London politics latest LIVE: Rishi Sunak says he ‘regrets’ appointing Gavin Williamson to Cabinet
Rishi Sunak has said “regrets” appointing Sir Gavin Williamson to Cabinet and that it was “absolutely right that he resigned” in the wake of bullying claims.
However Mr Sunak, facing Labour leader Keir Starmer at PMQs on Wednesday, said he did not know about “any of the specific concerns” relating to Sir Gavin’s conduct as Secretary of State or chief whip.
His comments came after Sir Keir asked him in the Commons: “The member for South Staffordshire (Sir Gavin Williamson) told a civil servant to slit their throat.
“How does the Prime Minister think the victim of that bullying felt when he expressed great sadness at his resignation?”
Former chief whip Wendy Morton had reported expletive-laden messages Sir Gavin sent her as he complained about being refused an invitation to the Queen’s funeral.
It then emerged Sir Gavin had been accused of bullying by a former official at the Ministry of Defence and engaged in “unethical and immoral” behaviour while he was chief whip.
Sir Gavin said the allegations against him were “becoming a distraction for the good work this Government is doing for the British people” and was stepping back to “clear my name”.
This heaped further pressure on Mr Sunak, who has also faced criticism for reappointing Suella Braverman as Home Secretary after she was forced out for breaking the ministerial code.
PMQs live coverage ends
14:31 , Josh Salisbury
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Braverman: Officers need to go back to ‘common sense’ policing
14:13 , Josh Salisbury
Home Secretary Suella Braverman told police chiefs at a conference in Westminster she did not want officers to face "politically correct" distractions.
She said: "The way to ensure public confidence in the police is to focus on getting the basics right.
“What I call 'common sense policing'. The kind of policing the law-abiding majority deserves and expects.
“No politically correct distractions, just good old-fashioned policing - with a relentless focus on making our streets, homes and transport networks safer."
She praised the chief constable of Greater Manchester Police Stephen Watson, saying he "rejects woke policing".
Government delays calling Stormont election
14:01 , Josh Salisbury
Northern Ireland secretary Chris Heaton-Harris has said he will introduce legislation to "provide a short straightforward extension to the period for executive formation".
Making a Commons statement on Northern Ireland elections, he told MPs: "The one thing that everyone agrees on is that we must try and find a way through this current impasse.
"When I have a legal duty to call an election that few want and everyone tells me will change nothing. Thus, I will be introducing legislation to provide a short straightforward extension to the period for executive formation, extending the current period by six weeks, to December 8, with potential for a further six-week extension 19 January if necessary.
"This aims to create the time and space needed for talks between the UK Government and the European Commission to develop, and for the Northern Ireland parties to work together to restore the devolved institutions as soon as possible."
Government ‘giving police powers to stop disruptive protesters’ says Sunak
13:49 , Josh Salisbury
Rishi Sunak has said his Government is "moving ahead" with legislation to give the police the powers they need to stop protests such as Just Stop Oil.
His comments came after Conservative MP for Runnymede and Weybridge Ben Spencer said in the Commons: "Today Just Stop Oil protesters have been on the M25, causing disruption and misery to my constituents, including causing problems of access to my local hospital.
!Does my right honourable friend agree with me rather than illegal stunts that endanger lives, these protesters should look at our records of delivery on net-zero, from renewables to the Glasgow climate pact, and work constructively with us to deliver on our environmental ambitions?"
The Prime Minister replied: "I completely agree with my honourable friend and I sympathise with his hard-working constituents who are having to deal with this kind of disruption.
!That's why we are moving ahead with legislation to give the police the powers they need to stop this type of extremist protesting, disrupting the lives of working people, and I very much hope the party opposite actually join us in supporting those changes."
No10 refuses to say if Sunak knew details of Williamson bullying claim
13:36 , Josh Salisbury
The Prime Minister's press secretary would not say whether Rishi Sunak knew of the nature of the bullying claim against Sir Gavin Williamson when he appointed him.
Asked if Mr Sunak was not told by Sir Jake Berry that the complaint in question concerned bullying and intimidation, she said: "I can't comment on the... details of private discussions.
“But he was made aware of the disagreement."
Pressed on whether he might have known the nature of the complaint, if not the details, she added: "It wouldn't be right for me to comment on complaints processes because they are rightly kept confidential."
