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Daily Mirror
06-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
'I know the struggle to bring up a family on low and unpredictable pay'
Like many Mirror readers, I know what it's like working hard and struggling to bring up a family on low and unpredictable pay, never knowing if I'd be able to make ends meet. Just over a year ago, we came into government with a commitment to deliver change for working people – and we're getting on with the job. Interest rates have been cut four times – a cost-of-living boost for every single person in Britain with a mortgage. Three and a half million people got a huge boost to their pay packets in April thanks to our changes to the national minimum wage. We're creating new jobs – 384,000 since the election – and helping hardworking families by rolling out breakfast clubs, meaning a £450 boost for parents. But I get that people are impatient for change. That's why our plan to Make Work Pay is so personal to me. We committed to waste no time once we were in government to making work fairer, more secure and more family-friendly, especially for the lowest-paid and facing poor working conditions. Our landmark Employment Rights Bill going through Parliament will go even further to change lives. This includes an end to the kind of disgraceful fire and rehire practices we all remember from the P&O scandal in 2022 that become a byword for business at its worst. That's why today I can tell Mirror readers we are going further – this week we will be amending this landmark Bill to close loopholes so that people cannot be fired and replaced with agency workers. Businesses will still have the flexibility to hire contractors or agency workers to meet their needs. But these new changes will stop employees being replaced by others doing essentially the same job under worse conditions. We promised to call time on scandals like P&O and with this amendment we are removing any doubt. It's about time. Because for years, the good and secure jobs our parents and grandparents relied on have been replaced by low paid, insecure work. Follow our Mirror Politics account on Bluesky here. And follow our Mirror Politics team here - Lizzy Buchan, Mikey Smith, Kevin Maguire, Sophie Huskisson, Dave Burke and Ashley Cowburn. Be first to get the biggest bombshells and breaking news by joining our Politics WhatsApp group here. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you want to leave our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Or sign up here to the Mirror's Politics newsletter for all the best exclusives and opinions straight to your inbox. And listen to our exciting new political podcast The Division Bell, hosted by the Mirror and the Express every Thursday. That's been bad for workers and bad for the economy. But thanks to our pro-growth Bill, over 15 million people stand to benefit. That's why, as well ending disgraceful fire and rehire tactics, we're also banning exploitative zero hours contracts and giving every worker basic protections from their first day on the job – making sure they can't be sacked unfairly or threatened with dismissal for refusing lower terms and conditions, and can get sick pay when they need it. These historic changes will deliver for millions. More job security means more money spent on our high streets, more people able to get on the housing ladder and more prosperity across the UK. This is what we promised to deliver, as part of our Plan for Change. It's a promise made, and a promise kept.
Daily Mirror
05-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Labour is already making a difference, writes Labour chair Ellie Reeves
One year ago, the British people voted for change — and today, we mark the first anniversary of a Labour government committed to delivering just that. Over the past 12 months, we have begun to turn the page on 14 years of Tory chaos and decline. And while it hasn't been easy, and we know there is much more to do, our Plan for Change is already making a difference. The first phase of this government was about taking immediate action to fix the foundations and stabilise our economy. Because of this action, Britain had the highest growth of any G7 economy in the first quarter of this year. Interest rates have been cut four times, lowering people's mortgages. Wages are rising faster than prices. NHS waiting lists are falling, with the delivery of four million extra NHS appointments. And breakfast clubs are being rolled out across the country, to give kids a healthy start to the day and to put more money in parents' pockets. Yes, we know the job is far from done and we won't sugarcoat the scale of the challenge. But if the first phase of this government was about taking immediate action to fix the foundations and clean up the mess the Tories left behind, the second phase is now about making working people better off. And as our focus shifts firmly to the future, we are going further and faster to deliver the change we promised. While the Conservatives and Reform UK risk the economy by making unfunded promises they cannot keep, we are working tirelessly to improve living standards for people across the country. Striving to build a renewed Britain, where your hard work is rewarded. Where your NHS is there when you need it. Where your community is safe, and your future is secure. That is the country we're building together. This is not about quick fixes. It's about rebuilding Britain — to make it fairer, stronger, and more secure. To put money back in working people's pockets and build a better future together. Follow our Mirror Politics account on Bluesky here. And follow our Mirror Politics team here - Lizzy Buchan, Mikey Smith, Kevin Maguire, Sophie Huskisson, Dave Burke and Ashley Cowburn. Be first to get the biggest bombshells and breaking news by joining our Politics WhatsApp group here. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you want to leave our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Or sign up here to the Mirror's Politics newsletter for all the best exclusives and opinions straight to your inbox. And listen to our exciting new political podcast The Division Bell, hosted by the Mirror and the Express every Thursday.
