Latest news with #Questions
The Journal
15 hours ago
- Business
- The Journal
Taoiseach says €3.6 million investment in Israel is 'not going to fund any war'
TAOISEACH MICHEÁL MARTIN has said a €3.6 million investment in Israel is 'not going to fund any war' in response to claims that Ireland was funding a genocide in Gaza. The Fianna Fáil leader said the Government has no role in directing how public money should be invested and said it was not true to say Irish funds invested in Israel meant Ireland was funding a genocide in Gaza. Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe confirmed in the Dáil last night that the Irish Strategic Investment Fund (ISIF) had divested itself of all Israeli bonds in the last number of weeks. During Leaders' Questions this afternoon, Social Democrats deputy leader Cian O'Callaghan raised the matter during Leaders' Questions this afternoon. He told the Dáil that at the end of 2023, the ISIF held €2.62 million in Israeli sovereign debt. By the end of 2024, that had increased to €3.62 million. 'This wasn't a mistake or some kind of oversight. Someone made a deliberate decision to increase the level of public money spent on Israeli war bonds, and the Israeli government have not hidden what those bonds are for,' O'Callaghan said. 'These bonds are clearly being used to help finance their genocidal campaign. Taoiseach, this is utterly outrageous.' Advertisement The Dublin Bay North TD also said it was 'shameful' that nearly €8 million of Irish public money was invested, directly or indirectly, in companies operating in occupied territories while the Government is trying to pass the Occupied Territories Bill, which would ban the trade of goods with Israeli settlements in the same occupied territories. Ireland directly invested in 11 companies with ties to settlements in occupied Palestinian territories, with the State's divestment from six of these companies in April 2024 bringing this number to five. But through involvements in those five companies, the ISIF may still be investing millions in businesses with links to settlements that are considered illegal under international law. The Journal Investigates recently reported on who these companies are and why they are linked to settler activity in occupied Palestine territory. Govt 'not involved in investment decisions' Martin said he would 'follow through' on the issue raised with him today, but pushed back against the suggestion that Ireland was funding a genocide. I take strong exception to your assertion that the Irish Government is funding genocide. It most certainly is not and never has. 'You know the Government does not get involved in investment decisions by any fund that is established, you know that is the case.' He said Ireland was opposed to the war in Gaza and listed Ireland's position on matters relating to Gaza: that Ireland was the only country that has moved to pass legislation banning goods coming from the illegally occupied Palestinian territories and had pushed for the suspension of the EU-Israel Association Agreement. He said Ireland had intervened in South Africa's genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), and also sponsored UN resolutions in respect of decisions at the court. O'Callaghan said the Government gives the ISIF 'its strategic direction', and should direct it not to invest money in companies that contravene international law in the West Bank. Read Next Related Reads Fine Gael TD criticises Alan Shatter for comparing Occupied Territories Bill to Father Ted sketch Micheál Martin likens Israel's plans for 'humanitarian city' in Gaza to a 'concentration camp' 'There are much better places that our money should be spent: in affordable housing, in healthcare and disability services. Not a cent should be invested in companies operating in occupied Palestinian territories, in the West Bank.' Martin said: 'The ISIF have confirmed that at the end of 2024 it had held €3.6 million in Israeli sovereign debt. 'That's not going to fund any war, deputy. So let's have a sense of perspective. You can argue it's not right, I take that point. 'But you said we funded genocide. That is an outrageous, exaggerated assertion. You lack credibility in putting a point like that, but you do it for political gain only.' He said ISIF held €5.2 million in Egyptian sovereign debt and €2.3 million in Jordanian sovereign debt, and added: 'I wouldn't approve of some of this either.' He called on O'Callaghan to withdraw the claim that Ireland was funding genocide. With reporting from Press Association Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Miami Herald
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
High school students find common ground on the debate stage
This story about high school speech and debate was produced by The Hechinger Report, a nonprofit, independent news organization focused on inequality and innovation in education. Sign up for the Hechinger newsletter. DES MOINES, Iowa - Macon Smith stood in front of a nearly empty classroom 1,000 miles from home. He asked his opponent and the two judges in the room if they were ready to start, then he set a six-minute timer and took a deep breath. "When tyranny becomes law, rebellion becomes duty," he began. In front of Macon, a 17-year-old high school junior, was a daunting task: to outline and defend the argument that violent revolution is a just response to political oppression. In a few hours, Macon would stand in another classroom with new judges and a different opponent. He would break apart his entire argument and undo everything he had just said. "An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind," Macon started. It doesn't really matter what opinion Macon holds on violence or political oppression. In this moment in front of the judges, he believes what he's saying. His job is to get the judges to believe with him. Related: A lot goes on in classrooms from kindergarten to high school. Keep up with our free weekly newsletter on K-12 education. Macon was one of more than 7,000 middle and high school students to compete in the National Speech and Debate Tournament this summer in Iowa, run by an organization that is celebrating a century in that time, the National Speech and Debate Association has persevered through economic and social upheaval. It is entering its next era, one in which the very notion of engaging in informed and respectful debate seems impossible. The organizers of this event see the activity as even more important in a fracturing society. "I don't think there's an activity in the world that develops empathy and listening skills like speech and debate," said Scott Wunn, the organization's president. "We're continuing to create better citizens." Though the tournament is held in different cities around the country, for the 100th anniversary, the organizers chose to host it in Des Moines, where the association's headquarters is for this competition was a year in the making for Macon, who will be a senior at Bob Jones Academy, a Christian school in Greenville, South Carolina, this fall. Students here compete in more than two dozen categories, such as Original Oratory, in which they write and recite their own 10-minute speeches, or Big Questions, where they attempt to argue broad, philosophical ideas. Macon's specialty, the Lincoln-Douglas Debate, is modeled after a series of public, three-hour debates between Abraham Lincoln and Sen. Stephen Douglas in 1858. In this event, two students have just 40 minutes to set up their arguments, cross-examine each other and sway the judges. "Even if I don't personally believe it, I can still look at the facts and determine, OK, this is a good fact, or it's true, and argue for that side," Macon said. Debaters often have to tackle topics that are difficult, controversial and timely: Students in 1927 debated whether there was a need for a federal Department of Education. In 1987, they argued about mandatory AIDS testing. In 2004, they debated whether the United States was losing the war on terror. This year, in the Public Forum division, students debated whether the benefits of presidential executive orders outweigh the harms. Related: Teaching social studies in a polarized world While the speech and debate students practiced for their national event, adults running the country screamed over each other during a congressional hearing on state sanctuary policies. A senator was thrown to the floor and handcuffed during a press conference on sending the National Guard to immigration enforcement protests in Los Angeles. Most Americans feel political discourse is moving in the wrong direction - both conservatives and progressives say talking politics with someone they disagree with has become increasingly stressful and frustrating. Speech and debate club, though, is different. "First of all, it gives a kid a place to speak out and have a voice," said Gail Nicholas, who for 40 years has coached speech and debate at Bob Jones Academy alongside her husband, Chuck Nicholas, who is Macon's coach. "But then also learn to talk to other people civilly, and I think that's not what's being modeled out there in the real world right now." On the second day of the competition in a school cafeteria in West Des Moines, Macon was anxiously refreshing the webpage that would show the results of his rounds to learn whether he would advance to semifinals. For most of the school year, Macon spent two days a week practicing after school, researching and writing out his arguments. Like many competitors, he has found that it's easy to make snap judgments when you don't know much about an issue. Decisively defending that view, to yourself and to others, is much harder. "I tend to go in with an opinion and lose my opinion as the topic goes on," said Daphne DiFrancesco, a rising senior from Cary Academy in Cary, North Carolina. Traveling for regional events throughout the school year means Macon has become friends with students who don't always share his conservative views. He knows this because in debate, discussing politics and religion is almost unavoidable. "It doesn't make me uncomfortable at all," Macon said. "You don't want to burn down a bridge before you make it with other people. If you stop your connection with a person right at their political beliefs, you're already cutting off half of the country. That's not a good way to conduct yourself." Macon, and other students in the clubs, said participating has made them think more deeply about their own beliefs. Last year, Macon debated a bill that would defund Immigration and Customs Enforcement, an agency he supports. After listening to other students, he developed a more nuanced view of the organization. "When you look at the principle of enforcing illegal immigration, that can still be upheld, but the agency that does so itself is flawed," he said. Related: 'I can tell you don't agree with me':' Colleges teach kids how to hear differing opinions Henry Dieringer, a senior from L.C. Anderson High School in Austin, Texas, went into one competition thinking he would argue in favor of a bill that would provide work permits for immigrants, which he agrees with. Further research led him to oppose the idea of creating a federal database on immigrants."It made me think more about the way that public policy is so much more nuanced than what we believe," Henry said. On the afternoon of the second day of the national tournament, Macon learned he didn't advance to the next round. What's sad, he said, is he probably won't have to think this hard about the justness of violent revolution ever again. "There's always next year," Macon said. Callista Martin, 16, a rising senior from Bainbridge High School in Washington state, also didn't make the semifinals. Callista and Macon met online this year through speech and debate so they could scrimmage with someone they hadn't practiced with before. It gave them the chance to debate someone with differing political views and argument styles. "In the rounds, I'm an entirely different person. I'm pretty aggressive, my voice turns kind of mean," Callista said. "But outside of the rounds, I always make sure to say hi to them before and after and say things I liked about their case, ask them about their school." Talking