#uk-politics
#uk-politics

The wisest Brexiters such as Nigel Lawson knew how good life is in Europe | William Keegan

Local economies thriving in rural France provide a stark contrast to the challenges faced by the UK post-Brexit. [ more ]

www.theguardian.com

4 days ago

Yes, Rishi Sunak, the world is a scary place. That is why we need a new prime minister | Rafael Behr

Britain's next prime minister will likely face unforeseen global emergencies amidst existing crises.

The current prime minister is centering his re-election campaign on global volatility and safety.

Challenges from rising superpowers and Brexit consequences pose unique obstacles for the UK's global positioning. [ more ]

www.theguardian.com

Conservatives crushed by worst local election result' in years

Conservatives facing worst local election results in 40 years. Labour makes significant gains in key battlegrounds. [ more ]

www.independent.co.uk

No solace' for Rishi Sunak amid brutal local election losses, John Curtice warns

Conservatives faced losses in local elections, with Reform UK outperforming in many council seats. [ more ]

www.theguardian.com

England local and mayoral elections: results to look out for and when

Voters in England to pass judgment on Sunak's government in local elections. [ more ]

www.theguardian.com

The Guardian view on local elections: voters aren't listening to Tories, but are hearing Labour | Editorial

The Tories are facing significant losses to Labour in local elections in England, attributed to public dissatisfaction with rising bills and the state of the public realm. [ more ]

www.dw.com

UK Conservative defeats pile pressure on PM Rishi Sunak DW 05/03/2024

The UK's ruling Conservative Party led by PM Rishi Sunak suffered significant losses in local elections, putting Sunak's position at risk ahead of the national election. [ more ]

www.theguardian.com

Polls open in England's local elections with Tories braced for heavy losses

The local elections in England are seen as a key test for the Conservative party's popularity and could impact Rishi Sunak's premiership. [ more ]

www.mercurynews.com

Scotland's first minister, Humza Yousaf, has stepped down

Humza Yousaf resigned as Scotland's First Minister amid internal party divisions and inability to secure support, impacting SNP's strength. [ more ]

moreelections

www.theguardian.com

London

Iranian journalist attacked in London urges UK to proscribe Revolutionary Guards

Calls for UK to proscribe IRGC as a terrorist organization after Iranian journalist stabbed in London. [ more ]

www.standard.co.uk

London

London's great stink: Sewage flowed into capital's rivers for almost 10,000 hours last year

Thames Water customers face significant bill increases despite sewage dumping increase.

MPs criticize government for allowing Thames Water's pollution and high bill threats. [ more ]

reform-party

www.theguardian.com

Sunak rejects calls to remove whip from Tory MP over Lee Anderson support

Rishi Sunak rejected calls to remove whip from MP praising Reform party's only MP.

MP Lee Anderson not campaigning in certain Conservative constituencies due to friendships with other MPs. [ more ]

www.independent.co.uk

Tory mayor candidate for Greater Manchester defects to the Reform Party

Conservative Party candidate defected to Reform Party

Reform Party gaining members from Conservative Party [ more ]

BBC News

Reform leader 'pulling your leg' over Labour defections

Labour MPs are unlikely to defect to the Reform Party.

Former Conservative Party deputy chairman Lee Anderson has joined the Reform Party. [ more ]

morereform-party

brexit

www.independent.co.uk

Top US magazine slams Britain after 14 years of Tory psychodrama'

Brexit catalyzed UK's worst political tendencies

Labour leader leads promise for national renewal [ more ]

WIRED

The Mayor of London Enters the Bullshit Cinematic Universe

Sadiq Khan, mayor of London, is a figure of interest in the midst of a global conspiracy.

Khan's down-to-earth and interactive approach with the public contrasts with the conspiracy theories surrounding him on social media. [ more ]

www.independent.co.uk

Theresa May's political career as the former prime minister stands down

Theresa May announced she will step down as an MP in the next general election after 27 years in parliament.

May served as a long-serving Conservative MP and the second ever female prime minister, focusing on Brexit during her tenure. [ more ]

www.standard.co.uk

London mayoral election: Lib Dems' Rob Blackie takes aim at Sadiq Khan and Susan Hall as he launches campaign

Sadiq Khan criticized for failures on crime by both Tory and Lib Dem candidates

Rob Blackie launching campaign against Sadiq Khan's crime record [ more ]

www.standard.co.uk

London

London mayoral election: Independent candidate Rayhan Haque becomes first contender to drop out of race

Rayhan Haque dropped out of the London mayor race due to low polling numbers and desire to avoid splitting the progressive vote.

Haque emphasized the need for real change, new ideas, and fresh leadership in London. [ more ]

www.theguardian.com

Negative budgets': cost of living crisis could lose the Tories dozens of seats

Many Tory seats facing cost of living crisis

Negative budgets impacting a significant number of people [ more ]

www.independent.co.uk

Reform UK: History and policies as Lee Anderson joins Richard Tice's party

Lee Anderson joins Reform UK after Conservative suspension

Reform UK aims to challenge Conservatives in upcoming elections [ more ]

BBC News

Former Tory deputy chairman defects to Reform Party

Lee Anderson has left the Conservatives for the Reform Party and is now their sole MP.

Anderson was suspended from the Conservatives for claiming Islamists controlled London mayor Sadiq Khan. [ more ]

BBC News

Why was Diane Abbott not picked to question Rishi Sunak?

Diane Abbott, a prominent UK politician, was not given the opportunity to speak at PMQs despite attempts, sparking controversy.

Racism towards Diane Abbott from a top Tory donor led to condemnation, emphasizing the need for her voice to be heard. [ more ]

www.independent.co.uk

Starmer claims Tory party bankrolled' by racist' as he urges Sunak to return 10m

Sir Keir Starmer accuses Conservative party of being bankrolled by someone using racist language.

Tory donor Frank Hester allegedly made incendiary comments about Diane Abbott. [ more ]

www.independent.co.uk

Tell us if the 10m Tory donation should be returned amid Diane Abbott racism row

The government faces pressure to return a 10 million pound donation following unearthed racist comments.

Conflict over whether the donation should be returned, despite the acknowledgment and denial of racism by the business executive. [ more ]

BBC News

Tory mayor Andy Street says he would return money from donor Frank Hester - BBC News

The row over alleged racist comments made by a top Tory donor continues.

Differing responses within the Conservative Party on handling the situation. [ more ]

www.independent.co.uk

Major donor to Britain's Conservatives blasted for remarks about Black lawmaker

Donor made racist remarks about UK Black parliament member

Opposition parties demand donation return [ more ]

www.independent.co.uk

Black ex-Boris Johnson aide joins criticism of Tory donor in hate all blacks' row

Former Downing Street adviser suggests using wealth to fight racism

Significance of Diane Abbott in paving the way for black politicians in the UK [ more ]

moreracism

www.theguardian.com

Stunning Labour triumphs in London and West Midlands leave Sunak reeling

Labour secured multiple victories in local elections, prompting challenges for the Conservative Party. [ more ]

www.dw.com

UK: Sadiq Khan wins historic 3rd term as London mayor DW 05/04/2024

Labour Party urges UK PM to call general election after Conservative Party losses [ more ]

www.theguardian.com

Labour working to get support back' after losing votes over Gaza stance

Labour aims to regain voter support on Gaza stance for better Palestinian lives. [ more ]

www.independent.co.uk

UK's governing Conservatives suffer big losses in local elections as Labour appears headed for power

Labour Party gains ground in local elections, putting pressure on Conservatives and indicating possible victory in upcoming general election. [ more ]

www.theguardian.com

Labour takes back red wall' seat Blackpool South in seismic' win

Labour regains Blackpool South seat in byelection, reinforcing a blow to Rishi Sunak's leadership. [ more ]

www.nytimes.com

U.K. Conservatives Hold Their Breath: How Bad Will Local Elections Be?

The outcome of local elections in England and Wales will serve as a barometer for the upcoming general election, with the Conservative Party expected to face significant losses. [ more ]

www.independent.co.uk

UK Prime Minister Sunak suffers further blow as another Conservative lawmaker defects to Labour

Conservative lawmaker defects to Labour, criticizes PM Sunak's government for chaotic leadership and failure to secure borders. [ more ]

www.independent.co.uk

What we learned from local votes ahead of looming UK general election

Labour Party likely to return to power in UK general election after recent local elections. [ more ]

time.com

U.K.'s Governing Conservatives Set for Historic Losses in Local Polls, Labour Urges General Election

Labour Party gains control in local elections, increasing pressure on Conservative Party and Prime Minister ahead of general election. [ more ]

www.theguardian.com

Will Tories dump Rishi Sunak if election results worse than expected?

Conservative MPs are considering changing the leader if the election results are disastrous, citing a lack of campaigning skills and disconnect with the public. [ more ]

www.theguardian.com

It's Sunak's doom loop: the more desperate and cruel the Tories become, the more voters reject them | Polly Toynbee

The article discusses the potential downfall of the Conservative party in the UK due to various factors, including their handling of issues such as asylum seekers and civil service cuts. [ more ]

Irish Independent

Helen McEntee pulls out of London conference as migration row with UK deepens

Minister McEntee faces UK counterpart cancellation amid refugee influx discussion. [ more ]

www.independent.co.uk

EU data protection

Rishi Sunak must allow visit from UN food inspector, 85 charities write

The UK government has been urged to reverse the decision to block a UN inspector's visit on food poverty until after the election. [ more ]

www.independent.co.uk

EU data protection

UK considering China sanctions after millions of voters' details hacked

UK to sanction individuals involved in Chinese state-backed interference in democratic process.

Efforts to pressure Beijing through sanctions on individuals linked to alleged cyber-attacks. [ more ]

www.theguardian.com

EU data protection

Details of millions of UK voters accessed by Chinese state, ministers will say

China believed to have attacked UK's democratic process

UK may impose sanctions on individuals involved in cyber-attacks [ more ]

BBC News

New York City

What will Andy Street do next?

Andy Street, after losing the mayoral election, is contemplating his future, potentially considering a move into becoming an MP. [ more ]

www.independent.co.uk

James Cleverly mocked for forgetting Conservatives' asylum policy

James Cleverly criticized for forgetting own government's Syrian refugee policy. [ more ]

www.independent.co.uk

Keir Starmer jokes about Nigel Farage after Natalie Elphicke defection

Sir Keir Starmer joked that Nigel Farage would be the last person wanting to join Labour Party, emphasizing openness to diverse views for national renewal. [ more ]

www.independent.co.uk

Natalie Elphicke effect adds two points to Labour poll lead over Tories

The defection of Natalie Elphicke has helped boost Labour's poll lead by two points in just a week. [ more ]

www.independent.co.uk

Tory MP squirms while refusing to say why he reported Angela Rayner to police

Tory MP refuses to disclose reason for contacting police about Angela Rayner. [ more ]

www.independent.co.uk

How did my MP vote on the smoking bill?

Britain is proposing legislation to ban tobacco sales to those born after 2009, aiming for a smoke-free generation. [ more ]

www.independent.co.uk

Lords erupts in laughter as member makes dig at Liz Truss

The House of Lords erupted in laughter at a member's joke about a former prime minister during a session on foreign affairs. [ more ]

PinkNews | Latest lesbian, gay, bi and trans news | LGBTQ+ news

LGBT

Trans activist Charlie Craggs threatened to be 'beaten up' minutes after giving a talk

Trans activist faced physical threats after speaking on transphobia. [ more ]

PinkNews | Latest lesbian, gay, bi and trans news | LGBTQ+ news

LGBT

Fury as Tories propose that trans women be banned from female NHS wards

Trans women should not be put on single-sex female NHS wards, according to proposed UK government changes. [ more ]

London Business News | Londonlovesbusiness.com

Business

Why Business should fear Labour's proposed employment law revolution

Labour likely to form next UK government, Labour party positions differ from Tony Blair era, proposed employment law changes noteworthy. [ more ]

www.independent.co.uk

JavaScript

Tell us who should replace Sunak as Tory leader

Speculation is rising about replacing Rishi Sunak with Penny Mordaunt as right-wing Conservative MPs plot to improve party's electoral chances. [ more ]

BBC News

JavaScript

Conservative voters 'politically homeless', says Streeting

Conservative voters urged to consider change at next election. [ more ]

www.independent.co.uk

Rishi Sunak again refuses to rule out July general election despite Tory MP defection

Rishi Sunak keeping the door open to a July general election amidst mounting speculation. [ more ]

www.theguardian.com

Threat of summer poll a tactic to ward off Sunak revolt, say senior Tories

The threat of a summer general election is being used to deter rebellion against Rishi Sunak's leadership before local elections. [ more ]

www.theguardian.com

From Tyneside to London: five key battlegrounds in England's 2 May local elections

Local elections across the UK will reveal party performance ahead of a general election. Rishi Sunak's premiership could be affected by the outcomes. [ more ]

www.theguardian.com

Rishi Sunak struggling to smother frenzy of election rumours

Rumors of an early election in the UK led by Rishi Sunak were debunked, with David Davis stating it would be politically suicidal for the Conservatives. [ more ]

POLITICO

4 weeks ago

Countdown to polling day

Mark Menzies is reportedly stepping down as an MP, with uncertainty on timing. Rishi Sunak to focus on Ukraine support amid domestic challenges. [ more ]

www.npr.org

Why London's Muslim mayor needs the same security as the king

Sadiq Khan, as London's mayor, faces significant security threats and challenges due to his religious and ethnic background. [ more ]

www.theguardian.com

Left-wing politics

What does Liz Truss's book tell us about her American ambitions?

Liz Truss criticizes Joe Biden in her new book for commenting on UK domestic policy, leading to her resignation and desire to remain relevant in global populist politics. [ more ]

www.independent.co.uk

Labour urges Sunak to set out plans to pursue peace' in Middle East

Labour's shadow defence secretary urges Rishi Sunak to outline government's actions for peace in the Middle East amid tensions with Iran and Israel. [ more ]

www.theguardian.com

Data science

UK general election opinion poll tracker: Labour leading as election looms

Keir Starmer's Labour ahead in UK polls, Conservative party may delay election. Seat predictions influenced by constituency data and polling methodologies. [ more ]

www.theguardian.com

There are Tory splits over Gaza, but the party is only really going in one direction towards Israel | Katy Balls

Support for Ukraine is a focus during Cameron's visit to the US, while Israel-Palestine issues lead to debate within UK political parties.

The UK government faces criticism from both sides regarding its stance on arms sales to Israel, as controversy brews over supporting a critical friend or an ally. [ more ]

www.theguardian.com

England local elections: what's up for grabs on 2 May and how do predictions look?

Local elections in England on May 2 will impact general election; major parties defending council seats.

Experts predict potential landslide defeat for Tories and focus on voter turnout and impact of voter ID rules. [ more ]

www.independent.co.uk

Sunak squirms at BBC local radio presenter's grilling on general election

Rishi Sunak laughed off questions about the general election date.

The Prime Minister refused to confirm the election date, stating it would be announced formally. [ more ]

www.independent.co.uk

Sunak and Starmer issue Easter messages with eye on upcoming election

Easter messages from UK political leaders.

Focus on new beginnings, hope, and community during Easter. [ more ]

www.independent.co.uk

Rishi Sunak's comeback when quizzed about Liz Truss' deep state conspiracies

Rishi Sunak humorously deflects questions about Liz Truss's deep state conspiracies.

Liz Truss echoes Donald Trump's claims about a deep state in her recent articles. [ more ]

www.independent.co.uk

Europe news

George Galloway MP accuses UK of involvement in Moscow terror attack

Accusations of UK involvement in Moscow terrorist attack

Criticism of George Galloway for spreading conspiracy theories [ more ]

BBC News

Why some Tory MPs are stepping down

20% of Conservative MPs and Scottish National Party MPs are leaving the House of Commons at the upcoming general election.

Parliament members may depart due to personal reasons, political trends, or to avoid potential electoral losses. [ more ]

www.theguardian.com

Dirty rotten scoundrel': Blackpool voters dismayed by Tory MP Scott Benton

Local disillusionment with politics is evident in Blackpool

Scott Benton's resignation raises political concerns for Conservative Party [ more ]

www.theguardian.com

Labour challenges Sunak to explain how 46bn plan to axe national insurance would be funded UK politics live

China identified as security threat to the UK

Shadow Cabinet Minister challenges Rishi Sunak on funding proposal [ more ]

www.theguardian.com

Senior Labour figures seeking to water down plans to decriminalise abortion

Senior Labour figures want to water down proposed legislation decriminalizing abortion in England and Wales.

Support exists from MPs on both sides of the house and senior doctors' groups for Diana Johnson's proposal to abolish the criminal offence associated with abortion. [ more ]

www.theguardian.com

Sunak and ministers stoking division over UK's net zero target, warns Ed Miliband

Ministers in the UK are focusing on culture wars instead of addressing the urgency of the climate crisis.

Labour aims to create conditions for private sector investments in renewable energy and technology. [ more ]

www.theguardian.com

Post-2019 UK cabinet ministers last average of eight months, study finds

Cabinet ministers in UK post-2019 parliament lasted an average of eight months.

Proportional voting systems do not necessarily lead to more volatility compared to UK-style systems. [ more ]

Privacy professionals

www.theguardian.com

Privacy professionals

Chinese hackers targeted Electoral Commission and politicians, say security services

Chinese state-backed hackers targeted UK democratic institutions and politicians.

UK government imposed sanctions on individuals linked to Chinese cyber-group APT31 for cyber-attacks on UK politicians and institutions. [ more ]

ComputerWeekly.com

morePrivacy professionals

Privacy professionals

Open Data Institute launches digital policy manifesto | Computer Weekly

The ODI calls on UK political parties to adopt manifesto commitments on data issues.

The ODI emphasizes the importance of data in creating a strong and trusted data ecosystem in the UK. [ more ]

www.independent.co.uk

Torydismisses Labour criticism of Frank Hester as he tried to get Corbyn elected'

Conservative Party deputy chair dismisses criticism of donor

Allegations of incendiary comments by donor about Diane Abbott [ more ]

The New Yorker

What Have Fourteen Years of Conservative Rule Done to Britain?

Living standards have fallen in the U.K.

The country is exhausted by constant political drama. [ more ]

Independent

Relationships

Louise McSharry: Why teaching children about sex at an early age actually protects them

Conservative views on LGBTQ+ education

Protecting children's innocence in education [ more ]

www.independent.co.uk

We are ready, just call it': Starmer challenges Sunak over general election

Labour leader challenges Prime Minister during PMQs on various issues.

Question raised on why the Prime Minister is hesitant to call a general election. [ more ]

www.theguardian.com

Artificial intelligence

Could a Labour nudification' manifesto bring more safety to AI?

Labour Together thinktank proposes ban on nudification tools for explicit content

UK moving towards more principled and partisan debates on AI regulation [ more ]

www.independent.co.uk

Watch MPs overturn all 10 Lords' amendments to Safety of Rwanda Bill

The UK Prime Minister plans spring flights for asylum seekers to Rwanda despite opposition from the House of Lords.

Government successfully resisted changes to deportation legislation made by the House of Lords. [ more ]

www.independent.co.uk

Rishi Sunak warned stick to the plan' mantra won't win voters who feel worse off

Voters feel worse off than 14 years ago under Conservative rule

Contrasting with Labour may backfire for Conservatives [ more ]

www.independent.co.uk

Weak, useless, rich idiot': New poll condemns Rishi Sunak ahead of upcoming election

Rishi Sunak faces setbacks as voters view him negatively

Tory supporters prefer Boris Johnson over Rishi Sunak [ more ]

www.theguardian.com

James Heappey to quit as armed forces minister and step down as MP

James Heappey resigns as armed forces minister and MP due to personal reasons, not policy differences.

Heappey is one of many Conservative MPs not standing in the next general election, impacting Rishi Sunak. [ more ]

www.theguardian.com

Rishi Sunak rules out holding general election on 2 May

Rishi Sunak rules out general election on 2 May

Speculation surrounding early UK general election [ more ]

www.independent.co.uk

Michael Gove refuses repeatedly to say whether Frank Hester's comments were extremist

Michael Gove refuses to label Tory donor's comments as extremist.

Prime Minister eventually calls the comments racist after initial refusal. [ more ]

BBC News

Extremism: Michael Gove unveils new definition in bid to 'protect democracy' - BBC News

New definition of extremism in the UK by Michael Gove

Groups promoting violence, hatred, or intolerance will be denied funding and access to officials [ more ]

www.independent.co.uk

Angela Rayner condemns toxic Islamophobia' in Tory ranks

Conservatives facing pressure over Islamophobia

Labour demanding action on Anti-Muslim Hatred Working Group [ more ]

www.independent.co.uk

Pressure on Rishi Sunak as nearly half of voters want May election, poll reveals

Pressure on Rishi Sunak to call snap general election in May

Speculation of a May election as four in ten voters express desire for early election [ more ]

www.independent.co.uk

Watch: George Galloway slams Labour, Tories and Budget in Commons return

George Galloway criticized both Labour and Conservatives in his first House of Commons speech, expressing discontent with their performance.

Galloway described the chancellor's Budget as an 'absolute nothing burger' that would not benefit Rochdale, the town he represents. [ more ]

www.independent.co.uk

Keir Starmer reacts to Lee Anderson Reform UK move: 14 years of failure'

Sir Keir Starmer dismissed calls for a by-election following Lee Anderson's departure from the Conservative Party to Reform UK.

Lee Anderson and his parents influenced his decision to switch parties, mentioning that the parents wouldn't vote for him unless he switched to Richard Tice's party. [ more ]

BBC News

Laura Kuenssberg: Rachel Reeves could be our next chancellor - but what's she really like?

Rachel Reeves practiced financial prudence from a young age, contrasting with common spending habits.

Reeves is known for her seriousness in pursuing political power and determination to win. [ more ]

www.independent.co.uk

Mapped: All the MPs standing down at the next election as Theresa May calls it a day

Theresa May announces she will not stand in the next election after 27 years as an MP

Multiple high-profile Conservative MPs are deciding to quit politics [ more ]

www.independent.co.uk

Theresa May's most memorable TV moments as former prime minister steps down as MP

Theresa May will not stand as an MP in the next general election after a 27-year career in Parliament.

May plans to focus on championing causes, such as the fight against modern slavery, upon stepping down as MP for Maidenhead. [ more ]

www.aljazeera.com