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Sir Keir Starmer has said he will “always act in our national interest” and “deliver security and renewal for our country” as he discussed an impending announcement on trade talks with the US.In a speech at the London Defence Conference on Thursday (8 May), the prime minister said: “As you know, talks with the US have been ongoing and you’ll hear more from me about that later today.“But make no mistake, I will always act in our national interest, for workers, businesses and families, to deliver security and renewal for our country.” More

Northern female MPs are being targeted by hostile media briefings from No. 10, a former Labour minister has claimed.Former transport secretary Louise Haigh voiced her thoughts on the culture of briefings from Downing Street when she appeared on BBC’s Newsnight on Tuesday (6 May).Host Victoria Derbyshire asked the former Labour minister: “What are you saying about that pattern of briefing then. Sexist? Misogynistic?”Ms Haigh replied: “All of the above.”The Independent has approached No.10 for a comment. More

A Labour MP accused Reform of sucking up to Russian leader Vladimir Putin during a heated clash on live television.Jeevun Sandher, Labour MP for Loughborough appeared alongside Reform’s head of press Gawain Towler on BBC Politics Live on Tuesday (6 May) to discuss results of the recent local elections.Mr Towler accused the Labour government of “not liking” farmers and pensioners, with Mr Sandher explaining the importance of “doing huge amounts” for veterans and armed forces.Mr Sandher then said: “The difference between us and you is that we stand up to Putin and your leader(Farage) sucks up to Putin.”Mr Towler responded: “Absolute rubbish… we don’t suck up to foreign dictators.” More

Scotland’s First Minister has warned there is a “very real possibility” that Nigel Farage could become the UK’s next Prime Minister, expressing concern about what that might mean for the country’s future. John Swinney also accused both Labour and the Conservatives of “cosying up” to the Reform UK leader. “The only way to deal with Farage is to confront him — and that is exactly what we will do in Scotland,” he said. His remarks follow significant gains by Reform UK in local elections, where the party secured control of 10 councils and won more than 600 seats in Thursday’s vote. More

Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice has defended new mayor of Greater Lincolnshire Andrea Jenkyns’ calls for migrants to be “put in tents”.The former Conservative minister used her victory speech to propose a controversial idea for immigration, saying tents were “good enough” to be used in France. “We will tackle illegal migration. We’ve been working on policies,” she said.“I say no to putting people in hotels. Tents are good enough for France, they should be good enough for here in Britain.”Speaking from the Hull and East Yorkshire mayor election count, Mr Tice showed his support for Ms Jenkyns. More

Former boxer and Olympic medallist Luke Campbell gave an emotional victory speech after winning the new Hull & East Yorkshire mayoral election for Reform UK. After securing 48,491 votes (a 35.82% share), the former boxer thanked all those who voted for him and pledged to put the people in the region “first”.He said: “Thank you so much to the people of Hull for putting your trust and faith in me, I am truly humbled.“The reason I stood for this role was simple, to put the people in this region first. That commitment starts now. I promise I will not let you down.” More

Nigel Farage has warned council staff to look for other jobs after Reform took control of Durham.The Reform leader had a message for anyone working in a host of roles for Durham council, which his party is now in control of.Speaking at a victory rally in Durham on Friday (2 May), Mr Farage said: “These include those with working on climate change, diversity initiatives or even just from home.“You all better be seeking alternative careers very, very quickly.” More