The White House has reportedly agreed to the Egyptian plan for Gaza reconstruction, but with a significant condition: Hamas must be removed and fully disarmed. This development comes as the international community continues to seek a lasting solution to the Gaza conflict. According to recent reports, Egypt's plan for Gaza reconstruction involves a comprehensive five-year initiative, projected to cost $53 billion.¹ The plan includes a committee of experts to oversee the clearance of rubble and unexploded ordnance, followed by a four-and-a-half-year reconstruction phase. However, the plan's success hinges on addressing the complex issue of Hamas's future. Israel has expressed concerns about the plan, citing the need for a security-only approach in dealing with Hamas. The US role in the process will be crucial, with some suggesting that a coordinated US-Arab effort could help prepare the ground for peace negotiations between the Palestinian Authority and Israel.
Sky News' Beth Rigby has asked the prime minster how he can build trust with pensioners who voted for Labour after he cut their winter fuel allowance.
This, Beth points out, wasn't in the Labour manifesto, so how can the PM promise not to raise other taxes?
Sir Keir reiterates again that "in relation to working people, income tax, VAT and national insurance, we will not increase tax".
He says the "number one mission" of the government is to grow the economy, and says fixing the transport system and the NHS will both help this.
He also says that the new National Wealth Fund, Great British Energy and "unlocking planning" will allow the country to focus on improving the
economy.