Latest news with #Number10
Yahoo
a day ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Who is David Dinsmore? The former Sun editor given top comms job by Starmer
Sir Keir Starmer has appointed a former editor of The Sun newspaper to a senior communications role in Number 10, bringing him into the centre of government. David Dinsmore was editor of the tabloid newspaper between 2013 and 2015. He will now act as a senior civil servant responsible for overseeing and improving government communications. Whitehall sources indicate Mr Dinsmore's role, permanent secretary for communications, had been newly-created by the prime minister. He was personally selected by Sir Keir after the PM was impressed with his understanding of modern media challenges, The Telegraph reports. Mr Dinsmore began his career in journalism at the Scottish Sun in 1990, and rose to become its editor in 2006. He edited The Sun between 2013 and 2015, after which he was promoted to chief operating officer of News UK. The journalist was again promoted in 2022 to News UK's Executive Vice President, whilst retaining the COO role. He has earned plaudits for his media career, ranking 27th in the 2014 Media Guardian 100 and 67th in GQ magazine's 2015 'Most Connected Men in Britain' list. While parts of The Sun online went behind a paywall during Mr Dinsmore's tenure, he is credited with growing the paper's online subscriber base from an initial 117,000 to almost double, at 225,000. But the appointment is likely to prove controversial among some Labour MPs, especially representing from Liverpool, where there remains a concerted boycott of The Sun over its reporting of the 1989 Hillsborough disaster. Campaigners have also pointed to several controversies which took place during Mr Dinsmore's time at the tabloid newspaper. In 2016, the former Sun editor was convicted of breaching the Sexual Offences Act after the tabloid printed a photo of a teenage victim of a sexual offence in 2013, which did not conceal the victim's identity, and which happened during his tenure. The teenager was victim of footballer Adam Johnson, a former England player who was found guilty of sexual activity with the 15-year-old girl in 2016. Judge Howard Riddle said he was 'satisfied' Mr Dinsmore did not realise he was committing an offence. He was ordered to pay £1,300 costs and £1,000 in compensation to the victim. Shortly before Mr Dinsmore left the editor post, The Sun dropped its page 3 featuring topless models following prolonged outcry from campaigners. However, he was branded 'sexist of the year' in 2014 by campaign group End Violence Against Women, after initially resisting the move. In 2013, Mr Dinsmore said in an interview it was a 'good way of selling newspapers.' The former newspaper editor was also criticised for platforming Katie Hopkins during his tenure, during which time she held a weekly column promoting her as 'Britain's most controversial columnist.' Both Ms Hopkins and Mr Dinsmore were reported to the Metropolitan Police in 2015 for incitement to racial hatred over a column that appeared in The Sun. The piece saw Ms Hopkins describe asylum seekers looking to reach Britain as 'cockroaches' and suggested the government deploy 'gunships' to stop them landing on shore. Filing his report, barrister Peter Herbert, chair of the Society of Black Lawyers, said the column contained 'some of the most offensive, xenophobic and racist comments I have read in a British newspaper for some years.' While Ms Hopkins was questioned over the comments by police, the Met confirmed neither she nor Mr Dinsmore would be charged. Mr Dinsmore's appointment to Sir Keir's top team has been strongly criticised by campaign group Hacked Off, established in 2011 in response to the News of the World phone-hacking scandal. Launching a petition against his appoint, the group said accused Mr Dinsmore of overseeing 'endless and false denials that The Sun was involved in the phone hacking scandal; eventually exposed in January 2025, when The Sun was forced to apologise.' 'Appointing a former Sun editor to a publicly funded role is an insult to the taxpayer, and in particular to all those who were affected by the Hillsborough disaster and were smeared with despicable and false attacks by The Sun newspaper,' it adds.
BBC News
a day ago
- Politics
- BBC News
Can Starmer's Palestine pledge be more than symbolic gesture?
