Connect with us

Published

on

Rishi Sunak appears to have ruled out returning money to a Tory donor who allegedly said Diane Abbott made him “want to hate all black women” and “should be shot”. 

Asked at Prime Minister’s Questions by Labour MP Marsha De Cordova if he would hand back one of the specific donations from Frank Hester’s company – £15,900 covering a helicopter trip – Mr Sunak said “no”.

The prime minister added that he was “pleased” the businessman was supporting “one of the most diverse governments in this country’s history”.

Politics live:
Senior Tory says party ‘exhausted by psychodrama’

There were terse exchanges in the Commons as Mr Sunak faced increasing pressure to return the funds to Mr Hester and his healthcare software firm The Phoenix Partnership, who between them have donated £10m to the Conservatives since the 2019 election.

And minutes after the main event in parliament, a spokesperson from the Scottish Conservatives joined in, calling on the UK party to “carefully review the donations” in light of Mr Hester’s alleged comments, which were “racist and wrong”.

After his remarks were first reported in the Guardian, the businessman said he was “deeply sorry”, but insisted they had “nothing to do with [Ms Abbott’s] gender nor colour of skin”.

More on Conservatives

Ms Abbott – who yesterday described the remarks as “frightening” and “alarming” – was in the chamber throughout PMQs.

But despite standing several times seeking to ask a question, she was not selected by Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle.

A spokesperson for Sir Lindsay said: “During Prime Minister’s Questions, the Speaker must select MPs from either side of the House on an alternating basis for fairness.

“This takes place within a limited time frame, with the chair prioritising members who are already listed on the order paper. This week – as is often the case – there was not enough time to call all Members who wanted to ask a question.”

Frank Hester, Diane Abbott and Rishi Sunak.
Pic: PA
Image:
Frank Hester, Diane Abbott and Rishi Sunak. Pic: PA

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer launched an attack on the prime minister for being “bankrolled” by the businessman.

He asked “how low [Mr Hester] would have to sink” and “what racist, woman-hating threat of violence would he have to make” before Mr Sunak “plucked up the courage” to hand back the cash.

The prime minister echoed his statement from Tuesday night, calling the businessman’s alleged remarks “racist” and saying there was “no place for racism in Britain”.

But he said Mr Hester had “apologised genuinely for his comments and that remorse should be accepted” – turning his ire on Sir Keir for supporting former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, who he said “let antisemitism run rife” during his tenure.

Sir Keir said: “The difference is he is scared of his party. I have changed my party.”

Politics Hub with Sophy Ridge
Politics Hub with Sophy Ridge

Sky News Monday to Thursday at 7pm.
Watch live on Sky channel 501, Freeview 233, Virgin 602, the Sky News website and app or YouTube.

Tap here for more

The SNP’s Stephen Flynn also accused Mr Sunak of “putting money before morals”, adding: “This is complete rubbish. [Mr Hester] apologised for being rude.

“He wasn’t rude. He was racist, he was odious and he was downright bloody dangerous.”

Both Sir Keir and Mr Flynn were seen approaching Ms Abbott and speaking to her in the Commons after PMQs concluded.

Ms Abbott later retweeted a claim that in the conversation with the Labour leader, she had asked for the whip to be restored, having been suspended last year after suggesting Jewish people did not face racism – something she later apologised for.

Meanwhile, the deputy leader of the Liberal Democrats is writing to every Tory MP, urging them to not accept any funding from Mr Hester.

She said: “Conservative MPs across the country have a chance to show integrity and distance themselves from this outrageous scandal.”

However, making his first remarks about the row, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt said Mr Hester should not be “cancelled for a comment [he] made in the past and for which [he has] apologised”.

Mr Hunt said the apology ” does not make the comments any less despicable and I don’t defend them”, but added: “I think we should accept that apology.”

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

SNP leader Stephen Flynn challenges Rishi Sunak over putting “money before morals”

The story about Mr Hester’s alleged remarks was broken by the Guardian overnight on Monday, with wide condemnation from opposition parties soon to follow.

But come Tuesday morning, government ministers, and then Mr Sunak’s official spokesperson, refused to call the comments racist.

