Latest news with #DowningStreet
Telegraph
41 minutes ago
- Politics
- Telegraph
No 10 orchestrated Savile attack against Farage
No10 orchestrated the Jimmy Savile attack on Nigel Farage, The Telegraph understands. Multiple government sources said Peter Kyle, the Science Secretary, had spoken to Downing Street before appearing on Sky News on Tuesday, when he made controversial remarks about Mr Farage and the notorious paedophile. In the interview, Mr Kyle said the Reform leader was 'on the side' of child predators and extreme pornographers, after Mr Farage pledged to scrap the Online Safety Act if he becomes prime minister. 'Make no mistake about it, if people like Jimmy Savile were alive today, he would be perpetrating his crimes online, and Nigel Farage is saying that he is on their side, not the side of children,' he said. Despite concern from some Labour figures that the attack could backfire on Sir Keir – who was Director of Public Prosecutions when the Crown Prosecution Service declined to bring charges against Savile – other Labour ministers rowed in behind Mr Kyle. Heidi Alexander, the Transport Secretary, repeated the allegation on Wednesday morning, telling Sky News: 'Nigel Farage is, in effect, saying that he is [on paedophiles'] side because he's saying he's wanting to repeal the Online Safety Act. 'In effect, what Nigel Farage is saying is that he's totally happy for there to be a free-for-all on the internet. 'That's not the position of the Labour Government. It's not the position of me. It's not the position of Keir Starmer or Peter Kyle, and that is the point that the Technology Secretary was rightly making yesterday.' Mr Farage has demanded an apology for what he called a 'disgusting' smear against him, arguing that Mr Kyle had become the 'minister for political slander'. However, the fact that No 10 was aware of Mr Kyle's comments before they were issued suggests that Sir Keir's team is willing to launch a major war with Reform on child safety. Reform is currently eight points ahead of Labour in the polls, and has launched a summer campaign on crime that is targeted at Sir Keir's performance on keeping streets safe. Labour has begun targeting Mr Farage personally on the doorstep, releasing leaflets designed to look like scratch cards with the slogan 'don't gamble on Farage'. A Labour source said the Savile debate was 'a fight we're willing to have,' adding: 'Shielding kids from gruesome stuff online should be a no-brainer'. 'It is quite amusing seeing Farage talking about 'disgusting remarks',' the source said. 'He has a distinguished record of making punchy and disgusting remarks in his own right.' Savile last became a feature of Westminster debate when Boris Johnson accused Sir Keir of failing to prosecute him in 2022. The former Tory prime minister later said he had only intended to criticise the CPS, not Sir Keir's actions. There is no evidence that Sir Keir knew about the advice provided to police by the CPS that Savile should not be charged. Richard Scorer, a lawyer who has represented Savile victims, said at the time that Mr Johnson's attack was a 'troubling smear' and he was 'weaponising' their suffering.
ABC News
21 hours ago
- Politics
- ABC News
UK could recognise Palestinian state in September, PM Keir Starmer says
British PM Keir Starmer says his country will recognise a Palestinian state as early as September, unless Israel takes significant steps to end the war in Gaza. Sir Keir made the announcement in London on Tuesday, local time. It comes less than a week after French President Emmanuel Macron pledged that his country would recognise Palestine as a state at a United Nations meeting in September. France will be the first G7 nation to do so. Sir Keir's announcement came one day after he met US President Donald Trump in Scotland. "Our overwhelming concern is for the Israeli hostages and for the people of Gaza. We must do all we can to end the current suffering and change the situation on the ground," a statement released by Downing Street read. "We demand an immediate ceasefire to stop the slaughter, that the UN be allowed to send humanitarian assistance into Gaza on a continuing basis to prevent starvation, and the immediate release of the hostages. We support the US, Qatari and Egyptian governments in their attempts to bring about a ceasefire." While Australia has also reiterated its commitment to a two-state solution over the course of the war in Gaza, Sir Keir's language on Tuesday, and provision for a concrete timeline, is stronger than anything his counterpart in Canberra, Anthony Albanese, has used.
