𝓤𝓷𝓲𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓝𝓮𝔀𝓼

Many moons ago I had the pleasure of spending a week in Nepal in the company of Joanna Lumley. The actress was making a triumphant visit to the South Asian country following her hugely successful campaign – backed by the Express – to ensure Gurkhas who served in the British military gained the same rights as their UK and Commonwealth counterparts.

During lunch with a mutual contact this week we reminisced over the trip in the summer of 2009, during which The New Avengers and Absolutely Fabulous star was feted everywhere she went. It was pointed out to me that Gurkha veterans could become entangled in a citizenship issue if Reform UK gets into government, because of the party’s plan to scrap Indefinite Leave to Remain.

And I almost choked on my scotch eggs when it was suggested that the 79-year-old national treasure would happily take on Nigel Farage in another political fist fight if it came to it.

During her fearless and highly effective campaign of 2008-09, Ms Lumley forced then-Prime Minister Gordon Brown into a famous climbdown so the necessary changes were made.

One of the most memorable moments came when she confronted Labour’s immigration minister at the time, Phil Woolas, at the BBC Westminster studios about the issue, after pursuing him around the studio and pressuring him into agreeing to further talks during an impromptu press conference.

Despite their clash the two went on to become friends.

Sadly, it was Mr Woolas’ funeral this week following his death from brain cancer at the age of just 66.

Sir Keir Starmer, Sir Tony Blair and Gordon Brown led mourners paying their respects in St Margaret’s Church in Westminster to say their goodbyes to the former Oldham and East Saddleworth MP.

Mr Brown said he had received a letter from Ms Lumley in which she described Woolas as “so kind and friendly to me. He was also very funny.”

In his speech Brown said Woolas was “absolutely fabulous.”

One thing that’s absolutely not fabulous is the future of the current Labour Prime Minister, Sir Keir.

Westminster was bubbling along in a bit of a holding pattern for the most part of the week.

The war in Iran continues to dominate and its economic impact continues to wreak havoc.

A row over defence spending also erupted, as did Sir Lindsay Hoyle and Sir Keir’s temper as they clashed during and after PMQs on Wednesday.

I was sat watching down from the Press Gallery inside the House of Commons when the two exchanged words after the Speaker scolded the PM for not answering any questions from Tory leader Kemi Badenoch.

But there are serious, very serious, questions that need to be answered now after Thursday’s bombshell that Lord Peter Mandelson failed security vetting before becoming US ambassador.

Sir Keir’s days now appear to be numbered with most opposition party leaders saying he must resign.

Monday’s session in the Commons – where he will try and explain himself will be a blockbuster.