No10 declines to say whether Williamson should lose knighthood
13:30 , Josh Salisbury
The Prime Minister's press secretary said it would be a question for the Forfeiture Committee whether Sir Gavin Williamson should be stripped of his knighthood.
Asked if the PM thinks Sir Gavin should lose the title, she said: "I believe there is a formal process for that called the Forfeiture Committee. And that would be a decision for them."
Williamson met Sunak face-to-face before resignation
13:25 , Josh Salisbury
Sir Gavin Williamson requested a face-to-face meeting with Rishi Sunak ahead of his resignation on Tuesday evening, the Prime Minister's press secretary said.
"Gavin asked for a meeting with the Prime Minister yesterday evening, they spoke about it and Gavin offered his resignation," she said.
She said the PM did not originally refuse to accept Sir Gavin's resignation.
Asked if Mr Sunak would have sacked him if he had not resigned, she said that was a "hypothetical question".
"The Prime Minister received Gavin's resignation and he accepted it - and as he said in the House, it was the right thing to do to resign," she said.
PM ‘keeping dinosaurs on backbenches happy by banning on-shore wind'
13:19 , Josh Salisbury
The Prime Minister has been accused of “keeping the dinosaurs on his backbenches happy" by maintaining a ban on onshore wind farms.
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey welcomed Rishi Sunak's commitments at COP27 but told the Commons: "I am alarmed that at home the Prime Minister has banned onshore wind, one of the cheapest and most popular forms of renewable energy.
“Will the Prime Minister confirm whether his priority is cutting people's energy bills, improving Britain's energy security, and tackling global climate change, or keeping the dinosaurs on his backbenches happy? Why won't he get rid of the ban on onshore wind?"
Mr Sunak replied: "We are committed to reducing people's bills and to having more forms of renewable energy, and our track record on this is superb, four times more than in 2010 the amount of renewable energy.
“Zero carbon energy now accounts for half of our electricity needs and we are poised to do more.
“Offshore wind is the thing we are focusing on along with nuclear and we are now a world leader in offshore wind, and it is providing cheap forms of electricity and energy for households up and down the country, and alongside nuclear that is how we will transition to a cleaner grid."
No10: ‘No decisions’ made on Williamson replacement
13:11 , Josh Salisbury
The Prime Minister's press secretary said no decisions have been made on who might replace Sir Gavin Williamson in the Cabinet Office, if the role remains.
Asked if there will be a like-for-like replacement for the role, she said: "Yeah. The PM is considering (a) replacement for the role. No decisions have been taken."
Pressed on whether Rishi Sunak is considering who fills the role or whether the role continues to exist, she said: "He's considering the role and whether that is taken on by someone already in the Cabinet Office or someone who would replace Gavin Williamson. No decisions have been made."
On whether that means Sir Gavin might not be replaced, she said: "No decisions have been taken."
More training and skills needed for green energy transition, says former PM May
13:09 , Josh Salisbury
More training and skills will be needed for the UK to take advantage of the switch to green energy, former prime minister Theresa May has said.
Mrs May told the Commons: "He is absolutely right to talk about the creation of high-skilled, high-wage green jobs as we green our economy, but people need to have the training and skills and education to be able to take on those jobs.
"What are the Government's plans in relation to education and training for green skills?"
Rishi Sunak responded: "I point her to our record investments in apprenticeships in particular, but also to the new lifelong learning entitlement which acknowledges that people will have to retrain at any point during their lives to take advantage of the new economic opportunities that are coming our way.
"I am pleased that we will be rolling out that programme over the coming years."
Corbyn: I’m ‘grateful’ to be living ‘rent free’ in PM’s head
13:07 , Josh Salisbury
Jeremy Corbyn has told Rishi Sunak that he is “grateful for my continued rent-free tenancy in the Prime Minister’s head”.
This is a reference to Sunak’s repeated references to Mr Corbyn’s leadership of Labour at PMQs.
Mr Corbyn says he should have advance notice over plans to mention him at PMQs.
Sunak jokes that if Keir Starmer gives him advance notice of his questions, he will tell Corbyn when he intends to mention him in his answers.
Wallace: ‘No Government wants to lose ministers’ says defence secretary over Williamson
13:02 , Josh Salisbury
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said "no Government wants to lose ministers" in reference to the resignation of Sir Gavin Williamson on Tuesday.
He said: "The Prime Minister has set his team and he is focused on fixing the economy and showing our security and defence is in the right place" and that following the resignation "the Government will carry on and deliver for day-to-day people".
