Latest news with #Number10
Sky News
15 hours ago
- Business
- Sky News
Starmer's artificial intelligence adviser steps down
Sir Keir Starmer's artificial intelligence adviser is standing aside after six months for family reasons. Matt Clifford continues to have a good relationship with Downing Street, and Sky News understands he would potentially be open to a return to help the government in the future. A government spokesperson told Sky News: "Matt Clifford is stepping down from his role as the prime minister's AI opportunities advisor for personal reasons. "The prime minister has thanked him for his dedicated work to deliver and implement the AI opportunities action plan. We will be building on this work to bolster AI expertise across government and cement the UK's position as a world leader in AI." Mr Clifford told Sky News: "It's been a privilege to spend the last year first writing and then implementing the AI opportunities action plan. "I'm grateful to the prime minister and the government for this opportunity to serve and am hugely optimistic about the UK's potential to be an AI superpower. "For family reasons, I will step back from my role as the prime minister's adviser on AI opportunities at the end of July, but I'm delighted that this important work will continue across government." Mr Clifford was the lead reviewer of the AI opportunities action plan, as well as being a member of the AI Safety Institute advisory board. As part of his backing of AI, Sir Keir accepted all 50 recommendations made by Mr Clifford in the action plan. 8:55 Mr Clifford has worked across Number 10 and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology. He was appointed as Sir Keir's AI opportunities adviser in January 2025. His remit included advising on policy to grow the UK AI sector, including supporting uptake. Mr Clifford was also working to help on strategies to attract AI talent and entrepreneurs to the UK. He worked with the previous Conservative government on setting up the AI Safety Institute and setting up the 2023 AI Safety Summit.
ITV News
15 hours ago
- Politics
- ITV News
If the US strikes Iran could the UK be involved, and would MPs need to approve it?
The conflict between Iran and Israel has entered its seventh day as the two countries continue to strike each other's territory, suffering casualties on both sides. The UK has maintained its position that a diplomatic solution would be best for the region and the UK's interests. On Thursday, the Foreign Secretary David Lammy flew to the US to meet his counterpart Marco Rubio to discuss the deteriorating situation. His meeting in Washington comes amid speculation that US involvement could require the use of the UK-controlled Diego Garcia base in the Chagos Islands. Concerns have also been raised by MPs fearful of being dragged into the conflict about what legal scrutiny will be afforded to any decision increasing the UK's involvement. So does the UK have a clear position, or is it simply waiting for the US to move before then doing a little bit less? What has the UK said so far? The government has so far stressed that a diplomatic solution in the region is the best option for all parties involved. On Thursday, the , which could deepen the crisis in the Middle East. Sir Keir Starmer said: "The situation in relation to Israel-Iran is obviously fast moving and in those circumstances, it's really important to cling on to the key principles here. "I've been absolutely clear we need to de-escalate this. Yes, the nuclear issue has to be dealt with, but it's better dealt with by way of negotiations than by way of conflict." Addressing MPs on Monday, the foreign secretary said: "Our message to both Israel and Iran is clear. Step back, show restraint, don't get pulled ever deeper into a catastrophic conflict whose consequences nobody can control. "Further escalation in the Middle East is not in Britain's interests, nor the interests of Israel, Iran or the region. "There are hundreds of thousands of British nationals living in the region and with Iran a major oil producer and one fifth of the total world's oil consumption flowing through the Strait of Hormuz, escalating conflict poses real risks for the global economy." The Foreign Office has evacuated family members of embassy staff from Israel, but has yet to do the same for British nationals, asking them to instead register their presence to receive regular updates. This decision has been criticised by the opposition, with Shadow Foreign Secretary Priti Patel describing the response as "insufficient." Speaking on Thursday, a Number 10 spokesman said: 'There's a huge amount of work being done in the background on contingency planning. It is a fast-moving situation and we keep all our advice and planning under constant review." What is the legal position, and will parliament get a say? The UK's Attorney General, Lord Hermer, is reported to have raised legal concerns about any potential involvement from British forces beyond defending its allies. Governments do not usually disclose legal advice from UK attorney generals; however, the Shadow Foreign Secretary Priti Patel said the UK cannot 'hide behind legal advice at a time of crisis." Reassuring MPs on Thursday, Commons Leader Lucy Powell said sustained military action involving British troops 'will of course be a matter for the House to consider." Concerns over parliamentary involvement had been raised by Green Party Co-Leader Adrian Ramsay, who sought assurances MPs would be given a "debate and a free vote" in the event of further military involvement. Echoing calls for transparency and consultation, Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said the government should publish Lord Hermer's advice, adding: 'The last thing we need is for the UK to be dragged into another illegal war in the Middle East by the US.' What could this look like, and why are the Chagos Islands involved? The UK has already repositioned troops to the region. Speaking on Thursday, Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirmed this decision. "We have moved assets into the region, including Typhoon jets, but we do have bases, we do have personnel in the region," she said. 