Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner takes part in the ITV Election Debate. Getty Images
Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner takes part in the ITV Election Debate. Getty Images
Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner takes part in the ITV Election Debate. Getty Images
Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner takes part in the ITV Election Debate. Getty Images

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On-message Angela Rayner shows Labour's campaign success at TV election debate

Party has a 'Ming vase' approach to general election

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Angela Rayner stuck carefully to Labour messaging during the UK's second seven-party debate on Thursday night, as the party continues its "Ming vase" approach to campaigning.

The Labour deputy leader took part in a showdown with the Conservatives' Penny Mordaunt, SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn, Liberal Democrat deputy leader Daisy Cooper, Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth, Green Party co-leader Carla Denyer and Reform UK's Nigel Farage.

The seven senior figures took questions from the audience before they debated with each other, with topics including the NHS, education, immigration and VAT on private school fees.

Ms Mordaunt called Labour's planned tax raid on the independent school sector "crazy", saying the party "admitted this week class sizes will go up as a consequence", after shadow attorney general Emily Thornberry said "it’s fine" if the country has larger classes in the short term as a result.

Labour's deputy leader Angela Rayner, left, and shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves at the launch of the party's general election manifesto. AP
Labour's deputy leader Angela Rayner, left, and shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves at the launch of the party's general election manifesto. AP

“It’s crazy and it doesn’t serve anyone and it’s the kind of dogma that we need to keep out of the public sector," said Ms Mordaunt.

In response, Ms Rayner suggested private schools should minimise the impact on the state sector by absorbing the costs of the sales tax on fees.

Her comments came after a five-year-old clip surfaced this week, which appeared to show Ms Rayner calling for the abolition of private schools, vowing to “end the marketisation and privatisation of our education”.

Labour leader Keir Starmer - who was this week challenged on whether he was being careful to do nothing that might dent his 20-point poll lead - the so-called "Ming vase" strategy - has called the VAT policy a “tough choice”.

He said: “I do understand many parents saving and working hard to send their children to private school”, but “we have to fund our nurseries, we have to fund the teachers we need in our state secondary schools”.

Labour is keen to avoid mistakes which could affect its commanding lead in the polls, with one released just ahead of the debate, which put Labour on 37 per cent, with Reform at 19 per cent, ahead of the Conservatives for the first time on 18 per cent, the Liberal Democrats at 14 per cent, the Greens at 7 per cent, the SNP at 3 per cent, Plaid Cymru at 1 per cent and others at 2 per cent.

During the seven-way debate, Ms Rayner also trod carefully when addressing the contentious issues of tax rises, with Ms Mordaunt challenging her to rule out rises in capital gains, and ending arms sales to Israel.

Addressing the SNP’s Stephen Flynn, she said: "Stephen you know as well as I do that what happened on October 7 was barbaric and Israel had the right to defend itself. However, since then the absolute loss of innocent lives, thousands of innocent lives, everyone in the house, of all political persuasions, have been pushing for a ceasefire," she said.

Ms Rayner added: "But if we were in government, we would immediately review, as we've been asking the Conservatives, the legal advice on arm sales to Israel and we will comply with international law."

She called for a skills strategy, saying the country has been "over-reliant" on overseas workers to fill our skills gap, "and they’ve done a tremendous job in doing that and we have needed that, but what we really need is, as employment levels have gone higher again, is we need to really match those skills to give people opportunity to take those jobs".

Mr Farage said: “Well, it’s funny Angela Rayner says that because Labour today launched their six key priorities at the general election and didn’t mention the single most important issue affecting the lives of everybody in this country, namely the population explosion caused directly by migration.”

Ms Rayner, who took four questions from the parties during the debate, was also forced to defend accusations Labour is "timid".

Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner with party leader Keir Starmer at the launch of a Freedom to Buy scheme with London Mayor Sadiq Khan. PA
Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner with party leader Keir Starmer at the launch of a Freedom to Buy scheme with London Mayor Sadiq Khan. PA

Green Party co-leader Carla Denyer said: "I would like to know from Angela: why so timid? Why wait for economic growth when you could introduce a tax that doesn't affect those on average incomes or lower incomes, it only affects the billionaires and multimillionaires?"

Ms Rayner hit back: "I have never been called timid in my life."

The pair were talking about Labour's tax plans, unveiled in the party's manifesto on Thursday.

