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The final report into the deadly Grenfell Tower fire will be published today – more than seven years after the disaster.

The long-running inquiry will present its findings on the 2017 blaze at the west London tower block, which claimed the lives of 72 people.

Victims of the fire ranged in age from an unborn baby to an 84-year-old woman.

These are their stories.

Anthony “Tony” Disson, 65

Tony Disson was last in contact with his family at 3am and was still inside the building

The 65-year-old retired lorry driver had lived on the 10th floor of Grenfell Tower for eight years.

In a statement, Mr Disson’s family described him as a “real family man”.

They said: “Tony was the most generous person you could ever meet, he didn’t have much but would always be there to help people.”

Ali Yawar Jafari, 82

Ali Yawar Jafari

Ali Yawar Jafari lived on the 10th floor and tried to escape the tower with his wife and daughter when the fire broke out.

They got in a lift but Mr Jafari got out on the 10th floor after suffering breathing difficulties. He was later pulled from the building by firefighters but pronounced dead at the scene.

His family said he was “loved and will be greatly missed by his family and the wider community”.

Abdeslam Sebbar, 77

Abdeslam Sebbar’s remains were found in his flat on the 11th floor.

The 77-year-old died from the inhalation of fumes.

Denis Murphy, 56

Denis Murphy - 14th floor
Image:
Pic: Metropolitan Police

Denis Murphy lived on the 14th floor of Grenfell Tower, in flat 11, and called his family to say he was trapped during the blaze.

In a statement, Mr Murphy’s family said: “The pain, loss and sorrow we feel is indescribable and we have been left devastated with a gaping hole in our hearts that can never be filled.

“To us, he was an inspiration and an amazing, selfless caring person and we feel lucky and blessed that he was part of our family.”

Zainab Deen, 32, and Jeremiah Deen, two

Zainab Dean
Jeremiah Deen - 14th floor
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Pic: Metropolitan Police

The 32-year-old, who lived on the 14th floor of Grenfell Tower, was on the phone with her brother until 4am on the day of the fire.

Ms Deen’s two-year-old son Jeremiah was also killed in the blaze.

Originally from Sierra Leone, Ms Deen was described as a “beautiful, loving lady”.

Zainu and Maria Deen, Jeremiah’s grandparents, said: “You spent a moment in our arms, but you will last a lifetime in our hearts.”

Mohammad Alhajali, 23

Mohammed Alhajali

A civil engineering student who lived on the 14th floor with his older brother Omar, who managed to escape from the fire, Mr Alhajali called a friend in Syria, asking him to say goodbye to his family, who he had been unable to reach.

Mr Alhajali had fled Syria with his two brothers in 2014 to start a new life in London, studying at the University of West London. He had hoped to return one day to help the country.

His friend lost contact with him at 5am. He sent one final message saying: “The fire is here now goodbye.”

A family statement read at his funeral service said he “loved London and the people he met here”.

Mr Alhajali was described as “a loving and caring person” who was “always showing support and solidarity for friends and family stuck back in Syria”.

Steve Power, 63

Steve told a friend he was reluctant to leave the flat without his two dogs

The 63-year-old was said to be reluctant to leave his two dogs. It is understood that he remained in his flat on the 15th floor.

His children said: “Our dad was nothing short of a character. He left some sort of impression on everyone, like Marmite. The majority loved him.”

Hamid Kani, 61

Hamid Kani

The 61-year-old Iranian lived alone on the 15th floor of Grenfell Tower, but his body was recovered on the 23rd floor – suggesting he fled upstairs in search of safety.

In a statement, his family, who all live in Iran, said he would be remembered “for his wit, compassion and devotion to his family and friends”.

They added: “No words can express our sorrow for his loss and the way he left us. He will always be part of our lives and his memory will live on.”

Deborah “Debbie” Lamprell, 45

Deborah Lamprell lived on the 16th floor of the building
Image:
Pic: Metropolitan Police

Debbie Lamprell lived on the 16th floor and worked front of house at Opera Holland Park.

The 45-year-old went to the top floor of the building with a group of 12 people when the fire broke out and called the emergency services.

She was described by her mother as “a wonderful, precious daughter, always smiling and helping others”.

Marjorie Vital, 68, and Ernie Vital, 50

Ernie and Marjorie Vital

Marjorie Vital lived on the 16th floor of Grenfell Tower in a flat she shared with her son, Ernie.

She had lived there almost since the tower was built in the 70s and had worked in the textile industry for many years after coming to the UK from Dominica.

Her family said: “She was a beautiful, joyful, independent, intelligent, kind-hearted, sensitive individual who dedicated her life to her children.”

Her son Ernie’s family said he worked in the catering industry: “He was a creative individual who pursued a creative life. He was a proud, humble, mature and independent man. He was a loyal son and a law-abiding citizen who maintained good relationships with all those he met in society.

“He will be remembered as a kind, sensitive and caring person with a warm-hearted smile.”

Joseph Daniels, 69

Joseph Daniels

Joseph Daniels lived on the 16th floor of Grenfell Tower and reportedly suffered from dementia, so was confused and could not be persuaded by his son to leave the building.

His son, who escaped the fire, said on the first day of the Grenfell inquiry: “The events of that night took his life and all trace of his existence from this world.”

Sheila Smith, 84

Sheila Smith

The 84-year-old’s body was recovered on the 16th floor of the tower, where she had lived for 34 years.

Sheila had two sons, six grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren and was said to be a “very active and well-respected” member of the community.

Her family said: “Sheila was cycling around London, performing yoga daily and swimming regularly in the Kensington Leisure Centre until she was 80 years old.

“As a family we are heartbroken as to this senseless tragedy that took her far too early, and will do all we can to honour her name.”

Kamru Miah, 79, Rabeya Begum, 64, Husna Begum, 22, Mohammed Hanif, 26, and Mohammed Hamid, 29

Five members of the Begum family are missing
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Rabeya Begum (left) and Husna Begum

Kamru Miah
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Husna Begum (left) and Komru Miah

Mohammed Hanif - 17 floor
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Mohammed Hanif

Mohammed Hanif
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Mohammed Hamid

Kamru Miah lived on the 17th floor with his wife Rabeya Begum, their daughter Husna Begum and two sons, Mohammed Hanif and Mohammed Hamid.

Mr Miah had difficulty walking and his grown-up children stayed in the tower because they knew their parents were not mobile enough to escape – all five of them died.

They were said to be on the phone with relatives throughout the blaze.

Khadija Khalloufi, 52

Khadija Khaloufi - 17th floor

Khadija Khalloufi died after she became separated from her husband, Sabah Abdullah, as they tried to escape from their flat on the 17th floor.

Due to the crush and panic in the stairwell, they were split up between the 16th and 15th floors. Mr Abdullah survived.

Vincent Chiejina, 60

Vincent Chiejina

Vincent Chiejina lived on the 17th floor and was identified by his DNA.

The 60-year-old’s provisional cause of death was given as “consistent with the effects of fire”.

Isaac Paulos, five

Isaac Paulous
Image:
Pic: Metropolitan Police

The schoolboy’s body was discovered on the 13th floor – five levels below the flat where he lived with his family, who he was separated from during the fire.

In a statement, Isaac’s family said they would “miss our kind, energetic, generous little boy”.

They added: “He was such a good boy who was loved by his friends and family. We will miss him forever, but we know God is looking after him now and that he is safe in heaven.”

Birkti Haftom, 29, and Biruk Haftom, 12

Berkti Haftom
Image:
Pic: Metropolitan Police

Biruk Haftom
Image:
Pic: Metropolitan Police

Birkti and her 12-year-old son Biruk lived on the 18th floor of the building.

The 29-year-old’s family described her as a “generous, caring, loving mother, partner, sister, aunty and friend” who will be “missed by us all forever”.

Biruk was described as “a loving, pure-hearted boy, wise beyond his years and known for his politeness, kind heart and his love for his family and friends.”

Their family added: “Berkti and Biruk left an everlasting legacy full of lovely memories and their contagious laughter and charisma will live in our hearts forever.

“We are deeply hurt and heartbroken our angels were taken from us so cruelly, so young. We will not rest until justice is served!”

Sakina Afrasehabi, 65, and Fatemeh Afrasiabi, 59

Sakina Afrasehabi
Image:
Pic: Metropolitan Police

Fatima Afrasiabi

Sakina Afrasehabi lived with her younger sister Fatima in Grenfell Tower.

Sakina’s Iranian family have said she was disabled and could only move with a walking stick – but she had no choice but to live on the 18th floor of the building.

Her family said: “Sakina was a loving mother of five, who is much missed by all of us. She was completely selfless in all she did and always put other people first.”

Fatemeh’s nephew Shahrokh said he spoke on the phone to his aunt as the fire spread to the upper floors, who pleaded with him to seek help, but in the final minutes, she was quieter and then the phone disconnected.

Mohamednur Tuccu, 44, Amal Ahmedin, 35, Amaya Tuccu-Ahmedin, three, and Amna Mahmud Idris, 27

Mohamednur Tuccu
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Mohamednur Tuccu

Amal Ahmedin
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Amal Ahmedin

Mohamednur Tuccu and his wife and daughter, Amal Ahmedin, and Amaya Tuccu-Ahmedin, were breaking their Ramadan fast with Amal’s cousin Amna Mahmud Idris and their friends when the blaze broke out.

A family statement said: “This has been a very distressing time for us as a family, but we are relieved that Amal, Amaya and Amna [Mahmud Idris] have been identified following the tragic fire. They will now be laid to rest.”

Amaya Tuccu-Ahmedin
Image:
Amaya Tuccu-Ahmedin

Amna Mahmud Idris
Image:
Amna Mahmud Idris

Ms Idris’s husband Ibrahim told the hearing: “She came to live with me in the UK in March 2016. After one year I lost her forever.”

Eslah Elgwahry, 64, and Mariem Elgwahry, 27

Mariem Elgwahry
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Mariem Elgwahry

Eslah Elgwahry lived with her 27-year-old daughter Mariem on the 19th floor.

Soon after the fire, a friend of her daughter shared an appeal on social media, writing: “Last someone heard from her was 2.30am, she was with her mum.”

Eslah’s remains were found on the 23rd floor, four floors higher than her flat. Mariem also died in the fire.

Mary “Sissy” Mendy, 52, and Khadija “Ya-Haddy Sisi” Saye, 24

Mary Mendy
Image:
Mary Mendy

Also known as Sissy, Gambia-born Mary Mendy was with her daughter, artist and photographer Khadija Saye, also known as Ya-Haddy Sisi Saye, on the 20th floor of the tower.

Ms Mendy’s sister said in a tribute: “Your heart was pure, your soul was one of a kind. You will be missed for a lifetime.”

File pic: PA
Image:
Khadija Saye. Pic: PA

At the time of the blaze Ms Saye’s work was part of an exhibition at the Venice Biennale, and has since been displayed at the Tate Britain.

Her friend, the now foreign secretary David Lammy, called her “a wonderful young woman” and “a talented artist”.

Jessica Urbano Ramirez, 12

Jessica Urbano Ramirez

Jessica was at home on the 20th floor of the tower block when the fire broke out.

A family statement said: “Our little girl was loving, kind-hearted and caring. She brought joy to everyone who met her and her laugh was contagious.”

Omar Belkadi, 32, Farah Hamdan, 31, Leena Belkadi, six months, and Malak Belkadi, seven

Omar Belkadi
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Omar Belkadi

Six-month-old Leena Belkadi's body was found in the arms of her mother Farah Hamdan in Grenfell Tower
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Farah Hamdan and six-month-old Leena Belkadi

Malek, seven and Tazmin Belkaldi, six,  have been found in hospital
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Malek Belkaldi with Tazmin Belkaldi, who survived

Omar Belkadi lived on the 20th floor of Grenfell Tower with his wife Farah Hamdan and their three children.

They died in the fire along with two of their children, Leena and Malak Belkadi, but their daughter Tazmin survived.

Abdulaziz El Wahabi, 52, Faouzia El Wahabi, 41, Yasin El Wahabi, 20, Nur Huda El Wahabi, 16, and Medhi El Wahabi, 8

Grenfell victims Mehdi El-Wahabi (centre),  his father Abdulaziz (top left), mother Faouzia (bottom right), brother Yasin, 20 (top right), and sister Nur Huda, 15 ( bottom left)
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Mehdi El-Wahabi (centre), his father Abdulaziz (top left), mother Faouzia (bottom right), brother Yasin (top right), and sister Nur Huda ( bottom left)

Abdulaziz El Wahabi lived on the 21st floor with his wife Faouzia and their three children, Yasin, Nur Huda, and Mehdi.

Mrs El Wahabi’s niece later said: “They died in a building that should not have got to that extent to burn in that way – and that’s something we’re going to have to live with forever and it’s scary.”

Their family said: “Yasin was a lovable, bubbly and caring young man. He would lend his hand to anyone who asked for help. He was loved by so many and his contagious smile will always be etched on our minds and hearts.

“Nur Huda was a lovable, smart and kind person. She had a lot of potential and that can be recognised in her GCSE exam results. We are proud of her and will continue on remembering her and all our family and friends who have died in this tragedy.”

“Mehdi was a calm and friendly young boy who loved his family very much. He was loved by staff and pupils at his school who held a beautiful memorial and made a plaque in memory of him.”

Logan Gomes, stillborn

Logan Gomes

Unborn baby Logan Gomes was officially recorded by police as a victim of the Grenfell Tower fire.

His mother Andreia Gomes, who was seven months pregnant, lived on the 21st floor with her husband and two daughters – they all managed to escape but Logan was stillborn in hospital on 14 June. He had been due on 21 August.

Speaking on the first day of the Grenfell inquiry, his father Marcio Gomes said he and his wife had prepared for their son’s arrival by painting “twinkle twinkle little star, do you know how loved you are?” on the wall.

Logan’s sister Luana, now aged 19, told Sky News she feels guilty she survived the fire.

Raymond “Moses” Bernard, 63

Raymond 'Moses' Bernard

Raymond Bernard, known to friends as Moses, lived on the 21st floor of the tower and often stayed with his partner, Karen McMillan, on a different floor of the block.

Dubbed a “hero”, he offered shelter to six people in his flat as the fire raged and was discovered alongside them.

His family said: “Gone but not forgotten, you are so dearly loved by us all and will sadly be missed by many. May you rest in eternal peace, with love always.”

Ligaya Moore, 78

Ligaya Moore

Ligaya Moore, from the Philippines, had been a resident of Grenfell Tower for more than 40 years. She had lived alone in her flat on the 21st floor since the death of her husband some years earlier.

In a statement, her family said: “43 years ago, Aunt Ligaya, DITE, as we fondly called her, lived her dream – to live and work in London.

“She endured being away from family – not able to attend her mother’s funeral – but in exchange of all the loneliness and homesickness, she met the love of her life, Jim Moore, a British national, had a new family, acquired new friends, and built a new life in London.

“But the dream turned into a nightmare on that fateful night of June 14, when the Grenfell Tower was consumed in flames. At this time, she was already living by herself in this building, as her husband had passed away several years back.

“The jolly, bubbly person, the lady who loves to dance and who laughed her heart out, succumbed to a fire which turned her laughter into silence.”

Hashim Kedir, 44, Nura Jemal, 35, Yahya Hashim, 13, Firdaws Hashim, 12, and Yaqub Hashim, six

Hashim Kedir - 22nd floor
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Hashim Kedir. Pic: Metropolitan Police

Nura Jemal - 22nd floor
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Nura Jemal. Pic: Metropolitan Police

Siblings 12-year-old Firdaws and her brother 14-year-old Yahya Hashim
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Firdaws (left) and her brother Yahya

Yaqub Hashim - 22nd floor
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Yaqub Hashim. Pic: Metropolitan Police

Hashim Kedir and Nura Jemal lived on the 22nd floor with their children, Yahya, Firdaws, and Yaqub Hashim.

Mr Kedir’s sister described him as her “role model”, saying he was “giving and sharing until his last day”. She described him as “making friends so easily; age, gender, religion, ethnicity or social status didn’t matter”.

A statement on behalf of Ms Jemal’s family said: “You appreciated even the smallest things in life. And your joy was contagious. Being around you could lighten up anyone’s day in a matter of seconds.”

Yahya’s aunt described him as her “most kind, handsome, pure-hearted, sweet nephew”. She said: “Everyone that met you used to fall in love with your politeness and pure-heartedness”.

Firdaws was described as “intelligent, wise, eloquent and beautiful” with “the voice of an angel”.

And Yaqub’s extended family described him as an “energetic, sporty, funny, smart and cute boy”.

Sirria Choucair, 60, Bassem Choucair, 40, Nadia Choucair, 33, Fatima Choucair, 11, Mierna Choucair, 13, and Zainab Choucair, three

Sirria Choucair
Image:
Sirria Choucair

Bassem Choucair
Image:
Bassem Choucair

Sirria Choucair died along with her daughter Nadia Choucair, son-in-law Bassem and her three grandchildren, Fatima, Mierna, and Zainab.

Nadia Choucair
Image:
Nadia Choucair

Fatima Choucair
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Fatima (left), Mierna (middle) and Zaynab (right)

Bassem’s sister-in-law, Sawsan, spoke to him on the phone when the fire started.

She said: “It was just two seconds, he said ‘yeah’ and there was lots of screaming in the background.”

Marco Gottardi, 27, and Gloria Trevisan, 26

Marco Gottardi and Gloria Trevisan were both architects

The Italian architectural assistant lived on the 23rd floor with his girlfriend, architect Gloria Trevisan. The pair had moved from Venice to London around four months before the fire to look for jobs after graduating from the University of Padua.

Mr Gottardi’s cousin posted a message on Facebook the day after the fire, writing: “I don’t have no news from them since last night and their mobile phones are off. I’m praying to God they make it out safely.”

Ms Trevisan spent her final moments on the phone to her mother, telling her: “I had my whole life ahead of me. It’s not fair. I don’t want to die.”

Hesham Rahman, 57

Hesham Rahman

Hesham Rahman lived by himself in a flat on the 23rd floor and was last in contact with his family at 3am on the night of the fire. He had diabetes which made it difficult for him to walk downstairs.

He told his family he could smell smoke, adding: “Don’t worry, as soon as I’m out I’ll let you know. The police are coming to get me, I’ve spoken to them. It’s going to be okay.”

Mohamed Neda, 57

Mohamed Neda

Mohamed Neda’s wife and son escaped to safety and were taken to hospital after the fire broke out. They said he had been on the top floor of the building trying to help people.

His body was found outside the tower block, and he died as a result of multiple injuries consistent with a fall.

Speaking on the first day of the Grenfell inquiry, his brother said that losing his “best friend and role model” had brought his world crashing down.

Mr Neda’s absence “is a void that cannot be filled”, he said, adding: “The only thing I know is that my brother was a hero. He puts others first – that is the memory I will hold in my heart for as long as I live.”

Gary Maunders, 57

Gary Maunders

Gary Maunders was found among the victims on the 23rd floor.

The 57-year-old is believed to have been with his friend Deborah Lamprell, who lived on the 19th floor and was also among the victims.

Abufars Mohamed Ibrahim, 39, Isra Ibrahim, 33, and Fathia Ali Ahmed Elsanosi, 73

Fathia Ali Ahmed Elsanosi
Image:
Fathia Ali Ahmed Elsanosi

Abufars Mohamed Ibrahim lived on the 23rd floor with his sister Isra and his mother Fathia Ali Ahmed Elsanosi. They were all killed in the blaze.

Ms Ahmed, a 73-year-old pensioner, came to the UK as a refugee from Sudan.

Rania Ibrahim, 30, Fethia Hassan, four, and Hania Hassan, three

Rania Ibrham

Mother of two Rania Ibrahim, died along with her daughters Fethia and Hania Hassan.

She was seen running into a smoke-filled corridor to seek help, then looking out of the window to the street below.

Hania Hassan - 23rd floor
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Hania Hassan (left) and Fethia Hassan

Her husband was not in Grenfell Tower at the time of the blaze as he was away in Egypt.

Victoria “Vicky” King, 71, and Alexandra Atala, 40

Victoria King, 71, died alongside her daughter, Alexandra Atala, 40. Pic: Met Police
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Pic: Metropolitan Police

Alexandra Atala
Image:
Pic: Metropolitan Police

Victoria King lived in Grenfell Tower with her 40-year-old daughter Alexandra Atala – they were the final two victims of the blaze to be identified.

