Search for:
kralbetz.com1xbit güncelTipobet365Anadolu Casino GirişMariobet GirişSupertotobet mobil girişBetistbahis.comSahabetTarafbetMatadorbethack forumBetturkeyXumabet GirişrestbetbetpasGonebetBetticketTrendbetistanbulbahisbetixirtwinplaymegaparifixbetzbahisalobetaspercasino1winorisbetbetkom
Three female MPs given bodyguards as safety fears grow | Politics News

Three female MPs have been given bodyguards and chauffeur-driven cars amid growing concern about politicians’ safety.

It comes after a risk assessment by an organisation that helps protect the Royal Family and the prime minister.

RAVEC (the Royal and VIP Executive Committee) conducted the review after a recent increase in the threat level faced by MPs.

There are fears politicians could be targeted by extremists because of the Israel-Hamas war.

Private security staff and other measures, such as panic alarms, are in place at constituency surgeries and homes of other MPs believed to be at risk.

The three female MPs given bodyguard protection include both Tory and Labour members.

As part of Operation Bridger – a programme to protect MPs – police now email every week to get an itinerary of their whereabouts and any public events.

The initiative began after the murders of Labour’s Jo Cox in 2016, and Conservative MP Sir David Amess in 2021.

Sir David Amess and Ali Haribi Ali
Image:
Sir David Amess was killed by Ali Haribi Ali (right) in 2021. Pic: PA

Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner told Sky News this month she no longer goes out socially because of threats and abuse.

Ms Rayner and a colleague recently had to be escorted from a fundraiser that was interrupted by protesters angry at Labour’s stance on Gaza.

One MP – who’s had death threats themselves – told Sky News: “We are all getting this – it’s become normal for most controversial votes now.”

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

‘My family are scared for me’ – Rayner

Read more from Sky News:
Bodyguards to death threats – the real impact of Commons chaos
Anderson responds over ‘Islamophobic’ comments

In 2022, Tory MP Mike Freer said he would start wearing a stab vest and carrying a panic alarm when meeting the public.

Operation Bridger was also triggered this month at the home of Bournemouth MP Tobias Ellwood.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Protesters descend on Ellwood’s home

Mr Elwood told Sky News that between 60 and 80 people gathered outside – some with signs claiming he is “complicit in genocide” – while his children were indoors.

Security minister Tom Tugendhat and policing minister Chris Philp have urged police to use “robust” measures to tackle protesters who “intimidate and harass” MPs.

“The intimidation of democratically elected representatives is unacceptable,” their letter said.

“It’s important that our elected representatives are able to feel safe in their homes, free from fear and harassment.”

UK weather: Alert for cold conditions will be in force for most of next week, amid fears flooding impact could last for days | UK News

A yellow cold weather alert across England comes into force at 9am this morning – and will remain in force for most of next week.

All of this comes as many parts of the country continue to grapple with the aftermath of Storm Henk, with heavy rainfall inundating homes and almost cutting off communities.

As of 2am on Saturday, 244 flood warnings – meaning flooding is expected – have been issued by the Environment Agency. A further 262 flood alerts, indicating flooding is possible, also remain in force.

Follow the latest weather updates here

“Significant river flooding impacts” are expected to continue today across parts of the Midlands on the River Trent and in Gloucester, as well as areas of the South West on the River Avon.

Disruption elsewhere in England could last for the next five days because the ground is “completely saturated”.

Almost every river in England is at an exceptionally high level, with some rivers reaching their highest flow on record.

Alex McDonald, an Environment Agency spokeswoman, said: “We’re seeing a large number of big events, and this winter has been particularly bad since October onwards.

“We are feeling the effects of climate change in the East Midlands, and as a nation we need to be more resilient to flooding.”

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Aerial footage shows extent of flooding

What cold weather alert means

The UK Health Security Agency’s warning will be in place until 12pm on 12 January, with forecasters warning of icy conditions as temperatures plunge below freezing.

While colder conditions increase risks to the most vulnerable, with “significant impacts possible” in the health sector, there are hopes that river levels will start to go down as rainfall eases.

The agency said: “Temperatures are likely to be a few degrees below average, across much of the UK, especially overnight, with more widespread frosts than of late.

“Ice is likely to be an issue for many given the very wet ground in most areas. It is probable this cold spell may last well into the following week.”

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Floodwaters rage around home

Meanwhile, Met Office forecaster Oli Claydon said conditions are turning “considerably drier” – with no rain warnings in force for the first time in a while.

“We’re heading to a more settled spell of weather, which will be very welcome for many people across the UK after what’s been a very wet start to 2024,” he added.

Sky meteorologist Steff Gaulter added: ” Flooding issues should gradually subside as the weather begins to change. The change to colder and brighter conditions will be welcome, but it won’t happen instantly.”

Check the forecast where you are

Sunday afternoon weather
Monday afternoon weather

Govt ‘asleep at the wheel’ during flooding crisis

Rishi Sunak’s government has been criticised by rival parties for its handling of the flooding, with the prime minister urged to visit affected areas.

Labour accused the government of being “asleep at the wheel” over flood warnings, and said Mr Sunak should convene a “COBRA-style taskforce” to protect homes from further damage.

Sir Keir Starmer has said “people’s lives shouldn’t be upended by extreme rain”, and vowed to make flood defences “fit for purpose” if he wins the next election.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

A pint in waist-high floodwater

But floods minister Robbie Moore has insisted that the government has “absolutely” provided enough money for flood prevention, with £5.2bn pledged to better protect homes.

Travel disruption is set to continue this weekend, with flooding across the Great Western Railway network meaning trains may be cancelled at short notice.

There are set to be fewer services on long-distance routes, and customers are being urged to check before they travel.

Costa Coffee recalls sandwiches and wraps over fears they may contain ‘small stones’ | UK News

Costa Coffee is recalling four of its lunch products, including some wraps and sandwiches, over fears they could contain “small stones”.

In an announcement from the Food Standards Agency (FSA), the coffee shop chain said the food items “may present a choking hazard and are unsafe to eat”.

Costa added it was taking the recall “extremely seriously” and apologised to its customers.

The products being recalled are the BLT sandwich, chicken salad sandwich, southern fried chicken wrap and the chicken and bacon caesar wrap, with use-by dates between 6 September and 8 September.

“We are advising customers not to consume these products,” the FSA added.

“Any customers in possession of these products can return them to their nearest store where a full refund will be given.”

A Costa Coffee spokeswoman said: “Costa Coffee is recalling four savoury items.

“We have been notified by our supplier of a possible presence of small stones that could be a choking hazard if consumed.

“Customers who bought any of the products listed should not eat them and instead, please return to a store, with or without a receipt, for a full refund.

“We take this matter extremely seriously and sincerely apologise for any concern this recall has caused.”

Wilko job fears deepen as Poundland owner eyes swoop on 100 stores | Business News

Fears for thousands of retail jobs at the ailing chain Wilko deepened on Wednesday evening when trade union officials warned that the majority of its shops were likely to close within days.

Sky News has learnt that administrators at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) are in advanced talks to carve up parts of the 400-strong chain, with Poundland’s owner, Pepco Group, in discussions to acquire roughly 100 stores.

B&M European Retail, the London-listed discount chain, is also in negotiations to take on between 40 and 50 shops, according to one insider.

Other value retailers, including TOFS, which is owned by the private equity firm Duke Street, have lodged offers to acquire smaller parcels comprising about ten sites.

Retail industry sources said an announcement was expected to be made by PwC on Thursday outlining the sale agreements with at least some of the bidders.

Even if agreements with Pepco, B&M and TOFS are finalised, it is likely to mean that more than 200 Wilko stores will face permanent closure.

That could mean that well over 6,000 jobs, including those of Wilko head office staff, would be lost, although the eventual figure could be substantially higher than that.

In a statement pre-empting an announcement from PwC, the GMB Union said: “In a meeting with administrators today GMB Union was informed there is no longer any prospect that the majority of the business will be saved.

“This means redundancies for staff in store and at call centres will begin during the coming week.

“Some stores may be bought, either individually or as part of larger packages, but significant job losses are now expected.”

The union said talks had been taking place about a larger deal for about half of Wilko’s stores with an unnamed bidder, and Sky News understands that there remains a faint, but receding, possibility that this could yet be salvaged.

Andy Prendergast, GMB national secretary, told Wilko’s 12,500-strong workforce that it would “continue to support members through this process and will fight to ensure members are consulted as per the law and that you receive every penny you are entitled to”.

“We will fight to ensure Wilko bosses are held accountable for the simple reason our members deserve so much better.

“GMB will not forget the incompetence that has led to this collapse and will we not forget the dividends paid to the millionaires who gambled your jobs on their whims. “

Reacting to the GMB statement, Jonathan Reynolds, Labour’s shadow business secretary, said: “This is devastating news that will likely see stores close across the country. Their loss will have a massive impact on their high streets and my thoughts are with those Wilko staff and their families facing this dreadful news.

“Sadly, shuttered up shops and struggling high streets has become the norm after 13 years of Conservative economic failure.

“Labour has a plan for our high streets. We will tackle the things holding firms back by reforming business rates, cracking down on anti-social behaviour and putting an end to empty premises to bring shoppers back to their high street.”

The family-owned chain, which was established by the Wilkinson family in 1930, had been working with PwC on a search for new investment for several months.

Shortly before it crashed into administration, Sky News revealed that Gordon Brothers, Alteri Investors and Opcapita were examining last-ditch proposals to invest in the business.

Like many high street retailers, it has been hit by inflationary pressures and supply chain challenges.

In recent months, it had been seeking to finalise a company voluntary arrangement (CVA) – a mechanism that would have triggered steep rent cuts at hundreds of stores but avoided any closures.

As recently as late last month, a spokesman for Wilko had described talk of administration as “unfounded”.

The administrators said: “Since our appointment as administrators of Wilko we have held extensive discussions with parties who expressed an interest in buying all or part of the business.

“While discussions continue with those interested in buying parts of the business, it’s clear that the nature of this interest is not focused on the whole group.

“Sadly, it is therefore likely that there will be redundancies and store closures in the future and it has today been necessary to update employee representatives.

“We know this will further add to the uncertainty felt by workers. We will be supporting staff through this deeply unsettling time, working closely with the government, JobCentre plus, unions and large employers to maximise possibilities for a rapid return to work for employees in the event of redundancies.

“In the immediate term, all stores remain open, continue to trade and staff continue to be paid. Contrary to speculation, there are currently no plans to close any stores next week.”

A B&M spokesman declined to comment and a spokesman for Pepco said he would not respond unless a query was emailed.

Fears for British car production unless deal struck with EU despite best May in four years | Business News

Promising growth in British car production could be cut short unless a deal is reached with the European Union (EU) in the coming months, an industry body has warned.

Britain recorded the best May for car production in four years, according to data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

But this figure was largely driven by exports to the EU.

The vast majority (79.5%) of the nearly 80,000 (79,406) cars produced in the UK in May 2023 were for export.

Domestic demand accounted for just 16,188 vehicles despite growing by 45%. That growth in demand in the UK was nearly double the 23% rise in exports.

However, of the exports, more than half (56%) of the cars were made for Europe, with less than a third (28%) of exports going to the next largest markets: the United States, China, Japan and Australia.

The dominance of export in British car-making has led the SMMT to call for continued tariff-free trade between the European Union and the UK, particularly for electric vehicles (EVs).

The organisation says EVs will face tougher rules of origin requirements – regulations that limit the value of material from a different country – from January unless the UK and EU can agree to have them postponed.

While production was up 27% from May 2022, an increase of 16,762 vehicles, it’s still 32% below the output of May 2019.

The car manufacturing sector has grappled with tough economic conditions in the form of slow economic growth, high inflation and rising rates.

