The comments made by Anthony Mangnall, the Conservative MP for Totnes, on Twitter on 5 July 2022.
It is time for cabinet colleagues to recognise the appalling damage that the Prime Minister is doing to the party, government and country.
It isn’t good enough and each day that passes those who sit in cabinet will be more complicit with this farcical situation.
Time4change.
The letter of resignation from Rishi Sunak, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, sent to Boris Johnson, the Prime Minister, on 5 July 2022.
The letter written by Sajid Javid, the Secretary of Health and Social Care, to the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, on 5 July 2022.
The speech made by Keir Starmer, the Leader of the Opposition, on 4 July 2022.
Thank you.
It’s a real privilege to be here tonight.
We are here to mark the 26th birthday of the CER.
In that time, the world has changed beyond recognition and so has your work.
For many 1996 was a time of optimism. From the Baltic shipyards of Poland to the villages of southern Bulgaria, tens of millions of people who had laboured under the yoke of tyranny were looking forward to a European future.
Barriers were coming down; economies were beginning to thrive.
Mobile phones were becoming commonplace, personal computers were switched on to the internet – that concept we were beginning to understand in 1996. And those new technologies were connecting the world at a stroke.
The totemic battles of the previous generation were being wrapped up.
The Cold War was over. Apartheid had been ended. Peace was coming to Northern Ireland.
Here in Britain, a deeply unpopular Conservative Prime Minister found himself mired in sleaze, weakened by his failures and a slave to the right wing of his party.
So whilst much has change, not everything has changed…
Then, just as now the Labour Party had put itself in position to be the next government staking out the centre ground, and building plans to take the country forward to a new era.
The big difference, I think, with 1996, is that we have lost that sense of optimism.
After a decade of low growth under the Tories. Taxes are rising and inflation is rampant and doing huge damage to households and businesses.
In 2022, Britain is stuck.
Stuck with an economy where wages have flatlined and household bills are going through the roof.
Stuck with broken public services that no longer work for those that they serve.
Stuck in queues for passports or driving licences.
Stuck waiting for delayed trains and buses.
Stuck on hold as we try to get a doctor’s appointment.
Britain is also stuck with a government that has no plan.
One that was elected on a promise to get Brexit done but has now decided to re-open those old divisions, in order to ensure Britain remains stuck with this failed Prime Minister.
While the Conservatives are flailing around, Labour has been claiming the centre ground of British politics once again.
Not a mushy place of compromise but a place driven by purpose, a place driven by optimism.
Our driving mission is to get Britain’s economy growing again so we can ensure the people and the places who for too long have lost out are once again revitalised and re-energised.
I am going to be saying a lot about that in the coming weeks and months.
But the first step in doing so, is to ensure Britain thrives in its new role in the world by ensuring we Make Brexit Work.
There are some who say “we don’t need to make Brexit work – we need to reverse it.”
I couldn’t disagree more.
Because you cannot move forward or grow the country or deliver change or win back the trust of those who have lost faith in politics, if you’re constantly focused on the arguments of the past.
We cannot afford to look back over our shoulder because all the time we are doing that we are missing what is ahead of us.
So let me be very clear.
Under Labour, Britain will not go back into the EU.
We will not be joining the single market or the customs union.
Now, I know some people don’t want to hear that, but it is my job to be frank and to be honest – and you will always get that with me.
The reason I say this is simple.
Nothing about revisiting those rows will help stimulate growth or bring down food prices or help British business thrive in the modern world.
It would simply be a recipe for more division, it would distract us from taking on the challenges facing people and it would ensure Britain remained stuck for another decade.
Under Labour, that simply will not happen.
What you will get under Labour is a plan.
One that will deliver on the opportunities Britain has, to sort out the poor deal Boris Johnson signed, and end the Brexit divisions once and for all.
It is a proper plan to Make Brexit Work.
Now, I know I’d never be allowed to take this stage without telling you what that plan looks like, so let me set out for you how it works.
The first step is clear and obvious.
We have to sort out the Northern Ireland Protocol.
If you’re going to Make Brexit Work, that has to be the starting point.
Just a few weeks ago, I had the great pleasure of being in Dublin and in Belfast, where I worked for many years.
I was struck by the fact that businesses there are clear – they can make the Protocol work.
The solutions are there, the desire is there. What is lacking is trust.
That crucial ingredient that has always characterised progress in relations between our islands. That has been eroded by this government.
Labour will change that.
We will be the honest broker our countries need; we will get the protocol working and we will make it the springboard to securing a better deal for the British people.
As well as building trust, Labour would eliminate most border checks created by the Tory Brexit deal with a new veterinary agreement for agri-products between the UK and EU.
And we will work with business to put in place a better scheme to allow low-risk goods to enter Northern Ireland without unnecessary checks.