As Sir Keir Starmer made his address inside Number 10, I was stood outside in a noisy – deafening even – Downing Street. Gaza protestors were making themselves more than heard with drums, sirens and was a visible, visceral demonstration of the public pressure the prime minister has come under to toughen his stance on pressure, but also political pressure. More than half of Labour backbench MPs signed a letter demanding the government recognises a Palestinian state. Several ministers in the cabinet have been joining the lobbying behind the recent weeks there has been a hardening of the government's language. Today a hardening of the government's make no mistake. This is a big change in British foreign policy. It has long been a Labour position to recognise a Palestinian state as part of a peace process and at a time of maximum impact. Sir Keir has decided that time is are important caveats. The prime minister said the UK will recognise a Palestinian state in September unless the Israeli government takes "substantive steps to end the appalling situation in Gaza". There were three particular demands. That Israel:Reaches a ceasefireMakes clear there will be no annexation in the West BankCommits to a long-term peace process that delivers a two-state solutionThere were also demands on Hamas. The government said they must:Immediately release all of the hostagesSign up to a ceasefireDisarm and accept that they will play no part in the government of GazaThere is a question over how realistic the conditions are. Given the makeup of the Israeli government, which relies on support from far-right ministers opposed to a two-state solution, it seems highly unlikely Israel will agree.I am told Sir Keir spoke to Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu before the cabinet meeting this Hamas would accept disarming and having no part in the government in Gaza is also highly conditions have already been criticised, including by some Labour MPs like Sarah Champion who led the lobbying for the government to make this move. Champion says she is "troubled our recognition appears conditional on Israel's actions"."Israel is the occupier, and recognition is about the self-determination of the Palestinian people," she Conservatives say this is just "designed to appease his backbenchers" and "will not secure lasting peace". So will the government go ahead with recognising a Palestinian state if only some of those conditions are met? What if, for example, there is a ceasefire but not much progress to a two-state solution? I'm told by senior figures in government that decision will be made in now that the prospect of British recognition of a Palestinian state is a realistic prospect, it will be difficult for the government to row back from that, particularly given the fact so many Labour MPs will demand it goes why now? And will it make any difference to the situation in Gaza?Sir Keir says this is the right moment partly because the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is so dire. And, partly because he said he was "particularly concerned that the idea of a two-state solution is reducing and feels further away today than it has for many years".The key question is: will this end up being anything more than a symbolic gesture?The prime minister wants to avoid that. The conditions are designed to put pressure on Israel to change the US has far greater influence over Israel - and the country's long-standing position is to only recognise a Palestinian state as part of moves towards a long-term resolution to the conflict. Donald Trump has suggested doing so now would "reward Hamas".Sir Keir wants to show he is a serious leader who can have a real impact on the global stage. Whether that aim is realised is now, largely, in the hands of Netanyahu and Trump. Sign up for our Politics Essential newsletter to keep up with the inner workings of Westminster and beyond.
Glasgow Times
2 days ago
- Sport
- Glasgow Times
Lionesses enjoy late-night Euros celebrations in London ahead of Mall parade
Thousands of fans are expected to descend on central London on Tuesday after the team defended their Euros title with a penalty shootout win over Spain in the final in Basel, Switzerland. The Lionesses and their head coach Sarina Wiegman will make their way along The Mall near Buckingham Palace just after midday, before a trophy ceremony at the Queen Victoria Memorial in front of the palace. Members of the squad were pictured arriving by taxi in groups for celebrations at the Little Italy restaurant in Soho on Monday evening. The team sported more casual wear for the gathering after earlier attending a reception at Downing Street, hosted by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and sports minister Stephanie Peacock. Mark Bullingham, chief executive of the Football Association (FA), said: 'We are so proud of all of the players, Sarina and the support team who have all been part of this incredible achievement. 'They have all worked unbelievably hard and we know the nation shares our pride. Sarina Wiegman takes a selfie with some of her team in the garden of Number 10 (Richard Pohle/The Times/PA) 'The victory celebration in London on Tuesday will give England fans an opportunity to celebrate with the players, and be part of history. 'We've had amazing support from our fans both in Switzerland and at home throughout the tournament, and we look forward to celebrating together and creating some lifelong memories.' The celebrations on home soil began on Monday afternoon when the team landed at Southend Airport in Essex. Hundreds of fans waited patiently to catch a glimpse of Wiegman's side and the trophy, which captain Leah Williamson held up in front of jubilant crowds. England fans erupted into cheers when the Lionesses left Southend Airport, with captain Leah Williamson holding the trophy (Yui Mok/PA) Number 10 was decorated for the occasion, with St George's flags draped over windows and bunting along the railings. Wiegman and some of her Lionesses spoke to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer via video call from the garden of No 10. The Dutchwoman said 'Hello Keir, nice to see you', adding 'it's lovely here'. Sir Keir 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.' At the reception, Wiegman congratulated her team and called for more investment in the women's game, saying: 'The team is just incredible, we won the Euros but making the final, we're already legendary, what the team has done and the team behind the team.' Speaking a few hours before the Government announced a new package of measures to boost access to grassroots football, she added: 'This incredible team won the Euros and then straightaway sent a letter to you, the Government, asking for attention and asking for access to football for all girls. 'Steps have been taken but we're not done yet, we have to keep moving forward and we need a little bit more.' In a post shared on X on Monday evening, Ms Rayner described the Lionesses as 'absolute legends', adding: 'So proud of what they've done for women's football and representing England with such brilliance. 'Let the celebrations continue!!' On Monday night, the Government announced plans for priority access to grassroots football pitches for girls and women to be more than doubled over the next five years to meet the expected increased demand after the Lionesses' dramatic win. England forward Chloe Kelly at Downing Street on Monday evening (Richard Pohle/The Times/PA) As well as the Prime Minister, the King also congratulated the European champions, saying in a statement posted on X: 'You have shown through your example over past weeks that there are no setbacks so tough that defeat cannot be transformed into victory, even as the final whistle looms. 'Well done, Lionesses.' The Prince of Wales was spotted in the stands in Basel on Sunday applauding with those around him, including Princess Charlotte, and royal celebrations could continue as a trip to Buckingham Palace or Windsor Castle may be arranged for the team as plans for a reception in the autumn are being explored by royal aides, it is understood.
South Wales Argus
2 days ago
- Sport
- South Wales Argus
Lionesses enjoy late-night Euros celebrations in London ahead of Mall parade
Thousands of fans are expected to descend on central London on Tuesday after the team defended their Euros title with a penalty shootout win over Spain in the final in Basel, Switzerland. The Lionesses and their head coach Sarina Wiegman will make their way along The Mall near Buckingham Palace just after midday, before a trophy ceremony at the Queen Victoria Memorial in front of the palace. Members of the squad were pictured arriving by taxi in groups for celebrations at the Little Italy restaurant in Soho on Monday evening. The team sported more casual wear for the gathering after earlier attending a reception at Downing Street, hosted by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and sports minister Stephanie Peacock. Mark Bullingham, chief executive of the Football Association (FA), said: 'We are so proud of all of the players, Sarina and the support team who have all been part of this incredible achievement. 'They have all worked unbelievably hard and we know the nation shares our pride. Sarina Wiegman takes a selfie with some of her team in the garden of Number 10 (Richard Pohle/The Times/PA) 'The victory celebration in London on Tuesday will give England fans an opportunity to celebrate with the players, and be part of history. 'We've had amazing support from our fans both in Switzerland and at home throughout the tournament, and we look forward to celebrating together and creating some lifelong memories.' The celebrations on home soil began on Monday afternoon when the team landed at Southend Airport in Essex. Hundreds of fans waited patiently to catch a glimpse of Wiegman's side and the trophy, which captain Leah Williamson held up in front of jubilant crowds. England fans erupted into cheers when the Lionesses left Southend Airport, with captain Leah Williamson holding the trophy (Yui Mok/PA) Number 10 was decorated for the occasion, with St George's flags draped over windows and bunting along the railings. Wiegman and some of her Lionesses spoke to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer via video call from the garden of No 10. The Dutchwoman said 'Hello Keir, nice to see you', adding 'it's lovely here'. Sir Keir 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.' At the reception, Wiegman congratulated her team and called for more investment in the women's game, saying: 'The team is just incredible, we won the Euros but making the final, we're already legendary, what the team has done and the team behind the team.' Speaking a few hours before the Government announced a new package of measures to boost access to grassroots football, she added: 'This incredible team won the Euros and then straightaway sent a letter to you, the Government, asking for attention and asking for access to football for all girls. 'Steps have been taken but we're not done yet, we have to keep moving forward and we need a little bit more.' In a post shared on X on Monday evening, Ms Rayner described the Lionesses as 'absolute legends', adding: 'So proud of what they've done for women's football and representing England with such brilliance. 'Let the celebrations continue!!' On Monday night, the Government announced plans for priority access to grassroots football pitches for girls and women to be more than doubled over the next five years to meet the expected increased demand after the Lionesses' dramatic win. England forward Chloe Kelly at Downing Street on Monday evening (Richard Pohle/The Times/PA) As well as the Prime Minister, the King also congratulated the European champions, saying in a statement posted on X: 'You have shown through your example over past weeks that there are no setbacks so tough that defeat cannot be transformed into victory, even as the final whistle looms. 'Well done, Lionesses.' The Prince of Wales was spotted in the stands in Basel on Sunday applauding with those around him, including Princess Charlotte, and royal celebrations could continue as a trip to Buckingham Palace or Windsor Castle may be arranged for the team as plans for a reception in the autumn are being explored by royal aides, it is understood.
