News

Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick says he has received death threats and that it is “not unusual” for politicians to receive abuse. Mr Jenrick’s comments come following an arrest after fires at sites linked to Sir Keir Starmer.Speaking to Sky News on Tuesday (13 May), he said: “It’s important that the prime minister and anyone in public life has their family, their homes, protected.“We have robust disagreements in politics but I want to ensure anyone who chooses to go in to public life feels that they’ll be properly protected and that we have civility in our debate.“ More

Lee Anderson’s call for Jeremy Corbyn to be deported alongside migrants who cross the Channel to reach the UK prompted groans in the House of Commons on Monday (12 May).The Reform UK MP’s comments came during a debate about the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill.Mr Anderson asked Dame Angela Eagle: “Does she agree with me that these young men crossing the Channel should be immediately detained and deported along with the member for Islington?”Mr Anderson was condemned for his comments, with the Home Office minister replying: “I’m quite shocked that the honorable gentleman thinks that that’s an appropriate thing to say in this place.” More

Sir Keir Starmer has said he will “always act in our national interest” and “deliver security and renewal for our country” as he discussed an impending announcement on trade talks with the US.In a speech at the London Defence Conference on Thursday (8 May), the prime minister said: “As you know, talks with the US have been ongoing and you’ll hear more from me about that later today.“But make no mistake, I will always act in our national interest, for workers, businesses and families, to deliver security and renewal for our country.” More

Northern female MPs are being targeted by hostile media briefings from No. 10, a former Labour minister has claimed.Former transport secretary Louise Haigh voiced her thoughts on the culture of briefings from Downing Street when she appeared on BBC’s Newsnight on Tuesday (6 May).Host Victoria Derbyshire asked the former Labour minister: “What are you saying about that pattern of briefing then. Sexist? Misogynistic?”Ms Haigh replied: “All of the above.”The Independent has approached No.10 for a comment. More

A Labour MP accused Reform of sucking up to Russian leader Vladimir Putin during a heated clash on live television.Jeevun Sandher, Labour MP for Loughborough appeared alongside Reform’s head of press Gawain Towler on BBC Politics Live on Tuesday (6 May) to discuss results of the recent local elections.Mr Towler accused the Labour government of “not liking” farmers and pensioners, with Mr Sandher explaining the importance of “doing huge amounts” for veterans and armed forces.Mr Sandher then said: “The difference between us and you is that we stand up to Putin and your leader(Farage) sucks up to Putin.”Mr Towler responded: “Absolute rubbish… we don’t suck up to foreign dictators.” More

Scotland’s First Minister has warned there is a “very real possibility” that Nigel Farage could become the UK’s next Prime Minister, expressing concern about what that might mean for the country’s future. John Swinney also accused both Labour and the Conservatives of “cosying up” to the Reform UK leader. “The only way to deal with Farage is to confront him — and that is exactly what we will do in Scotland,” he said. His remarks follow significant gains by Reform UK in local elections, where the party secured control of 10 councils and won more than 600 seats in Thursday’s vote. More