The Independent
a day ago
- Politics
- The Independent
Starmer to set out plan for peace in Middle East as he convenes urgent cabinet meeting on Gaza
Sir Keir Starmer will hold an urgent cabinet meeting this afternoon to set out a plan for 'lasting peace' in the Middle East that will pave the way for Labour to recognise a Palestinian state. The prime minister has called ministers away from their summer break for the meeting, where he will present his plan, which he discussed with Donald Trump in Scotland on Monday. There have been growing calls from Labour MPs and the public for Sir Keir to do recognise the Palestinian state immediately, with deputy prime minister Angela Rayner and home secretary Yvette Cooper believed to be among ministers who think the government should take the lead on this issue. Health secretary Wes Streeting has also signalled a desire for hastened action, calling for recognition 'while there's still a state of Palestine left to recognise'. Technology minister Peter Kyle warned on Tuesday that the region is 'slipping further and further into despair'. It is understood that Tuesday's meeting, being held at 2pm, will take place online, meaning ministers who are away from Downing Street in their constituencies or on holiday will be able to attend virtually. Sir Keir plans to share details of his strategy with Arab states and other key allies in the coming days. The prime minister's official spokesman said: 'This week, the prime minister is focused on a pathway to peace to ensure immediate relief for those on the ground, and a sustainable route to a two-state solution. 'We are clear that the recognition of the Palestinian state is a matter of when, not if, but it must be one of the steps on the path to a two-state solution as part of a wider plan that delivers lasting security for both Palestinians and Israelis.' On Monday, Donald Trump – seen as one of Israel 's strongest supporters – signalled the United States would not object to such a move, giving Sir Keir the green light as pressure mounts on him politically to follow Emmanuel Macron, who last week announced France would do so. Sir Keir is meanwhile facing calls from a growing number of MPs to recognise a Palestinian state immediately, with more than 250 cross-party MPs having signed a letter calling for ministers to take the step, up from 221 on Friday. But business secretary Jonathan Reynolds dismissed the idea that there is a split at the top of government over when to recognise a Palestinian state, saying 'we all want it to happen'. It comes after peace talks came to a standstill last week after Washington and Israel recalled negotiating teams from Qatar, with White House special envoy Steve Witkoff blaming Hamas for a 'lack of desire' to reach an agreement. Since then, Israel has promised military pauses in three populated areas of Gaza to allow designated UN convoys of aid to reach desperate Palestinians. But the UK, which is joining efforts to airdrop aid into the enclave and evacuate children in need of medical assistance, has said that access to supplies must be 'urgently' widened. Aid agencies have welcomed the new measures but said they were not enough to counter the rising hunger in the Palestinian territory. Sir Keir said that the British public is 'revolted' at the scenes of desperation in Gaza as he appeared alongside Mr Trump at his Turnberry golf course on Monday. 'It's a humanitarian crisis, it's an absolute catastrophe. 'Nobody wants to see that. I think people in Britain are revolted at seeing what they're seeing on their screens, so we've got to get to that ceasefire.' Meanwhile, Mr Kyle told Times Radio: 'We've all seen the images coming out of Gaza. Gaza is slipping further and further into despair. 'Myself, the prime minister, everyone who watches those images, including President Trump, is moved by them. These are horrific images, and there has to be action, and there has to be renewed action.' The US president hinted at sticking points in US-led negotiations over a peace deal, saying Palestinian militant group Hamas had become 'very difficult to deal with' in recent weeks. He suggested this was because they only held a small remaining number of Israeli hostages. Sir Keir has likened the plan he is working on with France and Germany to the coalition of the willing, the international effort to support Ukraine towards a lasting peace. The prime minister's official spokesman said the plan would build 'on the collaboration to date that paves the way to a long-term solution on security in the region'.
The Sun
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Moment Alessia Russo tries to put off Ella Toone with cheeky prank during Lionesses' Downing Street photo
ENGLAND star Alessia Russio targeted her best pal Ella Toone with a cheeky prank during a special reception at Downing Street. The Lionesses were greeted by cheering crowds as they returned home on Monday after their Euro 2025 shootout victory over Spain. 3 Play Dream Team now! The team arrived for a celebratory reception, hosted by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and sports minister Stephanie Peacock, just before 7pm on Monday. Number 10 was decorated for the occasion, with St George's flags draped over windows and bunting along the railings. And the Queens of Europe posed for a legendary team photograph outside the famous black door, with manager Sarina Wiegman taking centre stage. But while stood outside No 10, Russo was caught trying to put Toone off by playfully sticking her finger in her teammate's ear while photographers were gasping for pictures. A shocked Toone, 26, quickly yanked her head away from Russo's surprise prod, before facing back straight to smile for snaps. The pair, who started every game of Euro 2025, could be seen holding back fits of laughter while they tried to stay composed. Russo, 25, and Toone's long-time friendship is well documented with the pair meeting in a youth England camp at the age of 12 and swiftly becoming inseparable. Despite being from opposite ends of the country, striker Russo soon joined Toone at Manchester United in 2020, before leaving for Arsenal in 2023. 3 The childhood friends, who also won Euro 2022 together, are set to join the team for an open-top bus victory parade of Central London on Tuesday. Starting at 12.10pm, the bus will drive past fans along The Mall before ending with a staged ceremony at the Queen Victoria Memorial in front of Buckingham Palace at around 12.30pm. England's Lionesses return home to heroes' welcome with EURO 2025 trophy Some of the team also took part in a 'cringe' video call from Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who was unable to attend in person due to talks with US President Donald Trump in Scotland. England defended their European title with a 3-1 penalty shootout over world champions Spain in Basel. Sunday's final was full of twists and turns, with England falling behind in the 25th minute to a header from Mariona Caldentey. But the Lionesses roared back with a header of their own from Russo in the 57th minute to equalise the game. Chloe Kelly smashed home the winning spot-kick following two saves from goalkeeper Hannah Hampton, helping the squad become first English team to win a major tournament on foreign soil. Back home, more than 16 million people saw the match live on TV - the most-watched television moment of the year so far.