Penny Pearce, Ms King’s sister and Ms Atala’s aunt, said: “Eventually, thanks to the Salvation Army family tracing, I was able to get in touch with her and my niece, Alexandra, living in Grenfell Tower.

“If this had not been the case, no family member would have known they had perished as no-one knew they were still living there.”

In a statement, their family said: “We were devastated to hear of our sister, Vicky’s, fate, and that of her daughter, Alexandra, in the Grenfell Tower tragedy.

“Some comfort can come from the knowledge that she and Alexandra were devoted to one another and spent so many mutually supportive years together.

“They died at each other’s side and now they can rest together in peace. We will remember them always.”

Maria Del Pilar Burton, 74

Pily Burton
Image:
Pic: PA

Maria was rescued from the 19th floor but died in hospital in January 2018 from medical complications. She spent seven months in hospital following the fire.

Sky News will have full coverage of the Grenfell report on all platforms

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Palace confirms dates of Trump’s state visit – as King and Queen to host him at Windsor Castle

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Palace confirms dates of Trump's state visit - as King and Queen to host him at Windsor Castle

The dates for Donald Trump’s state visit to the UK have been announced, with the US president due to be welcomed by the King from 17 to 19 September.

Buckingham Palace also confirmed that President Trump and first lady Melania will be hosted by the King and Queen at Windsor Castle.

It was expected that the three-day state visit would take place in September after Mr Trump let slip earlier in April that he believed that was when his second “fest” was being planned for.

Windsor was also anticipated to be the location after the US president told reporters in the Oval Office that the letter from the King said Windsor would be the setting. Refurbishment works at Buckingham Palace also meant that Windsor was used last week for French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit.

This will be Mr Trump’s second state visit to the UK, an unprecedented gesture towards an American leader, having previously been invited to Buckingham Palace in 2019.

Donald Trump and Melania Trump pose with Prince Charles and Camilla in 2019
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Donald Trump and Melania Trump posing with Charles and Camilla in 2019. Pic: Reuters

He has also been to Windsor Castle before, in 2018, but despite the considerable military pageantry of the day, and some confusion around inspecting the guard, it was simply for tea with Queen Elizabeth II.

Further details of what will happen during the three-day visit in September will be announced in due course.

More on Donald Trump

On Friday, Sky News revealed it is now unlikely that the US president will address parliament, usually an honour given to visiting heads of state as part of their visit. Some MPs had raised significant concerns about him being given the privilege.

But the House of Commons will not be sitting at the time of Mr Trump’s visit as it will rise for party conference season on the 16 September, meaning the president will not be able to speak in parliament as President Macron did during his state visit this week. However, the House of Lords will be sitting.

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Labour MP: ‘Trump isn’t welcome here’

In February this year, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer presented the US president with the letter from the King inviting him to visit during a meeting at the White House.

After reading it, Mr Trump said it was a “great, great honour”, adding “and that says at Windsor – that’s really something”.

U.S. President Donald Trump holds a letter from Britain's King Charles as he meets with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., February 27, 2025. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque     TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
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In February, Sir Keir Starmer revealed a letter from the King inviting Donald Trump to the UK. Pic: Reuters

In the letter, the King suggested they might meet at Balmoral or Dumfries House in Scotland first before the much grander state visit. However, it is understood that, although all options were explored, complexities in both the King and Mr Trump’s diaries meant it wasn’t possible.

Read more from Sky News:
Is the UK ready for a ‘Trump-fest’?
Elton and Jagger at royal banquet
King and Trump won’t hold private meeting

This week, it emerged that Police Scotland are planning for a summer visit from the US president, which is likely to see him visit one or both of his golf clubs in Aberdeenshire and Ayrshire, and require substantial policing resources and probably units to be called in from elsewhere in the UK.

Precedent for second-term US presidents, who have already made a state visit, is usually tea or lunch with the monarch at Windsor Castle, as was the case for George W Bush and Barack Obama.

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Fireball at Southend Airport after small plane crashes

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Fireball at Southend Airport after small plane crashes

A small plane has crashed at Southend Airport in Essex.

Essex Police said it was at the scene of a “serious incident”.

Images posted online showed huge flames and a large cloud of black smoke, with one witness saying they saw a “fireball”.

