UK politics - as it happened: Presidents Club to close after widespread criticism in wake of sexual harassment claims
Pressure mounts on government figures who attended controversial all-male event
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Politicians lined up to condemn alleged inappropriate behaviour at the Presidents Club dinner after claims that a number of women were sexually harassed at the male-only event.
Trustees of the charity have announced it is to close with no further fundraising events planned and the remaining funds shared among charities.
Pressure is mounting on government minister Nadhim Zahawi, who attended the event. There have been calls for the education minister to resign, but Theresa May's spokesman said the Prime Minister had no plans to talk to him about his attendance at the dinner.
Mr Zahawi said he felt uncomfortable at the dinner and left early. He will not be attending male-only events in future, he added.
Earlier in the day, David Davis was grilled by MPs as he gave evidence to the Brexit Select Committee.
The Brexit Secretary was asked about the next round of negotiations with EU leaders, which begin in March, and the Government's plan for a transitional period before Britain leaves the EU.
He confirmed that the UK would remain in the single market "in operational terms" during the transitional period, the details of which he said would be agreed by the end of March. In a move likely to anger many Tory MPs, he also confirmed that Britain would have to abide by the rulings of European courts during that time.
This afternoon, Labour will try to force the Government to release the risk assessments it carried out before granting major public contracts to the construction firm Carillion, which collapsed earlier this month.
The tactic proved successful in forcing the Government to give MPs access to its Brexit impact assessments late last year.
Here's Joe Watts' full report on David Davis' appearance in front of the Brexit Select Committee this morning:
Labour MP Sarah Jones asks the Prime Minister about Baroness Tessa Jowell's campaign for improvements to cancer diagnoses and treatments. The former Labour cabinet minister, who was diagnosed with a brain tumour last year, was on the BBC Today programme this morning talking about her experience.
Ms May pays tribute to Baroness Jowell. She says cancer treatment is a priority for the Government and that "we will consider investing in anything that improves that". There is a constant need to reassess, she says, and confirms that Jeremy Hunt, the Health Secretary, will meet with Ms Jones and Baroness Jowell.
Theresa May confirms that the maximum stake on fixed-odds betting terminals (FOBTs) "will be cut". A Government consultation on the issue closed yesterday. Campaigners have long called for the maximum stake on the highly addictive machines to be cut to £2, but ministers have consistently refused. Until now, perhaps...
The Prime Minister gives an unusually personal response to a question from Labour MP Julie Elliott about one of her constituents who died from cervical cancer after being repeatedly denied a smear test.
The Prime Minister says:
"The smear test is hugely important. Sadly what we see...is too many women not taking it up. I know it's not a comfortable thing to do because I have it as others do. But it is so important for women's health and I first of all want to encourage women to take the smear test. Have that test."
She said the Health Secretary would look at the availability of free smear tests for people udner the age of 25.
MPs are now listening to an Urgent Question from Labour MP Jess Phillips about the Presidents Club dinner last week. The Financial Times revealed last night that a number of women working at the all-male event had been sexually harassed.
Ms Phillips asks the Government whether it is "appropriate" for David Mellor to remain a non-executive director at the Department for Education. Mr Mellor is the chair of the Presidents Club.
In response, Anne Milton, the education minister, said the allegations "were completely unacceptable" and that Mr Mellor will be standing down from his role with the Department for Education.
Jess Phillips also asks about Nadhim Zahawi, a minister in the Department for Education, who was reported to have attended the Presidents Club dinner. The Labour MP asks if he raised concerns with the department after the event.
Ms Milton again condemns the "unacceptable" alleged behaviour but refuses to answer in relation to Mr Zahawi.
Labour's Shadow Education Secretary, Angela Rayner, says the Education Secretary should be "disappointed" that a board member and minister in his department attended the Presidents Dinner.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments