Today is a dark day in our political life, but we must also use it as an opportunity to celebrate Ann Widdecombe's memory. She was a unique figure in our politics, a distinctive and devoted public servant, the likes of whom we will rarely…

The government intends to bring forward an amendment to this bill in response to the widely reported case of the vile grooming gang leader Shabir Ahmed.

It is important to note this does not guarantee his removal from this country.

Instead, a fair asylum system must be grounded in controlled, safe and legal asylum.

This approach means those in need of protection arrive with the consent of communities and with the financial support of their sponsor, and not the taxpayer.

I know this is deeply concerning news for British Muslims. We must stand against hatred and we must unite around our shared belief in a country that is open, generous and tolerant to all our communities.

As soon as more information is available that is capable of being shared without compromising any future trial process, that will be done.

My thoughts today remain with Ann’s family and friends, and all those who loved her.

I will leave no stone unturned to keep our country safe.

The police are pursuing multiple lines of enquiry to establish the motivation for this attack. I will be updating the House further this afternoon.

It has been settled government policy since last summer, in fact, that the qualifying period will rise from five years to ten.

Iran and Russia are using proxies and thugs to do their dirty work on our shores.

Politics is a calling for those of us here, but it should not be a dangerous one.

I can confirm to the House that this man was not known to Prevent.

I urge everyone to avoid speculation and allow the police investigation to progress.

This act gives the police and intelligence agencies the tools they need to pursue foreign powers and their proxies, and better protect our communities, institutions, and democratic values.

Keeping our country and communities safe is the first duty of any government. That’s why we’ve taken decisive action to deal with the growing threat posed by aggressive foreign states.

Under these new powers, we’re going further to dismantle and deter hostile activity.

Ann’s dedication to public service was decades long, and she was a true servant of her constituents.

We have already taken action to strengthen our response in several areas, including Prevent, online safety and knife crime.

These are important steps – and they will make a difference. But we know we must go further.

We are absolutely clear that where foreign nationals commit offences in the UK we will do everything in our power to remove them.

We owe it to them to right these wrongs.

I am clear that the Inquiry must act as a turning point. In honour of the victims, their families and all affected, meaningful change must now follow.

The Southport Inquiry identified fundamental failings, across many of our public services, in the years leading up to July 2024. These devastating failures led to the senseless killing of three young girls and violent attacks on others.