Home Secretary Disputes Claim That Labour Is Not Improving Lives
Zarah Sultana has "consistently held a different perspective" from the government, said the home secretary.
Responding to the former Labour MP's decision to co-found a new political group with Jeremy Corbyn, Yvette Cooper stated in an interview:
"She has often held views that contrast with most in the government on various issues, and that’s her choice."
Cooper also dismissed Sultana’s assertion that Labour had failed to enhance living standards, saying:
"I firmly reject that argument."
The home secretary highlighted reduced NHS waiting times, the expansion of community policing, broader access to free school meals, and stronger protections for tenants as evidence of government action.
"These are measurable changes with a direct effect on people’s daily lives," she added.
Meanwhile, Conservative party co-chair Nigel Huddleston has also been responding to the news that Sultana has left Labour to join Corbyn’s Independent Alliance.
Elsewhere, key developments include:
- A legal challenge seeking to pause the proscription of Palestine Action as a terrorist group will be heard in court on Friday.
- New education policies will require local authorities to set targets for improving school readiness among children.
In other recent updates:
- Opponents of the UK's involvement in Gaza are exploring alternatives, including an independent tribunal, after Labour is expected to block Jeremy Corbyn’s bill demanding an official inquiry. Government officials are likely to oppose the legislation in Parliament.
- Health Secretary Wes Streeting has emphasized digital reforms within the NHS, including an upgraded patient app and performance rankings for hospitals, to increase transparency in healthcare.
- Some agricultural land in England may cease food production entirely under new environmental proposals. Environment Secretary Steve Reed indicated that revised farming subsidies and land-use strategies would prioritize high-yield areas while reducing output in less productive regions.
- Officials are monitoring a legal dispute in which Vodafone faces allegations of unfairly profiting from franchise operators. Small Business Minister Gareth Thomas has stated he will follow the case closely as it proceeds.
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