'As a government, of course, we always want to protect our interests, and so that's why we've made those decisions to move those assets there, in the case of them being needed.' Outside of these precautions, it is thought that if the US were to engage militarily, such a move would require the use of the UK's Diego Garcia base on the Chagos Islands. This is because America's B-2 stealth bombers, the only aircraft capable of carrying specialised "bunker buster" bombs needed to strike Iran's underground nuclear facility, are currently stationed there. Speaking to reporters on Thursday, a Number 10 spokesperson refused to confirm whether the UK would block this or not. " We continue to liaise with international partners," he said. Will he, won't he? What has Trump said? The US President has issued a series of statements on social media, seemingly upping the rhetoric in this Middle Eastern conflict. Last Friday, he claimed to have given Iran a "60-day ultimatum" to "make a deal", warning them "it would be much worse than anything they know" if they failed to do so. "Certain Iranian hardliners spoke bravely, but they didn't know what was about to happen. They are all DEAD now, and it will only get worse... Iran must make a deal, before there is nothing left," he added. He has since called for Iran's "unconditional surrender", described their Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as an "easy target" and told reporters he didn't want a ceasefire but a "real end" to the fighting as he threatened to give up on the region entirely. Having left Canada's G7 summit early after signing a joint statement calling for peace, all eyes have been on the president waiting to see what he'll do. On Wednesday, he appeared to enjoy this uncertainty as he joked on the White House lawn: "Nobody knows what I'm going to do." Israel has maintained it is acting to disable Iran's nuclear capabilities, but to complete this objective, it is likely to need military support and equipment that only Trump can provide. Asked what he had to say to the defiant leader of Iran, Trump said only: "I say good luck."
The Herald Scotland
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Herald Scotland
Keir Starmer chairs Cobra meeting as Donald Trump says he ‘may' strike Iran
But the US president, who left the summit a day early, told reporters outside the White House on Wednesday that he was considering strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities. He said: 'I may do it. I may not do it. I mean, nobody knows what I'm going to do.' Israel and Iran have exchanged fire over the past six days after air strikes which Tel Aviv said were aimed at preventing Tehran developing a nuclear weapon. Iranian officials insist the country's nuclear programme is peaceful, and claim Israel has caused hundreds of civilian casualties. Israeli jets continued to attack Tehran on Tuesday night, but the Iranian response appears to have diminished, with only 10 missiles intercepted by Israel's Iron Dome defence system during the night. Mr Trump said Iran had 'got a lot of trouble and they want to negotiate', adding it was 'very late to be talking' but 'we may meet'. On Tuesday night, the president had used his Truth Social platform to describe Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as an 'easy target'. He later posted the words 'Unconditional surrender', prompting Mr Khamenei to warn that any American military involvement would result in 'irreparable damage' to the US. Amid questions over potential American involvement in the conflict, Sir Keir convened his senior ministers for a meeting of the Government's emergency Cobra committee to discuss the deteriorating security situation in the Middle East. The Foreign Office has evacuated family members of embassy staff from Israel, but has not advised British nationals to leave the country. Sir Keir Starmer at the G7 summit in Canada (Stefan Rousseau/PA) The department said the evacuation was temporary and a 'precautionary measure', with staff remaining at the embassy in Tel Aviv and the consulate in Jerusalem. A spokesperson for the Foreign Office said: 'Our embassy in Tel Aviv and consulate in Jerusalem remain fully staffed and continue to provide consular services to those who require assistance.' Downing Street would not say whether British nationals should attempt to leave the country. A Number 10 spokesman would only say that the Government's 'key message' was to 'follow the advice of local authorities on staying close to shelter'. Britons have already been advised against all travel to Israel, and those already in the country have been urged to register their presence with the embassy. The Foreign Office has also said land borders with Jordan and Egypt remain open, and consular teams are in position to provide assistance to British nationals who choose to leave Israel by land. The Number 10 spokesman added: 'This is a fast-moving situation. We are keeping all our advice under constant review and the FCDO (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) continues to plan for a variety of developments, as you would expect.' Sir Keir had earlier insisted that Mr Trump was interested in de-escalation in the Middle East, saying 'nothing' he had heard from the president suggested Washington was poised to get involved. Asked whether the Prime Minister was confident that Mr Trump would not involve US forces in the conflict, a Number 10 spokesman said the UK's position was still that 'we want to de-escalate rather than escalate'.
South Wales Guardian
2 days ago
- Politics
- South Wales Guardian
Keir Starmer chairs Cobra meeting as Donald Trump says he ‘may' strike Iran
The high-level meeting follows the Prime Minister's return from the G7 summit in Canada at which he and other world leaders reiterated their 'commitment to peace and stability'. But the US president, who left the summit a day early, told reporters outside the White House on Wednesday that he was considering strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities. He said: 'I may do it. I may not do it. I mean, nobody knows what I'm going to do.' Israel and Iran have exchanged fire over the past six days after air strikes which Tel Aviv said were aimed at preventing Tehran developing a nuclear weapon. Iranian officials insist the country's nuclear programme is peaceful, and claim Israel has caused hundreds of civilian casualties. Israeli jets continued to attack Tehran on Tuesday night, but the Iranian response appears to have diminished, with only 10 missiles intercepted by Israel's Iron Dome defence system during the night. Mr Trump said Iran had 'got a lot of trouble and they want to negotiate', adding it was 'very late to be talking' but 'we may meet'. On Tuesday night, the president had used his Truth Social platform to describe Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as an 'easy target'. He later posted the words 'Unconditional surrender', prompting Mr Khamenei to warn that any American military involvement would result in 'irreparable damage' to the US. Amid questions over potential American involvement in the conflict, Sir Keir convened his senior ministers for a meeting of the Government's emergency Cobra committee to discuss the deteriorating security situation in the Middle East. The Foreign Office has evacuated family members of embassy staff from Israel, but has not advised British nationals to leave the country. The department said the evacuation was temporary and a 'precautionary measure', with staff remaining at the embassy in Tel Aviv and the consulate in Jerusalem. A spokesperson for the Foreign Office said: 'Our embassy in Tel Aviv and consulate in Jerusalem remain fully staffed and continue to provide consular services to those who require assistance.' Downing Street would not say whether British nationals should attempt to leave the country. A Number 10 spokesman would only say that the Government's 'key message' was to 'follow the advice of local authorities on staying close to shelter'. Britons have already been advised against all travel to Israel, and those already in the country have been urged to register their presence with the embassy. The Foreign Office has also said land borders with Jordan and Egypt remain open, and consular teams are in position to provide assistance to British nationals who choose to leave Israel by land. The Number 10 spokesman added: 'This is a fast-moving situation. We are keeping all our advice under constant review and the FCDO (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) continues to plan for a variety of developments, as you would expect.' Sir Keir had earlier insisted that Mr Trump was interested in de-escalation in the Middle East, saying 'nothing' he had heard from the president suggested Washington was poised to get involved. Asked whether the Prime Minister was confident that Mr Trump would not involve US forces in the conflict, a Number 10 spokesman said the UK's position was still that 'we want to de-escalate rather than escalate'.
Leader Live
2 days ago
- Politics
- Leader Live
Keir Starmer chairs Cobra meeting as Donald Trump says he ‘may' strike Iran
The high-level meeting follows the Prime Minister's return from the G7 summit in Canada at which he and other world leaders reiterated their 'commitment to peace and stability'. But the US president, who left the summit a day early, told reporters outside the White House on Wednesday that he was considering strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities. He said: 'I may do it. I may not do it. I mean, nobody knows what I'm going to do.' Israel and Iran have exchanged fire over the past six days after air strikes which Tel Aviv said were aimed at preventing Tehran developing a nuclear weapon. Iranian officials insist the country's nuclear programme is peaceful, and claim Israel has caused hundreds of civilian casualties. Israeli jets continued to attack Tehran on Tuesday night, but the Iranian response appears to have diminished, with only 10 missiles intercepted by Israel's Iron Dome defence system during the night. Mr Trump said Iran had 'got a lot of trouble and they want to negotiate', adding it was 'very late to be talking' but 'we may meet'. On Tuesday night, the president had used his Truth Social platform to describe Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as an 'easy target'. He later posted the words 'Unconditional surrender', prompting Mr Khamenei to warn that any American military involvement would result in 'irreparable damage' to the US. Amid questions over potential American involvement in the conflict, Sir Keir convened his senior ministers for a meeting of the Government's emergency Cobra committee to discuss the deteriorating security situation in the Middle East. The Foreign Office has evacuated family members of embassy staff from Israel, but has not advised British nationals to leave the country. The department said the evacuation was temporary and a 'precautionary measure', with staff remaining at the embassy in Tel Aviv and the consulate in Jerusalem. A spokesperson for the Foreign Office said: 'Our embassy in Tel Aviv and consulate in Jerusalem remain fully staffed and continue to provide consular services to those who require assistance.' Downing Street would not say whether British nationals should attempt to leave the country. A Number 10 spokesman would only say that the Government's 'key message' was to 'follow the advice of local authorities on staying close to shelter'. Britons have already been advised against all travel to Israel, and those already in the country have been urged to register their presence with the embassy. The Foreign Office has also said land borders with Jordan and Egypt remain open, and consular teams are in position to provide assistance to British nationals who choose to leave Israel by land. The Number 10 spokesman added: 'This is a fast-moving situation. We are keeping all our advice under constant review and the FCDO (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) continues to plan for a variety of developments, as you would expect.' Sir Keir had earlier insisted that Mr Trump was interested in de-escalation in the Middle East, saying 'nothing' he had heard from the president suggested Washington was poised to get involved. Asked whether the Prime Minister was confident that Mr Trump would not involve US forces in the conflict, a Number 10 spokesman said the UK's position was still that 'we want to de-escalate rather than escalate'.
