Skills minister Jacqui Smith stated that US defence secretary Pete Hegseth showed a lack of decorum by criticising European immigration policies during a D-day commemoration event. Her remarks followed widespread European condemnation of the comments. Smith noted substantial cuts to net migration under the current government and pledged further measures on issues such as small boat crossings. Two weeks before a potential by-election in Makerfield, Andy Burnham appears well positioned to secure the seat. Although Keir Starmer has indicated he will not step aside as Labour leader, reports suggest internal discussions focus on legacy announcements before the vote. One expected measure involves restricting harmful social media access for those under 16. Starmer is also set to deliver a technology speech today, with advance extracts indicating he will argue that the tech revolution must benefit all citizens rather than a select group. He plans to highlight support for British firms to drive growth, jobs and regional opportunity through technology. An additional announcement concerns a three-month trial of an AI work assistant by the Department for Work and Pensions to aid jobseekers with career advice and applications. The day’s schedule includes press events from opposition figures, a Downing Street briefing and parliamentary questions.
