UK Politics

Your support helps us to tell the storyFrom reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.Your support makes all the difference.CloseRead moreBBC director general Tim Davie is set to be grilled by MPs on allegations surrounding MasterChef host Gregg Wallace when he next appears before the culture, media and sport committee.The committee’s chairperson, Tory Gosport MP Caroline Dinenage toldThe Independent that she expects Mr Davie to give evidence before the Christmas recess to talk about the BBC World Service.But she added: “This subject (Gregg Wallace) will also come up.”It comes amid growing calls from MPs for the BBC to take responsibility for the investigation into claims surrounding Wallace.Gregg Wallace faces fresh allegations of inappropriate behaviour amid furore (Yui Mok/PA) More

Starmer repeatedly dodges questions over Louise Haigh’s resignation in PMQs clashYour support helps us to tell the storyFrom reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.Your support makes all the difference.CloseRead moreKemi Badenoch has mocked Sir Keir Starmer over former transport secretary Louise Haigh’s resignation, which came after admitted misleading the police a decade ago. The Tory leader told the Commons the country “needs conviction politicians, not politicians with convictions”. “He can try and change the topic as much as he likes but the public are watching. He owes them an explanation”, she said.Sir Keir Starmer has been accused of obfuscating over Louise Haigh’s resignation, after Badenoch demanded he provide the House of Commons with an explanation over the incident.Pointing to Downing Street’s statement that Ms Haigh quit after “further information came to light”, Badenoch asked for details on what that information was during Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday.Responding, the prime minister said: “I’m not going to disclose further information.”Meanwhile, chancellor Rachel Reeves refused to rule out the possibility of further tax rises or borrowing in future Budgets as she appeared at the Great Northern Conference in Hull on Tuesday – but she insisted she would not have to top up her spending plans either.Sir Keir also refused to be drawn on this issue at PMQs.BBC director general Tim Davie set to be grilled by MPs over Gregg Wallace allegationsThe committee’s chairperson, Tory Gosport MP Caroline Dinenage toldThe Independent that she expects Mr Davie to give evidence before the Christmas recess to talk about the BBC World Service.It comes amid growing calls from MPs for the BBC to take responsibility for the investigation into claims surrounding Wallace.Read our exclusive from political editor David Maddox here: Holly Evans4 December 2024 14:30Women who report inappropriate behaviour must have confidence, says StarmerWomen who make reports of inappropriate behaviour must have “confidence that they will be taken seriously”, the Prime Minister has said.Sir Keir Starmer said politicians should be ready to put in place “mechanisms” that would instil that confidence, after a Labour MP asked him about “women of a certain age”, reflecting comments for which broadcaster Gregg Wallace has apologised.Alison Hume (Scarborough and Whitby) asked at Prime Minister’s Questions: “Given that a significant number of members in this place are, regardless of class, ‘women of a certain age’, would the Prime Minister agree with me that when a woman of a certain age, or indeed any woman of any age from any background, says they have experienced sexual harassment or inappropriate behaviour, they should be listened to, supported and the perpetrator dealt with?”Sir Keir replied: “I certainly agree with that and I think everybody across the House would.“She’s right because one of the greatest barriers that women face when coming forward and reporting unacceptable behaviour in the workplace is having confidence that they will be taken seriously.“And that requires all of us to put in place mechanisms and arrangements to make that possible.“Everybody should be treated with dignity and respect and I’m proud of the fact that the Employment Rights Bill we are passing will strengthen protections from sexual harassment at work.”Holly Evans4 December 2024 14:15Israel fury with Lammy’s diplomacy by Twitter The Israeli government has attacked David Lammy for using X (formerly Twitter) for diplomacy after he posted strong criticism about the humanitarian situation in Gaza.Amid growing concerns over the humanitarian situation in Gaza following thousands of deaths and reports that aid angencies cannot get access, Mr Lammy and his German and French counterparts (the E3 group) agreed today to sennd an ultimatum to the Israeli government.Read the full article here: Holly Evans4 December 2024 14:00Watch: MPs discuss Gregg Wallace ‘women of a certain age’ comment during PMQsMPs discuss Gregg Wallace ‘women of a certain age’ comment during PMQsHolly Evans4 December 2024 13:45Keir Starmer is stuck between a rock and a hard place over tradeThis ambiguity about British priorities or “cakeism”, to put it less kindly, is hardly new – but it is becoming increasingly unsustainable. Since the Second World War, the British have found themselves sometimes bound by the bridge between the two shores of the Atlantic Ocean. Sometimes it is a happy relationship, sometimes it is torn.It must be said, the UK found this relationship rather easier to handle over the half century when the UK was a member of the European Union and its forerunners. In security terms, all the main players on both sides of the pond (with the partial exception of France) were committed members of Nato, and all were committed to the established international order and, albeit haltingly, the gradual easing of international barriers to trade and investment.Read the full editorial here: Keir Starmer is stuck between a rock and a hard place over US and EU tradeEditorial: If Sir Keir’s luck does not hold, then within the lifetime of his government the UK could be hit with punitive US trade tariffs with no realistic chance of regaining the trading and investment opportunities with Europe that were sacrificed for Brexit. Tough choices may have to be madeHolly Evans4 December 2024 13:30No 10 refuses to add further detail to Haigh’s resignation The Prime Minister’s press secretary declined to provide further details on the “new information” that led to Louise Haigh’s resignation as transport secretary.Asked what the new information was that Sir Keir Starmer referred to during Wednesday’s PMQs, she said: “You have got the Prime Minister’s words in the House. I have got nothing to add to that.”Holly Evans4 December 2024 13:17Starmer to raise issue of British hostage in Gaza with Qatar Sir Keir Starmer is expected to raise the issue of Emily Damari, the only British hostage in Gaza, when he meets the Emir of Qatar on Wednesday.The Prime Minister official spokesman said: “Qatar has played a leading mediation role in the conflict and you can expect the release of hostages to feature.“I would also point you to what he said earlier in the week at the LFI (Labour Friends of Israel) event, that in every diplomatic conversation he has he urges world leaders to do everything they can to see the return of hostages.”Holly Evans4 December 2024 13:08Starmer repeatedly dodges questions over Louise Haigh’s resignation in PMQs clashStarmer repeatedly dodges questions over Louise Haigh’s resignation in PMQs clashHolly Evans4 December 2024 12:59Starmer rules himself out of race for Christmas number one single Sir Keir Starmer has ruled himself out of the race for Christmas number one, after MPs Carolyn Harris and Sir Ed Davey released rival singles.Ms Harris, the Labour MP for Neath and Swansea East, told MPs to laughter: “Today question three (on the order paper), but who knows? Next week, I could be number one in the charts. As the first MP this year to bring out a Christmas single, will the Prime Minister join me in thanking my musical collaborator, the hugely talented Mal Pope, and everyone involved with this year’s Everyone Deserves hamper campaign, that will deliver festive food to 1,500 homes across five constituencies in South Wales?”The Prime Minister replied: “There’s obviously going to some rivalry in the race for number one by Christmas. I’m not going to be joining in that particular one, but I do thank her and Mal Pope for their campaigning.”He said hampers are “much needed” by some of her constituents and added: “Christmas is a time to think of others and I do pay tribute to her and all those supporting those in need, and this Government will always support the most vulnerable in our society.”Sir Ed, the Liberal Democrats’ leader who released a track titled Love Is Enough, told the Commons: “I for one will be downloading the song of (Ms Harris).”Holly Evans4 December 2024 12:43Watch: Starmer repeatedly dodges questions over Louise Haigh’s resignation in PMQs clashStarmer repeatedly dodges questions over Louise Haigh’s resignation in PMQs clashTara Cobham4 December 2024 12:36 More

Your support helps us to tell the storyFrom reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.Your support makes all the difference.CloseRead moreA Scottish rocket company has paused plans to build a spaceport in the Highlands.Orbex said it wanted to shift its focus from building the site in Sutherland to developing small and medium-sized rockets.It now aims to launch its first rockets from the SaxaVord Spaceport in Shetland.The Moray-based firm said it would retain its lease in Sutherland and did not rule out further construction in the future.The three staff employed at the site will be consulted to identify options for relocation or new roles, the company added.This decision will help us to reach first launch in 2025 and provides SaxaVord with another customer to further strengthen its commercial propositionOrbex chief executive officer Phil ChambersOrbex had planned to carry out its first launch from the “carbon neutral” spaceport next year, using a 19-metre-long rocket powered by liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).Initial construction in the area began last year after the firm was granted planning permission in 2020.Orbex chief executive officer Phil Chambers said the move would help the firm deliver on its core mission of producing rockets, rather than building spaceports.He said: “Orbex is first and foremost a launch services specialist. Our primary goal is to support the European space industry by achieving a sustainable series of satellite launches into low Earth orbit.“This is best achieved by focusing our resources and talents on developing launch vehicles and associated launch services.“This decision will help us to reach first launch in 2025 and provides SaxaVord with another customer to further strengthen its commercial proposition.“It’s a win-win for UK and Scottish space.”Orbex said it is planning to increase its manufacturing capability in Forres to meet demand for its smaller vehicle Prime.It said the site will also be used to develop new medium-launch vehicles that will enable it to put more satellites into orbit.Mr Chambers added: “While we appreciate this news means pausing the construction plans at Sutherland, we are still committed to the north of Scotland at our facilities in Forres and we look forward to building our presence at SaxaVord in Shetland as well.“The decision to pause construction was not taken lightly. We are incredibly grateful to the Sutherland community for being so supportive of our initial plans to build our first spaceport there.”Frank Strang, chief executive officer of the SaxaVord Spaceport, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Orbex to SaxaVord.“Given the scale of their ambition and the evolution of their offer to include a medium-sized launch vehicle, it makes sense for Orbex to start operations from SaxaVord Spaceport, which is already licensed and in a position to support their upcoming launches.“The UK’s space industry is developing very quickly and requires the associated economies of scale and synergies to maintain its competitiveness for launch services from Europe.” More

Your support helps us to tell the storyFrom reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.Your support makes all the difference.CloseRead moreWatch live as Keir Starmer faces Kemi Badenoch at PMQs on Wednesday (4 December) as his reset Brexit plans suffer another blow.The prime minister looks set to lose another key ally in a blow to his plans to reset the UK’s post-Brexit relationship with the European Union.Michel Barnier looks likely to be ousted as French prime minister on Wednesday in a no-confidence motion after he pushed through a controversial budget without a vote.If passed, it will bring down the government and force Mr Barnier’s resignation after less than three months on the job.Wednesday’s head-to-head also comes as a report revealed UK interest rates will fall by less than expected over the next two years after the autumn Budget’s significant spending and borrowing plans.The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) said UK inflation will also surpass previous forecasts next year, with a headline inflation of 2.7 per cent for next year. More

Your support helps us to tell the storyFrom reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.Your support makes all the difference.CloseRead more Pope Francis met Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban at the Vatican on Wednesday and discussed with him the war in Ukraine, focusing on the humanitarian situation and efforts to promote peace in the region.Francis also discussed other themes with Orban, including the Hungarian presidency of the Council of the European Union as well as the “central role of the family and the protection of the young generations,” the Vatican said in a statement. During his visit in Hungary last year, Francis met with some 35,000 Ukrainian refugees who remained in Hungary. Nearly 2.5 million refugees entered the eastern European country early on in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.Orban has repeatedly called for a ceasefire in the war. But he has refused to supply Kyiv with weapons, and he has threatened to veto EU sanctions against Moscow while maintaining Hungary’s strong dependence on Russian energy.The Hungarian leader also met with Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin and Miroslaw Wachowski, the Vatican undersecretary for relations with states. More

Your support helps us to tell the storyFrom reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.Your support makes all the difference.CloseRead moreUK interest rates will fall more slowly than expected following the tax rises, spending hikes and increased borrowing Rachel Reeves announced in her autumn Budget, an influential report has warned.In its annual economic survey, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) said UK inflation will also surpass previous forecasts next year, and upgraded growth projections for the economy, because of a Budget boost.The OECD also warned that “risks and uncertainties are high” for the global economy, although added that it would “remain resilient” over the coming years.The global economy is predicted to grow by 3.2 per cent this year and 3.3 per cent next year, the organisation said.It reflects a slight improvement from its predictions of 3.1 per cent and 3.2 per cent respectively, from its September interim report.In October, the chancellor set out plans for almost £70 billion a year of extra public spending, funded through tax rises and increased borrowing More

Your support helps us to tell the storyFrom reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.Your support makes all the difference.CloseRead moreRail fares will continue to rise under Labour despite plans to bring the railways under public ownership, the new transport secretary has indicated.Heidi Alexander, who was appointed to the position after Louise Haigh was forced to resign last week, said the “commercial realities for the railways are very challenging at the moment”.She said there needs to be enough money to provide good services for fare payers, warning against entering into a “death spiral” of low fares and poor-quality rail networks.It comes after the government announced that South Western Railway’s services will be the first to transfer into public ownership next year.Heidi Alexander was appointed transport secretary last week More

Your support helps us to tell the storyFrom reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.Your support makes all the difference.CloseRead moreDonald Trump’s threatened tariffs could hit UK trade with the US as badly as Brexit affected trade with the EU, a leading think tank has warned, as campaigners call for Sir Keir Starmer to protect the UK by urgently rebuilding ties with Europe.The president-elect has threatened to impose tariffs of between 10 and 20 per cent on all imports to the US when he returns to the White House, with experts warning of a tit-for-tat global trade war that would fuel another spike in inflation.And, in a bombshell report published today, the Resolution Foundation said the impact of Trump’s plans would hit UK firms as hard as the trade barriers that came into place after Brexit.Keir Starmer has rejected calls to prioritise the EU over the US under Donald Trump More