There was an especially large growth in hybrid electric, plug-in hybrid and EV volumes – up 95% in May to 27,636 units, equivalent to 35% of all cars made in the month.

Click to subscribe to ClimateCast with Tom Heap wherever you get your podcasts

The sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles is banned from 2030 in an effort to reduce CO2 emissions.

This transition has been cast into doubt by Logistics UK, which has freight companies and suppliers as members. It said efforts to decarbonise were being hampered by high costs, a lack of Treasury support and an inadequate public charging network, meaning the transition to EVs can’t continue without state aid.

There are currently no battery factories in the UK, though Tata, the owner of the UK’s largest carmaker, Jaguar Land Rover, was reported to be building a gigafactory in Somerset.

Longer lorries allowed on Britain’s roads despite fears over risks to pedestrians and cyclists | UK News

Longer lorries are now allowed on Britain’s roads to enable more goods to be carried on fewer journeys.

This is despite fears about the risks for pedestrians and cyclists as the vehicles have a larger tail swing – meaning their rear end covers a greater area when turning – and extended blind spots.

Lorry trailers up to 61ft (18.55m) long – some 6ft 9in (2.05m) longer than the standard size – are allowed to be used from 31 May.

The DfT has previously said the new lorries will be able to move the same volume of goods as current trailers in 8% fewer journeys.

Read more:
New laws to allow longer lorries on UK roads ‘could cost lives’ of pedestrians and cyclists

The policy is expected to generate £1.4n in economic benefits and take one standard-size trailer off the road for every 12 trips.

An 11-year trial of longer lorries has demonstrated they are safe for use on public roads, according to the DfT.

The study found they were involved in “around 61% fewer personal injury collisions than conventional lorries”, the department said.

A Government-commissioned report published in July 2021 revealed that 58 people were injured in incidents involving longer lorries between 2012 and 2020.

Roads minister Richard Holden said: “A strong, resilient supply chain is key to the Government’s efforts to grow the economy.

“That’s why we’re introducing longer semi-trailers to carry more goods in fewer journeys and ensure our shops, supermarkets and hospitals are always well stocked.”

Read more:
Road deaths rise to more than 1,500
Lorry left hanging off bridge after M1 crash

However, some organisations are concerned at the move – including Cycling UK.

Its campaigns manager Keir Gallagher said at the time of the government’s decision: “At a time when funding for infrastructure to keep people cycling and walking safer has been cut, it’s alarming that longer and more hazardous lorries could now be allowed to share the road with people cycling and walking.

“Before opening the floodgates to longer lorries rolling into our busy town centres and narrow rural lanes, further testing in real life scenarios should have been done to assess and address the risks.”

Chris Packham fears hate-fuelled psychopath could kill him in woods, libel trial hears | UK News

Chris Packham has told a court he fears for his and his family’s security – and that he does not “expect to live a long life free from violence and intimidation”.

On the second day of a libel case which he initiated, the TV star said he was a “victim of a campaign of vile and relentless intimation”, adding: “I do go to walk my dogs in the woods and wonder: is today the day that a psychopath fuelled by all this hate turns up and kills me?”

The BBC Springwatch presenter, 61, is suing three men over allegations in nine articles relating to his involvement in Wildheart Trust, a charity that runs a wildlife sanctuary on the Isle of Wight.

Mr Packham told the High Court trial he believed the “defendants’ unsubstantiated claims have misled, agitated and fuelled a vocal and violent conspiratorial fringe who increasingly post threatening and vile material about me and my family”.

Chris Packham at the Royal Courts of Justice, London, for his libel trial over alleged tiger-related fraud to begin. The environmentalist is bringing a High Court libel claim over articles which he says falsely alleged he misled the public into donating to a wildlife charity to rescue "broken" tigers from circuses. Mr Packham is suing the editor and two contributors of the website Country Squire Magazine. Picture date: Tuesday May 2, 2023.

The environmentalist said his post had often been stolen and “random dead animals and human faeces are regularly posted to me”.

“I have become accustomed to the plethora of dead animals people leave at my home,” Mr Packham went on.

The TV naturalist is suing Dominic Wightman, editor of the online site Country Squire Magazine, along with writer Nigel Bean and a third man, Paul Read.

Mr Packham has been accused of defrauding and manipulating people into making donations to the charity to rescue tigers while knowing they were well cared for.

Mr Packham denies the allegations

It is also alleged he dishonestly raised money for the charity at the beginning of COVID while knowing it was due to receive a £500,000 benefit from its insurance. Mr Packham has strongly denied the claims.

Mr Wightman and Mr Bean’s lawyers said the articles in the claim could be defended as true, while Mr Read said he was not responsible for the publications as he was a “mere proofreader”.

In a 50-page witness statement, Mr Packham said: “I genuinely no longer expect to live a long life free from violence and intimidation.

“Because it may only take the one wrong person to read Country Squire Magazine for things to go horribly wrong.”

Mr Packham said his “deeply held views” had attracted criticism from people who shoot and fox hunt – while revealing details of the threats he gets.

Read more: Chris Packham defiant after arsonists target his home

BBC presenter Chris Packham's front gate. It was burnt after someone set a Land Rover alight.
Image:
Chris Packham’s front gate was burnt after arsonists set a vehicle alight

‘Masked attackers burned down gate to his home’

He also said that “masked attackers” in October 2021 set fire to a car and burned down the gate to his home, with police said to believe the arson was carried out by paid professionals.

Nicholas O’Brien, a lawyer for Mr Wightman and Mr Bean, said the allegations in the articles in the claim were true and could also be defended as under the public interest.

The barrister said: “It is clear that the tigers had not been rescued from a circus, were not then in need of rescue, and were not rescued by Mr Packham.”

But Mr Packham said it was correct to use the word “rescue” when talking about the tigers and a move to the sanctuary.

He has called the allegations against him “ridiculous, utterly unfounded, and plainly designed to be as upsetting, threatening and reputationally damaging as possible”.

Mr Packham denied fraudulently raising money for the charity, adding that “we weren’t hopeful that we would be insured against COVID-19 closures”.

The trial before Mr Justice Saini is due to end on 12 May, and a decision is expected at a later date.

Search continues for aristocrat’s baby as fears grow for its safety | UK News

An urgent search for the baby of aristocrat Constance Marten and her partner Mark Gordon has entered its second day amid growing fears for the child’s safety.

Marten and Gordon were arrested in Brighton on Monday on suspicion of child neglect after being spotted by a member of the public at about 9.30pm.

They were further arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter on Tuesday.

More than 200 police officers are looking for the child and they have been concentrating on an allotment and woodland in the city.

A helicopter, sniffer dogs, thermal cameras and drones have joined the search, which has widened to include the area towards Newhaven.

Marten, 35, and Gordon, 48, were reported missing on 5 January after their car caught fire on the M61, near Bolton.

It is believed Marten had given birth just a few days before.

They were spotted multiple times in the days that followed, including in Liverpool, Essex, south London and East Sussex.

Police search teams in Roedale Valley Allotments, Brighton, where an urgent search operation is underway to find the missing baby of Constance Marten, who has not had any medical attention since birth in early January
Image:
Police are searching Roedale Valley Allotments in Brighton

Concerns about their baby grew as it is not thought to have had any medical care.

Read more:
From Liverpool to Brighton – mapping the sightings

CCTV breakthrough suggests couple ‘sleeping in tent’

Met Police Detective Superintendent Lewis Basford said the couple had not given them information about the child’s whereabouts or even disclosed its gender.

“We now have to consider the possibility that the baby has come to harm,” he told reporters.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Missing couple moments before arrest

He said he still hoped the baby could be found alive but that the cold weather was an obvious risk to its safety.

“Clearly the risk is getting higher… this may not end in the way we would like, but we need to remain hopeful,” he said.