Ms Rayner pointed to reforms rather than tax and spend as the solution to the UK's money woes and added: "We gutted our home care services, it costs so much more money now that people are stuck on trolleys in A&E for 40-hours plus.

"These are our elderly relatives that are treated really poorly and it costs us more money, so if we put the money in the right place, we can actually make savings."

'Poster girl'

In just three weeks' time, the working class poster girl could become one of the most prominent figures in British politics, following a meteoric rise through the party.

Born on a council estate in Stockport, near Manchester in one of the UK’s industrial heartlands, the 44-year-old politician left school at 16, pregnant and with no qualifications and, in her own words, was told she would "never amount to anything".

Famed for hitting the campaign trail in platform trainers, she embraces her working class roots.

Deputy Labour leader Angela Rayner arrives to take part in the BBC Election Debate. PA
Deputy Labour leader Angela Rayner arrives to take part in the BBC Election Debate. PA

Her campaign literature heralds the fact she is “not an Oxbridge-educated, former special adviser, professional politician”, nor did she have a privileged upbringing or attend university.

Instead, she went to college and worked for the council as a carer for the elderly on zero-hour contracts.

In 2015, she became the first woman MP in the 180-year history of her Ashton-under-Lyne constituency and was soon promoted to the shadow whip’s office by then Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, and became one of the party’s most flamboyant front-benchers.

After holding the posts of shadow pensions minister and shadow education secretary, she was appointed deputy leader of the Labour Party in March 2020.

Ms Rayner plays a pivotal role for Labour in championing workers' rights and social justice and uses her personal experiences to help bridge the gap between the party and its traditional working class base.

Embodying the struggles of her supporters, the leadership is hoping the stark contrast between her and leader Keir Starmer will help attract lost voters.

With Mr Starmer being a stereotypical sombre-suited lawyer, who Ms Rayner has stored in her phone as Mr Darcy, the lawyer from Bridget Jones’s Diary, the pair are complete opposites, and even Ms Rayner admits he “smooths off her rough edges”.

On Thursday, he deferred to Ms Rayner, who was dressed in bright green trousers and a pair of white trainers, to open the launch of the party’s manifesto as she loudly promised to “start a new chapter" and create “hope” for the future.