to her peers outside of rounds is perhaps the most important part of being in the club, Callista said. This summer, she will travel to meet with some of her closest friends, people she met at debate camps and tournaments in Washington. Since Callista fell in love with speech and debate as a freshman, she has devoted herself to keeping it alive at her school. No teacher has volunteered to be a coach for the debate club, so the 16-year-old is coaching both her classmates and herself. A lack of coaches is a common problem. Just under 3,800 public and private high schools and middle schools were members of the National Speech and Debate Association at the end of this past school year, just a fraction of the tens of thousands of secondary schools in the country. The organization would like to double its membership in the next five would mean recruiting more teachers to lead clubs, but neither educators nor schools are lining up to take on the responsibility, said David Yastremski, an English teacher at Ridge High School in New Jersey who has coached teams for about 30 years. It's a major time commitment for teachers to dedicate their evenings and weekends to the events with little supplemental pay or recognition. Also, it may seem like a risk to some teachers at a time when states such as Virginia and Louisiana have banned teachers from talking about what some call "divisive concepts," to oversee a school activity where engaging with controversial topics is the point. "I primarily teach and coach in a space where kids can still have those conversations," Yastremski said. "I fear that in other parts of the country, that's not the case." Related: A school district singled out by Trump says it teaches 'whole truth history' Dennis Philbert, a coach from Central High School in Newark, New Jersey, who had two students become finalists in the tournament's Dramatic Interpretation category, said he fears for his profession because of the scrutiny educators are under. It takes the fun out of teaching, he said, but this club can reignite that passion. "All of my assistant coaches are former members of my team," Philbert said. "They love this activity [so much] that they came back to help younger students … to show that this is an activity that is needed." On the other side of Des Moines, Gagnado Diedhiou was competing in the Congressional Debate, a division of the tournament that mimics Congress and requires students to argue for or against bills modeled after current events. During one round, Gagnado spoke in favor of a bill to shift the country to use more nuclear energy, for a bill that would grant Puerto Rico statehood, and against legislation requiring hospitals to publicly post prices. Just like in Congress, boys outnumbered girls in this classroom. Gagnado was the only Black teenager and the only student wearing a hijab. The senior, who just graduated from Eastside High School in Greenville, South Carolina, is accustomed to being in rooms where nobody looks like her - it's part of the reason she joined Equality in Forensics, a national student-led debate organization that provides free resources to schools and students across the country. "It kind of makes you have to walk on eggshells a little bit. Especially because when you're the only person in that room who looks like you, it makes you a lot more obvious to the judges," said Gagnado, who won regional Student of the Year for speech and debate in her South Carolina district this year. "You stand out, and not always in a good way." Camille Fernandez, a rising junior at West Broward High School in Florida, said the competitions she has participated in have been dominated by male students. One opponent called her a vulgar and sexist slur after their round was over. Camille is a member of a student-led group - called Outreach Debate - trying to bridge inequities in the clubs. "A lot of people think that debate should stay the same way that it's always been, where it's kind of just - and this is my personal bias - a lot of white men winning," Camille said. "A lot of people think that should be changed, me included." Despite the challenges, Gagnado said her time in debate club has made her realize she could have an influence in the world. "With my three-minute speech, I can convince a whole chamber, I can convince a judge to vote for this bill. I can advocate and make a difference with some legislation," said Gagnado, who is bound for Yale. A day before the national tournament's concluding ceremony, a 22-year-old attendee rushed the stage at the Iowa Event Center in Des Moines during the final round of the Humorous Interpretation speech competition, scaring everyone in the audience. After he bent down to open his backpack, 3,000 people in the auditorium fled for the exits. The man was later charged with possession of a controlled substance and disorderly conduct. For a brief moment, it seemed like the angry discourse and extreme politics from outside of the competition had become a part of it. In response, the speech and debate organization shifted the time of some events, limited entrances into the building and brought in metal detectors, police officers and counselors. Some students, Gagnado among them, chose not to return to the event. Still, thousands of attendees stayed until the end to celebrate the national champions. During the awards ceremony, where therapy dogs roamed the grounds, Angad Singh, a student from Bellarmine College Preparatory in California competing in Original Oratory, took the national prize for his speech on his Sikh identity and the phrase "thoughts and prayers" commonly repeated by American leaders after a tragedy, titled "Living on a Prayer." "I've prayed for change," Singh told the audience. "Then I joined speech and debate to use my voice and fight for it." This story about high school speech and debate was produced by The Hechinger Report, a nonprofit, independent news organization focused on inequality and innovation in education. Sign up for the Hechinger newsletter. The post High school students find common ground on the debate stage appeared first on The Hechinger Report.
Daily Mirror
04-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Crying at work isn't unlikely as you'd think - but what happens when you do
Rachel Reeves was seen visibly upset during Prime Minister's Questions which posed questions over her emotional wellbeing - but can being upset at work make you appear stronger, or can it have an impact? The weight of being the first female chancellor is weighing heavy on Rachel Reeves shoulders as seen during PMQ's on July 2 - but seeing her cry in the House of Commons was devastating. We've all had times where work can feel overwhelming and many women may resonate all too well with Ms. Reeves emotions after a bad day at work. Always appearing with a perfect stoic, with an unwavering tone and message staying strong, it was the first time people may have seen the chancellor on a more personal level. Besides being in front of peers, television cameras and opposition leaders, the chancellor openly displayed her feelings after being spotted with a tear rolling down her cheek. Whether it was work related or not, it's caused a mixed opinion - and her feelings aren't unusual. She's not alone in feeling emotional at work, a YouGov & Mental Health UK 2025 Burnout report study of 4,418 UK adults conducted found that the risk of burnout remains prevalent, with one in three (34%) adults experiencing high or extreme levels of pressure or stress 'always' or 'often' last year, compared with 35% the previous year. Meanwhile, nine in 10 (91%) experienced high pressure or stress at some point over the last year. Nobel Prize-winning scientist Sir Tim Hunt once boldly said women shouldn't be allowed to work in laboratories because 'when you criticise them, they cry'. But can crying at work truly impact your career? "Crying at work is neither inherently 'good' nor 'bad," Lucas Botzen, CEO of Rivermate and HR specialist told The Mirror. "What matters is the context. For example, I've seen people cry due to grief after losing a loved one, burnout from unmanageable workloads, or even overwhelming pride after achieving something meaningful." Lucas said these are deeply human responses, and when handled appropriately, they can strengthen trust within teams. "In fact, some companies offer emotional intelligence training now to allow managers to respond with empathy when employees exhibit emotion, like crying," he added. However, workplace culture can play an enormous role in opinions regarding tears in the office, and the expert noted that in some male-groomed or high-stress workplaces, like finance, law, or tech start-ups, crying can be "severely criticised even if unfairly." Lucas suggested that while one's professional reputation is concerned, an isolated incidence of crying, especially if it's in the context that is acceptable "will not damage your business credibility". However if it becomes a trend, and could result in something deeper such as emotional exhaustion, poor fit, or even a mental illness issue may be indicated - HR should be involved. He noted it shouldn't be with a disciplinary measure, but with "support, giving access to employee assistance programs (EAPs), mental health services, or workload adjustments." For more stories like this subscribe to our weekly newsletter, The Weekly Gulp, for a curated roundup of trending stories, poignant interviews, and viral lifestyle picks from The Mirror's Audience U35 team delivered straight to your inbox. Sometimes showing a little emotion can help bolster your passion for you career, as Lucas recalled a time he watched a staff member in a high-level position at a consultancy firm lose her cool in a client debrief. He said: "Although she was frightened it would be counterproductive to her credibility, the client subsequently informed her that it made her seem more empathetic and sincere. "In business cultures that value psychological safety, though, like those utilising Google's Project Aristotle model, vulnerability is a leadership asset." Whether you deal with stress head on, or take a moment to gather yourself, or even shed a tear, women should be allowed to use their emotions however they wish - even if you are being broadcast on national TV. This is echoed by Holistic Empowerment & Career Coach Jo Irving, who told The Mirror that Rachel Reeves' moment was "powerful" because it was honest. "We're shifting from the outdated idea that professionalism means emotional detachment. True leadership increasingly values authenticity and vulnerability," and added: "For leaders, showing emotion can actually be powerful, when it's clear, honest and with purpose." So when it comes to whether it affects your job, Jo said someone who expresses vulnerability and still shows up with purpose and resilience is "often perceived as more authentic and relatable, not less capable." Help us improve our content by completing the survey below. We'd love to hear from you!
