UK Politics

Support trulyindependent journalismFind out moreCloseOur mission is to deliver unbiased, fact-based reporting that holds power to account and exposes the truth.Whether $5 or $50, every contribution counts.Support us to deliver journalism without an agenda.Louise ThomasEditorThe new foreign secretary David Lammy clashed with BBC breakfast host Naga Munchetty as he tried to avoid directly answering questions about his past comments on former president Donald Trump.Ms Munchetty pointed out that Mr Lammy had described Trump as “a neo Nazi sympathising sociopath” and a “tyrant in a toupet” among other brutal attacks on X (formerly known as Twitter) when he was president.But Mr Lammy, who started reaching out to Republicans and rightwing think tanks in America once he became shadow foreign secretary before Labour won the election, insisted that he had not been alone in making comments about the current Republican nominee.He said: “You are going to struggle to find any politician who has not had things to say about Donald Trump in his first term particularly on Twitter.Lammy clashes with Naga Munchetty More

Support trulyindependent journalismFind out moreCloseOur mission is to deliver unbiased, fact-based reporting that holds power to account and exposes the truth.Whether $5 or $50, every contribution counts.Support us to deliver journalism without an agenda.Louise ThomasEditorThe UK government’s failures to properly prepare for a pandemic are expected to be laid bare on Thursday as the UK Covid-19 Inquiry publishes its first report.Inquiry chair Baroness Heather Hallett will report on how well the UK was able to face a deadly outbreak in the run-up to 2020 when the Covid-19 pandemic swept across Britain.The report is expected to highlight the UK’s focus on preparing for a flu pandemic instead of a coronavirus pandemic.Lady Hallett may highlight how austerity measures led to public health cutbacks.She could also comment on preparations surrounding personal protective equipment (PPE) and a government focused on Brexit.Key politicians, scientists and health experts appeared as witnesses during the first module of the inquiry – which is titled Resilience and Preparedness.Former health secretaries Matt Hancock and Jeremy Hunt were put under the spotlight during oral evidence sessions, alongside former prime minister Lord Cameron and former levelling up secretary Michael Gove.Matt Hancock was put under the spotlight More

King travels in royal coach to state opening of parliamentSupport trulyindependent journalismFind out moreCloseOur mission is to deliver unbiased, fact-based reporting that holds power to account and exposes the truth.Whether $5 or $50, every contribution counts.Support us to deliver journalism without an agenda.Louise ThomasEditorSir Keir Starmer has vowed his government agenda can counter the “snake oil charm of populism” and declared the end of the “era of politics as performance”Following the King’s Speech, the prime minister and Rishi Sunak are debating the contents of the government’s new set of proposed policies. The new Labour government’s plans include “getting Britain building” by delivering 1.5 million homes and nationalising the country’s railways, King Charles has announced. In the first State Opening of Parliament under a Labour government since 2009, Charles set out the legislation being prioritised by Sir Keir and his ministers.He outlined around 35 draft laws including a national housebuilding programme, a a workers’ rights bill, and removing the VAT exemption for private schools to help fund 6,500 new teachers.The Planning and Infrastructure Bill will seek to allow for land to be bought more cheaply for building, while a new public body, Great British Railways (GBR), will oversee the rail network, and give all English councils new powers to franchise local bus services. Local governments could receive more powers and a law to ensure all government budgets get advance independent scrutiny. Show latest update 1721228107Labour announces host of new tech rules – but does not reveal much-hyped ‘AI bill’Many within the technology and AI industries had expected that the King’s Speech would bring the introduction of new regulation and governance over artificial intelligence. But it included only passing references to the technology – focused on ensuring that it did not conflict with workers’ rights – and no new legislation specifically focused on it.As such, it remains largely unclear how much and in what ways the government intends to regulate AI.But it did announce a host of other new tech-focused changes, including pledges to strengthen the UK’s cybersecurity and resilience, as well as take greater advantage of data to boost economic growth, through new Bills announced in the King’s Speech.Our technology editor Andrew Griffin has the full story:Salma Ouaguira17 July 2024 15:551721228030PM declares ‘this is a new era’Sir Keir Starmer has told the House of Commons “this is a new era” of politics and promised to serve everyone. The prime minister said: “I have said that we would serve everyone, whether they voted for us or not, and I meant it,” the Prime Minister said.“So let me say directly to the benches opposite, if you are invested in the success of your community, we will work with you.“This is a new era. We are turning a page, returning politics to service, because that is what the people of this country want to see from their politicians, and service is a stronger bond than political self-interest.”Salma Ouaguira17 July 2024 15:531721227847Starmer pledges ‘no more gimmicks or wedge issues’Sir Keir Starmer has pledged that his government will deliver “no more gimmicks” during the King’s Speech debate at the Commons. He said: “Mr Speaker, we will have time, over the weeks, months and years, to debate the measures in this King’s Speech and the choices of this Government.“But I defy anyone on those benches or elsewhere to look at the ambition and purpose or intent and not to perceive a return to the serious business of Government.“No more wedge issues, no more gimmicks, no more party political strategies masquerading as policy.”Salma Ouaguira17 July 2024 15:501721227696Labour MP and SNP leader launch attack on child povertyA Labour MP and Stephen Flynn, the SNP’s leader at Westminster, have quizzed Sir Keir Starmer on child poverty after the King’s Speech. Sarah Owen, the MP for Luton North, said: “I thank the Prime Minister for giving way during his excellent speech outlining the hope and renewal within this King’s Speech, much needed in constituencies like mine in Luton North where over 45 per cent of children are growing up in relative poverty.“What reassurances can the Prime Minister give me and my constituents that he personally takes this issue very seriously and that his government will address it?”Mr Flynn then asked: “Thank you, Mr Speaker, very grateful to the Prime Minister for giving way on his newly announced task force, which of course Beth Rigby was announcing on Twitter as we were all within this chamber.“Mr Speaker, can the Prime Minister outline how many children will remain in poverty while that task force undertakes the work, which will ultimately lead to the same conclusion that we are proposing to scrap the two-child benefit cap?”In response, Sir Keir said he was “grateful” for the their interventions before adding: “no child should be growing up in poverty.”( More

Support trulyindependent journalismFind out moreCloseOur mission is to deliver unbiased, fact-based reporting that holds power to account and exposes the truth.Whether $5 or $50, every contribution counts.Support us to deliver journalism without an agenda.Louise ThomasEditorLabour has announced sweeping new rules on technology – though not widely-expected new laws on artificial intelligence.Many within the technology and AI industries had expected that the King’s Speech would bring the introduction of new regulation and governance over artificial intelligence. But it included only passing references to the technology – focused on ensuring that it did not conflict with workers’ rights – and no new legislation specifically focused on it.As such, it remains largely unclear how much and in what ways the government intends to regulate AI.But it did announce a host of other new tech-focused changes, including pledges to strengthen the UK’s cybersecurity and resilience, as well as take greater advantage of data to boost economic growth, through new Bills announced in the King’s Speech.A reported fully-fledged AI Bill was not announced during the State Opening of Parliament, but the King’s Speech set out how the Government would “seek to establish the appropriate legislation to place requirements on those working to develop the most powerful artificial intelligence models”.In response to the ever-increasing risk of cyber attacks, the new Labour Government said it would introduce the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill, which would give greater power to regulators to push more firms to implement better cybersecurity defences.It said the Bill would expand the remit of existing regulation and put regulators on a stronger footing, as well as increasing the reporting requirements placed on businesses to help build a better picture of cyber threats to the UK.It would be joined by a new Digital Information and Smart Data Bill, which would enable new, “innovative” uses of data to help boost the economy.Under the new legislation, digital verification services would be established, the Government said, which would include digital identity products to help the public quickly and securely share key information about themselves as they use online services in their everyday life.The Bill would also legislate for the creation of a National Underground Asset Register to enable planners and excavators instant, standardised access to pipe and cable data around the country.It would also enable the creation of so-called “smart data” schemes, which would allow for the secure sharing of customer data, upon their request, with authorised third-party service providers.The Government said the Bill would modernise and strengthen the data protection regulator – the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) – and that the legislation would also help scientists and researchers make better use of data for their work.Carla Baker, senior director of government affairs for the UK and Ireland at cybersecurity firm Palo Alto Networks, said she welcomed the “renewed focus” on cybersecurity and the “vital role it plays in driving economic growth and building resilience among critical sectors of society”.“Recent high-profile attacks targeting the NHS, defence and other critical sectors of our economy have demonstrated the impact that malicious actors can have on our national security, as well as the operation of key functions of society and our economy,” she said.“Maintaining the security of the critical national infrastructure in the face of the continually changing threat landscape must be a priority, and we welcome the announcements today.“It will be vital that the Government work with industry to ensure that security requirements in the legislation are fit for purpose and strike the right balance between building resilience and fostering innovation.“If we are to achieve sustained economic growth in the UK, organisations cannot be burdened with overly prescriptive requirements. The Government must take a co-ordinated approach to developing policy interventions that protect critical sectors of society and drive economic growth, and refrain from producing guidance with overlapping or conflicting requirements.“We must build our cyber defences. The Government has to take a principles-based approach to security and ensure that security requirements are developed in a co-ordinated and sustainable manner.”Additional reporting by agencies More

Support trulyindependent journalismFind out moreCloseOur mission is to deliver unbiased, fact-based reporting that holds power to account and exposes the truth.Whether $5 or $50, every contribution counts.Support us to deliver journalism without an agenda.Louise ThomasEditorWatch as King Charles III’s speech marked the state opening of Parliament with the new Labour government on Wednesday, 17 July.Sir Keir Starmer’s pledges, which the party says will “take the brakes of Britain,” were announced by the monarch inside the House of Lords.The speech is written by the government and read out in a neutral tone by the monarch, allowing the winning party to outline its priorities for the next parliament.Wednesday was be the first Speech from the Throne under a Labour government for 14 years.It contained more than 35 bills and draft bills aimed at improving transport, creating jobs and accelerating the building of houses and infrastructure as the government seeks to turn round Britain’s recent cycle of low growth.Only 22 bills were put forward the last time there was a change of government in 2010.Charles delivered the speech, the second of his reign, at around 11.30am on Wednesday. More

The Independent has launched a brand new WhatsApp Community, bringing you the latest UK politics news.Never miss a big story as our dedicated political team will keep you informed on the latest breaking news, features and must-watch videos.You can expect breaking news alerts, exclusive interviews, cutting-edge opinion from our commentators and leading analysis from our award-winning journalists.To sign up to our free service all you need to do is follow the simple steps below:How to join The Independent’s WhatsApp community( More

