Chris Philp says the home secretary is giving in to ‘open-borders Labour left’ ahead of an announcement this afternoon

Downing Street has defended Andy Burnham’s decision to discuss the case for an apology for slavery at the Commonwealth summit.

Asked about the controversy about the PM’s comments in a Guardian article ahead of the meeting, the PM’s spokesperson told reporters at the daily lobby briefing:

The prime minister wants to strengthen the Commonwealth as a family of nations with shared values and support economic cooperation.

The prime minister, like his predecessors, expressed his sorrow about slavery - that is separate to a formal apology.

George Freeman was caught checking his phone behind the wheel by a cyclist who reported him to the police.

Mid Norfolk MP Mr Freeman pleaded guilty at Stratford magistrates’ court on 1 September to using a handheld mobile phone while driving, according to The Mirror.