News, scrutiny and analysis from across UK politics.
Reform UK has opened investigations after ITV undercover recordings captured councillors and candidates making racist, sexist and violent remarks. Several councillors have left the party.
James Ashcroft · 3 min readJohn Swinney says the SNP will launch its Choose Scotland independence campaign at its Aberdeen conference, including a survey aimed at nearly 1.5 million people.
Charlotte Mercer · 2 min readMPs have voted 309 to 113 against a Conservative motion condemning plans for asylum accommodation at MoD Bicester near Piddington and calling for the UK to leave the European Convention on Human Rights.
Staff member · 2 min readHome Office wastewater research estimates ketamine consumption at 16 monitored English sites rose 194% between 2021 and 2026, despite an 11% fall in the latest year.
Peter Jackson · 2 min readNew UK regulations taking effect on 15 October will widen the grounds for targeted sanctions to include serious breaches of international humanitarian law and obstruction of humanitarian assistance.
Staff member · 2 min readOfcom says X has improved its response times to reports of suspected illegal hate and terrorism content, but concerns remain about removal decisions as its Grok-related investigation continues.
Daniel Whitmore · 3 min readPrime Minister Andy Burnham has announced four measures aimed at speeding up brain cancer research and access to treatments after meeting campaigner Archie Goodburn at Downing Street.
Staff member · 2 min readThe competition watchdog has imposed penalties totalling £6.045 million on three businesses over misleading promotions, unwanted extras and unclear membership fees, with around £441,000 in refunds ordered.
Daniel Whitmore · 2 min readA Commons committee has launched a long-term inquiry into AI safety and governance, with chair Liam Byrne questioning whether ministers have decided how and when to regulate the most powerful systems.
Staff member · 3 min readMinisters have opened a 12-week consultation on employment status reforms aimed at preventing workers from being wrongly classified as self-employed, with up to 900,000 people potentially affected.
Daniel Whitmore · 2 min readA new Building Safety Bill would impose duties to fix unsafe cladding and allow tribunals to fine those who ignore remediation orders up to £500,000.
Peter Jackson · 2 min readDefra has launched a ten-year Organic Action Plan aiming to raise the share of England’s agricultural land farmed organically from about 3.4% towards 10% by 2036.
Peter Jackson · 2 min readThe Ministry of Justice says approximately 250,000 records predating 2007 were stolen in the 2025 Legal Aid Agency cyberattack, with the earliest verified record dating to 1978. Limited probation data was also affected.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readMinisters have opened a consultation on automatically disqualifying people convicted of specified hate-related offences from charity leadership roles and extending Charity Commission powers.
Peter Jackson · 2 min readA new national campaign aims to recruit more foster carers in England as ministers pursue a target of 10,000 additional places, supported by an existing £88m reform programme.
Peter Jackson · 2 min readKemi Badenoch has criticised Nigel Farage over comments suggesting a Chagos-related deal with Donald Trump in exchange for restraint over the Falklands. Reform UK says Farage meant long-term US use of Diego Garcia, not a transfer of the archipelago.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readMinisters have accepted recommendations for new heating oil consumer protections after a competition watchdog found around 1,700 households affected by cancelled orders during price spikes.
Charlotte Mercer · 2 min readMPs have approved the Courts and Tribunals Bill at third reading by 301 votes to 193, after ministers dropped a wider plan for judge-only Crown Court trials but retained other changes to trial allocation.
Charlotte Mercer · 2 min readThe Home Office says 50 additional French riot police officers will reinforce operations against Channel small-boat launches, doubling the specialist unit to 100.
Charlotte Mercer · 2 min readNew DWP guidance explains how banks may be required to flag accounts receiving Universal Credit, Pension Credit and New Style ESA under powers to identify benefit fraud and error.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readDowning Street has announced £45 million in surface-to-air missile deliveries for Ukraine, including £10 million accelerated for winter, as Andy Burnham asks ministers to prepare further sanctions and support.
Charlotte Mercer · 2 min readMinisters have proposed Attorney General consent for serious Troubles-related prosecutions alongside new safeguards against repeated investigations, amid debate over protections for veterans and victims’ rights.
Charlotte Mercer · 2 min readResolution Foundation estimates the Chancellor’s fiscal headroom has fallen from £24bn to £12bn and recommends around £8bn in tax reforms ahead of the Budget.
Charlotte Mercer · 2 min readArgentina has asked an international maritime tribunal to halt the Sea Lion oil project near the Falkland Islands, while the UK defends the islanders’ rights and announces business protections.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readThe IMF has raised its UK growth forecast for 2026 to 1.3%, but expects slower growth in 2027 and inflation to remain above the Bank of England target.
Charlotte Mercer · 2 min readThe Home Office has tabled amendments to tighten family-life human rights claims and tackle last-minute asylum applications used to delay deportation.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readMI5 Director General Sir Ken McCallum warns Iran is seeking to target UK military sites, as he reveals more than 50 arrests linked to Iran investigations in the past year.
Charlotte Mercer · 2 min readFour motions to exclude Michelle O'Neill and three other Sinn Féin ministers over the Drumcree parade protests were defeated at Stormont.
Charlotte Mercer · 2 min readNigel Farage has clarified Reform UK’s position after Robert Jenrick suggested Royal Marines could use lethal force while intercepting small boats in the Channel.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readConservatives rise to 23% in the latest YouGov poll, ahead of Reform UK on 21%, while Labour leads with 24%.
Charlotte Mercer · 2 min readHome Secretary Shabana Mahmood has ordered an independent review of protection for public figures and expanded police support beyond serving MPs following Ann Widdecombe’s murder.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readHome Secretary Shabana Mahmood has announced a public inquiry into the deaths of Melvin Cravitz and Adrian Daulby during the October 2025 attack at Manchester’s Heaton Park synagogue.
Charlotte Mercer · 2 min readGreater Manchester Combined Authority has disclosed meetings and hospitality involving Andy Burnham and Manchester City during his mayoralty following calls for transparency.
Charlotte Mercer · 2 min readMinisters have announced £17.4 million for virtual remand hearing pilots and up to £5 million for Crown Court case coordinators in their response to Lord Leveson’s criminal courts review.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readCouncils in England will have to issue a reminder and final notice before households lose the right to pay council tax in instalments under reforms due in April 2027.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readReform UK says existing public-sector inspections could be used to check immigration status, claiming the approach could increase enforcement capacity by between ten and forty times.
Charlotte Mercer · 2 min readThe government is examining stronger safeguards for autonomous AI threats while expanding cybersecurity pilots that identified and addressed 1,352 vulnerabilities.
Charlotte Mercer · 2 min readNew Troubles Bill amendments propose Attorney General oversight of serious prosecutions and stronger protections for former soldiers and police officers.
Charlotte Mercer · 2 min readThe Home Office says it has cleared the historic modern slavery decision backlog after an 80% fall from its 2023 peak, although 6,277 cases still await a final decision.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readA new government consultation seeks views on financial incentives for people who report serious economic crime and reforms to whistleblower protections.
Charlotte Mercer · 2 min readThe Home Office has tabled two amendments to the Immigration and Asylum Bill affecting Article 8 family-life claims and the assessment of late asylum claims.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readThe Ministry of Justice says Short Trial Courts are being used at Crown Court sites in London, Liverpool, Preston and Nottingham to accelerate selected criminal cases.
Charlotte Mercer · 2 min readSagal Abdi-Wali wins Holborn and St Pancras for Labour with 12,292 votes, defeating Green leader Zack Polanski by a majority of 3,364.
Charlotte Mercer · 2 min readAndy Burnham says Britain is open to Germany joining the Global Combat Air Programme, with further discussions to involve existing partners Italy and Japan.
Charlotte Mercer · 2 min readBritain has added 26 individuals and entities and 12 ships to its Russia sanctions regime, targeting oil revenues, financial networks and military supply chains.
Charlotte Mercer · 2 min readTeddy Young, 24, has appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court charged with two National Security Act offences. He was remanded in custody ahead of an Old Bailey hearing on 16 October.
Charlotte Mercer · 2 min readThe Conservatives would exempt main homes left to direct descendants and raise the individual inheritance-tax allowance to £500,000, allowing couples to pass on their home plus another £1 million tax-free.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readSurfers Against Sewage says England’s nine water and sewerage companies reported more than 50,000 discharges late in the first half of 2026. Yorkshire Water disputes the charity’s methodology.
Charlotte Mercer · 2 min readSigns were removed from Britain’s East Jerusalem consulate as Israel’s closure deadline expired, but the Foreign Office says the building remains operational as UK Mission, Jerusalem.
Charlotte Mercer · 2 min readGoogle Maps now displays near-real-time UK petrol and diesel prices using the Government’s Fuel Finder data, helping drivers compare nearby forecourts.
Charlotte Mercer · 2 min readThe Justice Committee has demanded clearer plans for court capacity and legal aid as ministers defend the remaining Courts and Tribunals Bill reforms.
Charlotte Mercer · 2 min readFormer Home Secretary Suella Braverman will partner Katie Price in Channel 4’s new Celebrity Handcuffed series, due to air in 2027.
Charlotte Mercer · 1 min readPolice impose route, timing and face-covering restrictions on a student Palestine march planned for October 7, while renewing calls for a different date.
Charlotte Mercer · 2 min readNCA and Border Force officers seized 25 inflatable boats destined for Channel people smugglers after intercepting air freight travelling from Turkey to the Netherlands.