The second step we would take is to tear down unnecessary barriers.
Of course we recognise, outside of the Single Market and a Customs Union we will not be able to deliver complete frictionless trade with the EU.
But there are things we can do to make trade easier.
Labour would extend that new veterinary agreement to cover all the UK, seeking to build on agreements and mechanisms already in place between the EU and other countries – benefiting our exporters at a stroke.
There was a story on the news the other day about a ‘wet wipe island’ that has formed in the Thames. Made of fat and oil and household rubbish one metre deep and the size of two tennis courts. It is blocking the flow of the river and changing the shape of the riverbed.
You couldn’t imagine a better metaphor for the Tory Brexit deal.
They have created a hulking ‘fatberg’ of red tape and bureaucracy.
One that is hampering the flow of British business.
We will break that barrier down, remove that fatberg – unclog the arteries of our economy and allow trade to flourish once more.
The third step will be to support Britain’s world-leading industries.
That means mutual recognition of professional qualifications ensuring our services can compete and restoring access to funding and vital research programmes.
Step four would be to ensure we keep Britain safe.
For too long, the Government has been blasé about European security.
The actions of (Vladimir) Putin must jolt us back into reality.
Because in the modern world if one of us is not safe then none of us are safe.
Strengthening security cooperation with our friends and allies is vital.
I know from first-hand experience during my time as Director of Public Prosecutions that we cannot take risks with terrorism, organised crime and people trafficking.
That’s why Labour will seek new security arrangements to defend our borders, and why we will share data, intelligence, and best practice. And it’s why we will set up joint intelligence working here and in Europe.
The final part of our plan will be to invest in Britain.
The lesson of the last decade is that if we are to achieve economic growth and see the benefits flowing to every part of our country, we cannot be bystanders.
The Tory plan as set out by Jacob Rees-Mogg is about cutting standards, regulations, and protections before stepping back and gawping at the power of the market.
This will not work.
It is a sure-fire way for Britain to lose the global race for jobs and for trade.
It will exacerbate the problems we already face; it will not deliver on the promise of Brexit.
Labour’s plan is very different.
We will work hand-in-hand with business to bring the good, clean jobs of the future to our shores, harnessing the power of government, alongside the ingenuity of our brilliant private sector.
Together, we will open up new markets and create new opportunities.
The government have missed Brexit opportunities time and time again.
It beggars belief that during a cost-of-living crisis they haven’t cut VAT on energy bills.
Labour will be sharper than this.
We will use our flexibility outside of the EU to ensure British regulation is adapted to suit British needs.
That is Labour’s plan to Make Brexit Work.
It is a plan that puts the divisions of the past behind us and seizes on the challenges and opportunities of the future.
It is a plan that that helps everyone from exporters to musicians – to thrive.
It’s a plan to reverse the Tory spiral of low-growth and high-tax.
A plan that puts Britain in the best place to compete on the global stage.
A plan that will help us achieve our central mission of delivering economic growth to Britain and spreading it throughout the country.
But there is something even more crucial than that.
In 2016, the British people voted for change.
The very narrow question that was on the ballot paper – leaving or remaining in the EU – is now in the past.
But the hope that underpinned that vote – the desire for a better, fairer future for our country is no closer to being delivered.
We will not return to freedom of movement to create short term fixes, instead we will invest in our people and our places, and deliver on the promise our country has.
If we are to restore faith in politics as a force for good, we must now get on with delivering on that promise.
The Tories have no idea how to do it.
Labour does. Labour has a plan.
And this plan, a plan to Make Brexit Work is the first stage of delivering on that change and delivering a better future for our country.
The comments made by Priti Patel, the Home Secretary, on 4 July 2022.
It is an important development that the UK and Nigeria have signed an agreement to co-operate on migration issues, to tackle illegal migration and the significant threat it poses to both nations.
The deal will mean that operational teams in both countries will share their expertise to take the fight to criminal people smugglers who are responsible for a wider range of criminality and put profit before people while undermining the security of our two countries. This landmark agreement will increase the deportation of dangerous foreign criminals to make our streets and country safer.
This is our New Plan for Immigration being put into action.
The comments made by Nigel Huddleston, the Sports Minister, on 4 July 2022.
Based upon what I have experienced and we have learnt through the pilot programme, safe standing is set to deliver an electric atmosphere at our football stadiums.
Fans have long campaigned for its introduction and we have worked carefully with supporters groups, including the families affected by the tragic Hillsborough football disaster.
I am proud of the work that has gone into this rigorous process and that we have delivered on our manifesto commitment to get fans back on their feet in stadiums.
The comments made by Nadine Dorries, the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, on 4 July 2022.
