Keir Starmer UN Speech - LIVE: PM tells Israel ‘no more excuses’ and calls on Hamas to ‘let the hostages go’

Speaking after receiving a knighthood for his services to justice at Windsor Castle, Sir Alan Bates said: “They [the Government] haven’t been in contact about what they’re proposing to do yet.

“We think we’ve come to a standstill with most of the schemes in that they don’t seem to be working, they seem to be failing now.”

The 70-year-old said current financial schemes for those affected are “a mess”, adding: “We’re wanting a completion date guaranteed by the Government for the end of March next year, and it’s quite achievable, according to legal discussions I’ve had.

“I think we’ve got to get rid of the bureaucracy that’s holding the whole thing up and driving it into the ground, and it’s proving such a headache for so many of the victims who are still suffering after so many years.”

More than 700 subpostmasters were prosecuted by the company and given criminal convictions between 1999 and 2015, as Fujitsu’s faulty Horizon IT system made it appear as though money was missing at their branches.

Five prisoners wrongfully released from prison under the Government’s early release scheme are yet to return.

The mistake was made because the 37 prisoners were sentenced under outdated legislation.

A Ministry of Justice spokesperson told Sky News: “Public safety is our first priority. That is why we took decisive action to fix the broken prison system we inherited and keep the most dangerous offenders locked up.

“This included blocking the early release of domestic abuse offences such as stalking and controlling behaviour.

“We are working with the police to urgently return a very small number of offenders - who were charged incorrectly and sentenced under repealed legislation - to custody.

“The convictions remain valid with offenders monitored since their release and will soon be back behind bars.”

During his remarks to the UN Security Council, Sir Keir also addressed the situation in Sudan as “the worst humanitarian crisis in the world today”.

“The UK has doubled its aid for the victims of this war to almost £100 million. But much more help is needed. The world must step up,” he said.

The Prime Minister said Russia’s war has caused a global energy and food crisis “causing hunger on the horn of Africa.”

Sir Keir addressing the UN Security Council, said: “Now the world looks on as Russia deepens its military ties with North Korea and Iran.

“Aggression cannot pay, borders can’t be redrawn by force. Russia started this illegal war it must end it and get out of Ukraine.

“We stand with the 89 countries that Ukraine’s territorial integrity must be the basis of any just and lasting peace.

“Any process that doesn’t recognise this will only be used as a pretext by Russia to regroup and come again.”

Finishing his address, he adds: “In this moment of deepening conflict, the world looks to this council more than ever to provide leadership for peace, preserve our collective security and protect the most vulnerable.

“The United Kingdom will always play its full part in fulfilling that responsibility.”

As Sir Keir concludes his speech he says: “We must ensure accountability to those violating UN charter. “The greatest violation of the charter in a generation has been committed by one of this council’s permanent members.

He called Russia’s invasion illegal and caused “colossal human suffering” with 35,000 civilians killed injured 6million forced to flee and 20,000 Ukranian children have been kidnapped.

Sir Keir said: “I wonder how Russia can show its face in the building. 600,000 soldiers have been killed or wounded in this war and for what?

“The UN Charter, which they sit here to uphold, speaks of human dignity not treating your own citizens as bits of meat to fling into a grinder.”

Sir Keir Starmer demands the council ask for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and release of all hostages held by Hamas.

He said: “We need a political route to that agreement which provides a bridge to a better future.

“A credible and irreversible path to a viable Palestinian state alongside a safe and secure state of Israel. That is the only way to provide security and justice to both Israelis and Palestinians.”

He also calls for a ceasefire in Sudan and that the council brings the war to an end and “those committing atrocities are held responsible”.

Sir Keir Starmer opens by paying tribute to 200 aid workers killed in conflicts so far this year - including UK nationals.

He says: “Their humanity should illuminate the work of this council.

“We have heard how dire the situation has become the security council must deliver its responsibility for global peace and security.

He called for action to renew international consensus on delivering humanitarian support, “this should be a bare minimun but we are falling short.”

“We must address the situation in Gaza calling “October 7 the bloodiest of days for Jewish people since the Holocaust. I utterly condemn the terrorist actions of Hamas.”

He adds: “I say again let the hostages go. We must face up to the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza that deepens by the day.“Israel must grant humanitarian access to civilians in line with obligations to international law.

“There can be no more excuses. Israel must open more crossings allow vital life-saving aid to flow and provide a safe environment for the UN and other organisations to operate.

He says the UK has restarted our funding to UNRWA and UNICEF, but most importantly “they need the fighting to stop”.

Sir Keir Starmer has arrived to speak at the UN Security Council accompanied by Foreign Secretary David Lammy.

National security adviser Sir Tim Barrow and UK ambassador to the UN Barbara Woodward were among the officials alongside Sir Keir.

The Prime Minister was sat between representatives from Switzerland and the US in the Security Council chamber in New York.

Sir Keir is set to deliver a speech on conflicts in Gaza, Ukraine and Sudan. He is also expected to attend a meeting with Emmanuel Macron and other world leaders.