‘Duties of Kier Starmer are unremitting – however we hope Prime Minister finds time to mourn brother’

Politicians from across the divide have sent condolences to Keir Starmer following the death of his brother, Nick.

Our thoughts are also with the Prime Minister and his family.

Losing a loved one is always a time of grief and reflection but to lose someone over Christmas, when families traditionally come together, makes it all the more painful.

Although Mr Starmer has sought to guard his family’s privacy, he has spoken of his pride in his brother, born with learning difficulties and long-term health problems, who went on to forge a life for himself.

In his own way, Nick showed as much determination and resolve as his famous sibling. The duties of the PM are unremitting but we hope Mr Starmer finds the time to mourn.

There are some occasions – and this is one – when family must come first.

Make them pay

Since the start of the energy crisis four years ago, oil and gas giants have made a jaw-dropping £483billion profit.

Nobody minds when a company does well through hard work and enterprise. But most of this money is profiteering off the back of the rise in oil prices caused by the Ukraine war.

The case for extending the energy windfall tax has never been stronger.

The proceeds would be more than enough to cover the cost of keeping winter fuel payments for pensioners.

Some could also be used to support the estimated 8.8 million people living in cold
and damp homes.

When so many face a choice between heat-ing or eating, it is time to look again at raising revenue from those who can most afford it.

Storm brewing

Slade star Noddy Holder is trying to stop Carlsberg axing his favourite tipple.

The brewery giant has outraged fans by threatening to call time on Banks’s Mild.

The Danish firm should Cum on Feel the Noize of protest…