The Journal
03-07-2025
- Politics
- The Journal
Dáil told government has ‘betrayed' students amid calls for clarification on college fees
SOCIAL DEMOCRATS TD Jennifer Whitmore has told the Dáil that the government has 'betrayed' families and students amid calls for clarification on college fees. The student contribution fee has been temporarily reduced for the past three years as part of cost-of-living packages accompanying the budget. The fees had been €3,000 before being temporarily reduced to €2,000 euros. But last week, Higher Education Minister James Lawless said that a cost-of-living package will not form part of Budget 2026, meaning the temporary drop in the student contribution fee would 'reset' and revert back to €3,000 per academic year. 'All of us in any walk of life have to play the hands we're dealt,' Lawless told RTÉ on Sunday. Higher Education Minister James Lawless Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo He added: 'If I don't have a cost-of-living package. I can't do those kind of measures that were done last year.' Opposition politicians have been criticising the mooted increase and have repeatedly asked the Government to give clarity to parents ahead of the upcoming academic year. 'Bombshell' Speaking in the Dáil today during Leaders' Questions, Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore said Lawless had 'dropped a bombshell' and called on the government to 'level with parents and students'. She added that Lawless's comments on 'playing the hands we're dealt' were 'utterly galling' and 'incredibly tone-deaf'. Whitmore also said that Lawless had 'actively stacked the deck' against students and families and 'essentially told them to suck it up'. She added that people 'believed promises in the Programme for Government to reduce student fees' and they have been 'betrayed'. 'They don't have this money down the back of a sofa. They'll have to scrimp and save and sacrifice to cover this increase, do you not understand that Minister?' Whitmore asked Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe, who was taking Leaders' Questions. File image of Jennifer Whitmore Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo Donohoe however hit out at Whitmore for saying the government had 'stacked the deck' against students. He added that supports are available and that over 140,000 students benefit from Free-Fees and that 60,000 students benefit from lower forms of student contribution fees. 'All of that is in place because of our desire to ensure supports are in place to help,' said Donohoe. He added that as the government works to move towards a 'normal budget', the government will also look at how progress can be made on the affordability and access to higher and further education. Donohoe also remarked that the student contribution fee would be 'outlined' in October's budget. Advertisement However, Whitmore said Donohoe was 'clearly not listening to what parents and students are saying'. 'They believed you when you said your government would continue to reduce student fees, it really couldn't be any simpler,' said Whitmore. 'Will parents be paying €2,000 in September, or €3,000?' Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo Donohoe said he was providing a 'clear and honest answer' and that the government 'has to make decisions as part of our budget process so we can ensure that the changes that we make are affordable, sustainable, and can be built upon in the years ahead'. He added: 'We'll be in a position to give a clear answer to that when our budgetary work is done.' Government 'all over the place' Earlier, Donohoe had been pressed on the issue by Sinn Féin's Matt Carthy, who said the government was 'all over the place'. Carthy said he had 'one simple question, when students get their bill in September will they be paying €2,000 or €3,000?' However, Donohoe began by remarking that the question provided an opportunity to 'outline what the government is already doing'. He said half of students are supported through the SUSI grant (Student Universal Support Ireland) and that the threshold has been increased by 15% to ensure more students can avail of it. He added that the grant is now also available to students in part-time or hybrid education. Donohoe said the budgets put in place measures for students that 'we know is affordable and that we can build upon in the years ahead'. He added that there is a need to 'look at other measures' following the temporary reduction in student contribution fees. 'Your question may have been brief but the answer to it is longer, outlining the supports and the difference that we already make and we want to build upon,' said Donohoe. Sinn Féin's Matt Carthy Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo However, Carthy said a line of minister have been 'unable to answer a simple question'. 'They don't want to hear what politicians are planning to do in the future, I'll ask you one more time, are fees going to be €2,000 or will they be higher? 'Come down from your ivory tower and answer that question.' Donohoe replied that 'it is exactly because this issue of life-defining for so any that the government already has supports in place that you will never acknowledge'. He added that the government is 'interested in solutions rather than soundbites' and that the answer is 'the same as the answer that has been given at any other points in recent years'. 'It's an issue that has to be decided budget-by-budget and this government wants to help in a permanent way and we will outline our answer to that serious question, as we will with many others, when the budget is complete.' Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Powys County Times
