Speaker grants MPs chance for emergency vote on overseas aid

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Rebel MPs have been granted the chance of an emergency debate on the Government's planned cuts to foreign aid, in a bid to circumvent No 10's "disrespectful" attitude.

Sir Lindsay Hoyle confirmed that Andrew Mitchell's amendment was not selected because it was "out of order", falling beyond the scope of the bill setting up the Advanced Research and Invention Agency (Aria).

But a visibly angry Speaker said that it was "the duty" of ministers to maintain the 0.7 per cent target and MPs had "not had the opportunity for a decisive vote" on the change.

"I expect that the Government should find a way to have this important matter debated and allow the House to formally take an effective decision," he told the Commons. "On an exceptional basis, I will consider... applications at 5.30pm today, for a debate to be held tomorrow."

Mr Mitchell acknowledged the Speaker was "the referee on this matter - and that is that."

But the former chief whip, who estimated that his amendment would have won by up to 20 votes, said ministers were "treating the House of Commons with disrespect" by avoiding a debate and vote.

​​Follow the latest updates below.

04:54 PM

That's it for another day...

Most of the day was focused on the Government’s decision to cut the overseas aid budget from 0.7 per cent of GDP to 0.5 per cent.

We were expecting a potentially bruising revolt for Boris Johnson, with around 40 Tory backbenchers planning to back a rebel amendment forcing the Government's hands on overseas aid.

However, Speaker of the House of Commons Sir Lindsay Hoyle rejected the rebel amendment seeking to overturn government foreign aid cuts, saying it "may not be debated" as it is "outside the scope of the Bill".

He granted the rebel MPs the chance of an emergency debate on the Government's planned cuts, which could take place on Tuesday.

In our poll today, we asked you whether the Tory MPs should rebel over the overseas aid cuts. With over 2200 votes received, 88 per cent said 'no - our finances are eroded and must be restored first', with the remaining 12 per cent voting 'yes - it’s a manifesto pledge and the right thing to do.'

Former prime minister Gordon Brown said that the cut to overseas aid "makes absolutely no economic sense, but particularly no moral sense, and it's in our self interest... we are going to suffer ourselves."

In other news, Matt Hancock updated MPs this afternoon on England's coronavirus situation with the announcement that over-25s will be invited to book their Covid vaccination this week.

He also said that it is too early to say whether England's remaining coronavirus restrictions will be lifted on June 21, but he told MPs he was confident that "one day soon freedom will return".

The final announcement on changes to Boris Johnson’s roadmap will be made next Monday, just one week before any changes could come into effect.

For the rest of today's news and analysis, read on.

04:50 PM

'There are significant challenges as we talk about the school day', says the Education Secretary

Gavin Williamson accused some schools of "restricting" what children can do in their lunch breaks.

The Education Secretary told MPs: "As we move forward over the next few months, there are significant challenges as we talk about the school day.

"We've seen too many schools go down a route of actually restricting what children have the benefit of doing. A school lunch hour has become increasingly restricted and is increasingly a school lunch half hour as against an hour.

"So what we're wanting to do is ensure that as we do this review we look at all the options, so children are not able to just benefit from better academic attainment with extra support in English and maths, but also enrichment in the other activities they can benefit from being in school."

He also said that Gavin Williamson has said that many children with learning needs have been impacted by the pandemic, and that special "targeted" intervention would have to be given to those children to make sure they recover their lost learning time.

04:35 PM

Recovery package will help close the attainment gap in schools, says Gavin Williamson

Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said the recovery package will help close the attainment gap between disadvantaged children and their peers.

He told MPs: "We have not lost sight of our main aim which is to provide world-class education for every child whatever their background and to set them up with the knowledge and skills they need to fulfil their potential and to look forward to a happy and fulfilling life.

"The recovery package will not just go a long way to boost children's learning in the wake of the disruption caused by the pandemic but also help bring down the attainment gap between disadvantaged children and their peers that we've been working so hard to get rid of for so long."

04:25 PM

Government's investment announcement last week 'fell woefully short, says Labour MP

Asked whether "the right man resigned" by Liberal Democrat MP Daisy Cooper, the Education Secreatry said "we are very grateful for the work that Sir Kevin has done".

Ms Cooper was referring to the former catch-up tsar Sir Kevan Collins, who quit after saying that the current funding allocated to the catch-up recovery fun "does not come close to meeting the scale of the challenge" posed by months of school disruption.

Another Labour pressed Mr Williamson on the same question, saying the Government's investment announcement last week "fell woefully short".

04:17 PM

The Government 'delivers a laser-light focus on what actually benefits children', says Williamson

Ms Green brings up the Prime Minister's former catch-up tsar Sir Kevan Collins, and says he was "appalled" at how little the recovery fund was and this is why he quit, being "embarassed" to have his name associated with it.

Gavin Williamson returns Kate Green's criticisms levelled at him and the Government by saying that Labour does not deliver, whereas this Government "delivers a laser-light focus on what actually benefits children".

He says Labour will "merely parot" what the Union paymasters ask them to do.

"We have set out over £3 billion worth of investment aimed and targeted to deliver the very best for children," he says.

04:13 PM

'The Government failed children and young people', says shadow education secretary

Shadow education secretary Kate Green told the Commons: "The Government failed children and young people.

They were promised that their education was the Prime Minister's number one priority but they've been betrayed by a Secretary of State who has let them down once again, and by a Prime Minister who won't lift a finger for them when it comes to a row with the Chancellor about prioritising the investment needed in their future.

"This comes after a decade where successive Conservative governments have delivered the largest cut to school budgets we've seen in 40 years.

"I was frankly embarrassed to hear the Secretary of State proclaim that the funding announced last week would deliver a revolution - from what his Government announced it'll amount to just £50 per pupil for the next three years compared to £1,600 in the USA, £2,500 in the Netherlands."

Gavin Williamson claimed Labour has opposed nearly all of the Government's education reforms, adding the opposition will "merely parrot what the union paymasters ask it to do".

04:07 PM

'There is going to be more coming down the track', says Gavin Williamson about £3 billion recovery fund

"We have not lost sight of our main aim - to provide worldclass education to every child no matter their background," the Education Secretary adds.

He says: "The recovery package will not just go a long way to boost children's learning in the wake of the disruption caused by the pandemic, but also, will help bring down the attainment gap between disadvantaged children and their peers".

He finishes his statement by saying the £3 billion set out for the recovery fund is a "huge amount".

