UK politics
UK politics

UK politics

Watchdog weighs investigation into Farage's undisclosed 5m donation

1 hour ago

There is a good deal of fear': what would a Labour leadership challenge mean for bond markets?

Local elections in the UK could impact government debt markets due to potential leadership challenges and fiscal policy changes.

Watchdog weighs investigation into Farage's undisclosed 5m donation

The UK elections watchdog is considering an investigation into a £5m donation received by Nigel Farage from crypto billionaire Christopher Harborne.

Last orders: two pubs a day shut as Labour's tax raid bites

Britain's pub closures are accelerating, with nearly two locals shutting down daily due to financial pressures and government policies.

fromBusiness Matters

17 minutes ago

HMRC loses landmark 584,000 tax battle as referees ruled self-employed

HMRC lost a tribunal ruling, confirming 60 football referees are self-employed, denying the tax authority £584,000 in owed employment taxes.

39 minutes ago

Council investigates as postal vote problems leave ballots undelivered

Cardiff Council is investigating postal voting delays affecting residents ahead of the Senedd election.

1 hour ago

Win or lose? Parties share their predictions for London's elections

Local elections in London may lead to significant political shifts, with predictions of gains for Liberal Democrats, Greens, and Reform UK.

#liberal-democrats

UK politics

Vote Lib Dem or regret it' living under a Reform council, Davey tells voters

UK politics

Could Lib Dems become the biggest party in English local government?

Vote Lib Dem or regret it' living under a Reform council, Davey tells voters

Voters must support the Liberal Democrats to prevent a Reform-led council in key areas, according to Ed Davey.

Could Lib Dems become the biggest party in English local government?

Liberal Democrats may emerge as the largest party in English local government despite being fifth in national polls.

more#liberal-democrats

Reversing Thatcher's failed legacy of privatisation can be a Labour vote-winner. If you see Keir, tell him | Julian Coman

The 1987 Tell Sid ad campaign symbolized a shift towards individual aspiration and consumption in Britain under Thatcher's government.

Starmer to host Downing Street summit to address antisemitism

A summit will address antisemitism in society, emphasizing a coordinated approach across various sectors to eradicate it.

10 hours ago

A test of our values': Starmer to call for whole-society response to rising antisemitism

Keir Starmer calls for a collective societal response to rising antisemitism, emphasizing action over mere condemnation.

6 hours ago

Starmer to host Downing Street summit to address antisemitism

A summit will address antisemitism in society, emphasizing a coordinated approach across various sectors to eradicate it.

10 hours ago

A test of our values': Starmer to call for whole-society response to rising antisemitism

Keir Starmer calls for a collective societal response to rising antisemitism, emphasizing action over mere condemnation.

more#antisemitism

3 hours ago

Next Scottish government faces really difficult' spending choices, economists say

The next Scottish government must address a significant budget shortfall and make tough spending decisions immediately after taking power.

Jaguar Land Rover could have shifted production from UK without 380m battery subsidy, officials warned

Without the £380m subsidy, Agratas could locate its European factory in Spain, leading to JLR moving production from Britain due to cost advantages in electric car manufacturing.

UK politics

3 hours ago

'There's a bit of a buzz about being older': Liz McManus on ageing, life after politics and why she thinks Trump is a monster

Ireland is a favorable place for aging, according to Liz McManus.

#journalism

Starmer will be forced out it's just a matter of when and how, top pollster warns

The Independent provides critical journalism on key issues without paywalls, relying on donations to support its reporting efforts.

Reform plan for migrant detention centres in Green-voting areas branded grotesque'

The Independent provides critical journalism on key issues without paywalls, relying on donations to support its reporting.

Polanski accuses police chief of interfering in elections as he reignites arrest row

The Independent provides critical journalism on key issues without paywalls, relying on donations to support their reporting efforts.

Pro-Palestine protest organisers slam Met chief over synagogue march route claims

The Independent provides critical journalism on various issues without paywalls, relying on donations to support their reporting efforts.

Tom Kerridge: I don't know why anyone would open a pub or restaurant any more

The Independent emphasizes the importance of accessible journalism and highlights the challenges faced by the hospitality industry due to rising costs and business rates.

