Commons Speaker Lindsay Hoyle criticized the government for announcing a deal to return the Chagos Islands to Mauritius towards the end of recess. Hoyle stated that government announcements should not be made during recess and should be delayed until Parliament is in session.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy explained that the Diego Garcia military base will have sovereignty for at least 99 years under the deal and foreign armed forces will not be allowed on other Chagos Islands. He highlighted that failure to reach this agreement would have jeopardized relations with the US and undermined the UK’s international standing.
In response to questions from MPs, Keir Starmer called for a ceasefire in the Middle East and emphasized the importance of the two-state solution. He condemned the attack on Israel on 7 October and stressed the need for immediate diplomatic efforts to achieve a long-term solution.
Additionally, the government is considering implementing a text message service to prevent carers from breaching earnings limits and overpaying carer’s allowance. This initiative aims to address the issue of carers having to repay large sums due to unintentional breaches of the earnings limit.
Furthermore, Liz Kendall has published 31 reports commissioned by the Tories that were previously withheld, highlighting a lack of transparency under the previous government. Campaigners also protested against the government’s cut to winter fuel payments, while a minister criticized the decline in flood defense investment by the Conservatives.
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