Over this weekend I signed off a request for military assistance - to assist and enable the National Crime Agency to board a Russian shadow fleet tanker travelling through the English Channel. Our brave Royal Marine Commandos boarded the vessel in the early hours of this morning in a highly professional operation. We have the finest armed forces and law enforcement capabilities in the world. This is a massive blow to Putin. bbc.co.uk/news/articles/clye…

🏳️‍🌈 June is Pride Month, a time to celebrate LGBTQ communities, recognise their contributions, and reflect on the challenges many have faced. As the Army's national charity, we continue to support veterans who were impacted by the ban on LGBTQ personnel serving in the Armed Forces, and who may still need help today. Our recent grant of £40,000 to @fightingwpride has enabled the recruitment of a new Veteran Community Team manager, Marti, who also serves as Community Worker for the North East and North West. In just a few months, Marti has had a transformative impact, strengthening policies, enhancing team training, and focusing efforts on direct support for veterans. As part of this work, new LGBTQ veteran drop-in groups are being established, starting at the OUT Community Centre in Gateshead. These spaces will help veterans connect, access support, and feel part of a community. #PrideMonth #LGBTQPlus #Veterans #ForSoldiersForLife

Defence investment should unashamedly back British jobs and British industry. Today I told @GMB_union Congress we will go further than any government has to deliver that mirror.co.uk/news/politics/d…

MP demands explanation as Exeter drivers face higher petrol prices @steveracemp @thealanquick #Exeter #fuel #petrol #prices #motoring creditoncourier.co.uk//news/…

Settler violence and settlement expansion in the West Bank and East Jerusalem is illegal under international law, and it makes a two-state solution - offering peace and stability for both Israelis and Palestinians - less likely.

"What Reform did was dangerous. It was incendiary," says Wes Streeting. "This is the type of propaganda that is reminiscent of the 1930s and that is the choice for the country" thenewsagents.co.uk/article/…

It's not just the exploitation of a tragedy. JD Vance's picture of Britain - where migrants have led to a crime surge - is the opposite of the truth. comment.press/vance1234

I am deeply saddened to learn that Lily was among the Navy personnel who lost their lives in the helicopter accident yesterday in Devon. Lily was a force of nature, the only serving female Commando, and inspiration to other young women - and frankly to me as well. When I met her in Parliament in May 2025, I put the following post out on LinkedIn with the photo below. "Her journey ... is one of courage, persistence, and service. Lily is doing a fantastic job helping young people understand what life in the Armed Forces is really like, and why service matters. We need more stories like hers in the public eye." The names of the three individuals who sadly lost their lives this week have been released in full: Lt Cdr Chris Gayson, Lt Lil-Mae Fisher, PO Owen Green. My thoughts are with their families and loved ones at this terribly sad moment. In a statement carried on the Royal Navy website, Lily's family say of her: “Lily-Mae was an extraordinary woman, daughter, sister, and partner. To say she was full of life is an understatement: she took every opportunity to push her limits, achieve more, and bring out the best in those around her. “We are so proud of everything she accomplished. She has left an immeasurable hole in our lives, and in all the lives she has touched and inspired. The family kindly ask for time and space at this difficult time.”

June 4 is the International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression. It honours kids affected by war and violence. Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine began, at least 707 Ukrainian children have been killed. Behind every number is a child whose future has been stolen. Russia must be held accountable for these crimes. @United24media

After an incredible tenure, I’m stepping down as Chair of the Labour Growth Group. I'm enormously proud of what we've built together. From a group of MPs determined to put economic growth at the centre of Labour's argument, to one of the most influential voices on the party's economic direction. We won tremendous victories on issues like expanding the envelope on planning reform, pushing major fiscal devolution, driving the call for a unleashing a new generation of nuclear power, unlocking greater investment in British defence and more. The recent publication of An Honest Day was the crowning achievement, a serious blueprint for the new economic settlement Britain needs, grounded in the conviction that growth has mean something for working people, in every part of the country. That we must remake the state to ensure it can shape a future where an honest day pays again. LGG is now moving into its next phase, with colleagues taking the work forward in fresh directions. I'm certain it will continue to play an important part in shaping Labour's economic argument in the years ahead. Growth matters even more now than when we set the group up, and the case for it has only got stronger. Huge thanks to @MarkMcvitie, whose tireless work has been at the heart of LGG, and to every MP and member who has been part of this project. The work goes on. - Chris Curtis MP

Chris has been an excellent chair, but is handing over to a new group of Labour MPs who will be taking the LGG forward. More to come!

