisting everything was above board, but now he’s had to give them back, What’s he hiding?”

She added that Sir Keir’s misjudgement shows a disconnect with ordinary people, adding: “He doesn’t understand how taking freebies looks to the public.”

Boris Johnson admits Leonardo DiCaprio snubbed him during cringe encounter

14:35 , Salma Ouaguira

Boris Johnson has described how Leonardo DiCaprio “quirked his pace” to walk away from him after a mortifying conversation in which he recited lines from his films in a “South African” accent.

The former prime minister found himself starstruck as he came face-to-face with the Hollywood actor at the Cop 26 summit in November 2021.

You can read the full story below:

Boris Johnson admits Leonardo DiCaprio snubbed him during cringe encounter

Starmer dodges Gibraltar question amid Chagos Islands backlash

14:27 , Salma Ouaguira

The prime minister has avoided confirming whether other British overseas territories, like Gibraltar, could face a similar fate to the Chagos Islands after handing them to Mauritius.

Pressed on whether his government would commit to not signing away territories like Gibraltar, Sir Keir Starmer sidestepped the question.

He focused instead on securing the joint US-UK military base on Diego Garcia.

“The single most important thing was ensuring that we had a secure base,” he told reporters during his speech in Cheshire.

A No 10 spokesperson later clarified that the Chagos Islands decision “does not change our policy approach to other overseas territories.”

The islands had been under British control since 1814 but were ceded as part of an agreement aimed at resolving a longstanding legal dispute.

Ed Davey backs Chagos islands decision despite Tory criticism

14:25 , Salma Ouaguira

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey has thrown his support behind the government’s Chagos Islands deal.

Despite growing criticism from the Tories, he stressed the importance of adhering to international law, adding that people “need to realise that this had to be done”.

He added: “I have seen the Conservatives complaining about it but they started all the talks. I think it was James Cleverly when he was foreign secretary.”

David Davis: Boris Johnson ‘at best ill-informed’ on ECHR

14:10 , Salma Ouaguira

In a rebuke, David Davis has criticised Boris Johnson’s stance on the European Convention of Human Rights (ECHR).

The Conservative MP accused the former prime minister of being “at best ill-informed” over the topic.

Mr Johnson recently suggested a referendum on the UK’s ECHR membership should be brought forward as it fails to offer unique protections.

Speaking to the Telegraph, Mr Davis didn’t hold back.

He compared Mr Johnson’s remarks and those of leadership hopeful Robert Jenrick, whose recent campaign video sparked widespread backlash.

The Tory veteran said: “I am afraid Boris Johnson’s comments that the European Convention on Human Rights does not ‘provide people with protections that they wouldn’t otherwise have’ are, much like Robert Jenrick’s unwise video earlier this week, at best ill-informed.”

EXCLUSIVE: High-flying women suffer from same workplace problems 30 years on

14:00 , Salma Ouaguira

Gender equality in the workplace has stalled as women report experiencing many of the same challenges as they did nearly 30 years ago, a new survey of high-flyers suggests.

The group is calling for higher salaries and more effort to tear down the ‘glass ceiling’, the invisible barriers that hold women back, saying it was “deeply concerning” that many felt too little had changed since the Nineties.

Our Whitehall correspondent has the full story below:

Businesswomen say gender equality in the workplace has stalled

ANALYSIS | Can Starmer convince the public that carbon capture will deliver?

13:53 , Salma Ouaguira

Sir Keir Starmer’s £22 billion carbon capture investment is being framed as a cornerstone of the UK’s green future, with promises of safeguarding jobs in industries like glassmaking.

But the prime minister faces a tough challenge in convincing a skeptical public and environmental critics that this technology is more than just a greenwash.

While carbon capture offers a solution for decarbonising energy-intensive industries without job losses, green activists are unconvinced.

A group of climate scientists recently warned energy secretary Ed Miliband that carbon capture is still largely unproven, particularly at the scale needed to make a real impact.

Timing adds another layer of complexity.

The government’s ambitious plans for Teesside and Merseyside won’t materialise until the next election, and with the 2050 net-zero targets looming, doubts remain whether this technology can deliver quickly enough.

Beyond the environmental angle, Sir Keir’s announcement suggests a possible shift in Labour’s fiscal approach.

With speculation mounting that chancellor Rachel Reeves could loosen borrowing rules for capital investment, Labour will need to prove that these big-ticket investments can deliver real benefits to struggling households.

Nadhim Zahawi ‘went looking for fights’ as a young football hooligan

13:40 , Salma Ouaguira

Former chancellor Nadhim Zahawi has admitted that he used to be a football hooligan and would “go out looking for fights”.

The 57-year-old, who served under Boris Johnson, revealed he was a member of Liverpool Football Club’s firm as a younger man.

Speaking at the Henley Literary Festival, a partner of The Independent, Mr Zahawi said: “I was part of Liverpool’s firm and would go out looking for fights as a football hooligan.”

You can read the full story below:

Former chancellor admits football hooligan past: ‘I went out looking for fights’

COMMENT | I know who should win the Tory leadership… and who actually will

13:20 , Salma Ouaguira

The final four candidates made their pitches to Tory party conference – and none could match what David Cameron showed up with in 2005, says the former PM’s sister-in-law, Emily Sheffield.

But there was still a clear, and surprising, champion:

I know who should win the Tory leadership… and who actually will

Your Tory Party conference questions answered by John Rentoul

13:00 , Salma Ouaguira

This year’s Conservative Party conference in Birmingham provides a pivotal moment for reflection and debate.

It stands in stark contrast to the 2023 gathering, when Rishi Sunak’s government made a series of last-minute policy announcements, including offshoring prisoners, cutting civil servants, and controversially scrapping HS2.

As the conference unfolds, our chief political commentator John Rentoul has been answering your burning questions on the leadership contest, the fallout from the election defeat, and more.

Catch up on the full Ask Me Anything Q&A here.

Pictured: Ed Davey visits Down syndrome support charity Stepping Stones

12:45 , Salma Ouaguira

Fears raised over future of Falklands after Chagos Islands deal

12:32 , Salma Ouaguira

Concerns have been raised over the future of the Falkland Islands after the UK gave up control of a remote archipelago - a move which has since been dubbed a “strategic disaster”.

The government on Thursday said it had reached a political agreement with Mauritius over the Chagos Islands following negotiations which began in 2022.

Our political correspondent Millie Cooke has the full story below:

Fears over future of Falklands after Chagos Islands deal dubbed ‘strategic disaster’

Boris Johnson slams Chagos Islands decision as ‘political correctness’

12:14 , Salma Ouaguira

The former prime minister has slammed Sir Keir Starmer’s decision to return the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, branding it a product of “sheer political correctness”.

Mr Johnson told GB News: “Get out your maps, get out your atlases, check out the Chagos Islands, see where they are, see where Mauritius is. A long way away.

“What is this claim? It’s nonsense, it’s total nonsense. Why are we doing this? Sheer political correctness, desire to look like the good guys, a desire to look as though we are unbundling the last relics of our empire. It’s nonsense.”

20 ex-Tory MPs back James Cleverly as next leader

11:59 , Salma Ouaguira

A group of 20 former Tory MPs have thrown their weight behind James Cleverly to become the next Tory leader, our Whitehall editor Kate Devlin reports.

The former foreign secretary, at the centre of a row over the Chagos Islands, has the experience needed they argue.

The group, who all lost their seats at this summer’s general election write: “As James has said, now is not the time for an apprentice.

He is easily the most experienced candidate, having been party chairman, foreign secretary and home secretary.

As party chairman, he helped Boris Johnson deliver the 80-seat majority that broke the deadlock and got Brexit done. He knows what we need to do to get back to winning ways.”

Keir Starmer announces £21.7 billion funding for carbon capture in speech

11:58 , Salma Ouaguira

With the prime minister’s speech on Labour’s new vision for carbon capture over, let’s take a look back at what has been announced.

• ‘National renewal’: The prime minister hailed the government’s plans for two carbon capture clusters in Merseyside and Teesside “politics of national renewal in action”.

• Job Creation: Announcing the plans at a glassmaking factory in Cheshire, Starmer promised the investment would create 4,000 direct jobs and lead to up to 50,000 jobs in the wider supply chain.

• End of Coal Era: The PM highlighted the significance of this week, marking the closure of the last coal-fired electricity plant. He said: “I know what we lost when we lost coal. But I also know how we can rewrite our story in the ink of the future.”

• Chancellor’s remarks: Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced a substantial £21.7 billion investment for the projects, calling it a “massive opportunity” to attract further investment.

• ‘Historic shift’: Energy secretary Ed Miliband praised the end of coal-fired electricity as a “historic week for Britain’s energy system” and condemned the “dither and delay” of the Tories.

• Future focus: Starmer concluded the speech by claiming that the UK is poised to compete globally in clean energy, adding: “We’re putting ourselves in the position not just to be in that global race, but to win that global race.”

Cabinet ministers don’t need to pay back freebies, says Starmer

11:39 , Salma Ouaguira

Sir Keir Starmer has clarified that cabinet ministers are not obligated to repay gifts following his own decision to return over £6,000 in donations amid a growing controversy.

While addressing the issue, he said: “No, I mean, look, we’re going to draw up some principles so that everyone can see the basis on which donations etcetera can be accepted.

“We’re working on that. Until they’re drawn up, I decided to repay so that any future activities of me or anybody else will be (in line with) whatever the new principles are.”

The prime minister insisted that his repayment was a personal choice, designed to ensure that future actions align with upcoming guidelines.

He added: “I’m not saying others should do the same, but that’s why I did what I did.”

Starmer keeps promise to Rantzen on assisted dying vote

11:35 , Salma Ouaguira

Now on assisted dying, Sir Keir Starmer promised to fulfil his commitment made to assisted dying advocate Dame Esther Rantzen regarding the parliamentary vote on the matter.

He told journalists: “I made a promise to Esther Rantzen before the election that we would provide time for a debate and a vote on assisted dying.

“And obviously that opportunity has now arisen, and I’m very pleased that I’m able, as it were, to make good on the promise I made to Esther Rantzen. The Government will be neutral on this.”

Bank of England urged to be cautious on interest rate cuts

11:30 , Salma Ouaguira

The central bank’s chief economist has advised to be careful over interest rate reductions amid shifting economic conditions.

Huw Pill told an audience at the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) that borrowing costs will need to be gradually reduced to keep inflation sustainably close to target levels.

“At present, there is ample reason for caution in assessing the dissipation of inflation persistence,” he said.

The comments come a day after Bank of England governor Andrew Bailey signalled “more aggressive” rate cuts could be on the way.

He added: “While further cuts in Bank Rate remain in prospect should the economic and inflation outlook evolve broadly as expected, it will be important to guard against the risk of cutting rates either too far or too fast.

“For me, the need for such caution points to a gradual withdrawal of monetary policy restriction.”

PM defends Chagos Islands handover

11:29 , Salma Ouaguira

Unsurprisingly, the prime minister has been asked about the ongoing geopolitical row over the Chagos Islands.

Sir Keir Starmer defended the decision to return the territory to Mauritius claiming that the move ensures continued security of the Diego Garcia military base.

Responding to questions about the agreement, he told reporters in Liverpool: “The single most important thing was ensuring that we had a secure base, the joint US in particular, UK base, hugely important to the US, hugely important to us.

“We’ve now secured that and that is why you saw such warm words from the US yesterday.”

Starmer dismisses government delivering ‘doom and gloom’ message

11:25 , Salma Ouaguira

The prime minister has been challenged over his previous remarks regarding UK’s finances and a £22 billion black hole in public finances.

He said: “We’ve got to take difficult decisions in the Budget in relation to the missing money from the last government really tough decisions, like for example, the winter fuel payment, to stabilise the economy.

“Because I’m absolutely convinced that only by stabilising the economy, can we attract the investment that we need in relation to your challenge.”

He added: “In relation to your challenge, as it were, that aren’t we putting off investment, quite the opposite.”

Greens win Lancaster city council after by-election victory

11:20 , Salma Ouaguira

Starmer takes questions from the press

11:19 , Salma Ouaguira

Sir Keir Starmer is now taking questions from the press.

Someone reminded the prime minister that the carbon capture technology project is “not new” and it was a Conservative idea.

He replied: “The Tories spoke about this, but they did not put the money aside.”

Sir Keir added that his government’s attempt to seek private investment represents “the difference between invest or decline”

“We were elected for change,” he added.

Starmer declares carbon capture investment as ‘national renewal in action'

11:22 , Salma Ouaguira

Sir Keir Starmer hailed today’s investment announcement as a demonstration of “the politics of renewal in action”.

Addressing an audience at a glass manufacturing facility, he emphasised that the government is “fixing the foundations and providing a long-term industrial strategy”.

Reflecting on his past work as a lawyer for coal mining families during the industry’s decline under the Conservative government, he said: “I worked with families and communities who were going to lose their jobs in a really important industry, and I therefore know first hand what this country lost when we ended coal in that way.

