UK politics - live: Minister urges MPs to ignore Farage WHO myths as Chinese ambassador called over spy row

Home secretary James Cleverly commissioned experts to examine whether rising demand for study visas was being driven by a desire to migrate to the UK.

New data has shown that, despite the emphasis on politicians’ roots, most voters don’t actually care about the class background of Rishi Sunak or Keir Starmer.

Andrew Grice explains what that could mean for the parties’ election strategies.

The Tory minister for common sense has opened another front in the culture wars. Mary Dejevsky takes a look.

Grant Shapps was pressed on whether the up to six ships the government has pledged to build are from a Conservative pledge two years ago.

The defence secretary has claimed the UK was experiencing a “golden age” of shipbuilding, with “up to” 28 Royal Navy vessels either being constructed or planned.

When questioned if the vessels are “the same ones the government pledged to build two years ago”, Mr Shapps said: “Yes, we’ve signalled that we’d want to build new ships for our commandos. And that’s something we’ve said all along. What’s changed is we’re now able to do it because we’ve increased our defense spending.”

A Tory MP cleared after investigation into allegations of rape told The Independent he was ‘appalled’ but supporters say it brings Parliament into line with other workplaces.

The House of Commons voted by 170 to 169 yesterday night to ban MPs who have been arrested for serious sexual offenses.

Here’s how some MPs voted:

• Conservative MP James Cleverly – No
• Conservative MP Penny Mordaunt – No
• Conservative MP Therese Coffey – No
• Conservative MP Ian Duncan Smith – No
• Conservative MP Gillian Keegan – No
• Conservative MP Grant Shapps – No
• Conservative MP Theresa May – Yes
• Green MP Caroline Lucas – Yes
• Suspended Labour MP Diane Abbott – Yes
• Labour MP Dawn Butler – Yes
• Labour MP Alison McGovern – Yes
• Labour MP Jess Philips – Yes
• Labour MP Angela Rayner – Yes

Nicola Sturgeon will appear before Westminster’s Scottish Affairs Committee on July 1 after having previously cancelled an evidence session.

Ms Sturgeon, who resigned as First Minister last year after more than eight years in the role, will appear as part of the committee’s probe into intergovernmental relations in the first 25 years of devolution.

Former first ministers Alex Salmond, Jack McConnell and Henry McLeish have already appeared before the committee.

Former prime ministers Tony Blair and Lord Cameron have also provided written evidence to the committee.

Ms Sturgeon was due to appear on April 29, but it was announced the previous week her evidence would be rescheduled due to her “availability”.

The former first minister’s relationship with the UK Government under Theresa May, Boris Johnson and Liz Truss was strained after her consistent push for another independence referendum for Scotland was repeatedly rejected by successive administrations.

Justice Secretary Alex Chalk has denied moving asylum seekers at risk of being deported from Scotland to England to block legal aid.

During justice questions in the Commons, Mr Chalk said: “The point about legal advice is really important. People should get legal advice so that they can make their points, that’s why we’re investing heavily.

“When the IMA (Illegal Migration Act) comes into force, there’ll be a 15% uplift, we’ve invested £1.5 billion to re-accredit senior case workers, and also we’re paying for travel time.

“We recognise, of course, this is robust legislation, necessarily robust. We’re also ensuring that people get the legal advice they need.”

Following a meeting with its affiliated trade unions, Labour has reinforced its commitment to its workers’ deal.

A joint statement from the party and Tulo (Trade Union and Labour Party Liaison Organisation) said: “Labour and the affiliated unions had a constructive discussion today.

“Together we have reiterated Labour’s full commitment to the New Deal for Working People, as agreed in July.

“We will continue to work together at pace on how a Labour government would implement it in legislation.”

It comes as Sir Keir Starmer faced backlash from unions after it emerged the deal would go through a consultation process with businesses.