Macron state visit live: Starmer faces PMQs as migrant crisis deal with French president still hangs in the balance

The leader of the opposition Kemi Badenoch echoed Sir Keir Starmer’s PMQs opening by acknowledging the anniversary of the 7/7 attacks.

She then asked Sir Keir Starmer whether Labour would keep their manifesto promise not to increase income tax, national insurance or VAT.

Sir Keir Starmer replied with a simple: “Yes.”

Today’s PMQs have kicked off in the Commons.

The session began with the prime minister marking the anniversary of the July 7 2005 attacks.

It comes as Sir Keir Starmer continues to push Emmanuel Macron to agree to his “one in one out” migrant deal.

The French president is in the UK for a state visit and will join Sir Keir at No10 this afternoon for crunch deal.

PMQs are expected to begin in the next few minutes. You can watch on our livestream below:

12pm Prime minister’s questions.

12:30pm Urgent question on trial by jury – proposed restrictions.

1:15pm Ten minute rule motion on schools (allergy safety).

1:25pm The Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill – committee of the whole house and remaining stages.

The Independent’s political correspondent Millie Cooke reports:

Emmanuel Macron, who has been in the UK since yesterday for an official state visit, has not been invited to PMQs today, it is understood.

The French president addressed Parliament yesterday – where he said Britain and France must “shoulder the burden of European security” together.

But instead of being invited back to watch the weekly clash between Sir Keir Starmer and Kemi Badenoch, Mr Macron will be waiting in the wings ready for a bilateral meeting with the UK PM, set to take place at around 1.15pm.

As the prime minister gears up to field difficult questions about the state of the public finances and his grip on Britain’s borders, there’s a high chance Sir Keir isn’t overly keen on having the French president sitting in the audience.

Resident doctors will strike from 7am on July 25 to 7am on July 30, the BMA has confirmed.

In a statement, the BMA said they had met with the health secretary on Tuesday and made “every attempt” to avoid strike action.

In a statement, BMA resident doctors committee co-chairs Dr Melissa Ryan and Dr Ross Nieuwoudt said: “Unfortunately, the Government has stated that it will not negotiate on pay, wanting to focus on non-pay elements without suggesting what these might be. Without a credible offer to keep us on the path to restore our pay, we have no choice but to call strikes.

“No doctor wants to strike, and these strikes don’t have to go ahead. If Mr Streeting can seriously come to the table in the next two weeks we can ensure that no disruption is caused. The Government knows what is needed to avert strikes. The choice is theirs.”

Wednesday marks the second day of Emmanuel Macron’s state visit.

The French president began his morning with a private visit to St George’s Chapel in Windsor – where he is being hosted by the King – to lay flowers on the Tomb of Queen Elizabeth II.

He was then pictured being shown around the Windsor Castle Gardens with Charles.

Later, Mr Macron will visit Imperial College London before meeting Starmer at No 10 to hold talks on migrant crossings.

Sir Keir Starmer is still expected to face his weekly questions in the Commons today.

The prime minister has been busy hosting the French president this week, who is in the UK for a state visit.

But Starmer will take time out of his busy schedule to face the opposition at midday.

We will bring you the latest updates here.