“Because we lost jobs, we lost communities, we lost a way of life. I think we lost dignity, and we also, I think, lost identity.”

He added: “We are the first industrial nation. That’s who we are as a country. It’s our story. A source of pride that this country, our country, communities like here, changed the world. And that what is made here matters.

“You can’t take that away from people without a plan to replace it. It’s like losing a part of yourself, a missing limb, an open wound, a heart ripped out of the nation.”

PM hails skilled jobs ‘key to economic security'

11:15 , Salma Ouaguira

In his address, the prime minister has revisited the familiar anecdote of his father, a toolmaker, while acknowledging it is now a political cliché.

He told the audience in Liverpool: “I’ve said many times my dad was a tool maker. He worked in a factory. But that matters to me, because until I went off to college, I didn’t even know any working environment other than a factory.”

Sir Keir Starmer then highlighted the significance of visiting workplaces like Encircled Glass across the country, adding: “What matters to me and to us as a government is what a difference it makes to your lives and the lives of other people who are doing jobs like you, not just now and next year, but into the future.

“And making sure that we have you and them in our mind’s eye when we make our decisions, because politics is about who are you thinking about when you’re making your decisions.”

Pictured: Ministers unveil net zero plans in Liverpool

11:12 , Salma Ouaguira

Chancellor vows carbon capture will drive investment and create jobs

11:10 , Salma Ouaguira

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has been speaking next.

She emphasised that carbon capture technology is pivotal not only for cleaning up industries but also for attracting investment.

She told workers in Liverpool: “We’re removing the barriers that stop investment so that we can get Britain building again.

“And our first international investment summit will take place in just ten days to bring new investment and more opportunities to the UK. That’s the change that this government is offering.”

Miliband: Britain must seize industrial opportunities for a brighter future

11:06 , Salma Ouaguira

Ed Miliband has declared that Britain has “blown its chance of industrial success” too often in the past, urging a renewed commitment to industrial policy.

Announcing £21.7 worth of investment for projects in Teesside and Merseyside, he said: “Too often in the past Britain has blown its chance of industrial success. We say today. Not this time.

“This government is committed to use every lever to win for Britain. This Government is committed to a proper industrial policy, and this government has a Chancellor who understands the importance of public and private investment to build the future Britain deserves.”

Ed Miliband starts speech from Liverpool

11:02 , Salma Ouaguira

Sir Keir Starmer, Rachel Reeves and Ed Miliband are all at the event at Encircled Glass.

The energy secretary starts speaking first, declaring: “This is a historic week for Britain’s energy system.”

What’s next for the Falklands and other British overseas territories after Chagos deal?

11:00 , Salma Ouaguira

The UK has handed sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius after decades of negotiations. The Indian Ocean archipelago had been a British island territory for over half a century, and now returns to neighbouring Mauritius.

The deal stipulates that the strategically significant Diego Garcia US-UK military base will remain in place and under its current control – thought to be a major factor in securing the agreement.

Here’s everything you need to know:

What’s next for the Falklands and other British territories after Chagos deal?

Tory criticism grows over Chagos Islands deal

10:49 , Salma Ouaguira

While we wait for the prime minister to speak, here’s more criticism from the Tories over Labour’s Chagos Islands deal.

Former Conservative leader Iain Duncan Smith, MP for Chingford and Woodford, voiced his astonishment at the agreement, highlighting the geopolitical risks involved.

At the heart of his criticism is the concern that the pro-China stance of Mauritius could jeopardise the strategic significance of the islands.

Mr Duncan Smith said: “If China gets involved with Mauritius, I cannot see how you can continue to use that place as it is now, or how the Americans can either.”

He branded the decision a “huge mistake” and a “fatal mistake,” claiming that it reflects a broader failure of the UK to grasp its strategic arrangements.

10:40 , Salma Ouaguira

Coming up: Starmer to give speech on capture investment plans

10:37 , Salma Ouaguira

In the next few minutes, we will hear Sir Keir Starmer deliver a speech from Merseyside, unveiling the government’s plan to invest in green technologies.

Labour pledged nearly £22 billion over the next 25 years for carbon capture and storage initiatives.

Ahead of the announcement, the prime minister said: “Today’s announcement will give industry the certainty it needs – committing to 25 years of funding in this groundbreaking technology – to help deliver jobs, kickstart growth, and repair this country once and for all.”

