A former Andy Burnham adviser has warned the Prime Minister against opening up the debate on rejoining the European Union.
Ex-Bank of England economist Andy Haldane, who advised Mr Burnham during his stint as Manchester Mayor, told the BBC: “I think that would be a damaging thing from a growth perspective.
“It would throw up a huge dust cloud of uncertainty, not least to business, which we can ill-afford in this environment.”
Mr Haldane compared the risk to the 2016 Brexit referendum itself, adding: “The uncertainty around Brexit, both pre and post-referendum, was a huge drag on business and investment.”
Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds made a similar argument while attending Labour’s Party Conference in Liverpool.
Asked about the remarks today, Mr Reynolds said: “When we’re talking about the next ten years, you can’t avoid this question.
The uncertainty is there come what may. I want as least uncertainty as possible for British business.”
Meanwhile, Labour MP Melanie Onn warned against reopening the debate amid fears “the scars have not healed” since 2016.
“I don’t think that the scars have healed for many people around the country so I do think this is an unnecessary conversation to be having at this time,” she said.
Ms Onn, who lost her Brexit-backing seat to the Conservatives in 2019 before winning it back in 2024, added: “Trust is incredibly important, it’s hard-earned and easily lost, and on this matter I think that we should tread incredibly carefully.”
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John Healey invests £15million in fund to tackle misogyny
John Healey has pledged £15million to “back practical action to tackle misogyny head on” on the eve of the Budget.
The Chancellor will commit £5million a year over three years to mentoring schemes, workplace training and communications campaigns aimed at improving women and girls’ safety.
The announcement comes as Mr Healey prepares to deliver his first Budget on Wednesday against a difficult economic backdrop.
The misogyny prevention fund will support a national taskforce established by Women and Equalities Minister Bridget Phillipson last month.
Ministers hope the investment will attract further funding from businesses and philanthropists to expand the reach of the schemes.
Ms Phillipson said: “Day to day misogyny – from sexist slurs and harassment to workplace discrimination – quite simply has no place in modern Britain.”
She added: “The time for talk has long passed, which is why this Government is putting its money where its mouth is when it comes to supporting women and girls,” while Mr Healey said every woman and girl deserved to feel “safe, respected and able to pursue their ambitions”.
Labour rejoins major EU institution just hours after reigniting freedom of movement row
The UK is set to rejoin the European Union’s Erasmus+ student exchange scheme in 2027, six years after Britain left the programme following Brexit.
British students and other learners will soon be able to study, train or gain work experience in European countries for up to a year.
Around 100,000 people in the UK could benefit during the first year, with estimates suggesting an inflow of more EU migrants to Britain.
The UK will pay approximately £570million in 2027 after securing a 30 per cent discount on its contribution.
The programme will also extend opportunities beyond universities to apprentices, further education students, adult learners, school groups and education staff.
Britain withdrew from Erasmus under Boris Johnson, with the Conservative Government arguing that continued participation would have cost taxpayers £2billion over seven years.
Conservative ministers instead introduced the Turing scheme as a domestic alternative, although it did not offer the same arrangements for incoming European students.
The agreement forms part of Sir Keir Starmer’s wider efforts to reset relations with Brussels, with Conservative critics accusing Labour of betraying Brexit.
Britain and Poland sign new defence pact as Wes Streeting visits Warsaw
Britain and Poland have agreed to work together to build a new generation of air defence missiles, as the West gears up its defence efforts against Russia.
A new agreement, the Warsaw Defence Plan, will also see the two nations work together to build new drones and anti-drone measures, as well as collaborate closely on more traditional land, sea and air defence.
Defence Secretary Wes Streeting signed the pact in Warsaw on Tuesday, where he met his Polish counterpart Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz.
Mr Streeting said: “Poland is one of the UK’s closest allies – from flying together in the Battle of Britain, to breaking the Enigma code, they have been a vital partner for our defence for nearly a century.
“The new Warsaw Defence Plan honours this co-operation and sets out how we will continue to work together today, building a stronger Europe in a stronger Nato.
“From collaborating on Nato exercises that deter our adversaries to working together to support Ukraine in its fight for freedom, we are committed to standing together for European security whilst boosting our economies with stronger defence industries.”
Under the pact, the two nations will share their experiences of developing new warships. Britain’s Type 31 frigate and Poland’s Miecznik are based on a common design.
The allies have also agreed to increase shared patrols in the Baltic Sea, to protect vital communications cables on the seabed.
The agreement comes ahead of a major Coalition of the Willing exercise next month, which will see British, French and German forces join Warsaw’s soldiers in Poland for training to prepare for a peacekeeping mission in Ukraine once the war is over.
Ed Miliband delivers major update on MPs detained in West Bank incident
Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband has delivered a major update after two MPs were detained while trying to enter the West Bank.
Speaking in the House of Commons, Mr Miliband said: “We are obviously deeply concerned about the denial of entry to the West Bank for two members of Parliament, and I believe one member of the Scottish Parliament as well, Mr Speaker.
“Of course, we have raised this issue with the Israeli authorities and been in touch with the MPs to offer assistance.
“And I would say more broadly that it is very, very important that members of this House, as they go about their business, not just in the UK but internationally, have free access so that they can actually do their duties to this House.”
Labour MP blasts free movement push: ‘This is unnecessary!’
Labour MP Melanie Onn has warned Andy Burnham against reopening the debate over going beyond Labour’s 2024 manifesto at the next general election.
Ms Onn, whose Great Grimsby and Cleethorpes constituency backed Brexit, told the BBC that “the scars have not healed” for many voters.
“I don’t think that the scars have healed for many people around the country so I do think this is an unnecessary conversation to be having at this time,” she said.
Ms Onn, who lost her seat to the Conservatives in 2019 before winning it back in 2024, added: “Trust is incredibly important, it’s hard-earned and easily lost, and on this matter I think that we should tread incredibly carefully.”
Reform demands Police Race Action Plans be included in Henry Nowak murder review
Reform UK home affairs spokesman Zia Yusuf has demanded that Police Race Action Plans be explicitly included in the independent review into the murder of Henry Nowak.
The review, established to examine the police handling of the killing, will investigate whether “cultural sensitivities” affected the response.
However, the terms of reference drawn up by former Conservative minister Alex Chalk make no reference to the plans, which have been criticised by Reform for embedding diversity, equality and inclusion (DEI) policies across British policing.
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary’s Race Action Plan commits the force to being “anti-racist in all it does” and understanding “the impact, trauma and history of policing ethnic minority communities”.
Mr Yusuf said: “The police believed a false allegation of racism and told Henry they did not believe he had been stabbed.
“This is a result of the Race Action Plans which the Tories introduced, which explicitly train officers to discriminate against white people.”
PM considers ‘special award’ for Harry Kane after Ballon d’Or triumph
Andy Burnham could hand England captain Harry Kane a knighthood following his Ballon d’Or triumph.
The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “The PM would like to congratulate Harry Kane on winning the Ballon d’Or.
“To be the first Englishman to win it in 25 years is an extraordinary achievement, and what a moment to do it here at home.
“Seventy years after Sir Stanley Matthews won the inaugural award, it caps a remarkable season, and Harry continues to set a brilliant example to young players across the country, and the PM knows the whole nation will be incredibly proud of him.
“And hopefully, there’s another trophy to celebrate with England before too long.
“On your question about a knighthood, I think everyone would agree, Harry Kane has given enormous amount to English football, and this is a very special moment for him in the country, but as ever, I’m not going to pre-empt the honours process.”
Andy Burnham meets Muslim leaders and takes veiled swipe at Nigel Farage: ‘Completely unacceptable!’
Andy Burnham has met with Muslim community leaders and accused his political rivals of using “completely unacceptable language”.
Mr Burnham, who was raised Catholic, convened his first meeting with faith leaders in Downing Street since becoming Prime Minister.
The Prime Minister was accompanied by Housing Secretary Angela Rayner.
Speaking around the Cabinet table, Mr Burnham said: “We want to counter any form of hatred, discrimination, Islamophobia, wherever we find it and work with you to bring forward an agenda that says that to the community.
“And I think perhaps the way the political debate is at times, Angela referenced some of the positions of opposition parties to us anyway, they are completely unacceptable.
“And some of the language that they use about the community is unacceptable.
“We just need to find ways with you to demonstrate that more and more.
“And actually, to talk about the positive contribution of the community to British life in every way.”
Labour faces defence spending investigation on Budget eve amid claims public was misled
Labour is facing an investigation over claims that it misled the public about defence on the day before Andy Burnham and John Healey’s first Budget.
Former defence secretary Sir Ben Wallace has accused the Government of inflating its defence budget by including billions of pounds in intelligence spending.
He claims the move creates a misleading impression that Britain is on course to meet its Nato spending commitments.
Nato rules stipulate that funding for security services does not qualify as defence expenditure.
In a letter, Sir Ben wrote: “As the world gets more unstable and our allies start spending real cash increases in their budgets, Britain seems to be falling behind.
“Telling the men and women of the Armed Forces and the public that they are spending more while in real terms day-to-day funding on our Armed Forces is being cut is an insult to them.
“It fools no one inside defence, our allies and our enemies.”
The Office for Statistics Regulation confirmed it would consider the concerns raised in Sir Ben’s complaint.
A spokesman said: “We can confirm that the Office for Statistics Regulation will consider the concerns that have been raised with us in relation to the presentation of UK defence spending by the Government.”
A Government spokesman told GB News: “The UK is the third highest spender in Nato and we, as with all Allies, calculate defence expenditure in accordance with Nato’s definition, which has not changed.”
Labour MP detained for eight hours after being denied access to West Bank
Labour MP Clive Lewis has claimed he was detained for eight hours after trying to visit the West Bank.
After trying to enter the West Bank with SNP MP Lara Bird, Mr Lewis said: “For more than eight hours, we were held, interrogated and made to feel as though we had done something wrong simply by attempting to enter.
“The simple truth is we had done nothing wrong.
“We went to show our support for the Palestinian people and highlight the terrible injustice and violence being perpetrated against them.
“We want to ensure that people back home do not look away from the reality of what is happening.
“Ultimately, we went to show solidarity. But we left with an even greater determination to speak out.
“We will not be silenced, and we will not look away. None of us should.”
Labour unveils cost-of-living package that could save households £1.75 a month
Families could pay less for more than 100 everyday products after the Government announced a sweeping reduction in import taxes.
Marmalade, baked beans, chocolate and gherkins are among the supermarket staples expected to become cheaper.
Chancellor John Healey unveiled the tariff suspensions on Monday evening, two days before his first Budget.
They form the centrepiece of Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s latest “everyday fixes” package.
The Government estimates that the latest tariff cuts could save households up to £21 a year, or £1.75 a month, on food shopping.
This figure includes earlier reductions introduced in June on products such as pasta, fruit juice and tuna.
Together, the two packages are expected to reduce costs for consumers by between £245million and £595million annually.
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Nigel Farage urges Restore voters to ‘come back to us’ amid poll drop and snap election fears
Nigel Farage has urged Britons voting for Restore Britain to “come back to us” amid a drop in support for Reform UK.
Mr Farage, who was leading in the polls this time last year, suggested Rupert Lowe’s supporters could prove decisive if Andy Burnham calls a snap election on December 10.
Speaking to GB News, the Clacton MP admitted Reform UK is readying itself for an early poll by selecting hundreds of candidates across the country.
