Priti Patel backed by health secretary amid fresh claims she broke rules

Published

3 years ago

September 12, 2021

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A cabinet colleague has rallied to the defence of the home secretary as she faced fresh claims of breaking ministerial rules over a meeting with a billionaire Tory donor and British Airways.

Health Secretary Sajid Javid gave his backing to Priti Patel, saying she was doing “incredibly well”, as Labour demanded an investigation into her conduct following allegations of her involvement in a “secret lobbying lunch”.

Political opponents have accused her of being “reckless” and a “serial offender” in breaching the ministerial code.

But speaking to Sky News’ Trevor Phillips On Sunday programme, Mr Javid, who himself served as home secretary, said: “It’s a really tough job, and she’s doing really well.

“There’s so many things that she has already done with the legislation that’s been put forward, but I also know as home secretary, you’ll also do a huge amount that never gets into the public eye because it’s not something you can ever talk about publicly.

“And, I think it’s obvious to me, having done that job, that she’s carrying out that part of the work here, the stuff that’s never in the public, incredibly well.”

Ms Patel has faced renewed criticism after the Sunday Mirror reported she had arranged a meeting on 11 August at Heathrow Airport’s Hilton Garden Inn, which is part of a chain owned by Conservative donor Surinder Arora.

However, it’s claimed no official from the Home Office was present, which under the rules there should be if government business was discussed.

The ministerial code states: “A private secretary or official should be present for all discussions relating to government business.

“If a minister meets an external organisation or individual and finds themselves discussing official business without an official present – for example at a social occasion or on holiday – any significant content should be passed back to the department as soon as possible after the event.”

It is understood Ms Patel considered it a private meeting and that the lunch was declared to her private office.

A spokesman for her said: “Details of all the home secretary’s relevant external meetings will be published in the usual way in accordance with the ministerial code.”

Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng also attended the meeting – but in his role as a local MP, as Heathrow borders his Spelthorne constituency.

But a source told the Sunday Mirror he was “still uncomfortable about the whole thing going ahead without officials present”.

The latest allegations will again put the spotlight on Ms Patel, who was forced to resign as international development secretary in 2017 after unauthorised meetings with Israeli officials.

She also kept her job earlier this year after being found to have engaged in bullying behaviour towards staff by the then independent adviser on ministerial standards, Sir Alex Allan.

Sir Alex resigned after Boris Johnson chose to back Ms Patel following his investigation into her conduct.

Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner said: “The home secretary is a serial offender with no regard for the ministerial code. It’s time the prime minister took away her get out of jail free card.

“This secret lobbying lunch would break the rules three times over. She has serious questions to answer and must be investigated by the cabinet secretary immediately.”

Nick Thomas-Symonds, Labour’s shadow home secretary, added: “The home secretary is so reckless about her duties that it seems she takes part in meetings behind closed doors and without an official present.”

Mr Arora previously donated to former Tory chancellor Philip Hammond when he was his local MP.

He told The Sunday Mirror: “I’ve known Kwarsi and Priti for years. I said pop in and have lunch and see my new hotel.

“I don’t do politics. I don’t support anyone. There wasn’t any agenda.”

Politics

Starmer hails ‘year of change’ as he delivers first New Year message as prime minister, with plan for ‘more cash in your pocket’ in 2025

Published

2 hours ago

December 31, 2024

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Starmer hails 'year of change' as he delivers first New Year message as prime minister, with plan for 'more cash in your pocket' in 2025

Sir Keir Starmer has hailed 2024 as a “year of change” as he shared his first New Year message as prime minister.

But the Labour leader, who took office after a staggering general election victory over the Conservatives in July, admitted there is “still so much more to do” in 2025.

It will include a plan to make sure there will be “more cash in your pocket”, as well as a raft of other initiatives for “change”.

Almost six months into the prime minister’s time in Downing Street, Sir Keir is battling criticisms of his party’s management of the economy and the direction in which he is taking the country.

Despite this, the Labour leader’s New Year message largely takes an optimistic tone, celebrating a “year of changing Britain for the better” and looking forward to a “fight for change” that will define “every waking hour of this government”.

The prime minister also takes a moment to joke that his mantra of “change” didn’t extend to football in 2024, lamenting “another agonisingly close shave for England” in the Euros final.

He said: “But change in politics, with the election of this Labour government in July. And more importantly, with the work of change that we have begun.

“The minimum wage will be raised by a record amount. Wages are up more broadly. Returns of foreign national criminals – up 20%. Billions of pounds worth of new projects in clean British energy making our country more secure. And over £25bn invested in our NHS starting to cut waiting lists in your local hospital.

“Now, I know there is still so much more to do. And that for many people it’s hard to think about the future when you spend all of your time fighting to get through the week.

“So I want to be clear. Until you can look forward and believe in the promise and the prosperity of Britain again, then this government will fight for you.”

The prime minister says this “fight for change” will “define this year, next year, and indeed – every waking hour of this government”.

He mentions his “Plan for Change”, vowing to focus on a “year of rebuilding” for the country – and “rediscovering the great nation that we are”.

“We have a clear plan for change: 1.5 million new homes – restoring the dream of home ownership; children starting school, ready to learn; a more secure energy system; waiting lists cut dramatically; immigration – reduced; neighbourhood police, tackling anti-social behaviour in every community; and more cash in your pocket, wherever you live,” Sir Keir explains.

“A nation that gets things done. No matter how hard or tough the circumstances.

“We will have time to reflect on that this year. A chance, with the 80th anniversary of VE and VJ day, to cherish the greatest victories of this country. And the greatest generation that achieved it.

“But that victory – and indeed the peace and the prosperity that followed – all rested on that same foundation we must rebuild today.

“The security of working people. That is the purpose of this government. The goal of our Plan for Change. And we will push it forward in 2025.”

The prime minister concludes: “Here’s to a year of changing Britain for the better.”

Sir Ed Davey, the leader of the Liberal Democrats, has also shared his New Year message.

He has called on Labour to “be much bolder” to deliver “real change” and tackle the challenges facing the UK in 2025.

The Lib Dem leader also used his New Year message to claim instability and insecurity around the world has been “made worse” by Donald Trump’s re-election in the US.

Sir Ed is looking forward to the next year with “genuine hope”, he will say, as the UK has “the people, the grit, the talent, the businesses – and the right values, to change things for the better”.

Meanwhile, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said in his message that the UK has been “appallingly led” for several decades.

He said: “We’re in societal decline, we’re in economic decline, most people are getting poorer with every year that passes, we’re losing any sense of national identity and we’re actually teaching kids at school that people like Winston Churchill – born in this palace – are bad people and that our country’s history is something to be ashamed of.”

Mr Farage said Reform’s campaigning will include calls for “proper border controls” and to reduce the cost of living.

Politics

Vitalik Buterin donates $170K to Tornado Cash developers’ legal fund

Published

3 hours ago

December 31, 2024

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Vitalik Buterin donates 0K to Tornado Cash developers’ legal fund

Many in the crypto industry have criticized US authorities for sanctioning Tornado Cash smart contract addresses and charging developers with money laundering.