He says: "There is going to be more coming down the track, but don't forget that this is a huge amount that we are spending".

04:04 PM

Review into length of school day to be announced 'later in the year'

Mr Williamson says the findings of a review into how long the school day should be will be set out "later in the year".

He says that "this huge investment" will also concentrate on giving teachers "more professional support".

An extra £400 million will be made available to help provide teacher training opportunities across the country, he says.

"We will make sure all of them can access high quality training," Mr Williamson adds.

A further £250 million will be used to expand teacher training and development, for new teachers to aspiring head teachers.

"We don't just invest in them, but in every pupil in every class," he says.

04:00 PM

'Tutoring will no longer be the preserve of the most affluent', says the Education Secretary

He goes on to thank the Prime Minister's former catch-up tsar Sir Kevan Collins, who quit last week amid condemnation of the Government's £1.4 billion recovery fund.

The recovery package is now more than £3 billion, Mr Williamson annouces, which includes delivering six million 15-hour tutoring for school children.

"Tutoring will no longer be the preserve of the most affluent, but will instead go to those who need it most and who will get the most benefit from it," he adds.

"It is helping them learn, helping them catch up and helping them achieve the very best version of themselves", Mr Williamson says.

03:57 PM

'Helping children recover from the pandemic is an absolute priority, says Gavin Williamson

Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said the Government continues to "pledge significant packages of investment" to help pupils catch up on education missed due to the pandemic.

He told the Commons: "Helping our children recover from the impact of the pandemic is an absolute priority. Pupils, parents and staff have all experienced disruption and we know that continuous actions are required to help recover lost learning."

He told MPs that 250,000 children will receive tutoring this year who would not have had access to it previously, and more than 500,000 will be able to attend summer schools.

Mr Williamson went on: "The evidence we have shows that disadvantaged children and those who live in areas that have been particularly hard hit by high Covid rates such as the North East of England and Yorkshire are among those whose learning is most likely to have been affected.

"We have always been clear and will continue to take the action that is required. This is why we continue to pledge significant packages of investment and targeted intervention to help them make up on their lost learning."

03:53 PM

Gavin Williamson to update the Commons amid catch-up recovery fund condemnation

Gavin Williamson will make a statement in the Commons amid condemnation of the Government's £1.4 billion recovery fund for children who have been affected by school closures due to the pandemic.

The Prime Minister's catch-up tsar Sir Kevan Collins last week quit his post after Boris Johnson was accused of making a "bargain basement" schools catch-up offer.

Sir Kevan warned that the current funding allocated "does not come close to meeting the scale of the challenge" posed by months of school disruption and said he had "no option" but to quit.

His resignation came less than 24 hours after the Education Secretary announced a new £1.4 billion cash injection for pupil tuition and teacher training but failed to give the green light to Sir Kevan's call for a more radical extension of the school day.

The cash injection represented just one-tenth of the £15 billion funding that Sir Kevan said was necessary to help students catch up.

03:48 PM

Domestic freedoms must be 'protected at all costs', says Matt Hancock

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the return to domestic freedom must be "protected at all costs" as he indicated it might come at the cost of international travel.

Huw Merriman, transport select committee chair and Tory MP, had challenged Mr Hancock about the chaos prompted by the change to Portugal's status and what the medium-term prospects of travel were.

Mr Hancock told the Commons: "It is going to be challenging, it's going to be hard because of the risk of new variants and new variants popping up in places like Portugal which have an otherwise relatively low case rate.

"But the biggest challenge, and the reason this is so difficult, is that a variant that undermines the vaccine effort obviously would undermine the return to domestic freedom and that has to be protected at all costs."

Mr Hancock also appeared to downplay vaccine passports, telling the Commons: "In Israel where they did bring this proposal in, they have also now removed it."

03:39 PM

Eight-week gap between vaccinations gives 'better long-term protection', says Matt Hancock

Matt Hancock says "obviously" the NHS wants to ensure that everyone is fully vaccinated as quickly as possible.

Tory MP William Wragg had asked whether the time between first and second jabs could be reduced further as part of "surge" programme in Covid hotspots. "Give us the jabs and we'll finish the job," he quips.

But the Health Secretary notes that the eight week gap gives "better overall long-term protection".

The clinical advice is "not to go under eight weeks because they people would end up with a weaker overall protection".

03:29 PM

Matt Hancock challenged about 'inevitable' long Covid patients

Andrew Gwynne asks about long Covid "something very close to my heart, having had it for 12 months".

He asks Matt Hancock what work is being done for those who will "inevitably" suffer from this as a result of the Delta variant.

The Health Secretary says more money is being put into research and he is but it is an "unknown condition" caused by the novel virus and says he would be "keen to ensure he is engaged with the NHS work on this".

03:25 PM

Delta variant 'gave virus extra legs', says Matt Hancock

Matt Hancock has told MPs "we are in a race between the vaccine programme and the virus - and with the Delta variant, the virus got extra legs".

The Health Secretary stresses that the "goal is not a Covid-free world, because sadly that is impossible".

It is to live with Covid as we do with flu, which will require additional measures at winter as we "manage our way through it".

The vaccine is "an incredibly powerful ally in getting us through this," he adds.

"Unlike the previous variants, the second jab appears to be even more important than the first time around."

03:20 PM

Matt Hancock insists no decision has been taken on roadmap

Theresa Villiers asks Matt Hancock to clarify that he is not planning "a sudden retreat from the roadmap" and whether the country "can still hope" that June 21 will go ahead.

The former environment minister said in particular people wanted assurance about "big events - gatherings, weddings" which have a big economic impact.

The Health Secretary says it is "too early to make these decisions... but when answering a logical question of 'are you open to delay', if you haven't made a decision on whether to delay or not, by dint of logic, you are open to delay."

He adds: "A politician gives a straight answer to a straight question and it causes all sorts of complications."

03:01 PM

Matt Hancock: Vast majority of public back NHS data transfer

Matt Hancock says the JCVI decision will be made "in a matter of weeks" and will come to the House to explain "the proposed approach as soon as we have that formal advice".

The Health Secretary also takes on Jon Ashworth's questions about patient data, saying how useful this has been for things such as Covid treatment.

"Data about his or my or anybody else's medical condition doesn't belong to any GP, it belongs rightly to the citizen," he says.

"The vast majority of people are strongly onside with the use of their data to improve lives and save lives , and that is the approach we are going to take to build a modern NHS."

He says privacy will be "enhanced" by the new approach.

02:56 PM

Jon Ashworth calls for surge vaccines to beat Indian variant spike

Jon Ashworth picks up on the statistics given by Matt Hancock about the difference between single and double dose vaccines on hospitalisations.

"I am an optimist and strongly believe that vaccinations are the way out of this," he says, asking about surge testing in areas like Blackburn and Leicester where the Indian/Delta variant is spiking.

He also asks if the 12 week gap can be shortened between the two stages, and notes that Wales will shortly have offered the first dose to every adult.

The shadow health secretary also asks about face masks in schools and whether that should be rethought, and for a time-frame on a decision on child vaccinations.

Mr Ashworth also asks about plans to transfer "sensitive" GP patient data with NHS digital "and potentially used by commercial interests", calling on Matt Hancock to consider "pausing this for now" in favour of a consultation.

02:52 PM

'One day soon, freedom will return', says Matt Hancock

Matt Hancock has said it is "still too early to make decisions on step four", as he stresses that the roadmap has "always been guided by data and we need four weeks between steps to see the data."

An announcement will be made a week today, on June 14 he adds.

"I know restrictions have not been easy and I am confident that one day soon, freedom will return," Mr Hancock says.

"We must stay vigilant especially when children return to schools after half-term break. It is vital that every secondary school age child takes the test twice a week."

He notes that the JCVI is looking into vaccinating children as young as 12.

02:50 PM

Hospitalisations 'broadly flat', says Matt Hancock

The Delta/India variant is now at least 40 per cent more transmissible than the Alpha/Kent variant, Matt Hancock reveals

It now makes up the "vast majority" of all new infections but the surge testing system can "help holding this growth". The approach used in Bolton is being rolled out in other areas, he says.

"We know the vaccine is breaking the link between infections, hospitalisations and deaths... hospitalisations have been broadly flat," he tells MPs.

As of June 3, the data show that there were 12,383 cases of that Delta variant, of which 464 people went to emergency care and 126 were admitted.

Of these 126 people 83 were unvaccinated, 28 had received one dose and just three had received both dose.

02:47 PM

Vaccine saves more than 13,000 deaths says Matt Hancock

Matt Hancock then gives his statement, confirming that 76 per cent of adults have been vaccinated at least once with 52 per cent getting both jabs.

The Health Secretary says from this week the under-30s can get theirs "bringing us ever closer" to the July goal. From tomorrow 25-29 year olds can get their appointment.

The NHS will start sending texts to those who are eligible to come forward, he says.

"The enthusiasm for the jab is not just for the preserve of older generations," he adds.

Latest estimates are that it has averted 39,000 hospitalisation and more than 13,000 deaths "so the vaccination gives us hope".

02:44 PM

Speaker demands foreign aid cut should be 'debated and aired' in Commons

Sir Lindsay Hoyle dodges the issue of whether or not the aid cut is lawful, but says he agrees that the House should be given an "effective" say on the matter.

He repeats his willingness to grant an emergency debate tomorrow and repeats that "this House should not be taken for granted".

The Speaker says the country needs it to be "debated and aired" and asks the Government "to give this House the due respect it deserves... the Government should be accountable here".

02:42 PM

Andrew Mitchell attacks 'disrespectful' Government over foreign aid

Andrew Mitchell says he completely accepts that "you are the referee on this matter - and that is that."

But the former chief whip attacks the frontbench for "treating the House of Commons with disrespect" by avoiding a debate and vote on the matter, which may be unlawful.

He says if the vote had gone ahead, it would have won "by not less than a majority of nine, and probably 20, votes".

The Government's failure to address this issue will cause "hundreds of thousands" of deaths, he adds.

02:40 PM

Sir Lindsay Hoyle orders Government to allow vote on foreign aid

Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle has confirmed that Andrew Mitchell's amendment has not been selected because it was "out of order".

The scope of the bill - which will enshrine the creation of Aria in law - did not extend to the amendment, he says.

However he notes it is "the duty of the Secretary of State" to keep the target of 0.7 per cent of GNI each year but the House has "not had the opportunity for a decisive vote" on the change.

"I expect that the Government should find a way to have this important matter debated and allow the House to formally take an effective decision," he adds.

He will hear applications for a debate as early as tomorrow until 5:30pm, he says.

02:34 PM

France 'must do more' to stop migrants crossing Channel, says Priti Patel

Priti Patel has said France "must do more" to stop the flow of migrants crossing the English Channel to get to the UK.

Peter Bone asked the Home Secretary that if she were France's President she would be "totally embarrassed y the complete failure of the French Government to properly look after asylums seekers to such an extent that they risk their lives to flee France to get to England".

Ms Patel replied that while "we should recognise that migration flows through France are serious serious issue", she agreed with the Tory MP.

"My French counterparts must do more and I am constantly pressing this case upon them" she told him.

02:22 PM

No connection: Sir Keir Starmer's union address bumped over internet issues

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer's address to a union conference has been delayed due to internet issues.

Sir Keir was due to speak virtually at the GMB conference on Monday, but instead, viewers could only see Sir Keir's name on the screen and a grey stock image silhouette.

After three attempts to connect with the leader, the conference moved on.

GMB national president Barbara Plant said: "There just might be issues with wifi at Parliament, that's the problem."

And she suggested Sir Keir instead sent in a video which could be played later.

Sir Keir was expected to congratulate new GMB general secretary Gary Smith, who was elected last week.

02:21 PM

Tory MP compares taking the knee to Nazi salute

A Conservative MP has compared the decision by England’s footballers to “take the knee” in support of Black Lives Matter to those who gave the Nazi salute in a 1938 match against Germany in Berlin.

In a Facebook post - complete with pictures of footballers giving the Nazi salute - Brendan Clarke-Smith, the MP for Bassetlaw, wrote: "Following the 1936 Berlin Olympics being used as a propaganda exercise and under a great deal of pressure from both the FA and Britain’s ambassador at the time, the players were encouraged to join the hosts in making the Nazi salute prior to the match.

“Reluctantly, they agreed and for many years since it has been a great source of shame for many of those involved, including the Football Association…

“The point here is that regardless of the original intention, the mixing of politics and football had disastrous consequences."

02:07 PM

Fewer than 100,000 first vaccine doses deployed in England yesterday

Fewer than 100,000 first doses of the Covid vaccine were given in England yesterday, new figures show.

A total of 57,510,753 Covid-19 vaccinations took place in England between December 8 and June 6, according to NHS England data, including first and second doses, which is a rise of 317,112 on the previous day.

NHS England said 33,800,107 were the first dose of a vaccine, a rise of 99,621 on the previous day, while 23,710,646 were a second dose, an increase of 217,491.

01:59 PM

Wales to have offered every adult first dose of vaccine by Monday

All adults in Wales will be offered a coronavirus vaccine by next Monday, First Minister Mark Drakeford has said.

If achieved, the milestone will come six weeks ahead of schedule, with the four UK nations previously saying they would offer a first dose to everyone over the age of 18 by the end of July.

Wales has given a first dose to 2.18 million people, or 86 per cent of the adult population, which is currently the best record of any country in the world. However, it is behind England and Scotland for giving out both doses.

Mr Drakeford said that because Wales was "approaching the end of the first dose programme" his government would "switch our efforts to accelerate second doses".

"Subject to supply, we're confident that we can deliver second doses as fast and as successfully as we have first doses," he said.

01:54 PM

Boris Johnson made 'bargain basement' offer on education, peer claims

Boris Johnson has been accused of making a "bargain basement" schools catch-up offer, which prompted catch-up tsar Sir Kevan Collins to quit his post.

Discussing the issue in the Lords, education minister Baroness Berridge said more than £3 billion has been committed so far before adding: "We will consider the next steps ahead of the spending review and catch-up is for the lifetime of this Parliament."

But Labour education spokesman Lord Watson of Invergowrie said: "I can't really believe the minister is comfortable defending the indefensible following the chaotic events surrounding the Government's, what can only be described as a bargain basement recovery plan for school pupils.

"The promise of jam tomorrow is highly unlikely to satisfy many appetites."

01:36 PM

Dominic Raab meets Saudi Crown Prince

Today I met with HRH Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to discuss our shared interests including trade, Iran and climate change.

The UK warmly welcomes the Kingdom’s commitment to increasing the use of renewable energy by 50% by 2030. pic.twitter.com/sr1Kd9yX2P

— Dominic Raab (@DominicRaab) June 7, 2021

01:29 PM

Coming up: Matt Hancock to give Covid update

Matt Hancock is due to speak in the Commons from 3:30pm today, where he will give MPs an update on the latest Covid figures.

While we are not expecting any announcements, the Health Secretary's words will be closely watched for any sign of what is likely to happen on June 21.

As reported earlier (see 10:15am), Sir Lindsay Hoyle will be announcing whether he has selected Andrew Mitchell's amendment shortly before Mr Hancock starts speaking.

01:24 PM

Overseas aid cut will have impact on 'Cold War that dare not speak its name'

Tobias Ellwood has said the decision to cut the UK's aid funding has wider ramifications because of "the Cold War that dare not speak its name".

The Commons' defence committee chairman said that pulling out of development projects has far-reaching consequences, highlighting the UK's "soft power superpower status" at a time when there is "very much a feel of 1930s" globally.

"When we retreat those programmes are taken over by the Russians and China, who are pursuing a very different geopolitical agenda," he told Sky News. "We are leaving space there which will create vacuums which will be quickly filled."

Echoing his colleagues Sir Roger Gale, he added it would have a knock-on effect on migration, saying "the problems of Folkestone will never be solved".

01:15 PM

Nick Timothy: Meritocracy remains our best option, but it cannot work without social solidarity

Who could disagree with meritocracy, the idea that our prospects should depend not on the circumstances of birth, but our talents and efforts alone, writes Nick Timothy.

The answer, it turns out, is rather a lot of people. As Adrian Wooldridge argues in The Aristocracy of Talent, meritocracy has fallen out of fashion. On the Left, it is attacked as elitist and a cover for “white privilege”. On the Right, it is associated with the managerial elites who gave us globalisation, mass immigration and membership of the European Union.

It is certainly true that the idea of meritocracy can give the rich and successful reason to believe they owe little to others. After all, they might tell themselves, they have succeeded thanks to intelligence and hard work. If others fall by the wayside, is that not their own fault?

Read the rest of Nick's column here.

01:00 PM

MPs accuse FA of 'abdicating responsibility' over England team taking the knee

Cross-party MPs have accused the Football Association of having “abdicated its responsibilities” to Gareth Southgate and his players over England taking the knee ahead at the European Championship.

Fans loudly booed the gesture before the team’s final Euro 2020 warm-up game against Romania at the weekend.

Clive Efford, a Labour member of the digital, culture, media & sport select committee, said the FA should have done more to stop the Euros being overshadowed by the on-going row.

“It’s never taken leadership,” he said. “It’s abdicated its responsibilities to the Premier League, the Football League, and now to Gareth Southgate and the England players over taking the knee.”

Steve Brine, a Conservative colleague of Efford’s, added: “They could’ve tried to be the peacemaker in the absence of anybody else being a peacemaker between the fans and the players.”

Read more here.

12:54 PM

Cutting aid risks rise in migrants - and Russia will 'fill the void', warns Tory MP

The best way to stop rising numbers of migrants attempting to enter the UK is to stick to the 0.7 per cent commitment in foreign aid, a senior Tor has said.

Sir Roger Gale, MP for North Thanet, in Kent, noted the current crisis, which has escalated again in recent days.

He told Sky News: "If we want to stop that, we need countries to be able to prosper, so people don't want to come to the UK as asylums seekers because they have got jobs and health and all the other things they need in their own countries.

"In part this is what this is all about too - it's geo-political. If we create a vacuum, if we don't honour our obligations, you can bet your sweet life that Russian and Chinese and client states... will be queuing up to fill the void."

12:47 PM

'The issue is still there', says would-be Tory rebel over aid row

A senior Tory has warned that even if the rebel amendment does not get selected, the row will be picked up in newspapers "on the eve of the G7".

Sir Roger Gale said: "The issue is still there and the issue is about the poorest people in the world and how much assistance...we give them.

"The law as it stands now says we should give them 0.7 per cent of gross national income," he added.

"We are one of the wealthiest countries in the world - and one of the most honourable."

12:45 PM

Speaker 'won't be put under pressure' on rebel amendment, says Tory MP

Sir Roger Gale says he is "waiting for the Speaker to announce his decision" about whether to select Andrew Mitchell's amendment today.

The Tory MP said Sir Lindsay Hoyle "will do whatever is right", and "he won't be put under pressure" by either side.

"I am not certain if the amendment is orderly or out of order but the clerk will know and he will tell the Speaker of the House," he told Sky News.

