Diane Abbott hits out at Speaker after not being called to speak at PMQs during racism debate

Starmer's Debut as PM: Calls for Diversity in Parliament, Heads to NATO Summit | Watch

In his debut address as Prime Minister in the Commons, Sir Keir Starmer began by extending his congratulations to Sir Lindsay Hoyle on his re-election as Speaker. He acknowledged Sir Lindsay's leadership over the most diverse parliament in the UK's history in terms of race and gender representation. Starmer expressed pride in the role his party has played in achieving this diversity, along with contributions from all parties. He highlighted the significance of the current parliament hosting the largest cohort of LGBT+ MPs globally. Additionally, Sir Keir congratulated Sir Edward Leigh on becoming the new Father of the House and recognized Diane Abbott as the new Mother of the House, celebrating their contributions and milestones in parliamentary service. #KeirStarmer #KeirStarmerUKPM #RishiSunak #UKParliament #KeirStarmerSwornIn #UKPM #FirstSpeech #Commons #Parliament #Diversity #LGBT+MPs #RaceAndGender #SirLindsayHoyle #FatherOfTheHouse #MotherOfTheHouse #SirEdwardLeigh #DianeAbbott #UKPolitics #HistoricMoment ~PR.152~ED.155~HT.336~GR.124~

Lindsay Hoyle dragged to Speaker’s chair after re-election

Sir Lindsay Hoyle has been re-elected as Commons Speaker, telling MPs he would continue to be “fair, impartial and independent”. After MPs approved the motion to elect Sir Lindsay, he was dragged to the Speaker’s chair by Cat Smith and Tory former minister Sir David Davis. Report by Covellm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Corbyn: I'll challenge inequality and poverty as Independent

Jeremy Corbyn has said he 'did everything [he] could' to remain within the Labour Party, and will always support its movement despite running as an Independent candidate for Islington North. He paid tribute to both Diana Abbott and Faiza Shaheen, describing their treatment by the party as 'appalling and disgraceful'. Report by Alibhaiz. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Diane Abbott 'free' to stand as Labour candidate in election

Sir Keir Starmer says Diane Abbott is "free to go forward" as a Labour candidate in the election. Ms Abbott had the whip restored on Tuesday but media reports said she had been banned from standing as a Labour candidate at the next election. Report by Czubalam. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Labour's Peter Kyle promises fair inquiry into Abbott

Labour's shadow science secretary, Peter Kyle, said the party aimed to handle the investigation into Diane Abbott's comments fairly. Kyle stated that the NEC would ensure all representatives meet the high standards set by Sir Keir Starmer, adding that the issue would be resolved within days, allowing Labour to focus on a platform of change for the upcoming election. Report by Covellm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Angela Rayner: I don’t see any reason why Abbott can’t stand

Deputy Labour leader Angela Rayner defends Diane Abbott’s choice to stand as a Labour MP at the next general election saying, "I don’t see any reason why Diane Abbott can’t stand at the next general election." "She’s been cleared as part of an investigation, that is a process and for me I just see that if she wants to stand I don’t see any reason why she can’t", she said. Report by Ajagbef. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Starmer: No decision has been made to bar Diane Abbott

Sir Keir Starmer says “no decision has been made” to bar Diane Abbott from standing as a candidate for the Labour Party in July. The Labour leader denies that he is blocking left-wingers standing a for his party, saying “I want the highest-quality candidates”. Report by Blairm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

PM repeats election will be ‘second half’ of the year

Rishi Sunak repeats his insistence that the general election will take place in the second half of the year amid mounting speculation he could have his eye on a summer polling day. Answering a question at PMQs from SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn, the prime minister says "there is, Mr Speaker - spoiler alert - there is going to be a general election in the second half of this year”. Report by Blairm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Rishi Sunak heads for Parliament amid election rumours

Rishi Sunak travels to the Houses of Parliament ahead of PMQs amid rumours that the prime minister is about to call a snap general election. Report by Blairm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn