Government expected to soften planned business rates rise for pubs within days
Ministers are reported to be considering new relief for pubs ahead of April 2026 rates changes, but details and eligibility remain unclear.
Labour MP Karl Turner warns Starmer he may resign over plans to limit jury trials
Labour MP Karl Turner says he could resign to force a by-election if the government proceeds with reforms limiting jury trials.
TUC chief urges Starmer to consider negotiating a UK-EU customs union
TUC general secretary Paul Nowak called on Keir Starmer to explore a UK-EU customs union to cut post-Brexit trade frictions.
Lady Chief Justice warns Sentencing Council judges may resign over ministerial veto plans
Sue Carr said Sentencing Council judges could quit if the Sentencing Bill 2025 gives ministers power to block or amend sentencing guidelines.
Independent review warns UK National Security Act could criminalise journalism and protest if applied too broadly
Jonathan Hall KC says National Security Act 2023 foreign interference offence risks chilling lawful journalism, advocacy and protest without clearer safeguards.
Five Labour councillors defect to Greens on Brent Council as Polanski calls Labour ‘broken’
Five Labour councillors in Brent have resigned to join the Greens, prompting responses from both parties ahead of the May 2026 local elections.
Reform UK’s ‘largest party’ membership claim relies on a live counter not directly comparable to Labour’s audited rolls
Reform UK cites a live ‘paid-up’ counter above 268,000, but differing definitions and verification mean it cannot be directly compared with Labour’s totals.
Report: Andy Burnham said to be lining up Commons return and sounding out Labour MPs
The Times reports Andy Burnham is identifying a seat and testing support ahead of May 2026 elections, as Labour MPs discuss leadership options.
Treasury Committee launches inquiry into OBR after Budget leak and chair’s resignation
MPs will examine the OBR’s forecasting, independence and Treasury links after its Budget outlook was published early and chair Richard Hughes resigned.
Lammy considers overhaul of childhood criminal records to protect job prospects
David Lammy is exploring reforms to limit disclosure of childhood offences in England and Wales, to boost job chances while preserving public safeguards.
Conservatives Return Record £300,000 Unlawful Donation from German Bank Berenberg
Tories returned a £300,000 gift from German bank Berenberg, now the largest unlawful political donation on record under UK electoral rules.
Broadcaster Sangita Myska says Nigel Farage has emboldened racist abuse online
Broadcaster Sangita Myska, abused online with racist slurs, says Nigel Farage’s Reform UK has normalised a toxic climate for people of colour in public life.
Starmer Warns Tory–Reform Election Deal Would Be ‘Alliance of Austerity and Failure’
Starmer uses PMQs to brand any future Tory–Reform UK election pact an “unholy alliance of austerity and failure” as both parties publicly deny a deal.
Lammy Plans Judge-Only Crown Court Trials to Tackle Backlog, Provoking Backlash Over Jury Rights
Ministers propose judge-only trials for offences up to three-year sentences, amid warnings that curbing juries risks unfairness and racial bias.
Every Motion Your Party Agreed At Its First Conference
Despite the arguments and the walkouts and the public disagreements at the Your Party Conference, delegates passed a series of motions that now shape the party’s identity. These decisions are the foundation on which the movement will try to build.
Infighting Mars Liverpool Launch of Corbyn and Sultana's 'Your Party'
Founding conference in Liverpool exposes deep rifts over expulsions, leadership and culture inside Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana’s new party.
France to Arm Maritime Police with New Powers to Board Suspected 'Migrant Taxi Boats' in Channel
France to give maritime police new powers to stop Channel 'migrant taxi boats', testing Labour's strategy as crossings rise and rights groups warn of risks.
Explainer: Every Policy in Rachel Reeves’ New Budget — And What It Means for You
Rachel Reeves has delivered one of the most sweeping Budgets in years — a package she says is designed to “stabilise the economy, rebuild public services and make the tax system fairer.”
Your Party Shelves Co-Leadership as Corbyn–Sultana Rift Deepens
On the eve of its Liverpool conference, Your Party drops co-leadership amid a Corbyn–Sultana power struggle over control, cash and direction.
Labour Suspended 7 MPs Including Zarah Sultana for Opposing the Two-Child Benefit Cap Now the Government Plans to Scrap It What Is Going On in Downing Street?
One year ago, Labour suspended seven MPs for voting to scrap the two-child benefit cap. Zarah Sultana was among them, openly calling the policy cruel, poverty-inducing and morally indefensible.
Labour to Bring Milkshakes and Lattes Into New Sugar Tax Drive
Milkshakes and flavoured lattes will soon face a sugar tax for the first time as Labour prepares a major push to tackle rising obesity levels and improve public health.
CBI warns Rachel Reeves against 'death by a thousand taxes' as Labour readies second tax-hike budget
Britain's CBI urges Chancellor Rachel Reeves to avoid a second heavy tax-raising budget, warning higher levies risk choking growth and investment.
Zack Polanski’s Greens Smash 175,000 Members as Party Surges to 17% in New Poll
Green Party membership has increased by over 100,000 since Polanski's election
Second MP Quits Corbyn–Sultana Your Party as Funding and Trans Rights Rows Deepen Crisis
Iqbal Mohamed becomes second MP to quit Your Party in a week, exposing bitter splits over funding, governance and trans rights before its first conference.
COVID chaos in Boris Johnson’s government led to 23,000 deaths, damning inquiry finds
Official inquiry finds Boris Johnson’s chaotic Covid response and No 10 culture caused critical delays, contributing to an estimated 23,000 avoidable deaths.
Exclusive: UK to create capped work and study routes for refugees in asylum system shake-up
Ministers hail the plans as the ‘biggest change to the immigration system in modern times’ as they prepare new capped routes and an expanded community sponsorship scheme.
Zack Polanski: A New Hope
What a month and a half it’s been for the Green Party — and for its newly elected leader, Zack Polanski.
Andy Burnham Throws Down Challenge as Labour Turmoil Deepens
Andy Burnham warns Labour risks handing power to Nigel Farage without bold reforms, fuelling speculation over his leadership ambitions.
UK Reaffirms Support for Palestinian State Based on 1967 Borders
Britain has reaffirmed its commitment to recognising a Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders and will push for recognition at the UN in September, alongside France
Majority of Voters Support Higher Taxes on the Wealthy to Fix broken Public Services
A new poll reveals that most voters believe the wealthy should pay higher taxes to fix struggling public services.
Home Office: Over 41,000 crossed Channel to UK by small boat in 2025, up 13%
Provisional Home Office data show 41,000+ Channel small-boat arrivals in 2025, up 13% on 2024; UK–France pilot returns stayed limited.
Farage says Reform UK tops 270,000 “paid-up” members as Labour total is reported below 250,000
Farage said Reform UK’s website shows 270k+ paid-up members as reports put Labour’s paying membership below 250k, though methods differ.
Starmer and Badenoch clash at final PMQs as UK moves to release £2.5bn Chelsea sale funds for Ukraine
In the final PMQs, Badenoch challenged Starmer on unemployment, taxes and the doctors’ strike as he announced moves to release £2.5bn Chelsea sale funds for Ukraine.
Starmer orders foreign interference review after ex‑Reform Wales leader Nathan Gill jailed for bribery
Starmer ordered a foreign interference review after ex‑Reform Wales leader Nathan Gill was jailed for bribery linked to pro‑Russian statements.
UK politicians urge Starmer to defend BBC after Trump files $10bn lawsuit over Panorama edit
UK MPs urge Keir Starmer to back the BBC after Donald Trump sued for up to $10bn over an edited Panorama clip of his 6 Jan 2021 speech.
Home Secretary calls rape policing a 'postcode lottery' and pledges specialist units in every force by 2029
Shabana Mahmood says rape investigations vary by area and pledges specialist teams in all 43 forces by 2029, amid low charge rates and funding questions.
English Channel small-boat crossings resume after 28-day pause, with about 160 picked up on 13 December
Border Force picked up about 160 people from two boats on 13 Dec, ending a 28-day stretch with no recorded Channel arrivals.
Lammy Urges Farage to 'Clean Up' Reform Amid Racism Row
Labour's David Lammy accuses Nigel Farage of tolerating '1950s-style hate' in Reform UK and vows not to be cowed by racist abuse.
No 10 appoints 34 new peers as Labour moves to bolster its position in the House of Lords
No 10 names 34 new peers, with Labour taking 25, to bolster its position in the Lords and advance reforms to workers' rights, housing and hereditary seats.
Zelenskyy is set to meet European leaders in London for high level talks aimed at ending the war in Ukraine
Volodymyr Zelenskyy meets Keir Starmer, Emmanuel Macron and Friedrich Merz in London as the Trump administration pressures Ukraine to give up land to end the war. Ukraine is resisting and public opposition to territorial concessions remains strong.
Lord Offord Defects to Reform UK as Farage Ducks Racism Questions at Falkirk Rally
Ex-Tory minister Lord Offord joins Reform UK, pledges to quit the Lords for a Holyrood bid as Farage avoids media questions on racism and immigration.
Labour to Ban Crypto Political Donations Amid Reform UK Bitcoin Debate
Labour ministers plan to outlaw cryptocurrency donations to UK parties, citing dark‑money and security risks highlighted by Reform UK’s bitcoin drive.
One in four police forces in England and Wales still do not have the most basic policies in place for handling sexual offence investigations, almost four years after the murder of Sarah Everard.
A new inquiry says police forces are still failing to properly investigate sexual offences, warning that women remain at risk nearly four years after the murder of Sarah Everard.
Starmer Defends Tax-Raising Budget as Debate Over 'Black Hole' Tests Labour's Fiscal Credibility
PM insists Labour did not mislead voters over a fiscal 'black hole' as a £26bn tax-raising budget sparks a major test of the party's credibility.
Young Professionals Hit by Fiscal Drag Call Reeves Budget a ‘Tax on Ambition’
Gen Z workers say Reeves’s Autumn Budget freezes thresholds, hikes graduate loan and savings taxes and turns promotions into a ‘tax on ambition’.
How Labour U-Turned on Day-One Unfair Dismissal Rights
Labour drops its pledge to give day-one unfair dismissal rights, accepting a six-month qualifying period after Lords defeat and business pressure.
UK Net Migration Falls Two-Thirds to Near Post-Brexit Levels After Tougher Rules
ONS data shows UK net migration down to 204,000 in a year after Conservative and Labour crackdowns, amid fierce political and economic debate.
UK Borrowing Costs Fall After OBR Budget Leak Reveals Bigger Fiscal Buffer and Tax Rises
Accidental early release of the OBR's Budget forecast sent gilt yields lower and sterling higher, while exposing Reeves' plan for big, back-loaded tax rises.
New research shows Brexit has cost UK up to £90bn per year in lost tax revenue, Lib Dems say
Brexit has left the UK with up to £90bn a year less in tax revenue than it would otherwise have, according to new analysis being used by the Liberal Democrats to demand a fundamental rethink of Bri...
Cross-party MPs urge Starmer to restore Electoral Commission independence
Cross-party MPs and peers want Keir Starmer to scrap ministerial powers over the Electoral Commission and restore the elections watchdog's full independence.
Reeves signals fresh welfare shake‑up ahead of crunch Budget after Labour revolt
Chancellor Rachel Reeves readies fresh welfare reforms and possible two‑child cap changes in a tight pre‑Budget balancing act with her own party.
Rachel Reeves will announce a freeze on rail fares in the Budget — the first in three decades
The freeze will cover all regulated fares, including season tickets, peak returns and off-peak returns.
UK Borrowing Overshoots Forecasts, Squeezing Reeves Before Budget
October borrowing hit £17.4bn, above forecasts and the OBR path, tightening Chancellor Rachel Reeves's room to ease policy in next week's budget.
Shabana Mahmood’s bruising Westminster day as she bares her scars and stands firm on asylum shake-up
Under fire from all sides, Shabana Mahmood swore in the Commons as she spoke about racist abuse, defended her asylum crackdown and quietly unveiled new capped safe routes for refugees.
Refugee status to become temporary as Home Secretary plans Danish-style asylum crackdown
Shabana Mahmood will announce sweeping Danish-inspired reforms to the UK’s asylum system, making refugee status temporary, tightening rules on deportations and family reunion, and pushing judges to prioritise public safety, amid record asylum claims and r
Farage’s Path to No 10: What the ‘mega‑poll’ really shows
A major YouGov MRP model puts Reform UK on 311 seats if an election were held now, making Nigel Farage the likeliest PM while Labour and others hunt tactics to stop him.
Keir Starmer vows progressive fightback against decline and division
The prime minister plans a values-driven pushback against far-right politics, confronting Nigel Farage and Reform UK while rallying centre-left allies at home and abroad.
House of Lord Member Lobbied Ministers on Behalf of US Defence Firm Targeted by Palestine Action
A member of the House of Lords lobbied ministers to take action against Palestine Action at the behest of a US defence firm that pays him as an adviser.
Hunger, Cold Homes and Disillusion: How the Cost-of-Living Crisis Is Pushing Union Voters Toward Reform
Trade union leaders warn that worsening cost-of-living pressures, including widespread meal-skipping, are driving some workers away from Labour and toward Nigel Farage’s Reform UK.
Civil society coalition urges UK to cap political donations and ban cryptocurrency funding
Nineteen organisations urge a donations cap, crypto ban, automatic registration and restored Electoral Commission independence ahead of an elections bill.
UK to rejoin EU’s Erasmus+ exchange programme from January 2027, government says
Ministers say the UK will rejoin Erasmus+ for 2027-28, restoring reciprocal exchanges for students and staff after Brexit.
US pauses £31bn UK-US ‘Tech Prosperity Deal’ amid talks over UK tax and rules
US put the UK’s £31bn Tech Prosperity Deal on hold, citing concerns over UK non-tariff barriers including the digital services tax and food rules.
UK plans securities-style crypto regulation by October 2027; ministers float curbs on crypto political donations
UK plans FCA-led, securities-style crypto rules by Oct 2027 and is considering restrictions or a ban on crypto political donations.
Government to expand Clare’s Law and roll out specialist rape teams under new VAWG strategy
Ministers will widen Clare’s Law, add covert online teams and require specialist rape investigators in every force by 2029.
Reform UK’s First Months Running Lancashire Marked by Rows, Symbolic Votes and Care Home Closure Plans
Seven months into leading Lancashire, Reform UK faces internal disputes, budget pressures, symbolic policy moves and a consultation on closing five care homes.
Lawyers Sound Alarm as Palestine Action Hunger Strike Becomes One of the Gravest Prison Crises in Recent UK History
Eight Palestine Action defendants on hunger strike are in rapidly declining health, with several hospitalised. Their lawyers warn they could die without urgent government action, while MPs say ministers are ignoring calls for answers.
Starmer Rules Out EU Customs Union, Citing Threat to UK–US and India Trade Deals
Starmer rejects rejoining an EU customs union, arguing it would unravel post-Brexit trade deals with the US and India and opts for sector-by-sector EU ties.
Unite mulls historic split from Labour as Starmer faces crisis
Unite is weighing formal disaffiliation from Labour, deepening pressure on Keir Starmer amid weak polls, union anger and fears over the party’s direction.
Record £9m Harborne Donation Vaults Farage’s Reform UK to Top of Fundraising League and Fuels Row Over Big Money in Politics
Record £9m from Christopher Harborne propels Nigel Farage’s Reform UK to the top of Britain’s donor league and intensifies calls to cap political donations.
UK in Talks to Rejoin Erasmus+ from 2027 as Post‑Brexit Reset Flagship
UK and EU are negotiating UK association to Erasmus+ from 2027 as part of a wider youth, mobility and standards deal to reset post‑Brexit relations.
Three ex-Tory MPs defect to Reform UK in fresh blow to Badenoch
Jonathan Gullis, Lia Nici and Chris Green join Reform UK, highlighting a growing realignment on the right and deepening Kemi Badenoch’s troubles.
Corbyn’s New ‘Your Party’ Backs Collective Leadership Amid Bitter Internal Row
At its Liverpool launch, Jeremy Corbyn’s Your Party chose collective leadership and dual membership, but early rows over money and control threaten unity.
Corbyn Calls for 'Mass Socialist Party' as New Movement Prepares for Founding Conference in Liverpool
On the eve of Your Party's Liverpool conference, Jeremy Corbyn sets out plans for a grassroots mass socialist party and broad left-wing programme.
Sally Rooney Says UK Terror Ban on Palestine Action Could Take Her Books Off British Shelves
Author says UK terror listing of Palestine Action makes it impossible to take royalties, threatening future publications and free-speech rights.
Ex-classmates challenge Nigel Farage's claim school racism allegations are politically driven
Ex-Dulwich classmates dispute Nigel Farage's claim that racist and antisemitic schoolday allegations are politically motivated attacks.
Explainer: Rachel Reeves Has Delivered Her Budget. Here Is What She Announced And What It Really Means For Britain
Rachel Reeves has now presented her Budget, calling it a serious and responsible plan to rebuild the country. But once the details are unpacked, it becomes clear that this Budget tells a much deeper story. It is a story about who is being asked to fix Bri
The Government is set to confirm a new tourist levy on overnight stays in cities across England later today.
City mayors will be given the power to introduce a charge of roughly £2 per night on
Farage pressed to explain past use of antisemitic tropes and conspiracy narratives
Nigel Farage is facing mounting pressure to account for a long trail of interviews in which he promoted themes closely linked to antisemitic conspiracy theories. The scrutiny follows new allegation...
Rees-Mogg Calls Tory Ouster of Johnson a ‘Catastrophic Mistake’ and Urges Johnson–Farage Alliance to Unite the Right
Jacob Rees-Mogg says ousting Boris Johnson doomed the Tories and urges a Johnson–Farage Tory–Reform pact to unite the right and challenge Labour.
Starmer Backs Tougher Ukraine Peace Plan and Push to Make Russia Pay at G20
At the G20, Starmer backs a strengthened Trump peace plan for Ukraine, tying a ceasefire to tougher sanctions and reparations loans from frozen Russian assets.
Ex‑Reform UK Wales leader Nathan Gill jailed 10½ years for pro‑Russia bribery as MEP
Former Reform UK Wales leader Nathan Gill gets 10½‑year jail term for taking pro‑Russia bribes as an MEP, in a landmark foreign influence case.
Labour asylum crackdown sparks backlash from MPs and scepticism on the right
Labour’s hardline overhaul of the UK asylum system has provoked growing dissent from its own MPs, fierce criticism from campaigners and claims from the right that the plans will never be delivered.
Farage rows back on Reform UK £90bn tax cut plan as local pressures grow
Nigel Farage has recast Reform UK’s £90bn tax-cut pledge as an ambition, floated tweaks to the youth minimum wage and a “Britannia card”, while Reform-run councils grapple with rising costs and likely council tax increases.
How Corbyn and Sultana Turned a Launch into a Left Leaning Liability
A botched membership rollout, public infighting and legal threats have turned a promised left-wing alternative into a cautionary tale about competence and culture.
“Don’t Let Trump’s America Become Farage’s Britain”: Ed Davey Uses Lib Dem Spotlight to Draw a Hard Line
In a combative Bournemouth keynote, the Lib Dem leader cast Nigel Farage as a UK conduit for Trump-style politics, urged tougher online safety, and reaffirmed support for Ukraine.
Average UK family could be £1400 a year poorer by 2030
The analysis shows households with the lowest incomes will see a £900 annual loss, equivalent to a 6% drop in disposable income