A decision was expected as part of the Spending Review in June, but Rachel Reeves said only that the government has “ambitions” to deliver Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR), a programme of rail works first floated by the Conservatives in 2014.

Keir Starmer’s government has hit its lowest ever approval rating with the public, according to a damning new poll. The YouGov survey, carried out to mark Labour’s first year in power, found that just 13% of voters are happy with the party’s performance. By contrast, 67% of the public say they disapprove of how the government is doing.

Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp has condemned the Government's new migrant returns deal with France as "another hopeless gimmick" that will fail to deter Channel crossings. Speaking on GB News, Philp criticised the pilot scheme announced by Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron,

The Prime Minister cuts a dash on the international stage, but at home seems detached from his own administration

Although MPs comfortably passed the government’s Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payments Bill by 336 votes to 242, dozens of Labour backbenchers thumbed their nose at the prime minister. Some 47 voted against the legislation, with a further 14 abstaining.

Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer answers questions during a press conference on Aug. 1, 2024. Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer answers questions during a press conference on Aug. 1, 2024. Henry Nicholls—AFP/ Contributor It was a moment that will remain etched in British minds.