Labour leadership: Blow to 'continuity Corbyn' as poll of members suggests Starmer clear favourite – live news

Rolling coverage of the day’s political developments as they happen 1.55pm GMT Talks to restore power-sharing in Northern Ireland have resumed in Belfast, the Press Association reports. Here is more from the PA report:The latest process, which was initiated in the wake of the general election, was paused over the festive period after a pre-Christmas deal failed to materialise.Northern Ireland secretary Julian Smith, Irish foreign affairs minister Simon Coveney and the local parties returned to Stormont House this morning to resume the effort.However, proposals to reform a contentious cross-community voting mechanism in the assembly have emerged as a key sticking point in efforts to finalise an agreement, with the DUP unhappy about what is being countenanced.The DUP is also seeking changes to ensure the devolved institutions are more stable in future and cannot be readily pulled down. 1.00pm GMT John McDonnell, the shadow chancellor, has said the latest economic survey from the British Chambers of Commerce confirms the UK has suffered “a lost decade” because of Tory policies. In a statement he said:This survey confirms, exactly as the vast majority of economists predicted in 2010, that the Tory economic strategy of austerity and lack of investment would result in a lost decade.It’s not just the uncertainty caused by the government’s negotiations with the EU undermining our economy but 10 years of failed and discredited Tory economic policies. Continue reading…
Via: Labour leadership: Blow to 'continuity Corbyn' as poll of members suggests Starmer clear favourite – live news