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The Liberal Democrats have appointed a new frontbench team following their record gains in the July general election, now holding 72 seats. Leader Sir Ed Davey emphasized priorities like healthcare and the cost of living, while new roles were assigned to several MPs, including Helen Morgan on health and social care.
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UK aid spending is projected to drop to its lowest level since 2007, primarily due to funds being diverted to support asylum seekers in the UK. Over 100 NGOs have urged the government to revise its budget plans to avoid damaging cuts to international aid.
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Sir Keir Starmer has been criticized for accepting over £107,000 in gifts and hospitality since becoming Labour leader, significantly more than other MPs. Concerns arise over potential conflicts of interest, particularly regarding football-related hospitality amid ongoing regulatory discussions.
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In the latest round of voting, Mel Stride has been eliminated from the Conservative leadership contest, leaving Robert Jenrick, Kemi Badenoch, James Cleverly, and Tom Tugendhat as the final four candidates. The next stage will occur at the party conference later this month, where they will present their visions to party members.
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Starting April 2025, the UK will require most overseas visitors, including transit passengers at Heathrow, to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for a fee of £10. This policy, supported by the Labour government, may deter travelers and harm the airport's competitiveness compared to other global hubs.
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Labour's government is under scrutiny for alleged cronyism following the appointment of party donors to key civil service roles. Prime Minister Keir Starmer defends these appointments, while the Conservatives demand transparency regarding the hiring processes. The controversy includes the granting of a Downing Street pass to major donor Lord Waheed Alli and the appointment of Ian Corfield at the Treasury.
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A delegation of Labour MPs, led by General Secretary David Evans, is set to meet US President Joe Biden at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. The group aims to share campaign strategies following Labour's recent electoral success and learn from the Biden-Harris campaign ahead of the upcoming US elections.
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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 UK political figures, highlighting the contentious nature of arms sales in conflict zones.
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The Conservative leadership race is heating up as candidates debate immigration policies, particularly regarding the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). Robert Jenrick and Tom Tugendhat advocate for leaving the ECHR to address immigration issues, while Kemi Badenoch and James Cleverly criticize this approach as overly simplistic. The party seeks to regain voter trust after recent electoral losses.
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In the ongoing Conservative leadership contest, Robert Jenrick leads with 28 votes, while Priti Patel has been eliminated. The contest coincides with the release of the Grenfell Tower inquiry report, which found systemic failures leading to the tragedy that claimed 72 lives in 2017. Angela Rayner is also proposing changes to housing policy.
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Following the first round of voting, five candidates remain in the Conservative leadership race to replace Rishi Sunak. Robert Jenrick leads with 33 votes, followed by Kemi Badenoch, James Cleverly, and Tom Tugendhat. The next round will reduce the field to two candidates, with the winner announced on November 2.
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Robert Jenrick leads the Conservative leadership race after the first round of voting, securing 28 votes. Kemi Badenoch follows with 22 votes, while Priti Patel has been eliminated. The party conference will showcase the remaining candidates as they vie for leadership ahead of the final vote on November 2.