Indy TV

Sir Keir Starmer has said that the UK is “not at war” and suggested there had been “irresponsible rhetoric” from Russia.Ukraine has fired British long-range Storm Shadow missiles into Russian territory for the first time, The Independent understands, the latest sign of a change in stance from Western countries on involvement in the conflict.Speaking to BBC Radio Bristol as part of a local radio round on Friday, 22 November, Sir Keir Starmer was asked “are we at war” in relation to the conflict in Ukraine.“No, we’re not at war, but Ukraine certainly is, because Ukraine has been invaded by Russia, and that war has now been going on for just over 1,000 days,” Sir Keir responded.After Russia threatened to use weapons against nations that allow their own weapons to be used inside Russia, the PM said: “There’s irresponsible rhetoric.” More

Sir Keir Starmer was confronted by a BBC radio listener who warned him that “elderly people are going to die” following cuts to winter fuel allowance.BBC Radio Lincolnshire caller Maxine asked the prime minister how he was “going to live” and urged him to back down on the announcement.Sean Dunderdale told the PM the listener had been wearing extra layers and couldn’t put the heating on this week.Sir Keir pointed the caller, who was not entitled to pension credit, in the direction of the warm homes discount which is available to those who receive the guarantee credit of pension credit or are on a low income and have high energy costs. More

Former prime minister Gordon Brown has paid tribute to Lord John Prescott as he opened up about his final few months, saying he never lost his “warmth and friendliness”.The former UK deputy prime minister died “peacefully” surrounded by relatives at his care home after a battle with Alzheimer’s, his family said in a statement on Thursday (21 November).Speaking on BBC Radio 4 Today, Mr Brown said: “I’ve talked to John over these last few months when he had declining health.“What was amazing was how he dealt with his Alzheimer’s, he always knew who you were but just wasn’t sure what to say.Mr Brown added: “It was his warmth, he was was always praising people. I think he even made up with Peter Mandelson in the last few months.” More

Former prime minister Sir Tony Blair choked up as he paid an emotional tribute to Lord John Prescott.The former UK deputy prime minister died “peacefully” surrounded by relatives at his care home after a battle with Alzheimer’s, his family said in a statement on Thursday (21 November).Paying tribute to the former trade union activist, Sir Tony said: “I’m feeling devastated, we knew it was coming because he had been very ill, but my deepest condolences to Pauline, Jonathan, and David.”Speaking to BBC Radio 4 Today, Sir Tony said: “There was no one quite like him in British politics.”The former prime minister appeared to struggle to find his words, before adding: “We had our disagreements from time to time, but he was loyal and a massive help to me.” More

Known for his fiery temperament, John Prescott made headlines in 2001 when he punched a protester who had thrown an egg at him during an election campaign in North Wales.The Deputy Prime Minister had been there to speak at a Labour rally while on the general election campaign trail.Lord Prescott said at the time: “I was attacked by an individual. In the melee that followed I clearly defended myself.”Tributes have poured in from across the country, after his death, at the age of 86, was announced by his family on Thursday (21 November). More

Angela Rayner questioned Lee Anderson’s CV after he called the chancellor “Rachel from accounts.”The Reform UK MP for Ashfield asked the deputy prime minister if she agreed with him that the decision to levy inheritance tax on some agricultural property “should be thrown in the trash can along with Rachel from accounts’ CV.”Ms Rayner fired back with a joke about Mr Anderson’s history of switching between political parties.She told the Commons: “He talks about CVs, it’s good to see (Mr Anderson) doing well on his – once a Labour councillor then a Tory MP and now Reform chief whip.” More

Sir Lindsay Hoyle snapped at a Tory MP in what appeared to be a case of mistaken identity during Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday, 20 November.The House of Commons speaker paused proceedings to scold Danny Kruger, telling the opposition MP: “We’ll have less as well unless you want to go and have a cup of tea.”Mr Kruger insisted he had not opened his mouth, to which Sir Lindsay joked: “You must be able to do it like a ventriloquist dummy.”Sir Lindsay later apologised for the mixup, saying it was James Wild — who sat next to Mr Kruger — that he should have addressed. More