Charlotte Mercer · 2 min readLabour has opened a five-point lead over Reform UK in the latest YouGov poll for The Times, with Labour on 27%, Reform on 22% and the Conservatives remaining third on 20%.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readThe Government has accepted all 44 recommendations from the National Commission into the Regulation of AI in Healthcare, including lifecycle monitoring, greater patient transparency and exploration of staged authorisation.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readKemi Badenoch has pledged £10 billion over ten years for a new Britannia Shield integrated air-defence network designed to protect Britain, UK territories and overseas military bases from missile and drone attacks.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readCourts in England and Wales must now formally record when domestic abuse was involved in an offender's crime, creating a marker visible across police, prison and probation systems.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readThe Government has formally intervened in BT's £400 million rescue of TalkTalk after Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy warned that disruption to its telecoms services could create a genuine risk to life and public services.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readMore than 325,000 residents in supported housing and temporary accommodation are set to keep more of their earnings under new Housing Benefit rules which came into force on 5 October.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readThe Conservatives have unveiled a sweeping deregulation programme which they claim could cut the cost of a new-build home by up to £50,000, including abolishing the Environment Agency and Natural England as separate bodies.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readThe Pentagon has confirmed that all US bombers deployed to RAF Fairford have returned to their home bases in America following security concerns surrounding a suspected terrorist plot targeting the Gloucestershire airbase.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readKemi Badenoch has signalled that inheritance tax could be cut under a future Conservative government, but stopped short of announcing a specific funded tax reduction.
Charlotte Mercer · 2 min readDame Penny Mordaunt says she has received a full pass from the Conservative candidates committee, clearing a major hurdle in her attempt to return to Parliament at the next General Election.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readThe Government has abandoned plans for a major expansion of judge-only Crown Court trials, although judge-alone trials for complex fraud cases and other court reforms will remain.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readThe Conservatives have pledged to restrict student-loan access for non-EU foreign nationals and claim the policy could save taxpayers around £900 million a year.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readKemi Badenoch has pledged to abolish the £100,000 earnings ceiling on childcare support in England, with the Conservatives estimating the policy would cost £700 million a year.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readKemi Badenoch says a future Conservative government would require patients seeking fit notes lasting four weeks or longer to undergo further occupational-health assessment.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readProsecutors allege two Iranian nationals carried out hostile reconnaissance of Manchester Jewish Museum and Heaton Park Synagogue as part of a planned homemade bomb attack.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readThe Government is proposing tighter controls on chemicals and natural materials that can be used to make explosives or highly toxic poisons, following recommendations from the Southport Inquiry.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readThe National Audit Office has launched a fresh investigation into Capita’s administration of the £239m Civil Service Pension Scheme contract after repeated service failures and delayed payments to members.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readG7 countries have agreed an immediate coordinated release of 100 million barrels of emergency petroleum reserves over four months, including a front-loaded diesel release within the first 20 days.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readJoshua Kerry, who is already charged with the murder of Ann Widdecombe, has now been charged with preparation of terrorist acts, including alleged activity against Nigel Farage MP.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readThe Government has confirmed it will legislate during this Parliament to change the State Pension triple lock from April 2030, meaning MPs will vote on the reform before the next general election.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readTwo Iranian nationals have been charged with terrorism offences over an alleged plot targeting the Jewish community in Manchester, Counter Terrorism Policing has confirmed.
Charlotte Mercer · 2 min readThe UK-France ‘one in, one out’ Channel migrant pilot is no longer accepting new cases after France decided not to renew the agreement beyond 1 October.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readPrime Minister Andy Burnham has committed Labour to contesting the next general election with a manifesto pledge to change the UK's electoral system.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readThe Metropolitan Police has submitted all Grenfell Tower investigation files to the CPS, covering 54 individuals and 20 companies and organisations, for independent charging decisions.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readA new UK-wide excise duty on vaping products has come into force, charging £2.20 for every 10ml of vaping liquid manufactured in or imported into the country.
Charlotte Mercer · 2 min readPrime Minister Andy Burnham says the UK has ‘strong indications’ Iran played a part in the security incident near RAF Fairford, while stressing that the counter-terrorism investigation remains ongoing.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readThe UK has imposed 31 new sanctions targeting Russian-linked vessels, disinformation networks and people accused of abuses against Ukrainian civilians and children.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readThe Government has announced new measures targeting drones and illegal drugs in prisons, including the next phase of a £6.5 million counter-drone technology programme and an expansion of substance-free living units.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readUS Secretary of State Marco Rubio says the RAF Fairford incident clearly involves a foreign actor, while British counter-terrorism police say possible foreign-state involvement remains one of multiple lines of inquiry.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readPrime Minister Andy Burnham is to create Great British Grid, a new publicly owned body within Great British Energy intended to invest in electricity infrastructure and speed up grid connections.
Charlotte Mercer · 2 min readChancellor John Healey has pledged to stick to the Government's fiscal rules and said fiscal discipline will run through the 28 October Budget.
Charlotte Mercer · 2 min readHome Secretary Shabana Mahmood is set to reopen the UK Resettlement Scheme, with Afghan women and girls and Palestinian refugees among vulnerable groups expected to receive priority.
Charlotte Mercer · 2 min readThe Government has confirmed that Avanti West Coast services will transfer into public ownership on 7 March 2027, alongside an improvement programme for the West Coast Main Line.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readPrime Minister Andy Burnham has pledged to develop an NHS-style National Care Service for England that would be free at the point of use, while saying nothing is off the table on funding.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readThe Government has announced that three new floating docks for Britain's nuclear submarine fleet will be built in the UK through a competition restricted to British industry.
Charlotte Mercer · 2 min readThe Government is reviving the Help to Buy equity-loan model with a new scheme offering eligible first-time buyers 2.5% deposits and Government equity loans worth up to 20%.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readThe Government has announced a scheme offering eligible young people with disabilities or long-term health conditions a guaranteed paid job, with participation remaining voluntary.
Charlotte Mercer · 2 min readThe Government has announced a new Insourcing Unit to drive what it calls the biggest wave of insourcing in a generation, alongside measures aimed at securing British jobs from utility investment.
Charlotte Mercer · 2 min readCounter Terrorism Policing is leading the investigation after five men arrested near RAF Fairford were further arrested on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act.
Charlotte Mercer · 2 min readCouncils in England are to be given stronger powers to take over the management of privately owned homes that have stood empty for six months, down from the current two-year threshold.
Charlotte Mercer · 2 min readPrime Minister Andy Burnham has declined to back a third runway at Heathrow, saying the views of Londoners should be heard before he takes a position on the project.
Charlotte Mercer · 2 min readSenior figures from Britain's critical infrastructure and defence sectors are to receive closed-door Government briefings on Russian cyber, sabotage, espionage and hybrid threats.
Charlotte Mercer · 2 min readPrime Minister Andy Burnham has moved to shut down speculation about an early General Election, saying he could 'knock that dead' and that an early vote is not what the country needs.
Charlotte Mercer · 2 min readRavinder Athwal, the economist closely involved in writing Labour's 2024 manifesto, is joining Chancellor John Healey's Treasury team as a senior special adviser amid continuing speculation over an early General Election.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readBritish defence firms are to receive access to Ukrainian battlefield data to train and test artificial intelligence systems designed to coordinate advanced drone swarms.
Charlotte Mercer · 2 min readThe UK and Cambodia have signed a new agreement enabling joint action against overseas online scam centres, including intelligence sharing, financial investigations and support for trafficking victims.
Charlotte Mercer · 2 min readThe UK Government has offered the Northern Ireland Executive more than £1.5 billion as ministers seek to break the continuing deadlock over its budget.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readThe Government has announced an £88 million package of humanitarian and early-recovery support for Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank, including previously announced and new funding.
Charlotte Mercer · 2 min readYouGov's first Westminster MRP since Andy Burnham became Prime Minister projects Labour as the largest party on 241 seats, but 85 short of an overall majority.
Charlotte Mercer · 2 min readThe Government and defence industry have agreed plans to provide 40,000 opportunities a year for young people by 2030, rising to 50,000 annually by 2035.
Charlotte Mercer · 2 min readMinistry of Defence figures show spending with UK industry and commerce reached a record £34.1 billion in 2025/26, up 3.2% in real terms.
Charlotte Mercer · 2 min readBentley has completed a £350 million investment at its Crewe plant as the Government says automotive investment announcements have topped £1 billion in seven days.
Charlotte Mercer · 2 min readYouGov's first MRP since Andy Burnham became Prime Minister projects Labour would remain the largest party on 241 seats but lose its Commons majority if an election were held now.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readThe Treasury Committee has launched an inquiry into whether the Bank of England’s monetary policy independence remains fit for purpose almost 30 years after it was introduced.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readKemi Badenoch has said she believes Andy Burnham could call a General Election as soon as December, describing the Prime Minister as a gambler who may fancy his chances.
Charlotte Mercer · 2 min readHome Office figures show 3,427 people who previously arrived in the UK by small boat were returned in the 12 months to 31 July 2026, up 39% year on year.
Charlotte Mercer · 2 min readThe Government has confirmed Manchester will host the G20 Leaders’ Summit on 27 and 28 November 2027, with world leaders gathering at Manchester Central.
Charlotte Mercer · 2 min readDr Jade Leung will step down as the Prime Minister’s full-time AI adviser and AI Security Institute CTO at the end of September, while moving into two part-time government roles.
Charlotte Mercer · 2 min readThe Government is reviewing the Chagos agreement after US opposition, with Defence Secretary Wes Streeting confirming that planned payments to Mauritius will not be made at this stage.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readThe Treasury Committee has urged ministers to protect the independence of the Office for Budget Responsibility while recommending that the fiscal watchdog add a new 10-year forecast alongside its existing five-year outlook.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readThe Government has launched a National Taskforce for Tackling Misogyny, bringing together ministers, local leaders, academics and women's organisations to examine harmful attitudes online, at work and within communities.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readSir Ed Davey has confirmed the Liberal Democrats have begun preparing a new manifesto unusually early so the party is ready if Andy Burnham calls a snap General Election.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readMichael Marra has been elected leader of Scottish Labour after defeating Joe Fagan by 4,266 votes to 2,485, taking charge of the party following its worst Holyrood result of the devolution era.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readThe Government has formally confirmed that its national Digital ID programme, proposed legislation and mandatory right-to-work element will not proceed, although several separate digital identity services will continue.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readThe UK Government has pledged its full support to businesses connected with the Falkland Islands after Argentina submitted legislation designed to strengthen sanctions against companies, individuals, shareholders and suppliers.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readChancellor John Healey is making the case for British manufacturers to be covered by the EU’s proposed Made in Europe industrial rules during finance-minister talks in Dublin. No agreement has been reached.