Ministers try to save summer holidays by paving way for more flight cancellations

The Independent provides critical journalism on various issues, emphasizing the importance of accessible reporting without paywalls.

Starmer will be forced out it's just a matter of when and how, top pollster warns

The Independent provides critical journalism on key issues without paywalls, relying on donations to support its reporting efforts.

Reform plan for migrant detention centres in Green-voting areas branded grotesque'

The Independent provides critical journalism on key issues without paywalls, relying on donations to support its reporting.

Polanski accuses police chief of interfering in elections as he reignites arrest row

The Independent provides critical journalism on key issues without paywalls, relying on donations to support their reporting efforts.

Pro-Palestine protest organisers slam Met chief over synagogue march route claims

The Independent provides critical journalism on various issues without paywalls, relying on donations to support their reporting efforts.

Tom Kerridge: I don't know why anyone would open a pub or restaurant any more

The Independent emphasizes the importance of accessible journalism and highlights the challenges faced by the hospitality industry due to rising costs and business rates.

Ministers try to save summer holidays by paving way for more flight cancellations

The Independent provides critical journalism on various issues, emphasizing the importance of accessible reporting without paywalls.

more#journalism

#reproductive-rights

20 hours ago

Starmer accused of unpicking Brexit' as UK faces paying EU 1bn a year after reset'

The Independent emphasizes the importance of accessible journalism and the need for financial support to continue reporting on critical issues.

Labour facing battle on both fronts in the city where it was born

The Independent provides accessible journalism on critical issues like reproductive rights and climate change, emphasizing the importance of on-the-ground reporting.

Row over Starmer's call to ban some pro-Palestine protests

The Independent covers critical issues like reproductive rights and climate change while advocating for accessible journalism without paywalls.

Keir Starmer accused of losing control of his party after failing to suspend rebels

The Independent focuses on critical issues like reproductive rights and climate change while emphasizing the importance of accessible journalism.

Farage referred to watchdog over 5m gift' from Thai-based crypto billionaire

The Independent provides critical journalism on key issues without paywalls, relying on donations to support their reporting efforts.

20 hours ago

Starmer accused of unpicking Brexit' as UK faces paying EU 1bn a year after reset'

The Independent emphasizes the importance of accessible journalism and the need for financial support to continue reporting on critical issues.

Labour facing battle on both fronts in the city where it was born

The Independent provides accessible journalism on critical issues like reproductive rights and climate change, emphasizing the importance of on-the-ground reporting.

Row over Starmer's call to ban some pro-Palestine protests

The Independent covers critical issues like reproductive rights and climate change while advocating for accessible journalism without paywalls.

Keir Starmer accused of losing control of his party after failing to suspend rebels

The Independent focuses on critical issues like reproductive rights and climate change while emphasizing the importance of accessible journalism.

Farage referred to watchdog over 5m gift' from Thai-based crypto billionaire

The Independent provides critical journalism on key issues without paywalls, relying on donations to support their reporting efforts.

more#reproductive-rights

#labour-party

Labour MPs say endless drama' of leadership speculation must stop

Labour MPs urge an end to leadership speculation, emphasizing the need for a functioning government amid concerns over upcoming elections.

12 hours ago

Cabinet ministers warn mutinous MPs about trying to oust Keir Starmer

Cabinet ministers warn against attempts to oust Keir Starmer, fearing chaos for the Labour Party after potentially disastrous election results.

Lucy Powell says Labour has no magic bullet' as MPs brace for heavy losses in local elections

No single solution exists for Labour's challenges; addressing major issues requires a comprehensive approach.

Winners, losers and a PM on the brink - what to expect in next week's elections

Labour MPs are contemplating a challenge against Prime Minister Starmer, who remains defiant and focused on leadership amid political uncertainty.

Why Labour's London squeeze exposes a fragmented modern British politics

Labour faces potential significant losses in London council elections, threatening its core support and leadership stability.

Chaos within Labour has paused for now, but after the May elections the leadership contest begins in earnest | Morgan Jones

Labour MPs prioritized election support over internal conflict, indicating potential discontent with Starmer's leadership despite a unified front.

Labour MPs say endless drama' of leadership speculation must stop

Labour MPs urge an end to leadership speculation, emphasizing the need for a functioning government amid concerns over upcoming elections.

12 hours ago

Cabinet ministers warn mutinous MPs about trying to oust Keir Starmer

Cabinet ministers warn against attempts to oust Keir Starmer, fearing chaos for the Labour Party after potentially disastrous election results.

Lucy Powell says Labour has no magic bullet' as MPs brace for heavy losses in local elections

No single solution exists for Labour's challenges; addressing major issues requires a comprehensive approach.

Winners, losers and a PM on the brink - what to expect in next week's elections

Labour MPs are contemplating a challenge against Prime Minister Starmer, who remains defiant and focused on leadership amid political uncertainty.

Why Labour's London squeeze exposes a fragmented modern British politics

Labour faces potential significant losses in London council elections, threatening its core support and leadership stability.

Chaos within Labour has paused for now, but after the May elections the leadership contest begins in earnest | Morgan Jones

Labour MPs prioritized election support over internal conflict, indicating potential discontent with Starmer's leadership despite a unified front.

more#labour-party

Reform government could cause Truss-style chaos, says renewables industry

A Reform UK government could cause significant economic chaos by removing subsidies for renewable energy projects, undermining investor confidence.

AI platforms reference Nigel Farage more than other leaders when prompted on UK politics, study shows

AI platforms reference Nigel Farage more than other UK leaders, indicating significant visibility for Reform UK in political discussions.

22 hours ago

Reform's toxic thinking has infected Scottish politics this week's Holyrood elections will tell us how badly | Jasmeen Kanwal

Immigration is crucial for Scotland's economy and social security, yet political narratives threaten its positive perception and necessity.

fromElectronic Frontier Foundation

13 hours ago

EFF Submission to UK Consultation on Digital ID

The UK plans a digital ID scheme, raising concerns about privacy, security, and state power over individuals.

Reform pledges to open migrant detention centres in Green-voting areas

Reform UK plans to open migrant detention centres in Green Party areas, citing their support for open borders as justification.

US Senator mocks Starmer saying his popularity ranks 'up there with gonorrhoea' - London Business News | Londonlovesbusiness.com

Senator John Kennedy criticized UK defense spending, suggesting serious investment won't occur until 2030, while mocking Sir Keir Starmer's popularity.

Chris Mason: Elections this week a smorgasbord of competitiveness

Elections in Britain will significantly influence political leadership and spending of taxpayer money.

#local-elections

More unbridled nastiness from Reform but would it really create migrant detention centres in Green-voting areas? | Zoe Williams

Local elections are influenced by austerity, inadequate funding, and party promises, leading to a focus on popularity rather than meaningful change.

Labour is facing wipeout in its final stronghold. Why? It's housing, housing, housing | Aditya Chakrabortty

Local elections next Thursday may signal a significant decline for Labour, particularly in London, where support is eroding rapidly.

More unbridled nastiness from Reform but would it really create migrant detention centres in Green-voting areas? | Zoe Williams

Local elections are influenced by austerity, inadequate funding, and party promises, leading to a focus on popularity rather than meaningful change.

Labour is facing wipeout in its final stronghold. Why? It's housing, housing, housing | Aditya Chakrabortty

Local elections next Thursday may signal a significant decline for Labour, particularly in London, where support is eroding rapidly.

Potholes fuel voter frustration before elections - so what can be done?

Potholes are a major concern for voters in local elections, impacting vehicle safety and community perception.

20 hours ago

Saplings in prisons and bogs on military ranges: Labour's plans for nature-friendly state land

Government plans include tree nurseries in prisons and habitat restoration on military land to enhance nature and support wildlife.

fromwww.standard.co.uk

South London Greens 'mistakenly' endorse candidate suspended over antisemitism allegations

A candidate in Croydon remains on the ballot as a Green Party member despite suspension over controversial social media posts.

#green-party

Voting Green will stop Reform': party eyes kingmaker role in Wales

Green party supporters in Cardiff are energized ahead of crucial Senedd elections, with potential for coalition influence in Welsh politics.

Polanski takes combative approach as Greens enter media spotlight

Smaller parties in the UK, like the Green party, face intense media scrutiny and controversy as they gain popularity, often leading to negative portrayals.

Tension and dissent: inside the Green party's antisemitism struggle

Elise Benjamin calls for a review of the Green Party's complaints process amid rising antisemitism concerns as elections approach.

Greens pledge 15 minimum wage for all workers

The Green Party of England and Wales proposes a £15 minimum wage for all workers and stronger employment rights protections.

Voting Green will stop Reform': party eyes kingmaker role in Wales

Green party supporters in Cardiff are energized ahead of crucial Senedd elections, with potential for coalition influence in Welsh politics.

Polanski takes combative approach as Greens enter media spotlight

Smaller parties in the UK, like the Green party, face intense media scrutiny and controversy as they gain popularity, often leading to negative portrayals.

Tension and dissent: inside the Green party's antisemitism struggle

Elise Benjamin calls for a review of the Green Party's complaints process amid rising antisemitism concerns as elections approach.

Greens pledge 15 minimum wage for all workers

The Green Party of England and Wales proposes a £15 minimum wage for all workers and stronger employment rights protections.

more#green-party

Former general warns UK military 'cannot afford' modern battlefield systems - London Business News | Londonlovesbusiness.com

Britain's armed forces face severe financial constraints, limiting their ability to prepare for future warfare and invest in new technologies until 2030.

Nigerian refinery accused of sacking union members is key to UK plan to tackle jet fuel shortage

The main refinery on the west coast of Africa exporting fuel to the UK for commercial flights is Dangote in Lagos, which started producing aviation fuel in January 2024.

UK politics

Will an M4 relief road ever be given the green light?

The M4 relief road issue is contentious, with political parties divided on its necessity and environmental impact amid ongoing congestion.

#reform-uk

Reform UK council backs release of beavers amid party row over rewilding

Reform UK council supports beaver release to combat flooding despite internal opposition to rewilding efforts.

Dig Deep! Reform frontbench promotes JCBs after 200,000 donation from firm

Reform UK promotes JCB's pothole-fixing machine after receiving a £200,000 donation from the company.

Reform UK council backs release of beavers amid party row over rewilding

Reform UK council supports beaver release to combat flooding despite internal opposition to rewilding efforts.

Dig Deep! Reform frontbench promotes JCBs after 200,000 donation from firm

Reform UK promotes JCB's pothole-fixing machine after receiving a £200,000 donation from the company.

Bank of England is gold standard for tech projects, says PAC

The Bank of England's RTGS system is a successful example of public sector digital transformation worth emulating.

Polanski not fit to lead a party' after Golders Green tweet, says minister UK politics live

Heidi Alexander stated that Zack Polanski's retweeting of a post suggesting police used excessive force was disgusting and absolutely abhorrent, indicating he is unfit to lead a political party.

UK politics

fromIrish Independent

'Win, lose or draw the by-election, I'll be running in the general election' - Gerry Hutch focuses on Dail seat; and Dublin-Central candidates compete in TV debate

Mr. Hutch is running for the vacant Dáil seat in Dublin-Central after Paschal Donohoe's departure from politics.

Key Starmer adviser held 16 undisclosed meetings with top US tech bosses

Varun Chandra discussed regulatory changes, AI and Donald Trump's second administration with tech corporations during confidential meetings between October 2024 and October 2025.

UK politics

The big issues and key flashpoints from Scotland's election campaign

John Swinney seeks his first electoral victory as SNP leader amid challenges and a potential fifth consecutive term for the party.

Chris Mason: PM seeks to draw contrast with critics within his party and beyond

The Prime Minister emphasizes the need for a tolerant and diverse Britain amidst rising political and social tensions.

UK politics

Healy-Rae feud blends bloodlines with battle lines in Dail succession bid

UK should not keep changing prime ministers, warns John Major

Frequent changes in prime ministers hinder effective governance and delay addressing critical issues for future generations.

Chris Mason: PM seeks to draw contrast with critics within his party and beyond

The Prime Minister emphasizes the need for a tolerant and diverse Britain amidst rising political and social tensions.

UK politics

Healy-Rae feud blends bloodlines with battle lines in Dail succession bid

UK should not keep changing prime ministers, warns John Major

Frequent changes in prime ministers hinder effective governance and delay addressing critical issues for future generations.

Stop families who choose not to work getting unlimited benefits, Tories say

The Conservatives plan to reform the household benefit cap, limiting exemptions and aiming for annual savings of at least £1 billion.

Some pro-Palestinian protests could be banned amid attacks on British Jews

Pro-Palestinian demonstrations may face restrictions due to rising threats against the Jewish community in the UK.

People can see it but can't use it': mystery of completed East-West Rail line that has no passenger trains

Freight trains operate on the East West Rail, but promised passenger services remain delayed with no clear opening date.

Protests may need to be stopped in some cases, PM suggests

The Prime Minister suggests banning some protests due to concerns over their impact on the Jewish community.

fromBusiness Matters

On May Day, spare a thought for the workers who took the risk and built the bloody company

Self-employed individuals, like small business owners, deserve recognition as workers despite lacking traditional employment benefits and protections.

#kemi-badenoch

Badenoch apologises after Bloody Sunday footage used in post defending UK veterans

Kemi Badenoch apologized for using Bloody Sunday footage in social media posts criticizing a bill on legacy issues in Northern Ireland.

Kemi Badenoch apologises after Bloody Sunday footage used in video

Kemi Badenoch apologized for posting a video featuring Bloody Sunday footage in error, acknowledging it was inappropriate and removed promptly.

Kemi Badenoch use of Bloody Sunday footage 'disgusting', says MP

Kemi Badenoch faced backlash for a video using Bloody Sunday footage to oppose Legacy Act reforms.

Badenoch apologises after Bloody Sunday footage used in post defending UK veterans

Kemi Badenoch apologized for using Bloody Sunday footage in social media posts criticizing a bill on legacy issues in Northern Ireland.

Kemi Badenoch apologises after Bloody Sunday footage used in video

Kemi Badenoch apologized for posting a video featuring Bloody Sunday footage in error, acknowledging it was inappropriate and removed promptly.

Kemi Badenoch use of Bloody Sunday footage 'disgusting', says MP

Kemi Badenoch faced backlash for a video using Bloody Sunday footage to oppose Legacy Act reforms.

more#kemi-badenoch

Momentum building for Scottish-style land access rights in England, says film

Public access to land in England is limited to 8%, prompting a movement for expanded rights similar to those in Scotland.

Ireland's population is up by a million since 2006, so why have garda numbers barely changed?

Plans to add 5,000 extra officers arise amid rising crime concerns following a recruitment moratorium after the financial crash.

#keir-starmer

fromwww.aljazeera.com

UK politics

UK's Starmer eyes banning some pro-Palestine protests

UK politics

No other plan comes close': Labour MPs turn to Burnham as pressure mounts on Starmer

UK politics

Starmer condemns Zack Polanski for sharing post criticising police at Golders Green stabbings

fromwww.aljazeera.com

UK's Starmer eyes banning some pro-Palestine protests

Keir Starmer advocates for banning pro-Palestine marches and prosecuting those using the phrase 'globalise the Intifada'.

No other plan comes close': Labour MPs turn to Burnham as pressure mounts on Starmer

Keir Starmer's leadership is under scrutiny as Andy Burnham prepares for a potential leadership challenge amid concerns over upcoming elections.

Starmer condemns Zack Polanski for sharing post criticising police at Golders Green stabbings

Keir Starmer condemned Zack Polanski for criticizing police actions during the Golders Green stabbings, deeming him unfit to lead a political party.

more#keir-starmer

Digested week: King bites his tongue as a president indulges his fantasies | John Crace

Senior civil servants struggle with public accountability and often prioritize process over common sense in decision-making.

Nearly twice as many men as women standing in May elections in UK

Women are significantly underrepresented as candidates in UK elections, with only a third of candidates being female.

Foreign Office cuts will weaken oversight of international law, MPs warn

Closure of the Foreign Office's international humanitarian law unit raises concerns about the UK's ability to monitor international law violations.

