BBC boss faces urgent meeting over handling of Huw Edwards case

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy will hold an urgent meeting with BBC boss Tim Davie over his handling of the Huw Edwards case.

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King Charles warned against trusting Keir Starmer's 'costly initiatives'

King Charles has been told to be wary of Sir Keir Starmer’s “costly green initiatives” which may not be very “popular once the bills start to land”, royal sources claim.

The Prime Minister is apparently keen for the King to attend COP29 in Azerbaijan later this year - an annual environmental climate summit.

Starmer’s enthusiasm is in stark contrast to his predecessor Rishi Sunak who was reluctant to let the monarch speak freely on green issues.

Last year, much to Charles’ displeasure, he was “advised” by the former Prime Minister to not attend COP27 in Egypt in 2022.

The monarch was allowed to go to COP28 in Dubai last year, though this is understood to have been done reluctantly.

However, sources told the Daily Mail that Charles should be careful of following Starmer, who is keen to allow the monarch to discuss eco-problems freely.

“The King should beware. Labour's costly green initiatives may not be popular once the bills start to land,” they said.

Throughout his life, Charles has championed environmental issues and has been a leading climate change advocate, giving his first speech on the matter aged just 21.

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The King has spent years campaigning for conservation, organic farming and other eco causes. Whilst sustainability has become popular and trendy in recent years, Bob Ward, a policy and communications director, said the King’s passion for the environment was viewed as an “oddity” in his early years.

In May, the monarch warned in an address to the United Nations that the planet is at a “crucial moment” and “action is needed”.

Speaking at the UN 4th International Conference on Small Islands Developing States, Charles said “bold and determined action” was required to protect vulnerable nations from climate change and nature loss.

Speaking from inside Buckingham Palace, the King said: “You have gathered at a crucial moment for our planet, and for all of us who share it.

“Small Island Developing States exemplify, in so many ways, the challenges facing our world: from rising sea levels, to food and water insecurity; from ever more intense disasters to the disproportionate impact of global shocks

“Throughout the years, I have been fortunate to visit many small island nations. Time and again - whether in Vanuatu or Barbuda - I have seen the critical challenges you face, and how they can multiply to a terrifying and existential degree.”

The King concluded his address by stating: “The issues before you could hardly be more important. Your future is our future. Our islands, our oceans, our planet and, ultimately, all of us need bold and determined action.”

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Kemi Badenoch slams article accusing her of 'bullying and traumatising' staff for 'coming after the one person who can beat Starmer'

Kemi Badenoch has blasted a Guardian article accusing her of "creating an intimidating atmosphere in the government department she used to run" as a "hit job".

The Conservative leadership hopeful had come under fire after the paper unearthed allegations of "bullying and traumatising" behaviour by "at least three senior officials" in the Department for Business and Trade (DBT).

The article included claims that individuals in the DBT were "regularly left feeling humiliated by Badenoch" and had occasionally been "reduced to tears" following meetings with the former Cabinet minister.

Though one of Badenoch's spokespeople had described the allegations as "completely false and a flagrant smear" to the Guardian, they defended her "high standards and expectations" within the department as they confirmed she "had to let go of" a number of "senior officials".

So it looks like the Guardian hit job I warned about last week has dropped.

Clearly my campaign launch has spooked the lefties and now they’re coming for the one person they know can beat Keir Starmer. (1/3) https://t.co/BPCwwW08jg

— Kemi Badenoch (@KemiBadenoch) July 30, 2024

Five days ago, Badenoch had shared an image to social media claiming "a political journalist at the Guardian has been texting officials in my former department to find someone/anyone willing to make bullying accusations about me".

In the image, purportedly a message from a journalist, it is tabled that there "is an overwhelming public interest case for investigating" claims about Badenoch's ministerial conduct.

Badenoch had noted that one of the messages "was effectively encouraging them to break the civil service code".

But now, the ex-Business Secretary has claimed her "campaign launch has spooked the lefties", and accused the Guardian of "coming for the one person they know can beat Keir Starmer".

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She continued: "Let's be clear: these allegations are smears from former staff who I sacked after they were accused of bullying behaviour, lying about other colleagues to cover up their own failures and general gross incompetence... Intolerable behaviour I would not stand for.

"The business department has confirmed to the Guardian there were no complaints about me and no investigations.

"It's all utterly false. But I won't let it stop me or my campaign.

"The renewal of my party and the country is too important to let the Guardian, acting for the Labour Party, disrupt."

Badenoch became the sixth person to enter the Conservative leadership race yesterday, pledging to renew, reunite and return the party to its roots.

She joined Priti Patel, Mel Stride, Robert Jenrick, Tom Tugendhat and James Cleverly in the race - and, as things stand, is the bookies' favourite.

The MP for North West Essex had accused "much of the discourse across the political spectrum" of being "petty and puerile".

But the Tories' backbench 1922 Committee chief Bob Blackman has insisted the party is "determined that this is going to be a good, clean contest" - while the six leadership candidates could be handed a "yellow card" if they "indulge in attacking each other".

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Shock and tears in Commons as Southport attack unites MPs in grief

It has been a long time since the House of Commons has been overwhelmed by a mood of such profound grief and shock.

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Pro-Remain Labour MP reveals disappearance of SECOND EU scrutiny body as she joins Reform to condemn axing of key committee

Pro-Remain Labour MP Stella Creasey has joined forced with Reform UK to attack the government for axing a key committee which scrutinises our relationship with the EU.

The MP also highlighted the disappearance of a second EU scrutiny body which maintains an eye on Brussels decisions.

Labour today announced that it would be scrapping the European Scrutiny Committee as it works to 'reset' its relationship with Brussels.

The committee was set up in 1973 and has worked to assess the impact of Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak Brexit deals.

Speaking exclusively to Christopher Hope, the MP said: "I actually agree with the concerns that Mark Francois and indeed Richard Tice were raising in the chamber, that it's right that Parliament has a role in the scrutiny of what happens with our relationship with Europe.

Stella Creasy on Labour's axing of the European Scrutiny Committee

"I think it's understandable that people are asking, where is this conversation going to happen? And I'd like to be part of that conversation.

"I think there's a really strong story to tell about why we need to act. I look at all the paperwork that's stopping food coming across the border.

"I look at the problems going to come with people traveling for their holidays. I can see the opportunities that come from a trade deal. I guess it is a concern because there's so much else going on in Parliament.

"There's a huge amount of work coming through the new King's speech as to whether other committees will have the time to truly look at these things.

