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Sir Keir Starmer’s working majority in Parliament could be wiped out after more than 100 MPs signed a letter condemning the Prime Minister’s looming welfare cuts.
Last week, 42 MPs – largely on the party’s left – signed a letter speaking out against the cuts. They have now been joined by legions more, bringing the total to as many as 140.
The Government enjoys a working majority of 165, meaning that just 83 Labour MPs would have to rebel for its welfare plans to crumble.
The group is said to be angry at cuts to the health element of universal credit and is demanding a full assessment of the impact on disabled people.
Ministers have responded to the letter vowing to address their concerns, The Times reports, and are still confident that the rebellion will ultimately be contained to about a dozen MPs.
But the backlash comes as the Government is fending off fury at Starmer’s “island of strangers” comments on migration on Monday, which left-wing critics inside the party and out have compared to Enoch Powell’s infamous “Rivers of Blood” speech.
The Prime Minister and allies including Cabinet Office chief Pat McFadden have consistently defended his remarks – and today, Starmer will be in Albania to commit to tackling illegal immigration and organised crime with his counterpart Edi Rama.
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As Keir Starmer heads to Albania to ‘smash the gangs’… his own Migration Minister pledged to NOT report undocumented migrants
Malhotra explained that undocumented migrants are ‘often disregarded’GETTY
With Sir Keir Starmer heading to Albania to tackle illegal immigration, it was revealed last night that his own Migration Minister signed a pledge not to report undocumented migrants to authorities.
Seema Malhotra, who has overseen migration and citizenship at the Home Office since the General Election, signed a 2018 pledge by the group “Global Justice Now” called “MPs not border guards”.
The pledge stated she would “represent and advocate for all people living in my constituency as equal members of the local community, regardless of their immigration status”.
It adds: “I will not report on anyone who seeks my advice to the Home Office for immigration enforcement and will ensure my office correctly handles sensitive personal information to prevent this from happening.”
READ THE FULL STORY ON SEEMA MALHOTRA HERE
Tory grandee dismisses Reform defection rumours – but issues Badenoch ‘crisis’ warning about Farage
A Tory grandee has broken his silence after being named as a potential defector to Reform UK.
Sir Edward Leigh, who first obtained ministerial experience under Margaret Thatcher and now serves as Father of the House, was identified among a trio of top Tories placed on “defection watch”.
But Leigh has categorically rejected any speculation about him switching his blue rosette to join Farage’s Reform ranks…
READ THE FULL STORY HERE
Mel Stride: ‘It’s welcome the economy is growing – but growth has been DOWNGRADED’
Shadow Chancellor Mel Stride has also released a statement following this morning’s growth figures.
“While it’s welcome the economy is growing, both the OBR and IMF have downgraded the UK’s growth,” Stride said.
“Labour inherited the fastest-growing economy in the G7, but their decisions have put that progress at risk.
“Labour’s jobs tax, unemployment bill and reckless choices have seen the number of unemployed rise by 10 per cent and working families £3,500 worse off.
“Only the Conservatives believe in low tax, free-enterprise and less regulation, giving business the conditions to create good well paid jobs and wealth in our economy.”
Stride will be speaking to GB News Breakfast at 8am – you’ll be able to watch his interview with Stephen and Ellie in full here.
Rachel Reeves reacts as British economy grows by more than expected
GDP growth rose by 0.7 per cent between January and March, the ONS has said this morning – with the Chancellor hailing Britain’s “strength and potential” as a result.
“Today’s growth figures show the strength and potential of the UK economy,” Rachel Reeves said. “In the first three months of the year, the UK economy has grown faster than the US, Canada, France, Italy and Germany.
“Up against a backdrop of global uncertainty we are making the right choices now in the national interest.
“Since the election we have already had four interest rate cuts, signed two trade deals, saved British Steel and given a pay rise to millions by increasing the minimum wage.
“Our plan for change is working. But I know there is more to do and that is why I’m determined we go further and faster to make working people better off.”
READ THE FULL STORY ON GDP GROWTH HERE