A January 2026 media tally counts 13 reported Labour policy U-turns in about 18 months, latest reportedly easing mandatory digital ID for work checks.
Labour MP Karl Turner has warned Prime Minister Keir Starmer he may resign and trigger a by-election unless the government drops plans to restrict jury trials in England and Wales. The proposals would remove jury trials for some either-way offences with likely sentences of three years or less, limit appeals from magistrates’ courts, expand magistrates’ sentencing powers, and create new judge-only courts. Around 40 Labour MPs have signed a letter urging a reversal.
Seven Labour MPs who chair select committees have written to ministers urging a statutory ban on political donations made in cryptocurrency, ahead of the upcoming elections bill. They say crypto can obscure the source of funds and enable micro-donations below reporting thresholds. The Electoral Commission says crypto donations are lawful from permissible donors but has warned source verification and enforcement are harder than with bank transfers.
Israel has launched new strikes on Gaza after a day of escalating disputes with Hamas over the return of captives’ bodies and alleged ceasefire violations.
The US State Department imposed visa bans on five European campaigners involved in online safety and anti-disinformation work, including UK citizens Imran Ahmed of CCDH and Clare Melford of GDI. US officials said the individuals sought to pressure American companies to restrict lawful speech. The UK said it is committed to free speech while also arguing platforms should address illegal and harmful content, as European leaders and the affected groups criticised the bans.
