Starmer urged to ensure rejoining Erasmus is ‘first step to closer relationship’ with EU – UK politics live | Politics

Nigel Farage has been told to apologize for alleged teenage racism by 26 of his school contemporaries who wrote an open letter expressing their “horror and anger” at his response in recent weeks. Daniel Boffey, Henry Dyer And Cue Blacklock It has a story.

this morning Anna TurleyThe Labor leader said in a statement that Farage’s refusal to apologize or even give a full explanation of what happened showed he was “unfit for high office”.

It’s a shame that Nigel Farage’s refusal to get a straight answer about whether he racially abused people at school led to this. He must finally do the right thing now and fully apologize to those who bravely came forward.

His inability to answer basic questions about his past behavior leaves the impression that he has something to hide. It shouldn’t be that hard for him to explain his actions or take responsibility. Nigel Farage has proven once again that he is unfit for high office.

In his various comments on these stories, Farage has oscillated between denying the allegations in their entirety, suggesting people are misremembering what happened, and dismissing comments that were implied to be jokes that were not intended as insults.

Good morning. Like Pippa Crerar The government will today announce that Britain will rejoin the EU’s Erasmus student exchange programme, it was revealed to the Guardian yesterday.

The move was welcomed by pro-EU parties. The Liberal Democrats published this comment from their university’s spokesperson: Ian Sollom.

We welcome the news that, after years of campaigning by the Liberal Democrats, the UK is finally ready to rejoin the vital Erasmus+ student exchange program from 2027.

This is a moment of real opportunity and a clear step towards repairing the disastrous Tory Brexit deal.

But while this is a welcome breakthrough, it should be seen as a crucial first step towards a clear roadmap towards a closer relationship with Europe. Starting with negotiations for a dedicated UK-EU customs union and committing to a youth mobility scheme for the benefit of the next generation.

The SNP is also calling for the UK to rejoin Erasmus and has published this statement at: Joe FitzPatrick MSP.

Scotland did not vote for Brexit. Our young people, universities and communities are already paying the price for Farage’s years-long Leave campaign; Starmer refuses to accept that it was all a mistake.

While the SNP has campaigned tirelessly for Scotland’s access to Erasmus, Labor and the Conservatives have ignored the voices of young people most affected by Brexit.

It is surprising how Labor is now realizing what the Scots understood long ago. This is not leadership, this is a desperate struggle to fix the mess they helped create. Scottish students should not be used as pawns in Westminster’s Brexit mistakes.

But so far we have had nothing but silence from the Conservative Party and Reform England. It’s not hard to understand why. Do they defend Boris Johnson’s decision not to join Erasmus and his plan to replace Turing? alternatively installed (which is non-reciprocal and which is less generous)? And if they are going to criticize the decision, will they commit to withdrawing again if they win the next election? Is this a commitment that will not be welcomed by young people and the university sector?

We may find out later today, but the Conservatives will probably want to say as little about it as possible.

And it’s not as if there weren’t other topics to discuss. Here’s our story about the junior doctors’ strike in England, which started this morning.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting will speak to MPs about the issue within the hour.

Here is the agenda of the day.

9.30: Health secretary Wes Streeting gives evidence to the House of Commons health committee.

Morning: The government is expected to confirm that the UK will join the EU’s Erasmus programme.

10am: Unison to announce results of leadership election. Incumbent Christina McAnea, seen as one of Keir Starmer’s main union allies, is being challenged by left-winger Andrea Egan.

11am: The Green Party will announce what it calls a “significant” departure. Politico says it’s Jamie DriscollFormer Labor North mayor of the Tyne.

Afternoon: Keir Starmer faces Kemi Badenoch at PMQs.

With the recess starting tomorrow afternoon, the government is making 14 announcements in the form of written ministerial statements, including those covering the 2026-27 local government agreement, the offer to buy the Telegraph and progress on the Grenfell Tower inquiry recommendations.

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