P&O is still going to the Labor investment summit despite the minister’s call for a boycott

The owner of P&O Ferries will attend a major investment summit after Sir Keir Starmer distanced himself from comments made by a minister who called the company a ‘cowboy operator’.

Following attempts by Downing Street to smooth relations, it is believed DP World will now attend Monday’s meeting despite the row over Louise Haigh’s comments about the company.

It comes as dozens of Labor MPs have urged Rachel Reeves to spend tens of billions more on ailing public services ahead of the budget.

A group of 70 supportive Labor MPs have written to Reeves, urging her to commit to a major rewrite of the budget rules, which would see tens of billions poured into schools, hospitals and transport links.

The letter from the Labor Growth Group warns Reeves that Labor must not repeat its mistakes by avoiding the “tough choices needed to attract investment” and boost growth.

“We give a voice to the silent majority that benefits from economic reforms, infrastructure projects and growth, no matter how well organized the vocal minority is,” the letter said.

Key points

HR boss will attend investment summit after Starmer’s rebuke over ‘cowboy’ comment

11:43 , Alexander Butler

The HR boss will attend the investment summit following Starmer’s reprimand to the minister

Robert Jenrick smiles as he faces approval of more than £1 billion in property approval for Tory donor Richard Desmond

11:33 , Alexander Butler

Government ‘had discussions’ with DP World

11:05 , Alexander Butler

The government was forced to “have a conversation” with DP World to safeguard its investments after a row over the Transport Secretary’s call to boycott P&O Ferries.

Business Minister Jonathan Reynolds said the investment, which was said to have been jeopardized by scathing criticism of the ferry company, was going ahead.

Dubai-based DP World, which owns P&O, also said it is attending an investment summit after receiving “the clarity we need” from the government.

Mr Reynolds was asked on Sunday morning by Trevor Phillips how close the Government was to losing DP World’s planned £1 billion investment.

Jonathan Reynolds says P&O Ferries is not a rogue operator and should not be boycotted

11:00 am , Alexander Butler

70 Labor MPs are urging Rachel Reeves to spend billions over budget

10:51 , Alexander Butler

Dozens of Labor MPs have urged Rachel Reeves to spend tens of billions more on ailing public services ahead of the budget.

A group of 70 supportive Labor MPs have written to Reeves, urging her to commit to a major rewrite of the budget rules, which would see tens of billions poured into schools, hospitals and transport links.

The letter from the Labor Growth Group warns Reeves that Labor must not repeat its mistakes by avoiding the “tough choices needed to attract investment” and boost growth.