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Teacher accused of murdering baby Preston Davey told police ‘I’ll fight you til the day I die’

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Teacher accused of murdering baby Preston Davey told police 'I'll fight you til the day I die'
Preston Davey had been in the care of Jamie Varley and John McGowan-Fazakerley for four months by the time he died in July 2023, jurors at Preston Crown Court have heard (Picture: Lancashire Police/PA)

A teacher accused of sexually abusing and murdering his adopted baby son told detectives ‘one day you guys will be in trouble’ as he angrily denied the allegations, jurors heard today.

Jamie Varley, 37, vowed to ‘fight you to the day I die’ while being questioned over the death of 13-month-old Preston Davey.

‘I don’t know how to prove it, but you are wrong because I haven’t done it,’ Varley told officers in the video interview with detectives shown to the jury at Preston Crown Court.

Varley, at the time a high school teacher, is accused of Preston’s murder, while his partner John McGowan-Fazakerley, 32, is accused of allowing the death of the child, with both accused of sexual abuse.

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During the four months Preston was under their adoption at their home in Blackpool, jurors have heard he was routinely ill-treated, sexually abused and physically assaulted, suffering dozens of injuries.

Both men deny all charges.

The couple had rushed the unconscious baby from their home, after an alleged final sexual assault by Varley, to Blackpool hospital at around 6.20pm on July 27, 2023.
Medics worked for nearly an hour to resuscitate the toddler but could not save him.

Varley said he had left Preston alone in the bath for three or four minutes before he returned to discover he had drowned.

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But in his final police interview detectives confronted him with the post-mortem examination findings of Home Office pathologist Dr Alison Armour.

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jamie varley / re: secondary school teacher, is accused of sexually assaulting and murdering Preston Davey, a 13-month-old baby he was in the process of adopting with his partner John McGowan-Fazakerley. / Two men to face cruelty and abuse trial after baby they were adopting dies / ID Richard Marsden
Varley, at the time a high school teacher, is accused of Preston’s murder
John McGowan-Fazakerley - accused of causing or allowing the death of a child and sexual assault. Varley is also accused of sharing indecent images of Preston. / Two men to face cruelty and abuse trial after baby they were adopting dies / ID Richard Marsden
John McGowan-Fazakerley, 32, is accused of allowing the death of the child, with both accused of sexual abuse

Jurors were shown a video of the interview, in which Varley was told Dr Armour concluded Preston had not drowned but was the victim of ‘abusive trauma, non-accidental injuries and sexual abuse’.

One of the detectives told him Preston ‘just hasn’t drowned’ before adding: ‘The post-mortem identified no evidence of natural disease to account for the death of baby Preston – how do you explain that?’

Varley replied: ‘No comment.’

Challenged about findings suggesting Preston was ‘very recently’ the victim of sexual abuse involving ‘the forcible penetration of his anus’ by a penis-shaped object, he said: ‘It’s bullshit.’

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Jurors saw him give the same answer to questions in a previous interview about ‘tear’ injuries to Preston’s bottom.

The court heard Dr Armour concluded the cause of Preston’s collapse and subsequent death to have been an upper airway obstruction, either by ‘a deliberate act of smothering’ or ‘by inserting an object or objects into his mouth’.

‘You are wrong,’ Varley replied.

The officer then asked: ‘Is that what you did to Preston on July 27?’

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‘No,’ Varley replied.

The officer added: ‘Preston lived for one year, one month and 11 days.

‘He was only in your care just less than four months before he was killed.

‘There is no evidence of natural disease.

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‘I’m going to suggest you have killed Preston.’

Varley, raising his voice and clearly angry, replied: ‘I have not done it. I will fight you ’til the day I die. I know you are wrong. I have not done it.’

Court artist drawing by Elizabeth Cook of Jamie Varley, 36 (left) sits in the dock at Preston Crown Court where he is accused of the murder and sexual assault of 13-month-old Preston Davey in 2023, whilst in he was in the process of adopting the child along with co-accused John McGowan-Fazakerley, 31, (right). Picture date: Monday April 20, 2026. PA Photo.Varley is accused of murder, manslaughter, two counts of assault by penetration of a child, five counts of child cruelty, one count of inflicting grievous bodily harm, and one count of sexual assault of a child. He is further accused of 10 counts of taking indecent photographs of a child, one count of distributing indecent photographs of a child, two counts of possessing indecent pseudo images of a child, and one count of possession of an extreme pornographic image. McGowan-Fazakerley is charged with allowing the death of a child, as well as two counts of child cruelty and one count of sexual assault of a child. Photo credit should read: Elizabeth Cook/PA Wire
Court artist drawing of Jamie Varley (left) in the dock at Preston Crown Court where he is accused of murder (Picture: Elizabeth Cook/PA)

Earlier, the officer put to Varley the series of images and videos taken of Preston which were evidence of alleged cruelty or indecency.

They include one video where Preston is left alone in a bath for more than 14 minutes.

Varley said he set his phone up to record and was on the landing out of sight ‘to see how he reacts to his own company’.

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The officer asked Varley: ‘How do you explain that, Jamie? He’s slipped, whimpering, I would describe him as distressed. Why not go to comfort him?

‘Have you left him in the bath because you are fed up with him?’

Varley replied: ‘I was keeping an eye on him. He’s not distressed. There was no intent to hurt him.’

Undated handout photo issued by Lancashire Police of Preston Davey. Jamie Varley, is accused of the murder and sexual assault of 13-month-old Preston Davey in 2023, whilst in he was in the process of adopting the child along with co-accused John McGowan-Fazakerley, 31, at Preston Crown Court. Issue date: Tuesday April 21, 2026. Varley is accused of murder, manslaughter, two counts of assault by penetration of a child, five counts of child cruelty, one count of inflicting grievous bodily harm, and one count of sexual assault of a child. He is further accused of 10 counts of taking indecent photographs of a child, one count of distributing indecent photographs of a child, two counts of possessing indecent pseudo images of a child, and one count of possession of an extreme pornographic image. McGowan-Fazakerley is charged with allowing the death of a child, as well as two counts of child cruelty and one count of sexual assault of a child. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Lancashire Police/PA Wire NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used in for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder.
During the four months Preston was under their adoption, jurors have heard he was routinely ill-treated, sexually abused and physically assaulted (Picture: Lancashire Police/PA)

He was also asked about intimate videos and photos of the child found on his phone, prosecutors allege are indecent images.

Varley told the officers they were attempts at ‘capturing’ his child’s life.

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Angrily, the defendant told officers: ‘Unlike you, I don’t think about his genitals 24/7.

‘You are making a mountain out of a molehill. It’s totally innocent, it’s ridiculous.

‘You have got it now as if I’m a bloody pervert.

‘That’s your job I guess.’

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Varley denies murder, manslaughter, two counts of assault by penetration, five counts of cruelty to a child, grievous bodily harm, sexual assault of a child, 13 counts of taking indecent photos or videos of a child, one of distributing an indecent photo of a child, to his co-accused, and one of making an indecent photo.

McGowan-Fazakerley denies allowing the death of a child, three counts of child cruelty and one count of the sexual assault of a child.

The trial continues on Wednesday morning.

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.

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Manchester United wonderkid JJ Gabriel beats Man City star of future Teddie Lamb to top award

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Manchester Evening News

Man Utd youngster JJ Gabriel has picked up an award after enjoying an outstanding season for United’s U18 team while Teddie Lamb has impressed for Manchester City

Manchester United talent JJ Gabriel has been named as the Under-18 Premier League Player of the Season. Gabriel picked up the award in recognition of his outstanding performances at an event in London on Tuesday.

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Gabriel scored 23 goals in 23 league appearances for United’s U18s this season. The 15-year-old has also taken part in several first-team training sessions at Carrington, making a strong impression with senior players.

The teenager picked up the U18 POTS award ahead of seven other nominees, including teammate Albert Mills, and Manchester City forward Teddie Lamb.

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United are planning to include Gabriel in their pre-season plans this summer and are keen to show the teenager there is a pathway to the first-team. Involving him in pre-season would be another show of faith in his huge potential.

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Gabriel has not stepped up to Under-21 level this season because he was 14 when the campaign began. United could have been fined for playing Gabriel in the U21 team due to his age at the start of the season, so it was agreed that he would exclusively play U18 football this term.

United’s U18s battled City for the Premier League North title this season, and the title race almost went down to the final day, but City eventually prevailed to win the league with a total of 60 points.

Gabriel was pivotal in United’s push for the title. The youngster was also key as the U18s reached the Premier League Cup final, however, the Reds lost on penalties against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.

