Politics live: Reform treasury spokesperson Jenrick to call net-zero a ‘distraction’ as Farage unveils top team – UK Times

Sir Keir Starmer has spoken with Donald Trump, with both agreeing that Iran must never be able to develop nuclear weapons.

A Downing Street spokesperson said the pair spoke on Tuesday night, with the prime minister reiterating his condemnation of “Putin’s barbaric attacks on innocent civilians in Ukraine”, with the leaders discussing ongoing negotiations.

The spokesperson said: “Turning to the situation in Gaza, the prime minister reflected on the current situation in the region and the importance of securing further access for humanitarian aid. He set out his support for the ongoing work to deliver the US-led peace plan.

“The two leaders confirmed their joint commitment to promoting stability and peace in the Middle East.

“They discussed the ongoing talks between the US and Iran taking place in Geneva over Iran’s nuclear programme.

“Both agreed that Iran must never be able to develop a nuclear weapon and they reiterated the need to work closely amongst allies and partners to improve regional security.”

The rate of Consumer Prices Index inflation has fallen to 3 per cent in January from 3.4 per cent in December, the Office for National Statistics has said.

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Okay, I paraphrase – it was local councils who wanted to postpone the pointless contests for soon-to-be defunct local authorities, but it was central government that offered them the choice – and many councillors, staring defeat in May in the face, gladly took the opportunity for another year in power, allowances and expenses undecided. Granted, Farage didn’t actually have his day in court, but it was worse than that because the housing secretary, Steve Reed, presumably with the acquiescence of the prime minister, decided not to try and put up a fight.

Read the full analysis here:

Reform UK has been accused of “pitching for the votes of misogynists, homophobes, racists and antisemites” after Suella Braverman, the party’s new equalities chief, announced plans to scrap the Equality Act.

Addressing the conference, she said Reform would repeal the Equality Act on day one if it wins the next election, claiming that Britain is being “ripped apart by diversity, equality and inclusion” policies.

The Independent’s Political Correspondent has the story:

Zia Yusuf, Reform’s head of policy, has updated his X bio to “shadow home secretary”.

Yusuf, who is not an MP, was given the home affairs brief on Tuesday.

In announcing the role today, Mr Farage described Mr Yusuf as “relatively new to politics”, adding: “He’s only really been in the game for just over 20 months, but he’s made a massive impression already, a very powerful public debater and television performer.

“Zia Yusuf will take on the role of shadow home secretary with, of course, particular reference to that one issue above all that has broken the trust of the British public with manifesto after manifesto just not telling the truth, I’m talking, of course, about both legal and illegal immigration.”

Claiming that Reform now “has its own brand, Reform has its own identity, and now Reform has its own senior characters with their own departments to lead”, Mr Farage appointed four key spokesperson roles.

Two Conservative defectors, Robert Jenrick and Suella Braverman, were given roles, with the former being made the party’s so-called shadow chancellor, while the latter was put in charge of education, skills and equalities.

Mr Farage’s deputy, Richard Tice, was named as the spokesperson for business, trade and energy, while Zia Yusuf was named home affairs spokesperson on a promise to dramatically cut both legal and illegal migration.

The Independent’s Political Correspondent Millie Cooke has the story:

Robert Jenrick will outline Reform’s plans for the Bank of England and OBR in his first major outing as Treasury spokesman.

The “shadow chancellor of the Exchequer” will call net zero efforts a “distraction” and say the OBR overestimated the benefits of low-skilled migration.

He will pledge not to abolish the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR), instead promising “reform”, and will say the Bank would remain independent if he were in No 11.

Ed Davey has hit out at Reform’s leader for failing to include a health or foreign affairs spokesperson in the unveiling of his shadow cabinet.

In a post on social media, the Lib Dem leader said: “Not surprising Farage hasn’t bothered to announce a health spokesperson – his entire team is populated by politicians who broke the NHS.

“They’ve also forgotten about a foreign affairs spokesperson, but I guess they will take their orders straight from Trump’s White House anyway.”

With more teenagers getting to vote and youth unemployment at its worst level for a decade, Sean O’Grady looks at what the latest gloomy figures could mean for Keir Starmer’s government