We want to make the experience of watching football as magical as the play on the pitch. Fans will now be able to cheer on their team from a seat or join others in a safe standing section to really get behind the players and roar on their heroes to victory.
We are not reintroducing terraces and only clubs which meet strict safety criteria will be permitted. Thanks to a robust trial, thorough evidence and modern engineering, we are now ready to allow standing once again in our grounds.
The speech made by Liz Truss, the Foreign Secretary, in Lugano, Switzerland, on 4 July 2022.
Thank you very much Prime Minister, thank you very much to President Cassis for hosting the conference today. Ukraine’s recovery from Russia’s war of aggression will be a symbol of the power of freedom and democracy over autocracy.
It will show Putin that his attempts to destroy Ukraine have only produced a stronger, more prosperous and more united nation.
The United Kingdom is resolute in its support of Ukraine’s territorial integrity and we will remain at Ukraine’s side as it emerges as a strong and thriving democracy.
We have led on support for Ukraine during the war and will continue to lead in supporting the Ukrainian Government’s Reconstruction and Development Plan.
This needs to be a new Marshall Plan for Ukraine and it needs to be driven by Ukraine itself.
We will push for immediate investment and to drive economic growth because it’s absolutely imperative we get the Ukrainian economy going, we need to need able to support returning Ukrainians returning to Ukraine, we need to give people hope about the future, and we need to give them the means to be able to support themselves.
Reconstruction should embed reform, modernisation, technology and transparency.
The United Kingdom is very pleased to join the Joint Reconstruction Coordination Group.
It’s our view that it’s vital that that is open to partners right around the world, we need all of the free world supporting this effort. It must be open and comprehensive, and it must involve international organisations as are represented on stage at the moment.
It must involve all of those who have been active in helping Ukraine defend itself and who back Ukraine for the long term through thick and thin, whatever it takes.
The United Kingdom has committed to host next year’s 2023 Ukraine Reconstruction Conference.
President Cassis, we have a lot to learn from you, it’s been a fantastic conference so far.
We are also exploring how we engage British business, tech companies and universities in that reconstruction effort, we’re looking at how we can use English and Scots law to ensure investors have the confidence to participate in the reconstruction effort, and we will use the might of the City of London and the European Bank of Reconstruction and Development which is based in London to make Ukraine one of the world’s top destinations for investment in 2023.
We think there is a real opportunity for Ukraine to near-shore manufacturing, agribusiness, technology, to be an extremely vibrant economy going forward. As the Prime Minister mentioned the United Kingdom is actively looking at how we legislate to seize assets from those who have contributed to this appalling war, it’s vitally important that we acquire those funds for the reconstruction of Ukraine.
The UK will be championing the recovery of the Kyiv region, in response to President Zelenskyy’s specific request from our Prime Minister for UK leadership. We believe that despite the appalling suffering, despite the terrible war crimes that have taken place, the devastation, and the human cost, that Ukraine will emerge stronger and more successful after this war.
President Zelenskyy you have demonstrated that Ukraine is a bastion of freedom and democracy, and it’s our duty as your friends and allies, as the free world, to do whatever it takes to support you.
Thank you.
The comments made by Mims Davies, the Minister for Employment, on 4 July 2022.
Older workers are a huge asset to this country, and there are currently more than 400,000 over 50s in roles than before the pandemic.
We’re increasing funding and support at every step of their journey up the career ladder, to ensure everyone gets the support they need to get into work, progress and use their experience to boost their earnings and plan for a better future. Helping people find the security of a stable income, through a job they can take pride in, is also one of the best ways for people to support their families during these challenging times.
The speech made by Vicky Ford, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, in the House of Commons on 30 June 2022.
I am extremely grateful to my right hon. Friend the Member for Newark (Robert Jenrick) and the hon. Member for Birmingham, Selly Oak (Steve McCabe) for securing this important debate. I share their grave concerns, and those of many Members, about the potential for a nuclear armed Iran.
In his opening remarks, my right hon. Friend the Member for Newark said that it was important for the Government to listen to what Members say about this subject. We are listening, and it is my pleasure to respond on behalf of the Government. I am also grateful for the contributions of the other Members who have spoken, and I will try to respond to many of the points that have been raised.
Time after time, we have seen Iran take actions that directly undermine global security, freedom and democracy, and challenge the international order. The UK is taking a tough stance: Iran must end its threatening behaviour and destabilising regional activity, and must also return to its JCPOA commitments.
Iran’s nuclear programme has never been more advanced than it is today, and our objective remains to ensure that the country never acquires a nuclear weapon. The escalation of its nuclear activities is threatening regional and international peace and security, and undermining the global non-proliferation system. Along with our partners, the United Kingdom has worked intensively to find a diplomatic solution. Over the last year we have worked alongside Germany, France, the United States and others to find a solution that would return Iran to compliance with its nuclear commitments under the JCPOA.