The talented youngster could still end the season with a trophy, though, as the U18s will take on their rivals City in the FA Youth Cup final at the 7,000 seater Joie Stadium on Thursday night.

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Gabriel and Lamb are the star turns for their respective academies. The City frontman, who joined from Leyton Orient last summer, scored 25 goals as City won the league title and has played an important role in the Blues’ run to the Youth Cup final.

City’s reward for winning the league title is a clash with Chelsea in the national final.

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Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.

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Comment on Keir Starmer surviving the day as Prime Minister like a turd that wont flush

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Echo Comment on Keir Starmer surviving the day as Prime Minister

The Communist party that calls itself a government headed by the rent boy shager of No 10 still unfit to govern a rabit hutch, with the likes of this turd and all the other Communist Labour Scum called MPs not one of which supports the British people, certainly not the working classes, and yet those same brain dead who vote for a communist Labour party still cant see that democracy in Britain is dead.

Bollards are always there, unmoving, unflinching, and even when struck, they bounce back up.

Mr Starmer, at the time of writing at least, is still in No 10. He’s taken a hell of a battering but he has bounced back into position at the head of the Cabinet table.

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More than 100 Labour backbenchers have signed a letter giving him their support, and their arguments are sound. The British people punished the Tories for chopping and changing leaders and they questioned Rishi Sunak’s legitimacy when he popped up as leader at a distance from the General Election mandate. If Labour swops out Mr Starmer, it will be accused of doing the same as the Tories.

Yet all the stuff that has been said about Mr Starmer in the days since the local election humiliation cannot be unsaid. All the stuff about a lack of vision and direction, a lack of urgency and charisma, a lack of political nous, a lack of connection with his own MPs letalone with the great British public, a large chunk of which it is now openly said actually loathes – a very strong word – the Prime Minister. All of that still derogatory stuff stands, and it came from 80-plus Labour MPs and even six Cabinet members.

So the great bollard of Downing Street is still there, stubbornly refusing to be moved, but he has been so badly damaged and undermined – even by his own side – it is hard to see that the questions and the plotting will ever go away. How can he regain the political strength to deliver the change the country needs and that Labour promised?

He remains, for the time being at least, a very diminished Prime Minister. Let’s hope the bollard does not block Britain from moving forward.

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Ally Refuses To Say If Starmer Will Fight To Stay In No.10

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Ally Refuses To Say If Starmer Will Fight To Stay In No.10

A top ally to Keir Starmer dodged questions over whether the prime minister intends to stand down as calls for him to resign mount.

The PM insisted in his make-or-break speech on Monday that he would prove his doubters “wrong”.

However, more than 70 MPs have since broken rank to urge him to quit following Labour’s devastating results in the local elections.

Reports that even senior cabinet ministers, including home secretary Shabana Mahmood, have told the PM to plan his departure emerged last night.

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On Tuesday morning, chief secretary to the prime minister Darren Jones avoided direct questions about Starmer’s plans to stay in post.

He told Times Radio: “The prime minister is talking to colleagues, obviously a number of them have said publicly yesterday that they want him to take a particular course of action.

“As any leader would, he’s talking and listening to those colleagues. I can’t get ahead of what the prime minister may or may not decide.”

Presenter Stig Abell asked: “So actually he’s considering setting out a timetable to step down before the next election?”

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Jones replied: “It’s for the prime minister to decide what he may or may not want to do in the future.”

“It’s right for any leader to listen to members of their team if they want to express their views on these issues. And it’s right that he’s listening to them. I think it’d be worse if he wasn’t,” he added.

Asked if Starmer’s job is “up for grabs”, the minister said: “Look, in politics, it always is.

“But as I say, it’s for the prime minister to decide one way or another about what he wants to do in the future.

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“He was very clear with us yesterday what he thought the right way through was. And no doubt he’ll continue to be talking to colleagues today.”

But he insisted the King’s Speech, which marks the start of a new parliamentary term, will still go ahead on Wednesday.

Jones also claimed the “vast majority” of the Parliamentary Labour Party still wants to get on with the job.

In a jibe to those championing Starmer’s rivals, he added: “It’s a gruelling job.

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“I think anybody who thinks that they can just walk into the job of prime minister and like the second coming of the Messiah, fix all of our problems probably hasn’t really thought carefully enough about how difficult it is.”

The minister also told Sky News’ Sophy Ridge that he’s “a bit sad” about the state of the party.