He added they were still open-minded about the possibility the child may have been given to someone else to look after.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Police search for missing baby

Chief Superintendent James Collis, from Sussex Police, said the search area was “vast” at about 91 square miles and centred on land between Brighton and Newhaven – about seven miles further down the coast.

He also appealed for people to contact the force with any information or potential sightings over the last few weeks.

Marten’s father, Napier Marten, told The Independent it was “an immense relief” to know the couple had been located but “very alarming news her baby has yet to be found”.

Commuters hit with five days of rail strikes, amid fears millions of Britons may ditch trains for good | UK News

Strikes by rail and road staff are set to cause extensive disruption to commuters returning to work after the Christmas break – amid fears that continued walkouts could cause a years-long slump in demand for train travel.

About 40,000 members of the RMT union from Network Rail and 14 train operators are taking industrial action today, tomorrow, Friday and Saturday – meaning most services nationwide will not run.

Train drivers are also set to stage a one-day walkout on Thursday, meaning the UK’s rail network will be crippled throughout the first working week of 2023. Passengers have been urged to only travel if necessary.

Mick Lynch  general secretary of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) joins members on the picket line outside London Euston train station

In other developments, more than 100 road traffic officers and control room operators working for National Highways in England are launching their own 48-hour strike today.

While this walkout is expected to have little impact on the network, roads are expected to be busy on both days as commuters ditch the train and head to the office in their cars.

RMT general secretary Mick Lynch has warned that strikes on the railways will continue until the government stops “blocking” a deal to resolve the bitter dispute over pay, jobs and conditions.

The union claims that – despite its best efforts over the festive period – rail employers have not arranged any formal negotiations.

Mr Lynch also alleges that an “unprecedented level of ministerial interference” is preventing progress from being made, and he said RMT representatives are “available around the clock for talks”.

RMT strike days will see approximately half of the network shut down, with just 20% of normal services expected to run. These trains will also start later and finish much earlier than usual, with journeys only possible between 7.30am and 6.30pm.

According to The Times, ministers fear that millions of passengers will give up on train travel altogether as a result of the worst week of rail disruption in 30 years.

A government source told the newspaper: “This is an act of self-harm – a generation of passengers will just write off the railways. We’re talking about permanent scarring. The longer the strikes continue, the greater the risk.”

But Aslef general secretary Mick Whelan, who represents train drivers, said workers have been left with little choice but to strike because they haven’t had a pay rise since April 2019 – with high levels of inflation resulting in a real-terms pay cut.

Stressing that his union is always happy to negotiate with train operators, he added: “The ball is in their court. The companies, or this Tory government which stands behind them, could end this dispute now by making a serious and sensible pay offer. It is up to them.”

The Department for Transport has warned that passengers have “rightly had enough of rail strikes” – and called on unions to stop taking industrial action.

A spokesperson said: “The government has demonstrated it is being reasonable and stands ready to facilitate a resolution to rail disputes. It’s time the unions came to the table and played their part as well.

“Inflation-matching pay increases for all public-sector workers would cost everyone more in the long-term – worsening debt, fuelling inflation, and costing every household an extra £1,000.”

Transport Secretary Mark Harper will be interviewed live on Sky News at 7.20am this morning – followed by RMT general secretary Mick Lynch at 7.30am.

Tony Blair wanted Vladimir Putin at ‘top table’ while he was PM despite officials’ fears | Politics News

Tony Blair wanted Vladimir Putin to have a seat at the international “top table” during his time as prime minister, according to newly released official files.

The Labour PM from 1997 to 2007 believed the Russian president was at heart a “Russian patriot” and it was important to encourage him to adopt Western values, the papers released to the National Archives show.

However, officials voiced their fears he represented a return to Cold War attitudes and questioned whether he could be trusted.

In 2001, about a year after KGB lieutenant officer Mr Putin became president, an internal No 10 briefing note entitled “Putin’s progress” raised the concerns, including a resurgence in Russian espionage activities.

“Despite the warmth of Putin’s rhetoric about the close links between Russia and the UK, the Russian intelligence effort against British targets remains at a high level,” it said.