Sunak insists climate plan ‘is right plan'
12:57 , Josh Salisbury
In response to Starmer’s criticism over COP, Sunak says Labour PMs failed to attend 12 out of 13 of the gatherings held during their time in office.
He says Labour used to believe there was no case for nuclear power, and that oil and gas are going to be part of our energy mix as we transition to green energy.
“Our plan is the right plan, it’s realistic, credible, it’s delivering for the British people”, he says.
Starmer criticises Sunak for not originally attending COP27
12:52 , Josh Salisbury
Starmer begins his response by asking Sunak what progress he made when he raised the case of the pro-democracy activist Alaa Abd El-Fattah unresolved with the Egyptian president.
Sir Keir says the Prime Minister had to be “dragged kicking and screaming” to COP27, after initially saying he would not go. He says it sent a clear message is that the PM would only go if former PM Boris Johnson was going.
This is a reference to the fact that Johnson said he was going to COP before Sunak did.
UK will deliver on climate promises - Sunak
12:45 , Josh Salisbury
Rishi Sunak is giving a statement about his attendance at COP27 in Egypt.
He says that when the UK hosted COP26 last year, just one third of the world was committed to net zero. Now he says it’s over 90%.
“The question at this summit is whether countries would deliver on their promises", he says.
“I am pleased to say that our nation will.”
Sunak pledges to tackle child poverty and reform childcare
12:38 , Josh Salisbury
Sunak is taking a slew of questions from backbench MPs.
In response to a question from Labour’s Barry Sheerman about child poverty, he says the best solution is to make sure they do not grow up in workless households, which is what the Government is doing.
In response to a question from Labour’s Ben Bradshaw of the security risk of so-called ‘golden visas’ for wealthy investors, Mr Sunak said the visa was ended and that it was being replaced.
He also tells the Conservatives’ Siobhan Baillie that he has “ambitious plans” to reform childcare in response to a question on the issue.
Sunak refuses to comment on Boris Johnson’s resignation honours list
12:32 , Josh Salisbury
Ian Blackford, the SNP leader at Westminster, says Alister Jack, the Scottish secretary, is being lined up for a peerage in Boris Johnson’s honours list.
He asks whether it is right that Mr Jack remains in Cabinet, given reports he will be elevated to the Lords.
Sunak says he won’t comment on Johnson’s honours list, saying it would follow the normal rules and procedures.
Starmer accuses ‘weak’ Sunak of oil and gas tax giveaway
12:27 , Josh Salisbury
Starmer zeroes in on the windfall tax for oil and gas companies, saying that a rebate effectively means an oil and gas “giveaway” of billions of pounds.
“What the party opposite will never understand is that it’s businesses investing in this country that creates jobs”, says Sunak. “We understand that, we will support businesses to invest”.
Starmer says there is a pattern of Mr Sunak being “weak”.
“Too weak to sack the security threats sat around the Cabinet table, too weak to take part in a leadership contest after he lost the first one, too weak to stand up for working people,” he says.
He asks: “If he can’t even stand up to a cartoon bully with a pet spider, if he’s too scared to face the public in an election, what chance has he got of running the country?”
Sunak responds with a refence to Jeremy Corbyn, saying Starmer wanted to put him in office.
“He’s said a lot today, but it’s clear that he’s not focussed on the serious issues confronting our country. We’re strengthening our economy - he’s backing the strikers”.
Starmer accuses Sunak of being too weak to stand up to ‘bullies'
12:21 , Josh Salisbury
Sir Keir says if Rishi Sunak cannot stand up to a “run-of-the-mill bully” then he cannot stand up to vested interests on behalf of working people.
“Take Shell, they made record profits this year,” he says. “How much have they paid under his so-called windfall tax?”
Mr Sunak says he was the Chancellor who introduced a windfall tax, and accuses Starmer of voting against legislation which would stop strikes disrupting working people.
He also accuses Starmer of being on the side of “extremist protesters”, which Starmer denies.
Starmer criticises Sunak for ‘hiding behind’ Williamson
12:17 , Josh Salisbury
Keir Starmer says everyone knows someone like Williamson - a “sad middle manager getting off on intimidating those beneath him”.
“But everyone in the country knows someone like the PM, the boss who is so weak, so worried that bullies will turn on him, that he hides behind them,” says Starmer. “What message does he think it sends when rather than take on the bullies, he sides up alongside them and thanks them for their loyalty?”
