President Volodymyr Zelensky made history by becoming the first foreign leader to address the Labour cabinet in nearly 30 years, urging Sir Keir Starmer to “show leadership” during his address at Downing Street. Zelensky called on the British government to assist Kyiv in lifting restrictions on how Ukraine can use weapons supplied by western allies, emphasizing the need to expand Europe’s defense industrial base and agreeing to a £3.5bn defense export finance deal with Sir Keir. Additionally, in response to a major IT outage affecting airlines, train companies, and banks, the Liberal Democrats have called for an emergency Cobra meeting, while in the Commons, David Lammy has reinstated the UK government’s aid funding to UNRWA for Palestinians fleeing the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Zelensky asks Starmer to let Ukraine use weapons anywhere in Russia as Cobra meeting held over IT outage – live
Zelensky becomes first foreign leader to address cabinet for nearly 30 years
Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox
Get our free View from Westminster email
President Volodymyr Zelensky has called Sir Keir Starmer to “show leadership” during his historic address to the Labour cabinet in Downing Street.
The Ukrainian president urged the British government to help Kyiv’s lift restrictions on how the coutnry can use weapons supplied by western allies.
Mr Zelensky told ministers about the situation in Ukraine and the need to expand Europe’s defence industrial base, as well as agreeing a £3.5bn defence export finance deal with Sir Keir.
Following the major IT outage hitting airlines, train companies and banks, Liberal Democrats have urged the government to call an emergency Cobra meeting.
In the Commons, David Lammy has restored the UK government’s aid funding to UNRWA for Palestinians escaping the ongoing war in Gaza.
The Conservative government stopped the money alongside the US in January following accusations from Israel that staff members were involved in the 7 October attacks. But the UN investigation into the allegations is still ongoing.
Key Points
Show latest update 1721396728
Rishi Sunak visits indoor Bowling Club in Northallerton
Salma Ouaguira19 July 2024 14:45
1721396720
Watch: Zelensky becomes first foreign leader to address UK cabinet for nearly 30 years
Zelensky becomes first foreign leader to address UK cabinet for nearly 30 years
Jane Dalton19 July 2024 14:45
1721396120
Nigel Farage sparks anger over Leeds riot comments
Jane Dalton19 July 2024 14:35
1721395337
In full: Government recommits to funding UNRWA as David Lammy praises ‘life-saving work’
Salma Ouaguira19 July 2024 14:22
1721394617
Starmer has made a good start of wiping up the toxic residue of Brexit
As he hosts Europe’s leaders in Blenheim Palace, a place rich with the history of both the UK and its neighbouring continent, the PM has the chance to make history once again, writes Femi Oluwole:
Salma Ouaguira19 July 2024 14:10
1721394017
UK government commits to two-state Palestine solution ‘when the circumstances are right’
The foreign secretary said Britain is “absolutely committed” to a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine “when the circumstances are right”.
David Lammy said he would back a plan but it must guarantee the security of Israel before adding the Palestinian cause is a “just cause”.
The cabinet minister also expressed frustration at the Knesset for passing a resolution rejecting the Palestinian statehood, ahead of Benjamin Netanyahu’s trip to the US.
Mr Lammy said: “The vote by the Knesset yesterday was hugely disappointing. We believe passionately in two states. And I say to those who reject two states, if you are a proponent of one state then you do have to explain how everyone enjoys equality under the law.
“And if you are a proponent of no state then you are effectively suggesting that occupation continues and that is unacceptable to, I would have thought, all members of this House.”
Asked to explain how the new Government will deal with the “immediate crisis” and the recognition of Palestine, he said: “We are absolutely committed to that two-state solution. The global community for too many years has talked about it and not acted, I recognise there’s almost tremendous cynicism when the phrase is used.”
He added: “There is no confusion on this party’s position on Palestinian recognition. We are committed to Palestinian recognition. We hope to work with partners to achieve that when the circumstances are right.”
(BBC)
Salma Ouaguira19 July 2024 14:00
1721393417
Watch: Zelensky becomes first foreign leader to address cabinet for nearly 30 years
Zelensky becomes first foreign leader to address UK cabinet for nearly 30 years
Salma Ouaguira19 July 2024 13:50
1721392817
Starmer puts UK front and centre of Europe as PM builds ‘closer’ ties
Sir Keir Starmer declared that Britain is “back on the international stage” as he sought to put the UK at the centre of European cooperation and build closer ties with the continent.
Salma Ouaguira19 July 2024 13:40
1721392217
No 10: ‘Another life lost in the English Channel’
Downing Street said it was a “tragedy” that “yet another life” has been lost in the English Channel.
One person died when their small boat deflated near Calais and they could not be resuscitated. French ship PSP Cormoran picked up 59 people in the operation, and the British vessel rescued another 13.
A Number 10 spokeswoman said: “It is a tragedy that yet another life has been lost and the Prime Minister spoke to such an incident just yesterday.”
The official said the incident “underlines the stark reality of the dangers of these crossings and the callousness of the criminal gangs who are driving this”.
The spokeswoman said the Prime Minister and Home Secretary were “working to address this and step up enforcement” including through “the work that we’ll be carrying out with European partners on it”.
Salma Ouaguira19 July 2024 13:30
1721391617
Watch: David Lammy confirms UK funding for UNRWA in Gaza will restart
David Lammy confirms UK funding for UNRWA in Gaza will restart
Salma Ouaguira19 July 2024 13:20
Read the full story on www.independent.co.uk
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/starmer-europe-zelensky-cabinet-politics-latest-b2582295.html