Jon Trickett MP, Labour’s Shadow Minister for the Cabinet Office, commenting on further reports about Priti Patel’s secret meetings with members of a foreign Government, said:

“Tonight Downing Street has confirmed that even after she was caught, Priti Patel was far from frank in her meeting with the Prime Minister yesterday about her secret meetings and discussions with members of a foreign Government. 

“Incredibly, Number 10 have confirmed that the first they knew that Priti Patel had discussed giving aid to a foreign army was when it was reported today by the BBC. 

“The Prime Minister has at least four serious grounds to launch an investigation into breaches of the Ministerial Code by Priti Patel.

“She should act now to launch an investigation of these serious breaches of the ministerial code or explain why even given this she believes that Priti Patel can stay in post.”