Ed Miliband Emphasizes UK Commitment to Net Zero for Jobs and Growth
Ed Miliband is set to assert that the UK must maintain its net zero targets to foster job creation and economic growth, amid ongoing speculation about the energy secretary's position under a new prime minister, Fiona Harvey reports.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the UK's vote to leave the EU. While some coverage of related events will be provided here, Jakub Krupa will offer more detailed reporting on his Europe live blog.
Minister Advocates for Andy Burnham's Leadership with Swift Transition and No Challenge
Good morning. While nothing in life is guaranteed, it is now almost certain that Andy Burnham will become the next leader of the Labour Party. Although nominations for the leadership open on Thursday 9 July, Burnham is effectively the clear frontrunner. Unless an unforeseen scandal emerges—such as allegations involving a secret child or bribery, which are highly unlikely—Burnham has already secured the support of Labour party members and enjoys overwhelming backing from Labour MPs.
There is no realistic chance of an alternative candidate defeating Burnham in a leadership election. Furthermore, it is highly improbable that any challenger will secure the necessary support of 81 MPs and nominations from 5% of constituency parties or at least three affiliated organizations (including two unions) to qualify as a candidate.
Despite this, speculation about a potential challenge persists. It is conceivable that a shadow contest could unfold over the next two weeks, with candidates declaring interest, delivering speeches, outlining platforms, and possibly attending hustings before withdrawing by 9 July due to insufficient support. This morning, the BBC reported that Darren Jones, the chief secretary to the prime minister, and Alok Sharma, the former armed forces minister, have not ruled out launching bids.
Other party figures are working to discourage such challenges. Nick Thomas-Symonds, the minister for EU relations and a former loyalist, expressed in interviews this morning his support for Burnham and a desire for a "swift transition."
"I'm backing Andy Burnham and, yes, looking for a swift transition."
When asked if this implied opposition to a contest, he stated:
"I just think we have to weigh up what is in the best interests of the country. I am of the view that it needs to be a swift transition, but of course I understand colleagues have difficult decisions to make."
Margaret Hodge, former minister and Labour peer, told the Today programme that while she understood the case for an election, "on balance" she believed it would be preferable not to hold one. She emphasized the need to focus on governance, stating, "We've got to get on with delivering, we're in government."
Today's Agenda
- Morning: Keir Starmer chairs cabinet.
- 9am: Ed Davey, the Liberal Democrat leader, launches a poster campaign marking the 10th anniversary of the referendum vote.
- 9.30am: Peter Murrell, former SNP chief executive and estranged husband of Nicola Sturgeon, is sentenced at Edinburgh High Court for embezzling over £400,000 from the party.
- 10am: Nigel Farage, Reform UK leader, publishes an article defending Brexit on his Substack account.
- 10am: Sir Martyn Oliver, head of Ofsted, provides evidence to the Commons education committee.
- 11am: More in Common releases MRP polling on public views regarding rejoining the EU.
- Noon: Downing Street holds a lobby briefing.
- 12.15pm: Michel Barnier, lead EU negotiator during Brexit, speaks at a UK in a Changing Europe conference marking the referendum's 10th anniversary. David Frost, Boris Johnson's Brexit negotiator, also speaks.
- 2pm: Kemi Badenoch speaks at the Alliance for Responsible Citizenship conference in London.
- 2.30pm: Lord Hermer, attorney general, gives evidence to the Commons justice committee.
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