“The Russian intelligence presence in the UK is at Cold War levels, and they continue to try to post active and hostile officers to work against British interests worldwide.”

The document gives a list of assurances from Mr Putin to Mr Blair during their meetings at international summits, which turned out to be false.

They included backing for the West’s tough line on dealing with Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein and pledges that Moscow would stop supplying Iran’s nuclear programme.

The papers said Mr Putin had thanked Mr Blair for offering assistance after the sinking of the Russian submarine Kursk, with all 118 crew lost, but said Russian officials obstructed the offer while spreading false rumours it sunk due to colliding with a British submarine.

In a memorandum that is very relevant now, given Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Mr Putin also told Mr Blair he did not want to be considered to be “anti-NATO” but his defence minister then warned NATO any further enlargement would be “a major political error” requiring Moscow to take “appropriate steps”.

Russian President Vladimir Putin takes part in the launch ceremony of the Titan-Polymer plant via videoconference in St. Petersburg, Russia, Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2022. (Mikhail Klimentyev, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)
Image:
Russian President Vladimir Putin

The note is part of a series of briefing notes for Mr Blair’s foreign policy adviser John Sawers ahead of meeting senior officials in the new George Bush administration before the prime minister’s first meeting with the new US president.

Mr Blair compared Mr Putin to French wartime president Charles de Gaulle during talks with then-vice-president Dick Cheney at Camp David.

“The prime minister described him as a Russian patriot, acutely aware that Russia had lost its respect in the world. To describe him as a Russian de Gaulle would be misleading, but he had a similar mindset,” the note of the meeting said.

“He (Mr Blair) understood that Putin had a low approval rating in the US. But he thought it was better to allow Putin a position on the top table and encourage Putin to reach for Western attitudes as well as the Western economic model.”

And despite tensions with the Russian president, the files show how diplomacy ruled, with a No 10 official informing Mr Blair on his trip to Moscow in 2001 that he had to give the president a set of newly released silver No 10 cufflinks for his birthday.

Mandela intervention ‘not helpful’

Former South African President Nelson Mandela is applauded by Prime Minister Tony Blair and John Prescott (left) at the Labour Party Conference in Brighton.
Image:
Nelson Mandela is applauded by Tony Blair and John Prescott (left) at a Labour Party Conference.

The files also reveal tensions between Mr Blair and Nelson Mandela, as well as with his cabinet, notably his chancellor Gordon Brown.

Files showed officials in No 10 feared former South African president Mr Mandela’s efforts to act as an intermediary between the Libyan leader Colonel Muammar Gaddafi over the Lockerbie bombing were “unlikely to be helpful”.

Mr Mandela, as president, helped broker the agreement that eventually led to two Libyan intelligence agents standing trial before a Scottish court for the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over the Scottish village of Lockerbie, killing 270.

But after his presidency ended and one of the accused was found guilty in 2001, Mr Mandela tried to intercede as Gaddafi pushed for international sanctions on Libya to be lifted.

Anna Wechsberg in the No 10 private office noted: “Mandela evidently sees himself acting as mediator between the prime minister and Gaddafi. This is unlikely to be helpful.”

Away days ‘pretty ghastly’

On friction with Mr Blair’s cabinet, notes reveal not one senior minister enjoyed the annual “away days” held at the PM’s country home of Chequers.

Gordon Brown and Tony Blair at the despatch box in 2007
Image:
Gordon Brown and Tony Blair at the despatch box in 2007

David Milliband, then a No 10 special adviser, complained that no company would run them in such a haphazard fashion.

“The tradition of a TB/GB (Tony Blair/Gordon Brown) introduction and then one disjointed comment from each cabinet member is pretty ghastly – and not very useful,” he said in a memo.

The files show Mr Blair’s chief of staff suggested Mr Brown led the 1998 gathering on the economy, writing: “You said you did not like this, but I don’t see how you can avoid it.”

Mr Blair replied: “No, we should start with a general political discussion which I should lead, then in (the) afternoon economy.”