He said: “I’ve got in my bag, outside this studio, sheets of paper with the names of hundreds of candidates who have been through our parliamentary assessment centres.”
READ THE FULL STORY HERE.
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Nigel Farage has warned of a ‘hammer blow’ to Britain’s pubs with John Healey’s latest move
An extra 2p on a pint in the Budget will be ‘another hammer blow’ for pubs, says Nigel Farage
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has said that if the Chancellor adds 2p to a pint of beer in the Budget, it will be “another hammer blow” for pubs.
Speaking to GB News, he said: “On beer taxes, it’s worth reminding ourselves that George Osborne relentlessly put up beer taxes, and I mean relentlessly. Whilst at the same time, the big supermarkets were selling great big packs of tinned beer and lager that you could drink at home.
“There seems to be a total lack of connection from a government, a cabinet of 24 men and women, not one of whom has ever run or worked in private business. They see it as a cash cow, but actually they’re killing something that is culturally very much a sort of centrepiece of our country.
“I’m a great believer that every pub is a parliament. It’s where communities come together. It’s where they discuss things. And 2p may not sound like a lot, but it’s just yet another hammer blow, I’m afraid, for British pubs.”
Andy Burnham will focus on UK-EU deals ‘already in the works’, Business Secretary says
Jonathan Reynolds has said a summit with the EU next month will focus on deals that have already been in the works, but did not deny reports of wider talks about a possible return of freedom of movement.
The business secretary told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “The rules on food and agricultural products, on electricity trading, on how the emissions trading systems work – that is what is being discussed in relation to next month.
“I think you’re conflating two things. You’ve got the negotiations on the summit, but there have been no assumptions made about the the next stage after that.
“It’s the Prime Minister quite rightly saying he wants to set out to the British people what the options are to resolve some of the the tensions that exist.”
Pressed on whether UK officials are talking to the EU or planning to talk about to the EU about freedom of movement, he said: “They will be talking to them about what the future options for our relationship might be.
“But here and now, the focus should be on the summit and the tangible difference improvements we’re going to make.”
John Healey set to announce inflation-busting minimum wage hike
John Healey is gearing up to announce an inflation-busting minimum wage hike as concerns mount over what could be included in the Budget.
The National Living Wage could rise by just under four per cent on Wednesday if Andy Burnham’s Chancellor goes ahead with the plans.
Such a move would push hourly wages to £13.18 – the highest rate Britain will have ever seen.
But the inflation-busting increase would soar above inflation, which is already bludgeoning hard-working businesses across the country.
Last week, figures revealed that inflation surged to its highest level in almost a year ahead of Mr Healey’s Autumn Budget.
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Cutting energy bills must be the Chancellor’s top priority this Budget, ahead of low taxes and increased NHS funding, polling finds
Cutting energy bills should be John Healey’s top priority, new poll finds
Cutting energy bills must be the Chancellor’s top priority this Budget, ahead of low taxes and increased NHS funding, polling finds.
Almost a quarter of those asked (23 per cent) cited lowering the cost of energy as the most important move for Chancellor John Healey when he delivers his Budget tomorrow.
It came above increasing funding for the NHS (19 per cent) and keeping taxes down (15 per cent), the poll, by Survation, found.
Cutting energy costs also topped reducing welfare spending (10 per cent) and increasing defence spending (9 per cent).
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Revealed: Scotland set to go bankrupt if it votes for independence as seven ‘killer blows’ laid bare
Scotland’s bid for independence from the UK could result in its Government facing bankruptcy, a new report has warned.
Think tank Facts4EU, alongside Stand for Our Sovereignty and The Campaign for an Independent Britain, shared exclusively with GB News the seven killer blows for Scottish nationalists hoping for independence.
Facts4EU exposes how “implausible” the SNP’s case to the Scottish people really is, declaring it “game over” for the “independence-obsessed” Scottish Government.
READ THE FULL STORY HERE