Charlotte Mercer · 2 min readRussia has summoned the UK’s chargé d’affaires in Moscow over British military aid to Ukraine and issued a conditional warning about alleged British facilities used for strikes on Russian territory.
Charlotte Mercer · 2 min readA Lords committee has warned that the next BBC Charter must put the broadcaster on a sustainable financial footing as licence numbers fall and debate continues over reforming the licence fee.
Charlotte Mercer · 5 min readChiltern Railways will move into public ownership on Sunday 20 September, becoming the sixth operator transferred under the Government's rail programme, with 25 extra daily services planned from December.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readThe Public Accounts Committee says more than £555m had been provided to British Steel by June and taxpayers continue to spend around £1.3m a day, while MPs demand a credible long-term plan.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readHome Secretary Shabana Mahmood has branded Danny Tommo an 'outright racist' and warned that people who break the law will face its full force amid tensions over the proposed Bicester asylum site.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readThe Commons Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee has urged the Government to reject Thames Water's creditor rescue proposal and consider special administration or emergency legislation.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readIndependent MP Ayoub Khan says he supports UN forces entering Gaza and the West Bank and would have sent British troops after three British World Central Kitchen workers were killed in an Israeli strike.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readThe Government is expanding its targeted knife-crime programme to more than 230 areas across 27 police forces, as Home Office data shows knife-enabled robbery fell 23% across seven priority forces.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readThe Bank of England has held Bank Rate at 3.75% in a 6–3 vote but warned inflation could rise slightly above 4% in early 2027 as energy prices increase.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readThe Government has unveiled the first Environmental Delivery Plan under its Nature Restoration Fund, which ministers say could support up to 15,780 new homes in Norfolk while funding large-scale river and wetland restoration.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readMPs have called for the Government to remove 'net zero' from the name of its energy department, arguing that the phrase has become a 'lightning rod' for opposition to climate action.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readFirst Sea Lord General Sir Gwyn Jenkins has warned that Russia is probing Britain for weakness around critical undersea infrastructure as he calls for greater Royal Navy warfighting readiness.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readA House of Lords committee has called for a comprehensive ban on gambling advertising in Great Britain, arguing that current rules have failed to keep pace with digital marketing and evidence of gambling harm.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readThe Government has launched £30 million of Great British Energy funding for community-owned clean energy projects, the first wave of a programme worth up to £1 billion.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readWandsworth Council says council tax will need to rise by £958 for a Band D property in 2027/28 unless the Government changes its funding settlement, which the authority says will cut its funding by £84 million a year.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readReform UK has taken the Conservative-held East Markham ward on Bassetlaw District Council, with Matthew Evans winning 436 votes to the Conservatives' 250.
Charlotte Mercer · 2 min readThe Government has changed its position on funding the teacher pay award in England after the NEU prepared to ballot members for strike action, with pension-scheme savings now expected to cover the previous school-budget shortfall.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readLabour MP Tahir Ali has apologised after asking in Parliament whether military action should be taken against Israel, saying his words gave the wrong impression.
Charlotte Mercer · 5 min readMcLaren Automotive is investing around £500 million to expand its UK manufacturing and engineering operations, creating 1,000 jobs by 2032 and potentially supporting thousands more across the supply chain.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readPiddington residents have voted 285 to 26 to symbolically leave the United Kingdom in protest against plans to house up to 1,256 male asylum seekers at nearby MoD Bicester.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readSarah Cooper-Lesadd has quit Reform UK and joined Plaid Cymru four months after being elected, saying her former party is not serious about governing Wales.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readThe Climate Change Committee says Heathrow cannot expand consistently with UK climate targets under current policies and has called for aviation to fully address its emissions by 2050.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readUK CPI inflation rose from 2.9% to 3.1% in August as higher petrol, diesel and air fares pushed up prices, according to the Office for National Statistics.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readDowning Street says pensioners whose only income is the basic or new State Pension will not pay income tax on it during this Parliament, as the full new pension heads above the Personal Allowance.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readThe Thirlwall Inquiry has found a complete failure to protect babies at the Countess of Chester Hospital, while a separate CCRC review of Lucy Letby's convictions remains underway.
Charlotte Mercer · 6 min readA Scottish Affairs Committee report warns persistent skills shortages could limit Scotland's ability to support the UK's defence strategy and benefit from increased defence spending.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readThe Government will work towards the public acquisition of Speciality Steel UK after rejecting a private-sector proposal, with more than 1,300 jobs supported across four sites.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readThe Government has introduced legislation to repeal historic restrictions preventing Roman Catholic and Jewish prime ministers from carrying out constitutional duties relating to church appointments.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readThe UK is upgrading diplomatic relations with Venezuela and intends to restore ambassador-level representation while maintaining its existing assessment of disputed Venezuelan elections.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readNigel Farage has warned trade union funding of Labour could be targeted if retrospective legislation prevents Reform UK keeping its £72 million in donations from Ben Delo and Christopher Harborne.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readNew ONS figures show UK payrolled employment falling by an estimated 145,000 over the year as vacancies drop to their lowest level outside the Covid period in more than a decade.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readThe Electoral Commission has warned that growing abuse and intimidation are changing how candidates participate in British politics following its review of the May 2026 elections in England.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readThe UK and US have announced a major partnership combining artificial intelligence, advanced computing and fusion research as the Government targets more than 10,000 British fusion-sector jobs by 2030.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readJohn Swinney has predicted that Andy Burnham will be the last prime minister of the United Kingdom as the SNP leader intensifies pressure for another Scottish independence referendum.
Charlotte Mercer · 5 min readThe Joint Committee on Human Rights has called for a comprehensive new AI Bill and a single independent regulator, warning that the UK's existing framework is not equipped to address rapidly developing artificial intelligence risks.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readThe Government has unveiled the biggest overhaul of school food in a generation, updating England's school food standards for the first time in more than a decade.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readNigel Farage has refused to say whether Reform UK's £72 million in donations from Ben Delo and Christopher Harborne will comply with retrospective political funding rules currently passing through Parliament.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readRail passengers whose trains are cancelled will be able to use another participating operator without buying a second ticket under new rules taking effect on 20 September.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readFormer Conservative chancellor George Osborne has renewed his call for Britain to rejoin the EU customs union, arguing the economy has suffered severe damage since Brexit.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readAngela Rayner has admitted there is only a slim chance of the Government meeting its target of building 1.5 million homes in England before the next general election.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readJohn Swinney, Rhun ap Iorwerth and Michelle O'Neill are expected to meet in Cardiff on Monday as nationalist leaders prepare a joint declaration on self-determination and the UK's constitutional future.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readWelsh First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth has warned Andy Burnham not to treat Wales like an English region as he presses the Prime Minister to devolve policing and justice powers.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readDonald Trump has intervened in the Northern Ireland constitutional debate by saying he would love to see a united Ireland, prompting Downing Street to restate Andy Burnham's opposition to a border poll under current conditions.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readSir John Curtice has warned that an early General Election called by Andy Burnham could backfire and potentially leave Reform UK as the largest party in Parliament.
Charlotte Mercer · 2 min readBritish crypto entrepreneur Ben Delo has announced a record £36 million donation to Reform UK, giving Nigel Farage's party a major financial boost ahead of the next general election.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readMore than 70 MPs and peers have urged Prime Minister Andy Burnham to back a proposed ban on the development of artificial superintelligence and lead an international effort against the technology.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readKemi Badenoch has joined speculation over a possible early General Election, saying she believes Prime Minister Andy Burnham wants to call one.
Charlotte Mercer · 2 min readMPs have rejected a renewed attempt to legalise assisted dying in England and Wales, defeating Lauren Edwards' bill by 286 votes to 270 at second reading.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readReform UK has gained Hutton & Locking from the Conservatives after William 'Will' Jones was elected to North Somerset Council.
Charlotte Mercer · 2 min readThe Conservatives have held Haverhill West in the West Suffolk Council by-election, with Graham David Cone winning 530 votes and Reform UK finishing second on 267.
Daniel Whitmore · 2 min readLabour has held Burnage in Manchester after Carl Austin-Behan won 1,365 votes, defeating Green challenger Daoud Nawaz by 328 votes.
Daniel Whitmore · 2 min readGreen Party leader Zack Polanski has been formally selected to contest the Holborn and St Pancras by-election on 8 October, setting up a high-profile battle with Labour's Sagal Abdi-Wali for Sir Keir Starmer's former seat.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readReform UK has gained Eckington South & Renishaw from Labour after Jamie Hodgson won 40.2% of the vote in the North East Derbyshire council by-election.
Daniel Whitmore · 2 min readThe UK economy grew by 0.4% in July, significantly beating expectations for no growth, as services and computer programming helped drive the stronger-than-expected performance.
Charlotte Mercer · 2 min readThe National Audit Office has warned that households could face higher electricity bills unless Britain accelerates a £70 billion programme to upgrade the power grid, with congestion costs potentially reaching £7.8 billion a year by 2030.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readMPs will vote today on a renewed attempt to legalise assisted dying for terminally ill adults in England and Wales, after the previous bill cleared the Commons but failed to complete its passage through the Lords.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readAndy Burnham has announced 29 new battery-electric trains for TransPennine Express, with the fleet to be built by Alstom in Derby and enter service in the 2030s.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readAndy Burnham has rejected Conservative plans to fund higher defence spending through major welfare cuts after telling MPs that national security “can’t come at the expense of social security”.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readUK government borrowing costs have surged, with 30-year gilt yields reaching 5.925% — their highest level since 1998 — adding pressure on Chancellor John Healey ahead of his first Budget.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readRegional mayors across England are to be given powers to impose an Overnight Visitor Levy on accommodation, with money raised retained for local investment.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readThe Government is preparing legislation that would force technology companies to prevent under-18s from taking, viewing or sending nude images, after ministers said voluntary industry progress had not gone far enough.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readMore than £1.5 billion has been allocated to over 950 NHS hospital projects across England, including major building schemes and hundreds of safety, maintenance, cooling and resilience improvements.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readTransport Secretary Heidi Alexander has given NATS one week to investigate the air traffic control failure that caused around 2,000 flight cancellations, while ordering a separate independent CAA review.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readAndy Burnham has sparked a fresh Scottish independence row after saying another referendum would not take place unless majority public support emerged, prompting the SNP to claim the Prime Minister had shifted his position.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readPrime Minister Andy Burnham has personally defended the Government's sanctions against Israeli settlements, telling MPs that Britain 'has to stand for something' and must back support for a two-state solution with action.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readThe Metropolitan Police has widened an existing criminal investigation involving Reform UK after detectives assessed fresh allegations concerning political donations and polling.
Staff member · 3 min readEvery active private landlord in England will have to join a national property register as the Government confirms a 15 December launch in the West Midlands and a nationwide rollout lasting 12 months.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readIsrael has given Britain 30 days to close its consulate in East Jerusalem, while other UK officials have seven days to leave and former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn is among British nationals barred from entering Israel.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readTransport Secretary Heidi Alexander has summoned NATS chief executive Martin Rolfe after a major air traffic control failure caused more than 1,000 flight cancellations and widespread disruption across UK airports.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readBritain has sold £4.25 billion of 30-year Government debt at a yield of 5.8168%, the highest borrowing cost at any gilt auction or syndication since comparable Debt Management Office records began in 1998.
Charlotte Mercer · 2 min readIsrael has announced the closure of the British Consulate in East Jerusalem and a series of further retaliatory measures after the UK unveiled new restrictions targeting trade linked to Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readA technical failure in NATS' flight processing system caused widespread disruption at major UK airports, with Gatwick departures temporarily grounded and Heathrow, Manchester, Stansted and other airports hit by delays and restrictions.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readThe Government has set Great British Railways a new target to increase rail freight by at least 40% by 2040, with the Railways Bill providing for the target to form part of the new body's statutory framework.
Charlotte Mercer · 2 min readThe Government has laid legislation imposing sweeping new sanctions on Iran, including a ban on Iranian aircraft landing in the UK and expanded restrictions on finance, energy, shipping, insurance and banking.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readThe UK is banning imports from Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank and restricting services supporting settlement activity as the Government unveils its promised response to settlement expansion.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readAndy Burnham has raised UK domestic security, Ukraine, Hong Kong, human rights and sensitive consular cases with Chinese President Xi Jinping while backing continued pragmatic engagement with Beijing.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readThe UK has pledged £100 million towards a winter air-defence package for Ukraine, including support for Patriot missiles, as Britain steps up military deliveries ahead of winter.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readThe Government has launched a new UK Space Strategy backed by £7.8 billion to 2030, including major investment in satellite communications, space intelligence and protection against hostile threats.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readThe Government has warned that people smugglers may use larger boats and less frequently targeted stretches of coastline after an unusual crossing near the Isle of Wight and protests in Portsmouth and Dover.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readAngela Rayner has withdrawn local government reorganisation decisions covering Essex, Hampshire, Norfolk and Suffolk and paused the wider programme for review following updated legal advice.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readAndy Burnham and Donald Trump have agreed on the need to continue working towards a ceasefire in Ukraine, with the Prime Minister reiterating UK support for recent US-led peace negotiations.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readJaguar Land Rover has confirmed plans to cut around 4,000 jobs globally over two years as the carmaker targets £1.7 billion of savings, with ministers preparing further talks with the company.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readAndy Burnham has confirmed that the UK will introduce comprehensive measures in response to Israeli settlement expansion in the West Bank, with targeted sanctions already identified as part of the planned package.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readPolice have confirmed that officers were injured and police, Coastguard and Border Force vehicles damaged during the Portsmouth anti-migration protest, with an investigation now under way.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readThe British Chambers of Commerce has urged Chancellor John Healey to replace the state pension triple lock with inflation-linked increases, estimating the change could save £3.3 billion over two years.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readHundreds of anti-migration protesters gathered in Portsmouth and blocked roads after a small boat carrying around 140 migrants was intercepted and its occupants brought ashore.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readLiverpool City Region has begun bringing its bus network back under public control, starting in St Helens before expanding to Wirral and the rest of the region.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readChancellor John Healey is unveiling a £150 million British Business Bank fund offering investments of £5 million to £15 million to fast-growing companies across the North of England.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readAround 140 migrants have reached Britain in a single inflatable boat after setting out from an unusually distant part of Normandy, days after Andy Burnham and Emmanuel Macron discussed efforts to reduce Channel crossings.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readJohn Swinney's SNP Government plans to combine Scottish Government and Scottish Development International offices into an expanded Scotland House network operating in more than 40 locations.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readBusiness Secretary Jonathan Reynolds has ruled out a taxpayer-funded bailout for Jaguar Land Rover as the carmaker prepares major job cuts, while leaving the door open to support for long-term investment.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readForeign Secretary Ed Miliband is facing a diplomatic and political backlash after saying he had heard accounts of medicines being blocked in Gaza and children dying while awaiting treatment, prompting a sharp public rebuke from Israel's Foreign Ministry.
Charlotte Mercer · 5 min readSenior Reform UK figures have publicly divided over Zia Yusuf's comments about Somali-born Camden Council leader Sagal Abdi-Wali, with Nadine Dorries calling his post 'nasty' while Robert Jenrick defended him against accusations of racism.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readNigel Farage has admitted that undercover footage at the centre of Reform UK's foreign-donations controversy 'looks bad', while maintaining that the party broke no law and accepted no illegal money.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readCommons Defence Committee chair Tan Dhesi has urged the Government to commit now to spending 3% of GDP on defence by 2030, arguing that renewed tensions over the Falkland Islands underline the need for faster decisions.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readWest Midlands Police has appealed for a female protester to come forward after footage from Reform UK’s Birmingham conference appeared to show audience members pulling her hair and grabbing her head as she was removed.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readThe Government has announced plans to simplify UK corporate reporting, potentially exempting some medium-sized companies from audits and removing reporting requirements for thousands of smaller firms.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readRoyal Marines and RAF personnel have deployed to Norway's remote Jan Mayen island alongside Norwegian and US forces in a NATO operation designed to strengthen allied capability in the strategically important High North.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readSuella Braverman has pledged that a Reform UK government would scrap limits on medical training places for British students within its first 100 days, promising to resign if she failed to deliver.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readReform UK has pledged to raise the income tax personal allowance from £12,570 to £15,000 within its first 100 days in government, with the party saying most taxpayers would save around £500 a year.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readMasked protesters blocked key routes into the Port of Dover during an apparent anti-immigration demonstration, causing miles of congestion before access was restored.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readThe Government has launched a new crackdown on illegal, cloned and ‘ghost’ number plates, funding a national roads-policing centre to share intelligence, data and technology across England.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readArgentina has begun sanction proceedings against 45 people and companies linked to Falklands oil exploration after President Javier Milei vowed tougher action over the Sea Lion project.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readThe British Army has scaled back a range of non-essential collective training as funding pressures bite, with readiness-related and deployment training being prioritised.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readThe British Polling Council says JL Partners clearly breached its transparency rules over polling linked to Reform UK, while the Market Research Society has referred the matter to its standards board.
Charlotte Mercer · 5 min readReform UK and France’s National Rally have signed a memorandum of understanding setting out how they would work together to stop Channel small-boat crossings if both parties enter government.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readThe Government has tightened school-uniform rules to stop schools circumventing new limits on compulsory branded clothing and PE kit, with ministers warning they can intervene where policies breach the requirements.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readBritain has vowed to uphold the Falkland Islanders' right to self-determination after Javier Milei renewed Argentina's sovereignty claim and announced measures targeting offshore oil development.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readThe Metropolitan Police is assessing allegations over Reform UK and political donations after an undercover investigation into foreign-funded polling, while two senior party figures have stepped down pending an internal inquiry.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readJames Orr and Dan Jukes have stepped down from senior Reform UK roles while the party investigates allegations concerning political donations and polling aired by Channel 4 News.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readThe British Army has curtailed non-essential collective training for many UK-based units amid budget pressures, while operational and high-readiness training continues.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readAndy Burnham and Emmanuel Macron have discussed next steps towards establishing local SCALP missile assembly lines in Ukraine after Britain cleared the release of classified information on UK components.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readScottish Labour's Ruth Elliot has won the Southside/Newington council by-election in Edinburgh, gaining the seat from the SNP after being elected at stage 13.
Daniel Whitmore · 2 min readThe Government has named 658 employers for National Minimum Wage breaches, with around £4 million repaid to more than 27,000 workers and £7 million in penalties imposed.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readThe UK intends to invest £400 million in the Tropical Forests Forever Facility through a loan, with the commitment subject to final due diligence and agreement over the fund's governance.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readReform UK plans investor meetings in London and New York as Robert Jenrick pledges more than £100 billion of spending reductions in the party's first 100 days in government.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readThe Home Office is changing the Immigration Rules so applicants in the UK who previously failed to report for immigration bail or absconded from bail or custody can be refused on that basis.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readReform UK accepted more than £5.3 million in donations during the second quarter of 2026, comfortably out-raising Labour and the Conservatives, according to new Electoral Commission figures.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readBritain has summoned Russia's Chargé d'Affaires after Germany blamed Moscow for an attempted drone attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport. Russia denies responsibility.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readRecognised modern-slavery victims on Skilled Worker visas can now leave an exploitative sponsoring employer and work elsewhere for the remainder of their existing visa.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readGreen Party leader Zack Polanski has confirmed he wants to contest the Holborn and St Pancras by-election triggered by Sir Keir Starmer’s departure from Parliament, although he must still be formally selected by local party members.
Charlotte Mercer · 5 min readThe Burnham Government has announced a cross-government team to examine the influence of UK-based political ‘mega-donors’, but ministers have not yet agreed a numerical cap on domestic donations.
Charlotte Mercer · 5 min readFrance is deploying 45 additional officers to western beaches as the UK and France respond to smugglers using larger ‘mega-dinghies’ and launch sites further along the French coast.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readKemi Badenoch is setting out a Conservative plan for an extra £10 billion a year in defence spending and a 3% of GDP target by 2029-30, funded through welfare reforms and other spending cuts.
