On whether Keir Starmer sympathises with students seeking tuition fee or rent refunds, his spokesperson would not be drawn – would only say: "The immediate priority is making sure every students gets a good education safely, either in person or remotely".

Added: "We understand there is deep anxiety for students and their parents across the country... We have a huge amount of sympathy for what students are having to go through, and not to forget their parents as well."

Keir's response to the idea of processing asylum seekers on Ascension Island? "Ludicrous and inhumane. It’s completely impractical and it would be hugely expensive for taxpayers."

Spokesperson says Keir Starmer has taken unconscious bias training.

Asked whether Starmer would support peaceful resistance to bailiffs now that the eviction ban has ended, his spokesperson said: "If we’re going to stop mass evictions, it’s for the government to take national action to do that."

Asked why Labour is supporting Covid restrictions if they are confusing, Starmer's spokesperson said: "At the moment what the country wants to see is everyone come together and try to defeat this virus." Added that Labour "accepts" rules are based on expert advice.