Mr Sunak says: “The message I want to send is that integrity in public life matters and that is why it is right that [Williamson] has resgined, and why it is right there is a rigorous process to examine these issues.”
Sunak: I regret appointing Williamson
12:13 , Josh Salisbury
Keir Starmer says Williamson “spent years courting the idea he could intimidate others” - and claims this is why Rishi Sunak gave him a job.
“The truth is simple, he’s a pathetic bully,” he says. “But he would never get away with it if people like the Prime Minister didn’t hand him power. So does he regret his decision to make him a Government minister?”
Mr Sunak replies: “I obviously regret appointing someone who has had t resign in these circumstances. But I think what the British people would like to know is that when siutations like these arise, that they will be dealt with properly.”
Sunak: It’s right Gavin Williamson has resigned
12:09 , Josh Salisbury
Labour’s Sir Keir Starmer has quizzed Rishi Sunak over the appointment of Gavin Williamson.
He points out that a civil servant complained Sir Gavin told him to cut his throat, and asks Mr Sunak: “How does the Prime Minister think the victim of that bullying felt when he expressed great sadness at his resignation?”
Mr Sunak responds by saying that the behaviour complained of is “unacceptable”.
“It is absolutely right that [Williamson] has resigned,” he said. “For the record, I did not know of any of the specific concerns relating to his conduct as secretary of state or chief whip which date back some years.
“I believe others in public life should treat others with consideration and respect and those are the principles this Government will stand by”.
PMQs begins
12:04 , Josh Salisbury
Prime Minister’s Questions has begun, with Rishi Sunak expected to face questions about the appointment of Gavin Williamson.
Mr Sunak stood to cheers from his backbenchers at his third PMQs.
Responding to a question on whether anyone fined for breaking Covid restrictions will be given a seat in the Lords by indepedent Bermondsey and Old Southwark MP, Neil Coyle, Mr Sunak responds by saying the Government was responsible for the fastest vaccine rollout.
Pictured: Rishi Sunak leaves No10 for PMQs
11:44 , Josh Salisbury
Lid Dems call for Williamson to lose knighthood if bullying allegations proven
11:36 , Josh Salisbury
The Liberal Democrats have called for Gavin Williamson to be stripped of his knighthood if bullying claims are upheld against him.
Wendy Chamberlain, the party’s chief whip, said: “The complaints being made about Gavin Williamson are extremely serious and suggest a bullying culture at the very top of the Conservative party.
“If these complaints are upheld he should be stripped of his knighthood, or else the whole honours system risks being brought into disrepute.
Rishi Sunak appointed Williamson to cabinet despite knowing of serious complaints about his behaviour. Since then he sat on his hands for days instead of taking action.
“The very least Sunak could do now is confirm he would support taking Williamson’s knighthood away if the investigations into his behaviour find him guilty.”
Deadline for Stormont elections ‘to be extended'
10:57 , Josh Salisbury
Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris is set to extend a deadline for calling a fresh Stormont election and cut the pay of Assembly members in the Northern reland devolved assembly.
According to PA news agency, Mr Heaton-Harris will extend the current January 19 deadline by six weeks, with an option to extend it by a further six weeks.
It says he is likely to move to reduce MLA pay by just under a third - 27%.
Mr Heaton-Harris is also set to give extra powers to Stormont civil servants to enable them to run the region’s rudderless public services.
The moves will require legislation to be laid and passed at Westminster.
The Secretary of State is due to confirm his plans in a statement to the House of Commons later on Wednesday.
Sunak has ‘fabulous’ judgement, says minister over Williamson claims
10:43 , Josh Salisbury
Rishi Sunak did not know "any specific allegations" against ousted minister Sir Gavin Williamson, Education Secretary Gillian Keegan has insisted.
She said Mr Sunak possesses the "highest degree of integrity and judgment" despite bringing the twice-sacked minister back into Government while knowing of a complaint against him.
“He didn't know about any specific allegations, he hadn't seen any text messages or anything like that," she told LBC radio.
Ms Keegan told BBC Breakfast: "I've worked with him for many years. He has integrity, he has fabulous judgment."
She argued to Times Radio that Mr Sunak "has the highest degree of integrity and judgment".
"I mean, the reality is you appoint people and, you know, the only thing you can do if things don't work out or things go wrong or things come to light afterwards is act quickly," she added.
“Gavin's acted quickly, he's removed the distraction."
