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Kemi Badenoch and Robert Jenrick will compete in the final round of the Conservative Party leadership contest after James Cleverly was unexpectedly eliminated. Badenoch secured 42 votes, while Jenrick received 41, both seen as candidates from the party's right. The final vote among party members will occur on November 2, 2024.
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Sue Gray has resigned from her role as chief of staff to Prime Minister Keir Starmer, citing intense media scrutiny as a distraction to the government's work. She will take on a new position as envoy for the regions and nations. Morgan McSweeney will replace her as chief of staff.
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DP World has confirmed its plans to expand the London Gateway port despite recent criticism from UK ministers regarding P&O Ferries' employment practices. Transport Secretary Louise Haigh's comments had initially threatened the company's £1 billion investment announcement at the upcoming International Investment Summit, but government officials have since clarified their support for DP World.
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Boris Johnson's memoir, 'Unleashed', has quickly fallen from the top of Amazon's bestseller list, now ranking seventh. Despite a high-profile launch, it faces stiff competition from children's books and cookbooks, raising questions about its appeal and content.
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The UK government has suspended 30 arms export licenses to Israel, citing concerns over potential violations of international humanitarian law amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. This decision has sparked significant backlash from Israeli officials and political figures in the UK, highlighting the complexities of arms sales in conflict zones.
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Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced a comprehensive 10-year plan to reform the NHS, emphasizing the need for significant changes to address long waiting lists and improve community health services. This follows a critical report by Lord Darzi, highlighting the NHS's urgent need for reform amid rising healthcare demands and preventable diseases.
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Labour's new government, led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, is facing significant backlash from trade unions over proposed cuts to winter fuel payments for pensioners. Union leaders express concerns about austerity measures and the impact on vulnerable populations, as the government emphasizes the need for tough economic decisions amid a £22 billion fiscal shortfall.
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Labour leader Keir Starmer is under fire for accepting gifts, including clothing for his wife, from party donor Lord Alli. The controversy has sparked calls for investigations, with critics highlighting potential hypocrisy given Labour's previous stance on political donations. Starmer insists he follows the rules, while the party prepares for a challenging budget ahead.
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London Mayor Sadiq Khan has announced a £150 million proposal to pedestrianise Oxford Street, aiming to revitalize the iconic shopping area. The initiative seeks to enhance foot traffic and economic activity while addressing pollution concerns. Approval from the London Assembly and local government is required for the project to proceed.
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As UK universities face financial challenges, proposals for increasing tuition fees and government funding have emerged. With rising student loan debts and inflation, institutions are struggling to maintain quality education. The sector is advocating for better management of international student numbers and reinstating maintenance grants for disadvantaged students.
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Recent reports reveal significant declines in UK trade with the EU post-Brexit, with exports down 27% and imports down 32%. Smaller producers face increased regulatory burdens, prompting calls for a reevaluation of trade agreements. The new government under Keir Starmer is under pressure to address these issues amid ongoing economic challenges.
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky continues to press Western allies for permission to use long-range missiles against Russian targets. Despite ongoing discussions, US and UK leaders have yet to reach a decision, amid fears of escalating conflict with Russia, which has warned that such actions would signify a direct war with NATO.
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The UK government faces pressure to fulfill its climate finance commitments, particularly regarding nature protection in developing countries. Recent data reveals a significant funding shortfall, necessitating a doubling of current spending to meet international targets ahead of key climate summits in Colombia and Azerbaijan.
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In his first speech as Prime Minister at the Labour conference, Keir Starmer addressed the public's exhaustion with politics and the economic challenges ahead. He emphasized the need for tough decisions while promising a brighter future, despite facing criticism over his government's early decisions and declining approval ratings. The speech aimed to balance realism with hope for change.
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Recent footage from Animal Equality UK has raised serious questions about fish mortality rates at Scottish salmon farms. The Scottish Parliament's rural affairs committee is investigating these claims amid ongoing concerns about the industry's environmental impact and transparency. The inquiry follows a previous report highlighting high mortality rates in the sector.
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The Conservative Party conference in Birmingham has revealed an unexpectedly upbeat atmosphere among members despite recent electoral defeat. With a leadership contest underway, candidates are vying for support while reflecting on Labour's early struggles in government. The party faces challenges in regaining lost voter support from both the right and centrist factions.
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The Conservative Party leadership contest is intensifying as candidates pitch their visions at the party conference in Birmingham. Key figures, including James Cleverly and Tom Tugendhat, are vying for support from MPs and party members ahead of the final vote on November 2.
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Naomi Campbell's charity, Fashion for Relief, has been banned from charity work for five years following a Charity Commission inquiry. The investigation revealed serious financial mismanagement, with only 8.5% of funds raised allocated to charitable grants, while significant amounts were spent on personal expenses. Campbell denies any wrongdoing.
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A new report reveals Premier League fans encountered nearly 30,000 gambling messages in a single weekend, highlighting a 240% increase from last year. Experts and politicians are urging government intervention, criticizing the gambling industry's self-regulation as inadequate and calling for stricter advertising controls to protect vulnerable populations, especially children.
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Boris Johnson's memoir reveals he considered an 'aquatic raid' on a Dutch warehouse to seize AstraZeneca vaccines during the pandemic. Senior Tories have dismissed the claim as exaggerated, suggesting it was a ploy to boost book sales. The controversy highlights tensions between the UK and EU over vaccine exports.
