Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.
Sir Keir Starmer hit back at Kemi Badenoch after she urged him to resign in light of a petition calling for a new general election.
At a fiery PMQs Sir Keir defended Labour’s approach to business and claimed the Tories “really haven’t got a clue what they’re doing” when it comes to pro-growth policies.
Ms Badenoch countered: “To know what Conservatives would do, he should resign and find out. Until then, I’m the one asking the questions. There’s a petition out there, two million people asking him to go.”
The prime minister also refused to repeat Rachel Reeves’ commitment not to push through any further tax hikes.
He was asked by Ms Badenoch at PMQs if he could repeat the chancellor’s statement to the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), when she said: “I’m clear I’m not coming back with more borrowing or more taxes.”
The PM said he was “fixing the foundations” of the economy, but would not repeat the pledge.
The prime minister’s clash with the Tory leader comes as MPs continue to voice their opinions over the upcoming assisted dying vote in the Commons on Friday.
Comment: Why Starmer has stayed silent over his views on assisted dying – and how that could backfire
Strangely, despite backing the bill in 2015, the prime minister has refused to state his views ahead of the crucial vote, writes Andrew Grice – who believes he should be leading the debate from the front
Is assisted dying a compassionate step forward or a dangerous precedent? Join The Independent Debate
The debate over assisted dying has reignited, with Parliament gearing up for a historic vote on Friday.
If passed, the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill would allow those with less than six months to live to end their lives with medical assistance, under strict safeguards requiring approval from two doctors and a High Court judge.
The issue is divisive, raising profound ethical, religious, and societal questions: and now we want to know where you stand. Is assisted dying a compassionate step forward or a dangerous precedent?
Share your thoughts in the comments — we’ll feature the most compelling responses
Kemi Badenoch’s three-word biscuit-themed swipe at Angela Rayner
Kemi Badenoch appeared to refer to Angela Rayner as “the ginger nut” during a heated Prime Minister’s Questions clash with Sir Keir Starmer on Wednesday, 27 November.
The Conservative leader took a biscuit-themed swipe at the deputy prime minister as she referred to the boss of McVitie’s bakery products’ parent firm Pladis saying the case for investment in the UK is getting harder to see.
“While the PM has been hobnobbing in Brazil, businesses have been struggling to digest his budget.” She added: “Isn’t it the case the Employment Rights Bill shows that it is not only the ginger nut that is causing him problems?”
Kemi Badenoch’s three-word biscuit-themed swipe at Angela Rayner
Kemi Badenoch appeared to refer to Angela Rayner as “the ginger nut” during a heated Prime Minister’s Questions clash with Sir Keir Starmer on Wednesday, 27 November. The Conservative leader took a biscuit-themed swipe at the deputy prime minister as she referred to the boss of McVitie’s bakery products’ parent firm Pladis saying the case for investment in the UK is getting harder to see. “While the PM has been hobnobbing in Brazil, businesses have been struggling to digest his budget.” She added: “Isn’t it the case the Employment Rights Bill shows that it is not only the ginger nut that is causing him problems?”
Watch: Badenoch challenges Starmer on general election petition
Rishi Sunak failed to turn up to smoking ban vote despite plan being his idea
Rishi Sunak failed to turn up to vote for a ban on young people ever being able to buy cigarettes, despite the former prime minister having introduced the idea in the first place.
MPs passed the Tobacco and Vapes Bill at its second reading by 415 votes to 47, legislation which will make it illegal for anyone born after 2009 to buy tobacco at any point in their lives.
The plan was first announced by Mr Sunak at last year’s Tory conference in Manchester, where he promised to “ensure that future generations are smoke-free.”
But on Tuesday, Mr Sunak failed to turn up to show his support for the law. Meanwhile, his successor, Kemi Badenoch, voted against the ban.
Starmer hits back at Badenoch’s suggestion he resigns in light of general election petition
Sir Keir Starmer hit back at Kemi Badenoch’s suggestion that he should resign in light of a petition calling for a general election during Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday, 27 November.
The Conservative leader told the prime minister: “There’s a petition out there, two million people asking him to go.”
Sir Keir referenced Labour’s large majority from this year’s general election as he dismissed Ms Badenoch’s calls for him to step down.
“She talks about a petition, we had a massive petition on the 4th of July in this country,” Sir Keir replied.
Starmer hits back at Badenoch’s suggestion he resigns in light of election petition
Sir Keir Starmer hit back at Kemi Badenoch’s suggestion that he should resign in light of a petition calling for a general election during Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday, 27 November. The Conservative leader told the prime minister: “There’s a petition out there, two million people asking him to go.” Sir Keir referenced Labour’s large majority from this year’s general election as he dismissed Ms Badenoch’s calls for him to step down. “She talks about a petition, we had a massive petition on the 4th of July in this country,” Sir Keir replied.
Farmers continue protests in the Garden of England
Away from the world of Westminster farmers are continuing to protest against the inheritance tax changes announced by chancellor Rachel Reeves in the Budget last month.
Gareth Wyn Jones said that more than 100 tractors are making their way through Dover, Kent, on Wednesday afternoon.
Starmer accused of being determined to defend ‘disastrous’ Tory Brexit policies – PMQs
Sir Keir Starmer has been accused of being determined to defend the Tories “disastrous” Brexit policies that have left the UK out of the single market and customs union.
Liberal Democrat MP Charlie Maynard said: “We recognise that Labour is determined to defend the economically disastrous conservative policies of being outside the customs union and single market.
“However, does the prime minister agree with the principle that where it is in our country’s interest to maintain alignment with EU standards so we can better sell our products internationally, we align, and where it is in our interests to diverge, we diverge?”
Responding, the PM said: “We are determined to reset the relationship which we’ve already done. Obviously there will be no return to freedom of movement, customs union, the single market. But we can improve the situation when it comes to trading, security and cooperation. We’re actively working on that.”
PMQs is over for the week…
The third clash between Sir Keir Starmer and Kemi Badenoch has finished.
Starmer challenged at PMQs by Badenoch over Vauxhall job losses
Sir Keir Starmer was challenged at PMQs about the potential job losses caused by Vauxhall-owner Stellantis saying it would close its van-making plant in Luton.
Kemi Badenoch suggested Sir Keir “doesn’t seem to care” about young people who will “lose their jobs as a result of his Budget”, adding in the Commons: “Perhaps he can show more concern for the 1,100 people who found out yesterday that they could lose their jobs at Vauxhall’s plant in Luton.
“So while he flies around making unilateral commitments, back home the real world effects are businesses closing in Bedfordshire and Basildon. Does the prime minister stand by his promise to ban the sale of petrol cars by 2030 even if more jobs will be lost?”
Sir Keir replied: “The question of the position of jobs in Luton is a very serious one and families and workers will be very worried and we’re obviously engaging with them.
“I would remind the leader of the Opposition that the EV (electric vehicle) mandates that are an issue in this particular case were actually introduced by the last government. I would also remind her that she was the business secretary that introduced them. We’re getting on with supporting those communities, she’s shouting from the sidelines.”