Jones added: “I’m a bit sad, to be honest Sophy, because I’m sad that we’re in this situation in the first place.

“I’m sad about the election results last Thursday when we lost many brilliant colleagues across the country, some of whom had served their local communities for many decades.

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“So I’m sad that my team, my party, has ended up with a poor set of results.

“And I’m sad that a number of colleagues yesterday, have felt the need to have this conversation in public as opposed to internally within the party.

“So I am a bit sad about that, to be honest, but I’m also optimistic about the future because we’ve only been in government now for less than two years.”

Subscribe to Commons People, the podcast that makes politics easy. Every week, Kevin Schofield and Kate Nicholson unpack the week’s biggest stories to keep you informed. Join us for straightforward analysis of what’s going on at Westminster.

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Newscast – Starmer Says He’s Staying

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Newscast - Epstein Files: New Mandelson and Andrew Allegations

Available for over a year

Today, Keir Starrmer has said he will “get on with governing” despite another day of increasing pressure on him to resign from the Labour party.

Four ministers resigned on Tuesday, and more MPs have called for the Prime Minister to stand down. But so far no formal leadership contest has been triggered.

Meanwhile more than 100 MPs are understood to have signed a statement backing the PM, saying “this is no time for a leadership contest”. Adam, Chris and Alex reflect on whether Starmer can survie the pressure.

You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say “Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast”. It works on most smart speakers.

You can join our Newscast online community here: https://bbc.in/newscastdiscord

Get in touch with Newscast by emailing newscast@bbc.co.uk or send us a WhatsApp on +44 0330 123 9480.

New episodes released every day. If you’re in the UK, for more News and Current Affairs podcasts from the BBC, listen on BBC Sounds: https://bbc.in/4guXgXd

Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. The presenter was Adam Fleming. It was made by Jack Maclaren with Jem Westgate. The social producer was Beth Pritchard. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

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Trump again refuses to rule out troops or ICE at polling stations: ‘I’d do anything necessary’

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Trump again refuses to rule out troops or ICE at polling stations: ‘I’d do anything necessary’

President Donald Trump on Tuesday refused to close the door on illegally sending federalized National Guard soldiers or Immigrations and Customs Enforcement agents to voting sites in Democratic areas during the November midterm elections despite the complete lack of any legal basis for doing so.

The president was pressed on whether he’d try to send federal resources to intimidate voters as he departed the White House for a state visit to China.

Asked whether he’d send National Guard or ICE to voting locations, Trump replied: “I do anything necessary to make sure we have honest elections.”

His comments came just days after he announced on Truth Social that the GOP plans to dispense a large “Election Integrity Army” to every single state for the 2026 midterms – invoking his debunked claims that the United States does not have fair elections.

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In the social media post, he claimed his 2024 election win over Kamala Harris was due to the thousands of poll watchers Republicans had sent into polling stations nationwide,

“During my Historic Election in 2024, when I won every single Swing State, and decisively won both the Electoral and Popular votes by wide margins, the Republicans had an Election Integrity Army in every single State to preserve the sanctity of each legal vote. We will be doing the same again in 2026, but it will be much bigger and stronger,” Trump wrote.

President Donald Trump speaks to reporters as he leaves the White House for travel to Beijing
President Donald Trump speaks to reporters as he leaves the White House for travel to Beijing (AP)

Trump did not elaborate on who would be part of the “Election Integrity Army” or how large it would be.

But his announcement was reminiscent of familiar claims he made in the run-up to the 2024 presidential race in which he planted seeds of doubt on the validity of U.S. election – seemingly dependent on the outcome.

Since returning to office last January, Trump has remained fixated on his 2020 loss to Biden and has attempted to use his authority to make it far more difficult for Americans to vote by mail, citing widely debunked allegations of fraud in that election.

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Earlier this year, he signed an executive order attempting to restrict mail-in ballot voting by directing the government to create a list of eligible voters and demanding that the U.S. Postal Service only send ballots to voters on that list.

He has also demanded Congress pass federal voter ID laws and sought to have Republican-led states redraw congressional maps in their party’s favor.

When his party has lost, as it did during last month’s Virginia referendum on a new congressional map (that has been tossed out by the state’s top court) he immediately took to Truth Social to falsely allege that the Democratic victory was the result of subterfuge.

