Sunday on air as Starmer faces Kuenssberg questions
Keir Starmer arrives at a pivotal moment for Labour as the party gathers for its annual conference. The Sunday programme, hosted by a well known presenter, places the prime minister under the spotlight with a robust set of questions aimed at testing leadership, policy direction, and the party’s plan to reconnect with voters after a challenging year.
With opinion polls showing Labour seeking to rebuild its standing, the show becomes a barometer for how the party plans to translate campaign rhetoric into concrete policy. The discussion spans economic strategy, national security, immigration, and the internal dynamics that could shape Labour over the next 12 months.
JLR loan underwritten to protect UK jobs
The government announces it will underwrite a 1.5 billion loan to Jaguar Land Rover from a commercial bank in order to safeguard thousands of UK jobs. The move is framed as protecting a vast supply chain that stretches across the country, including hundreds of smaller suppliers who could be vulnerable after the company faced a cyber attack that halted production for weeks.
JLR operates the largest automotive supply chain in the United Kingdom, employing around 150,000 people. In the immediate term, no cars have been built this month and orders to roughly 700 suppliers have paused. The underwriting is pitched as stabilising the sector while the company pursues a longer term recovery and supplier diversification.
Gaza peace talks and the need for cautious diplomacy
In international affairs, the newly appointed Foreign Secretary signals cautious optimism that a peace deal in Gaza may be within reach. Speaking after a trip to the UN summit, she argues that the international community is poised to advance talks while urging measured action from all sides. The interview notes the complexity of the legal framework surrounding the conflict, a topic that is likely to ripple through Labour benches as MPs weigh calls for stronger humanitarian protections with security considerations.
Meanwhile, the UN commission of inquiry has alleged genocide in Gaza, a claim rejected by the Israeli foreign ministry as false. The debate underscores how foreign policy at the conference will intersect with UK diplomacy and human rights positions abroad.
Home Secretary looks to change rules on indefinite leave to remain
Ahead of the conference, Home Secretary signals reform to the rules governing indefinite leave to remain. She emphasises that legal migration has benefits for the economy and society, but argues that long term settlement should reflect a wider contribution to communities, not just the job or tax contributions. The proposals ripple through the debate on immigration and integration, with Labour casting the changes as part of a broader effort to modernise public policy while maintaining a humane approach to newcomers.
James Cleverly in the hot seat
On the programme, the shadow housing secretary James Cleverly weighs in as a prominent voice on the Conservative side. A veteran of front bench life, Cleverly brings experience from past roles, including stints as Home Secretary and Foreign Secretary. His presence signals the ongoing contest for the party’s future direction and the leadership dynamic that headlines the conference talk.
What has Starmer said about Burnham and leadership rumours
The prime minister faces questions about potential leadership challenges from Andy Burnham. In recent interviews, Starmer has resisted commenting on individual ambitions, stressing that the party must focus on policy rather than personalities. He warns against echoing past experiments that proved unpopular with voters, drawing a comparison to a high profile fiscal policy misstep from recent political history.
Andy Burnham and the leadership chatter
Burnham has not ruled out future leadership considerations, telling reporters that colleagues have approached him about the possibility. However, with no parliamentary seat in place and no by election on the horizon, any bid would require careful political calculus, including nominations from a substantial proportion of Labour MPs. The discussion at the conference venue highlights the enduring tension between unity and ambition within Labour as it seeks to present a credible path forward.
Starmer aims to pull Labour round at the conference
Starmer argues that Labour can still turn public opinion around as the conference opens. He cautions against fragmenting the party further and frames Labour as offering a cohesive alternative to what he calls a toxic divide and decline. The morning conversation with policy and political observers is set to influence the party’s tone and priorities as the conference unfolds.
Live coverage and what to watch
The show continues to stream live and will cover key quotes, policy outlines, and the evolving leadership narrative. Viewers can follow the latest points from all guests as Labour positions itself for a challenging but potentially transformative year ahead.
