Starmer says he is ‘focused on our national interest’ as he begins China visit – UK politics live

<gu-island name="KeyEventsCarousel" priority="feature" deferuntil="visible" props="{"keyEvents":[{"id":"6979f5d28f0820220d8574bd","elements":[{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement","html":" The Liberal Democrats have issued a fresh appeal to moderate Tories to join their party. Responding to what Kemi Badenoch said about the new, centrist Conservative group Prosper (see 9.21am), Daisy Cooper, the Lib Dem deputy leader, said: ","elementId":"dd7b39b5-cf2c-4b23-ae74-4c066c99ef04"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.BlockquoteBlockElement","html":" \n [Badenoch’s] slapdown of Ruth Davidson and Andy Street sent a clear message to moderate, centre-ground Conservative voters across the country: she doesn’t want their support. \n The Liberal Democrats will offer a home to all those let down by the old two parties and who…

Labour and SNP face byelection battle after Margaret Ferrier suspension – UK politics live

From 3h ago MPs vote to suspend Margaret Ferrier from Commons, paving way for key Labour/SNP byelection battle The Commons has voted to suspend Margaret Ferrier for 30 days by 185 votes to 40 – a majority of 145. That means a recall byelection in Rutherglen and Hamilton West can now go ahead, provided 10% of voters sign a petition calling for one. This threshold should be met quite comfortably. In 2019 Ferrier won the seat for the SNP with a majority over Labour of 5,230. But Labour has already…