SNP warns Starmer is 'asleep at the wheel' as UK faces economic 'cliff edge' - London Business News | Londonlovesbusiness.com

The UK faces an economic crisis due to rising living costs and geopolitical tensions, requiring urgent government action to support households.

fromCity AM

Social media ban could stifle Gen Z's ambitions

Social media serves as a vital learning platform for business, despite concerns over youth safety online.

Andy Burnham has plan to return to Westminster within weeks', allies say

Andy Burnham plans to return to Westminster through a byelection, proposing a new government agenda and significant electoral reforms.

If I could vote in next week's Senedd election, I'd choose Plaid Cymru. Here's why | Simon Jenkins

Wales suffers from poor governance, leading to low economic growth, healthcare issues, and educational shortcomings despite higher spending per capita than England.

#zack-polanski

fromwww.standard.co.uk

Starmer tears into Polanksi after Green leader forced to apologise for sharing criticism of Golder Green suspect arrest

Zack Polanski apologized for a hasty tweet criticizing police response to a stabbing, facing backlash from Sir Keir Starmer and Met Police chief Mark Rowley.

Polanski apologises for sharing post criticising police

Zack Polanski apologized for hastily sharing a post criticizing police actions during the Golders Green attack.

fromwww.standard.co.uk

Starmer tears into Polanksi after Green leader forced to apologise for sharing criticism of Golder Green suspect arrest

Zack Polanski apologized for a hasty tweet criticizing police response to a stabbing, facing backlash from Sir Keir Starmer and Met Police chief Mark Rowley.

Polanski apologises for sharing post criticising police

Zack Polanski apologized for hastily sharing a post criticizing police actions during the Golders Green attack.

more#zack-polanski

My advice to Hannah Spencer? Before calling out MPs' boozing, try to understand the reasons behind it | Gaby Hinsliff

Parliament's drinking culture presents challenges for new MPs, highlighting a need for change in work-life balance and professional conduct.

Charles tamed Trump while rebuking Trumpism in ego-flattering masterstroke

Charles III's visit to the US showcased soft power, blending diplomacy with a critique of Trumpism while appealing to both Republicans and Democrats.

New wealth tax challenged as UK data shows highest asset taxation in OECD - London Business News | Londonlovesbusiness.com

Britain already has the highest wealth taxation among advanced economies, questioning the need for an additional wealth tax.

Too good to be true: on the road with Nigel Farage photo essay

Reform's campaign, led by Nigel Farage, is gaining traction in local elections with high polling and active engagement with supporters and prospective candidates.

Restore Britain party refunds crypto project's donations

Restore Britain refunded donations from Britain Token after concerns about cryptocurrency payments were raised with the Electoral Commission.

Ex-Tory councillor who drugged and raped wife admits making child abuse images

Philip Young pleaded guilty to multiple sexual offences, including drugging and raping his former wife, and additional charges of making indecent images of children.

fromPadailypost

Town fires manager after $400,000 demand

Woodside's Town Council fired Town Manager Jason Ledbetter after a whistleblower report led to allegations against council members.

Where does Starmer's leadership stand and who are his potential challengers?

Leadership speculation intensifies as Keir Starmer's position remains uncertain amid concerns over public approval and potential replacements.

Could Starmer bring back Rayner to steady ship and would she get onboard?

Angela Rayner's potential return to the cabinet could influence Labour's direction amid upcoming elections and predicted losses.

Why is Britain's economy so stuck? It's the tension between what voters want and what the bond markets allow | Larry Elliott

Voter discontent has led to a fragmented political landscape in the UK, with multiple parties gaining traction amid economic challenges.

New rules won't stop me donating, says billionaire Reform backer

Christopher Harborne plans to challenge a new cap on overseas political donations, asserting it won't hinder his financial support for Reform UK.

Local election campaigning enters final week as forecaster warns Labour could lose 1,850 English seats UK politics live

Labour's vote-share may drop to historic lows in upcoming elections, with significant gains for Reform, the Greens, and nationalist parties.

Political donations are poison to our democracy but there's an easy antidote to that | George Monbiot

Political funding breeds suspicion and disillusionment, leading to public alienation and cynicism towards politics.

fromIrish Independent