Nigel Farage demands parliament debate on Chagos Islands

10:30 , Salma Ouaguira

Rees-Mogg: Labour risks western security with Chagos Islands handover

10:16 , Salma Ouaguira

Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg has accused the Labour government of failing to take western security seriously by transferring sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius.

The former cabinet minister, who lost his seat at the general election, expressed concerns about handing over territory to a nation with which the UK has a “tricky relationship”.

The Chagos Islands, including Diego Garcia - home to a crucial US-UK military base - were British-owned since 1814 before the recent agreement aimed at resolving a long-standing dispute.

Mr Rees-Mogg argued that the decision reflects poorly Labour’s commitment to national security, particularly in light of potential Chinese interest in the region.

Speaking to GB News, he said: “We lost a legal action and therefore the government entered into talks. But interestingly, when the Conservatives were in office, as these sorts of ideas were floated, they were being heavily shot down, not least by Conservative backbenchers.

“But Labour doesn’t seem to take the security of the West seriously.”

Ministers confused over freebies after Starmer donation row

10:00 , Salma Ouaguira

Ed Miliband has denied that Cabinet ministers are under pressure from Sir Keir Starmer to return donations following the freebies row that has engulfed the Labour Party in recent weeks.

On Wednesday, the prime minister attempted to draw a line under the issue by repaying £6,000 for hospitality and gifts he had received since entering Downing Street.

But one government minister told The Times there is confusion over what they can and can’t accept, accusing the prime minister of having let the row drag on.

Our political correspondent Millie Cooke has the full story below:

Ministers confused over freebies after Starmer donation row

Reeves reveals date for maiden City speech at Mansion House

09:49 , Salma Ouaguira

Chancellor Rachel Reeves is set to deliver her inaugural address at the Mansion House dinner in mid-November.

Sources from Sky News revealed that the Treasury, Bank of England, and City of London Corporation have confirmed the dinner for 14 November.

The high-profile gathering will take place just two weeks after Ms Reeves presents her first 30 October Budget, with expectations mounting for significant tax increases.

ANALYSIS | Miliband’s message of hope: A break from fiscal caution?

09:40 , Salma Ouaguira

Ed Miliband has made it clear that the funds for the government’s ambitious carbon capture plans will be sourced through borrowing.

This marks a notable departure from the usual rhetoric of the current government, which typically focuses on saving rather than spending.

In recent weeks, there has been mounting concern regarding the prevailing sense of doom and gloom emanating from Labour, especially in light of the potential financial pain forecasted from the upcoming Budget on 30 October.

The Tories fear the bleak outlook could have dampened investment confidence leaving businesses apprehensive about prospects.

However, there has been a shift in tone, which was noticeable during the Labour conference speech delivered by a smiling Rachel Reeves.

Mr Miliband echoed this sentiment during the media rounds, telling Sky News: “I am in politics for change and hope, not for doom and gloom.”

Labour is still cautious about how much the minister can discuss about green investment spending, as it could somewhat conflict with the chancellor’s message for fiscal rectitude.

But it appears that the energy secretary has been granted more leeway to advocate for a greener future without the usual warnings.

Miliband signals shift towards annual EV charging point targets

09:30 , Salma Ouaguira

The energy minister has opened the door to the introduction of annual targets for electric vehicle (EV) charging point installations across the UK.

Ed Miliband acknowledged the urgent need for enhanced infrastructure to support the country’s transition to greener transport.

Asked about whether an annual target was needed, Mr Miliband told broadcasters: “Happy to look at that. We’ll look at all of these things.

“We’re working on a plan across government to make sure that we have the charging infrastructure in place that we need. The country is only going in one direction which is towards EVs. Now we can either go slowly, lose out competitively and not meet our climate targets or we can do the right thing and drive forward with this.”

Starmer hails ‘groundbreaking’ green energy investment plan

09:20 , Salma Ouaguira

Minister condemns pay-for-access scheme, urges Labour to learn from misstep

09:10 , Salma Ouaguira

The energy secretary has urged the Labour Party to refrain from offering private companies meetings with ministers in exchange for financial contributions.

Ed Miliband’s warning comes following revelations that Labour’s commercial team proposed a £30,000 package for business leaders to gain insights from business secretary Jonathan Reynolds.

Asked about his message to his party, Mr Miliband told ITV’s Good Morning Britain: “Don’t do it again is my message.”