Charlotte Mercer · 5 min readJohn Healey is set to deliver his first major speech as Chancellor on Monday, with UK borrowing costs at their highest level since 2007 and pressure mounting ahead of the 28 October Budget.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readThe Burnham Government has launched a cross-government taskforce to examine greater public control across housing, water, energy and transport, while stressing that detailed ownership models and any nationalisation plans have not yet been decided.
Charlotte Mercer · 5 min readRupert Lowe’s Restore Britain has secured its first major financial backer, with technology entrepreneur Simon Galbraith donating £500,000 through Cade Hill Investments.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readForeign Secretary Ed Miliband says the Burnham Government is preparing a comprehensive package of measures over Israeli settlement expansion, including possible restrictions on British companies involved in new West Bank settlements.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readCouncils in England must now notify schools, GPs and health visiting services when children are placed in temporary accommodation, as the Government says around 177,530 children are living in such housing — the highest number on record.
Charlotte Mercer · 5 min readFormer SAS soldier Andy McNab says he would not join the regiment today as veterans warn fears of future prosecution are affecting recruitment and retention, while the Government insists lawful service personnel will be protected.
Charlotte Mercer · 7 min readSmall-boat arrivals fell to 7,371 across June, July and August, roughly half last summer's total, as ministers credit stronger UK-French enforcement while acknowledging more people are being packed onto each vessel.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readPrime Minister Andy Burnham has offered devolution deals to every part of England without devolved powers and said Cornwall's agreement could proceed with or without an elected mayor.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readSir Keir Starmer has announced he will stand down as Labour MP for Holborn and St Pancras after 11 years in Parliament, paving the way for a high-profile by-election.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readMore than three million children from Universal Credit families are now eligible for free school meals as the Government rolls out a wider package of breakfast clubs, childcare and school-cost support.
Daniel Whitmore · 4 min readThe Government is bringing forward £110 million from existing budgets to accelerate prison construction and conversions as ministers pursue a target of 14,000 additional places by 2031.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readChancellor John Healey says the 2027 Spending Review will set a target date for Britain to reach 3% of GDP on defence and a clear path towards the NATO core-defence commitment of 3.5% by 2035.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readKemi Badenoch has completed her Shadow Cabinet reshuffle, promoting 2024 MPs Katie Lam, Rebecca Paul and Harriet Cross to major portfolios as the Conservatives bring a new generation onto the front bench.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readA government cap preventing Plan 2 and Plan 3 student-loan interest rates from exceeding 6% has taken effect for the 2026/27 academic year, with ministers citing the risk of inflationary shocks linked to conflict in the Middle East.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readUK businesses now have full access to all 11 other CPTPP members after the agreement entered into force with Canada, completing Britain's accession to a trading bloc worth almost £13 trillion including the UK.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readA major change to the legal definition of regulated activity with children has taken effect, removing the supervision exemption and bringing more regularly supervised staff and volunteers within the barred-list regime.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readKemi Badenoch has removed Sir Mel Stride as Shadow Chancellor and promoted Andrew Griffith to lead the Conservatives' economic team, with Claire Coutinho taking over the business brief.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readDame Priti Patel will become International Secretary of the Conservative Party after leaving the Shadow Cabinet, with Kemi Badenoch asking her to strengthen links with conservative and centre-right parties around the world.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readPriti Patel has confirmed she is leaving the Shadow Cabinet and Stuart Andrew has also returned to the back benches, accelerating Kemi Badenoch's major Conservative frontbench reshuffle.
Charlotte Mercer · 5 min readKemi Badenoch is preparing a major Shadow Cabinet reshuffle, with Tom Tugendhat reportedly set to replace Dame Priti Patel as Shadow Foreign Secretary after Sir James Cleverly quit the front bench to pursue a London mayoral bid.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readKemi Badenoch has reportedly asked Cabinet Secretary Dame Antonia Romeo to seek approval for formal pre-election Civil Service access talks as the Conservatives prepare for the possibility of an early election under Andy Burnham.
Charlotte Mercer · 5 min readThe Burnham Government has approved an Avanti West Coast train-driver deal giving Aslef members a 3.6% pay rise, time-and-a-half on Sundays and improved rest-day payments after a threat of strike action.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readAndy Burnham has ordered all manslaughter offences to be excluded from forthcoming prison release changes, alongside death by dangerous or drunk driving, causing or allowing the death of a child and historic child-sex offences.
Charlotte Mercer · 5 min readChancellor John Healey is reportedly considering windfall taxes on banks and oil companies as Treasury officials look for ways to plug an estimated £4.7bn gap in the public finances ahead of the October Budget.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readReform UK has pledged a police-led taskforce to scrutinise asylum-accommodation contractors and proposed criminal liability for senior executives where residents commit violence against women and girls.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readSuella Braverman has categorically ruled out joining a Reform-Conservative coalition government, reversing her previous support for cooperation between the parties on the political right.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readThe UK Government has declared its support for the Falkland Islands 'unwavering' after a senior US official reportedly refused to rule out using Washington's position on the islands as leverage in the dispute over NATO defence spending.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readSir James Cleverly has quit Kemi Badenoch's shadow cabinet with immediate effect to launch a bid for the Conservative nomination for Mayor of London in 2028.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readBridget Phillipson has defended the Government's early-prison-release reforms, warning that without action to ease overcrowding police could ultimately be forced to cancel arrests because the justice system had run out of custodial space.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readFormer prime minister Gordon Brown has predicted that Ireland will eventually be united, just days after Andy Burnham said a referendum on Irish unity was 'off the table'.
Charlotte Mercer · 5 min readJohn Swinney's Scottish Government has demanded a Scottish Visa, Rural Visa and Scottish Graduate Visa just a day after publishing its draft legislation for another independence referendum.
Charlotte Mercer · 6 min readThe Royal Navy has tracked Russian warships and sanctioned cargo vessels through the North Sea and English Channel as British naval activations to monitor Russian activity rise 25% year-on-year.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readThe review drawing up a new map of larger regional police forces has reportedly been pushed into the autumn after proposed boundaries clashed with Andy Burnham's devolution plans.
Charlotte Mercer · 5 min readFirst Minister John Swinney has published a draft Bill for a second Scottish independence referendum, but Holyrood still needs Westminster to transfer the legal powers required to hold the vote.
Charlotte Mercer · 5 min readPrime Minister Andy Burnham has launched a crackdown on rogue builders and private bailiffs, including a new Approved Code and milestone-linked payment system — but participation in the flagship trader scheme will be voluntary.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readReform UK has unveiled sweeping election-law proposals including English-language comprehension checks at polling stations, severe restrictions on postal voting, the removal of Commonwealth voting rights and limits on foreign-language campaign material.
Charlotte Mercer · 6 min readPrime Minister Andy Burnham has ordered every police force in England and Wales to establish specialist rape and sexual-offence teams by December 2027, alongside £13.3m for up to ten specialist protection-order teams.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readRepublican Congressman Michael Rulli has introduced the GRANITE Act, aimed at preventing US courts from recognising or enforcing foreign online-speech penalties as Washington's dispute with Britain's Online Safety Act escalates.
Charlotte Mercer · 6 min readChancellor John Healey is reportedly preparing to shelve the 2030 deadline he once championed for defence spending to reach 3% of GDP as he confronts a £4.7bn funding gap in the existing Defence Investment Plan.
Charlotte Mercer · 6 min readDowning Street has reaffirmed Andy Burnham's ‘unwavering’ commitment to every part of the Good Friday Agreement after his declaration that an Irish unity referendum was ‘off the table’ sparked a political row.
Charlotte Mercer · 6 min readMike Ashley has launched a fierce attack on Andy Burnham's high-street strategy, branding parts of the Government's business-rates approach ‘delusional’ and calling for urgent action on retail costs and shoplifting.
Daniel Whitmore · 5 min readLabour has taken Billinge & Seneley Green from Reform UK in a St Helens council by-election, less than four months after Reform swept all three seats in the ward.
Charlotte Mercer · 5 min readThe Green Party has gained Guston, Kingsdown & St Margaret's-at-Cliffe from the Conservatives, winning 28.8% as Reform UK finished narrowly behind on 27.5%.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readReform UK has held Throckley, Walbottle & Newburn in Newcastle, with Martin Evison winning 39% as the Liberal Democrats surged into second place on 29%.
Charlotte Mercer · 5 min readLabour has held Trinity in Wandsworth by 127 votes, defeating the Conservatives 47.5% to 43.6% and denying the Tories the seat needed for an outright council majority.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readAlmost 200,000 people were granted permanent UK settlement in the year ending June 2026, up 24% and the highest annual total since 2011, new Home Office figures show.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readAndy Burnham has been accused of a U-turn after newly reported correspondence showed he previously backed a £500,000 political donations cap and argued that the limit should be reduced further over time.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readAndy Burnham has declared an Irish unity referendum 'off the table' during his first visit to Northern Ireland as Prime Minister, prompting a sharp challenge from Sinn Féin over the Good Friday Agreement.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readIsrael is considering expelling British officials from the US-led Gaza coordination centre as tensions rise with Andy Burnham's Government over planned measures targeting Israeli settlements.
Staff member · 4 min readRussia has threatened that British military assets could be targeted in response to Ukrainian strikes using British-supported missiles, following Andy Burnham's agreement to help Kyiv produce long-range Storm Shadow weapons.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readSmall-boat arrivals fell 23% to around 33,000 in the year ending June 2026 while the number of supported asylum seekers living in hotels halved to 16,000, new Home Office statistics show.
