Labour Government Faces Scrutiny Over Gift Acceptance Amid New Guidelines
Prime Minister Keir Starmer repays over £6,000 in gifts as Labour seeks to align with public expectations.
- Science and Technology Secretary Peter Kyle emphasized the need to meet higher public expectations for the Labour government compared to its predecessor.
- Prime Minister Keir Starmer reimbursed costs for gifts and hospitality, including Taylor Swift tickets and a clothing rental agreement.
- The government is developing new principles on gifts and hospitality to be included in an updated ministerial code.
- Criticism arose over perceived hypocrisy, as Labour had pledged to 'clean up politics' while in opposition.
- All gifts received by the Prime Minister were declared, and the government insists no rules were broken.