He screamed in all caps that a “RIGGED ELECTION” had taken place despite there being absolutely no evidence of any irregularities or fraud in the conduct of the plebiscite the previous evening in which 1,575,288 voters cast ballots in favor of a constitutional amendment which permits the implementation of new districts drawn by Virginia’s Democratic-led General Assembly, bypassing an independent, bipartisan commission which has drawn district lines since 2020.

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No irregularities were reported during the voting on Tuesday, and Democrats had indicated that they expected to win based on heavy turnout in Arlington, Fairfax, Loudon, Prince William and Henrico Counties, all of which are home to hundreds of thousands of federal workers, many of whom have been affected by the Trump administration’s efforts to slash federal employment rolls to punish what GOP loyalists believe is an anti-Trump “deep state.”

Trump nonetheless claimed Republicans had been “winning” the referendum “all day long” — until what he described as a “massive ‘Mail In Ballot Drop’” changed the GOP’s fortunes.

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Katie Price’s husband’s vile rants as he calls children ‘ugly gremlins’ and slams ‘pig-looking rat’

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Daily Mirror

Katie Price’s husband, Lee Andrews, has branded critics ‘gremlins’ in unearthed social media comments, after followers questioned their marriage.

Lee Andrews’ vile rants against social media followers have been uncovered, following his marriage to Katie Price. The lovebirds stunned fans when they tied the knot at the beginning of the year, after a whirlwind relationship. The businessman currently lives in Dubai and has yet to meet his new wife’s family, including her five children.

After facing scrutiny over their romance, the 41-year-old lashed out at critics in unearthed Facebook comments, branding a family “ugly gremlins” and slamming a “pig looking rat bag”. Underneath a picture of Lee posing beside a horse, one Facebook fan said he “liked big teeth”.

Having none of it, he shared a photo seemingly of their family, spitting back: “The Absolutely ugliest gremlins and family I’ve ever seen not the care bear . But the rest Jeaus help my eyes.

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“And these poor beings .. the world is so unfair .. and has been super harsh this lot. I’d start a make a wish list but I’m sure the few Pennie’s wouldn’t help. They might go a long way at that 2nd rate theme park your at .. good for you I bet it’s someone’s birthday . Well done saving up for this. Best mum vibes [sic].”

“Go be with your ugly Mrs,” he urged one commenter, before telling another: “Concentrate on that pig looking rat bag you call a Mrs In your profile picture not our beautiful relationship jealous a**e.”

“You pair of mingers behave, stay with that sewage rat of a Mrs in your profile picture .. then make that comment,” the entrepreneur told a hater.

Katie is no stranger to the headlines, but she has barely been out of the news since marrying Lee in January. However, he is yet to meet her family as he currently lives in Dubai, with the former glamour model travelling back and forth to the UK.

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It was announced that they would be making their live TV debut today in a joint appearance on Good Morning Britain but, just before the chat, it emerged that Lee had missed his flight, leaving the mum-of-five to face the chat alone.

Host Susanna Reid took the opportunity to warn the I’m A Celebrity star over the marriage, questioning whether he was “telling her everything”. Insisting that he was “reliable”, she urged the hosts to “interrogate” her over the relationship, so that she could clear up any doubt.

“What I love about you Katie is that you’re very open, but I just wonder if he’s telling you everything,” Susanna said, to which Katie replied: “I know no one believes me, your face says it all.

“I can’t keep going to Dubai because I’ve got work and my kids here. He pays for it anyway but I can’t keep going to Dubai so he’s shifting over here. I said ‘I keep flying to you, you’ve got to come to England now.’”

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Starmer Rejects Calls To Resign As Labour Leader

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Starmer Rejects Calls To Resign As Labour Leader

Keir Starmer has told his cabinet he will not quit despite mounting calls for him to resign as prime minister.

The PM told the weekly meeting of his top team: “The country expects us to get on with governing. That is what I am doing and what we must do as a cabinet.”

In a direct message to those who want his job, he said Labour “has a process for challenging a leader and that has not been triggered”.

Starmer’s comments come despite more than 80 Labour MPs calling publicly for him to go and the resignation this morning of a government minister.

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Four cabinet ministers also told him yesterday that he cannot survive as PM.

The PM said: “As I said yesterday, I take responsibility for these election results and I take responsibility for delivering the change we promised.

“The past 48 hours have been destabilising for government and that has a real economic cost for our country and for families.

“The Labour Party has a process for challenging a leader and that has not been triggered.

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“The country expects us to get on with governing. That is what I am doing and what we must do as a cabinet.”

Government sources have since contradicted Starmer’s claims, saying the prime minister promised to only speak to cabinet ministers about the elections or his leadership individually.

The insiders claim Starmer then refused to see cabinet ministers individually after the meeting.

Starmer’s comments pile pressure on his leadership rivals to break cover and directly challenge him.

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Any challenger would need the support of 81 MPs to trigger a contest, and Starmer would automatically go on the ballot paper.

However, Labour MPs are deeply split over who should take over, which is helping to keep the PM in his job for now.

Subscribe to Commons People, the podcast that makes politics easy. Every week, Kevin Schofield and Kate Nicholson unpack the week’s biggest stories to keep you informed. Join us for straightforward analysis of what’s going on at Westminster.

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Universal Credit rules claimants should check before summer travel abroad

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Cambridgeshire Live

People claiming Universal Credit are being reminded to check DWP rules before travelling abroad this summer as leaving the UK may affect their benefit payments

Individuals receiving Universal Credit are being urged to review Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) regulations before heading overseas this summer, as international travel could impact their benefit entitlements.

Universal Credit payments can typically be maintained for up to one month during foreign trips, as long as recipients continue fulfilling their claim requirements. Nevertheless, claimants must declare alterations to their circumstances, including overseas journeys, via their online Universal Credit portal.

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These regulations are applicable to claimants across Scotland, England and Wales. Information on GOV.UK confirms that individuals receiving Universal Credit “may be able to continue getting it for up to one month while you’re abroad”.

Recipients may still be required to attend scheduled appointments, actively seek employment or fulfil claimant obligations while overseas, unless they have arranged alternative measures with their work coach.

Those receiving Universal Credit who neglect to declare changes to their situation could face postponements, excess payments or complications with their claim upon returning home, reports the Daily Record.

Extended periods overseas may be permitted under specific circumstances, including:

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  • receiving medical treatment
  • dealing with the death of a partner, child or close relative
  • escaping domestic abuse
  • accompanying a child receiving medical treatment

According to GOV.UK information, certain individuals may qualify to receive Universal Credit for up to six months when travelling abroad for medical care or supporting a child undergoing treatment.

The DWP advised claimants to always verify the regulations prior to travelling, as entitlement depends on personal circumstances and the duration of time spent overseas. Universal Credit is a means-tested benefit intended to support those on a low income, out of work, or unable to work with their everyday living costs.

The sum an individual receives is determined by their personal circumstances, taking into account factors such as earnings, housing costs, and whether they have children or health conditions.

Those in receipt of Universal Credit can report any changes to their circumstances via their online Universal Credit account or by calling the Universal Credit helpline.

Claimants who are planning holidays or trips abroad this summer are also being urged to keep a record of their travel dates and return plans, should they be required to provide further information regarding their absence from the UK.

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Guidance on GOV.UK also cautions that Universal Credit payments may be halted if a claimant remains outside the UK beyond the permitted period and does not meet the criteria for an exemption under DWP rules.

As a result, claimants are advised to carefully review the latest guidance before booking or embarking on any trips outside the UK.

Further information regarding travelling abroad while claiming Universal Credit can be found on GOV.UK.

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York Christmas Market- rest day closure plan approved

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York Christmas Market- rest day closure plan approved

York Council’s Executive backed trialling Tuesday closures this year to improve accessibility including for disabled people, despite hearing that up to £7.8 million less could be spent in the city centre as a result.

Disabled people told councillors on Tuesday, May 12, the move sent a powerful message they they were an equal part of the local community.

But traders warned the move could put visitors off, pile pressure on the event when it is open and cause further harm to the already struggling hospitality industry.

Cllr Pete Kilbane, the council’s Labour economy spokesperson, said they had to strike a difficult balance but they would not bar people from the city centre during the event.

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It follows the introduction of restrictions barring Blue Badge holders and other vehicles from driving into the city centre during the event last year following a North Yorkshire Police request.

The Anti-Terror Traffic Regulation Order (ATTRO) is now available to use year round but is expected to be activated only during future markets and other events on a case-by-case basis, in consultation with the council and other emergency services.

The police said last year the restrictions were needed to deter terror attacks.

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Tuesday’s executive meeting heard the national terror threat level had recently been raised to severe, meaning an attack is highly likely.

