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…

OBR says it raised concerns with Treasury about pre-budget briefings – UK politics live

From 1h ago OBR raised concerns with Treasury about pre-budget leaking before budget took place, MPs told Hillier started by asking about the letter sent by the OBR to the Commons Treasury committee on Friday explaining what the OBR told the Treasury in the run up to the budget about its forecasts. Prof David Miles said the OBR decided to send the letter because there were a lot of misconceptions about the role played by the OBR this time. He said the letter was meant to be published on budget…

Sunak has ‘little England mentality’ over UK foreign policy, says Lammy

Shadow foreign secretary says Britain risks isolation in global debates on China, AI and climate crisis Rishi Sunak has demonstrated a “little England mentality” in foreign relations, David Lammy has argued, warning the UK risks marginalising itself in vital global debates on China, AI and the climate emergency. Speaking shortly before Sunak heads to Washington for a meeting with Joe Biden, the shadow foreign secretary said cuts to areas such as overseas aid, the British Council and BBC World Service were further hampering the UK’s soft power and making it…