UK general election campaigning – in pictures

Conservative leader Rishi Sunak speaks at party campaign event at the National Army Museum in London on Wednesday, July 3. AP Photo
Conservative leader Rishi Sunak speaks at party campaign event at the National Army Museum in London on Wednesday, July 3. AP Photo
Labour Party leader Keir Starmer addresses supporters during a visit to the West Regwm Farm events venue in Whitland, Carmarthenshire, Wales, on the final day of election campaigning. PA
Labour Party leader Keir Starmer addresses supporters during a visit to the West Regwm Farm events venue in Whitland, Carmarthenshire, Wales, on the final day of election campaigning. PA
Liberal Democrats leader Ed Davey drives a tractor during a visit to Owl Lodge in Lacock, Wiltshire. PA
Liberal Democrats leader Ed Davey drives a tractor during a visit to Owl Lodge in Lacock, Wiltshire. PA
Satirical political character Count Binface in London before challenging Conservative leader RishiSunak for the parliamentary seat of Richmond and Northallerton. Reuters
Satirical political character Count Binface in London before challenging Conservative leader RishiSunak for the parliamentary seat of Richmond and Northallerton. Reuters
Boris Johnson, former UK prime minister, campaigns for the Conservatives in London. Bloomberg
Boris Johnson, former UK prime minister, campaigns for the Conservatives in London. Bloomberg
Nigel Farage, leader of the far-right Reform UK Party, with heavyweight boxer Derek Chisora during a campaign visit to Clacton-on-Sea in eastern England. Reuters
Nigel Farage, leader of the far-right Reform UK Party, with heavyweight boxer Derek Chisora during a campaign visit to Clacton-on-Sea in eastern England. Reuters
Mr Sunak holds a speech during his visit to Well Healthcare Supplies as he campaigns in Stoke. Getty Images
Mr Sunak holds a speech during his visit to Well Healthcare Supplies as he campaigns in Stoke. Getty Images
Mr Starmer laughs as he speaks to supporters near Milton Keynes. AP
Mr Starmer laughs as he speaks to supporters near Milton Keynes. AP
Mr Davey bungee jumps during a visit to Eastbourne Borough Football Club in East Sussex. AP
Mr Davey bungee jumps during a visit to Eastbourne Borough Football Club in East Sussex. AP
Mr Sunak bowls during his visit to Nuneaton Cricket Club. AFP
Mr Sunak bowls during his visit to Nuneaton Cricket Club. AFP
Mr Starmer addresses an audience of Labour Party members and supporters during a rally at the Royal Horticultural Halls in central London. AP
Mr Starmer addresses an audience of Labour Party members and supporters during a rally at the Royal Horticultural Halls in central London. AP
Mr Davey rides a towable inflatable during a visit to Lakeside Ski & Wake, in the Cotswolds. Reuters
Mr Davey rides a towable inflatable during a visit to Lakeside Ski & Wake, in the Cotswolds. Reuters
Mr Sunak and his wife Akshata Murty visit the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in London. AFP
Mr Sunak and his wife Akshata Murty visit the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in London. AFP
Mr Starmer during a visit to the Shree Swaminarayan Mandir Hindu temple in Kingsbury, London. PA
Mr Starmer during a visit to the Shree Swaminarayan Mandir Hindu temple in Kingsbury, London. PA
Mr Davey participates in a Zumba class with supporters in Wokingham. Reuters
Mr Davey participates in a Zumba class with supporters in Wokingham. Reuters
Mr Starmer speaking during a visit to Northampton Town Football Club at Sixfields Stadium. PA
Mr Starmer speaking during a visit to Northampton Town Football Club at Sixfields Stadium. PA
Mr Sunak delivers a speech in central London. AFP
Mr Sunak delivers a speech in central London. AFP
Mr Davey jet-washes an ambulance in London. Getty Images
Mr Davey jet-washes an ambulance in London. Getty Images
Mr Starmer rests his hand on the shoulder of Idris Elba as they meet families of knife crime victims, in west London. PA
Mr Starmer rests his hand on the shoulder of Idris Elba as they meet families of knife crime victims, in west London. PA
Mr Sunak turns on the power in the training centre control room during a tour of the Sizewell B nuclear power plant. AFP
Mr Sunak turns on the power in the training centre control room during a tour of the Sizewell B nuclear power plant. AFP
Mr Davey plays a game of Frisbee on a visit to a farm in Hampshire. AP
Mr Davey plays a game of Frisbee on a visit to a farm in Hampshire. AP
Mr Starmer and shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves visit a supermarket in Swindon. PA
Mr Starmer and shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves visit a supermarket in Swindon. PA
Mr Sunak speaks to journalists on the campaign bus following the launch of the Welsh Conservatives General Election manifesto near Rhyl. Reuters
Mr Sunak speaks to journalists on the campaign bus following the launch of the Welsh Conservatives General Election manifesto near Rhyl. Reuters
Mr Davey taking part in wheelbarrow racing at Huish Park, home of Yeovil Town football club in Somerset. PA
Mr Davey taking part in wheelbarrow racing at Huish Park, home of Yeovil Town football club in Somerset. PA
Mr Farage speaks to the press in Clacton-on-Sea. Bloomberg
Mr Farage speaks to the press in Clacton-on-Sea. Bloomberg
Mr Starmer speaks at the launch of the Labour party's 2024 general election manifesto in Manchester. AP
