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Dominic Raab says in his resignation letter as deputy prime minister it is “important to keep my word”, but adds the inquiry into bullying claims against him sets a “dangerous precedent”.

In the lengthy two-page letter to Rishi Sunak, he reveals that senior lawyer Adam Tolley upheld two of the eight allegations against him.

Mr Raab denied the allegations and requested an investigation into himself after two formal complaints were made.

The prime minister received the report on Thursday and had been considering the findings since – here’s the full letter from Mr Raab, which Sky News’ deputy political editor Sam Coates refers to as “bitter” and “personal”.

Here are both Mr Raab’s resignation letter and the prime minister’s “sad” response.

Raab ‘keeps word’ – Politics live

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Sam Coates on the different standards of etiquette within the workplace

“Dear Prime Minister,

“I am writing to resign from your government, following receipt of the report arising from the inquiry conducted by Adam Tolley KC. I called for the inquiry and undertook to resign, if it made any finding of bullying whatsoever. I believe it is important to keep my word.

“It has been a privilege to serve you as deputy prime minister, Justice Secretary and Lord Chancellor. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work as a minister in a range of roles and departments since 2015, and pay tribute to the many outstanding civil servants with whom I have worked.

“Whilst I feel duty bound to accept the outcome of the inquiry, it dismissed all but two of the claims levelled against me. I also believe that its two adverse findings are flawed and set a dangerous precedent for the conduct of good government.

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Why has Raab resigned?

“First, ministers must be able to exercise direct oversight with respect to senior officials over critical negotiations conducted on behalf of the British people, otherwise the democratic and constitutional principle of ministerial responsibility will be lost. This was particularly true during my time as foreign secretary, in the context of the Brexit negotiations over Gibraltar, when a senior diplomat breached the mandate agreed by cabinet.

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“Second, ministers must be able to give direct critical feedback on briefings and submissions to senior officials, in order to set the standards and drive the reform the public expect of us. Of course, this must be done within reasonable bounds. Mr Tolley concluded that I had not once, in four and a half years, sworn or shouted at anyone, let alone thrown anything or otherwise physically intimidated anyone, nor intentionally sought to belittle anyone. I am genuinely sorry for any unintended stress or offence that any officials felt, as a result of the pace, standards and challenge that I brought to the Ministry of Justice. That is, however, what the public expect of ministers working on their behalf.

“In setting the threshold for bullying so low, this inquiry has set a dangerous precedent. It will encourage spurious complaints against ministers, and have a chilling effect on those driving change on behalf of your government – and ultimately the British people.

“Finally, I raised with you a number of improprieties that came to light during the course of this inquiry. They include the systematic leaking of skewed and fabricated claims to the media in breach of the rules of the inquiry and the Civil Service Code of Conduct, and the coercive removal by a senior official of dedicated Private Secretaries from my Ministry of Justice private office, in October of last year. I hope these will be independently reviewed.

“I remain as supportive of you and this government, as when I first introduced you at your campaign leadership launch last July. You have proved a great prime minister in very challenging times, and you can count on my support from the backbenches. Yours sincerely, Dominic Raab.”

Sunak accepts resignation with ‘great sadness’

Rishi Sunak letter to Dominic  Raab
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Rishi Sunak’s letter to Dominic Raab

The prime minister has accepted Mr Raab’s resignation with “great sadness” and issued his own response.

He said there were “shortcomings” in the way the bullying allegations were dealt with which have “negatively affected everyone involved”. Here’s his response to Mr Raab in full.

“Dear Dominic,

“Thank you for your letter notifying me of your decision to resign from your position in His Majesty’s government as deputy prime minister and lord chancellor and secretary of state for justice. It is with great sadness that I have accepted your resignation.

“When I became prime minister in October last year, I pledged that the government I lead would have integrity, professionalism and accountability at every level. The ministerial code requires ministers to uphold the highest standards.

“When formal complaints about your conduct in different ministerial posts were submitted last year, I appointed at your request an independent investigator to conduct a full investigation into the specific facts surrounding these complaints. Adam Tolley KC has now submitted his report and I have carefully considered its findings, as well as consulting the Independent Adviser on Ministers’ Interests.

“As you say, you had – rightly – undertaken to resign if the report made any finding of bullying whatsoever. You have kept your word. But it is clear that there have been shortcomings in the historic process that have negatively affected everyone involved. We should learn from this how to better handle such matters in future.

“But your resignation should not make us forget your record of delivery in both this government and previous administrations. These achievements should make you extremely proud.

“Most recently as secretary of state for justice and lord chancellor, you have put the rights of victims at the heart of our criminal justice system through our landmark victims and prisoners bill, as well as increasing sentences for violent criminals, reforming the probation system, and pushing forward the biggest prison-building programme this country has seen in over a century.

“As foreign secretary, you were a major driving force of the 2021 Integrated Review, conceiving and delivering the Indo-Pacific tilt. I know the personal drive you also displayed to create the UK’s new independent sanctions regime and in our response to the undermining of human rights and democracy in Hong Kong.

“During the COVID crisis, you stepped in when the then prime minister was hospitalised. You provided the country – and your cabinet colleagues – with reassurance and leadership at a moment of profound national concern. As chancellor at the time, I was struck by the collegiate way in which you handled this most difficult of challenges.

“I will always be grateful for your steadfast personal support during last year’s Conservative Party leadership contest from the day you introduced me at the launch to the last day of the contest. The subsequent dedication, commitment and loyalty with which you have discharged your responsibilities as deputy prime minister has been typical of your belief in public service.

“I look forward to receiving your support from the backbenches as you continue to passionately represent your constituents of Esher and Walton. Thank you for your service to this and previous governments and I wish you and your family every possible success for the future. Yours sincerely, Rishi Sunak.”

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Israeli military fires deputy commander as it releases findings of investigation into deadly attack on aid workers

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Israeli military fires deputy commander as it releases findings of investigation into deadly attack on aid workers

The Israeli military has said its investigation into the killing of aid workers in Gaza has found there were “several professional failures, breaches of orders, and a failure to fully report the incident”.

A commanding officer will be reprimanded and a deputy commander will be dismissed following the military investigation, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said.

Fifteen aid workers were shot dead by Israeli troops who opened fire on a convoy of vehicles, including ambulances, on 23 March.

They were then buried in a shallow grave where their bodies were found a week later by officials from the United Nations and the Palestinian Red Crescent.

The probe’s findings come after a Sky News investigation earlier this week revealed how the deadly attack unfolded, contradicting Israel’s official account of the killings.

At first, Israel claimed the medics’ vehicles did not have emergency signals on when troops fired their shots, but later backtracked.

Mobile phone footage which was recovered from one of the medics contradicted Israel’s initial account.

In a statement on Sunday, an IDF spokesperson said: “The Commanding Officer of the 14th Brigade will receive a reprimand, which will be recorded in his personal file, for his overall responsibility for the incident, including the procedure of combat and management of the scene afterward.

“The deputy commander of the Golani Reconnaissance Battalion will be dismissed from his position due to his responsibilities as the field commander in this incident and for providing an incomplete and inaccurate report during the debrief.”

IDF opens fire on Gaza paramedics
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Footage was released of the attack on 23 March

‘Poor night visibility’

The investigation found that the deputy commander did not initially recognise the vehicles as ambulances “due to poor night visibility”, according to the spokesperson.

“Only later, after approaching the vehicles and scanning them, was it discovered that these were indeed rescue teams,” they added.

Probe looked at ‘three shooting incidents’

The IDF said that about an hour before the attack on the convoy, Israeli troops fired at what they “identified as a Hamas vehicle” and the forces “remained on high alert for further potential threats”.

In the convoy incident, the IDF said the soldiers “opened fire on suspects emerging from a fire truck and ambulances very close to the area in which the troops were operating, after perceiving an immediate and tangible threat”.

“Supporting surveillance” had reported five vehicles approaching rapidly and stopping near the troops, with passengers quickly disembarking, according to the IDF.

It said the deputy battalion commander “assessed the vehicles as employed by Hamas forces, who arrived to assist the first vehicle’s passengers”, adding that: “Under this impression and sense of threat, he ordered to open fire.”

According to the IDF, six of the 15 killed were “identified in a retrospective examination as Hamas terrorists”.

But the Sky News investigation found no evidence to support this claim.

The IDF also said there was a third incident about 15 minutes later where “the troops fired at a Palestinian UN vehicle due to operational errors in breach of regulations”.

“The troops’ commander initially reported the event, and additional details emerged later in the examination.”

Bodies were buried in mass grave

Eight Red Crescent personnel, six civil defence workers and a UN staff member were killed in the shooting on the convoy by troops carrying out operations in Tel al Sultan, a district of the southern Gaza city of Rafah.

Troops then bulldozed over the bodies along with their mangled vehicles, burying them in a mass grave.

‘Decision to crush vehicles was wrong’

The IDF statement said that at dawn it was decided to “gather and cover the bodies to prevent further harm and clear the vehicles from the route in preparation for civilian evacuation”.

The body removal and vehicle crushing were carried out by field commanders, according to the military.

Removing the bodies was reasonable under the circumstances, but the decision to crush the vehicles was wrong, the investigation concluded, and “in general there was no attempt to conceal the event”.

The probe also found that “the [gun]fire in the first two incidents resulted from an operational misunderstanding by the troops, who believed they faced a tangible threat from enemy forces. The third incident involved a breach of orders during a combat setting”.

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Pope blesses Easter crowds from popemobile in first significant appearance since illness

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Pope blesses Easter crowds from popemobile in first significant appearance since illness

Pope Francis has made his first significant public appearance since he left hospital, greeting cheering crowds from the popemobile.

He blessed the thousands of faithful gathered to celebrate Easter Sunday at the Vatican.

The 88-year-old pontiff appeared frail as he was wheeled out onto the balcony over the entrance of St Peter’s Basilica, before being driven in the popemobile through the crowds of faithful gathered in St Peter’s Square.

He was met with cheers, applause and chants of “Viva il Papa” – meaning long live the Pope.

It is his longest stint out in public since he spent five weeks in hospital being treated for double pneumonia.

Pope Francis speaks from a balcony, on the day of the "Urbi et Orbi" (to the city and to the world) message at St. Peter's Square, on Easter Sunday, in the Vatican, April 20, 2025. REUTERS/Yara Nardi
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Pic: Reuters

Pope Francis tours St. Peter's Square on the Pope mobile, as faithfull react, on the day the "Urbi et Orbi" (to the city and to the world) message is delivered, on Easter Sunday, at the Vatican, April 20, 2025. REUTERS/Guglielmo Mangiapane
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Pope Francis being driven through the crowds in St Peter’s Square. Pic: Reuters

“Brothers and sisters, Happy Easter!” Pope Francis managed to say, before an aide read the rest of his annual Urbi et Orbi blessing and speech, which called for an end to the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza.

“May the risen Christ grant Ukraine, devastated by war, his Easter gift of peace, and encourage all parties involved to pursue efforts aimed at achieving a just and lasting peace,” the message said.

Pope Francis looks on from a balcony, on the day the "Urbi et Orbi" (to the city and to the world) message is delivered at St. Peter's Square, on Easter Sunday, at the Vatican, April 20, 2025. REUTERS/Guglielmo Mangiapane
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Pic: Reuters

“In this Jubilee year, may Easter also be a fitting occasion for the liberation of prisoners of war and political prisoners!”

Pope Francis rides in a vehicle in St. Peter's Square after the "Urbi et Orbi" (to the city and to the world) message was delivered, on Easter Sunday, in the Vatican, April 20, 2025. REUTERS/Yara Nardi
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Pic: Reuters

Crowds then stretched out their hands and filmed as the Pope was driven past in the special vehicle.

The popemobile stopped a number of times in order for the pontiff to bless babies and small children, appearing to also give them gifts.

The Pope blesses a baby as he travels around St Peter's Square in his Popemobile
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The Pope blesses a baby as he travels around St Peter’s Square

Before the public appearance, the Pope “exchanged good wishes” with US vice president JD Vance during a private audience at the Vatican.

Pope Francis meets with U.S. Vice President JD Vance on Easter Sunday at the Vatican, April 20, 2025. Vatican Media/­Handout via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY. TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
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The Pope meeting JD Vance on Easter Sunday. Pic: Vatican Media

JD Vance meeting Pope Francis at the Vatican on Easter Sunday. Pic: Vatican Media
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Pic: Vatican Media

Mr Vance, who is in Rome with his family, also met with Pope Francis on Saturday, where the Vatican said there had been “an exchange of opinions” over international conflicts, migrants and prisoners.

The Pope has only appeared in public a handful of times since returning to the Vatican on 23 March.

The faithful gather in St. Peter's Square during the Easter Sunday Mass, at the Vatican, April 20, 2025. REUTERS/Yara Nardi
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The faithful gather in St. Peter’s Square. Pic: Reuters

Members of the clergy gather in St. Peter's Square on the day of the Easter Sunday Mass at the Vatican, April 20, 2025. REUTERS/Yara Nardi
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Members of the clergy. Pic: Reuters

Leading up to Easter, he skipped the solemn services of Good Friday and Holy Saturday. Before Sunday, his biggest outing had been a visit to Rome’s central prison to spend Holy Thursday with inmates.

He also missed the Easter Sunday open-air mass, which was led instead by Cardinal Angelo Comastri, the retired archpriest of St Peter’s Basilica.

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Cardinal Angelo Comastri leads the Easter Sunday Mass at St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, April 20, 2025. REUTERS/Guglielmo Mangiapane
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Cardinal Angelo Comastri leading the Easter Sunday mass. Pic: Reuters

Despite cutting down his workload, the Pope was able to meet King Charles and Queen Camilla during the British monarch’s four-day state visit to Italy at the beginning of April.

Charles and Camilla’s 20-minute meeting with the Pope included an exchange of gifts and the pontiff wishing them a happy 20th wedding anniversary.

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Gaza father grieves for children killed in Israeli airstrike on church building

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Gaza father grieves for children killed in Israeli airstrike on church building

As people take a break for the Easter holiday, in the Gaza Strip there is no respite from the 18-month-long war with Israel.

Gaza has a tiny Christian community of Greek Orthodox Christians, Catholics, Evangelicals, and Anglicans.

For Ramez al-Souri, the pain is unimaginable. His three children were killed by an Israeli airstrike, on an annex of Gaza’s Saint Porphyrius Greek Orthodox Church.

Palestinian health officials say the attack on 19 October 2023 killed 18 people inside the building.

“My home has changed completely because there are no smiles, no laughter, no joy,” Mr Al-Souri says.

“I lost my flower – my daughter Julie – and my boys Suhail and Majd. They were salt of the Earth.”

Shrouded in darkness

Julia was 12 years old, Suhial 14 and Majd 11.

It is a loss that never leaves Mr Al-Souri, and one shared by almost every family in Gaza.

Walking through the cemetery, he gently places a small bouquet of flowers on his children’s grave. Gunfire crackles in the distance. The neighbourhood is full of rubble and destruction.

“This Easter is no different than the last,” Mr Al-Souri says.

“We are tending to our wounds.

“We continue to hope for an end to this war and suffering, for the darkness over Gaza to finally lift.”

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How two hours of terror unfolded

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Sky reveals timeline of IDF’s Gaza aid attack

No end in sight

But there is no sign of light for more than two million people trapped inside Gaza.

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gave a special address to the nation on Saturday night and vowed to continue the war until Hamas is destroyed.

Mr Netanyahu said Israel has “no choice” but to keep fighting “for our very own existence until victory.”

Israel is calling for Hamas to disarm and to release 10 Israeli hostages in exchange for a 45-day ceasefire.

There are 59 hostages still inside Gaza. It is believed 24 of them are still alive.

Hamas has rejected the proposal. It argues Israel reneged on the first ceasefire deal by refusing to move to phase two of the agreement and withdraw Israeli troops from the Gaza Strip.

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Netanyahu: ‘I will not give in’

A disaster on the ground

Since the ceasefire collapsed on 2 March, Israel’s bombing campaign has intensified.

Palestinian health officials say more than 1,700 people have been killed in the last month, and more than 90 people in the last 24 hours.

The humanitarian situation is a disaster. At the few remaining soup kitchens in Gaza, children scramble for food. They carry pots for their family and push forward trying to secure a bowl of lentils or rice.

Israel has blocked aid trucks from entering for the last seven weeks. It says it is to put pressure on Hamas.

But the pressure is being felt by civilians, creating what aid groups say is the most severe crisis Gaza has ever faced.

Israel has cut off vital supplies of food and medicine, but insists it is not using starvation as a weapon of war. It rejects any suggestion Gaza does not have enough food and accuses Hamas of stealing it.

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Gazans struggle to find bodies under rubble

‘We’re craving food’

Seven members of the Al-Asheh family are displaced and live in a tent in Deir al-Balah.

Twelve-year-old Ahmed says before the war he didn’t like lentils, now it is all he eats.

“Before the war, we used to have fruits, chicken, vegetables, everything was available. We were never hungry,” Ahmed explains.

“Now, we’re craving food, chicken – anything. The only thing we can eat now is what the soup kitchen provides.”

Food is increasingly hard to come by in Gaza
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Food is increasingly hard to come by in Gaza

It is clear that ceasefire talks are going nowhere, and Israel has tightened its blockade and deepened its war.

More than 400,000 Palestinians have recently been displaced yet again as Israel has expanded a buffer zone inside Gaza, levelling houses to create a “security zone”.

For Palestinians, this constitutes a “land grab”.

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Israeli forces encircle Rafah

‘A symbol of the world’s conscience’

Israel has also established another military corridor in southern Gaza, calling it Morag corridor.

The corridor is north of Rafah and has cut Gaza’s second-largest city off from the rest of the territory. Israel says it has now taken control of 30% of the Gaza Strip and insists it will not withdraw.

For Palestinians, the future has never looked more bleak. They are blockaded, displaced, struggling for food, water, basic sanitation and in constant search of safety.

“Gaza is calling on the world to stand by it,” Mr Al-Souri says.

“Gaza stands as a symbol of the world’s moral conscience.”

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