Starmer to unveil 35 bills in King’s speech as UK PM vows to tackle ‘barriers of opportunity’ after Euros heartbreak – live

Culture secretary Lisa Nandy has said the attack on Donald Trump was “incredibly concerning” to Americans and the world.

The Labour warned it was “extremely worrying when you consider that we’ve had a lot of division, and hatred and poison spreading into politics on both sides of the Atlantic – and across Europe as well in recent times”.

Ms Sandy said the UK’s relationship with the US “matters” regardless of who is in the WhiteHouse.

She added: “It’s our intention as the newly elected government here in the UK, that whoever wins that election, that that relationship continues.”

The Commons Speaker Lindsay Hoyle is to write to his American counterpart stressing the importance of sharing expertise on security measures, The Independent has learned.

Kim Leadbeater, the sister of murdered MP Jo Cox, said the attack on Mr Trump raised questions about “what a civilised democracy looks like”.

The Labour MP for Spen Valley told BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg: “We are back again having that conversation about what democracy looks like, what our politics looks like. I sadly feel that we are not making a huge amount of progress in this country.”

House of Commons leader Lucy Powell also said that there was a “growing sense of … hate and attacks” towards UK politicians which was “something that we need to take action on”.

Our Whitehall editor Kate Devlin has more:

Labour’s animal-welfare and environmental policies may be better than the Tories’ – but they contain disappointing gaps, experts say.

In a YouGov poll last year, a third of voters said animal welfare was one of their top three issues.

So new environment secretary Steve Reed will come under pressure from lobby groups – and in some cases, from opposing countryside and farming factions.

It pledged a Labour government would “champion British farming whilst protecting the environment”.

Our reporter Jane Dalton has the full story:

Labour’s flagship workers’ rights plans have the overwhelming support of the public, according to a new report.

The TUC said a survey of 3,000 people revealed huge backing for the so-called New Deal for Working People, which is expected to feature in the King’s Speech on Wednesday.

Conservative and Reform voters are among those supporting the programme, the TUC added.

The poll revealed strong backing for an increase in the minimum wage, sick pay available from the first day of sickness, and moves to tackle zero-hours contracts and so-called fire and rehire policies.

Previous research by the TUC suggested that four million workers are in “precarious” employment, an increase of almost a million under Conservative government.

A majority of respondents said “being on the side of working people” is the most important attribute for a political party.

TUC general secretary Paul Nowak said: “British voters across the political spectrum want work to pay and to feel secure and respected in their jobs.

“Labour’s workers’ rights plans are hugely popular, and this poll should give ministers confidence to get on with delivering them in full.”

Sir Keir Starmer has said his government will aim to break down “barriers of opportunity” to playing football as he seeks to capitalise on the England team’s success in Euro 2024.

The prime minister, a keen amateur footballer, said his Government will work to ensure the legacy of Gareth Southgate’s team reaching the Euro 2024 final and that of the Lionesses at the Women’s World Cup last year.

This work is expected to include support for grassroots football clubs and improving access to sport in schools.

England ultimately lost to Spain 2-1 in the Euros final in Berlin with Sir Keir watching from the crowd alongside the Prince of Wales and Prince George.

Sir Keir said the team had “excited and gripped us all with their talent and determination in never giving up” despite their loss.

He added: “Playing each week, I know the importance and joy that football and sport more widely brings to so many people.

“Inspired by the Three Lions, we are breaking down the barriers to opportunity which stops the new generation of footballers from taking to the field and will celebrate those who keep the beautiful game alive in our communities and clubs.”

The new laws will hand greater powers to local leaders and to economic watchdog the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR), with growth a key part of the prime minister’s agenda, the government has said.

The prime minister described the measures, to be announced on Wednesday, as the “down payment” on the change his government is seeking to deliver.

The strengthening of the OBR, which was outlined in Labour’s manifesto, is designed to ensure that “nobody can play fast and loose with the public finances ever again”, Downing Street said.