Support trulyindependent journalismFind out moreCloseOur mission is to deliver unbiased, fact-based reporting that holds power to account and exposes the truth.Whether $5 or $50, every contribution counts.Support us to deliver journalism without an agenda.Louise ThomasEditorThe UK’s data protection regulator has issued a reprimand to the London Borough of Hackney over its handling of a cyber attack.The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) said the council had “failed to effectively implement sufficient measures” to protect its systems from attack.The borough was targeted by hackers in October 2020 in an attack which saw cyber criminals gain access to and encrypt 440,000 files, affecting at least 280,000 residents and other individuals. It included personal information related to religious beliefs, health, criminal records, economic data and details of sexual orientation, among other personal identifiers.According to the ICO, more than 9,600 records were exfiltrated from the council’s systems, which posed a “meaningful risk of harm” to 230 people.The ICO said the cyber attack also substantially disrupted the council’s operations, with some services not returning to normal until 2022.In its investigation into the breach, the data protection regulator found security patches had not been properly applied to all devices, and the council had failed to change an insecure password on a dormant account that was still connected to its servers, which was exploited by the hackers.Stephen Bonner, deputy commissioner of the ICO, said: “This was a clear and avoidable error from London Borough of Hackney, one that has resulted in a mass loss of data and has had a severely detrimental impact on many residents.“At its absolute worst, this has meant that some of the most deeply personal information possible has ended up in the hands of the attackers.If we want people to have trust in local authorities, they need to trust that local authorities will look after their data properlyStephen Bonner, Information Commissioner’s Office“Systems that people rely on were offline for many months. This is entirely unacceptable and should not have happened.“Whilst nefarious actors may always exist, the council failed to effectively implement sufficient measures that could have better protected their systems and data from cyber attacks.“Anyone responsible for protecting personal data should not make simple mistakes like having dormant accounts where the username and password are the same. Time and time again, we see breaches that would not have happened if such mistakes were avoided.“If we want people to have trust in local authorities, they need to trust that local authorities will look after their data properly.“Hackney residents have learnt the hard way the consequences for these errors – councils across the country should act now to ensure that those they are responsible for do not suffer the same fate.”Following the attack, the ICO said the borough took a number of remedial steps, including ensuring all residents were aware of the incident and promptly engaging with the relevant authorities.The regulator also acknowledged the council had sought to update its security patch management system prior to the attack, the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the council’s staff and resources, and it commended the borough for its good governance structures.It said because of this and the positive actions taken by Hackney council to mitigate harm, a reprimand has been issued rather than a fine.“The council took swift and comprehensive action to mitigate the harm of the attack as soon as it learned it had taken place, including through their engagement with NCSC (The National Cyber Security Centre), and has taken a number of positive steps since,” Mr Bonner said.“There is a vital learning from this for both Hackney and for councils across the country – systems must be updated; you have to take preventative measures to reduce the risk and potential impact of human error, and you must ensure that data that is entrusted to you is protected.”In response, a spokesperson for Hackney council said: “While we welcome the ICO completing its investigation, we maintain that the council has not breached its security obligations.“We consider that the ICO has misunderstood the facts and misapplied the law with respect to the issues in question, and has mischaracterised and exaggerated the risk to residents’ data.“However, we do not believe it is in our residents’ interests to use our limited resources to challenge the ICO’s decision.“Instead, we will continue to work closely with the National Cyber Security Centre, central Government and colleagues across local government and the wider public sector to play our part in defending public services against the ever-increasing threats of cyber attack and to help ensure the safety and wellbeing of our residents.“Modern IT systems are extremely complex and cyber threats continue to grow. Since 2020, organisations of all sizes in the public and private sector have fallen victim to criminals deploying ever more complex and sophisticated modes of cyber attack.“To meet this rapidly changing threat, we have been investing and rebuilding our systems to further accelerate the delivery of our strategy of using the most modern and secure systems possible.“We have worked closely with the National Cyber Security Centre, National Crime Agency and Metropolitan Police to identify, contact and help those who were significantly affected by the cyber attack, and the ICO has recognised our robust and transparent response.” More

Support trulyindependent journalismFind out moreCloseOur mission is to deliver unbiased, fact-based reporting that holds power to account and exposes the truth.Whether $5 or $50, every contribution counts.Support us to deliver journalism without an agenda.Louise ThomasEditorA generational shift in British political priorities has been delivered in the first King’s speech by a Labour government for 14 years.Sir Keir Starmer campaigned during the election with a promise that he will “change the country” like he changed the Labour Party after Jeremy Corbyn and set out today how he intends to achieve this.During Tory rule, the focus had been on the baby boomer generation protecting pensions and home ownership.But in a King’s Speech which referenced 35 bills, Starmer’s Labour has put the focus on “generation rent” as he pledged to “take the brakes off Britain” with plans to break the deadlock on affordable housing, protections for renters, restoration of workplace rights and a push to restore trust in British institutions.The first King’s Speech of the new Labour government took place (Aaron Chown/PA) More