Tories’ Philp rejects French claim that shots fired from naval boat near him were training exercise – UK politics live

Conservative MP Chris Philp has accused French authorities of dishonesty regarding an incident in the Channel where shots were fired from a naval vessel near his boat. Philp, who was in the area filming migrant crossings, asserts the French action was an attempt to intimidate him. French officials, however, stated that an officer was engaged in a "small-arms firing exercise" with a pistol, clarifying that the shots were not directed at Philp’s vessel. In response, Philp has published video footage on social media, claiming it shows French inaction on small boat crossings.

Separately, Andy Burnham's proposal for schools to offer early, localised technical education has raised concerns among three teaching unions. Burnham, in a social media video, championed practical skills, arguing that while AI can write essays, it cannot build a train. The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) analysed the plan, acknowledging the broader issue of a mismatch between training and employment opportunities in England. The IFS highlighted that suggesting pupils specialise in technical education from age 14 presents challenges, such as early specialisation, despite similar models existing internationally. Data from the IFS indicated that 37% of England's workforce was overqualified in 2022, the highest among OECD countries, with over half of graduates in areas like Cumbria and Lincolnshire holding jobs not requiring a degree. Former Education Secretary Michael Gove criticised the initiative, describing it as "Labour re-introducing secondary moderns."

In other political developments, Kemi Badenoch has called for emergency legislation to prevent serious offenders from being included in an early prisoner release scheme scheduled to begin this autumn.

Meanwhile, Pat McFadden announced new support measures for young people seeking employment, including an annual payment of £4,500 for parents receiving benefits whose child commences an apprenticeship.

Additionally, Andy Burnham faces calls to advocate for a tax increase on UK banks. This follows Barclays reporting a 30% rise in its half-year bonus pool, attributed to increased profits.