News

A Cambridge University professor whom JD Vance described as his “British Sherpa” has claimed that “more people have got into trouble in the UK for free speech offences” than in Vladimir Putin’s Russia.Dr James Orr, an associate professor of philosophy of religion, is a close friend of the US vice president.His remarks came after Mr Vance said during a speech at the Munich Security Conference that European governments, including the UK’s, had retreated from their values and ignored voter concerns on migration and free speech.Russia ranks 171/180 in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index. Anti-war activists have been jailed and detained. More

A former Conservative club in Blackpool has been rebranded as a Reform UK pub.Footage posted by Mark Butcher, who stood for the party in the Blackpool South by-election in 2024, shows The Talbot on Milbourne Street in the city centre after it was painted bright blue, displaying the political party’s logo outside.Co-owner Pete Flynn told GB News that he and his business partner are both party members.”We wanted to be the first Reform club… We love Nigel Farage – so it’s fantastic,” he said.The rebrand comes after Reform UK made huge gains in this year’s local elections across England. More

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