12:39 PM

Labour backs ECB over cricketer's suspension

Labour's shadow culture secretary has hit out at Oliver Dowden for having "criticised" the ECB over its suspension of fast bowler Ollie Robinson.

Jo Stevens said: "It is right that the ECB takes the action that they think is necessary and appropriate to tackle racism and other forms of discrimination in their sport. They should not be criticised for doing so by the Secretary of State."

After Boris Johnson backed the Culture Secretary (see below), Labour colleague Dame Angela Eagle went further, saying: "Maybe we should suspend the PM for his old racist pronouncements."

12:29 PM

Speaker yet to decide on rebel amendment, Andrew Mitchell insists

Andrew Mitchell has insisted a decision about whether to allow his amendment to challenge the foreign aid cut could still go in his favour.

The former chief whip said the rebel clause was "clearly in order... otherwise it wouldn't appear on the order paper".

He told BBC's World at One: "I think Mr Speaker will also be conscious in making up his mind that the Government has specifically denied the House of Commons a vote on this matter so far.

"We've had to come to a device through amending this Bill, which we think works, and in making his decision he will note that every single member of the House of Commons elected in December 2019 was elected on a promise to stand by this spending commitment, that it's a legal commitment."

12:26 PM

Tory foreign aid rebellion set to be thwarted

A planned Tory rebellion in the Commons today aimed at reversing foreign aid cuts looks set to be thwarted, The Telegraph has learned.

The parliamentary clerks have determined that the rebels’ amendment is “completely out of scope” of the legislation to which it is pegged and their unequivocal advice is that it should not be selected for debate, it is understood.

Their guidance renders it highly unlikely that Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle will select the amendment, which is attached to the Aria Bill, which will create a science research funding body.

The planned revolt had aimed to force Boris Johnson to restore £4 billion to the aid budget, after ministers last year announced that the legally binding target of 0.7 per cent of gross national income being spent on aid should be reduced to 0.5 per cent.

12:14 PM

Tory MP warns there'll be 'nobody good left' over cricket suspension row

Ben Bradley has backed Oliver Dowden in the row over the suspension of cricketer Ollie Robinson.

"If we're going to hold everybody to account for the worst elements of a youth lived on Twitter, we'll end up with nobody 'good' left" he said.

12:05 PM

Lobby latest: Boris Johnson wants 'whole country' to get behind England's footballers

Downing Street has urged England football fans to "get behind" the team but refused to condemn supporters who booed players for taking the knee in protest at racial injustice.

The Prime Minister's official spokesman said: "The Prime Minister supports individuals' rights to protest... He fully respects the right of people in this country to peacefully protest and make their feelings known about injustices".

Asked whether the Prime Minister was refusing to criticise supporters who boo the gesture, the spokesman said: "No... the Prime Minister is supporting the England football team and wants them to succeed and he wants the whole country to get behind them in that endeavour in this tournament."

This weekend Tory MP Lee Anderson said "for the first time in my life I will not be watching my beloved England team" at the Euros, following their BLM protest.

12:01 PM

Lobby latest: Could UK aid exceed 0.5pc after all?

Downing Street has hinted that aid spending could exceed the downgraded target of 0.5 per cent of gross national income when the donation of coronavirus vaccines is taken into account.

The Prime Minister's official spokesman said: "You can expect the PM to set out more details at the G7 this week on the UK's plans to share surplus doses with developing countries.

"As is standard, any funding that benefits poverty reduction in developing countries would count as ODA (Official Development Assistance) funding."

Asked if it would be on top of the existing aid budget, the spokesman said: "The £10 billion has been largely allocated in the spending plans already set out with regards to ODA funding, but I'm not going to jump ahead of what the PM might say later this week with regards to the commitment."

Pressed if vaccine donations count as ODA spending, the spokesman said: "The £458 million we spent on Covax so far is ODA. That is factually the case."

11:59 AM

Lobby latest: Boris Johnson backs Culture Secretary over cricket suspension

Boris Johnson has backed Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden's assessment that English cricket's governing body had gone "over the top" in its response to the Ollie Robinson row (see 10:06am).

The Prime Minister's official spokesman said Mr Johnson is "supportive" of the Culture Secretary's comments.

"As Oliver Dowden set out, these were comments made more than a decade ago, written by someone as a teenager, and for which they have rightly apologised," the spokesman said.

Robinson's comments were made less than a decade ago.

11:50 AM

ICYMI: George Eustice faces demotion in upcoming reshuffle

George Eustice faces demotion in a potential upcoming reshuffle after concerns about his record on animal rights, it has been suggested.

Boris Johnson is rumoured to be considering promoting his chief whip, Mark Spencer, into the Environment Secretary role in an upcoming revamp of his top team, leaving Mr Eustice in a more junior role or returning to the Tory back benches.

The Environment Secretary is thought to be too close to the farming industry and last year oversaw the issuing of more licences for badger culls, which Mr Johnson has now pledged to end.

The Prime Minister’s wife, Carrie, has long campaigned against badger culls and is thought to have urged Mr Johnson to put a stop to the practice at the beginning of this year.

11:43 AM

In pictures: Boris Johnson hits the campaign trail in Chesham & Amersham

The pressure on the Prime Minister might have eased in Westminster - but over in Chesham & Amersham, the by-election is causing a headaches.

As reported last week, Tories are concerned that the seat held by Dame Cheryl Gillan could flip to the Lib Dems, in an ironic mirror image of the party's performance in the Red Wall.

While I'm told that they believe they can cling on, Boris Johnson has been dispatched today in the hope that his star appeal will win over those who have been wavering.

11:27 AM

Have your say: Who is right on the overseas aid row?

Conservative backbenchers had been hoping to inflict a bloody nose on Boris Johnson, over his decision to cut the commitment to foreign aid.

It now seems likely that Andrew Mitchell's amendment won't be selected this afternoon - meaning the group of rebels will not be able to force a U-turn on the 0.7 per cent level.

But who is right on the principle?

Backbenchers argue that it's a manifesto commitment, the right thing to do and in the UK's self-interest to maintain our support of the world's poorest people. But ministers have insisted it is a temporary cut required because of the pandemic.

Have your say in the poll below.

11:18 AM

Covid cases rise in hotspots at fastest rate since January

Covid-19 case rates are rising in more local areas of the UK than at any point since early January, with numbers increasing in almost all parts of north-west England, London and Scotland, new analysis shows.