Last month, 46 European countries made a political declaration on the future of the ECHR and how we grapple with the challenges of mass migration. The UK government played an important role in its development. What does it mean? My piece for @lawsocgazette 👇 All countries reaffirmed their commitment to the values and principles born from the rubble of WWII and the horrors of historic atrocities. For decades, this commitment across the continent has helped to protect fundamental freedoms, uphold the rule of law, and strengthen democratic institutions across our continent. The formation was a British initiative. British lawyers helped to draft the Convention. And Britain’s leaders recognised that British values – fairness, liberty, and accountability before the law – had to be at the heart of it. But the document is a 'living instrument'. The challenges we face from illegal migration have changed vastly - and are experienced, albeit in different ways, across Europe. The ECHR must not inappropriately constrain democratic states from controlling their borders, protecting public safety or removing foreign nationals who commit serious crimes. The declaration offers important clarification and begins a new dynamic process assisting states deal with illegal migration. We know that international cooperation is essential to tackle illegal migration. We also know that new approaches will be operationalised across Europe - for example return agreements or third country hubs. The declaration encourages innovative approaches, and further bi and multilateral engagement. It sets up new mechanisms of ensuring that these remain compliant with our human rights responsibilities whilst encouraging more effective operations. There is no coherent evidence that leaving the ECHR would assist with tackling the small boat crisis. Cross border co-operation, however, has and can make a difference. This declaration shows there is a willingness to go further on the continent - and Britain must lead the way. The British public rightly expect their government to act on illegal migration without compromising British values of decency and fairness. lawgazette.co.uk/commentary-…

We’ve hit a big landmark – 10 million free breakfasts served. 10 million better days at school – more children turning up, concentrating, getting on. 10 million easier mornings for parents – better drop-offs & commutes. Change doesn’t happen by chance, it comes with Labour. 🌹

1/ NEW: The net zero economy is now supporting: ✅Over 1m jobs ✅£105bn in GVA ✅22,000 small businesses This analysis from @CBItweets is a reminder that net zero is a great British success story. And exactly why this Government is doubling down. theguardian.com/environment/…

Henry Nowak’s father’s words outside court, who is probably the person we most need to hear from today.

Henry Nowak was 18 - a kind and hard-working student with his life ahead of him. His murder – at the hands of Vickrum Digwa - was a horrifying and evil act. Digwa murdered Henry and then lied about him, as he lay dying - falsely accusing him of racism. The Nowak family deserve answers about what happened on that night, particularly in the police response. @policeconduct will be equipped with the resources, authority and independence it needs to conduct a full, fearless and transparent investigation. They must find the truth and ensure, if necessary, that there are consequences. It is also clear that we must take action to tackle the daily tragedy of knife crime. Progress has been made, with knife crime now falling, but we must go further. That is why I have recently published this Government's Halving Knife Crime Plan. We must be clear about who is responsible for this crime. The punishment must be reserved for those who are responsible for this evil act. We do not believe in collective punishment in this country. Instead, we stand together against an act of pure evil. We condemn those who committed this heinous crime. Not all those who share their faith or ethnicity. A final note. With further sentencing and possible charges pending, and misinformation already circulating, we must be cautious in what we say about this case so proceedings are not placed at risk. Those responsible must be brought to justice.

We’ve changed the law to protect domestic abuse survivors from homelessness and overhauled right to buy so councils can build again. This is a new era of social housing that could only happen under a Labour government. theguardian.com/society/2026…

The National Crime Agency estimates the UK loses £100 billion each year through money laundering. Today, I am in Guernsey with @margarethodge - the Prime Minister’s anti-corruption champion. The secrecy of illicit finance is a vital cloak for criminals, kleptocrats and terrorists. There is a moral and security imperative to take further action. The Crown Dependencies are important parts of the British family and have been working with the UK government closely to improve transparency efforts. We will always continue that collaborative approach. But it is now over 10 years since David Cameron pressed these jurisdictions to “rip aside the cloak of secrecy” and told them to “break the business model of stealing money and hiding it in places where it can’t be seen; transparency is the answer.”   Progress remains slow. Deadlines have passed. Opportunities have been missed. We are calling for further urgent impetus and action on transparency. Together, we can tackle illicit finance, and confront organised crime. @FinancialTimes ft.com/content/7b3591ab-69dc…

Deeply saddened by the death of Baroness Ramsay of Cartvale who served our country and protected its values with great courage. Her commitment to public service, and to @UKHouseofLords for 30 years, was respected on all sides 1/2

Reports of hostile state activity are incredibly serious. Nigel Farage and Reform have failed to confirm whether they've reported the suspicions they raised that Farage's phone was hacked by Russia to either the @NCSC or @metpoliceuk. National security must always come first - today @annaturley has reported this for thorough independent investigation by the proper authorities.