The day’s political developments, including first PMQs of 2020 and Johnson’s meeting with new European commission president, Ursula von der LeyenPMQs verdict: Johnson and Corbyn clash over Iran missile attackUrsula von der Leyen’s speech on UK-EU relations – Summary 3.24pm GMT A government minister has said there will be “reporting requirements” for goods going from Great Britain to Northern Ireland.But Robin Walker, a Northern Ireland minister, told MPs during the EU (withdrawal agreement) bill: “It is clear there are reporting requirements in terms of the functioning of the protocol.”What we want to ensure is, as set out in article 6 [promising unfettered access] of the [Northern Ireland] protocol, that we use the joint committee in that to reduce those and make sure we have the absolute minimum burden.The prime minister has been absolutely clear, that beyond our obligations under international law, there will be no new checks or processes on the movement of such goods and our manifesto commitment is absolutely clear the bill gives us the power to deliver this. 3.16pm GMT Unison, the largest union in the UK, has endorsed Sir Keir Starmer for next Labour leader. Starmer has already become the first candidate to get the required number of nominations from MPs (see 11.18am) and the Unison endorsement means that he can be confident of clearing the other nomination threshold: getting the support of either 10% of CLPs, or 5% of the affiliate vote. Unison accounts for more than 5% of the affiliate vote. Under Labour rules Starmer needs another two affiliated organisations to back him – either trade unions or socialist societies. Given the support he is already attracting, he is certain to achieve this. This is a pivotal time for Labour. We believe – if elected by the membership – Keir Starmer would be a leader to bring the party together and win back the trust of the thousands of voters who deserted Labour last month.Unions created the Labour party to give working people a voice in Westminster. But it can only achieve for them, their families, their communities and the country’s public services when in government. Continue reading…
Via: Labour leadership contest: Boost for Starmer's campaign as he gets Unison's backing – live news
Categories: English News