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As the Conservative Party prepares for its conference in Birmingham, internal divisions and leadership challenges emerge following a historic election defeat. Key figures like Lord Ben Houchen and Pat McFadden highlight the need for change and the lessons learned from past mistakes, setting the stage for a contentious leadership race. The party's future direction remains uncertain amid calls for a return to core values and public trust.
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The Conservative Party's leadership contest is underway following a historic electoral defeat in July. Candidates Robert Jenrick, Kemi Badenoch, James Cleverly, and Tom Tugendhat are vying for the position, with the new leader to be announced on November 2, 2024. The conference in Birmingham highlights the party's struggle to redefine its identity and appeal to voters.
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Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has shifted his stance on the origins of COVID-19, now suggesting it was man-made in a lab rather than transmitted from animals. This claim contrasts with recent scientific studies supporting the animal-to-human transmission theory from a Wuhan market.
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As the Conservative Party conference unfolds, frontrunners Kemi Badenoch and Robert Jenrick face scrutiny over their policies and remarks. With the final two candidates to be decided by Tory MPs on October 10, the leadership contest is intensifying ahead of the November 2 announcement of the new leader.
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Kemi Badenoch, a leading candidate for the Conservative leadership, has sparked controversy by labeling statutory maternity pay as 'excessive' during a radio interview. Her comments have drawn criticism from political rivals and advocacy groups, highlighting ongoing debates about maternity rights in the UK. Badenoch later attempted to clarify her statements, asserting her support for maternity pay.
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A Frontier Airlines Airbus A321 caught fire upon landing in Las Vegas, prompting an emergency evacuation of 197 passengers and crew. Meanwhile, an Australian report revealed a helicopter crash in Cairns was a deliberate act by the pilot, who was intoxicated. Both incidents are under investigation by aviation authorities.
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The closure of the last blast furnace at Tata Steel's Port Talbot plant marks the end of traditional steelmaking in the UK, resulting in nearly 2,000 job losses. The plant will transition to greener production methods, with steelmaking expected to resume in 2027 using an electric arc furnace funded by a £1.25 billion investment. This significant change raises concerns about the local economy and community well-being.
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In his memoir 'Unleashed', Boris Johnson critiques the Brexit process, claiming fears over Northern Ireland's peace were exaggerated. He also accuses French President Macron of weaponizing migration issues to undermine Brexit, reflecting on his tumultuous relationships with EU leaders during his tenure as Prime Minister.
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As the Conservative Party conference unfolds, leadership candidates Kemi Badenoch, Robert Jenrick, Tom Tugendhat, and James Cleverly are vying for support. The party grapples with internal divisions and the aftermath of a historic election defeat in July 2024, prompting calls for significant change and reflection on past failures.
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Robert Jenrick, a Conservative leadership candidate, has sparked controversy by claiming UK special forces are 'killing rather than capturing' terrorists due to European human rights laws. His remarks have drawn widespread criticism from political opponents and military experts, raising concerns about the implications for military operations and legal frameworks.
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Prince Harry attended the WellChild Awards in London, celebrating seriously ill children and their families. He engaged warmly with attendees, sharing personal anecdotes about his children. Meanwhile, Prince William promoted his Earthshot Prize and met with David Beckham, but the brothers reportedly did not meet due to ongoing tensions in their relationship.
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Prime Minister Keir Starmer has repaid over £6,000 in gifts, including Taylor Swift concert tickets and clothing rentals, following scrutiny over hospitality received from wealthy donors. This decision comes amid a broader commitment to tighten rules on ministerial gifts and improve transparency in government dealings.
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Laura Kuenssberg, BBC's political presenter, accidentally sent briefing notes to Boris Johnson, leading to the cancellation of their scheduled interview. The incident, described as 'embarrassing and disappointing,' has drawn attention ahead of Johnson's memoir release next week.
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On October 4, 2024, Prime Minister Keir Starmer unveiled plans for two carbon capture clusters in Merseyside and Teesside, committing nearly £22 billion over 25 years. This initiative aims to create 4,000 jobs, attract £8 billion in private investment, and support the UK's climate goals by capturing and storing carbon emissions from industrial processes.
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Today marks one year since the Hamas attacks in Israel, which resulted in significant loss of life and escalated conflict in Gaza. Leaders from Jewish and Muslim communities in the UK have united to condemn hate and call for solidarity against prejudice amid rising tensions and violence.
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Melania Trump's new memoir offers a glimpse into her life with Donald Trump, recounting their first meeting and addressing public perceptions of their marriage. The book touches on her pro-choice stance and her relationship with King Charles, while avoiding controversy surrounding Trump's alleged infidelities.
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The UK government has postponed the implementation of the third stage of the Border Target Operating Model (Btom) to January 31, 2025, due to concerns over potential supply chain disruptions. This delay follows ongoing discussions between Prime Minister Keir Starmer and EU leaders aimed at improving post-Brexit relations.
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Chancellor Rachel Reeves is preparing for her first budget on October 30, amid warnings from the Institute for Fiscal Studies that she must raise taxes significantly to meet public service demands while adhering to manifesto commitments. The government faces a complex financial landscape with high debt and rising public service needs.
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As the U.S. aims for net-zero emissions by 2050, nuclear energy is being reconsidered. Companies like Constellation Energy and Holtec International are working to restart closed plants, while political leaders face criticism for not leading by example in climate action. The urgency for effective solutions is growing.
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The EU's Entry Exit System (EES), requiring biometric data from non-EU travelers, has been postponed from its planned launch on November 10, 2024. Concerns from France, Germany, and the Netherlands about system readiness have led to a phased rollout expected in 2025, with potential changes to biometric requirements.