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Moment Alessia Russo playfully tries to put off Ella Toone during Lioness photo as the childhood best friends get red carpet treatment at Downing Street
Alessia Russo and Ella Toone were seen messing around as they stood for a photograph outside Downing Street yesterday, as the Lionesses returned to England victorious. The team was honoured with a special reception at No 10 Downing Street, hosted by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner. While stood outside Number 10, Alessia Russo was caught trying to put Ella Toone off by playfully sticking her finger in her teammate's ear. The pair are childhood friends despite growing up in different ends of the country - Toone in Greater Manchester and Russo in Kent - the attacking duo are great friends off the field and have been mates since the age of 12. Toone, 25, and Russo, 26, both appear on their own podcast together, where they tell all to presenter Vick Hope. Despite a whirlwind schedule and barely a moment's rest, the duo alongside their England teammates are set to continue their victory lap today – with a blockbuster open-top bus parade through The Mall set to kick off at 12.10pm today. That will end in a glitzy ceremony outside Buckingham Palace hosted by former England star Alex Scott. Thousands of fans are expected to gather on the Mall to welcome and congratulate the team on their historic achievement. The England squad wearing their winners' medals at Downing Street for a reception at No 10 The European champions pictured outside Number 10 which was adorned with England flags Lucy Bronze and Chloe Kelly also shared a moment of fun outside Downing Street Some of the team also took part in a surprise video call from Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who was unable to attend in person due to talks with US President Donald Trump in Scotland. He said: 'Fantastic to see you all and welcome to Downing Street. I just wanted to say a huge huge congratulations to you and to the whole team. 'It was an absolutely amazing victory and you must've felt the eyes and ears of the whole country on you last night.' He added: 'You made history so many times over last night.' Wiegman thanked him for calling and for supporting the team throughout the tournament. Today's celebrations are expected to echo the scenes of Trafalgar Square three years ago, though this year's road to glory has been widely hailed as even more nail-biting and unforgettable. England managed to become European Championship winners again after a penalty shootout win against rivals Spain on Sunday night. The game was 1-1 after 90 minutes and remained tied through 30 minutes of extra time. The Lionesses have touched down in England less than 24 hours after their Euro 2025 triumph Fans with home-made signs wait for the team to arrive back in the UK Drinks were flowing as friends and family joined the England players in celebration Another nerve-shredding penalty shootout followed with Chloe Kelly yet again scoring the winning penalty sparking jubilant scene in the stadium in Basel and in millions of homes back in the UK. Yesterday, the squad landed at Southend Airport to a rapturous welcome from adoring fans – greeted with chants of 'It's coming home' and flags waving as they descended from their private jet. Leading the way, Williamson beamed as she held the gleaming Euros trophy aloft, the team receiving a dramatic water cannon salute on the tarmac – a royal welcome for the queens of European football. It's been a non-stop celebration since the final whistle blew on their dramatic penalty shoot-out win over Spain. Toone sang karaoke as England manager Sarina Wiegman and captain Leah Williamson cut a celebratory cake together on Sunday night. With players still partying into the early hours of the morning, after Toone's partner Joe Bunney posted a picture at 4.10am. Celebrations began in earnest swiftly after their title defence was assured, with the Lionesses performing a musical number as they left the field. Led by captain Leah Williamson and Beth Mead, England's players belted out 2010 hit Dancing On My Own by Robyn as they exited down the tunnel. The team would later return to the field armed with several boxes of pizza and cans of beer. Ella Toone was belting out hits on the karaoke machine Ella Toone was on someone's shoulders as she danced with Georgia Stanway The Lionesses have roared to victory in a nailbiting penalty shootout that saw them triumph over Spain Penalty hero Chloe Kelly and Lucy Bronze, who played the final with a broken leg, head into the team hotel after winning the Euros and the party began Last night the team were seen continuing celebrations into a second night as they descended on Soho for another night out. After a whirlwind 48 hours, the squad poured out of their taxis and straight into Little Italy in central London. All of the squad seemed to be in high spirits, laughing and linking arms as they made their way into the lively late-night spot, sporting their third outfit change of the day. Fans can attend the victory parade today for free and it will also be broadcast live on BBC, ITV, and Sky. Outside of football, Toone has set up her own brand, ET7, which includes a football academy for young girls, and she has set up a creative agency to help female athletes maximise commercial opportunities. Her sponsors include make-up brand Charlotte Tilbury, orthodontic firm Invisalign and McDonald's. Russo is now on £500,000 a year just for playing football – but off-the-field deals are understood to bring in much more.