Mr Starmer speaks at the launch of the Labour party's 2024 general election manifesto in Manchester. AP
Mr Sunak answers questions from the audience in Grimsby. Getty Images
Mr Sunak answers questions from the audience in Grimsby. Getty Images
Mr Davey toasts a marshmallow as he visits Willow Forest School in Surrey. EPA
Mr Davey toasts a marshmallow as he visits Willow Forest School in Surrey. EPA
Mr Farage attends the launch of the Reform UK manifesto in Merthyr Tydfil, Wales. Reuters
Mr Farage attends the launch of the Reform UK manifesto in Merthyr Tydfil, Wales. Reuters
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar launches Scottish Labour’s battle bus campaign on June 17 in South Queensferry, Scotland. Getty Images
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar launches Scottish Labour’s battle bus campaign on June 17 in South Queensferry, Scotland. Getty Images
Britain's Labour Party politician and Shadow Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Wes Streeting speaks to a television crew outside the BBC in London. AFP
Britain's Labour Party politician and Shadow Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Wes Streeting speaks to a television crew outside the BBC in London. AFP
Leader of the Liberal Democrats, Sir Ed Davey, on the BBC 1 current affairs programme, Sunday, with Laura Kuenssberg. BBC
Leader of the Liberal Democrats, Sir Ed Davey, on the BBC 1 current affairs programme, Sunday, with Laura Kuenssberg. BBC
Mr Sunak meets pupils in a maths class during a visit to the John Whitgift Academy, in Grimsby. AP
Mr Sunak meets pupils in a maths class during a visit to the John Whitgift Academy, in Grimsby. AP
Mr Starmer during a visit to Grimsby Institute, a technical training college in Grimsby. PA
Mr Starmer during a visit to Grimsby Institute, a technical training college in Grimsby. PA
Mr Davey during a general election campaign visit to the Aqua Jungle Spot in Stratford-upon-Avon. Bloomberg
Mr Davey during a general election campaign visit to the Aqua Jungle Spot in Stratford-upon-Avon. Bloomberg
Mr Sunak and Akshata Murty take centre stage at the Conservative Party's general election manifesto launch in Towcester. Getty Images
Mr Sunak and Akshata Murty take centre stage at the Conservative Party's general election manifesto launch in Towcester. Getty Images
Mr Starmer passes a toothbrush to a child during his visits to the Whale Hill Primary School in Middlesbrough. AP
Mr Starmer passes a toothbrush to a child during his visits to the Whale Hill Primary School in Middlesbrough. AP
Mr Davey meets Steve Darling, Liberal Democrat candidate for Torbay and his guide dog Jennie at Torquay Harbour. Getty Images
Mr Davey meets Steve Darling, Liberal Democrat candidate for Torbay and his guide dog Jennie at Torquay Harbour. Getty Images
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage reacts after something is thrown towards him on the campaign bus in Cawthorne, Barnsley. AP
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage reacts after something is thrown towards him on the campaign bus in Cawthorne, Barnsley. AP
Mr Sunak attends a neighbourhood watch meeting in Horsham, West Sussex. PA
Mr Sunak attends a neighbourhood watch meeting in Horsham, West Sussex. PA
Mr Starmer helps volunteers pot plants during a visit to Harlesden Town Garden in north-west London. PA
Mr Starmer helps volunteers pot plants during a visit to Harlesden Town Garden in north-west London. PA
Mr Davey on the 'Rush' ride during a Liberal Democrats general election campaign event at Thorpe Park. Reuters
Mr Davey on the 'Rush' ride during a Liberal Democrats general election campaign event at Thorpe Park. Reuters
Mr Sunak, during a visit to Imagination Childcare, in Swindon, Wiltshire, while on the election campaign trail. PA
Mr Sunak, during a visit to Imagination Childcare, in Swindon, Wiltshire, while on the election campaign trail. PA
Mr Starmer visits Brent Cross town's visitor pavilion for a housing launch in London. Getty Images
Mr Starmer visits Brent Cross town's visitor pavilion for a housing launch in London. Getty Images
Mr Davey grills burgers in a garden, during campaigning in Wiltshire. PA
Mr Davey grills burgers in a garden, during campaigning in Wiltshire. PA
Mr Sunak during a visit to Leander Club, in Henley-on-Thames, as a boat carrying Liberal Democrat supporters passes behind him. Reuters
Mr Sunak during a visit to Leander Club, in Henley-on-Thames, as a boat carrying Liberal Democrat supporters passes behind him. Reuters
Mr Starmer meets pensioners to talk about the impact of the energy crisis and the cost of living, in a cafe in Bolton. PA
Mr Starmer meets pensioners to talk about the impact of the energy crisis and the cost of living, in a cafe in Bolton. PA
Mr Sunak and Mr Starmer lock horns the first televised general election debate of the campaign, at MediaCity in Salford. PA
Mr Sunak and Mr Starmer lock horns the first televised general election debate of the campaign, at MediaCity in Salford. PA
Mr Davey plays Jenga using symbolic 'blue wall' blocks in Stockport. EPA
Mr Davey plays Jenga using symbolic 'blue wall' blocks in Stockport. EPA
Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn poses outside Islington Town Hall, north London, after handing in his nomination papers for the general election, taking place on July 4. PA
Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn poses outside Islington Town Hall, north London, after handing in his nomination papers for the general election, taking place on July 4. PA