Nearly three-quarters of UK local authorities (283 out of 380) recorded a week-on-week rise in Covid-19 case rates for the seven days to June 2 - the highest proportion since January 6.

In just under half of these places (134), the rise was small enough to be in single figures.

But a growing number of areas are recording sharp jumps in rates, with 28 of them now above symbolic level of 100 cases per 100,000 people - the highest number since the end of March.

Some 30 of the 32 local authority areas in London and 35 out of 39 in north-west England are currently recording a week-on-week rise in rates, while in Scotland rates are up in 31 of the 32 council areas.

The analysis has been compiled by the PA news agency using the latest Public Health England data.

11:07 AM

In pictures: G7 preparations get underway

Boris Johnson may be avoiding an embarrassing day in the Commons - but will the row over foreign aid cast a long shadow in Cornwall?

The Prime Minister will be hoping that by Thursday, when the event is due to start, it will be long forgotten.

Work is already underway to get Carbis Bay, near St Ives, ready for the arrival of the world leaders from 11-13 June.

10:59 AM

Rebel amendment 'scrubbed' - for now

It seems increasingly unlikely that the Andrew Mitchell amendment will be selected this afternoon, despite the former chief whip's insistence that no decision has been taken (see posts below).

One would-be rebel tells me the clause has been "scrubbed", and there will be no vote on the 0.7 per cent commitment today.

However several Tory backbenchers - some very high profile such as Theresa May and David Davis - have made it clear that they are deeply unhappy about the decision to renege on a manifesto pledge, so it seems highly likely they will be looking out for any future opportunities to bring about another vote when they are able.

10:43 AM

Andrew Mitchell: Rebel amendment offers PM an olive branch on aid

Andrew Mitchell has said the cut to overseas aid will remove funding for food from a quarter of million "people who are starving."

He told Sky News it would "remove this funding from feeding desperate people in desperate need",adding it is "not what British people want" and is "a breach of a promise Britain made to the world".

His amendment "stands four square with Tory principles" and "offers [Boris Johnson] an olive branch, which he should accept".

"I hope very much the Speaker will decide the new clause is in order and if he does I and many of my colleagues will vote for it and we will restore Britain's honour int his matter.

10:31 AM

Rebel leader claims amendment advice 'is being spun'

Andrew Mitchell has said he thinks "it is being spun" that his amendment over overseas as been ruled out of scope.

The former international development secretary told Sky News his amendment was "totally in order" and that it reaffirms promises made in the manifesto as well as in law.

Mr Mitchell said the Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle "has made no decision as yet", adding: "Whoever is suggesting he has made this decision already is presuming on his authority and I don't think he will be very pleased to hear that.

The ex-chief whip said the Government has been "frightened" to bring any new laws forward in case they were amended for precisely this reason.

10:19 AM

Tory MP to back rebels over climate change concerns

More Conservative backbenchers are coming out of the woodwork this morning, to confirm they will back Andrew Mitchell's amendment on overseas aid - if it gets selected.

Neil Parish, MP for Tiverton and Honiton and chair of the environment committee, said he would back the move to restore the 0.7 per cent commitment "if given the opportunity today".

"Cutting aid by £4bn, and targeting life-saving water projects and family planning programmes in the poorest nations is the wrong approach for Global Britain," he added. "Not only does it endanger lives, but it weakens our global efforts to tackle climate change as we host the G7 and COP26."

10:12 AM

Speaker 'has not made up his mind', says Andrew Mitchell

Rebel MPs expressed their perplexity this morning at the suggestion their amendment was "out of scope" of the Bill, with some indicating they had drawn it up with assistance from the clerks.

Andrew Mitchell held out hope it could yet be called, however, telling The Telegraph: "I've just come out of a meeting with the Speaker. I know he has not made up his mind."

Tory rebels are understood to be concerned that the Government has exerted pressure to stop the amendment being called.

10:09 AM

Tory MP will rebel 'if there is an opportunity'

Tory MP Mark Pawsey has said he will rebel today - if the amendment is selected.

It now looks unlikely, however the final decision will be confirmed this afternoon.

09:47 AM

'What's aid got to do with Aria Bill', says Tory MP

Conservative MP Michael Fabricant has more on Andrew Mitchell's amendment being determined "completely out of scope" for the Aria Bill today.

Tory MPs had been hoping to force the Government's hands on the 0.7 per cent commitment but that now seems unlikely, given the advice to Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle is that it should not be called.

"What UK aid had to do with the Advanced Research and Invention Agency Bill was beyond me," the MP says.

09:35 AM

'Nervy' Cabinet ministers call rebels to curb Commons foreign aid defeat

Downing Street will be breathing a sigh of relief that the rebel amendment has been ruled out of scope, following a frantic weekend in which Cabinet ministers were calling Conservative backbenchers to avoid an embarrassing rebellion today.

Several Tory MPs including former prime minister Theresa May have backed a technical amendment against Boris Johnson's decision to renege on its manifesto pledge on foreign aid.

One rebel told The Telegraph he had received "several calls from Cabinet" ministers, adding: "The Government is very nervy."

Rishi Sunak, the Chancellor, is thought to have been among those to make a personal plea this weekend.

09:33 AM

Covid testing for schoolchildren likely to continue after summer holidays

Covid testing for school children is likely to continue into the Autumn term after the health minister said he would like to see 50 million more tests carried out in the long term to help keep youngsters in classrooms.

Writing in The Telegraph, Lord Bethell said that lateral flow devices had allowed the reopening of schools to be ‘a resounding success’, and become part of the daily routine for families.

"As this virus continues to evolve and attempts to bypass our defences, it is these capabilities that will help us outmanoeuvre the virus in the long term," the health minister writes.

Read the rest of his column here.

09:26 AM

Hospitalisations 'flatlining' despite rise in cases, says minister

The rate of hospitalisations is "flatlining" despite a rise in cases, a Government minister has said today.

Lucy Frazer, the Solicitor General, told LBC Boris Johnson would make "the final call" based on variants, vaccination rates, hospitalisations and deaths and that no decision would be made until just before the announcement on June 14.

"That’s when we’ll be looking at the data to give a gap, a small gap between the time and the assessment of the data," she said.

"What we know at the moment is that the infection rate is rising, but that’s not seeping out in hospitalisations at the rate that it did in the other lockdowns.

"We are seeing a flatlining of hospitalisations and the reason for that is... that the vaccination programme has been so successful. So we’re seeing very few people who are going into hospital who are double vaccinated, so that is what is making the big difference in this lockdown."