"And of course, then we've got the TCA review coming up in the next 18 months as well. So I can understand the concern. And I think it's right that we ask the question about where is this going to happen?

"She also highlighted the loss of a second EU scrutiny body, she continued: "I should also say that the European Statutory Instruments Committee also seems to have disappeared, and that was looking at law that was taken from Europe and whether it was being transposed to the UK.

"Lots of questions that we might disagree on, but we can share a concern for scrutiny and democratic accountability.

The Labour MP added: "I think it's about what our constituents are going to ask us. I get a lot of constituents coming to me, completely bewildered by all the paperwork that hard Brexit is created for them, wanting to know what we're going to do about it, and obviously having dedicated committees where those issues can be looked at.

"Let's be honest, some of it can be quite technical and a little bit dull. Those are really important. And actually I think ministers do respect and understand that because of course there's a whole load of expertise that goes behind it. So I think obviously this decision has only been announced in the last 24 hours.

"There are lots of questions arising from it. We can disagree on the outcomes, but we can all agree that it's an important matter to resolve."

Brexiteer Bill Cash told GB NEws he welcomed Stella Creasey's intervention.

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Rachel Reeves hints at tax rises in autumn budget

Rachel Reeves has strongly hinted there will be tax rises in the autumn budget as she promised to be "honest" about "difficult" decisions that lie ahead.

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Joe Biden announces major plan to reform Supreme Court and axe presidential immunity

Joe Biden has called for "three bold reforms" to the US Supreme Court and Presidential immunity in a scathing new swipe at Donald Trump.

In a letter to Americans in the Washington Post, Biden called for term limits on Supreme Court justices, a "code of conduct" for said justices, and a change to the country's constitution to clamp down on immunity in office.

The move - made with Donald Trump's Supreme Court ruling in mind - will go up against a deeply divided Congress, meaning the proposals have little chance of passing into law.

But Biden will be hoping he can at least push through his immunity crackdown with the prospect of a second Trump presidency in mind.

In his letter, the 81-year-old Commander-in-Chief vowed to "prevent the abuse of presidential power and restore the public’s faith in our judicial system" - and directly referenced the January 6 Capitol riots to bolster his case.

He said: "If a future President incites a violent mob to storm the Capitol and stop the peaceful transfer of power - like we saw on January 6, 2021 - there may be no legal consequences. And that's only the beginning."

With that in mind, Biden called for a constitutional amendment called the "No One Is Above the Law Amendment" - and, echoing remarks made in his first speech since pulling out of the presidential race, spoke of his country's Founding Fathers.

Biden said: "I share our Founders' belief that the President's power is limited, not absolute. We are a nation of laws - not of kings or dictators."

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He also called out a lack of public trust and questions over impartiality in the Supreme Court in the wake of "scandals" like "undisclosed gifts to justices from individuals with interests in cases before the court" and "conflicts of interest connected with January 6 insurrectionists".

He urged the adoption of an 18-year term limit for the justices, who currently serve life tenures, with one new justice being voted in every two years - as well as rules requiring them to disclose gifts, refrain from public political activity, and recuse themselves from cases in which they or their spouses have financial or other conflicts of interest.

Biden's letter was followed up by a statement from his choice to replace him in office, Kamala Harris.

Vice-President Harris said: "In our democracy, no one should be above the law. So we must also ensure that no former President has immunity for crimes committed while in the White House."

The leading Republican in Congress, House Speaker Mike Johnson, called Biden's proposals an effort to "delegitimise the court," and said the changes would not be considered by the chamber - which his party controls.

Johnson said: "This dangerous gambit of the Biden-Harris administration is dead on arrival in the House."

While the Republican National Committee said the proposals were part of a scheme to pack the Supreme Court with "far-left, radical judges".

Biden's proposed Supreme Court term limits and ethics code would require legislation - but it is unlikely to pass Congress, with Democrats controlling the Senate and Republicans holding a majority in the House of Representatives.

And the President's planned constitutional amendment would be even more difficult to enact - requiring two-thirds support from both chambers of Congress or a convention called by two-thirds of the states, and then ratification by 38 of the 50 state legislatures.

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Tory leadership candidates may want to think twice about trashing rivals

The six candidates for the Tory leadership have been threatened with a "yellow card" in a bid by party chiefs to ensure the contest is a clean fight.

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The chancellor's key funding gap accusations and what she plans to do

Rachel Reeves has accused her predecessor of hiding a "£22bn funding gap" for the current financial year, as she announced a series of "tough decisions" to compensate.

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If Badenoch becomes Tory leader don't expect pleasantries or politeness - it'll be a bumpy ride

It has been claimed Kemi Badenoch could start a fight in an empty room.

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Chancellor to signal cost-cutting steps as she accuses Tories of fiscal 'cover up'

Rachel Reeves will signal Labour's plans to cut government departments and the Civil Service as the new administration looks to accuse Rishi Sunak of "covering up" problems with the economy.

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Braverman says she's been 'branded mad, bad and dangerous' - as she chooses to not run in Tory leadership race

Suella Braverman will not run to be the next leader of the Conservative Party.

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'If Donald Trump is the next US president, David Lammy will be out' - Mark Littlewood

It is fairly common for Labour supporters in Britain to favour the Democrats in the USA and for the Tories to lean into the Republicans.

For sure, some of the more patriarchal, wet Tories have a visceral dislike for Donal Trump but – by and large – the Conservatives here are the sister party of the GOP and Labour of the Democrats.

It wouldn’t be unusual then for politicians over here to express their support for their opposite numbers on the other side of the pond.

But there are boundaries. Don’t be too enthusiastic about your favoured politicians or too negative about their opponents. You never know who you might have to work with in the future and foreign affairs are as much about diplomacy as politics.

The general rule is to tread carefully, especially where vital allies are concerned.

David Lammy obviously didn’t get the memo.

No doubt, Mr Lammy must have some talents. You can’t become Foreign Secretary without at least some. But an ability to act in a way that is becoming of high office clearly is not amongst them.

One would not expect Mr Lammy to be much of a fan of Donald Trump. They are, to put it mildly, rather different political beasts. Usually, however, criticisms of a leading American politician would be somewhat understated.

Perhaps one might make a gentle criticism of Trump’s somewhat bombastic behaviour or even calmly correct him on any exaggerations he may have made.

That’s not David Lammy’s style, however. A series of blistering and ludicrous attacks on Mr Lammy’s social media feeds include suggesting that the Republican nominee – and hot favourite to be the next US President – is a neo-Nazi sociopath.

Perhaps Mr Lammy was unduly wound up or emotional when he chose to share such thoughts with the world. Lots of people often make intemperate or inappropriate observations on social media platforms.

The best thing is, in the cold light of day, to quietly delete the evidence and perhaps even offer an apology if asked for one.

Again though, this doesn’t appear to be Mr Lammy’s style. He has seemed very reluctant to withdraw his remarks.

With Joe Biden’s last-minute withdrawal from the Presidential race, there is now considerable uncertainty about how the November election might unfold.

Unsurprisingly, vast numbers of US politicians have their fates tied up in the result of the election on November 5th. What is truly extraordinary is that the same thing must now be said of David Lammy. If Donald Trump forms an administration, the UK will need a new Foreign Secretary as a matter of urgency.

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Trump is not known as a forgiving sort of person. Get on the wrong side of him and relations are likely to be somewhere between tense and non-existent.

Given that some of the issues we are going to have to discuss with the next administration include the future of NATO, support for Ukraine and the ongoing situation in Gaza, it would be beyond absurd for the British Foreign Secretary to attempt to navigate these waters given his previous statements about the likely new President.

If Donald Trump does carry America in just over three months’ time, it won’t only be the Democrats who will be ejected from high office.

Keir Starmer will need immediately to find a new Foreign Secretary too. All because David Lammy couldn’t control himself on social media and then couldn’t even find the humility to withdraw his remarks.

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'Time to put unity before personal vendetta': Priti Patel enters Tory leadership race

Former home secretary Dame Priti Patel has said it is "time to put unity before personal vendetta" as she threw her hat into the ring for the Tory party leadership.

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Labour poised to scrap free speech laws as cancel culture threatens lecturers

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has been tipped to scrap free speech laws designed to protect academics from being cancelled.

Phillipson is vowing to “stop further commencement” of the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023.

The decision came just days before the new free speech tsar’s powers were scheduled to come into force.

The Act was intended to ensure universities, colleges and student unions in England would have a legal duty to promote free speech.

The Office for Students (OfS) was also set to be granted new powers to launch investigations and impose fines on universities if they were found to have violated academics’ right to free speech.

Phillipson said: “I have written to colleagues separately about my decision to stop further commencement of the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023, in order to consider options, including its repeal.

“I am aware of concerns that the Act would be burdensome on providers and on the OfS [Office for Students], and I will confirm my long-term plans as soon as possible.”

However, the Free Speech Union has vowed to launch legal action against the Government.

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In a statement, the Free Speech Union said: “The Government’s attack on the Freedom of Speech Act is shocking.

“If Labour refuses to commence legislation passed in the last parliament, the Free Speech Union will bring judicial review proceedings.

“There is a free speech crisis in our universities, as has been widely acknowledged, and this Act, which enjoyed cross-party support, was designed to remedy that.

“For all Sir Keir Starmer’s talk about human rights, he clearly doesn’t care about the most important human right of all, which is the right to free speech.”

Ex-Education Secretary Gavin Williamson also criticised Phillipson over her decision.

“Over the last thirty years we have seen the gradual but continuous erosion of free speech within higher education institutions and that is why I put legislation in place to protect it,” Williamson told The Telegraph.

“The Labour Government’s decision to scrap free speech protections just says it does not care for free and wide-ranging debate.

“Rather, it is willing to turn a blind eye, while dissenting academic voices are hounded off campus.”

The legislation was drawn up after a number of high-profile academics were allegedly cancelled.

Dr Heather Brunskell-Evans was no-platformed by university students at King’s College London after she discussed transgender issues on a radio show.

Kathleen Stock, a philosophy professor, also resigned from Sussex University after what she described as a “witch-hunt” because of her views on transgender issues.

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Chancellor pledges to 'fix' economy - as expert says 'black hole' matches Tory tax cuts

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has promised to "fix" the "mess" the Conservative government left in the economy, amid reports of a £20bn "black hole" in the public finances.

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WATCH IN FULL - Tom Tugendhat sets out stall for Tory leadership to Jacob Rees-Mogg

Tory leadership hopeful Tom Tugendhat has set out the conditions that he would expect Nigel Farage to meet before any suggestion of the Reform leader joining the party can be entertained.

He joined Jacob Rees-Mogg on GB News to set out his stall for the Conservative Party leadership.

WATCH THE CLIP ABOVE

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Welsh school HITS BACK after top Tory accused it of only providing Halal school meals

A Welsh school has hit back after a top Tory claimed pupils were only provided with Halal meat in school meals.

Cowbridge School, which is located in the heart of the Vale of Glamorgan, was accused of failing to provide non-Halal meat for a schoolgirl.

Welsh Tory leader Andrew RT Davies wrote to local Cllr Rhiannon Birch about the alleged dispute.

However, in a fiery response on social media, Cowbridge School said: "Firstly, just to confirm that the school is no longer a comprehensive school and is now an all-age school.

"Secondly the statement that all meat options are Halal only is incorrect."

GB News approached Cowbridge School for comment after Davies published his letter on social media on July 23.

In his letter to Cllr Birch, Davies said: "My constituent’s daughter attends Cowbridge Comprehensive School, and claims she was told that all meat options served in school meals are Halal meat.

"She requested a non-Halal meat meal for her daughter, but was told this was not available.

"I would be grateful if you would confirm if this is the case, and if so, whether it is a country-wide policy."

He added: "Non-Halal meat options should be available in all school meals, and it is essential action is taken to ensure this is provided."

The process of ensuring meat is certified as Halal when it adheres to Islamic law as defined in the Koran.

The Islamic form of slaughtering animals or poultry, dhabiha, involves killing through a cut to the jugular vein, carotid artery and windpipe.

Animals must be alive and healthy at the time of slaughter and all blood is drained from the carcass.

During the process, a Muslim will recite a dedication, known as tasmiya or shahada.

However, the RSPCA has claimed the process causes unnecessary suffering, pain and distress compared to other processes, including stunning.

The 2021 Census also revealed 0.9 per cent of the Vale of Glamorgan identifies as Muslim, with Cowbridge’s Muslim population dropping to 0.2 per cent.

The proportion of people who identify as Muslim across Wales is slightly higher at 2.2 per cent.

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Ex-veterans minister gives Afghan killings inquiry 'further information' amid naming row

An ex-veterans minister has "provided further information" to the Afghanistan inquiry after a row over whether he would reveal the names of people who told him about alleged murders committed by UK special forces in the country.

