Year: 2026

Address to Congress Honouring a Loss It is a profound honour to stand before you today, even as we gather under such sorrowful circumstances. As many of you are already aware, the father of the Prime Minister, Roy, sadly passed away on Sunday night. I am confident that I echo the sentiments of everyone present when I extend our heartfelt condolences to Andy and his family during this difficult time as they mourn the loss of a husband, father, and grandfather. The Prime Minister has been notably candid about the significant influence his father had on both his personal life and his political journey. Many in this room will have witnessed the devastating effects that Alzheimer's disease can have on individuals and their families. In moments like these, it is only natural to seek the comfor...

Madam Deputy Speaker, I wish to address the findings of a comprehensive three-year public inquiry concerning the Countess of Chester Hospital, which spans the period between 2015 and 2018. This inquiry, led by Lady Justice Thirlwall, has been published today and presents a deeply troubling account of events that have profoundly affected many families. I would like to express my gratitude to Lady Justice Thirlwall for her diligent and impactful report. Central to this inquiry are the stories of 13 families who lost their newborns or witnessed severe health complications in their infants at the hospital over a decade ago. The depth of grief and suffering experienced by these families is unimaginable. The mother of Baby J poignantly articulates this loss, stating, “I cannot emphasise enough t...

Escalating Houthi Attacks Prompt International Concern In recent days, the Houthis have intensified their aggressive operations against Saudi Arabia, escalating military actions within Yemen and jeopardising international shipping as well as regional stability. These developments have drawn strong condemnation from the United Kingdom. Reports indicate that overnight assaults by the Houthis have resulted in injuries to 13 civilians, alongside damage to homes and residential areas, while also disrupting commercial aviation activities. The group has been attempting to fortify its control over Yemen’s Red Sea coast and the strategically significant Bab al-Mandeb Strait. Such actions pose a direct threat to one of the world’s most vital shipping lanes, undermining the freedom of navigation that...