Sir Keir Starmer told Italian business leaders the Government is taking “the difficult decisions early” regarding the economy to create the conditions for more foreign investment.
Angela Rayner is at odds with a Cabinet colleague over whether to give workers full employment rights from day one in their new job.
The Deputy Prime Minister is thought to have clashed with Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds over how far reforms should go, amid worries that changes could deter companies from hiring and stifle growth.
Meanwhile, Sir Keir Starmer is in Rome to meet with Giorgia Meloni, the Italian prime minister.
The pair will discuss ways of tackling illegal migration, as both nations aim to reduce arrivals by sea.
The Prime Minister has said he is “interested” in learning about Italy’s scheme to send migrants rescued at sea to Albania to process their asylum claims.
Yvette Cooper, the Home Secretary, has said the Government has a “moral imperative” to reduce small boat crossings.
Sir Keir Starmer unveils new Border Security Commander to help ‘smash the gangs’
A Border Security Commander has been appointed to help Sir Keir Starmer ‘smash the gangs’
PA
A Border Security Commander has been appointed to help the Government “smash the gangs” behind the small boats crisis in the Channel.
The news comes following the deaths of eight men off the coast of France on Saturday night. Six people were taken to hospital, including a ten-month old baby.
READ THE FULL STORY HERE
Electric blanket sales SOAR after cut confirmed as Labour blasted for leaving pensioners ‘distressed’
Electric blanket sales appear to have increased following the ending of universal Winter Fuel Payments for pensioners
PIXELS/PA
Sales of electric blankets have soared across the UK in the immediate aftermath of Labour’s decision to means test the Winter Fuel Allowance, GB News can reveal.
John Lewis & Partners has told GB News it has seen a 173 per cent increase in the sales of heated blankets compared to the same time last year.
Analysis of internet search data conducted by this broadcaster indicates there was a sudden explosion in Google searches for electric and heated blankets across the UK from September 10.
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Starmer on the economy: ‘We are taking the difficult decisions early on’
Starmer in Rome
PA
Sir Keir Starmer told Italian business leaders the Government is taking “the difficult decisions early” regarding the economy to create the conditions for more foreign investment.
Talking to representatives of companies at a breakfast meeting, he said he wanted a “low-friction relationship in terms of business,” adding: “The relationship between Italy and the UK is a good, strong, historic relationship. We are very close allies, obviously partners in the G7, partners in Nato, very strong bilateral relations.
“And I’m looking forward to seeing the prime minister (Giorgia Meloni) later on today.”
The new Prime Minister said the Government’s “top priority” is growth and wealth creation, which is “why we put so much focus on economic stability, making sure that we create conditions for you to be partners, to invest.”
He added: “You will be familiar with this in your businesses, if you’re turning around business, if you’re turning around the company, and you know there are difficult decisions to make, it’s better to do them early on.”
Sir Keir said his administration is “absolutely going to tackle issues like planning, which is holding up a lot of projects in the UK,” adding: “We want to make sure that this is a low-friction relationship in terms of business.”
Angela Rayner in stand off with Cabinet colleague over radical employment plans
Angela Rayner
PA
Angela Rayner is at odds with Cabinet colleagues over whether to give workers full employment rights from day one in their new job.
The Deputy Prime Minister has reportedly clashed with Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds over how far reforms should go, amid worries that changes could deter companies from hiring and stifle growth.
It is part of Labour’s wider push to overhaul workers’ rights within their first 100 days of government -which gives them now just a fortnight to reach an agreement.
Rayner wants staff to receive full employment rights, which includes protection against unfair dismissal, sick pay, and parental leave.
Currently, workers must be employed for at least two years to qualify for these rights.
Reynolds is understood to be in favour of shortening the period, however still wants a probation period of one year to be in place.
“Day one rights is proving very difficult,” a Whitehall source said. “Angela is less keen on a longer probation period, Reynolds thinks nine months is reasonable. It’s unclear if an agreement will be reached.”
Discussions about how the new probationary periods will work have been described as “intense”.