Mr Farage has a milkshake hurled at him during a campaign event in Clacton-on-Sea. EPA
Mr Farage has a milkshake hurled at him during a campaign event in Clacton-on-Sea. EPA
Mr Sunak launches the Conservative Party's campaign bus at Redcar Racecourse in north-east England. PA
Mr Sunak launches the Conservative Party's campaign bus at Redcar Racecourse in north-east England. PA
Labour launch their election campaign bus, with Mr Starmer, his deputy Angela Rayner and Rachel Reeves, shadow chancellor, in Uxbridge. Getty Images
Labour launch their election campaign bus, with Mr Starmer, his deputy Angela Rayner and Rachel Reeves, shadow chancellor, in Uxbridge. Getty Images
Mr Davey holds a balloon with a figure that represents the amount of votes the Liberal Democrat party lost by in Wimbledon. PA
Mr Davey holds a balloon with a figure that represents the amount of votes the Liberal Democrat party lost by in Wimbledon. PA
Mr Sunak feeds lambs as he visits Rowlinson's Farm during a Conservative general election campaign event in Gawsworth. Reuters
Mr Sunak feeds lambs as he visits Rowlinson's Farm during a Conservative general election campaign event in Gawsworth. Reuters
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar, Mr Starmer, shadow secretary of state for energy security and net zero Ed Miliband and local candidate Martin McCluskey in Greenock. PA
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar, Mr Starmer, shadow secretary of state for energy security and net zero Ed Miliband and local candidate Martin McCluskey in Greenock. PA
Mr Sunak holds a question and answer session during a visit to Niftylift in Milton Keynes. EPA
Mr Sunak holds a question and answer session during a visit to Niftylift in Milton Keynes. EPA
Mr Starmer serves ice cream to day trippers on Barry seafront in South Wales. PA
Mr Starmer serves ice cream to day trippers on Barry seafront in South Wales. PA
Mr Davey takes part in a baking lesson with pupils from High Beeches Primary School during a half-term holiday camp in Hertfordshire. PA
Mr Davey takes part in a baking lesson with pupils from High Beeches Primary School during a half-term holiday camp in Hertfordshire. PA
Mr Sunak speaks with a cafe worker as he picks up breakfast for the media at a cafe in Cornwall. PA
Mr Sunak speaks with a cafe worker as he picks up breakfast for the media at a cafe in Cornwall. PA
Mr Starmer speaks at the launch of Labour's six steps for change in Wales at the Priory Centre in Abergavenny. PA
Mr Starmer speaks at the launch of Labour's six steps for change in Wales at the Priory Centre in Abergavenny. PA
Mr Davey and Anna Sabine, parliamentary candidate for Frome and East Somerset, ride the Ultimate Slip 'n' Slide at Eastcote Farm in Beckington. Bloomberg
Mr Davey and Anna Sabine, parliamentary candidate for Frome and East Somerset, ride the Ultimate Slip 'n' Slide at Eastcote Farm in Beckington. Bloomberg
Scottish National Party Leader John Swinney speaks during a visit to The Dower House Cafe in Edinburgh. AP
Scottish National Party Leader John Swinney speaks during a visit to The Dower House Cafe in Edinburgh. AP
Rishi Sunak examines Jackal armoured vehicles during his visit to defence vehicle manufacturer Supacat in Exeter. PA
Rishi Sunak examines Jackal armoured vehicles during his visit to defence vehicle manufacturer Supacat in Exeter. PA
Keir Starmer with a baby at Worcester City Football Club. PA
Keir Starmer with a baby at Worcester City Football Club. PA
Ed Davey rides a bike during a visit to Knighton, Wales. PA
Ed Davey rides a bike during a visit to Knighton, Wales. PA
Nigel Farage at the cliffs in Dover after speaking at a Reform UK event. Getty Images
Nigel Farage at the cliffs in Dover after speaking at a Reform UK event. Getty Images
Akshata Murty, wife of Mr Sunak, meets with residents during a visit to a Royal British Legion care home in Ripon. Getty Images
Akshata Murty, wife of Mr Sunak, meets with residents during a visit to a Royal British Legion care home in Ripon. Getty Images
Keir Starmer and shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves during a visit to Rolls Royce’s educational training complex in Derby. PA
Keir Starmer and shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves during a visit to Rolls Royce’s educational training complex in Derby. PA
Ed Davey falls into the water while paddle boarding on Lake Windermere. PA
Ed Davey falls into the water while paddle boarding on Lake Windermere. PA
Rishi Sunak campaigning in Amersham, Buckinghamshire. EPA
Rishi Sunak campaigning in Amersham, Buckinghamshire. EPA
Mr Starmer addresses party members and media in Lancing Parish Hall, West Sussex. Getty Images
Mr Starmer addresses party members and media in Lancing Parish Hall, West Sussex. Getty Images
Mr Davey launches his party's general election campaign battle bus in Cambridge. PA
Mr Davey launches his party's general election campaign battle bus in Cambridge. PA
Mr Sunak on the ball during a visit to Chesham United Football Club. PA
Mr Sunak on the ball during a visit to Chesham United Football Club. PA
Mr Starmer speaks to party supporters after making his first keynote speech of the campaign in Lancing. PA
Mr Starmer speaks to party supporters after making his first keynote speech of the campaign in Lancing. PA
Mr Davey join supporters for a dog walk near Winchester. PA