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Contempt of court laws have created a conspiracy of silence in which the Islamist cancer has metastasised, says Jacob Rees-Mogg

The islamist troublemaker Anjem Choudary has been found guilty of directing the Islamist group, al-Muhajiroun.

Choudary is yet to be sentenced but for years he has abused British tolerance and hospitality, claiming thousands of pounds in benefits at the expense taxpayers while striving to undermine democracy and the rule of law. He has even supported those who try to kill us.

He praised those responsible for the 9/11 and 7/7 attacks and called for the murder of the Pope. He has also condemned freedom of expression, democracy and human rights.

He was sentenced to five years and six months in prison in 2016, but released after only two. Now he faces life in prison.

One of the reasons Islamists have been able to thrive in British society is their escape from scrutiny.

For a long time, I saw the benefit of our contempt of court laws. Look no further than the media circus that ensued during the OJ Simpson trial in the United States. The trial became a trial by public opinion and the jury was kept isolated.

But in the modern world of interconnectivity, this is no longer possible. We ought to have faith in our juries that they can be instructed to disregard prejudicial narratives in the public domain.

But one of the key reasons our contempt of court laws need to be reviewed is that they stop the timely discussion of the activities of people such as Choudary.

The moment someone is arrested, under the current interpretation of the law, there is effectively a media blackout. Any public discussion that could influence the case is banned. There is merit to this process but it has stifled the debate that ought to follow Islamist terror attacks.

On the 15 October 2021, Sir David Amess, then Conservative member for Southend west, was murdered by an Islamist and immigrant, Ali Harber Ali. The news broke, Ali was arrested and then the country went silent. People were not allowed to say that Islamist terrorism was the inspiration.

What was needed was a public discussion about the link between mass migration, a lack of integration and Islamist extremism. We never honoured Sir David by having that national conversation. By the time Ali was convicted, it was too late.

These laws are intended to serve the interests of justice by preventing a popular clamour for guilt innocence.

Instead the contempt of court laws have created a conspiracy of silence in which the Islamist cancer has metastasised and it’s time to review these laws, and put free speech at the heart of all these processes.

The stifling of free speech by the contempt laws is no longer practical. Social media and online resources will inevitably be used by juries however much judges try to stop them.

Poor old King Canute is much maligned for showing that he didn’t have the power to hold back the tide. Judges should learn from his late majesty and realise that contempt of court worked in an analogue age but is outmoded in a digital one.

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Is there an opposition? I literally can’t tell them apart, says Nigel Farage

I spent many hours in Parliament yesterday. I gave my maiden speech and I was in today, of course, for the first Prime Minister's Questions. The big, great piece of theatre that is really it's be honest about it, quite a global sensation.

What have I noticed so far in the Parliament?

Well, I have to tell you, I reckon it is between 85 and 90 per cent Remainers.

I reckon it's over 50 per cent Rejoiners.

I mean, they would literally rejoin the European Union tomorrow.

And if you even mention or dare to mention legal or illegal immigration, they look at you, they raise their eyes as if you're spoiling a really rather convivial dinner party.

So I don't actually think our electoral system, our first past the post system, is giving us really an especially balanced parliament that represents the views of the country.

That's me. But then again, any Parliament that I'm in, I'm always in a tiny minority in the chamber.

But what's also been really interesting, right from Monday when Keir Starmer gave a long speech, he talked about the NATO summit, the European political community.

What is being clear from Rishi Sunak? What has been clear from many, many Conservative MPs getting up and speaking is that they all seem to agree on anything.

It appears to be a bit of a uni-party.

There was a Bob Blackman who's a Conservative member of Parliament for Harrow East. He was speaking yesterday when I was tempted to shout out, you're on the wrong side of the house, mate.

You should be across with the Labour Party. I literally can't tell them apart.

Is there an opposition? I'd love to get your thoughts on this.

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White House blasted over ‘disturbing lack of transparency’ around Joe Biden as ‘conspiracies turn out to be true’

The White House is under fire over its “disturbing lack of transparency” surrounding Joe Biden.

The 81-year-old president announced on Sunday that he will not be contesting the election after months of speculation about his wellbeing.

Questions have ramped up in recent weeks after Biden stumbled through a debate with Donald Trump last month - he later cited travel and illness as causes for his poor showing.

Speaking on GBN America, Marc Lotter from America First said theories regarding the US president in recent times have turned out to be true as he hit out at the White House.

“It’s very disturbing”, he said. “These transparency issues go way back.

“For months, maybe even a year or so now, people have been questioning his mental abilities given his verbal gaffes and change in physical appearance.

“Yet the White House spokesperson and the Vice President lied to us. They called it cheap, fake videos and conspiracy theories.

“Now, it turns out we were right the entire time. It’s the responsibility of not only this administration, but also Congress, to find out what has been going on.

“There has been reports dating back a year or so about the White House taking special steps, whether it’s using special steps on Air Force One or special shoes.

“It’s now coming out to be true. The American people need to know how long this has been going on and who was responsible for hiding this from the American people.

“And what should be done about it to ensure it never happens again?”

Asked if Biden should now go one further and step down from his position as president, Lotter said “that’s the right question to ask”.

He added: “Only the president and his closest advisers know if he is of significant mental and physical ability to do the job.

“I would never want to see any kind of vacancy in that leadership chain, but I do think it’s incumbent on the president of the United States to show the country and the world he is fully in command of his faculties and he is able to see out the last six months of his term.

“America needs a leader, even if I politically disagree with that person. We need to be seen to have a president in the Oval Office. It’s up to him to prove to us if he is still up for that job.”

Biden had been under pressure for weeks to quit the presidential re-election race.

In a letter announcing his decision, he said: “While it has been my intention to seek re-election, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and focus solely on fulfilling my duties as president for the remainder of my term.”

He then went on to offer his “full support and endorsement” to Kamala Harris, adding it is “time to come together and beat Trump”.

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DWP callers 'left on hold for collective wait of 753 years'

People phoning the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) collectively spent more than 753 years waiting for calls to be answered in 2023/24, a report has found.

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Labour vows to 'prioritise' migrants from 'safe countries' first in bid to end small boats crisis

The Government will “prioritise” processing asylum claims made by illegal immigrants from “safe countries”, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has been tipped to announce.

Cooper, who today claimed Rishi Sunak’s Government spent £700million on its Rwanda scheme, is expected to clear much of the backlog by addressing claims from migrants originally from India, Vietnam and Albania.

Asylum seekers from such countries have been warned they are far less likely to have their claims accepted.

Only three per cent of claims from India were accepted, with just seven per cent being accepted from Albania.

However, Vietnamese asylum seekers had a 46 per cent acceptance rate.

Channel crossing migrants from Vietnam made up the largest number of asylum seekers making the perilous 21-mile journey in the first three months of 2024.

However, the move is expected to grant up to 70,000 migrants asylum in the UK.

Labour’s plan also includes reversing Sunak’s Illegal Migration Act.

The ex-Prime Minister barred anyone arriving illegally since March 2023 from being granted asylum.

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Starmer hopes Labour’s proposal will speed up processing, end asylum hotels and clear a backlog of 120,000 claims.

A new 200-strong rapid returns unit is also being set up by the Immigration Enforcement agency.

Cooper is hoping to recruit or redeploy a further 800 officials by the end of the year.

The UK cannot return migrants to “unsafe” countries due to domestic legislation and international law such as the European Convention on Human Rights, including Iran and Syria.

Starmer today announced Labour would now withdraw from the ECHR.

The Prime Minister told MPs: “There is no need to withdraw from the European Convention on Human Rights.

"That is not consistent with the values of that blood bond [after the Second World War] and so we won’t withdraw, not now, not ever.

“Because the basic fact is the priorities of the British people do require us to work across borders with our partners.

"A Government of service at home requires a government of strength abroad.”

Migrants have continued to cross the Channel since Labour won the 2024 General Election with a landslide majority.

Six migrants died in the Channel since July 5, with 2,143 asylum seekers reaching British shores.

More than 15,700 migrants have crossed the Channel in small boats in 2024 so far, 50 per cent higher than this time last year and three per cent higher than the figure set at this stage in the record-breaking year of 2022.

The Home Office said: “We are enhancing the ability to fast-track removals to safe countries for people without the right to be here, as well as co-ordinating action upstream to stop the gangs through a new Border Security Command.

“The Home Secretary has already taken the first crucial steps and more action will following in the coming weeks.”

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Minister won't rule out some universities may close over funding crisis

The higher education minister has not ruled out that some universities may be forced to close over the funding crisis facing the sector.

from Political News - International and UK Politics | Sky News https://ift.tt/xQuW0DX

Joe Biden's statement in full: Read the President's message to America after pulling out of re-election bid

Joe Biden unexpectedly withdrew from the 2024 Presidential race on Sunday - just days after vowing to continue campaigning.

He made the announcement in a letter shared on social media. Read his full statement below.

My Fellow Americans,

Over the past three and a half years, we have made great progress as a Nation. Today, America has the strongest economy in the world. We’ve made historic investments in rebuilding our Nation, in lowering prescription drug costs for seniors, and in expanding affordable health care to a record number of Americans. We’ve provided critically needed care to a million veterans exposed to toxic substances. Passed the first gun safety law in 30 years. Appointed the first African American woman to the Supreme Court. And passed the most significant climate legislation in the history of the world. America has never been better positioned to lead than we are today.

I know none of this could have been done without you, the American people. Together, we overcame a once in a century pandemic and the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. We’ve protected and preserved our Democracy. And we’ve revitalized and strengthened our alliances around the world.

It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President. And while it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term.

I will speak to the Nation later this week in more detail about my decision. For now, let me express my deepest gratitude to all those who have worked so hard to see me reelected. I want to thank Vice President Kamala Harris for being an extraordinary partner in all this work. And let me express my heartfelt appreciation to the American people for the faith and trust you have placed in me.

I believe today what I always have: that there is nothing America can’t do - when we do it together. We just have to remember we are the United States of America.

Joe Biden.

Read the full story of Joe Biden's dramatic decision to withdraw from the White House race HERE

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'Labour must ditch ill-perceived populist agenda and not repeat the failings of previous governments' - Craig Whittaker

The latest backlog figures for people waiting for treatment on the NHS show the highest since records began in 2007.

The challenge for the new Labour government is whether to tackle the root causes of this backlog head on, or just do what most governments do and throw yet more money at it.

Where I live, The Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Trust has a brilliant Chief Executive who works differently to many.

He commissions space within the private hospital sector to ensure things like hips, knees and cataracts are dealt with in a timely fashion.

I had a partial knee replacement this year and was not only offered the operation within two weeks (after physio and injections failed) but was given three dates to choose from.

This is not about additional money but how differing Trusts prioritise. The whole NHS system has become a postcode lottery because of how differing Trusts prioritise.

My advice to the new government is do not be fooled into believing those who ‘shout loudest’ but take the opportunity to make a real difference with policy. Real change.

Real root and branch reform for the greater good, no matter how unpopular the choices. With the super majority they have, they can make a real difference if they grasp the nettle. If they continue in the same vein, they will lose generational changes for the benefit of the many.

The previous government got to the stage where anything that was difficult, they avoided.

Instead, they chose ridiculous policies which they perceived to be popular, but in reality, they were ill-thought-through and doomed to fail and achieve nothing.

There are numerous examples, but I will point to two policies in particular. The Gambling White Paper and The Generational Smoking ban.

The Gambling White Paper has an entire range of things in it that will force the general punter to the black market. One of the biggest issues is ‘Frictional Credit Checks.’

First, there currently is no such thing as a Frictional Credit Check but that does not seem to bother the Gambling Commission which will press on regardless.

Ask anybody in any pub in England whether they will bet through a regulated company if they must produce documents (pay slips or bank statements) to put a bet on their favourite sport.

The solution for them is easy. There are a few hundred sites online where there are no checks or limits. You can even use your credit card on these sites where you cannot on regulated sites.

British punters using unlicensed sites has more than doubled in just two years, from 220,000 users to 460,000 and the amount staked is now in the billions of pounds. The evidence of human behaviour when gambling is over-regulated is clear to see. Look no further than what is happening around the world.

Norway introduced a state monopoly for all gaming coupled with restrictions on stakes, affordability checks and advertising, which resulted in a black market that now accounts for over 66 per cent of all money staked.

In France, where online casino games are also a state monopoly, black-market gaming accounts for 57 per cent of all money staked. In Italy, where betting and gaming advertising is completely banned, the black-market accounts for 23 per cent of money staked.

A 2020 Royal Decree in Spain put a near total ban on gambling advertising – leaving Spanish players unaware of where to bet safely – the black market there now accounts for 20 per cent of all money staked.

In the same year, Denmark placed tight restrictions on legally licensed operators offering customer loyalty rewards such as bonuses – that lead the Danish Tax Authority to warn of a possible nine per cent increase in the black-market share.

And finally, in Sweden, a national survey found 38 per cent of consumers who had chosen to -selfexclude from legally licensed operators reported still being able to bet online with unlicensed operators – circumventing any player protection measures.

The Generational Smoking Ban was equally ill-thought-out.

When I was an MP, asked in the Chamber how this will be policed. The Minister of the day thought the answer was to give Trading Standards an extra £30million to police the ban. This very same Trading Standards which in 2009 had a budget of over £213million but today only a budget of £126million. A service not just ill, but on life support.

Ask anyone in their local pub who smokes whether they pay over £15 per pack for cigarettes (the current average of a duty paid pack) and they laugh at you. The illicit trade in tobacco in this country is huge, the government estimate it at £3billion per year in lost duty to the Treasury, and that is a guestimate. This loss to the Revenue is ‘Policed’ by trading Standards.

There are already 100,000 young people under the age of eighteen in this country who smoke. They smoke when it is already illegal to do so. Why did the Conservative government think a generational ban would work when this is the current environment we deal with? No mention in the bill of anything around cessation for the 6.4 million smokers who would benefit the health service by stopping.

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I am an ex-smoker who used Heated Tobacco products to cease smoking, but this is banned under the generational ban. No recognition of the huge differential in health risks between burning and heating tobacco, instead they do not recognise how people like me managed to quit because they treat everything to do with tobacco as the same. They were just rolling the dice on an ill-thought-out, ill-perceived and unenforceable policy.

If the new government is serious about government making a real difference to people’s lives, then they must do things very differently. Total reform of the Health Service which is now unsustainable and ditch the ill-perceived populist agenda which just will not work either.

The Tories squandered a large majority, let us hope the new Labour government’s huge majority produces real reform which makes real differences in our lives and stops with the perceived popular agendas which are ill-thought-out and unworkable. A good start is with the NHS.

from GB News https://ift.tt/Dd8glFo

Special relationship? Both UK and US are in it for what they can get out of each other | Adam Boulton

The so-called "special relationship" between the UK and the US is acted out in the level of cooperation between the two governments and personified in the relationship between the presidents and prime ministers of the day.

from Political News - International and UK Politics | Sky News https://ift.tt/W4jH6mI

Copy of Labour launch 'better deal for pensioners' as older households set to claim extra £11k in savings

The Labour Party has promised to offer a "better deal for our future pensioners" with older households set to claim an extra £11,000 in retirement savings.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves, alongside new pensions minister Emma Reynolds, have pledged to unlock billions in investment to bolster pots.

A review conducted by both the Treasury and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will examine how £800billion can be used in productive assets.

According to the Treasury, this will help create better returns for pension savers and raise the average pot by £11,000.

This announcement comes after the inclusion of a Pension Schemes Bill in this week's King Speech.

The bill in question outlined plans to introduce automatic consolidation of small pension pots and a value-for-money framework to improve governance.

Do you have a money story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing money@gbnews.uk.

Reeves outlined her commitment to helping improve the current pensions system from its current iteration.

She explained: "Despite a very challenging inheritance, this new Government is getting on with the job of delivering our mandate to get the economy growing so we can make every part of our country better off.

“The review we are announcing is the latest in a big bang of reforms to unlock growth, boost investment and deliver savings for pensioners.

“There is no time to waste. That is why I am determined to fix the foundations of our economy so we can rebuild Britain and improve people’s lives.”

Reynolds is set to head up the lead the review which has been widely welcomed by providers and experts.

The Pensions Minister said: "Over the next few months the review will focus on identifying any further actions to drive investment that could be taken forward in the Pension Schemes Bill before then exploring long-term challenges to ensure our pensions system is fit for the future.

“There is so much untapped potential in our pensions markets, with an industry worth around £2trillion.

“The measures we have already set out in our Pension Schemes Bill will help drive higher investment and a better deal for our future pensioners.”

Andrea Rossi, the chief executive of investment firm M&G, described the review as being "long overdue".

He added: "Consolidation, combined with the role of advice, has huge potential to align the interests of savers with the UK’s growth ambition.

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“We look forward to supporting the Government on this landmark review.”

CS Venkatakrishnan, the chief executive of Barclays, noted: "Pensions reforms are critical to unlocking institutional investment in growth equity and, alongside a streamlining of listing requirements, will give a significant boost to UK capital markets and growth.”

Under the previous Government, pension schemes were also targeted as a potential value to bolstering investment in UK businesses.

In March 2024, the previous Chancellor Jeremy Hunt outlined similar to value-for-money reforms cited during the King's Speech.

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Labour MP - 'I became a mum at 15 and what happened to me was not okay, but now I'm determined to fight for change'

Newly elected Labour MP Natalie Fleet has bravely revealed how she was raped at the age of 15.

In a harrowing GB News interview to be broadcast this Sunday, July 21, Ms Fleet says she still has “weekly nightmares” about what happened two decades on from the attack.

After being raped, Ms Fleet fell pregnant but says the daughter she gave birth to is now the “love of her life”.

Sitting down with GB News’ Gloria De Piero in an exclusive interview she explains that she’s decided to speak about what happened because the actions of her attacker - who told her to have an abortion - were “not ok”.

Ms Fleet also fears many women are suffering and unable to get the support they need.

That’s why she plans to use her platform in Parliament to use her teenage experiences, which also saw her spent a period homeless, as a catalyst for change.

Reflecting on what happened to her two decades ago, Ms Fleet, now a mother-of-four, said: “Today, 23 years later, I look back and I think, it wasn’t ok. That was an older man.

"I didn't know we were having unprotected sex. I was a child and (it) is statutory rape. At the time this isn't something that we were talking about. It's not how I saw myself. I still have weekly nightmares about it.

“I have a huge privilege and advantage to be in Parliament and I'm thrilled to be here. But what happened in my childhood still has a massive impact on me, which is why I'm so excited about what the next Labour government is going to do.

“At 15, you definitely think you're old enough to do all these things. I wanted to give my daughter the best life.

But another thing that I can do now I'm in Parliament is I want to be a voice for all of those people, all of those women that have children in far from ideal circumstances.

“That’s why I wanted to talk about where my daughter came from and about what happened. It was really difficult for me to say to her, ‘I don't think this was entirely consensual, and I think I might have been groomed, and I don't think this is an appropriate relationship’. She took it really well.

"I Googled in advance for some tips, just a fact sheet or ‘how to deal with this’ and I found nothing.

“I found absolutely nothing. I found there were fact sheets about rape being used as a war crime. But there was nothing else. There's no acknowledgement that it happens in the UK.

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"And the more research I've done, I've found that there are over 3,000 conceptions every year from rape. But there's no charity to support those women.

“There's no help, advice, or support helpline that you can go to. No help on ‘how do I tell my child, that I love, that is everything to me, that this is where they came from?’”

Explaining why extra support in this area is so desperately needed she continued: “It is biologically very clear what happened to me because I was 15 years old, and he was older.

"I can prove where she came from, so that's statutory rape. But there are so many women that this happens too who don’t speak about it.

“They dare not speak about it because they know they won’t be believed. And then even if by some miracle, we move to a society where women are believed, once you say this is your child, then that man can come and have access to that child.

“Even if you prove it's rape, that man can have access to that child and help bring it up. And that's absolutely terrifying. This is a perpetrator that has hurt the mother, who can then have access to the child.

“He told me to have an abortion at the time. He’s never met her. He never wanted anything to do with it. And he was very dismissive. He told me many times that he knew lots of ways that he wouldn't have to pay a penny towards her, because all his friends had already evaded the CSA.”

Describing the relationship she now has with her daughter, Ms Fleet said: “So she's 23 now and is the absolute love of my life. I am so proud of everything she is. I am thrilled. She makes me proud every single day.

"But at the time, when I was 15, I felt full of shame and guilt and responsibility. And all I was determined to do was make sure that she had a life that was as good as she would have had to any age parent. That was what I was determined to do.”

Outlining how she plans to use her role as an MP to push for change, she said: “I am a product of the last Labour government. It wasn't a perfect Government, but it changed my life and it was transformational. When I was younger, things were tough and I had a Labour government.

“When we were homeless, the Labour government made sure that there was enough housing stock for us to be rehoused.

"And then when I had my first child at a very young age, I could send her to a Sure Start nursery. I could carry on, go to university with a first in the family scholarship.

“I could work in a minimum wage job. I could send my children because I'd got two by then, to a Sure Start nursery, and it just felt like I needed the support of the state. And my God, I got it.

“And, before I became an MP, I worked for a trade union and I was absolutely desperate to give back to my teachers. My teachers had invested in me.

"The Labour government made sure that my teachers had time to teach me and look after me, and I then saw that I was paying taxes and they weren't being invested in young children like me or teachers. That’s why we needed a new Government.

“On my estate, the estate where we were rehoused, I looked around and people struggled. And I see now there are people that I was close to when I was younger who are now suffering with addiction and poverty scars.

“What poverty has done to me has meant that I work and work and work and work and work. If somebody knocks on my door, I won't answer it because I'm still scared it's the bailiffs.

"That’s what happens to you in your childhood, it stays with you. In areas of Bolsover it's absolutely heart-breaking.

“But I could either be angry about what's happened over the past 14 years, sad and feel powerless, or I could come into Parliament and try and do something about it. I mean, what an honour.”

from GB News https://ift.tt/KOzxL9G

Claims of suicide rise over puberty blocker restrictions not supported by data, review finds

Campaigners' claims that there has been a rise in the number of suicides since restrictions were placed on puberty blockers is not supported by data, a review has found.

from Political News - International and UK Politics | Sky News https://ift.tt/Bzw71Wl

Trump vows to scrap Biden's electric car policy on 'day one' reversing the outlawing of petrol and diesel vehicles

Donald Trump has said he would scrap President Joe Biden's mandate of support for electric vehicles.

The Republican nominee said he would scrap rules that outlaw petrol, diesel and hybrid vehicles, while also describing electric car subsidies as an “incredible waste”.

Trump has said he will again pull the US out of the Paris Climate Accords, a framework for reducing global greenhouse gas emissions.

He added that if he returned to the White House he would support increased nuclear energy production.

Speaking at his party’s national convention, he told supporters: "I will end the electric vehicle mandate on day one, thereby saving the US auto industry from complete obliteration which is happening right now and saving US customers thousands and thousands of dollars per car.

He added: "By the way, I’m all for electric, they have their application, but if someone wants to buy a gasoline-powered car or a hybrid they’re going to be able to do it. And we’re going to make that change on day one."

However, unlike Biden, Trump said he was not opposed to Chinese electric car makers setting up shop in America, provided they build their factories in the US.

He said: “Right now, as we speak, large factories just are being built across the border in Mexico, with all the other things happening at our border. And they’re being built by China to make cars and sell them into our country with no tax, no anything. We’re going to bring back car manufacturing and we are going to bring it back fast."

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It comes as Trump on delivered a dramatic account of the attempt on his life by a gunman at a Pennsylvania rally last Saturday.

In his speech, sought to appeal to undecided voters and said he would be a president for "all of America, not half of America."

However, he spent much of the rest of his 92-minute acceptance speech repeating his usual attacks on the Biden administration and attacking migrants, a theme that has always been a cornerstone of his presidential campaigns.

He claimed without evidence that his criminal indictments were part of a Democratic conspiracy, predicted Biden would usher in "World War Three" and described what he called an "invasion" of migrants over the southern border.

Meanwhile, Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said that he will send a letter to Trump about migration and the importance of economic integration between the two countries.

"He is not well informed," Lopez Obrador said in his regular morning news conference, in reference to Trump.

from GB News https://ift.tt/ItuXCme

Labour MP has 'weekly nightmares' as she bravely opens up on becoming a mum at 15 after being raped

Newly elected Labour MP Natalie Fleet has bravely revealed how she was raped at the age of 15.

In a harrowing GB News interview to be broadcast this Sunday, July 21, Ms Fleet says she still has “weekly nightmares” about what happened two decades on from the attack.

After being raped, Ms Fleet fell pregnant but says the daughter she gave birth to is now the “love of her life”.

Sitting down with GB News’ Gloria De Piero in an exclusive interview she explains that she’s decided to speak about what happened because the actions of her attacker - who told her to have an abortion - were “not ok”.

Ms Fleet also fears many women are suffering and unable to get the support they need.

That’s why she plans to use her platform in Parliament to use her teenage experiences, which also saw her spent a period homeless, as a catalyst for change.

Reflecting on what happened to her two decades ago, Ms Fleet, now a mother-of-four, said: “Today, 23 years later, I look back and I think, it wasn’t ok. That was an older man.

"I didn't know we were having unprotected sex. I was a child and (it) is statutory rape. At the time this isn't something that we were talking about. It's not how I saw myself. I still have weekly nightmares about it.

“I have a huge privilege and advantage to be in Parliament and I'm thrilled to be here. But what happened in my childhood still has a massive impact on me, which is why I'm so excited about what the next Labour government is going to do.

“At 15, you definitely think you're old enough to do all these things. I wanted to give my daughter the best life.

But another thing that I can do now I'm in Parliament is I want to be a voice for all of those people, all of those women that have children in far from ideal circumstances.

“That’s why I wanted to talk about where my daughter came from and about what happened. It was really difficult for me to say to her, ‘I don't think this was entirely consensual, and I think I might have been groomed, and I don't think this is an appropriate relationship’. She took it really well.

"I Googled in advance for some tips, just a fact sheet or ‘how to deal with this’ and I found nothing.

“I found absolutely nothing. I found there were fact sheets about rape being used as a war crime. But there was nothing else. There's no acknowledgement that it happens in the UK.

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"And the more research I've done, I've found that there are over 3,000 conceptions every year from rape. But there's no charity to support those women.

“There's no help, advice, or support helpline that you can go to. No help on ‘how do I tell my child, that I love, that is everything to me, that this is where they came from?’”

Explaining why extra support in this area is so desperately needed she continued: “It is biologically very clear what happened to me because I was 15 years old, and he was older.

"I can prove where she came from, so that's statutory rape. But there are so many women that this happens too who don’t speak about it.

“They dare not speak about it because they know they won’t be believed. And then even if by some miracle, we move to a society where women are believed, once you say this is your child, then that man can come and have access to that child.

“Even if you prove it's rape, that man can have access to that child and help bring it up. And that's absolutely terrifying. This is a perpetrator that has hurt the mother, who can then have access to the child.

“He told me to have an abortion at the time. He’s never met her. He never wanted anything to do with it. And he was very dismissive. He told me many times that he knew lots of ways that he wouldn't have to pay a penny towards her, because all his friends had already evaded the CSA.”

Describing the relationship she now has with her daughter, Ms Fleet said: “So she's 23 now and is the absolute love of my life. I am so proud of everything she is. I am thrilled. She makes me proud every single day.

"But at the time, when I was 15, I felt full of shame and guilt and responsibility. And all I was determined to do was make sure that she had a life that was as good as she would have had to any age parent. That was what I was determined to do.”

Outlining how she plans to use her role as an MP to push for change, she said: “I am a product of the last Labour government. It wasn't a perfect Government, but it changed my life and it was transformational. When I was younger, things were tough and I had a Labour government.

“When we were homeless, the Labour government made sure that there was enough housing stock for us to be rehoused.

"And then when I had my first child at a very young age, I could send her to a Sure Start nursery. I could carry on, go to university with a first in the family scholarship.

“I could work in a minimum wage job. I could send my children because I'd got two by then, to a Sure Start nursery, and it just felt like I needed the support of the state. And my God, I got it.

“And, before I became an MP, I worked for a trade union and I was absolutely desperate to give back to my teachers. My teachers had invested in me.

"The Labour government made sure that my teachers had time to teach me and look after me, and I then saw that I was paying taxes and they weren't being invested in young children like me or teachers. That’s why we needed a new Government.

“On my estate, the estate where we were rehoused, I looked around and people struggled. And I see now there are people that I was close to when I was younger who are now suffering with addiction and poverty scars.

“What poverty has done to me has meant that I work and work and work and work and work. If somebody knocks on my door, I won't answer it because I'm still scared it's the bailiffs.

"That’s what happens to you in your childhood, it stays with you. In areas of Bolsover it's absolutely heart-breaking.

“But I could either be angry about what's happened over the past 14 years, sad and feel powerless, or I could come into Parliament and try and do something about it. I mean, what an honour.”

from GB News https://ift.tt/mN4f720

Lauren Chen RAGES at leftists’ ‘eagerness to downplay’ positive PR for Trump after assassination attempt: ‘Ridiculous’

The political left in the US have been branded "ridiculous" by commentator Lauren Chen for their attempts to "downplay" the assassination attempt on Donald Trump on Saturday.

The former President was injured at his Pennsylvania campaign rally after 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks shot at him from the roof of a nearby building.

Secret Service were swift to detain the shooter and he was killed at the scene. Trump suffered an injury to his ear as a result of the incident.

However, conspiracy theories started by left-wing supporters have claimed that the shooting was "staged" and Trump's blood and subsequent injury was "fake".

Hitting out at the conspiracists, Lauren Chen admitted that although it is "good to be skeptical", the theories surrounding Trump are "ridiculous".

Chen fumed: "The people who are attempting to pull this off, it really is quite ridiculous. Once we had all of the footage, we saw the shooter was actually dead, people are still trying to downplay this event.

"They dismiss it as an inside job on behalf of Trump's team, who just did this for the publicity. I think it really goes to show how much they hate Trump and how eager they are to try and take away any positive publicity that he might have."

Chen added that those on the left who are trying to push this narrative will "most likely not face consequences", for example legal action.

Discussing the shooting itself and how Trump survived the shot by "millimetres", host Patrick Christys claimed there would have been "armageddon" had the former President been killed.

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Chen agreed, explaining: "They've done actual imagery where they show what would have happened had Trump not turned his head, I believe, to look at a teleprompter briefly, and the bullet indeed would have actually gone through his brain.

"And not only that, but this was the day where there was a slight wind that also had a role in moving the bullet slightly out of the path of Trump's head."

Delivering her verdict on the "miraculous" luck of Trump to have survived the shooting, Chen admitted that she now "understands" the belief of Trump supporters that is was his "destiny" to appear on the ticket for this year's election.

Chen told GBNA: "There were many factors that had to be perfectly aligned here for Trump to survive this assassination attempt. It really is quite a miraculous thing.

"And I don't blame people who now believe that this is actually destiny that Trump was meant to be on this ticket. This is really the result of the hand of God essentially being on Trump."

Sharing his thoughts on the incident, Patrick argued that people "can't be blamed" for thinking that it was "choreographed", due to the way it played out.

Patrick claimed: "Part of me could forgive people for a split second for thinking that maybe this thing was choreographed, purely because of the reasons that you've outlined there. The wind direction, the slight turning of the head, the way that he went down, then the way he was taken off stage, that blood down his cheek.

"Of course, it wasn't choreographed, it was a genuine assassination attempt, but it was just a whole thing coming together and you think, oh my God, I don't think we've ever really seen anything like that in modern times."

from GB News https://ift.tt/V9oCTA8