Latest news with #RobertPeston
STV News
11-07-2025
- Politics
- STV News
UK and France confirm 'one in one out' deal to tackle small boat crossings
Starmer has called the deal 'groundbreaking' and said it would start within weeks, as ITV News Political Editor Robert Peston and Correspondent Peter Smith report Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron have announced a 'returns deal' between the two countries in an effort to tackle illegal migration and small boats crossings. In a joint press conference, the prime minister told reporters: 'There is no silver bullet here, but with a united effort, new tactics and a new level of intent, we can finally turn the tables. 'So I am pleased to announce our agreement today on a groundbreaking returns pilot. 'For the very first time, migrants arriving via small boat will be detained and returned to France in short order.' The PM added: 'In exchange for every return, a different individual will be allowed to come here via a safe route – controlled and legal.' Calling out previous government's inaction, Starmer promised: 'Hard headed aggressive action on all fronts to break the gangs business model, secure our borders and show that attempting to reach the UK by small boat will only end in failure, detention and return.' 'Now I know some people will still ask 'Why should we take anyone in?' So let me address that directly,' said Starmer. 'We accept genuine asylum seekers because it is right that we offer a haven to those in most dire need.' The prime minister hailed Thursday's deal as 'groundbreaking,' as he told reporters the pilot would be operational in 'a couple of weeks.' 'If it works what it does is break the model and that's the only way in the end to stop this vile trade.' 'Many governments have tried to get this far and have failed to do so.' Starmer's French counterpart, who has just enjoyed the first state visit by a European leader since Brexit, pointed to the UK's exit from the EU as a major hurdle to overcome: 'We sold a lie to the British people which is that the problem was Europe. The problem has become Brexit,' said Macron. 'For the first time in nine years we are providing a response.' The prime minister would not be drawn on how the scheme would select the individuals who would be returned to France, although Starmer did not deny the figure of 50 individuals a week reported in Le Monde. The Home Office has also refused to confirm how many people this deal would see returned. If the numbers are anything like the 50 reportedly being agreed on, the deal will result in the return of only a fraction of the 21,000 people who have made the Channel crossing so far in 2025, a record for this point in a year. The deal will also not see the net migration figure fall on its own, but the hope is that it would serve as a deterrent for more people hoping to make the trip by boat. It nevertheless represents a concession by the French that such returns are possible, after years of MPs on the right of British politics insisting France is a 'safe' country where migrants can be sent back to. Responding to the announcement, Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said the new deal doesn't go far enough. 'Labour's deal will only return one in every 17 illegal immigrants arriving. Allowing 94% of illegal immigrants to stay will make no difference whatsoever and have no deterrent effect,' Chris Philp said. 'Labour promised to 'smash the gangs', but 2025 so far has been the worst year in history for illegal immigrants crossing the channel and 44,000 illegal immigrants have crossed since the election. Returning 50 illegal immigrants a week only represents 6% of these arrivals. 'The Conservatives would restore the Rwanda plan which Starmer cancelled just days before it was due to start. This would see 100% of illegal immigrants being immediately removed without judicial process. The Australian example showed that a 100% removals deterrent works. We will do the same here.' He finished: 'We've had enough of Starmer's weak and ineffective gimmicks.' Nuclear Defence The UK and France also agreed to coordinate their nuclear deterrents, a move designed to act as a warning to Russia. The move comes as US President Donald Trump called on European allies to step up their contributions to Nato. The Northwood Declaration, which was signed by both Sir Keir Starmer and President Macron, means that the two nuclear powers would mobilise their deterrent together if threatened. The prime minister said: 'Now, as Europe's only nuclear powers and as leaders in Nato, we play a vital role in preserving the peace and security on this continent. Coalition of the Willing The French president also confirmed that peacekeeping plans to aid Ukraine once the war ends are 'ready to go', once a ceasefire has been agreed. Under the plans, which are also referred to as the 'coalition of the willing', British and French troops would be placed on the ground in Ukraine. Other countries would then help provide logistical support to deter further aggression by Russia. STV News is now on WhatsApp Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News
Daily Mail
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Huw Edwards' wife appears in Wimbledon's royal box: TV producer Vicky Flind joins Robert Peston in her first public appearance since disgraced BBC star's fall from grace
