UK Politics

Yvette Cooper has announced plans to suspend all new applications under the refugee family reunion route as part of a series of measures to clear the asylum backlog and clamp down on the number of people crossing the Channel. The changes mean that refugees will be covered by the same family migration rules and conditions as everyone else while a new, tougher framework for family reunions is drawn up. Refugees will now have to apply through the standard family scheme, which applies to British citizens. This requires them to demonstrate a minimum joint income of £29,000 per year before their foreign partner can join them in the UK.Giving a statement in the Commons on Monday, the first day back after a summer recess that was marred by growing public anger over migration, the home secretary said that a new independent body will be created to speed up asylum appeals, as well as announcing that the first returns of those who come to the UK on small boats will begin later this month under its deal with France. Yvette Cooper announced a wide-ranging plan to cut the asylum backlog More

If Labour MPs were hoping that the summer break had calmed things down for the party and seen an end to the infighting and manoeuvring, then they will have arrived back disappointed.The whirlwind of stories around deputy prime minister Angela Rayner and her property purchase, the speculation of dire consequences for the economy under Rachel Reeves’ guidance, and the mini -reshuffle as the new term began are all connected in a giant soap opera behind the scenes.Essentially, the common thread is Keir Starmer’s own future as Labour leader and prime minister and the fact that there are many now plotting his downfall while others are plotting to take out his biggest threat, Ms Rayner.The Prime Minister has had a mini reshuffle (Isabel Infantes/PA) More

Awkward moment Nick Robinson reminds Chris Philp he opened Bell Hotel to asylum seekersSir Keir Starmer has accused Nigel Farage’s Reform Party of engaging in a “politics of grievance” as home secretary Yvette Cooper addresses Parliament on plans to reform the immigration system and border security. Speaking to the BBC ahead of the opening of Parliament, Sir Keir accused Mr Farage of “simply putting forward unworkable, fanciful ideas that just aren’t going to work”. Sir Keir’s government has come under fierce criticism for its handling of immigration, particularly around the use of hotels to house asylum seekers. It comes as the home secretary outlines reforms to the immigration system to MPs as they return to Westminster for the first time since July.She will say the government’s overhaul of the “broken” asylum system will contribute to ending the use of asylum hotels, an issue which has led to widespread protests over the summer. The BBC has reported that she plans to tighten rules for migrants granted asylum to bring their families to the UK, including tougher English language standards and access to sufficient funds. Cooper: Asylum hotels must be closed in an orderly manner Yvette Cooper has reiterated the need to close all asylum hotels “in a controlled and orderly manner”. “We need to close all asylum hotels and we need to do so for good. But it must be done in a controlled and orderly manner,” she said. Tom Watling1 September 2025 15:53Cooper says family reunion visas are ‘not sustainable’ Home secretary Yvette Cooper has said that refugee family reunion visas are “not sustainable” under the current model. “Reforms are needed,” she said, suggesting they would include longer periods of residence in the UK until families can seek refuge. Tom Watling1 September 2025 15:51Cooper begins Parliament address Home secretary Yvette Cooper has begun her address to Parliament. Tom Watling1 September 2025 15:44Keir Starmer accidentally calls Angela Rayner an ‘incredible prime minister’Keir Starmer accidentally calls Angela Rayner ‘prime minister’Tom Watling1 September 2025 15:40What is the refugee family reunification route?Yvette Cooper is about to announce changes to the family reunification route for refugees, but what is this?The safe legal route to the UK is set up for people who have refugee status in Britain. Refugees, who have had their asylum claims assessed and deemed successful, can apply for family members to join them in the UK. This is often husbands who have made difficult journeys to the UK who then apply to bring their wives and children to sanctuary.In order to qualify, the applicant and their partner must be in a lasting relationship. This qualifies as in a marriage, civil partnership, or in a relationship for at least two years.The couple will need to prove that they communicate regularly, support each other financially, and care for any children they have together. When applying for a child, the child must be under the age of 18.Holly Bancroft, Social Affairs Correspondent 1 September 2025 15:32Home secretary to address Parliament shortly Yvette Cooper is shortly about to address Parliament about reforms to the immigration system and border security. We will bring you lines from that as they come. Tom Watling1 September 2025 15:31Family reunion was the ‘last safe available route for women and children’, charity saysResponding to Yvette Cooper’s upcoming announcement on changes to the refugee family reunion route, Steve Smith, CEO of Care4Calais, said: “We are forever hearing cries that refugees seeking protection should do so through official channels, but here we have the government restricting the last available safe route for women and children.”Shutting off the hope of family reunification will only force more women and children to take dangerous journeys to seek sanctuary, including risking their lives by crossing the Channel.“This is an ill-conceived approach from a Government that won’t stand up to the rhetoric of Reform, nor the far-right hate we are witnessing on our streets, but is instead mimicking it and making things substantially worse for refugees, communities and themselves.”Tom Watling1 September 2025 15:28Starmer backs Rayner despite tax claims Angela Rayner is a “great story of British success”, the Prime Minister said, adding it was a “mistake” for people to brief against her or talk her down.Sir Keir Starmer told Matt Chorley on BBC Radio 5 Live: “Angela is Deputy Prime Minister of this country, that’s an incredible achievement.“And Angela came from a very humble background, battled all sorts of challenges along the way, and there she is proudly – and I’m proud of her – as our Deputy Prime Minister.”His comments come after recent reports that Ms Rayner saved £40,000 in stamp duty when buying a flat in Hove, East Sussex, after telling tax authorities it was her main home. A spokesperson for Ms Rayner previously said she paid all her taxes. Sir Keir added: “Angela has had people briefing against her and talking her down over and over again.“It’s a mistake, by the way. Angela is an incredible prime minister… Deputy Prime Minister, but what a great story of British success that we are a country where Angela Rayner could be our Deputy Prime Minister.“I’m proud of that. I think we should be proud as a country that Angela Rayner is our Deputy Prime Minister, and that, by the way, will give I don’t know how many working-class children, particularly girls, a real sense of aspiration.”Sir Keir Starmer has defended his deputy amid criticism of her tax affairs. (Stefan Rousseau/PA) More