09:15 AM

Matt Hancock to give Covid update from 3:30pm

Matt Hancock will make a Commons statement at around 3.30pm to update MPs on the latest developments in the fight against Covid-19.

That will be followed by a statement from Education Secretary Gavin Williamson on "education recovery" following the pandemic.

The Speaker, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, is expected to confirm which amendments he has selected for the Aria Bill just before the Health Secretary begins his statement, so it is shaping up to be an interesting afternoon.

09:06 AM

Culture Secretary demands a rethink on Ollie Robinson's suspension

The Culture Secretary has said the England and Wales Cricket Board has gone "over the top" by suspending Ollie Robinson for old sexist and racist messages posted on social media.

Oliver Dowdwn called on the ECB to "think again" and reinstate the fast-bowler, who was pulled out of the England squad for the second Test against New Zealand.

Mr Dowden is one of several Tories to have called for the cricketer to be restored, since the decision was taken yesterday.

09:00 AM

Have your say: Should Tory MPs rebel today?

Conservative backbenchers are expected to inflict a bloody nose on Boris Johnson, over his decision to cut the commitment to foreign aid.

There's no guarantee that Andrew Mitchell's amendment will be selected this afternoon - but if it is, the group is confident they can defeat the Government and force a U-turn on the 0.7 per cent level.

They argue that it's a manifesto commitment, the right thing to do and in the UK's self-interest to maintain our support of the world's poorest people. But ministers have insisted it is a temporary cut required because of the pandemic.

So are MPs right to rebel? Have your say in the poll below.

08:52 AM

David Davis: Rebels 'pretty confident' they can defeat Boris Johnson

David Davis has said he is "pretty confident" the rebel Tories have sufficient numbers to be able to defeat the Government on cuts to overseas aid today.

The former Brexit secretary told Sky News that while in the past he had been opposed to the 0.7 per cent commitment, cutting it now would be "massive cuts in provision of clean water... [and] food support", which would result in the deaths of children in some f the world's poorest countries.

08:42 AM

Tory MP to abstain on overseas aid cut vote

Number 10 and the whips' office will be totting up the number of potential rebels as they try to avert an embarrassing defeat for Boris Johnson today.

Conservative MP Anne-Marie Morris has said she will abstain if Andrew Mitchell's amendment, forcing the Government to reverse its cut to overseas aid, is selected by the Speaker.

The MP for Newton Abbot said she had been contacted by "a number of constituents" but would be abstaining "because I do not believe it is in scope with the aim/purpose of the Bill or the right place to have this discussion".

She added: "The debate around the UK’s legal commitment to spending 0.7 per cent of GDP on foreign aid is certainly one worth having and I very much welcome it returning to the House in a more appropriate format at a later date.

"On this occasion, I simply do not believe that the Aria Bill is the correct place to have this discussion."

08:32 AM

ICYMI: Matt Hancock hints at delay to June 21 reopening

The Government is "absolutely open" to delaying the June 21 unlocking, Matt Hancock said on Sunday in the strongest indication yet that the date for the next step in the roadmap could be put back.

A two-week delay until July 5 has been under discussion by scientists and civil servants, but Mr Hancock's remarks confirmed that pushing back the relaxation of restrictions was being considered.

"We are absolutely open to doing that if that's what needs to happen. We said in the roadmap that June 21 is the date by which we would not take Step 4 before that date and that we would look at the data," he said when questioned about the possibility of a delay.

"That is exactly what we are doing, so the roadmap was set up in order to be able to take these sort of changes into account."

08:28 AM

June 21 delay should be announced 'right away', says former chief scientific adviser

A delay to the June 21 reopening should be announced "right away", the former chief scientific adviser to the Government has said.

Sir David King, who now the Independent Sage Group, told Sky News: "The number of people in our hospitals, which the Government says is relatively stable - it's 932 per day going into hospital, which is up 65 from last week. It's not actually stable, it is slowly rising.

"What all of this means is that intensive care is needed for a significant proportion of our population today.

"I'm very reluctant to say that we should not go out of lockdown on June 21, but I think the figures are in now, and it will be wise for the Government to announce right away a delay in opening, just so that we can all plan for the post June 21 period."

08:23 AM

What to expect when you're expecting a rebellion

Boris Johnson could be facing a potentially bruising revolt today, with around 40 Tory backbenchers planning to back a rebel amendment forcing the Government's hands on overseas aid.

The rebels certainly have the numbers - but will the vote even go ahead?

The big unanswered question is whether Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle will accept Andrew Mitchell's amendment to the Advanced Research and Invention Agency Bill, which states that "the United Kingdom will not spend 0.7 per cent of gross national income on official development assistance (ODA) in the absence of ARIA financial assistance which qualifies as ODA".

Sir Lindsay is meeting his team this afternoon to discuss which, if any, amendments to accept for the vote today, and he may well feel that Mr Mitchell's falls out of scope - in other words, that it is not relevant to the legislation.

We are not expecting him to reveal his decision until as late as 3:30pm today - which means a few more hours of nail biting and nervous phone calls from No 10.

08:17 AM

New infections not repressed enough to be 'fully open', says scientist

The virus is still "on its way to mutating and becoming better at avoiding our defences", a scientist has warned - but the country will soon be protected, thanks to its rolling vaccination programme.

Ravi Gupta, a professor of clinical microbiology at University of Cambridge, told BBC Breakfast: "The more transmissions that are allowed to happen, the greater the chance of these new added variants arising.

"We are not achieving the limitation of new infections in the way that we need to remain fully open as a society in the long term.

"I think that, once we do suppress the virus and get vaccination up to 80 per cent, including young people, then we can continue that strategy with boosting in the years to come.

"We are in a situation where we could obtain huge gains just by a little bit more work."

08:14 AM

Mask-wearing and remote working could remain after June 21

Experts would benefit from "a few more weeks rather than months" to consider the data before a full exit from lockdeown, a scientist has suggested.

Ravi Gupta, a professor of clinical microbiology at University of Cambridge, told BBC Breakfast that continued mask-wearing in workplaces and remote working could be retained to mitigate the impact of other restrictions being lifted.

He said: "To go completely back to normal may not be in everyone's best interests... we want this to be the last lockdown that we ever go into, and we do not want to go into a reverse situation which would be much more damaging to the economy, people's businesses and long-term welfare."

07:52 AM

Overseas aid cut required because of 'duty to protect British people', says minister

The Solicitor General has defended the cut to overseas aid, saying "we have a duty to ensure we protect our citizens here as well as those in the rest of the world".

Highlighting the various Government support and spending throughout the pandemic, Lucy Frazer told Radio 4's Today programme: "I don't deny that if we don't spend the money on international projects there will be an impact on international projects...

"But the Prime Minister has a duty to British people as well and we have to look at the amount we spend here".

07:48 AM

Minister dodges questions about restoring aid commitment next year

A minister has failed to commit to restoring a commitment to 0.7 per cent aid spend after one year, although stressed the cut was "temporary".

Lucy Frazer, the Solicitor General, also declined to comment on whether she believed the move was lawful, saying it was not appropriate to comment on her legal advice.

But she told Radio 4's Today programme it was "good to have flexibility", adding: "The legislation as it stands does commit to 0.7 per cent but it does recognise... that if the economic or fiscal circumstances change it is open to the Chancellor to change that spending."

07:40 AM

Boris Johnson should 'admit he got this one wrong' on aid, says Labour MP

The Government was "making a real mistake" in cutting the overseas aid budget ahead of the G7, leaving "a major plank of Global Britain in tatters", Lisa Nandy has said.

The shadow foreign secretary told Sky News: "[Boris Johnson] could change his mind, he could reverse this, he could just admit that cutting global aid in the middle of a pandemic is the wrong thing to do. It's short-sighted - it's not in anyone's interest. He could solve this very, very quickly."

She added: "It would be in the Prime Minister's interest, it would be in Britain's interest, if they just admitted they got this one wrong."

07:34 AM

Is Government pursuing herd immunity among teenagers, asks former adviser

The Government should roll out the vaccination programme for over-12s "quickly" and rethink the policy on masks in schools, the Government's former chief scientific adviser said.

Sir David King questioned whether the Government was pressing ahead with a "herd immunity policy" among teenagers, saying they should rethink the decision to drop face masks in schools.

He told Sky News: "Are they actually believing in herd immunity amongst school children? Is that why they're saying, 'take masks off it', so that the disease spreads rapidly and they all become immune by having had the disease?

"If that is a policy, shouldn't we be honest with the public, and tell us that is the policy?

"I believe that herd immunity was the policy from the beginning back in February, March last year, so have we returned to that now with the high vaccination level?"

07:31 AM

'Dying isn't the sole issue', says former chief scientific adviser

One in 25 new Covid cases are emerging among people who have had both doses of the vaccine, a former chief scientific adviser has said.

Sir David King, chair of the Independent Sage group, told Sky News "we know that anyone vaccinated twice is relatively safe against the virus.

"But let's not forget the one in 25 new cases are people who have been vaccinated twice - that means 400 new cases a day are people who had the vaccine twice.

"While there is an extensive amount of virus out there in the country, amongst our people, it is dangerous."

He continued: "Dying isn't the sole issue about that we're trying to avoid here. The number of people who are suffering from long Covid in the country is enormous and this is not a simply a flu, once you've had the vaccine."

07:29 AM

'Evidence of another wave', says former chief scientific adviser

A former chief scientific adviser to the Government has warned that there is "evidence of another wave appearing".

Sir David King, who chairs the Independent Sage group, told Sky News: "(There are) 5,300 new cases of the disease per day in the United Kingdom and we're up about 2,000 on last week.

"Now we've been discussing whether or not we're going into a serious third wave and I don't think we can possibly wait any longer.

"This is the evidence of another wave appearing."

07:26 AM

Solicitor general defends 'temporary' cut to overseas aid

Solicitor General Lucy Frazer has defended the decision to cut overseas aid from 0.7 per cent of GDP to 0.5 per cent.

She told Sky News the cuts to foreign aid will be temporary, as the Government continues its efforts to dampen a Tory rebellion to force spending levels to be maintained.

She told Sky News: "Even without the 0.7 per cent this year we will be investing £10 billion and that is really important, but we are in the middle of a pandemic.

"What we've said is of course international aid needs to be spent but we're going to temporarily cease the 0.7 per cent and bring it back when fiscal circumstances allow."

07:23 AM

Post-Brexit trade with Northern Ireland 'more difficult than we anticipated', says minister

Post-Brexit trade issues between Great Britain and Northern Ireland have been "more difficult than we anticipated", a minister has admitted today.

Solicitor General Lucy Frazer told Sky News: "It is very difficult on the ground in terms of trade.

"It is really important that we sort it and Lord Frost is doing just that.

"As it has panned out, on the ground it is more difficult than we anticipated and we do need to sort out that trade arrangement."

07:22 AM

'Harmful' overseas aid cut will kill people, says former minister

The Government is doing a "harmful" and "devastating" thing in cutting aid spending which could see people die, former Brexit secretary David Davis has said.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been criticised across the political spectrum for temporarily reducing foreign aid from 0.7% of national income to 0.5%, breaking a manifesto commitment.

There will be massive cuts in clean water which kills children worldwide and in funding for food for starving people, where "again thousands will die", Mr Davis told BBC Radio 4's Today programme.

He said: "No other G7 country is cutting its aid in this way. It is going to have devastating consequences across the world. Historically, I am a critic of aid spending but doing it this way is really so harmful."

He said that Germany, France and the US are leaders in spending in this area, adding "so we are not such a leader any more - in fact we are throwing away enormous influence, particularly in Africa, where there is an ideological battle with China".

Mr Davis told the programme: "Morally, this is a devastating thing for us to have done."

07:21 AM

Oversea aid cut 'will come back to haunt us', says Gordon Brown

Former prime minister Gordon Brown has said the cut to overseas aid "makes absolutely no economic sense, but particularly no moral sense, and it's in our self interest... we are going to suffer ourselves."

He told BBC Breakfast: "It will come back to haunt us, It's not just an act of compassion, it's also an act of self interest."

06:40 AM

Biden emphasises 'special relationship' in olive branch to UK

Joe Biden wants to strengthen the special relationship with Britain ahead of his arrival in London this week.

The US president, who will meet the Queen and attend the G7 summit in Cornwall, said he would use his upcoming meeting with Boris Johnson to "affirm the special relationship" and endorsed the Prime Minister's G7 goals of tackling climate change and strengthening ties between democracies.

The reference to the special relationship, an idea that commands much less attention in the US, will be read in London as a gesture of goodwill following sometimes terse exchanges between the Johnson and Biden Governments over Brexit and Northern Ireland.