The estranged wife of paedophile Huw Edwards has today been pictured in Wimbledon's royal box - the first time she has been seen in public since the disgraced former BBC newsreader's fall from grace. Vicky Flind wore an abstract printed green dress and carried a raffia bag with contrast black straps as she sat beside Robert Peston on centre court at SW19. The producer, who is the creator and executive producer of Preston on Sunday, looked calm as she chatted with the journalist. Mr Peston, whose wife Siân Busby died of lung cancer in 2012, is in a long-term relationship with journalist Charlotte Edwardes. He hailed Ms Flind's 'immense strength' in 2023 when she named Edwards as the star facing allegations of paying a teenager for explicit photographs. Ms Flind, who is the mother of Edwards' five children, split from the twisted newsreader after he pleaded guilty to making indecent images of children last July. Sienna Miller, Katherine Jenkins and Sir Mark Rylance were among the other famous faces in the royal box on the ninth day of Wimbledon. Layer Cake actor Miller attended the championships on Tuesday with her partner Oli Green while wearing a floral minidress. Ms Flind wore an abstract printed green dress and carried a raffia bag with contrast black straps as she was joined by Robert Peston on centre court at SW19 Welsh singer Jenkins arrived at the tournament wearing a pink summer dress while holding hands with her husband, the American filmmaker and artist Andrew Levitas. Wolf Hall actor Sir Mark was wearing a tan suit and tie as he arrived at the tennis tournament on Tuesday. The English celebrity chef Marcus Wareing was also pictured with his wife Jane at the championships. Ms Flind filed for divorce from Edwards in October 2024, but it was reported last month it had been delayed after struggling to find a buyer for their mansion home. The six-bedroom detached property in Dulwich, south London, was put on the market last October for £4.75 million. It is understood the mortgage on the property has been fully paid off, meaning a sale will give him a bumper pay-day of around £2million now he is without his £475,000 salary. However, the sale appears to proving more difficult than first expected due to fears the home has been blighted by Edwards' reputation, according to The Sun. There is such little interest in the house that prospective buyers are being told by property website Zoopla that they would be 'one of the first' to view the 'hidden gem', nine months after it was first listed for sale. And they have even slashed the asking price by a whopping £750,000. Estate agents in February were willing to accept £4.5million for the property, but dwindling interest has seen this cut to £4million. Ms Flind filed for divorce from Edwards in October 2024, but it was reported last month it had been delayed after struggling to find a buyer for their mansion home In an attempt to drum up interest, they described it as being situated 'on one of Dulwich's most desirable residential roads'. They say the house, which is kitted out with three bathrooms and three reception rooms across its 4200 sq ft, is 'a substantial detached mid-century family house' with 'exceptionally spacious living accommodation'. The Sun also reported that no decree absolute had been provided to end Edwards' 32-year marriage to Ms Find as of June 5. They say it is unclear whether problems with the sale were a factor in the divorce, which was expected to have been finalised earlier this year.
STV News
27-06-2025
- Business
- STV News
PM to make 'substantial u-turn' on PIP payments
ITV Political Editor Robert Peston understands those already getting Personal Independence Payments will get to keep them, under new concessions to the welfare bill I understand Starmer's offer to the welfare rebel MPs is to protect PIP payments for all existing claimants forever. There would be no detriment from the reforms for existing claimants. This would shave circa £2bn from the reform savings by 2029. I am pretty clear that with the other reforms I describe, below this ,will persuade enough rebels to back the remaining reforms in next Tuesday's vote. There will also be 'grandfathering' of the disability top up universal credit for existing claimants. So again no detriment to existing claimants. My estimate is this would shave another billion pounds or so from the reform savings by 2029. Finally, and importantly, the rebels – led by Treasury committee chair Meg Hillier – have secured agreement that the Stephen Timms review of how to assess entitlement to disability benefits will be a co-production with disability rights groups. This is seen by rebel MPs as a major concession. My assumption is that enough rebel MPs will now drop their opposition to the reforms and Starmer will win on Tuesday. But make no mistake, this is another substantial government u-turn. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
ITV News
17-06-2025
- Politics
- ITV News
PM quizzed over Israel's strikes on Iran, Trump's G7 exit and grooming gang inquiry 'U-turn'
ITV News' Political Editor Robert Peston speaks to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer about the latest political headlines from the G7 summit in Canada.
ITV News
30-05-2025
- Politics
- ITV News
Q&A: Do we have 'Farage Derangement Syndrome'? Plus the team reveal their most awkward interviews
In this week's Talking Politics Q&A, Paul Brand, Robert Peston and Harry Horton answer the questions that matter to you and reveal their most awkward interviews