A police statement said: “We were alerted shortly before 4pm to reports of a collision involving one 12-metre plane.

“We are working with all emergency services at the scene now and that work will be ongoing for several hours.

“We would please ask the public to avoid this area where possible while this work continues.”

Fireball after plane crash at Southend Airport. Pic: Ben G
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A huge fireball near the airport. Pic: Ben G

It has been reported that the plane involved in the incident is a Beech B200 Super King Air.

According to flight-tracking service Flightradar, it took off at 3.48pm and was bound for Lelystad, a city in the Netherlands.

One man, who was at Southend Airport with his family around the time of the incident, said the aircraft “crashed headfirst into the ground”.

John Johnson said: “About three or four seconds after taking off, it started to bank heavily to its left, and then within a few seconds of that happening, it more or less inverted and crashed.

“There was a big fireball. Obviously, everybody was in shock in terms of witnessing it. All the kids saw it and the families saw it.”

Mr Johnson added that he phoned 999 to report the crash.

Southend Airport said the incident involved “a general aviation aircraft”.

Four flights scheduled to take off from Southend this afternoon were cancelled, according to its website.

Flightradar data shows two planes that had been due to land at Southend were diverted to nearby airports London Gatwick and London Stansted.

Smoke rising near Southend airport. Pic: UKNIP
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Plumes of black smoke. Pic: UKNIP

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service said four crews, along with off-road vehicles, have attended the scene.

Four ambulances and four hazardous area response team vehicles are also at the airport, as well as an air ambulance, the East of England Ambulance Service said.

Its statement described the incident as “still developing”.

Fire engines at the scene at Southend Airport
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Fire engines at the airport

David Burton-Sampson, the MP for Southend West and Leigh, posted on social media: “I am aware of an incident at Southend Airport. Please keep away and allow the emergency services to do their work.

“My thoughts are with everyone involved.”

Local councillor Matt Dent said on X: “At present all I know is that a small plane has crashed at the airport. My thoughts are with all those involved, and with the emergency services currently responding to the incident.”

This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly.

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Heidi Alexander says ‘fairness’ will be government’s ‘guiding principle’ when it comes to taxes at next budget

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Heidi Alexander says 'fairness' will be government's 'guiding principle' when it comes to taxes at next budget

Another hint that tax rises are coming in this autumn’s budget has been given by a senior minister.

Speaking to Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander was asked if Sir Keir Starmer and the rest of the cabinet had discussed hiking taxes in the wake of the government’s failed welfare reforms, which were shot down by their own MPs.

Trevor Phillips asked specifically if tax rises were discussed among the cabinet last week – including on an away day on Friday.

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Tax increases were not discussed “directly”, Ms Alexander said, but ministers were “cognisant” of the challenges facing them.

Asked what this means, Ms Alexander added: “I think your viewers would be surprised if we didn’t recognise that at the budget, the chancellor will need to look at the OBR forecast that is given to her and will make decisions in line with the fiscal rules that she has set out.

“We made a commitment in our manifesto not to be putting up taxes on people on modest incomes, working people. We have stuck to that.”

Ms Alexander said she wouldn’t comment directly on taxes and the budget at this point, adding: “So, the chancellor will set her budget. I’m not going to sit in a TV studio today and speculate on what the contents of that budget might be.

“When it comes to taxation, fairness is going to be our guiding principle.”

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Afterwards, shadow home secretary Chris Philp told Phillips: “That sounds to me like a barely disguised reference to tax rises coming in the autumn.”

He then went on to repeat the Conservative attack lines that Labour are “crashing the economy”.

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Chris Philp also criticsed the government’s migration deal with France

Mr Philp then attacked the prime minister as “weak” for being unable to get his welfare reforms through the Commons.

Discussions about potential tax rises have come to the fore after the government had to gut its welfare reforms.

Sir Keir had wanted to change Personal Independence Payments (PIP), but a large Labour rebellion forced him to axe the changes.

With the savings from these proposed changes – around £5bn – already worked into the government’s sums, they will now need to find the money somewhere else.

The general belief is that this will take the form of tax rises, rather than spending cuts, with more money needed for military spending commitments, as well as other areas of priority for the government, such as the NHS.

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