Mr Davey join supporters for a dog walk near Winchester. PA
Mr Sunak visits a maritime technology centre in Belfast, Northern Ireland, as he campaigns for the general election on July 4. Reuters
Mr Sunak visits a maritime technology centre in Belfast, Northern Ireland, as he campaigns for the general election on July 4. Reuters
Mr Starmer and his Scottish counterpart, Anas Sarwar, greet supporters at the launch of the Scottish Labour general election campaign at Caledonia House in Glasgow. Getty Images
Mr Starmer and his Scottish counterpart, Anas Sarwar, greet supporters at the launch of the Scottish Labour general election campaign at Caledonia House in Glasgow. Getty Images
Mr Davey, right, eats ice cream with his party's local candidate, Josh Babarinde, on the promenade in Eastbourne. PA
Mr Davey, right, eats ice cream with his party's local candidate, Josh Babarinde, on the promenade in Eastbourne. PA
Mr Sunak arrives at Inverness Airport, in Scotland, on the general election campaign trail. PA
Mr Sunak arrives at Inverness Airport, in Scotland, on the general election campaign trail. PA
Mr Starmer during a visit to Gillingham Football Club in Kent. PA
Mr Starmer during a visit to Gillingham Football Club in Kent. PA
Mr Sunak speaks with members of staff at the Global Energy Group facility at the Port of Nigg in north-east Scotland. AFP
Mr Sunak speaks with members of staff at the Global Energy Group facility at the Port of Nigg in north-east Scotland. AFP
Mr Davey during a visit to the town centre in Cheltenham. PA
Mr Davey during a visit to the town centre in Cheltenham. PA
Richard Tice, the leader of Reform UK, attends an election campaign launch in London. AP
Richard Tice, the leader of Reform UK, attends an election campaign launch in London. AP
Mr Sunak holds a Q&A with staff of a West Transport distribution centre in Ilkeston in the East Midlands. AP
Mr Sunak holds a Q&A with staff of a West Transport distribution centre in Ilkeston in the East Midlands. AP
Labour's deputy leader Angela Rayner and Mr Starmer arrive at Gillingham FC. Getty Images
Labour's deputy leader Angela Rayner and Mr Starmer arrive at Gillingham FC. Getty Images
Mr Sunak takes questions from workers at West Transport. Getty Images
Mr Sunak takes questions from workers at West Transport. Getty Images
Mr Starmer holds a piece of campaign branding at Gillingham. PA
Mr Starmer holds a piece of campaign branding at Gillingham. PA
Mr Sunak poses for a selfie in Ilkeston. AFP
Mr Sunak poses for a selfie in Ilkeston. AFP
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SPEC%20SHEET
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EProcessor%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Apple%20M2%2C%208-core%20GPU%2C%2010-core%20CPU%2C%2016-core%20Neural%20Engine%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDisplay%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2013.3-inch%20Retina%2C%202560%20x%201600%2C%20227ppi%2C%20500%20nits%2C%20True%20Tone%2C%20wide%20colour%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EMemory%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%208%2F16%2F24GB%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStorage%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20256%2F512GB%20%2F%201%2F2TB%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EI%2FO%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Thunderbolt%203%20(2)%2C%203.5mm%20audio%3B%20Touch%20Bar%20with%20Touch%20ID%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EConnectivity%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Wi-Fi%206%2C%20Bluetooth%205.0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EBattery%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2058.2Wh%20lithium-polymer%2C%20up%20to%2020%20hours%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECamera%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20720p%20FaceTime%20HD%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EVideo%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Support%20for%20HDR%20with%20Dolby%20Vision%2C%20HDR10%2C%20ProRes%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EAudio%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Stereo%20speakers%20with%20HDR%2C%20wide%20stereo%2C%20Spatial%20Audio%20support%2C%20Dolby%20support%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EIn%20the%20box%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20MacBook%20Pro%2C%2067W%20power%20adapter%2C%20USB-C%20cable%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20From%20Dh5%2C499%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Key facilities
  • Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
  • Premier League-standard football pitch
  • 400m Olympic running track
  • NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
  • 600-seat auditorium
  • Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
  • An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
  • Specialist robotics and science laboratories
  • AR and VR-enabled learning centres
  • Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
While you're here
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
  • Priority access to new homes from participating developers
  • Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
  • Flexible payment plans from developers
  • Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
  • DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
SNAPSHOT

While Huawei did launch the first smartphone with a 50MP image sensor in its P40 series in 2020, Oppo in 2014 introduced the Find 7, which was capable of taking 50MP images: this was done using a combination of a 13MP sensor and software that resulted in shots seemingly taken from a 50MP camera.

ARGYLLE
%3Cp%3EDirector%3A%20Matthew%20Vaughn%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EStarring%3A%20Bryce%20Dallas%20Howard%2C%20Sam%20Rockwell%2C%20John%20Cena%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3ERating%3A%203%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Ms Yang's top tips for parents new to the UAE
  1. Join parent networks
  2. Look beyond school fees
  3. Keep an open mind
While you're here

Michael Young: Where is Lebanon headed?

Kareem Shaheen: I owe everything to Beirut

Raghida Dergham: We have to bounce back

The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre flat-six
Power: 510hp at 9,000rpm
Torque: 450Nm at 6,100rpm
Transmission: 7-speed PDK auto or 6-speed manual
Fuel economy, combined: 13.8L/100km
On sale: Available to order now
Price: From Dh801,800
Why does a queen bee feast only on royal jelly?

Some facts about bees:

The queen bee eats only royal jelly, an extraordinary food created by worker bees so she lives much longer

The life cycle of a worker bee is from 40-60 days

A queen bee lives for 3-5 years

This allows her to lay millions of eggs and allows the continuity of the bee colony

About 20,000 honey bees and one queen populate each hive

Honey is packed with vital vitamins, minerals, enzymes, water and anti-oxidants.

Apart from honey, five other products are royal jelly, the special food bees feed their queen 

Pollen is their protein source, a super food that is nutritious, rich in amino acids

Beewax is used to construct the combs. Due to its anti-fungal, anti-bacterial elements, it is used in skin treatments

Propolis, a resin-like material produced by bees is used to make hives. It has natural antibiotic qualities so works to sterilize hive,  protects from disease, keeps their home free from germs. Also used to treat sores, infection, warts

Bee venom is used by bees to protect themselves. Has anti-inflammatory properties, sometimes used to relieve conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, nerve and muscle pain

Honey, royal jelly, pollen have health enhancing qualities

The other three products are used for therapeutic purposes

Is beekeeping dangerous?

As long as you deal with bees gently, you will be safe, says Mohammed Al Najeh, who has worked with bees since he was a boy.

“The biggest mistake people make is they panic when they see a bee. They are small but smart creatures. If you move your hand quickly to hit the bees, this is an aggressive action and bees will defend themselves. They can sense the adrenalin in our body. But if we are calm, they are move away.”

 

 

Some of Darwish's last words

"They see their tomorrows slipping out of their reach. And though it seems to them that everything outside this reality is heaven, yet they do not want to go to that heaven. They stay, because they are afflicted with hope." - Mahmoud Darwish, to attendees of the Palestine Festival of Literature, 2008

His life in brief: Born in a village near Galilee, he lived in exile for most of his life and started writing poetry after high school. He was arrested several times by Israel for what were deemed to be inciteful poems. Most of his work focused on the love and yearning for his homeland, and he was regarded the Palestinian poet of resistance. Over the course of his life, he published more than 30 poetry collections and books of prose, with his work translated into more than 20 languages. Many of his poems were set to music by Arab composers, most significantly Marcel Khalife. Darwish died on August 9, 2008 after undergoing heart surgery in the United States. He was later buried in Ramallah where a shrine was erected in his honour.

Our legal columnist

Name: Yousef Al Bahar

Advocate at Al Bahar & Associate Advocates and Legal Consultants, established in 1994

Education: Mr Al Bahar was born in 1979 and graduated in 2008 from the Judicial Institute. He took after his father, who was one of the first Emirati lawyers

On Women's Day
Plastic tipping points
The specs
 
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
MATCH DETAILS

Barcelona 0

Slavia Prague 0

World Mental Health Day

Voices: How A Great Singer Can Change Your Life
Nick Coleman
Jonathan Cape

Tearful appearance

Chancellor Rachel Reeves set markets on edge as she appeared visibly distraught in parliament on Wednesday. 