The Herald Scotland
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Herald Scotland
Lionesses enjoy late-night Euros celebrations in London ahead of Mall parade
The Lionesses and their head coach Sarina Wiegman will make their way along The Mall near Buckingham Palace just after midday, before a trophy ceremony at the Queen Victoria Memorial in front of the palace. Members of the squad were pictured arriving by taxi in groups for celebrations at the Little Italy restaurant in Soho on Monday evening. The team sported more casual wear for the gathering after earlier attending a reception at Downing Street, hosted by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and sports minister Stephanie Peacock. Mark Bullingham, chief executive of the Football Association (FA), said: 'We are so proud of all of the players, Sarina and the support team who have all been part of this incredible achievement. 'They have all worked unbelievably hard and we know the nation shares our pride. Sarina Wiegman takes a selfie with some of her team in the garden of Number 10 (Richard Pohle/The Times/PA) 'The victory celebration in London on Tuesday will give England fans an opportunity to celebrate with the players, and be part of history. 'We've had amazing support from our fans both in Switzerland and at home throughout the tournament, and we look forward to celebrating together and creating some lifelong memories.' The celebrations on home soil began on Monday afternoon when the team landed at Southend Airport in Essex. Hundreds of fans waited patiently to catch a glimpse of Wiegman's side and the trophy, which captain Leah Williamson held up in front of jubilant crowds. England fans erupted into cheers when the Lionesses left Southend Airport, with captain Leah Williamson holding the trophy (Yui Mok/PA) Number 10 was decorated for the occasion, with St George's flags draped over windows and bunting along the railings. Wiegman and some of her Lionesses spoke to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer via video call from the garden of No 10. The Dutchwoman said 'Hello Keir, nice to see you', adding 'it's lovely here'. Sir Keir 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.' At the reception, Wiegman congratulated her team and called for more investment in the women's game, saying: 'The team is just incredible, we won the Euros but making the final, we're already legendary, what the team has done and the team behind the team.' Speaking a few hours before the Government announced a new package of measures to boost access to grassroots football, she added: 'This incredible team won the Euros and then straightaway sent a letter to you, the Government, asking for attention and asking for access to football for all girls. 'Steps have been taken but we're not done yet, we have to keep moving forward and we need a little bit more.' In a post shared on X on Monday evening, Ms Rayner described the Lionesses as 'absolute legends', adding: 'So proud of what they've done for women's football and representing England with such brilliance. 'Let the celebrations continue!!' On Monday night, the Government announced plans for priority access to grassroots football pitches for girls and women to be more than doubled over the next five years to meet the expected increased demand after the Lionesses' dramatic win. England forward Chloe Kelly at Downing Street on Monday evening (Richard Pohle/The Times/PA) As well as the Prime Minister, the King also congratulated the European champions, saying in a statement posted on X: 'You have shown through your example over past weeks that there are no setbacks so tough that defeat cannot be transformed into victory, even as the final whistle looms. 'Well done, Lionesses.' The Prince of Wales was spotted in the stands in Basel on Sunday applauding with those around him, including Princess Charlotte, and royal celebrations could continue as a trip to Buckingham Palace or Windsor Castle may be arranged for the team as plans for a reception in the autumn are being explored by royal aides, it is understood.
