UK politics
UK politics

13 hours ago

UK politics

Ministers look to emulate Spanish youth custody where inmates do art and play sport

UK politics

UK fury over Iran's reckless attacks' after Tehran targets Diego Garcia base

Labour MPs threatening vote on Mahmood's controversial migration reforms

The Independent provides critical journalism on key issues like reproductive rights and migration reforms without paywalls, relying on public support for funding.

Border security chief to step down as government fails to get a grip on small boats

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

Farage halts Cameo appearances after making racist and sexist' videos for money

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

3 hours ago

Starmer says US strikes on Iran won't be launched from Cyprus after row over UK bases

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

13 hours ago

Ministers look to emulate Spanish youth custody where inmates do art and play sport

The Independent focuses on critical issues like reproductive rights and youth prison reform, emphasizing the need for accessible journalism.

UK fury over Iran's reckless attacks' after Tehran targets Diego Garcia base

The Independent provides critical journalism on key issues like reproductive rights and international conflicts, emphasizing the importance of accessible news.

Labour MPs threatening vote on Mahmood's controversial migration reforms

The Independent provides critical journalism on key issues like reproductive rights and migration reforms without paywalls, relying on public support for funding.

Border security chief to step down as government fails to get a grip on small boats

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

Farage halts Cameo appearances after making racist and sexist' videos for money

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

more#reproductive-rights

#journalism

8 hours ago

How Starmer still hopes to save his premiership ahead of make-or-break elections

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

UK politics

UK aid cuts are a setback in the fight against HIV and AIDS. They should be reversed

UK politics

Couple in 3k battle with council over ugly' fence at luxury home

8 hours ago

How Starmer still hopes to save his premiership ahead of make-or-break elections

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

UK aid cuts are a setback in the fight against HIV and AIDS. They should be reversed

The Independent emphasizes the importance of accessible journalism and the impact of UK aid cuts on global health initiatives.

Couple in 3k battle with council over ugly' fence at luxury home

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

As Starmer faces war overseas, his party can't find peace at home

British politicians face internal divisions and public skepticism amid a significant global energy security threat and ongoing conflicts.

10 hours ago

Tory peer accuses Nick Timothy of instilling fear' over Islamic prayers

Comments on public prayer by Nick Timothy have led to accusations of instilling fear among Muslims and calls for reflection on equality and justice.

#donald-trump

6 hours ago

Trump's economic shocks are derailing Britain's building plans

Donald Trump's actions have significantly impacted the UK's economic recovery, particularly in the property sector, leading to a decline in new projects.

UK ministers begin contingency planning amid fears for economic effects of Iran war

Donald Trump's actions regarding Iran are causing concern among UK ministers about potential economic repercussions and rising living costs.

6 hours ago

Trump's economic shocks are derailing Britain's building plans

Donald Trump's actions have significantly impacted the UK's economic recovery, particularly in the property sector, leading to a decline in new projects.

UK ministers begin contingency planning amid fears for economic effects of Iran war

Donald Trump's actions regarding Iran are causing concern among UK ministers about potential economic repercussions and rising living costs.

more#donald-trump

#uk-government

10 hours ago

UK government yet to trial OpenAI tech months after signing partnership

The UK government has not conducted any trials with OpenAI's technology despite a signed memorandum of understanding eight months ago.

fromTheregister

UK promises procurement shift after Palantir backlash

The UK government will change its approach to tech procurement, focusing on domestic companies and innovation instead of relying on firms like Palantir.

10 hours ago

UK government yet to trial OpenAI tech months after signing partnership

The UK government has not conducted any trials with OpenAI's technology despite a signed memorandum of understanding eight months ago.

fromTheregister

UK promises procurement shift after Palantir backlash

The UK government will change its approach to tech procurement, focusing on domestic companies and innovation instead of relying on firms like Palantir.

more#uk-government

#sarah-ferguson

Sarah Ferguson facing mounting calls to testify to Congress over Epstein links

Sarah Ferguson is pressured to testify about her connections to Jeffrey Epstein amid ongoing investigations by US lawmakers.

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.

Sarah Ferguson facing mounting calls to testify to Congress over Epstein links

Sarah Ferguson is pressured to testify about her connections to Jeffrey Epstein amid ongoing investigations by US lawmakers.

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.

more#sarah-ferguson

5 hours ago

Minister claimed thousands of pounds on expenses for promotional videos

Al Carns claimed about £3,000 for the production of 17 videos that show him interacting with local businesses, including a pull-up challenge with a firefighter.

UK politics

Ministers look at blueprint for economic overhaul amid fears cost of living could hand election to far right

Labour is considering a radical economic overhaul to address cost of living discontent and prevent a hard-right government from winning the next election.

Reform UK success in local elections could endanger national climate targets, report says UK politics live

Political elites are disconnected from public support for net zero, with rightwing media narratives creating a false backlash against climate action.

Reform UK's Scottish manifesto pledges analysed

Reform UK's manifesto focuses on NHS improvements and radical changes to Holyrood governance for the 2026 election.

fromTheregister

What was missing from the UK digital ID consultation?

The UK government's digital identity consultation lacks key details on pricing and audit trail duration, raising concerns about privacy and enforcement.

Farage 'will fight' Essex council reorganisation

Nigel Farage opposes local government reorganization in Essex, advocating for the preservation of the county council structure.

Hillsborough Law to be further delayed

The Hillsborough Law will be delayed further, with hopes for passage in the autumn after being carried over to the next parliamentary session.

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.

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?

more#immigration-policy

#reform-uk

UK politics

Reform UK suspends Scottish candidate less than a day after announcing him

UK politics

Reform UK suspends Scotland candidate over financial allegations

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.

Reform UK suspends Scottish candidate less than a day after announcing him

Reform UK suspended a candidate for misconduct and faces criticism for fielding candidates with Islamophobic remarks.

Reform UK suspends Scotland candidate over financial allegations

Reform UK suspended candidate Stuart Niven pending investigation into financial conduct allegations.

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.

more#reform-uk

Trump aides tried to block appointment of Peter Mandelson as UK ambassador to US, reports say US politics live

Donald Trump's transition team intervened in the UK ambassador appointment, expressing discontent with Peter Mandelson due to past remarks about the president.

Border security chief steps down after 18 months in the job

Martin Hewitt is leaving his role as head of the UK's Border Security Command after 18 months amid ongoing challenges with small boat crossings.

Farage pauses Cameo account for security reasons, says Reform UK

Nigel Farage has paused his Cameo video offerings after controversy over messages supporting a convicted individual and a Neo-Nazi event.

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.

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.

Farage pauses Cameo account for security reasons, says Reform UK

Nigel Farage has paused his Cameo video offerings after controversy over messages supporting a convicted individual and a Neo-Nazi event.

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.

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.

JLR cyber bailout risks dangerous precedent, watchdog warns

The UK's £1.5 billion bailout of Jaguar Land Rover risks creating a troubling precedent for handling major cyber crises without clear criteria.

Attorney general asks if Kemi Badenoch would object to Jewish public prayer

Kemi Badenoch's support for anti-Muslim sentiments raises questions about her stance on public religious expressions, particularly regarding Jewish prayer.

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.

Racism behind rise in support for Reform, says Swinney

Racism contributes to rising support for Reform UK in Scotland, according to John Swinney.

fromBusiness Matters

Labour to allow 30m wind turbines at schools and hospitals in planning shake-up

Labour plans to allow 30-meter wind turbines at schools, hospitals, and farms without full planning permission to boost renewable energy in the UK.

fromBusiness Matters

Surge in UK borrowing limits scope for energy bill support as fiscal pressures mount

UK government borrowing has surged, limiting capacity to support households amid rising energy bills and inflation risks from geopolitical tensions.

Taxpayers to fund clear-up of huge illegal waste dumps

Three major illegal rubbish dumps in England will be cleaned up at taxpayer expense as part of a national waste crime action plan.

Iran warns UK letting US use bases is 'participation in aggression'

Seyyed Abbas Araghchi stated that the UK's choice to allow the US to use British bases is viewed as 'participation in aggression' and demanded an end to cooperation with the US.

UK politics

Neighbourhoods to get 20m funding boost

We've had enough of politicians standing up and telling people what needs to happen in their area. It's time to listen to local people themselves. We're putting money behind local voices so they can choose for themselves how they put pride back in communities that felt ignored for so many years.

UK politics

The greatest challenge Farage has ever faced convincing the world he was never besties with Donald Trump | Marina Hyde

Nigel Farage attempts to distance himself from Donald Trump, reflecting a broader trend of political figures reversing their previous support.

Reform-led council approves councillor wage rise

Members of Kent County Council voted 45 in favor of a 3.8% increase in allowances, with 22 against and five abstentions, despite concerns over timing and optics.

UK politics

Starmer most popular PM - in Toby Jug sales

Sir Keir Starmer's likeness jug outsold all other prime ministers in 2025, indicating his popularity despite a tough year in office.

House of Lords has signed its own death warrant' by stalling assisted dying bill, says MP

MP Kim Leadbeater stated that the House of Lords signed its own death warrant over its stalling of the UK assisted dying bill, expressing frustration over the numerous amendments added that threaten its passage.

UK politics

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor investigation could expand into corruption offences'

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor faces an expanded police investigation into potential corruption and sex trafficking allegations following his previous arrest for misconduct.

fromArs Technica

fromLondon Business News | Londonlovesbusiness.com

RFK may replace entire panel of CDC vaccine advisors again, ally lets slip

I have now been told that this was a miscommunication, and in fact the decision about how to proceed has not been made, and dissolving and reforming remains one of [the] options being considered.

UK politics

Jobs in the retail sector declines - London Business News | Londonlovesbusiness.com

Retail sector jobs reached 2.86 million in December 2025, marking a significant decline from previous years.

fromCN Traveller

UK passport fees will increase in 2026: here's what to know

The new fees will help the Home Office to continue to move towards a system that meets its costs through those who use it, reducing reliance on funding from general taxation.

UK politics

IRA bombing victims drop civil case against Gerry Adams

Three victims dropped their civil lawsuit against Gerry Adams, claiming he was complicit in IRA bombings, leading to the case's closure in the UK High Court.

UK politics

Civil trial against Gerry Adams over IRA bombings withdrawn

UK politics

Gerry Adams case adjourned until midday: 'Matters have developed overnight'

UK politics

Claimants drop lawsuit against Gerry Adams over IRA bombings

UK politics

Civil action against Gerry Adams by three Provisional IRA bombing victims 'should never have been brought', he says as case withdrawn on final day

fromwww.dw.com

IRA bombing victims drop civil case against Gerry Adams

Three victims dropped their civil lawsuit against Gerry Adams, claiming he was complicit in IRA bombings, leading to the case's closure in the UK High Court.

UK politics

Civil trial against Gerry Adams over IRA bombings withdrawn

UK politics

Gerry Adams case adjourned until midday: 'Matters have developed overnight'

UK politics

Claimants drop lawsuit against Gerry Adams over IRA bombings

UK politics

Civil action against Gerry Adams by three Provisional IRA bombing victims 'should never have been brought', he says as case withdrawn on final day

Ex-councillor sentenced over child sex offences

A former Labour councillor received a suspended sentence for sending explicit messages to someone he believed was a 13-year-old girl.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.