Legislative setbacks for the government have blown a new hole in the budgetary calculations at a time when the deficit is stubbornly large and the economy is struggling to grow. 

She appeared with Keir Starmer on Thursday and the pair embraced, but he had failed to give her his backing as she cried a day earlier.

A spokesman said her upset demeanour was due to a personal matter.

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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More from Rashmee Roshan Lall
HOSTS

T20 WORLD CUP 

2024: US and West Indies; 2026: India and Sri Lanka; 2028: Australia and New Zealand; 2030: England, Ireland and Scotland 

ODI WORLD CUP 

2027: South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia; 2031: India and
Bangladesh 

CHAMPIONS TROPHY 

2025: Pakistan; 2029: India  

While you're here
MATCH INFO

Uefa Champions League semi-finals, second leg:

Liverpool (0) v Barcelona (3), Tuesday, 11pm UAE

Game is on BeIN Sports

While you're here
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
On Women's Day
Volvo ES90 Specs

Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)

Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp

Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm

On sale: Later in 2025 or early 2026, depending on region

Price: Exact regional pricing TBA

More from Neighbourhood Watch:
Explainer: Tanween Design Programme

Non-profit arts studio Tashkeel launched this annual initiative with the intention of supporting budding designers in the UAE. This year, three talents were chosen from hundreds of applicants to be a part of the sixth creative development programme. These are architect Abdulla Al Mulla, interior designer Lana El Samman and graphic designer Yara Habib.

The trio have been guided by experts from the industry over the course of nine months, as they developed their own products that merge their unique styles with traditional elements of Emirati design. This includes laboratory sessions, experimental and collaborative practice, investigation of new business models and evaluation.

It is led by British contemporary design project specialist Helen Voce and mentor Kevin Badni, and offers participants access to experts from across the world, including the likes of UK designer Gareth Neal and multidisciplinary designer and entrepreneur, Sheikh Salem Al Qassimi.

The final pieces are being revealed in a worldwide limited-edition release on the first day of Downtown Designs at Dubai Design Week 2019. Tashkeel will be at stand E31 at the exhibition.

Lisa Ball-Lechgar, deputy director of Tashkeel, said: “The diversity and calibre of the applicants this year … is reflective of the dynamic change that the UAE art and design industry is witnessing, with young creators resolute in making their bold design ideas a reality.”

Results:

6.30pm: Handicap | US$135,000 (Dirt) | 1,400 metres

Winner: Rodaini, Connor Beasley (jockey), Ahmad bin Harmash (trainer)

7.05pm: Handicap | $135,000 (Turf) | 1,200m

Winner: Ekhtiyaar, Jim Crowley, Doug Watson

7.40pm: Dubai Millennium Stakes | Group 3 | $200,000 (T) | 2,000m

Winner: Spotify, James Doyle, Charlie Appleby

8.15pm: UAE Oakes | Group 3 | $250,000 (D) | 1,900m

Winner: Divine Image, William Buick, Charlie Appleby

8.50pm: Zabeel Mile | Group 2 | $250,000 (T) | 1,600m

Winner: Mythical Image, William Buick, Charlie Appleby

9.20pm: Handicap | $135,000 (T) | 1,600m

Winner: Major Partnership, Kevin Stott, Saeed bin Suroor

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
On Women's Day
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
BUNDESLIGA FIXTURES

Friday (UAE kick-off times)

Borussia Dortmund v Paderborn (11.30pm)

Saturday 

Bayer Leverkusen v SC Freiburg (6.30pm)

Werder Bremen v Schalke (6.30pm)

Union Berlin v Borussia Monchengladbach (6.30pm)

Eintracht Frankfurt v Wolfsburg (6.30pm)

Fortuna Dusseldof v  Bayern Munich (6.30pm)

RB Leipzig v Cologne (9.30pm)

Sunday

Augsburg v Hertha Berlin (6.30pm)

Hoffenheim v Mainz (9pm)

 

 

 

 

 

Brief scores:

Toss: Sindhis, elected to field first

Pakhtoons 137-6 (10 ov)

Fletcher 68 not out; Cutting 2-14

Sindhis 129-8 (10 ov)

Perera 47; Sohail 2-18

Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Updated: June 14, 2024, 2:38 PM`
Labour Party