More stories

  • in

    Watch moment MP’s phone alarm interrupts Commons debate: ‘Is that a pacemaker?’

    Watch the moment an MP’s phone alarm interrupts a Commons debate, as members burst out laughing in response.Business and Trade questions in the Commons were briefly interrupted when Labour MP Barry Sheerman’s phone began to sound an alarm on Thursday (25 January).The Huddersfield MP ran from his seat on the Commons benches to turn off the high-pitched siren-like sound.Conservative former minister David Davis could be heard laughing from the backbenches, as he said: “Is that a pacemaker?” before other MPs started to laugh. More

  • in

    David Cameron tells Israel to ‘deal with the bottlenecks’ and find pathway to sustainable ceasefire

    David Cameron has told Israel to “deal with the bottlenecks” and allow aid into Gaza.The foreign secretary held talks with Benjamin Netanyahu, in which he told the prime minister of the need for a two-state solution.It came after the Israeli prime minister rejected allies’ demands for Palestinian statehood.Lord Cameron, who flew to Israel on Wednesday (24 January) said: “They’ve got to deal with the bottlenecks.“They’ve got to make sure the crossing points are open more often. They’ve got to make sure the checking is done more quickly.” More

  • in

    ‘Foolish’ for Tory party to indulge in infighting, says James Cleverly

    James Cleverly has said it would be “foolish” for the Tory party to indulge in infighting following Sir Simon Clarke’s call for Rishi Sunak to be replaced.“I know Simon very well, I like him and respect him. I could not disagree with him more on this particular issue,” the home secretary said, defending the prime minister.Mr Cleverly added that Mr Sunak was succeeding in his efforts to reduce inflation and cut the number of people arriving on small boats. More

  • in

    Britain under Tories is ‘longest episode of Eastenders ever,’ says Keir Starmer

    Sir Keir Starmer has said Britain under the Tories is the “longest episode of EastEnders ever.” Speaking at Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday, 24 January, the Labour leader said: “Safely ensconced in Westminster they get down to the real business of fighting each other to death. The country forced to endure their division and chaos, the longest episode of Eastenders ever put to film.”It comes as the Conservatives faced more party infighting this week with a senior Tory calling for Rishi Sunak’s resignation. More

  • in

    Rishi Sunak sends ‘best wishes’ to King Charles and Princess of Wales over health concerns

    Rishi Sunak sent his “best wishes” to King Charles III and the Princess of Wales regarding their health.His Majesty is preparing to undergo treatment for an enlarged prostate this week, and Kate has spent a week in hospital being cared for as she recovers from abdominal surgery.The 42-year-old princess is expected to remain hospitalised for between 10 and 14 days in total.Charles, 75, has returned to Sandringham ready to undergo treatment after flying back from Scotland with the Queen on Friday (19 January).He received his diagnosis on Wednesday having had a check-up after experiencing symptoms. More

  • in

    Tory minister mistakes Art Attack presenter for BBC journalist in bias debate

    A Tory minister appeared to confuse Art Attack presenter Neil Buchanan for a BBC journalist as he discussed “bias” at the broadcaster.Huw Merriman appeared to accuse the children’s TV star of giving “one side of the story” in his reporting on Universal Credit – but he has never done so, instead presenting the arts and crafts show from 1990 until 2007.BBC social affairs correspondent Michael Buchanan has reported on Universal Credit.It came after culture secretary Lucy Frazer accused the BBC of bias amid plans for Ofcom’s reach over the broadcaster to be extended. More

  • in

    Dawn Butler overcome with emotion as she remembers Tony Lloyd’s kind gesture

    Dawn Butler was overcome with emotion as she joined MPs in paying tribute to Sir Tony Lloyd in the House of Commons on Tuesday, 23 January.Remembering her former colleague’s kindness when she was first elected, the Labour former minister recalled how Sir Tony advised her not to worry as she was “often going to feel lost” in parliament and invited her to ask “any silly questions” she might have.“I have passed that on to new MPs that come in,” Ms Butler said of Sir Tony’s legacy.Sir Tony died on 17 January days after announcing that he was suffering from an incurable form of leukaemia. More

  • in

    Rishi Sunak outlines ‘pathway to peace’ in Israel-Hamas war

    Rishi Sunak has outlined the “pathway to peace” in the Israel-Hamas war.The prime minister addressed the House of Commons on Tuesday 23 January and said the government wants to “see an end to the fighting as soon as possible”.“But to achieve that, Hamas must agree to the release of all hostages. They can no longer be in charge of Gaza. The threat from Hamas terror and rocket attacks must end,” Mr Sunak said.“An agreement must be in place for the Palestinian Authority to return to Gaza to provide governance, services and security. That is the pathway to peace.” More