Prime Minister Keir Starmer – The NEN

Prime Minister clears path to ‘get Britain building’

Nuclear plants, trainlines and windfarms will be built quicker thanks to changes to the rules to stop blockers getting in the way of the government’s Plan for Change

Major infrastructure needed for growth and clean energy to no longer be held up in the courts, as government scraps excessive three attempts to challenge decisions in the courts
Households set to benefit from reduced energy bills in the long term and faster commutes through quicker construction of renewable energy and transport projects
Latest step to drive economic growth – the number one priority in the Plan for Change – sending positive message to business looking to build

Nuclear plants, trainlines and windfarms will be built quicker thanks to changes to the rules to stop blockers getting in the way of the government’s Plan for Change.

Current excessive rules mean unarguable cases can be brought back to the courts three times – causing years of delay and hundreds of millions of cost to projects that have been approved by democratically elected ministers, while also clogging up the courts.

Data shows that over half – 58% – of all decisions on major infrastructure were taken to court, getting in the way of the government’s central mission to grow the economy, and put more money in hardworking people’s pockets.

The government today confirms this will be overhauled, with just one attempt at legal challenge for cynical cases lodged purely to cause delay rather than three.

This approach will strike the right balance between ensuring ongoing access to justice and protections against genuine issues of propriety, while pushing back against a challenge culture where small pressure groups use the courts to obstruct decisions taken in the national interest.

On average, each legal challenge takes around a year and a half to be resolved – with many delayed for two years or more – and the courts have spent over 10,000 working days handling these cases. This is holding back working people and is getting in the way of our progress as a nation. Examples include:

East Anglia wind farms were delayed by a group which dragged the case through the courts and lost at every turn – delaying it for over two years.
Sizewell C, which was taken to court by a small group of activists, with the High Court dismissing it and describing aspects as “utterly hopeless” – despite this, work was left uncertain for two years and legal costs increased
The A47 National Highway Project, which is improving our roads, was dragged to court by a former Green Councillor – his case was eventually dismissed as having ‘no logical basis’, after delaying the project by two years.

These cases put a hold on people’s lives – harming our efforts to drive down energy bills with clean energy, getting in the way of road improvements which will help people get to work on time, strangling the dream of homeownership and – importantly – scaring away business from building in the UK.

It also wastes tax money, with major road projects paying up to £121 million per scheme being dragged through the courts.

These changes will send a strong signal to global firms looking to do business – that the UK is a great place to invest.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “For too long, blockers have had the upper hand in legal challenges – using our court processes to frustrate growth.

“We’re putting an end to this challenge culture by taking on the NIMBYs and a broken system that has slowed down our progress as a nation.”

“This is the government’s Plan for Change in action – taking the brakes off Britain by reforming the planning system so it is pro-growth and pro-infrastructure.

The current first attempt – known as the paper permission stage – will be scrapped. And primary legislation will be changed so that where a judge in an oral hearing at the High Court deems the case Totally Without Merit, it will not be possible to ask the Court of Appeal to reconsider. To ensure ongoing access to justice, a request to appeal second attempt will be allowed for other cases.

This announcement marks another victory for the ‘builders over the blockers’, with the government proving – with actions – that it is set on kickstarting growth and putting more money back in people’s pockets.

It follows a series of interventions from the Prime Minister – dating back to the State Opening of Parliament where he outlined plans to introduce the Planning and Infrastructure Bill to expedite the delivery of high-quality infrastructure.

Since then, the government is speeding up 150 major economic infrastructure projects, including railways and roads – doubling the record of the previous government, unlocking growth, and taking the brakes off Britain.

The government has also set out major reforms to end the block and delay to building homes and infrastructure from current environmental obligations.

A new Nature Restoration Fund would enable developers to meet their environmental obligations more quickly and with greater impact – accelerating the building of homes and improving the environment.

The new common-sense approach doesn’t allow newts or bats to be more important than the homes hardworking people need, or the roads and hospital this country needs.

Growth is the number one Mission of this government. That is why the Prime Minister’s Plan for Change is focused on boosting growth to put more money in working people’s pockets and improving living standards across the country.

Since the election, real wages have grown at the fastest rate in three years, worth an extra £20 a week after inflation, and the average two-year fixed mortgage rate is now about half a percentage point lower than it was at the election.