He also defended his cabinet colleague Mr Reynolds, claiming that the minister was “completely unaware of this invitation”, adding: “He is not attending this.”

Mr Miliband also said: “The answer is – whether it is me or Jonathan Reynolds – it is not about paying to have access. That is not what we are about, no.”

He also said Sir Keir Starmer’s decision to repay £6,000 worth of donations sends “a signal” and was a “prelude” to introducing new rules on gifts for ministers.

EXCLUSIVE: Tory leader bids fail to inspire as poll shows support for Starmer

09:00 , Salma Ouaguira

Keir Starmer’s lead in the polls has barely been dented after another week of criticism for the prime minister and his government over gifts and blanket coverage of the Tory leadership contest.

The latest weekly Techne UK tracker poll has revealed that Labour’s share of the vote dropped just one point to 31 per cent while the Tories gained one to 23 per cent.

Our political editor David Maddox has the full story below:

Tory leader candidates fail to inspire as new poll shows Starmer support holds firm

UK envoy rejects ‘hooey’ claims of Chinese base in Chagos

08:50 , Salma Ouaguira

Jonathan Powell, the prime minister’s special envoy for negotiations with Mauritius, has dismissed concerns that China could establish a military base in the Chagos Islands.

In an interview with Times radio, he emphasised the close involvement of US officials in the negotiation process, claiming that “every single sentence and paragraph” of the agreement underwent scrutiny by various agencies in Washington.

Mr Powell added that the Chinese base is just “hooey”. “It can’t happen, won’t happen,” he declared.

However, Tom Tugnedhtat raised concerns that the UK’s decision to cede sovereignty over the Chagos Islands could inadvertently pave the way for China to establish a military base there.

The Tory leadership candidate claimed that while Britain retains power over Diego Garcia, the only inhabited island and home to a key US/UK airbase, Mauritius has not assured that it will refrain from leasing other islands to foreign powers - including China.

Responding to the claims, Mr Powell said: “The fact that some of the newspapers have suggested Mauritius is an ally of China – it could hardly be further from the truth. Mauritius is very, very close to India and the Indians also have welcomed this agreement because they see it as so important for security in the Indian Ocean.

“Mauritius is one of only two countries in Africa that’s not a member of China’s Belt and Road (Initiative). So this notion that we’ve somehow given the Chagos Islands to an ally of China is rubbish, and anyway, the negotiations were started by the previous Tory government.”

‘New era begins’: Ed Miliband hails Labour’s green investment plan

08:21 , Salma Ouaguira

Energy secretary Ed Miliband has been doing the morning media round.

Speaking on Sky News, the minister declared that Labour’s plan to fund carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects will be a step for the UK’s green economy.

He has promised that it will revive jobs lost in industries like coal, adding: “Today a new era begins.”

Mr Miliband added: “A new era of a new industry, carbon capture and storage, as you describe, capturing the carbon and burying it underground rather than going up into the atmosphere.

“It’s about good jobs across the country, and it’s about a sign of where this government stands, which is we are going to invest in the future of this country.”

When pressed on how this investment will be financed, Mr Miliband was unequivocal: “Public investment. We believe in borrowing to invest. It’s absolutely the right thing to do for Britain.”

He also rejected claims that this move is merely an attempt to turn around the “doom and gloom” narrative that some suggest has undermined business confidence.

“I’m in politics for change and hope, not doom and gloom. And that’s what this is all about. And that’s what the prime minister is about,” he said.

Ministers pledge £22bn for carbon capture in net zero push

08:02 , Salma Ouaguira

The government has committed nearly £22 billion to accelerate carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology, a crucial part of its net zero strategy.

In a bid to meet stringent climate targets, ministers will invest up to £21.7 billion over 25 years, funding CCS projects in Teesside and Merseyside - two key industrial hubs.

Labour announced that subsidies will begin in 2028 aiming to drive private investment and create jobs in these regions.

The party has promised the initiative will generate £8 billion in private investment, create 4,000 direct jobs, and support 50,000 more, solidifying these regions as carbon capture “clusters”.

Sir Keir Starmer framed the announcement as a turning point for the UK’s industrial heartlands.

The prime minister said: “For the past 14 years, business has been second-guessing a dysfunctional government – which has set us back and caused an economic slump.

“Today’s announcement will give industry the certainty it needs – committing to 25 years of funding in this ground-breaking technology – to help deliver jobs, kickstart growth, and repair this country once and for all.”