Key events
Jeremy Hunt has responded to new ONS figures showing that unemployment has jumped above expectations to 4% in the three months to May (from 3.8% the previous quarter). Meanwhile, wages increased at the joint-highest rate on record.
The chancellor said:
Our jobs market is strong with unemployment low by historical standards.
But we still have around 1m job vacancies, pushing up inflation even further.
Our labour market reforms – including expanding free childcare next year – will help to build the high-wage, high-growth, low-inflation economy we all want to see.
Boris Johnson has offered his congratulations to Sweden after last night’s news that Turkey has agreed to support the country’s Nato bid.
The former PM tweeeted:
Great news for Sweden and our collective security. And the right move by President Erdogan and Turkey. Now for Ukraine. https://t.co/0DDgcKL5j4
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) July 11, 2023
Illegal migration bill returns to Commons as PM heads off to Vilinius
As Rishi Sunak set off for Lithuania for the crunch two-day Nato summit in Vilnius, back home the controversial illegal migration bill will today make a return to the House of Commons.
After undergoing a beating in the House of Lords – where it has been defeated no less than 20 times – last night the government was forced to announce new amendments to the proposed legislation, in what is expected to be seen as a win for Tory rebels.
Key changes include that the law will not apply retrospectively to migrants who have crossed the Channel.
The Home Office also it had brought in “safeguards” after being subjected to House of Lords scrutiny.
But when it comes to bans on e-entry, settlement and citizenship, the law will still apply retrospectively to those who arrived illegally on or after the date of the bill’s introduction – so 7 March.
The Home Office said it would ensure that the list of definitions of “serious and reversible harm” cannot be changed in secondary legislation.
Other changes include that the first tier tribunal can grant immigration bail after eight days to unaccompanied children who have been detained for the purpose of removal. This is a reduction on the proposed 28 days.
Pregnant women cannot be detained for more than 72 hours, but it can be extended to seven days if it is authorised by a minister.
MPs will vote on the changes today and on the Lords amendments, which you can find here.
I will be looking after the politics blog today. If you have any tips or suggestions, please get in touch: miranda.bryant@guardian.co.uk
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