This UK says it will government will not relent in its determination to deliver economic growth and fight for working people, which is why the Chancellor hosted regulators in No11 last week to discuss how they can support growth going forward. She will give a speech on economic growth next week to drive home this determination.

Lord Banner KC, author of the Independent review into legal challenges against Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects, said: “My review concluded that there is a clear case for streamlining judicial reviews on consenting decisions for nationally significant infrastructure projects, given that delays to these projects cause real detriment to the public interest.

“In the course of my review, I saw broad consensus from claimants to scheme promoters that a quicker system of justice would be in their interests, provided that cases can still be tried fairly.

“I am therefore pleased to see the government acting on the back of my review. In particular, reducing the number of permission attempts to one for truly hopeless cases should weed out the worst offenders, without risking inadvertent delays because judges choose to err on the side of caution.

“I look forward to seeing these changes help to deliver a step change in the pace of infrastructure delivery in the months and years ahead.”

Prime Minister’s statement ahead of President Trump’s Inauguration

On behalf of His Majesty’s Government and the United Kingdom, I would like to send my warmest congratulations to President Donald Trump on his inauguration as the forty-seventh President of the United States.

For centuries, the relationship between our two nations has been one of collaboration, cooperation and enduring partnership. It is a uniquely close bond. Together, we have defended the world from tyranny and worked towards our mutual security and prosperity.

With President Trump’s longstanding affection and historical ties to the United Kingdom, I know that depth of friendship will continue. The United Kingdom and United States will work together to ensure the success of both our countries and deliver for people on both sides of the Atlantic.

Since our first meeting in September, the President and I have spoken about the need to deepen and invest in the transatlantic relationship. We will continue to build upon the unshakeable foundations of our historic alliance as we tackle together the global challenges we face and take our partnership to the next level focused on shared opportunities ahead for growth.

I look forward to our next meeting as we continue our shared mission to ensure the peace, prosperity and security of our two great nations.

The special relationship between the United Kingdom and United States will continue to flourish for years to come.

Prime Minister’s Christmas Message

This Christmas, people will be travelling up and down the country. Heading home, visiting relatives and loved ones to celebrate together the hope and joy of this special season.

It’s a time to remind ourselves what’s really important. Family. Friendship. And fellowship between all people.

Being there for one another – in these celebrations, as well as the more difficult times.

I’d like especially to thank those who will spend their Christmas serving others this year. In our NHS and emergency services, our Armed Forces and the churches and charities that will welcome every person this Christmas.

Because I know that this is not an easy time for everyone, and my thoughts are with all those who are lonely this Christmas. Having a tough time, missing a loved one. You are not alone.

Because as Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, the Christmas story reminds all of us to reach out to one another. To care for one another. And to look after those around us.

This Christmas, I will be hoping for peace, particularly in the Middle East as the birthplace of the Christmas story.

I’ll be looking towards a better, brighter future for every person and celebrating the joy and wonder that Christmas brings.

So, from my family to yours, I hope you have a very merry Christmas.

Starmer set to unveil Plan for Change

Later this week the Prime Minister will set out ambitious milestones for change that will deliver ‘real, tangible improvement to the lives of working people across the country’

PM to galvanise action across government and beyond with radical next phase of Mission delivery
Measurable milestones will be set out in new Plan for Change, that will put working people’s priorities first
Relentless prioritisation will ensure that the government delivers for working people this Parliament

The Prime Minister will set out ambitious milestones for change that will deliver real, tangible improvement to the lives of working people across the country in this Parliament, later this week.

The Plan for Change will mark the next phase of Mission-led government, as the PM continues to take an unrelenting approach to delivering on the priorities of working people.

The Missions – growing the economy, an NHS fit for the future, safer streets, secure power through clean energy and opportunity for all – are part of a decade of national renewal, built on the foundations of a stable economy, national security and secure borders.

The government has already made significant progress on its Missions since July; fixing the foundations of the country and kicking off the first steps to deliver real change. This has included stabilising the economy, establishing a new Border Security Command that will smash the gangs and tackle small boat crossings, and investing an extra £22bn building an NHS fit for the future including an extra 40,000 appointments.

This action has all taken place having inherited the unprecedented twin challenges of crumbling public services and crippled public finances. The government has had to make difficult decisions, including reforming agricultural property relief and targeting the winter fuel allowance.

Having taken action to fix the foundations and kick off the First Steps, the Plan for Change will set out ambitious but achievable milestones on the Missions that will be reached by the end of the Parliament, driving real improvements in the lives of working people.

Achieving them will demand that the attention and resources of government are relentlessly focused on making sure the Missions are delivering on what matters most to working people in every corner of the UK.

The milestones are part of the Prime Minister’s drive to do government radically differently, and will reflect the priorities of working people, allowing them to hold government to account on its progress.

Work to deliver them will be underpinned by innovation and reform, alongside close working with partners across business, civil society, and local government.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “This Plan for Change is the most ambitious yet honest programme for government in a generation.

“Mission-led government does not mean picking milestones because they are easy or will happen anyway. It means relentlessly driving real improvements in the lives of working people.

“We are already fixing the foundations and have kicked-started our first steps for change, stabilising the economy, setting up a new Border Security Command, and investing £22bn in an NHS that is fit for the future.

“Our Plan for Change is the next phase of delivering this government’s mission. Some may oppose what we are doing and no doubt there will be obstacles along the way, but this government was elected on mandate of change and our plan reflects the priorities of working people.

“Given the unprecedented challenges we have inherited we will not achieved this by simply doing more of the same which is why investment comes alongside a programme of innovation and reform.”

The relentless prioritisation will be at the heart of the choices made in the next Spending Review – which will look at every pound the government spends, line by line, taking a zero-based approach to how departments are funded.

The milestones will be underpinned by an ‘ambitious programme of public sector reform’, building on the reform work already started on planning, national infrastructure, pensions, industrial strategy, and the labour market.

As part of this work, the Prime Minister will also charge the new Cabinet Secretary and all Cabinet Ministers to reform Whitehall so that it is geared to Mission delivery rather than working in the traditional silos that focus on fiefdoms not outcomes.

PM at G20: ‘We need renewed, resolute global leadership to tackle poverty and hunger’

Keir Starmer’s remarks at the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil:

Thank you, President Lula – you know, I’m a great admirer of Brazil. It’s not just the football, it’s also your culture and your commitment to working people.

More than just their right to be free from exploitation, but their right to be lifted up, to enjoy greater opportunities, and to enjoy life. We share that passion. It fuels our politics. And it is a great pleasure to be here with you.

This is my first G20. So I want to take the opportunity to say that under my leadership the UK will always be at the table, Listening, upholding our values, ready to work with you as a responsible global partner.

I want work together on the huge challenges before us, like conflict and climate change, because these forces work against everything we want to achieve.

They destroy economic growth, undermine security and opportunity, and generate migration at a level that we can’t sustain.

But if we can find solutions to these problems then there are also real opportunities here for growth and for investment, to cut the cost of living at home and improve the lives of those we are here to represent.

So I want to build the partnerships we need to support progress. And that includes in the fight against hunger and poverty. I want to thank President Lula for putting this on the agenda.

We look back on a lost decade in the fight against poverty due to Covid, climate change, and rising levels of conflict. It can’t go on.

We need renewed, resolute global leadership to tackle poverty and hunger.

President Lula’s Global Alliance will help us to meet that challenge. And I am pleased that the UK is playing its part.

We’re not just joining the Alliance, we’re joining its Board of Champions to help steer this work.

And we’re delivering practical support for communities to keep food on the table, helping to build climate resilience and protect harvests in countries across Africa and Asia.

We’re also launching a new partnership to combat child wasting with UNICEF, the World Food Programme and the WHO. And we are doubling our support for those displaced by the war in Sudan.

The suffering from that conflict is horrendous. And it highlights a crucial point: that famine is man made.

The greatest step in the fight against hunger today would come from resolving conflicts. And so we call again for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

For the hostages to be released. We are deeply concerned about the plight of Palestinian civilians, facing catastrophic hunger and starvation – particularly in northern Gaza.

In defending itself, Israel must act in compliance with international humanitarian law and do much more to protect civilians and aid workers.

The UK has provided £100 million of humanitarian aid but we also need to see a massive increase in the amount of aid reaching civilians in Gaza. UNRWA must be able to carry out its mandate, particularly at the onset of winter.

Finally, it is important in this room that we address Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine. Tomorrow marks the 1,000th day of their invasion of a peaceful, sovereign state.

And they have inflicted damage on the wider world, including on food and energy security.

So we call, again, for a just and durable peace, consistent with the UN Charter.

Thank you, Chair.

UK ‘shows international leadership in tackling climate crisis’

UK government announces new climate goals at COP29, including reducing emissions by 81% by 2035, as Prime Minister calls on other countries to bring forward ambitious targets

New UK target to reduce emissions by 81% by 2035 at COP29 in Azerbaijan
targets support government’s clean energy superpower mission to give Britain more security, deliver jobs and economic growth
Prime Minister calls for others to come forward with ambitious targets

Tackling the climate crisis is essential to our national energy security, economic growth, and our efforts to protect current and future generations, the UK government said as it unveils the UK’s new climate goals at the COP29 Summit in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Yesterday’s announcement will strengthen the UK’s position as a place for investment in the technologies and jobs that are driving growth across the world.

There are 640,000 green jobs in the UK, growing at a rate 4 times faster than overall UK employment.

To support the industry the government has announced a significant investment programme in homegrown British energy – including renewables, carbon capture and storage, nuclear and hydrogen.

The UK’s reliance on fossil fuels has also been felt by every family and business in the last few years with the worst cost of living crisis in memory, driven by energy price spikes from international gas markets.

That’s why the government’s mission is to tackle the climate crisis in a way that makes the British people better off by investing in clean homegrown power and unlocking thousands of jobs, having already seen £34.8 billion of private investment into the UK’s clean energy industries since July.

This ambitious and pragmatic new target supports the UK’s mission for growth, helping to attract further investment and jobs in low carbon technologies such as solar and wind, electric vehicles and batteries.

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said: “The only way to protect current generations is by making Britain a clean energy superpower, and the only way to protect future generations is by tackling the climate crisis.

“Britain is back in the business of climate leadership, with an ambitious new target that will protect our environment, deliver energy security and restore our global climate reputation.

“We will cut emissions across the country, delivering for our environment and ending our exposure to spiking fossil fuel markets.”

This ambitious and pragmatic new target – in line with the recommendation from the Climate Change Committee and previously legislated and legally-binding Carbon Budgets for the same period.

The target forms what is called the UK’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC): commitments that countries make to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate climate change. It is aligned to 1.5C.

The UK has called for other countries to match the UK’s ambition to address the urgency of climate change, following stark warnings from the United Nations that the world is way off track to limit global temperature rises to 1.5C.

Since July the government has:

lifted the ban on onshore wind in England
delivered a record number of clean energy projects through its renewables auction
consented unprecedented amounts of nationally significant solar – 2GW – more than the last 14 years combined
launched Great British Energy backed by £8.3 billion to speed up the deployment of clean technologies
fired the starting gun on the UK’s carbon capture, usage and storage industry, with funding agreed for 2 clusters in Teesside and the North West

Globally, the costs of renewables continue to fall, with solar and wind now cheaper than existing coal and gas power plants in most of the world.

Recent analysis from the International Energy Agency found that in 2023 for every $1 spent on fossil fuels, $1.7 was spent on clean energy. Global energy investment is set to be over $3 trillion in 2024, with $2 trillion of this on clean energy technologies and infrastructure.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s National Statement at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan yesterday:

The United Kingdom is determined to stand alongside those countries on the frontline of the climate crisis today…

And to seize the opportunities of tomorrow.

Because action on climate now is the route towards economic growth…

Energy security…

Better jobs….

And national security in the long term.

To deliver on the Paris Agreement…

And keep 1.5 degrees within reach.

In the first 100 days of my government…

We launched Great British Energy – to create clean British power…

We created a National Wealth Fund – to invest in the green industries and jobs of the future…

We scrapped the ban on onshore wind…

Committed to no new North Sea oil and gas licences….

And closed the UK’s final coal power plant at the end of September – becoming the first G7 economy to phase out coal power.

In line with the international agreement at COP28 to transition from fossil fuels…

and the UK’s ambitious goal to be the first major economy to deliver clean power by 2030.

Today I can confirm – three months ahead of deadline…

The UK’s 2035 international target –

Our nationally determined contribution –

to reduce all greenhouse gas emissions by at least 81% on 1990 levels….

Aligned with 1.5 degrees.

And we urge all Parties –

To come forward with ambitious targets of their own…

As we all agreed at the last COP.

