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UK politics live: Keir Starmer vows to scrap red tape as PM unveils £50bn of investment in UK at key summit

Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves to promise to ‘rip out bureaucracy’ in keynote speech to business owners

Salma Ouaguira
Monday 14 October 2024 09:10
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Sir Keir Starmer will host business owners from around the world at key investment summit
Sir Keir Starmer will host business owners from around the world at key investment summit (via REUTERS)

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Sir Keir Starmer will pledge to slash regulation that “needlessly holds back investment” at the International Investment Summit in London.

At a keynote speech to businesses from across the world, the prime minister will unveil more than £50 billion in investment deals in AI, life sciences and infrastructure.

After a chaotic first 100 days in government, Sir Keir will pitch that Labour’s historic election win has given the government a “golden opportunity” to end “chop and change, policy churn and sticking plasters” that are scaring investors.

It comes as five of the world’s biggest banks joined private equity firms, insurers and tech giants in declaring it is “time to invest in Britain”.

But a row over criticism of P&O Ferries that reportedly jeopardised a £1 billion investment by its Dubai-based owner DP World has been smoothed over, with the company saying it will attend the conference.

With just over two weeks until the October Budget, a group of Labour MPs has urged Rachel Reeves to commit to changing fiscal rules to invest in public services.

The Labour Growth Group, a pro-building pressure group of more than 80 MPs formed in July, sent a letter to the chancellor saying that “public investment is the only way to restore our public realm”.

1728885600

Keir Starmer’s popularity hits record low as voters turn on Labour after 100 days

Starmer’s popularity hits record low as voters turn on Labour after 100 days

Polls show PM’s approval rating plummeting as almost half of those who voted for Labour say they feel let down

Alexander Butler14 October 2024 07:00
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Tory centrists should back Kemi Badenoch and not boycott leadership vote, urges party grandee

Tory centrists should back Kemi Badenoch, urges party grandee

Exclusive: After Tory moderates threatened to boycott the leadership election, Damian Green – former chair of the One Nation caucus of Conservative MPs – has urged them to back Kemi Badenoch instead

Alexander Butler14 October 2024 04:00
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How will Starmer’s new Council of the Nations and Regions tackle the challenges of power-sharing?

How will the new Council of the Nations and Regions tackle power-sharing challenges?

After years of Westminster’s strained relations with metro mayors and the devolved governments in Cardiff and Edinburgh, a reset is badly needed, writes Sean O’Grady. But will this fresh approach work?

Alexander Butler14 October 2024 02:00
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Kemi Badenoch handed £5,000 by councillor who dismissed ‘grossly exaggerated’ Grenfell concerns

Badenoch handed £5,000 by councillor who dismissed ‘exaggerated’ Grenfell concerns

Quentin Marshall, who was chair of Kensington and Chelsea council’s housing committee, donates to Badenoch’s bid to succeed Rishi Sunak

Alexander Butler14 October 2024 00:01
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Government apologises for accidentally leaking email address of one of world’s richest men

Government apologises for leaking email address of one of world’s richest men

Department for Business and Trade has referred itself to the data protection watchdog over ‘human error’

Alexander Butler13 October 2024 22:00
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How Jenrick’s team tricked five Cleverly supporters to reach Tory leadership last two

How Jenrick’s team tricked five Cleverly supporters to reach Tory leadership last two

Exclusive: Robert Jenrick’s team did something extraordinary to get him over the line in leadership contest

Alexander Butler13 October 2024 20:00
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Keir Starmer admits Labour’s first 100 days in power have been a ‘bumpy road’

Keir Starmer admits Labour’s first 100 days in power have been a ‘bumpy road’

Sir Keir Starmer described Labour’s first 100 days in power as “bumpy” but said he is “happy” with what his party has achieved so far. The prime minister referenced “bumps and sidewinds” in the first three months in government, referring to the Labour donation row and the Sue Gray saga, when he appeared on the BBC’s Newcast, released today (12 October). Sir Keir said investment in the UK from companies such as Amazon, is proof that Labour’s “tough decisions” on the economy are beginning to “trigger investment”. The prime minister said: “This is proof to me that the steps we are taking are having effect.”

Alexander Butler13 October 2024 18:00
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‘Warning shot’ to ministers over legal aid as barristers raise threat of industrial action

Lawyers raise threat of industrial action over legal aid funding row

Threat of further disruption in crisis-stricken justice system as patience with new government wears thin

Alexander Butler13 October 2024 16:30
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Starmer to unveil investment deals

Sir Keir Starmer will pledge to get rid of regulation that “needlessly holds back investment” at a major business conference on Monday.

The Government is expected to unveil investment deals worth billions in AI, life sciences and infrastructure at its first International Investment Summit.

A row over criticism of P&O Ferries that reportedly jeopardised a £1 billion investment by its Dubai-based owner DP World has been smoothed over, with the company saying it will attend the conference.

The Government is eager to show it is making progress on its mission to deliver economic growth after marking 100 days in office and ahead of the Chancellor’s first Budget on October 30.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has warned of “tough decisions” at the spending review as Labour says it needs to plug a £22 billion “black hole” in the public finances left by the Conservatives.

Alexander Butler13 October 2024 15:32
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Tories cannot win elections with Badenoch or Jenrick, warns Britain’s top pollster

Tories cannot win elections with Badenoch or Jenrick, warns Britain’s top pollster

Exclusive: Professor Sir John Curtice described Robert Jenrick and Kemi Badenoch as ‘unknown quantities’ who do not have what it takes to turn the party’s fortunes around

Alexander Butler13 October 2024 15:00

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