As criticism of the party’s position grew throughout the day, Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch appeared to break ranks and posted on X that the words were “racist” – though adding there should be “space for forgiveness”.

Then in the evening, the prime minister issued a response echoing his cabinet minister, saying the comments were “racist and wrong”, adding: “He has now rightly apologised for the offence caused and where remorse is shown it should be accepted.”

Read more:
Who is Tory donor Frank Hester?
Far-right groups ‘hijacking’ anti-migrant protests

Day out with Muslim MP reveals threats to her safety

There were repeated calls from both Labour and the Liberal Democrats for the Conservatives to return donations to Mr Hester as a result of the scandal.

But asked by Sky News’ Wilfred Frost if the Tories were “content to spend” the money after the incident, business minister Kevin Hollinrake: “Well, on the basis he’s not a racist and has apologised for what he said, yes.”

Continue Reading

UK

Davina McCall says she has short-term memory problems after brain tumour surgery

Published

on

By

Davina McCall says she has short-term memory problems after brain tumour surgery

Davina McCall has said her short-term memory is “a bit remiss” as she recovers from brain tumour surgery.

Speaking from her bed, the visibly emotional TV presenter posted a short video updating her Instagram followers on her condition, saying it had been a “mad” time.

She expressed an “enormous heartfelt thank you” to people who had messaged her after she revealed this month she had a benign brain tumour, a colloid cyst, which she described as “very rare”.

Looking bright, but with a visibly bruised left eye, McCall said: “My short-term memory is a bit remiss.

“But that is something I can work on, so I’m really happy about that. I’m writing everything down, to keep myself feeling safe.”

She added: “It’s been mad, and it’s just really nice to be back home, I’m on the other side.”

In a message posted with the video, she reiterated her thanks for all the support she has received, adding: “Had a great night’s sleep in my own bed. Have a couple of sleeps during the day which keeps my brain clear… Slowly, slowly…”

When she first shared her diagnosis, she said chances of having it were “three in a million” and that she had discovered it several months previously after a company offered her a health scan in return for giving a menopause talk.

The 57-year-old star said support from her fans had “meant the world”.

She said she was being “brilliantly looked after” by her partner, hairdresser Michael Douglas, and her stepmother, Gabby, who she calls mum.

Becoming tearful, the presenter said: “I’d quickly like to say big up the stepmums. I don’t really say thank you to Gabby enough. She’s been an amazing rock my whole life.”

McCall was estranged from her birth mother, Florence McCall, who died in 2008.

Kate coming out of the Big Brother house in 2002
Image:
McCall with 2002 Big Brother winner Kate Lawler. Pic: Rex Features

With a catch in her voice, McCall went on: “I’ve got a massive dose of vitamin G – I’m just really grateful. I’ve always been really lucky in my life, but I feel unbelievably grateful right now. So, thanks for everything, all of you.

“I’m on the mend, I’m resting and sleeping loads and I feel really good. I’m just very lucky.”

Stars including presenter Alison Hammond, singer Craig David and radio host Zoe Ball quickly shared their delight at the positive update.

McCall rose to fame presenting on MTV in the mid-1990s, and later on Channel 4’s Streetmate, before becoming a household name as the host of Big Brother from 2000 to 2010.

Davina McCall  with her partner Michael Douglas and her daughter Holly Robertson after being made a Member of the Order of the British Empire
Pic: PA
Image:
McCall with her MBE, alongside her partner Michael Douglas and her daughter Holly Robertson. Pic: PA

She’s gone on to present programmes across the networks, the most recent being ITV dating show My Mum, Your Dad.

Last year, McCall was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2023 Birthday Honours for services to broadcasting.

Married twice, McCall has three children, two daughters and a son, with her second husband, presenter Matthew Robertson.

She has lived with Douglas since 2022, and they present a weekly lifestyle podcast together, Making The Cut.

Continue Reading

UK

UK weather: How long will rainy and windy conditions last – and is another storm already on the way?

Published

on

By

UK weather: How long will rainy and windy conditions last - and is another storm already on the way?

Storm Bert continues to cause chaos in the UK, but just how long is heavy rain and wind expected to batter the country?

The Met Office says Storm Bert will start to “slowly pull away” from the UK on Monday, meaning an unsettled start to the day.

A yellow weather warning remains in place for northern parts of Scotland.

It warns of heavy downpours, especially over higher ground, where accumulations of 50-70mm are expected. The warning is in place until midnight.

Storm Bert latest: Follow live updates

In central Scotland, wind speeds of 50-60mph are likely, and gusts up to 70mph could be felt near the coast and on exposed bridges.

Met Office chief meteorologist Andy Page said that while the risk of snowfall had now diminished, rainfall would “affect much of the UK”.

Frequent showers are expected in Northern Ireland, northern England, Wales and the West Country, with the heaviest expected in southwestern parts of England and South Wales.

Mr Page said weather warnings “could still be amended” and possibly at short notice, and urged people to “keep up to date with the very latest forecast”.

Sky News meteorologist Christopher England warns there could be a risk of hail and thunder in northern Scotland, at the start of the week.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Storm Bert causes flooding in Wales

As of Monday morning, there were hundreds of flood warnings and alerts in place. Three of those – two in Wales and one in England – were “severe warnings”.

A further 160 flood warnings and more than 200 flood alerts were issued by the Environment Agency in England, and eight flood warnings and 23 flood alerts in place in Wales at the time of writing.

Bert to clear UK by Tuesday

By Tuesday, Storm Bert will finally clear the UK, the Met Office said, bringing with it “quieter weather for many”.

However, parts of the country may not be without rain or wind for long, as the forecaster says strong gusts and rainfall could start again on Tuesday night and into Wednesday.

Check the forecast in your area

“How long the more settled conditions last is uncertain, with rain probably returning to westernmost areas at least by the end of the week,” the Met Office website says.

Chris England adds: “Wednesday will bring strong winds and a spell of heavy rain across the south, while the north looks mostly fine after a frosty and foggy start in places.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Woman loses umbrella to Storm Bert

“Thursday looks cool again, but mostly fine. Friday will be milder, with outbreaks of rain likely over Ireland, Northern Ireland and north-west Scotland.”

He says going into the weekend, Saturday “looks cloudy and breezy in the north and west, with a little rain possible at times”.

When could the next named storm be?

Storm Bert was the second named storm of the season after Storm Ashley brought similar wet and windy conditions towards the end of October.

Although it cannot be known for sure when the next storm will be, the Met Office already knows it will be referred to as Storm Conall. The forecaster names storms in alphabetical order.

It says it only names a storm when it has the “potential to cause disruption or damage which could result in an amber or red warning” and according to its long range forecast, this could be as soon as next month.

It says that between 9 and 23 December, “there are signs” there will be wetter and windier interludes with a risk of snow, adding: “These conditions look more likely to dominate towards the middle of December.”

Whether this will be strong enough for a storm to be named remains unknown.

Continue Reading

UK

Microsoft ‘investigating issue’ after users report problems with Outlook and Teams

Published

on

By

Microsoft 'investigating issue' after users report problems with Outlook and Teams

Microsoft has said it is “investigating an issue” after users reported problems with Outlook and Teams.

In a post on X, Microsoft 365 Status said: “We’re investigating an issue impacting users attempting to access Exchange Online or functionality within Microsoft Teams calendar.”

Microsoft Exchange Online is a platform for business communication that has a mail server and cloud apps for email, contacts, and calendars.

Down Detector, a website that tracks outages, said problems started at approximately 8am on Monday morning.

It said 87% of reported problems involved Outlook, when the email application is accessed through the web.

Microsoft error message
Image:
Microsoft error message appearing on Outlook

Other reported problems, according to Down Detector, included connection to the server and logging in.

Users from the UK and around, Europe took to social media to report they were having problems accessing the platform.

One user wrote: “When you need to check an important mail, but #outlook decides to not work…”

Read more from Sky News:
UK in AI arms race with Russia
Google could be forced to sell its Chrome browser

While another added: “Here in Belgium mainly issues with tracking of e-mail in Dynamics 365. Inbound and outbound in Outlook still work.”

Microsoft directed affected users to its admin centre, a page that is intended for those who have access to business networks and other professionals who manage IT networks. The page requires a login.

Continue Reading

Trending