We will work in partnership…

to support other countries to develop their own commitments…

And transition through our forthcoming Global Clean Power Alliance –

And finance will be its first focus.

We will honour the commitment made by the previous government…

to provide £11.6 billion in of climate finance between April 2021 and March 2026….

But we must use public finance as a multiplier…

To unlock much more private investment…

And reform our international financial institutions.

Today we launch the new CIF Capital Market Mechanism, listed on the London Stock Exchange…

With the potential to mobilise up to $75 billion…

in additional climate capital for developing countries over the next decade.

Putting the UK’s role as a global financial centre…

at the service of driving the green finance and green energy transitions.

Climate action is at the heart of this government’s mission for the protection and prosperity of Britain and the world.

Writ large across our domestic and international priorities…

We are taking the urgent action needed – to protect our planet and its people.

Boost for UK clean energy growth as PM arrives at COP29

The UK will lead the world in the pro-growth clean energy transition, the Prime Minister has announced at the first day of the World Leaders Summit at COP 29

Prime Minister arrives at COP29 with major boost for industry to invest in clean supply chains
British manufacturing win with blade factory in Hull set to benefit from £1bn offshore wind deal  
UK steps up clean energy investment to boost energy security, protect consumers, and create good jobs
UK expected to announce new UK climate target to reduce emissions and show climate leadership during summit

The UK will lead the world in the pro-growth clean energy transition, the Prime Minister has announced at the first day of the World Leaders Summit at COP.  

At the COP29 Summit in Baku, Azerbaijan, the Prime Minister has announced another major step forward in the Government’s mission to make the UK a clean energy superpower.

Offshore wind developers will be incentivised to invest in the UK’s historic industrial heartlands, coastal areas and oil and gas communities, boosting green jobs, and to support sustainable factories.

Delivering on a Government manifesto commitment, the Clean Industry Bonus will come with a provisional £27 million per Gigawatt of offshore wind projects. That means if between 7 to 8GW of offshore wind apply, the budget could go up to £200m.

The UK is wasting no time to accelerate the global transition to clean energy and putting the UK at the forefront of the industries of the future. The bonus will create the conditions for cleaner energy industries to thrive in the UK and elsewhere, while rewarding firms for investing in less polluting suppliers – tackling the climate crisis at home and abroad.

It will help to crowd in private investment in hard-working communities across Scotland, Wales, the North East and North West, to build more sustainable offshore wind blades, cables and ports – reducing industrial emissions and helping support the rollout of clean, secure, cheap power for families.     

Thousands of highly skilled jobs such as engineers, electricians or welders across the supply chain – will create vibrant towns and cities fit for a clean energy future.   

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:  “Our mission to make Britain a clean energy superpower will fire up our industrial heartlands and break down barriers to growth in our hard-working towns and cities.

“It will strengthen our national security - protecting our children and grandchildren from the climate crisis, and impact this will have on their future prosperity.  

“By acting decisively and early, the UK has an opportunity to lead the world in the industries of the future — working in partnership with business — creating real energy security, cutting energy bills and building jobs and supply chains in the UK.  

“But we can’t move alone – and at COP I will lead efforts to protect Britain from climate change by also working with other countries to accelerate the global clean transition to tackle the causes at its root.”

The Government has committed to tackling the climate crisis and accelerating towards net zero to make the British people better off, primarily by investing in clean homegrown power to end national exposure to fossil fuel markets and the dictators who control them.

Swift action has already been taken to cut emissions through the Government’s clean power by 2030 mission. Steps taken so far include:

Lifting the ban on onshore wind in England.
Delivering a record number of clean energy projects through its renewables auction.
Consenting unprecedented amounts of nationally significant solar – 2GW – more than the last 14 years combined.
Launching Great British Energy
Firing the starting gun on the UK’s Carbon Capture and Storage industry, with funding agreed for two clusters in Teesside and Merseyside.

In a further boost to British manufacturing ScottishPower has awarded a £1 billion turbine contract for its East Anglia TWO offshore windfarm to Siemens Gamesa, including blade production at its Hull blade factory.

This major contract will inject growth into the industrial heartlands with Siemens Gamesa employing over 1,300 people in Humberside, following extensive recruitment, whilst ScottishPower’s investment in East Anglia supports thousands more. Its East Anglia TWO wind farm alone will produce enough clean energy to power the equivalent of almost 1 million homes.

