Parliament may be on summer recess, but Keir Starmer is in full international statesman mode ahead of Donald Trump’s surprise meeting with Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Friday. The talks could set the terms for ending the war in Ukraine - and reshape Europe’s security. Starmer is scrambling to ensure Ukraine has a seat at the table, with EU ministers meeting today to coordinate their stance.
Trump’s floated deal would freeze the front lines in Kherson and Zaporizhzhia, while letting Russia keep the Donbas. Zelenskyy is firmly opposed, backed by Britain, France, Germany and other allies who insist no deal can be made without Kyiv. Starmer is pushing for a monitored ceasefire and Ukraine’s direct involvement.
In the UK, both Reform and the Conservatives are sharpening attacks on Labour over crime and immigration. The government is today launching a scheme which stops criminals from delaying their deportation by appealing the decision. The Home Office said its "Deport Now Appeal Later' scheme will be expanded to include 23 countries. It comes after the government's weekend announcement that foreign criminals will be deported from the UK immediately after they are sentenced.
Meanwhile, Reform UK is holding another recess press conference, this time with an all female panel coinciding with reports Nigel Farage is leading a strategy to win over women voters. Tory leader Kemi Badenoch is also refusing to take any downtime over recess as she visits Essex today to spotlight asylum hotel concerns.
Also on the government's agenda this week is to consider measures to reduce the number of deaths on UK roads. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander is said to be looking at overhauling road safety laws, including considering tougher penalties for uninsured drivers and those failing to wear a seatbelt. The proposals, which are expected to be published as part of a road safety strategy in autumn, could also include mandatory eye tests for older drivers and lowering the drink-drive limit.
In the Middle East, Netanyahu is pressing ahead with a Gaza City takeover despite global calls for restraint. Starmer’s government is urging Israel to reconsider, while the government is likely to face questions today about what happens to the 500 people arrested at a mass protest over the weekend in support of the prescribed group Palestine Action. Interestingly, the Met Police has said the majority of those arrested were aged over 50, with the biggest group aged 60 - 69.
What’s on in Parliament
Parliament is now in recess and will return on 1st September.
Consultations
- Call for evidence outcome: UK Business Data Survey 2026: User-engagement exercise - Published 11 August
- Open Consultation: Smart metering policy framework post 2025 - Closes 03 October
- Open Consultation: Proposed decision: SMS investigation into Apple's mobile platform - Closes 20 August