Staff member · 4 min readMore than 100 organisations have challenged Andy Burnham over the early release of domestic abuse perpetrators, warning the policy conflicts with Labour's pledge to halve violence against women and girls.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readAndy Burnham has dropped support for a general cap on large political donations as Labour MPs push for tougher limits on mega-donors ahead of the Representation of the People Bill returning to the Commons.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readForty people who disappeared while they were children living in Home Office asylum hotels remain unlocated, with Parliament demanding answers over efforts to trace them.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readAndy Burnham is poised to impose a trade ban on Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank as ministers prepare a wider response to the E1 settlement expansion.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readDavid Dinsmore will leave his role as the Government's communications chief on 30 September, with the Cabinet Office explicitly linking the timing to the change of Prime Minister and administration.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readBritain will host a permanent Five Eyes counter-extremism hub bringing together specialists from the UK, US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand to identify emerging threats and tackle online radicalisation.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readBritons are set to be urged to keep food, bottled water and other emergency supplies at home as the Government steps up national resilience preparations.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readSerious sexual and violent offenders could be confined to tightly controlled areas just a few miles wide after leaving prison under new restriction zones launching in October.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readAndy Burnham is considering reforms to the special administration regime that could make it easier for the Government to take failing utilities into public control.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readAndy Burnham is facing pressure over electoral reform as 98 Labour MPs join a cross-party push for a National Commission to examine the Westminster voting system.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readHousehold energy bills are set to rise again from October after Ofgem increased its price cap by 4% to £1,723, despite the Government removing VAT from domestic electricity.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readMauritius is reportedly preparing to press Andy Burnham at the UN over the stalled Chagos sovereignty agreement, leaving the Prime Minister caught between Port Louis and Donald Trump's opposition to the deal.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readAndy Burnham is preparing further measures targeting Israeli settlement activity in the occupied West Bank, with trade restrictions and additional sanctions reportedly under consideration.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readAndy Burnham is exploring giving English mayors powers to suspend Right to Buy locally as ministers seek to protect council housing stock and accelerate social housebuilding.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readReform UK has pledged to replace the UK's GDPR framework with a lighter-touch privacy regime modelled on New Zealand as part of a wider package aimed at small businesses.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readKemi Badenoch is preparing a reshuffle of her shadow cabinet after Parliament returns, with expected departures creating space for changes ahead of the Conservative conference.
Charlotte Mercer · 2 min readChancellor John Healey has backed increased US economic pressure on Iran and revealed that the UK Government has imposed more than 240 sanctions on Iran since taking office.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readAndy Burnham is preparing for his first face-to-face talks with Donald Trump as he plans to press the US President over access to Patriot air-defence interceptors for Ukraine.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readNearly 100 Labour MPs are backing a parliamentary move for a National Commission on Electoral Reform, increasing pressure on Andy Burnham over the future of first-past-the-post.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readThe Government is preparing a public resilience campaign urging households to keep basic emergency supplies as it steps up planning for extreme weather, cyber attacks and hostile-state threats.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readDUP MP Gregory Campbell is under investigation by the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority over whether office-cost spending complied with MPs' funding rules.
Charlotte Mercer · 2 min readAndy Burnham has reportedly decided not to place Thames Water into special administration immediately amid concerns over taxpayer costs, legal risks and practical difficulties.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readThe Government has allocated £9.58 billion to 33 strategic housing partners for 73,600 homes, as scrutiny turns to Andy Burnham's pledge to revive council housebuilding.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readPrime Minister Andy Burnham has refused to rule out tax rises in the October Budget as he warned that Britain's public finances are in a challenging position.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readBritain has become the first international partner to gain access to Ukraine's Avengers AI Labs under a new defence and artificial intelligence partnership signed in Kyiv.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readThe Coalition of the Willing has reaffirmed preparations for a multinational force that could deploy to Ukraine once a credible cessation of hostilities is in place.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readThe Treasury has launched an independent review of business rates valuations for pubs and hotels, but any resulting changes are expected to feed into the 2029 revaluation.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readThe Government has told social media platforms to remove content celebrating dangerous driving after seven people died in a collision on the A66 near Middlesbrough.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readPrime Minister Andy Burnham has said Britain must be bolder in seeking closer ties with the European Union as he and António Costa called for a step change in relations.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readPrime Minister Andy Burnham has travelled to Kyiv on his first overseas visit as PM as Britain backs plans to assemble long-range SCALP missiles in Ukraine.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readReform UK has proposed giving British-born workers under 35, young families and veterans greater priority for social housing while pledging 50,000 affordable homes a year.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readBritain, Australia and Canada have condemned Israel’s decision not to pursue criminal investigations into the 2024 strike that killed seven World Central Kitchen aid workers.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readThe UK borrowed £1.8 billion in July, £2.3 billion more than the OBR expected, adding to the pressure on Chancellor John Healey before October's Budget.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readLabour's Abbas Hussain has won the Leen Valley by-election in Nottingham, defeating Nottingham People's Alliance candidate Parveen Begum by 166 votes.
Charlotte Mercer · 2 min readReform UK's Josh Kirkwood has won the Harraby South by-election in Carlisle, taking the Cumberland Council seat from Labour by 91 votes.
Charlotte Mercer · 2 min readLiberal Democrat Ian Pele Taylor has won the St Neots Eynesbury by-election, taking the Huntingdonshire Council seat from Reform UK by 377 votes.
Charlotte Mercer · 2 min readLabour's John Roberts has won the Penistone East by-election with 1,728 votes, taking the Barnsley Council seat from Reform UK by a majority of 933.
Charlotte Mercer · 2 min readSue Gray has described her experience as Keir Starmer’s Downing Street chief of staff as “unbearable”, citing internal briefings and a breakdown of trust.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readBritain and six allied governments have demanded that Israel withdraw construction tenders for the disputed E1 settlement project in the West Bank.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readA public dispute and the suspension of Tim Montgomerie have exposed tensions inside Reform UK, encouraging Conservatives who believe their party may yet recover.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readTravelodge chief executive Joanna Boydell is stepping down after the hotel company faced sustained political scrutiny over guest security and its room-access procedures.
Charlotte Mercer · 2 min readHome Secretary Shabana Mahmood says the Government is involved in live international discussions about return hubs for people whose UK asylum claims have failed.
Charlotte Mercer · 2 min readIsraeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar has rejected Ed Miliband’s demand to halt the E1 settlement project, calling the UK’s position one-sided.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readVoters in Harraby South are choosing a new Cumberland councillor today after Labour’s Lucy Patrick resigned. Five candidates are contesting the seat.
Charlotte Mercer · 2 min readVoters in St Neots Eynesbury are choosing a new Huntingdonshire district councillor today after Reform UK's Tony Nelson resigned weeks after his election.
Charlotte Mercer · 2 min readLabour has suspended the whip from Southend East and Rochford MP Bayo Alaba while the party investigates questions concerning Covid-era business loans.
Charlotte Mercer · 1 min readAndy Burnham's government is approaching a major decision on the Rosebank and Jackdaw North Sea developments as the final public consultation closes and ministers weigh climate effects against jobs and energy security.
Charlotte Mercer · 5 min readLabour has introduced a new presumption in favour of suitable housing developments close to well-connected railway, tram and Underground stations in England, including some sites in the green belt.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readZia Yusuf has repeated Reform UK's pledge to fine companies 10% of their global revenue and impose strict criminal liability on bosses where businesses employ people working illegally.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readReform UK says almost all foreign nationals would lose access to welfare benefits under a future government, with Zia Yusuf also pledging to reserve social housing for British citizens.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readA parliamentary standards investigation concerning Nigel Farage has resumed following his return to the House of Commons, but no finding has been made that he breached the rules.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readAndy Burnham has warned that Britain faces an acute wildfire threat while his government consults on potentially reducing the proportion of new cars that manufacturers must sell as zero-emission vehicles by 2030.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readEight candidates will contest the Penistone East ward by-election on 20 August 2026, with Reform UK defending a Barnsley Council seat following the resignation of Kay Hughes.
Staff member · 3 min readZia Yusuf has threatened to review Vodafone's public contracts after the company defended its charity SIM card programme and said its connectivity was provided for distribution and use in the UK.
Staff member · 3 min readLiberal Democrat Rhys Wallis has won the Honiton St Michael by-election for East Devon District Council, taking the seat from Labour with a majority of 326 votes.
Staff member · 2 min readNigel Farage has returned to Parliament after comfortably winning the Clacton by-election, securing 22,239 votes as Count Binface finished second in the record 34-candidate contest.
Staff member · 2 min readBritain’s economy grew by 0.4% between April and June, but the Bank of England expects underlying growth to slow to around zero as renewed Middle East conflict, higher energy costs and Budget uncertainty test Andy Burnham’s new government.
Charlotte Mercer · 5 min readReform UK’s Zia Yusuf has warned Vodafone chief executive Margherita Della Valle and the company’s directors that they could face prison under a future Reform government if SIM cards continue to be supplied through Care4Calais.
Charlotte Mercer · 6 min readHouseholds within 500 metres of eligible new electricity transmission infrastructure could receive £250 a year off their electricity bills for ten years, with 43 expected projects named across England, Scotland and Wales.
Charlotte Mercer · 5 min readFifty policing and law-enforcement leaders have urged Prime Minister Andy Burnham to examine every lawful option to prevent the earlier release of two men convicted of the manslaughter of PC Andrew Harper.
Charlotte Mercer · 6 min readZia Yusuf’s posts accusing former defence secretary Sir Ben Wallace of treachery remained online after Nigel Farage publicly called the language ‘over the top’ and promised his Reform UK spokesman a ‘ticking off’.
Charlotte Mercer · 5 min readShadow Home Secretary Chris Philp has attacked the Government's £662 million border agreement with France after a record 230 people crossed the Channel in a single overcrowded inflatable boat.
Staff member · 6 min readThe UK State Pension age is in the middle of a phased rise from 66 to 67, a change that began affecting people earlier this year and continues month by month through to 2028.
Staff member · 4 min readPrime Minister Andy Burnham will begin a month-long tour of the UK on Monday, promising to listen to communities and announce further measures addressing living costs, consumer practices and struggling high streets.
Charlotte Mercer · 5 min readDefence Secretary Wes Streeting has visited the Rosyth shipyard and forces housing in Edinburgh, highlighting Scotland’s role in Royal Navy shipbuilding, skilled employment and national security.
Peter Jackson · 4 min readThe Charity Commission has urged charities affected by the Beacon CRM cyber security incident to assess the risks and report serious incidents, while the ICO leads on data protection concerns.
Peter Jackson · 4 min readReform UK’s Paul Powers has gained the Heacham ward from the Conservatives with 289 votes, completing a double West Norfolk by-election victory for the party.
Staff member · 4 min readReform UK’s Ben Griffin has gained the Snettisham ward from the Conservatives, defeating Liberal Democrat Lee Henson by just 18 votes.
Staff member · 4 min readGreen candidate Nick Abear has gained the Hooley, Merstham and Netherne seat from the Conservatives with 934 votes, while Reform UK finished second.
Staff member · 4 min readPlaid Cymru’s Anthony Cook has won the Hengoed ward by-election for Caerphilly County Borough Council with 509 votes, defeating Reform UK by a majority of 138.
Staff member · 4 min readVictoria’s new premier Ben Carroll wants the state to secure more jobs and investment from AUKUS, as Australia, Britain and the United States expand their shared submarine and defence-technology programme.
Charlotte Mercer · 5 min readKemi Badenoch has written an open letter to Clacton voters criticising Nigel Farage's by-election, as the Conservatives sit out the contest.
Peter Jackson · 3 min readReform UK's Katie Groom has won the Harton ward by-election in South Tyneside with 628 votes, defeating Labour's Neil Maxwell by 274 votes.
Staff member · 3 min readLiberal Democrat Clare McManus has won the Coppice Valley by-election for Harrogate Town Council with 579 votes, finishing 432 ahead of Reform UK.
Staff member · 3 min readReform UK Wales candidate Stephen Eldred has won the Meliden ward by-election for Prestatyn Town Council, defeating Welsh Conservative Carys Kilkelly by just 10 votes.
Staff member · 3 min readLabour candidate Ange Cooper has won the Kidsgrove Central and Ravenscliffe by-election for Kidsgrove Town Council, defeating Reform UK's Olivia Westcott by 26 votes.
Staff member · 4 min readThe UK's Nuclear Institute and the Australian Nuclear Association have agreed reciprocal membership, giving nuclear professionals free cross-border access.
Charlotte Mercer · 2 min readSenior Labour MP Emily Thornberry has backed an Islington Labour statement expressing concern about the effect of the new statutory EHRC code governing services, public functions and single-sex provision.
Staff member · 4 min readThe Charity Commission has opened a statutory inquiry initially examining eight unnamed charities following allegations that charitable funds were sent to organisations operating in Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readBusinesses bidding for major central government contracts will receive greater credit for creating local jobs, apprenticeships, training and work placements under procurement rules taking effect in January 2027.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readUp to 159 NHS mental health facilities will open across England under a £343 million programme designed to provide earlier walk-in support and specialist emergency care away from busy A&E departments.
Charlotte Mercer · 5 min readPolice representatives are considering legal action over plans allowing Albert Bowers and Jessie Cole to leave prison earlier, as Sentencing Minister Jake Richards defended the Government’s position.
Charlotte Mercer · 5 min readPrime Minister Andy Burnham has defended the limits of his changes to the early prisoner release scheme, saying broader exclusions would risk the prison system reaching capacity and collapsing within months.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readCoventry South MP Zarah Sultana has written to Liverpool FC urging the club to reconsider commercial partnerships which campaigners allege are connected to Israel’s actions in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readA major Anglo-French rescue operation was launched after an overcrowded dinghy reportedly carrying around 160 migrants caught fire in the English Channel.
Staff member · 2 min readReform UK MP Sarah Pochin has faced criticism after invoking France’s defeat in June 1940 during a dispute over Operation Fortress, with critics pointing to the tens of thousands of French soldiers killed defending their country.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readConservative candidate Dani Seymour has been elected to Monmouth Town Council after defeating independent Laura McCartney in the Drybridge Ward by-election.
Staff member · 2 min readLissie Harper has accused Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s government of an ‘utter betrayal’ after two men convicted of the manslaughter of PC Andrew Harper remained eligible for earlier release despite new exemptions for serious sexual offenders.
Charlotte Mercer · 5 min readReform UK’s Operation Fortress has sparked a confrontation with France, an attack on the BBC from Richard Tice and a provocative Second World War jibe from Sarah Pochin.
Charlotte Mercer · 5 min readRupert Lowe has accused Nigel Farage of misrepresenting a private message exchanged after the Restore Britain leader offered to cooperate with Reform UK—but says his offer remains open.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readAndy Burnham has promised to be relentless in tackling small-boat crossings, but more than 2,000 people arrived during his first 12 days as Prime Minister as questions continued over enforcement on French beaches.
Charlotte Mercer · 5 min readA tribunal has ruled that the Cabinet Office does not have to reveal whether serving ministers declared criminal convictions during the appointment process, or how many did so.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readConservative councillor Ed Godwin has stepped aside from the One Nation Conservative Network following the departure of its founder Cody Butler.
Charlotte Mercer · 2 min readTributes have been paid to Reform UK councillor Arty Hume, who represented Amble on Northumberland County Council, following his death aged 71.
Charlotte Mercer · 2 min readVoters in Trinity will elect a new Wandsworth councillor on 27 August following Labour councillor Lizzy Dobres's resignation. Five candidates are standing.
Staff member · 4 min readVoters in Leen Valley will elect a new Nottingham city councillor on 20 August after Nadia Farhat was disqualified for non-attendance. Six candidates are standing.
Staff member · 4 min readLiberal Democrat Paola Davies has won the Almondbury ward by-election in Kirklees, taking the seat from Reform UK with a majority of 671 votes.
Staff member · 1 min readRestore Britain leader Rupert Lowe has publicly offered to explore cooperation with Nigel Farage and Reform UK, while making any agreement conditional on five policy demands.
Charlotte Mercer · 5 min readCody Butler has resigned as chair of the One Nation Conservative Network and left the Conservative Party, saying he no longer believes the party offers a home for One Nation conservatism.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readThe Clacton parliamentary by-election will be held on Thursday, 13 August 2026, with Nigel Farage facing a record field of 33 other candidates.
Staff member · 3 min readHousing Secretary Angela Rayner has approved a data centre and wider redevelopment around Brick Lane despite demands for a housing-led future for the former Truman Brewery estate.
Charlotte Mercer · 5 min readFormer SNP MP Mhairi Black is moving from Westminster to television with a police detective role in the forthcoming BBC legal drama Counsels.
James Ashcroft · 3 min readLabour’s Bev Craig has been elected Mayor of Greater Manchester after defeating Reform UK’s Sian Astley in the second stage of voting.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readForeign Secretary Ed Miliband has welcomed the announcement that Hamas will disarm, while warning that Israeli withdrawal, the ceasefire and humanitarian access must also be delivered.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readChancellor John Healey will present the Government's next Budget on Wednesday, 28 October 2026, alongside a new economic and fiscal forecast from the OBR.
Charlotte Mercer · 1 min readReform UK has retained Castle Ward on Scarborough Town Council after Susan Rumford defeated Labour candidate Fiona Stephenson by just one vote.
Staff member · 1 min readAn Independent candidate has won the Rumworth ward by-election in Bolton, defeating Labour in a closely watched contest triggered by the resignation of Labour councillor Abdul Atcha.
Staff member · 1 min readThe Government has announced plans to give English mayors a share of locally raised income tax as part of one of the biggest transfers of power away from Westminster in decades.
Charlotte Mercer · 2 min readPlaid Cymru has retained the Bro'r Llynnoedd seat on the Isle of Anglesey County Council after Jon Paul Taylor defeated Reform UK in the 30 July 2026 by-election.
Staff member · 2 min readThe Conservatives have gained the Great Dunmow North seat on Uttlesford District Council after Will Church defeated Reform UK and Residents for Uttlesford in the 30 July 2026 by-election.
Staff member · 2 min readThe Liberal Democrats have retained the Hedge End South seat on Eastleigh Borough Council after Jim Paine secured victory in the 30 July 2026 by-election.
Staff member · 2 min readReform UK’s Robbie Woods has won the Long Sutton by-election for South Holland District Council, securing approximately 56% of the vote.
Staff member · 2 min readDiane Abbott has been readmitted to the Labour Party following an independent disciplinary process. The Jewish Leadership Council has questioned whether the decision is consistent with Labour's approach to antisemitism.
Staff member · 2 min readScottish Labour MP Joani Reid has been restored to the Parliamentary Labour Party after an independent review, saying she was never a suspect or witness in any police investigation.
Staff member · 2 min readAndy Burnham has welcomed investment in the UK's nuclear deterrent, highlighting the creation of 22,000 apprenticeships and the role of defence manufacturing in supporting skilled jobs.
Staff member · 2 min readHackney Mayor Zoë Garbett has apologised after setting a 7 October consultation deadline in correspondence with the Israeli city of Haifa over plans to end the borough's twinning agreement.
Staff member · 2 min readThe Metropolitan Police have confirmed they will take no further action against Green Party leader Zack Polanski after complaints over an Instagram post featuring a guillotine-themed image referring to Nigel Farage.
Staff member · 2 min readJustice minister and Labour MP Sarah Sackman has called on Barnet Council to remove Union Jack and St George's flags attached to public lamp posts without permission after the 2026 World Cup.
Staff member · 2 min readAndy Burnham has called for a new cross-party approach to social care, with Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey backing efforts while Reform UK leader Nigel Farage criticised the talks.
Staff member · 3 min readGreen Party deputy leadership candidate Zack Polanski declined to apologise during an appearance on BBC Newsnight, while acknowledging mistakes over a social media post and condemning political violence.
Staff member · 2 min readEducation Secretary Lucy Powell has said reviewing England's student loan system is "at the top of my in-tray", describing the current system as needing reform while stressing that no decisions have yet been made.
Staff member · 2 min readReform UK MP James McMurdock has said an HMRC review concluded that he was owed a tax refund, describing the outcome as a vindication following scrutiny of his business affairs and conduct.
Daniel Whitmore · 2 min readGreater Manchester votes for a new mayor on Thursday 30 July 2026. Here's what the top four candidates by polling, Labour, Green, Reform UK and Restore Britain, are promising voters.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readConservative leader Kemi Badenoch has urged Prime Minister Andy Burnham to repeal provisions allowing the early release of certain serious offenders, arguing ministers can halt the scheme before further releases take place.
Staff member · 2 min readPrime Minister Andy Burnham has appointed Bridget Phillipson as Chair of the Labour Party following his recent Cabinet reshuffle, with the Houghton and Sunderland South MP taking on responsibility for the party's organisation and election preparations.
Staff member · 2 min readThe Metropolitan Police have confirmed they are making enquiries after receiving a report relating to an Instagram post shared by Green Party deputy leader Zack Polanski that prompted criticism from Reform UK figures.
Staff member · 2 min readLabour MP Kate Osborne has defended her comments following the Berlin Pride attack, saying she did not blame GB News and accusing some critics of misrepresenting her original post.
Staff member · 2 min readFormer Home Secretary Suella Braverman has written to the Equality and Human Rights Commission asking it to investigate Staffordshire Police's custody policy following reports about its treatment of transgender detainees.
Staff member · 2 min readThe Government has announced plans to work with major UK pension providers on a proposed £1 billion scale-up fund designed to invest in Britain's fastest-growing science and technology businesses.
Staff member · 2 min readShadow Energy Secretary Claire Coutinho has written to Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh urging her to investigate allegations made by whistleblowers about the National Energy System Operator (NESO).
Staff member · 2 min readLiberal Democrat leader Ed Davey has invited Prime Minister Andy Burnham to work across party lines to reform social care, calling the issue the "key test" of collaborative politics.
Staff member · 2 min readLabour MP Kate Osborne has faced criticism from Conservative and Reform politicians after a Facebook post referencing Reform UK, GB News and the fatal attack at Berlin Pride.
Staff member · 2 min readConservative leader Kemi Badenoch has written to Prime Minister Andy Burnham offering to work with the Government on social care reform, while setting out two key conditions for Conservative support.
Staff member · 2 min readLong-serving Labour National Executive Committee member Ann Black has announced she will not seek re-election, bringing to an end more than two decades of service to the party.
Staff member · 2 min readPrime Minister Andy Burnham has confirmed his support for banning trail hunting, telling the Labour Animal Welfare Society he wants to see the government's animal welfare strategy implemented in full.
Staff member · 3 min readScottish Ballet has cancelled five Edinburgh performances of Cinders, warning that rising accommodation costs and Edinburgh's new visitor levy are making touring to the capital increasingly difficult.
Staff member · 2 min readPrime Minister Andy Burnham's appointment of Andy Slaughter as Solicitor General has prompted criticism from Conservative MPs over meetings Mr Slaughter held with Hamas representatives during visits to the Palestinian territories in 2010.
Staff member · 2 min readFirst Minister John Swinney has requested military aerial support from the UK Government to help tackle the Cairngorms wildfire, now in its 11th day, as residents are evacuated from Nethy Bridge.
Staff member · 3 min readNew Defence Secretary Wes Streeting will forgo his salary for three months to offset his resignation pay-off, in contrast to Housing Secretary Angela Rayner, who has refused to return her own severance payment.
Staff member · 3 min readLord John Horam, the former Gateshead and Orpington MP who served as a minister under both Labour and Conservative governments, has died aged 87 following a fall.
Staff member · 2 min readReform UK Deputy Leader Richard Tice has accused the National Crime Agency of leaking confidential banking information to a national newspaper. The NCA has not publicly confirmed the allegation.
Staff member · 2 min readA cross-party group of MPs and peers, including Kim Johnson, has written to Prime Minister Andy Burnham urging sanctions on Israel and full implementation of the ICJ's ruling on Palestinian rights.
Staff member · 3 min readShadow Foreign Secretary Priti Patel has called for a wider investigation into former ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan following his dismissal, while Mr Khan continues to deny allegations of sexual misconduct.
Staff member · 2 min readChancellor John Healey has confirmed the Treasury is committed to ensuring pensioners whose only income is the state pension will not pay income tax, as the triple lock pushes payments toward the personal allowance.
Staff member · 3 min readPrime Minister Andy Burnham said the opening of No 10 North was "the best day of my life" as he outlined his vision to bring government closer to every part of the United Kingdom.
Staff member · 2 min readAndy Burnham is facing criticism after flying by government jet to Manchester for his first day working from No10 North, with estimates suggesting the trip cost taxpayers over £30,000.
Staff member · 3 min readGraham Hardwell has held Longwell Green for the Conservatives in a South Gloucestershire Council by-election, fending off a strong first-time challenge from Reform UK.
Staff member · 2 min readThe Conservatives have held the Exmouth Brixington seat on East Devon District Council in a by-election, fending off a strong first-time challenge from Reform UK and a resurgent Liberal Democrat vote.
Staff member · 2 min readThe Visitor Levy (Scotland) Act comes into force today, with Edinburgh becoming the first UK city to charge a 5% tourist tax on overnight stays.
Staff member · 3 min readHousing Secretary Angela Rayner has ruled out freezing rents as part of Andy Burnham's cost of living measures, telling BBC Breakfast the government would not be pursuing rent controls.
Staff member · 3 min readPrime Minister Andy Burnham will work from No 10 North in Manchester for the first time tomorrow, as part of his plan to move some Downing Street functions out of London.
Staff member · 3 min readFirst Minister John Swinney has confirmed that US tariffs on Scotch whisky have been fully removed, calling it a significant benefit for the industry after months of lobbying.
Staff member · 2 min readLabour's Jo Potter has narrowly won the Grays Riverside by-election in Thurrock, seeing off a close challenge from Reform UK and the Green Party in the second of two Grays by-elections.
Staff member · 2 min readLabour's Amin Hoque has won the Grays Town by-election in Thurrock, taking the seat from Reform UK with a 182-vote majority as part of a double Labour win in Grays.
Staff member · 2 min readReform UK's William Burvill has won the Cuxton, Halling & Riverside by-election in Medway, ending decades of Conservative control in the ward following the death of long-serving councillor Phil Filmer.
Staff member · 2 min readRestore Britain leader Rupert Lowe MP has publicly called on the Justice Secretary to reverse the decision to move Southport killer Axel Rudakubana to Broadmoor psychiatric hospital.
Staff member · 2 min readPrime Minister Andy Burnham has ruled out discussions on a second Scottish independence referendum as he seeks a more practical relationship with Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney.
Staff member · 2 min readDowning Street has said there are currently no plans to abolish jury trials following reports that Prime Minister Andy Burnham could abandon proposals introduced under former Justice Secretary David Lammy.
Staff member · 1 min readHousing Secretary Angela Rayner has defended her decision not to repay a £16,876 ministerial severance payment after returning to government, saying she was out of office for almost a year before rejoining Cabinet.
Staff member · 2 min readPrime Minister Andy Burnham has paused the Government's planned September prisoner release scheme, saying no inmates will be released under the policy until an urgent review has been completed.
Staff member · 2 min readLeading figures from the pensions industry have welcomed the decision to keep Torsten Bell as Pensions Minister, saying continuity will help deliver the Government's reform programme.
Staff member · 2 min readOlivia Bailey has announced she is leaving government following the latest ministerial reshuffle, reflecting on her time as Minister for Early Education and Equalities and thanking colleagues for the opportunity to serve.
Staff member · 2 min readNigel Farage has shared a video on X showing a woman shouting at him before appearing to lose control of her car moments later. The Reform UK leader described the incident as "instant karma."
Staff member · 1 min readPrime Minister Andy Burnham has announced a 20% cut in business rates for pubs, clubs and live music venues in England, with the Government saying nearly 32,000 businesses will benefit from the new relief scheme.
Staff member · 2 min readAnas Sarwar has announced he is joining Prime Minister Andy Burnham's Government as UK Minister of State for Trade, saying he is "delighted" to take on the role.
Staff member · 2 min readLabour MP Jo White has been appointed Minister for Migration and Citizenship, replacing Mike Tapp. Her appointment comes after she responded to reports surrounding a leaked audio recording.
Staff member · 2 min readLabour MP Natalie Fleet has announced she is stepping down as Minister for Safeguarding, saying the role became "overwhelmingly triggering" and that victims deserve "someone at their best."
Staff member · 1 min readPrime Minister Andy Burnham has ordered a review of the Government's early prisoner release scheme following concerns over the potential early release of two of PC Andrew Harper's killers.
Staff member · 2 min readMike Tapp has confirmed he is leaving his role as Minister for Migration and Citizenship, thanking Home Office staff and pledging to continue supporting the Government from the backbenches.
Staff member · 1 min readThe Environment Agency has commenced criminal proceedings against Southern Water and several former employees over alleged conduct involving wastewater monitoring between 2012 and 2017.
Staff member · 1 min readThe Edinburgh Festival returns in August 2026 with politicians past and present joining debates, interviews and live shows covering Westminster, Scottish independence, political leadership and global affairs.
Staff member · 2 min readScottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar is reportedly set to resign and join Prime Minister Andy Burnham's government as a minister, triggering a Scottish Labour leadership contest.
Staff member · 1 min readPrime Minister Andy Burnham has stepped back from plans to increase the personal income tax allowance, citing the state of the public finances despite raising expectations during the Makerfield campaign.
Staff member · 1 min readPrime Minister Andy Burnham has announced plans to introduce a £2 cap on single bus fares across England from January 2027 as part of a wider package of cost-of-living measures.
Staff member · 1 min readCabinet Office Minister Louise Haigh has lost responsibility for tackling public sector fraud following her appointment, with the Government reallocating the brief after renewed scrutiny of her previous conviction.
Staff member · 1 min readReports are suggesting Prime Minister Andy Burnham has approved the continued use of British military bases for certain US strikes against Iran, with the Government describing the authorised operations as limited and defensive.
Staff member · 1 min readDefence Secretary Wes Streeting and Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood have apologised after remarks about the Government's early prisoner release policy were caught on a live microphone, prompting criticism from political opponents and victims' groups.
Staff member · 2 min readEd Miliband is Britain's Foreign Secretary. Britain needs a serious and credible politician to represent our country on the world stage.
Staff member · 1 min read