Sir Keir Starmer has launched a defence of deputy prime minister Angela Rayner following criticism of her tax affairs, saying she is a “great story of British success”.The prime minister said Ms Rayner has “had people briefing against her and talking her down over and over again”, warning: “It’s a big mistake by the way”, amid headlines about her purchase of a flat in Hove.Describing her appointment as deputy prime minister as “an incredible achievement”, Sir Keir told BBC 5Live: “Angela came from a very humble background, battled all sorts of challenges along the way, and there she is proudly – and I’m proud of her – as our deputy prime minister.”Sir Keir Starmer has defended his deputy amid criticism of her tax affairs. (Stefan Rousseau/PA) More

Keir Starmer has moved to get a grip on the political agenda and toughen up his government by bringing Rachel Reeves’ former deputy from the Treasury to strengthen his Downing Street operation.With concerns over the focus of the Downing Street operation, Labour languishing eight points behind Reform in the polls and a sense that the prime minister is not in control of the political agenda, Darren Jones has been moved to help strengthen the operation.The prime minister has also brought in world-leading economist Baroness Minouche Shafik as his new chief economic adviser in a move which will allow him to take more control of economic policy.The shake-up follows growing criticism of Ms Reeves, who faces a difficult few months ahead amid growing speculation she is likely to have to announce major tax rises in the Budget. While she is expected to remain in post, her authority – and the power of the Treasury, which has been vehemently criticised by Labour backbenchers – will be much diluted.Mr Jones is replaced as chief Treasury secretary by loyalist James Murray and Daniel Tomlinson, who only became an MP last year, is promoted to a junior Treasury ministerial role.Chief Secretary Darren Jones More

Domestic abuse victims could be at risk if the upcoming emergency alert drill sends an alert to any hidden devices they have, charities say.On Sunday September 7 at around 3pm, mobile phones on 4G and 5G networks will vibrate, emit a siren for up to 10 seconds, and display a message confirming the alert is a drill.But there are concerns that the sound could reveal hidden phones belonging to domestic abuse victims and groups are advising them how to opt out of the alert.To opt out, iPhone users should go to settings, search for “Emergency Alerts”, and turn off Severe & Emergency Alerts.Android users can do the same by searching “Emergency Alerts” in settings and switching off Severe & Emergency Alerts.Meanwhile, theatre-goers will be advised to turn their phones off and drivers are urged not to be distracted if they are behind the wheel when the alert takes place.Emma Pickering, of charity Refuge, said: “During the initial roll-out of the Government’s emergency alert system, Refuge expressed concerns about how the alerts could indirectly impact survivors who have hidden devices by making their abuser aware of the device.“We must be clear – abuse is always a choice a perpetrator makes, and technology itself is not responsible.“When used correctly and as intended, technology can make vast improvements to our lives, and we know that having a hidden device that can be used to access support without fear of being tracked can offer a lifeline for many survivors.“However, in the hands of a perpetrator of abuse, technology becomes another tool to misuse and weaponise, often with devastating effects.”A spokesperson for women’s aid charity Solace said: “These alerts may put domestic abuse survivors at risk, if they are concealing devices from perpetrators.“Survivors may hide devices because they use them to seek and receive support, or to seek employment to increase their financial independence.”Society of London Theatre (SOLT) and UK Theatre said its members have been advised about the alert.A spokesperson said: “Theatres are updating their pre-show announcements to remind audiences to turn phones off completely, helping to minimise disruption.“Theatre is a uniquely live experience where the unexpected can happen – but it’s always best when the surprises come from the stage.”The AA recommended that drivers familiarise themselves with the alert sound and vibration and do not interact with the message until stopped in a safe place with the engine switched off.Edmund King, AA president, said: “We support the testing of the emergency alerts system, which is an important tool the Government uses to keep people safe in a crisis.“On the day, drivers should simply stay calm and focus on the road. As always, only check your phone when you’re parked safely with the engine turned off.”RAC road safety spokesperson Rod Dennis said: “Anyone driving on Sunday afternoon needs to be ready for the 3pm emergency alert test, so we’d encourage people to share the message far and wide with anyone they know.“The loud siren-like sound that will be emitted by millions of phones is, of course, designed to get everyone’s attention but it’s important drivers stay focused while it’s going off for 10 seconds or so.”The system is designed for use during the most likely emergencies to affect the UK and warnings would also be transmitted on television, radio and locally by knocking on doors.Pat McFadden, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, said: “On Sunday September 7 we will hold a UK-wide test of the emergency alerts system to ensure it works when we need it most.“It is a vital tool for keeping the nation safe when lives are on the line – and every minute matters.“During Storm Darragh and Storm Eowyn, as millions faced dangerous extreme weather, I saw first-hand how effective it was at getting life-saving advice to at-risk communities in an instant.“We do not use the system often, but like the fire alarm in your home, it is always on standby should we need to act.” More

Rachel Reeves has admitted that hardworking people feel “stuck” as economic growth continues to lag and pressure mounts on her to raise new taxes.In stark comments on the state of Britain’s economy, the chancellor acknowledged that families are “squeezing every penny to make ends meet” and that more needs to be done to help working people “get ahead in life”.But a defiant Ms Reeves also hit back at critics such as Nigel Farage who claim that “Britain is broken” – insisting she was working to boost the economy and “build a stronger Britain”. Writing exclusively for The Independent, she said: “Britain isn’t broken, but for working people, it feels stuck.Rachel Reeves (Anthony Devlin/PA) More

A shock new poll has revealed that even a majority of Reform UK supporters now want to unpick parts of Brexit and move the UK closer to the EU.The major YouGov survey of 2,224 voters has underlined a significant shift in attitudes to the Brexit debate and suggests that Nigel Farage’s continued hostility towards the EU is not even landing with his own party’s supporters.According to the findings, 55 per cent of Reform UK (previously the Brexit Party) voters want a permanent youth mobility scheme for young people in the UK and Europe to be put in place with just 34 per cent opposing.Even Reform supporters are now leaning towards closer ties with the EU More