Overview
- At PMQs, Keir Starmer said any British troop deployment to Ukraine would follow a House of Commons debate and vote, with details on numbers and scope provided at that stage.
- Britain and France signed a declaration of intent in Paris to deploy forces only after a ceasefire, with roles to include deterrence operations and building protected military hubs, while a U.S. envoy signaled support even as Washington did not formally sign.
- Kemi Badenoch welcomed the Ukraine stance but condemned the lack of an immediate full statement to Parliament, and the Speaker pressed for an early government statement.
- Starmer maintained a restrained public line on President Trump’s Venezuela operation, stating the UK would shed no tears over Maduro’s fall and reiterating support for international law, drawing criticism over both tone and a reported four-day delay in speaking to the White House.
- Fresh polls placed Labour third behind Reform UK and the Conservatives, stoking party unrest as No.10 urged focus on cost of living and circulated guidance on showing more emotion, empathy and evidence.