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Sir Keir Starmer maintained that Donald Trump is “absolutely committed” to lasting peace in Ukraine, while urging allies to move forward together to achieve an end to Russia’s invasion of the country.After praising the close relationship between the two nations, Sir Keir reiterated the need for “As many countries as possible, thinking together, discussing together, and moving forward together as a group” in a speech on Saturday, 15 March.Mr Trump described US talks with Putin as “very good and productive” and said there was “a very good chance” that Russia’s invasion could “finally come to an end.”It follows his chaotic Oval Office meeting with Volodymyr Zelensky, during which he and JD Vance shouted over the Ukrainian president. More

Wes Streeting squirmed when asked if abolishing NHS England to bring the health service back into government control would result in job losses for doctors and nurses.On Thursday, 13 March, Sir Keir Starmer announced he would abolish the independent quango which has run the health service for more than a decade, cutting up to 10,000 jobs.Ministers said the plans would help deliver savings of hundreds of millions of pounds every year, which would be used to cut waiting times by slashing red tape to help speed up improvements in the health service.Speaking to Andrew Marr, the health secretary said: “I can’t say there’ll be no changes to services.” More

Sir Keir Starmer hit out at a member of Parliament who interrupted his speech on reported discrimination within the NHS during Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday, 12 March.The prime minister was responding to Labour MP Tulip Siddiq, who referred to reports that a Jewish NHS doctor had been called a “baby-killer” and asked what he would do to ensure her constituents’ safety.Sir Keir was interrupted as he said: “It is a fundamental principle that the NHS provides care and treatment for everyone regardless of race, faith or background.”Confronting the person who cut him off, he replied: “You’ve let yourself down, and you know it.” More

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch accused Sir Keir Starmer of making life harder for everyone during a heated PMQs clash.The two party leaders came to blows during Wednesday’s session (12 March) after Ms Badenoch accused the prime minister and his Labour government of “trashing the economy with their bad choices”.The lory leader accused the prime minister of “snatching” winter fuel payments from pensioners, as well as hiking taxes on jobs.She said: “This is a high tax, low growth, job killing government.”Sir Keir responded saying the Tory leader “attacks” what Labour has done, but “won’t reverse it”, because they want “all the benefits”. More

Jo Cox’s sister, the Labour MP Kim Leadbeater, has told Times Radio the abuse she has received over the assisted dying bill “doesn’t leave you feeling necessarily safe as you might want.”Ms Leadbeater, who is currently bringing forward the bill, was asked if she fears more for her safety following the criticism she’s received for the controversial proposed legislation.She replied: “Safety, as I said, and security is on your mind every day in this job… unfortunately, some of the abuse has been particularly unpleasant.” More

Richard Tice clashed with a Scottish journalist as he refused to give the surnames of two councillors who have defected from the Conservatives to Reform when questioned.The party’s deputy leader was speaking in Glasgow on Thursday, to announce that Ross Lambie of South Lanarkshire Council and John Gray of Renfrewshire Council had joined Reform.Footage showed Mr Tice referring to both councillors only by their first names when questioned.Mr Gray said his defection was driven by “years of disappointment with the Conservative party,” while Mr Lambie said his decision was driven by “legacy parties” letting down South Lanarkshire “time and time again”. More