Keir Starmer’s spokesman has failed to deny that the Chagos handover was raised at ‘access talks’ with Andy Burnham.
Guido first reported that the access talks were underway seven days ago and sources familiar with the process say that Cabinet Secretary Antonia Romeo, who is in charge of the meetings, has advised Burnham that he must continue with the deal. She has been supported by National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell, who is pushing extremely hard for the handover to go ahead…
Powell has decided to remain in post under Burnham and Downing Street sources say he will be empowered under a new PM with less interest in foreign affairs. Starmer’s spokesman said today: “We wouldn’t ever go into the content of those talks… our position on Diego Garcia, it remains consistent, there is no change to that position.” Will Burnham let surrender of sovereign territory become his main foreign policy plank…
Badenoch said at her speech on Monday morning: “We are absolutely ready to fight a general election. We saw the results in Aberdeen South: 50% of the vote. Because we can unite the country… It’s about uniting the country, for God’s sake, behind a centre-right agenda.”