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Starmer explains why he is not backing Gaza ceasefire

Hamas would have the "infrastructure and capability" to carry out further attacks if a ceasefire is called, Sir Keir Starmer has said..

The Labour leader added hostages must be released, as he called for “pauses” in the fighting as the only credible approach to relieve suffering in Gaza.

Some Labour politicians have called on the leadership to back a ceasefire in the Israel-Gaza war.

Israel reports 'large' battles with Hamas in Gaza ground fighting

31 October 2023

Israel-Gaza war

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Anas Sarwar stood in the lobby of the Scottish Parliament with blurred lights behind him.

Sarwar says Labour got Waspi payout decision wrong

Scotland Politics

Prime Minister Keir Starmer's six pledges for growth

The Starmer pledges that will be hard to hit

Destroyed buildings following Israeli strike

BBC sees destruction in southern Beirut suburb

Kemi Badenoch speaking in the Commons at PMQs

PMQs: Kemi Badenoch calls on PM to resign

A highway packed with cars towards south Lebanon

BBC on the ground as people return to southern Lebanon

Split screen of man in Tel Aviv and woman in Beirut

Watch: People in Israel and Lebanon react to ceasefire deal

Biden is talking to the press.

Biden confirms 'good news' of Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire deal

Israeli soldiers stand on a tank by Israel’s border with Lebanon in northern Israel, 26 November 2024

Watch: Netanyahu explains why Israel agreed ceasefire deal

Firefighter and man stand amidst the rubble in Burj Al-Barajneh, Beirut

Aftermath of Israeli strikes on Beirut neighbourhoods

BBC Middle East correspondent Hugo Bachega at scene of destroyed building in Beirut, Lebanon

Beirut strike 'so powerful it was felt across the city'

John Darvall sat on the left of a composite image, in a purple studio with a microphone in front of him. On the right is Keir Starmer with grey hair and brown glasses.

PM challenged on West's councils facing bankruptcy

Adam Kassak (on the left) and Ali Baydoun smile at the camera with their arms crossed in front of their chests

Beirut: Meet the TikTokers filming destroyed homes

Sir Keir Starmer at PMQs in the Commons.

Watch: PM and Badenoch react to Trump's victory at PMQs

Chris Mason standing outside Downing Street

Trump win is the more complicated outcome for UK government

Sir Keir Starmer at PMQs

Starmer thanks Sunak for hard work, commitment and decency

PM Sir Keir Starmer wearing a suit, making a speech at a lectern, standing in front of a backdrop with 'fixing the foundations' written on it

Sir Keir Starmer: Working people know who they are

Damaged building in Iran

Strikes on Tehran another big escalation - Jeremy Bowen

Projectiles in sky over Tehran

Projectiles seen in sky over Tehran

Daniel Hagari

Watch: Israeli military announces strikes in Iran

The BBC's Orla Guerin is taken on a tour of Al Sahel Hospital in Beirut

BBC tours hospital Israel says sits above millions in Hezbollah gold

Lindsay Hoyle dragged by both arms

Watch: Moment Speaker dragged to Commons chair

In a traditional part of the process, the successful candidate pretends to be reluctant to take up the role.

Correspondent Ben Chu

Quick take on Labour's energy plan

BBC Verify's Ben Chu on what to make of Labour’s plans to decarbonise UK electricity production.

Chris Mason and Mark Logan

Watch: Former Tory MP says he is backing Labour

The former Conservative MP for Bolton North East has told the BBC he now supports Labour.

Factory workers in Milton Keynes

Watch: Party leaders on the campaign trail

Political party leaders have been out and about campaigning ahead of the general election.

Keir Starmer

I want the highest quality candidates - Starmer

The Labour leader says he wants the "highest quality" candidates to put to the voters.

Carla Denyer

Greens launch campaign target of 'at least four' MPs

The Green Party of England and Wales launch their election campaign in Bristol.

Faiza Shaheen talking on BBC Newsnight

Labour candidate says she's been blocked from standing

Faiza Shaheen says she's was told she will not be Labour's candidate after allegedly liking antisemitic posts on X.

Rishi Sunak

Rishi Sunak tells Chris Mason: Yes, I am changing minds

The PM tells the BBC's political editor he is "thoroughly enjoying" himself out meeting voters in the election campaign.

Sir Keir Starmer wearing a suit and a brown tie

Not true Abbott barred from standing - Starmer

The Labour leader says no decision has been taken to bar Diane Abbott.

Keir Starmer

Starmer pleased Rayner has been 'vindicated'

Labour's leader says he always had confidence in his deputy with the row over her council house sale.

Ed Davey falls from a paddle board

Going, going, gone: Ed Davey takes a dip in Windermere

The Liberal Democrats leader was paddle boarding on Lake Windermere in the Lake District.

Rishi Sunak

Watch: PM criticises Sir Keir Starmer's campaign speeches

The prime minister accused Labour's Sir Keir Starmer of "not having the courage" to tell voters about Labour ideas.

Nigel Farage

Labour and Tories are both 'social democrats', says Farage

Nigel Farage was speaking in Dover, as part of his campaign for Reform UK.

Sir Keir Starmer

Starmer asked if there's a 'lack of enthusiasm' for Labour

Labour leader Keir Starmer is pressed on whether there's a perceived lack of enthusiasm for his party.

Rachel Reeves

Reeves: No return to austerity under Labour

The shadow chancellor is quizzed on her economic plans should Labour win the general election.

Rishi Sunak

Sunak 'disappointed' smoking ban bill did not get through

The PM says he "stepped up to do something that is bold" over his bid to phase out smoking.

Craig Mackinlay MP

Watch: Limb loss MP on his return to Parliament

Craig Mackinlay says he was met by "a storm" of noise when he returned to the House of Commons

Rishi Sunak

Oops! Sunak asks if Welsh are looking forward to Euros

On a campaign trip, the PM asks voters if they will watch the football tournament, even though Wales did not qualify.

Richard Tice

Tories 'terrified' of Reform Party - Richard Tice

The Reform Party leader says Rishi Sunak "bottled it" over calling a surprise general election for July.

Sir Keir Starmer

A vote for Labour is a vote to stop the chaos - Starmer

On the first full day of election campaigning the Labour leader says "nothing will change" if the Conservatives get back into power on July 5.