In March 2022, we left Vienna after reaching the end of talks. At that point there was a viable deal on the table that would return Iran to compliance with its commitments and return the US to the deal, reversing Iran’s nuclear escalation and lifting US sanctions related to the JCPOA. Iran has not accepted the deal, and time is running out. Iran should urgently take the offer on the table; there will not be a better one.
I agree that the JCPOA is not perfect, but it does represent a pathway for constraining Iran’s nuclear programme. A restored JCPOA would provide a foundation for international diplomatic efforts to ensure that Iran’s nuclear programme remained peaceful in the long-term. As my hon. Friend the Member for Hendon (Dr Offord), my right hon. Friend the Member for Newark and the hon. Member for Strangford (Jim Shannon) pointed out, there are some issues regarding sunset provisions. The hon. Member for Birmingham, Selly Oak also mentioned the switching off of the cameras, as did my hon. Friend the Member for Bracknell (James Sunderland).
I want to make it clear that if Iran returns to the JCPOA, our priority is the extension of the sunset clauses and enabling a stricter monitoring regime. Should the JCPOA collapse, however, we will consider all options in partnership with our allies. Let me repeat that: if a deal is not struck soon the JCPOA will collapse, and in that scenario we will carefully consider all our options in partnership with our allies. Those options may include new sanctions. I accept that the JCPOA does not address wider regional security issues, but a return to the deal would contribute positively to regional prosperity and security in the middle east and could pave the way for further discussions on regional and security concerns.
Iran must stop its destabilising behaviour. We believe it is important to encourage Iran to take a more constructive approach to its relationship with its neighbours. The UK has long made clear our concern about Iran’s reckless destabilising activity in the region, including the political, financial and military support that it gives to militants and proscribed terrorist groups, including Hezbollah in Lebanon and Syria, to militias in Iraq and to the Houthis in Yemen.
Iran’s support for these groups and activities risks the security and prosperity in the region. They pose a direct threat to the UK and to our interests as well as to the safety of our allies. Regional security and that of our allies remains one of our top concerns, and we are working with allies to constrain Iran’s ability to conduct destabilising activities in the region. We will continue to do so, whether or not a deal is signed.
We will continue our work with allies and partners to hold Iran to account for breaches of UN security resolutions. That includes supporting enforcement of UN prohibitions on the proliferation of weapons to non-state actors in the region, including to Hezbollah and to the Houthis in Yemen. We continue to build on the existing co-operation between the UK and our partners to counter the activities of Iran and its proxies in the region, including in our work to support stability in Iraq and to end the conflicts in Yemen and Syria.
My hon. Friend the Member for Hendon mentioned the Paris bomb plot and his experiences at that time. The UK Government always strongly condemn the targeting of civilians and we welcome the fact that those responsible for that plot in Paris in 2018 have been held to account. We also welcome the work by the Belgian courts in convicting four individuals last year, including Asadollah Asadi, who received a 20-year sentence.
The integrated review outlines our contribution to maritime security, upholding the principle of freedom of navigation. The UK is working to ensure the safety of shipping in the middle east, including in the Strait of Hormuz. We deter Iran from disrupting maritime security through our contributions to the international maritime security construct and the combined maritime forces.
A number of Members mentioned sanctions. The UK continues to maintain a range of sanctions aimed at addressing Iran’s destabilising behaviour. We have over 200 sanctions designations in place. Those include the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, and sanctions related to human rights, proliferation and terrorism.
My hon. Friend the Member for Harrow East (Bob Blackman) and others spoke in detail about the IRGC. We have made clear our concerns about its continuing destabilising activity throughout the region, and we maintain a range of sanctions that are working to constrain that activity. The list of proscribed organisations is kept under constant review, but we do not routinely comment on whether an organisation is under consideration for proscription so I cannot comment on that; I know that my hon. Friend understands the reasons why.
A number of Members spoke about those who have been detained, and in particular about Morad Tahbaz. The Iranian Government committed to releasing Morad from prison on indefinite furlough but they failed to honour that commitment. His continuing horrendous ordeal sends a clear message to the international community that Iran does not honour its commitments. We continue to urge the Iranian authorities at every opportunity to release him immediately. He must be allowed to return to his family’s home in Tehran without further delay. Morad is a tri-national, and we are working closely with the United States to release him.
Let me conclude by saying that it is in no one’s interest to see a nuclear-armed Iran. The UK is firm in its commitment to the security and prosperity of our allies in the region, and to working with the international community to hold Iran to account for its destabilising activity. We urge, and will continue to urge, Iran to cease its nuclear escalation and to conclude the deal currently on the table to restore the JCPOA while that is still possible. If that does not happen, we will work with our international partners to consider all options.