This cash injection has shown funding is already flowing from last month’s commitment at the International Investment Summit where Iberdrola doubled their investment in the UK, through Scottish Power, from £12bn to £24bn over the next 4 years.

This includes funding for the East Anglia TWO wind farm off the Suffolk coast – unlocked by this Government’s expanded allocation at the most recent renewables auction round.

Keith Anderson, CEO of ScottishPower, said: “Today is tangible proof of the importance of Britain’s Clean Power Mission – our East Anglia projects are delivering UK jobs, UK supply chain contracts and UK green energy.

“Getting more projects like East Anglia TWO off the blocks quicker will turbo-boost the UK’s supply chain, giving companies like Siemens Gamesa the confidence to invest in facilities like this blade factory in Hull.

“Britain’s clean power targets are achievable but demanding. We’ve doubled our investment and are ready to play our part with Government as it gets barriers out the way to build more projects like this, alongside the electricity networks needed to ferry green, homegrown power across the country.”

Darren Davidson, UK and Ireland Vice President for Siemens Energy and Siemens Gamesa said: “The UK is the first leading industrial country to simultaneously phase out coal power and be a leader in offshore wind.

“If we’re to achieve our net zero targets, it’s mission critical this momentum is maintained. As well as delivering the blades to power the UK’s energy transition, our factory in Hull is acting as a catalyst for economic growth and green jobs across the region.”

At COP29 the UK will encourage other nations to follow its lead to deliver change – strong leadership at home to deliver action abroad. 

The Prime Minister is expected to use the visit to make the case for supporting the global transition. In his address to other countries he will argue the global economy depends on nature and a stable climate that is under threat.  

The 2022 UK heatwave saw record-breaking 40°C temperatures in England and caused 3000 excess deaths. These events are estimated to be 10x more likely due to climate change.

Climate finance at scale is critical to avoiding the worst consequences of climate change, but the UK is clear public finance alone cannot meet the growing needs of developing countries and innovation is essential to unlock billions in private finance. 

This is why the UK will also use the summit to announce the launch of the new CIF Capital Market Mechanism on the London Stock Exchange.

This world-leading, innovative new financial mechanism, has the potential to mobilise up to $75 billion in additional climate capital for developing countries over the next decade.

Its listing in London shows the confidence in our economy and showcases the city as a green finance capital, and the UK as an attractive place to invest in the future. 

It will help developing countries cut emissions, build renewable energy and adapt to a rapidly changing climate – all at no extra cost to the British taxpayers. 

The mechanism demonstrates the commitment of the UK to work with other like-minded countries and partners like the World Bank to mobilise the finance needed to drive the global clean energy transition.

This will also support the UK Government’s priorities for COP29 – to unveil the UK’s new emission reduction goals, secure an ambitious new global climate goal (NCQG) and the Global Clean Power Alliance by showing the potential to unlock billions more in climate finance for clean energy projects over the next decade.

Prime Minister to attend French Armistice Day

Keir Starmer set to be the first UK leader to attend French Armistice Day since Second World War

The Prime Minister will attend 106th anniversary of the Armistice of 1918 in Paris today [Monday 11th November]
First UK leader to attend the ceremony since Winston Churchill in 1944
Comes as he announces more than £10 million to mark the 80th anniversaries of VE and VJ Day next year

The Prime Minister will mark Armistice Day in Paris today – the first British leader to do so since the Second World War.

At the personal invitation of President Macron, the Prime Minister will join French and British veterans, and the public, to pay tribute to the fallen of the First World War and veterans of subsequent conflicts.

The Prime Minister is believed to be the first UK leader to attend the commemorations since Winston Churchill, who was hosted by General de Gaulle in 1944.

It comes as the Prime Minister announces more than £10 million to mark the 80th anniversaries of the Allied Victory in Europe and the end of the Second World War in the Far East.

Their legacy will be remembered at events across the UK next year with 8th May, marking the 80th anniversary of the Allied victory in Europe, and 15th August marking the end of the Second World War in Japan.

The national commemorative events will pay tribute to the tens of thousands of service personnel from across the UK and Commonwealth who served in the Second World War on all fronts.

The Prime Minister’s attendance at this morning’s commemorations of the 106th anniversary of the Armistice of 1918 symbolises the close and enduring friendship between the UK and France.

Alongside President Macron, the Prime Minister is expected to lay a wreath at war memorials close to the Champs-Élysées and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Arc de Triomphe, a national symbol in France for all those who died in the First World War.

The ceremony, which will include the British Band of the Rifles, comes at the end of a year which marks the 120th anniversary of the Entente Cordiale, and the 80th anniversary of the start of the liberation of France.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “I am honoured to be in Paris to stand united with President Macron in tribute to the fallen of the First World War who made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedom we enjoy today.

“These events are vital in ensuring the memory of millions of young soldiers, sailors and aviators live on for generations to come.

“That is why this Government will bring the nation together in a moment of national reflection to mark the 80th anniversaries of VE and VJ Day next year, delivering on our commitment to strengthen community spirit and cohesion and remember the fallen.”

Ahead of the ceremony, the Prime Minister will host veterans, defence charities and British military embedded in the French system at the Ambassador’s Residence to thank them for their service.

He will hear firsthand how, under the Lancaster House Treaties, British and French military personnel are building close friendships and deepening interoperability both for today and in the future.

The Prime Minister is also expected to meet President Macron ahead of the commemorations for a bilateral. The leaders will reflect on the close bonds between the two countries, many forged and cemented by the sacrifice of British and French soldiers on the frontline in the first and second World Wars.

The leaders are expected to go on to discuss key foreign policy issues, including Russia’s ongoing barbaric invasion of Ukraine and the appalling humanitarian situation in Gaza.

He is also expected to meet the new French Prime Minister Michel Barnier. The short meeting ahead of the ceremony will be the first between the two Prime Ministers since Mr Barnier became the Prime Minister of France.

Preparations for next year’s UK commemoration events have already begun, with the government working closely with the Royal British Legion and veterans’ representatives, on a programme of activity that will be designed to bring the nation together in a moment of national reflection, strengthen community spirit and cohesion, and support growth.

Starmer: Labour Government’s first Budget will invest in Britain’s future

Prime Minister will say government’s first Budget will fix the foundations to deliver on the promise of change.
Keir Starmer will reject austerity, chaos and decline in favour of economic stability, investment and reform.
He will pledge ‘better days are ahead’ with an economic plan that will rebuild Britain and deliver sustainable, long-term investment to put more money in people’s pockets and deliver stronger public services.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer will today (Monday 28 October) pledge that his government’s first Budget will put Britain on a new path, one that chooses long-term growth to put more money in working people’s pockets and rebuild public services instead of a return to austerity.

Setting out the defining and central purpose of the government’s agenda to protect working people from the dire inheritance, he will say: “It is working people who pay the price when their government fails to deliver economic stability.

“They’ve had enough of slow growth, stagnant living standards and crumbling public services. They know that austerity is no solution. And they’ve seen the chaos when politicians let borrowing get out of control.

“We choose a different path: honest, responsible, long-term decisions in the interests of working people. It’s stability that means we can invest, and reform that will maximise that investment.

“Stability, investment, reform. That’s how we fix the NHS, rebuild Britain and protect working people’s payslips. Delivering on the mandate of change.”

The Prime Minister will say that the country faces unprecedented challenges after the last government covered up the state of the public finances and crumbling public services:

“We have to be realistic about where we are as a country. This is not 1997, when the economy was decent but public services were on their knees. And it’s not 2010, where public services were strong, but the public finances were weak. These are unprecedented circumstances.

“And that’s before we even get to the long-term challenges ignored for fourteen years. An economy riddled with weakness on productivity and investment. A state that needs urgent modernisation to face down the challenge of a volatile world.

“But I won’t offer it as an excuse. I expect to be judged on my ability to deal with this. Politics is always a choice. It’s time to choose a clear path, and embrace the harsh light of fiscal reality so we can come together behind a credible, long-term plan.

“It’s time we ran towards the tough decisions, because ignoring them set us on the path of decline. It’s time we ignored the populist chorus of easy answers… we’re never going back to that.”

Setting out his economic plan to drive growth across the country, the Prime Minister will say fixing the foundations through stability and investment brings benefits to everyone:

“If people want to criticise the path we choose, that’s their prerogative. But let them then spell out a different direction. If they think the state has grown too big, let them tell working people which public services they would cut.

“If they don’t see our long-term investment in infrastructure as necessary, let them explain to working people how they would grow the economy for them.

“This is an economic plan that will change the long-term trajectory on British growth for the better.

“We are tackling the biggest challenges in our economy. Higher investment – we’re dealing with it. Planning – we’re reforming it. The labour market – we’re getting people back to work, but also making work pay. On competition, we’re stripping out the needless regulation that holds back growth and private investment. And all of this built on that foundation, economic stability.

“This is what fixing the foundations and delivering change means. Everyone in this country will benefit from this. Everyone can wake up on Thursday and understand that a new future is being built, a better future.”

Men in suits: World leaders discuss Middle East and Ukraine crises

The Prime Minister met President Emmanuel Macron of France, Chancellor Olaf Scholz of Germany and President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. of the United States yesterday in Berlin.

The leaders condemned Russia’s continued war of aggression against Ukraine, discussed their plans to provide Ukraine with additional security, economic, and humanitarian assistance, including leveraging the extraordinary revenues of immobilized Russian sovereign assets – as decided at the G7 Summit, discussed President Zelenskyy’s Victory Plan, and reiterated their resolve to continue supporting Ukraine in its efforts to secure a just and lasting peace, based on international law, including the United Nations Charter, and respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The leaders also discussed events in the Middle East, in particular the implications of the death of Yahya Sinwar, who bears responsibility for the bloodshed of the October 7th terrorist attack, for the immediate necessity to bring the hostages home to their families, for ending the war in Gaza, and ensure humanitarian aid reaches civilians.

The leaders also reiterated their condemnation of Iran’s escalatory attack on Israel and coordinated on efforts to hold Iran accountable and prevent further escalation. They discussed the situation in Lebanon and agreed on the need to work towards full implementation of UNSCR 1701 and a diplomatic resolution that allows civilians on both sides of the Blue Line to return safely home.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s speech in Berlin:

I’ve just had a very productive meeting with President Biden, Chancellor Scholz, and President Macron.

We focused on two issues.

Firstly, the situation in the Middle East.

Let me start by saying that no one should mourn the death of the Hamas Leader Sinwar.

On his hands is the blood of innocent Israelis.

Killed on the 7th of October and over years of terror.

And also the blood of the Palestinian people.

Who suffered in the chaos and violence that he sought and celebrated.

We continue to support Israel’s right to self-defence.

Particularly in the face of the attacks by the Iranian regime.

Allies will keep working together.

To de-escalate across the region.

Because we know there is no military-only solution here.

The answer is diplomacy.

And now we must make the most of this moment.

What is needed now is a ceasefire in Gaza.

The immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.

Immediate access for humanitarian aid.

And a return to the path towards the two-state solution.

As the only way to deliver long-term peace and security.

The dire humanitarian situation cannot continue.

And I say once again to Israel, the world will not tolerate any more excuses on humanitarian assistance.

Civilians in northern Gaza need food, now.

The UK strongly supports UNRWA in the vital work it does in Gaza, across the OPTs and the region.

UNRWA must be allowed to continue its life saving support.

The suffering must end, including in Lebanon, where we need a ceasefire to implement a political plan based on UN resolution 1701.

That empowers the Lebanese Armed Forces.

Strengthens UNIFIL.

And allows communities on both sides of the border to return to their homes.

That delivers humanitarian and economic support to the people of Lebanon.

Supports democracy and bolsters the Lebanese State.

Second, we discussed the war in Ukraine.

Building on the conversation I had with President Zelenskyy at Downing Street last week.

We remain united in our support for Ukraine.

We have always said that it is for the Ukrainian people to decide their own future.

So we’re clear, together with President Zelenskyy, that the only acceptable outcome is a sovereign Ukraine, and a just peace.

We want to see Ukraine thriving and secure.

And we’ll work together to make it happen.

And while the situation is incredibly tough.

It’s also true that Russia is getting weaker.

This war is soaking up 40% of their budget.

Last month Russia suffered the highest daily casualty rate so far.

So we discussed how to speed up our support for Ukraine.

And the UK is delivering.

95% of the equipment that we promised to fast track in July is now in Ukrainian hands.

And together with the G7 we’re working to send $50 billion of further support to Ukraine.

Drawn from the proceeds of frozen Russian assets.

So as Ukraine enters a difficult winter it’s important to say.

We’re with you.

We’re absolutely united in our resolve.

And we’ll back Ukraine for as long as it takes.