Daily Mirror
03-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Rachel Reeves admits to being upset over 'personal issue' but comes out fighting
Rachel Reeves has come out fighting after appearing to cry at PMQs yesterday - insisting she is "totally" up for the job as Chancellor. She said she was "clearly upset" in the commons - but declined to give a reason behind her tears. She told broadcasters: "Clearly I was upset yesterday and everyone could see that. It was a personal issue and I'm not going to go into the details of that. "My job as Chancellor at 12 o'clock on a Wednesday is to be at PMQs next to the Prime Minister, supporting the Government and that's what I tried to do. "I guess the thing that maybe is a bit different between my job and many of your viewers' is that when I'm having a tough day it's on the telly and most people don't have to deal with that." Asked whether she was surprised that the Prime Minister had not offered her more full-throated backing in the chamber, she said: "I think that people can see that Keir and me are a team. Follow our Mirror Politics account on Bluesky here. And follow our Mirror Politics team here - Lizzy Buchan, Mikey Smith, Kevin Maguire, Sophie Huskisson, Dave Burke and Ashley Cowburn. Be first to get the biggest bombshells and breaking news by joining our Politics WhatsApp group here. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you want to leave our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Or sign up here to the Mirror's Politics newsletter for all the best exclusives and opinions straight to your inbox. And listen to our exciting new political podcast The Division Bell, hosted by the Mirror and the Express every Thursday. "We fought the election together, we changed the Labour Party together so that we could be in the position to return to power and over the past year we've worked in lockstep together whether that is on the budget, on the spending review or indeed on our measures to improve public services like the 10-year plan for the NHS." Asked whether she could reassure people that she was up for the job, she said: "I totally am. This is the job that I've always wanted to do. "I'm proud of what I've delivered as Chancellor. Look, I think all of your viewers have had tough days... I happen to be on camera when I have a tough day." We'll be bringing you the latest updates on this Breaking Politics News story. Get all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you by following The Mirror every time you see our name. You can sign up for Twitter alerts for breaking news here @MirrorBreaking_ and follow us for all the latest updates. Keep up-to-date with your must-see news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day by following us on Facebook at . See all our social accounts you can follow here:
Daily Mirror
03-07-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mirror
Keir Starmer responds to death of Liverpool star Diogo Jota - 'devastating'
Keir Starmer has said his thoughts are with the family of the Liverpool star Diogo Jota. The 28-year-old footballer died following a road traffic accident in Spain on Thursday morning. Pedro Proenca, the president of the Portuguese Football Federation, later confirmed that Jota's brother, Andre, 26, also died in the accident. The news comes just under two weeks after the Portugal international got married to his long-term girlfriend Rute Cardoso, with whom he has three children. They tied the knot on 22 June. Responding to the news, Mr Starmer said his death was "devastating news" and that millions of Liverpool football fans would be shocked. Asked about Jota's death while speaking in east London, the Prime Minister told The Mirror: "Let me start with Jota, because this is devastating news. Follow our Mirror Politics account on Bluesky here. And follow our Mirror Politics team here - Lizzy Buchan, Mikey Smith, Kevin Maguire, Sophie Huskisson, Dave Burke and Ashley Cowburn. Be first to get the biggest bombshells and breaking news by joining our Politics WhatsApp group here. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you want to leave our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Or sign up here to the Mirror's Politics newsletter for all the best exclusives and opinions straight to your inbox. And listen to our exciting new political podcast The Division Bell, hosted by the Mirror and the Express every Thursday. "I'm sure I speak for everyone in saying our first thoughts are going to be with his family and his friends in particular. But there are millions of Liverpool fans, but also football fans, and non-fans, who will also be shocked by this. "I think Liverpool Football Club have just put a statement out as I understand it, but it is devastating, and it is really important we bear in mind just how difficult a period this will be for his friends and for his family." Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy also paid tribute to the Liverpool player telling the Commons: "We just received the heartbreaking news a moment ago before we came in to the chamber that he lost his life at just 28 years of age." Ms Nandy said the whole House "is heartbroken by this news", adding: "I wanted to send our sympathies to his family on behalf of the whole House." Shadow culture minister Saqib Bhatti had earlier said: "As we came into the chamber today there was tragic news of the passing of Diogo Jota, the Liverpool footballer, at the age of 28. So can I put our condolences to the friends and families and Liverpool fans across the world on that passing." Earlier, Liverpool confirmed the devastating news in a statement, which read: 'Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota. The club have been informed the 28-year-old has passed away following a road traffic accident in Spain along with his brother, Andre. 'Liverpool FC will be making no further comment at this time and request the privacy of Diogo and Andre's family, friends, teammates and club staff is respected as they try to come to terms with an unimaginable loss. We will continue to provide them with our full support.'
Daily Mirror
01-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Keir Starmer suffers major rebellion on watered-down DWP benefit cuts
Keir Starmer has suffered a major rebellion on cuts to disability benefits - despite a U-turn just minutes before a crunch vote. In a bid to save the welfare bill, the PM offered rebels a new concession on Personal Independence Payment (PIP) - a key disability benefit. In a key vote on Tuesday evening, MPs voted by 335 to 260 - a majority of 75 and well below Labour working majority. Under a U-turn announced 90 minutes before voting began, it was announced changes to restrict PIP would be delayed until after a review by DWP minister Sir Stephen Timms. Sir Stephen told MPs that the Government had listened to the concerns raised about the timing of the changes in shambolic scenes in the Commons. Tuesday's changes leaves the government's welfare reforms in tatters with any future savings uncertain as the scale of the squeeze on PIP is now unclear. The latest concession follows a partial U-turn last week in the face of a possible defeat. MPs hit out at the "shambolic" nature of the government concessions while the left-wing Labour MP Ian Lavery responded: "This is crazy, man." The Labour MP Mary Kelly Foy added in the chamber: "I popped out for a banana earlier on, and when I came back in things had changed again, so I'm more unclear on what I'm voting on" It followed frantic behind-the-scenes negotiations as a series of Labour MPs and rebels spoke out about the welfare cuts during a debate in the Commons. Labour rebel Rachael Maskell described the cuts as "Dickensian", adding they "belong to a different era and a different party". Follow our Mirror Politics account on Bluesky here. And follow our Mirror Politics team here - Lizzy Buchan, Mikey Smith, Kevin Maguire, Sophie Huskisson, Dave Burke and Ashley Cowburn. Be first to get the biggest bombshells and breaking news by joining our Politics WhatsApp group here. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you want to leave our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Or sign up here to the Mirror's Politics newsletter for all the best exclusives and opinions straight to your inbox. And listen to our exciting new political podcast The Division Bell, hosted by the Mirror and the Express every Thursday. Ms Maskell, who proposed an amendment to block the measures in the bill, added: "They are far from what this Labour Party is for: a party to protect the poor, as is my purpose, for I am my brother's keeper. "These are my constituents, my neighbours, my community, my responsibility, and I cannot cross by on the other side." In a powerful moment during the Commons debate, the disabled MP Dr Marie Tidball was close to tears as she described the impact of austerity on disabled people. She said she "vowed then that I would do all I could to create a country which treats disabled people with dignity and respect". On the welfare bill, she went on: "With a heavy, broken heart, I will be voting against the bill today. As a matter of conscience I need my constituents to know I cannot support the changes as currently drafted on the front of the bill." Commons Work and Pensions Committee chairwoman Debbie Abrahams described the bill as a "dog's breakfast". And rebel Emma Lewell told her Labour colleagues voting for the bill would "haunt" them. Pleading with MPs, she said: "For those on my own benches, stay loyal to your party today, it may feel good in this place, but once you go home, once you're in your individual constituency the reality of this will hit, and it will hit very hard." Referring to the Tories' welfare-cutting bill a decade ago, she added: "Just like in 2015 constituents will never forgive - and it will haunt those MPs who voted for it." We'll be bringing you the latest updates on this Breaking Politics News story. Get all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you by following The Mirror every time you see our name. You can sign up for Twitter alerts for breaking news here @MirrorBreaking_ and follow us for all the latest updates. Keep up-to-date with your must-see news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day by following us on Facebook at . See all our social accounts you can follow here:
