UK politics
UK politics

1 hour ago

UK politics

Labour MPs threaten vote to show opposition to Mahmood's migration plans

UK politics

Is government going wobbly on its migration plans?

Starmer plans to ease impact of immigration policy changes after backlash from Labour MPs

The UK government is considering exemptions from stricter immigration rules after internal Labour party pressure, particularly regarding the proposed 10-year waiting period for settled status.

Politics latest: Rayner warns Starmer's immigration reforms are un-British'

Angela Rayner challenges Prime Minister Keir Starmer's immigration reforms as un-British, warning Labour must deliver change urgently or face decline, while Green Party leader Zack Polanski criticizes government economic policies and Middle East instability's impact on British costs.

1 hour ago

Labour MPs threaten vote to show opposition to Mahmood's migration plans

Labour MPs oppose the government's plan to double the waiting period for indefinite leave to remain from five to ten years and threaten to force a parliamentary vote to expose party divisions.

Is government going wobbly on its migration plans?

The government plans to double the time for migrant workers to gain permanent residence from five to ten years, with refugees potentially waiting twenty years, while leaving room for transitional flexibility.

Starmer plans to ease impact of immigration policy changes after backlash from Labour MPs

The UK government is considering exemptions from stricter immigration rules after internal Labour party pressure, particularly regarding the proposed 10-year waiting period for settled status.

Politics latest: Rayner warns Starmer's immigration reforms are un-British'

more#immigration-policy

2 hours ago

Sir John Curtice: Why Labour's Brexit focus has shifted from Leavers to Remainers

Labour government signals shift toward closer EU relationship post-Brexit while maintaining red lines against single market, customs union, and freedom of movement.

2 hours ago

Rightwing narrative fuelling false belief UK public oppose net zero, study finds

Political elites and media narratives create false perception of public backlash against net zero, while majority of British public actually supports climate action and clean energy policies.

#angela-rayner

Rayner's allies say probe into her tax affairs to conclude before local elections'

Angela Rayner's allies expect an HMRC tax probe resolution before May local elections, potentially positioning her to challenge Prime Minister Keir Starmer amid his declining approval ratings.

Angela Rayner's allies say HMRC inquiry set to be resolved before May elections

Angela Rayner's HMRC tax investigation is nearing conclusion, clearing a potential obstacle to her leadership ambitions and enabling her return to frontline Labour politics.

Rayner's allies say probe into her tax affairs to conclude before local elections'

Angela Rayner's allies expect an HMRC tax probe resolution before May local elections, potentially positioning her to challenge Prime Minister Keir Starmer amid his declining approval ratings.

Angela Rayner's allies say HMRC inquiry set to be resolved before May elections

Angela Rayner's HMRC tax investigation is nearing conclusion, clearing a potential obstacle to her leadership ambitions and enabling her return to frontline Labour politics.

more#angela-rayner

13 hours ago

Disloyal' Rayner or weak' Starmer? Readers debate who should lead Labour

The Independent provides free, fact-based journalism across major issues including reproductive rights, climate change, and technology, funded by reader donations to maintain editorial independence without paywalls.

Sadiq Khan calls on Labour to pledge to rejoin the EU at next election

London Mayor Sadiq Khan calls for Labour to pledge UK rejoining the European Union at the next general election, citing Brexit's economic, social, and cultural damage.

Khan says Labour should rejoin EU customs union and single market this parliament UK politics live

Sadiq Khan advocates for Labour to commit to EU rejoining in its next manifesto and join the customs union and single market during the current parliament, marking a significant shift from the party's current cautious stance on Brexit reversal.

King still set to visit US' despite tensions between Starmer and Trump over Iran

King Charles is expected to visit the US next month despite diplomatic tensions between UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and President Donald Trump over Iran policy.

Government gives update on Pip review as claimants reach record high

Britain's Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is undergoing a government review chaired by disability minister Sir Stephen Timms, with findings expected by autumn and disabled people invited to share their views on the benefit's future.

10 hours ago

Reform MP condemned for making tartan burqa' joke at Scottish election launch

Reform UK MP Sarah Pochin faced criticism for making a joke about wearing a tartan burqa during the party's Scottish election campaign launch, contradicting her previous calls for burqa bans.

4 hours ago

Starmer acknowledges pressure on families' as costs rise amid Iran war

The UK government is implementing measures to address rising household costs amid Middle East conflict-driven energy price increases and economic pressures on families.

8 hours ago

Ministers are trying to bury the consequences of UK aid cuts

The UK Labour government cut 40% from international development budget, withdrawing from pandemic prevention and polio eradication initiatives despite global health risks.

Sadiq Khan says Labour should pledge to rejoin EU

Sir Sadiq Khan calls for Labour to promise EU rejoin in next election, citing Brexit damage, while Downing Street maintains opposition to customs union and single market membership.

15 hours ago

Starmer urged to tackle human rights abuses with Nigerian president on state visit

A senior Labour MP opposes Nigeria's president's state visit, urging the UK government to address human rights concerns and democratic backsliding in Nigeria.

12 hours ago

UK slashes aid to poorest nations in moral catastrophe' of 40% savings

The UK government is cutting aid spending by 40 percent, with African bilateral support dropping 56 percent and HIV funding left unprotected despite disease control concerns.

5 hours ago

London's bus workers and Tube drivers could strike on the same day

London faces potential widespread travel disruption as bus and Tube workers may strike simultaneously in April, May, and June over working hours and roster disputes.

6 hours ago

Iran oil attacks trigger 35% gas price spike and fears of interest rate rises

Britain increases defensive support for Gulf states following Iran's missile attacks on regional energy infrastructure, raising concerns about inflation and interest rates across Europe.

15 hours ago

Cypriot president demands talks with UK over future of military bases on island

Cyprus's president plans to discuss the future of UK military bases in Cyprus with the British government, citing colonial legacy and security concerns from Middle East escalation.

Reform vows to cut Scottish income tax below UK rate

Reform UK pledges to cut Scottish income tax below English rates and align the tax system with the rest of the UK while reforming the NHS and revitalizing North Sea oil and gas.

12 hours ago

US aid deals with religious element risk fanning flames of division'

Nigeria's government minister warns that foreign aid arrangements with religious focus risk increasing division and conflict.

Ban corporate donations to UK political parties to protect elections, says thinktank

A thinktank warns that proposed UK election funding reforms inadequately address foreign interference through corporate donations and recommends banning corporate donations outright.

8 hours ago

The Guardian view on Labour, liberals and the left: they agree on the problem, but not the solution | Editorial

Government interventions in steel reveal systemic economic failure; political debate now centers on identifying root causes rather than acknowledging problems exist.

Sarah Ferguson could be stripped of Freedom of York honour in a matter of days

The City of York Council will debate revoking Sarah Ferguson's Freedom of the City status on March 26, following her ex-husband's similar removal in 2022.

19 hours ago

UK to cut climate aid to developing countries by 14% to 2bn a year in refocus'

UK climate aid to developing countries will be cut by 14% to approximately 2 billion annually, with overall aid budget reduced to 0.3% of gross national income due to Treasury pressure and defense spending needs.

7 hours ago

Nigel Farage condemned over call to ban public prayer for Muslims in the UK

Nigel Farage called for banning public Muslim prayer in the UK, prompting widespread condemnation from Muslim leaders and politicians who characterized the stance as bigoted discrimination.

10 hours ago

Badenoch backs Nick Timothy after he calls Islamic public prayers act of domination'

Kemi Badenoch supports criticism of Islamic public prayers as incompatible with British culture and norms, citing concerns about gender segregation and religious expression in shared spaces.

13 hours ago

Tories only party with a plan, says Badenoch as she launches election campaign

Kemi Badenoch launched the Conservative local election campaign, claiming her party is the only one with a plan to fix Britain through welfare cuts, reduced business rates, and 10,000 new police officers.

Nigel Farage criticised for calling Welsh people 'foreign speakers'

Nigel Farage faced criticism from Welsh political parties for describing Welsh people as 'foreign speakers' in a paid Cameo video message ahead of Wales' Senedd election.

Famed for authenticity, Farage's Cameo scandal reveals him for what he is: a performer | Gaby Hinsliff

Nigel Farage accepted paid video requests on Cameo from white supremacists, convicted rioters, and others requesting misogynistic content, raising questions about his judgment or genuine beliefs.

14 hours ago

Farage called Welsh people foreign speakers' in paid-for video message

Nigel Farage made controversial remarks describing Welsh people as foreign speakers in a paid Cameo video, potentially damaging Reform UK's Welsh election campaign.

11 hours ago

Nigel Farage stops accepting Cameo requests after revelations about his use of platform

Nigel Farage stopped using Cameo after a Guardian investigation revealed he recorded controversial paid videos supporting rioters, repeating extremist slogans, endorsing neo-Nazi events, and making misogynistic remarks.

What Nigel Farage will say for money podcast

Nigel Farage earned at least £374,893 through Cameo videos containing endorsements of neo-Nazi events, extremist slogans, antisemitic conspiracy theories, and misogynistic remarks.

8 hours ago

Nigel Farage criticised for calling Welsh people 'foreign speakers'

Nigel Farage faced criticism from Welsh political parties for describing Welsh people as 'foreign speakers' in a paid Cameo video message ahead of Wales' Senedd election.

Famed for authenticity, Farage's Cameo scandal reveals him for what he is: a performer | Gaby Hinsliff

Nigel Farage accepted paid video requests on Cameo from white supremacists, convicted rioters, and others requesting misogynistic content, raising questions about his judgment or genuine beliefs.

14 hours ago

Farage called Welsh people foreign speakers' in paid-for video message

Nigel Farage made controversial remarks describing Welsh people as foreign speakers in a paid Cameo video, potentially damaging Reform UK's Welsh election campaign.

11 hours ago

Nigel Farage stops accepting Cameo requests after revelations about his use of platform

What Nigel Farage will say for money podcast

Nigel Farage earned at least £374,893 through Cameo videos containing endorsements of neo-Nazi events, extremist slogans, antisemitic conspiracy theories, and misogynistic remarks.

UK sets target to boost steel making and cut imports

The UK government raised its domestic steel production target to 50% and introduced a 50% tariff on imported steel above reduced quota levels, effective July.

16 hours ago

Police investigating bailout email from Mandelson to Epstein

Police investigate Lord Mandelson for allegedly sharing confidential EU bailout information with Jeffrey Epstein in 2010, with the Met chief confirming the inquiry into potential misconduct in public office.

Faisal Islam: Iran war is having a dramatic effect on the UK economy

Missile attacks on Iranian oil fields trigger global economic shockwaves affecting UK mortgage markets and inflation despite no direct Iranian gas exports to Britain.

fromBusiness Matters

6 hours ago

Farmers launch High Court challenge over inheritance tax reforms amid consultation row

Farmers and business owners are challenging the government's inheritance tax reforms through judicial review, claiming ministers unlawfully failed to properly consult on changes affecting Agricultural Property Relief and Business Property Relief.

House of Lords backs bid to decriminalise abortion

House of Lords peers voted to support decriminalizing abortion despite opposition from the Archbishop of Canterbury and Conservative peers who argued the change lacked proper scrutiny and could have serious consequences.

11 hours ago

UK reveals aid priorities after major cuts to budget

Britain's reduced overseas aid budget will prioritize crisis and conflict areas, with full protection for Ukraine, Palestine, Lebanon, and Sudan, while countries like Mozambique and Pakistan face significant grant cuts.

fromBusiness Matters

14 hours ago

UK sets 50% domestic steel target as tariffs ramp up on imports

Under the plans, import quotas will be reduced by 60 per cent from July, with any steel brought into the UK above those limits facing a punitive 50 per cent tariff. The move represents one of the most assertive steps taken by ministers in recent years to bolster domestic manufacturing capacity amid intensifying global competition.

UK politics

fromIrish Independent

7 hours ago

Gerry Adams attended British High Court 'to assert the legitimacy of the republican cause'

Gerry Adams denies involvement in three IRA bombings and contests a legal claim by victims seeking damages, arguing the case was brought too late.

Met Police chief seeks unrestricted access to Epstein files amid ongoing Andrew probe - London Business News | Londonlovesbusiness.com

UK law enforcement is seeking full, unredacted access to Jeffrey Epstein's files from US authorities to investigate alleged sexual misconduct involving British figures.

fromReadWrite

15 hours ago

Gibraltar gambling bill advances regulatory overhaul

Gibraltar introduced a new gambling bill to replace its 2005 framework with modernized licensing, regulation, and oversight structures including a Gambling Commissioner and expanded regulatory scope.

23 hours ago

Charlotte Nichols MP on her rape trial ordeal podcast

MP Charlotte Nichols publicly disclosed her sexual assault complaint, revealing a 1,088-day wait for trial and subsequent acquittal, highlighting systemic delays in rape cases.

19 hours ago

Ellwood criticises Starmer's approach to Iran war - London Business News | Londonlovesbusiness.com

Britain should pursue independent foreign policy based on national interests rather than automatically following US military directives in Middle East tensions.

fromTheregister

GOV.UK chatbot gets smarter but slower as LLMs improve

UK government's GOV.UK Chat chatbot improved accuracy from 76% to 90% using more powerful LLMs, but response times of 10.7 seconds exceed user expectations, requiring optimization strategies.

Kemi Badenoch channels her fantasies as she launches the Tories' local election campaign | John Crace

The Conservative Party launched a local election campaign with enthusiasm despite facing predicted electoral defeat, creating a surreal disconnect between their optimistic messaging and poor polling numbers.

12 hours ago

Highland Council workers won't get World Cup bank holiday

Highland Council and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar rejected giving workers an extra bank holiday on June 15 for Scotland's World Cup match, citing service disruption and financial costs exceeding £120,000.

Starmer facing fresh Labour backlash over international aid cuts

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces Labour backlash over confirmed cuts to overseas development aid from 0.5% to 0.3% of GDP by 2027, with reductions beginning in 2025/26.

Starmer refuses to back Mahmood's immigration reforms after Rayner criticism

Downing Street refuses to commit to immigration reforms after Deputy PM Angela Rayner criticizes the proposals as a breach of trust, challenging Sir Keir Starmer's authority.

#labour-party-leadership

Rayner's attempt to distance herself from Starmer opens the door for a leadership run

Angela Rayner publicly criticized the Labour government for losing connection with working people, signaling her potential challenge to Keir Starmer's leadership amid declining party fortunes.

Burnham says Labour should listen to Angela Rayner after she warns party running out of time' to deliver change UK politics live

Angela Rayner implicitly calls for new Labour leadership, signaling dissatisfaction with Keir Starmer's unpopularity among voters and the party's electoral prospects.

Angela Rayner's explosive speech reignites leadership speculation

Angela Rayner delivered a scathing critique of Sir Keir Starmer's Labour leadership, warning the party is 'running out of time' and has lost connection with working people.

UK politics

Andy Burnham says government would do well to listen' to Angela Rayner

Angela Rayner warns Labour's survival is at stake and criticizes Keir Starmer's government direction, with Andy Burnham publicly backing her criticism as the party faces declining support and potential local election losses.

UK politics

Angela Rayner Emerges as Favourite to Succeed Starmer - London Business News | Londonlovesbusiness.com

Angela Rayner has become the leading candidate to succeed Keir Starmer as Prime Minister, with 67% of recent bets backing her at 9/4 odds, following her public criticism of Labour's disconnect from working people.

Rayner's attempt to distance herself from Starmer opens the door for a leadership run

Angela Rayner publicly criticized the Labour government for losing connection with working people, signaling her potential challenge to Keir Starmer's leadership amid declining party fortunes.

Burnham says Labour should listen to Angela Rayner after she warns party running out of time' to deliver change UK politics live

Angela Rayner implicitly calls for new Labour leadership, signaling dissatisfaction with Keir Starmer's unpopularity among voters and the party's electoral prospects.

Angela Rayner's explosive speech reignites leadership speculation

Angela Rayner delivered a scathing critique of Sir Keir Starmer's Labour leadership, warning the party is 'running out of time' and has lost connection with working people.

Andy Burnham says government would do well to listen' to Angela Rayner

more#labour-party-leadership

Angela Rayner Emerges as Favourite to Succeed Starmer - London Business News | Londonlovesbusiness.com

Brewery giant to sell 150 pubs and close another 20 under major plans

Greene King plans to sell up to 150 managed pubs and convert 150 others into tenanted pubs, restructuring its estate amid rising costs and challenging trading conditions.

2 days ago

Thousands of Afghans still in limbo over UK resettlement five years on

Nearly 30,000 Afghans await UK resettlement decisions five years after Kabul's fall, with urgent intervention needed to meet the March 2029 deadline.

Labour failure to end Rwanda migrant deal leaves UK with 100m bill, court hears

Labour's delayed exit from the Rwanda asylum deal until December 2025 has left UK taxpayers liable for a £100 million bill, with Rwanda seeking additional compensation through international arbitration.

Tories to force vote on fuel duty freeze and reforming broken' student loans

The Conservative Party will force a vote on Wednesday to oppose the government's planned fuel duty increase and reform student loan interest charges amid economic pressures.

Rayner warns immigration reforms risk being 'un-British'

Angela Rayner criticizes government proposals to extend migrant settlement timelines from 5 to 10 years as un-British and a breach of trust, while Home Secretary Mahmood defends reforms as necessary to protect public finances.

Two 24-hour Tube strikes next week called off

London Underground drivers' planned 24-hour strikes next week were cancelled following progress in negotiations over working hours, though April and May walkouts remain scheduled.

UK rules on installing wind turbines eased amid global energy crisis

UK government proposes allowing businesses, schools, and farms to install small wind turbines up to 30 metres tall without planning permission to reduce energy costs and increase clean energy capacity.

Britain to buy more missiles for its forces in Middle East amid Iran attacks

Britain will purchase additional laser-guided Martlet missiles for Middle East forces to counter Iranian drone threats and support Gulf state allies.

Labour promised change for Britain. We are running out of time to deliver it | Angela Rayner

Labour must boldly challenge vested interests and rigged systems to represent working people, delivering transformative change rather than defending the status quo.

The Guardian view on Rachel Reeves and the EU: the right ambition is held back by outdated red lines | Editorial

Chancellor Rachel Reeves advocates 'securonomics'—activist government intervention partnering with the private sector to address public anxiety, reduce regional inequality, and boost growth through devolved economic power and potential EU market realignment.

2 days ago

MSPs hail victory for vulnerable' after assisted dying bill rejected in Scotland

Scotland's Parliament rejected legislation that would have legalized assisted dying for terminally ill patients, voting 69 against to 57 in favor.

Fly-tippers could be forced to clear their own rubbish under new crackdown

The UK government proposes forcing fly-tippers to clean up illegally dumped waste and allowing councils to seize offender funds for cleanup operations as fly-tipping increases 9% annually.

Starmer unlikely to allocate more time for assisted dying bill, ministers believe

Keir Starmer is unlikely to allocate government time for the assisted dying bill in the next parliamentary session due to concerns about reopening divisions within Labour, despite personal support for the measure.

Rayner warns Starmer Labour is 'running out of time' - London Business News | Londonlovesbusiness.com

Angela Rayner warns Labour is running out of time to demonstrate visible change and reconnect with working people or face electoral backlash.

PM urges Badenoch to sack shadow minister over Muslim comments

Nick Timothy's criticism of public Muslim prayers at Trafalgar Square sparked calls for his dismissal, with Sir Keir Starmer accusing the Conservative Party of having a problem with Muslims while Kemi Badenoch defended Timothy as defending British values.

2 days ago

Basics' of life in Britain have been sold for profit, says Polanski

UK privatization of essential services has created an economy where basic necessities are rented back to people at unsustainable costs, leaving households vulnerable to economic shocks.

BBC World Service to get extra 11m a year in deal ending funding uncertainty

The BBC World Service receives an additional £11 million annually for three years to combat global disinformation, though the increase will barely outpace inflation over the settlement period.

Badenoch blasts 'weak' Starmer as Rayner sparks leadership talk - London Business News | Londonlovesbusiness.com

Kemi Badenoch attacked Sir Keir Starmer as weak in Parliament, while Angela Rayner's criticism of Labour's direction sparked speculation about a potential leadership challenge.

Energy bills: UK government urged to launch social tariff' to help vulnerable households

The UK government should implement a £3.7bn social tariff providing discounted energy bills for poor households, offering targeted support rather than universal subsidies.

As Trump shows lack of direction on Iran, even Badenoch distances herself

Kemi Badenoch's stated position on Iran and US-Israeli attacks shifted as public opinion changed, though she denies altering her stance on UK involvement versus support for allies.

GB News faces complaints after commentator claims genocide' against white people in UK

GB News commentator Thomas Corbett-Dillon faced backlash and Ofcom complaints for suggesting a genocide against white people in England and warning of potential immigrant violence.

PM swerves questions on whether he spoke to Mandelson over Epstein friendship

Sir Keir Starmer avoided confirming whether he discussed Peter Mandelson's Epstein relationship before appointing him US ambassador, despite repeated questioning and documented warnings of reputational risk.

Starmer claims Tory party has problem with Muslims' in PMQs address

Keir Starmer accused the Conservative Party of having a problem with Muslims after shadow justice secretary Nick Timothy criticized public Muslim prayer in Trafalgar Square as an act of domination.

Greens push for billions to be spent on energy support if bills rise

The Green Party leader calls for the government to set aside billions of pounds to support households against potential energy bill rises from Middle East conflict, funded through capital gains tax increases and energy firm profit taxes.

Zack Polanski says Greens would ditch GDP targets and focus on wellbeing instead

A Green party government would prioritize mental health, social cohesion, and community welfare over GDP growth targets, arguing that economic growth metrics can incentivize perverse outcomes.

fromianVisits

Could London eventually approve its own transport projects without Whitehall delays?

The Mayor of London could gain power to approve major transport upgrades without central government approval, potentially reducing project delays caused by lengthy Transport and Works Order processes.

Lee Anderson filmed paid-for Cameo videos at parliament in possible rules breach

Reform UK MP Lee Anderson used his parliamentary office to record paid Cameo videos, potentially breaching Westminster commercial use rules after a previous warning about promotional filming.

Revealed: a crypto billionaire's political base hosting anti-woke' and rightwing activists in Westminster

A Trump-pardoned British billionaire convicted of cryptocurrency money-laundering violations funds a Westminster political base supporting anti-woke and rightwing activists and organizations.

In a dangerous world, Britain needs its diplomats more than ever this is no time to axe them | John Kampfner

British diplomacy faces unprecedented challenges from Brexit, Trump's policies, and the absence of a coherent strategy for Britain's global role, undermining traditional sources of influence.

Polanski positions Greens' economic policy as radical alternative to Reeves

The UK has shifted from an economy that makes useful things, he said, via Thatcher's privatisations and deindustrialisation and 14 years of Tory austerity, to an economy where people who already have assets, get even richer. It was noticeably more pessimistic than Reeves's promise on Tuesday of growth led by AI, a Northern renaissance, and a closer relationship with the EU.

UK politics