03-07-2025
- Health
- Powys County Times
Rachel Reeves insists she is ‘cracking on with the job' after Commons upset
Rachel Reeves said she was 'clearly' upset during her appearance at Prime Minister's Questions but insisted she was 'cracking on with the job'. The Chancellor and Sir Keir Starmer shared a hug, and the Chancellor smiled throughout her first public appearance after she broke down in tears in the House of Commons. Ms Reeves would not, however, be drawn into answering questions about the 'personal matter' which had upset her ahead of Wednesday's Prime Minister's Questions. 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.' The Chancellor rejected suggestions that her tears were related to a conversation with Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle or another member of Government. 'People saw I was upset, but that was yesterday. Today's a new day and I'm just cracking on with the job,' she added. Sir Keir gave a full-throated defence of his Chancellor, and said he had not appreciated how upset she was while he was focused on the cut and thrust of Parliament's most-viewed weekly event. On Thursday, the Chancellor appeared alongside the Prime Minister and Health Secretary Wes Streeting as the Government launched it's 10-year plan for the NHS in London. Ms Reeves made no mention of Wednesday's incident in the Commons as she made her first public appearance since crying in the chamber. Smiling as she spoke at a health centre in London, the Chancellor insisted the NHS plan was 'good for the health of our nation and good for the health of our nation's finances'. She also stopped to take selfies with nurses and other healthcare staff who were gathered for the launch. Sir Keir and Ms Reeves embraced as he made his way to the podium to give a speech after the Chancellor had finished. The Prime Minister poured praise upon her in an open show of unity, hailing the decisions made by the Chancellor as playing a part in the Government investing 'record amounts in the NHS'. Sir Keir said he did not 'appreciate' that Ms Reeves was crying behind him at PMQs as the event is 'pretty wired'. 'It goes from question to question and I am literally up, down, question, looking at who is asking me a question, thinking about my response and getting up and answering it,' he said. Sir Keir added: 'It wasn't just yesterday. No prime minister ever has had side conversations in PMQs. It does happen in other debates when there is a bit more time, but in PMQs it is bang, bang, bang, bang. 'That is what it was yesterday and therefore I was probably the last to appreciate anything else going on in the chamber.' As the Prime Minister took questions from the media, several journalists invited Ms Reeves to comment on her tears, but only Sir Keir answered. Earlier, the Prime Minister said all people could be caught 'off guard' by their emotions, but the Chancellor had to deal with it while on camera in Parliament. He said she was doing an 'excellent' job, would remain in place beyond the next general election, and that they were both absolutely committed to the Chancellor's 'fiscal rules' to maintain discipline over the public finances. UK Government bonds rallied and the pound steadied on Thursday, after reassurances from the Prime Minister about the Chancellor's future. The sight of her in tears on Wednesday, and the £5 billion black hole in her public spending plans as a result of the welfare U-turn had spooked the markets, triggering a sharp sell-off of bonds, with the yield seeing the sharpest increase since US President Donald Trump's tariff plans shook up financial markets in April. Back in the Commons chamber, Commons Leader Lucy Powell defended her 'friend' Ms Reeves, and said 'she's got more class than most of the rest of the members opposite on the frontbench'. Leadership is hard. There are good days, some very good, and bad days, some very bad. The resilience you need for top jobs is superhuman. But if a Chief Exec cried in public, if a military chief said they hadn't read the operational plan properly because they had a bad day,… — Claire Coutinho (@ClaireCoutinho) July 3, 2025 The Conservatives meanwhile suggested Ms Reeves' public show of emotion was not acceptable. In a post on X shared by Tory leader Kemi Badenoch, shadow energy secretary Claire Coutinho said: 'Leadership is hard. There are good days, some very good, and bad days, some very bad. The resilience you need for top jobs is superhuman. 'But if a chief exec cried in public, if a military chief said they hadn't read the operational plan properly because they had a bad day, they would not be forgiven for it.'