But disabled people said in the run up to last year’s market the measures would restrict their access to the city centre, resulting in the event’s opening times being pushed back.

The approved plans are set to see the market open from 10.30am to 7pm every day except Tuesday.

York Christmas Market is set to close on Tuesdays this year (Image: Staff)

Blue Badge holders will be able to use the ‘Goodramgate loop’ between Deansgate, King’s Square and Colliergate but Church Street would be closed.

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Extra hostile vehicle measures would be put in place as a result, costing an estimated £50,000 in extra running costs.

The council and other bodies would monitor the measures during the event and make any changes deemed necessary.

Council city development lead Garry Taylor said the measures would allow the city centre to run as normal, as well as allowing access to disabled people and Blue Badge holders.

But he added the estimated loss of spending in the city centre could be between £2.6 million and £7.82 million, 1.87 and 5.62 per cent of total spend respectively during the market.

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Amanda Cooper, of the York Disability Rights Forum, told councillors disabled people found it very difficult to be in the city centre when the market is on.

Ms Cooper said: “Restricting access to essential services including banks could cause some to go into financial difficulties or debt.

“Those who oppose this may themselves become disabled one day, they should reflect on that.”

But organisations including York’s High Street Forum, Business Improvement District (BID), Made In Yorkshire and others all objected to the plans warning of their impact on the local economy.

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Market trader Nick Miller said closing one day a week would mean having to stop production and potentially hire fewer staff for them.

The trader said: “We had 241 applications for jobs on our stall last year, it’s worrying that that many people need a job in York.

“The market’s already busy at peak times, this could put more pressure on the market as a whole.”

Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader Cllr Paula Widdowson said the saga showed the issue of Blue Badge access to the city centre should never have been turned into a political football.

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Cllr Widdowson said: “We’re talking about safety in the city centre during one of the busiest periods of the year, this shouldn’t have been left to politicians balancing competiting priorities.”

Economy and Culture Executive Member Cllr Kilbane said a return to a seven-day market was not ruled out in the future as officials continue to work on long term solutions to access issues.

The executive member said: “No city has cracked making events such as the Christmas Market fully accessible but we will turn over every stone to make sure all residents and visitors can access the city centre while it’s on at a bare minimum.”

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Eurovision 2026: Three Countries Won’t Even Air Song Contest

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Eurovision 2026: Three Countries Won't Even Air Song Contest

Last year, five nations’ broadcasters announced they were withdrawing from the Eurovision Song Contest in solidarity with Palestine, after bosses confirmed that Israel would be invited back in 2026.

Ireland was the first to withdraw in the immediate aftermath, followed by Spain, The Netherlands and Slovenia, with Iceland becoming the fifth around a week later.

This year’s song contest is now about to get underway with the first live semi-final on Tuesday night, with three of the five boycotting nations not airing any coverage of Eurovision in 2026.

On Thursday, Ireland’s RTÉ will show a special episode of the travel show The End Of The World With Beanz featuring former Eurovision champion Niamh Kavanagh.

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In place of Saturday’s live final, meanwhile, they’ll be reairing an old episode of Father Ted centred around the Eurovision Song Contest.

A classic episode of Father Ted will air on RTÉ on Saturday night in place of the usual Eurovision final

Father Ted creator Graham Linehan has became a prominent voice in the anti-transgender movement in recent years, and is also staunchly pro-Israel.

He has lambasted the decision to re-air the Father Ted episode in place of Eurovision, describing the move as “a tool of antisemitic harassment” on X.

It was already announced that Slovenia’s national broadcaster RTV would be dedicating their Saturday night scheduled to platforming Palestinian artists and creators, while Spain’s RTVE has put together its own alternative musical celebration called The House Of Music.

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Back in February, Spain went ahead with its Eurovision selection show Benidormfest, changing the prize from a spot at the international song contest to a cash prize.

Eurovision will take place in Basel, Austria last year following JJ's win in 2025
Eurovision will take place in Basel, Austria last year following JJ’s win in 2025

Meanwhile, The Netherlands and Iceland will air Eurovision 2026 as planned, despite not taking part themselves.

Eurovision director Martin Green said in response to Ireland, Spain, The Netherlands, Slovenia and Iceland’s choice to pull out of the 2026 contest: “All of us here respect their position and decision. We will continue to work with them as friends and colleagues in the hope they return to the contest soon.

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