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.Read moreBritain will oppose any attempts to forcibly remove Palestinians from Gaza, a Foreign Office minister has said, confirming for the first time that the government will block Donald Trump’s controversial plans for the enclave. Development minister Anneliese Dodds said the future of Gaza must be determined by Palestinians with the support of neighbouring countries and the international community. And, in a rebuke to the US president, Ms Dodds said: “We would oppose any effort to move Palestinians in Gaza to neighbouring Arab states against their will.Anneliese Dodds said Palestinian civilians should be able to return to Gaza and rebuild their homes and lives (Ben Whitley/PA) 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.Read moreRachel Reeves has been dragged into the row over Sir Keir Starmer’s meeting with his voice coach while Covid restrictions were in place in late 2020. Sir Keir furiously hit back at “partying” Tories as he was again pressed on claims he broke lockdown rules during the pandemic. The row is over whether actor Leonie Mellinger would have been allowed to advise the Labour leader in person during tier 4 lockdown as the country closed for Christmas.Sir Keir has faced intense pressure on the issue because of the way he pursued former prime minister Boris Johnson over Partygate activities in Downing Street.Keir Starmer hit back at ‘partying’ Tories 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.Read moreNigel Farage has claimed that Donald Trump’s administration will impose tariffs on the UK because of Keir Starmer’s attempts to give the Chagos Islands to Mauritius.But Downing Street has hit back stating the allegation is “codswallop”.The claim came during in a Reform UK press conference following an urgent question in Parliament on the bid to return the islands to Mauritius.During Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday, Sir Keir insisted that those privy to national security advice would know why the controversial deal needs to go forward. But Mr Farage suggested that that advice, coming from national security adviser Jonathan Powell, was based on “lies”.It came as the prime minister of Mauritius, Navin Ramgoolam, issued an urgent clarification correcting claims the price of leasing back the UK/US airbase on the islands had doubled to £18 billion.Nigel Farage (House of Commons/UK Parliament/PA) 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 moreAn alleged Chinese spy who became a close confidant of the Duke of York has been named as Yang Tengbo following a court ruling, as concerns grow over Beijing’s reach within British society.The 50-year-old businessman had been known as H6 until a judge lifted an anonymity order just ahead of an urgent question on the scandal from former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith.MPs had threatened to use parliamentary privilege to reveal Mr Yang’s identity following accusations that he had become close to Prince Andrew in an effort to gain influence, and that he had helped the United Front Work Department – an arm of the Chinese Communist Party.Yang Tengbo pictured with Prince Andrew More

Sir Keir admits concerns over challenges China poses to the UKYour 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 moreAn alleged Chinese spy banned from the UK and linked to the Duke of York can now be named as Yang Tengbo, a High Court judge has ruled.The 50-year-old director of a Chinese investment consultancy firm was barred from the UK in 2023 after it was deemed he would likely threaten national security. A High Court judge has now lifted an anonymity order so he can now be identified.The suspect is said to have become a “close” confidant of the Duke of York and has also been pictured with senior politicians including Lord David Cameron and Baroness Theresa May.Former Conservative leader Sir Ian Duncan Smit told the House of Commons Tengbo “was not a lone wolf”.“He was one of some 40,000 members of the United Works Department, which the intelligence security committee report last year said and I quote ‘are known to government, had penetrated every sector of the UK economy, spying, stealing intellectual property, influencing and shaping our institutions,” he said. Security minister Dan Jarvis said the government will not hesitate to use “every tool at our disposal” to keep the UK safe. Prince Andrew to step away from King’s private Norfolk residenceIt is understood Andrew will stay away from the King’s private Norfolk residence after the controversy surrounding alleged Chinese spy Yang Tengbo, who was banned from the UK and had forged links to the Duke of York.It is not yet known whether the duke will attend Charles’s traditional pre-Christmas lunch for the extended family on Thursday, which is expected to be held at Buckingham Palace.Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie had already planned to spend Christmas with their respective in-laws this year for the first time.Jabed Ahmed17 December 2024 02:00Watchdog probe urged into alleged Chinese spy linked to Duke of YorkA spy watchdog has been urged at Westminster to investigate an alleged Chinese secret agent linked to the Duke of York and other espionage claims levelled at Beijing.Speaking in Parliament, as peers approved nominations for the ISC, which oversees the work of the UK’s spy agencies, Labour former minister Lord Foulkes of Cumnock said: “I wonder if it would be appropriate at this time to ask if it would be possible for the Intelligence and Security Committee to conduct an investigation into H6 and all the allegations of spying from China?”Responding, leader of the Lords Baroness Smith of Basildon, said: “I don’t think it’s for the Lord Privy Seal to instruct the Intelligence and Security Committee on their business or how they conduct it but I am sure they will have taken note of the reports and are fully aware of the situation and will do whatever is appropriate.”Jabed Ahmed17 December 2024 01:00Yang Tengbo statement in full: Suspected Chinese spy breaks silence after being named at heart of scandalJabed Ahmed16 December 2024 23:59What we know so far about the alleged Chinese spy with links to AndrewHere is what we know about the businessman so far:Mr Yang – who is also known as Chris Yang – was born on 21 March 1974, according to information from Special Immigration Appeals Commission (SIAC). He studied at university in China and then worked as a junior civil servant in China for a number of years. Mr Yang came to the UK in 2002, studying language in London for one year, then taking a master’s degree at the University of York in Public Administration and Public Policy. Since at least 2005, Mr Yang has divided his time between the two countries, then was granted indefinite leave to remain in the UK in 2013. He is listed as a director of Hampton Group International, a business consultancy which says it acts as a bridge between China and the rest of the world. Mr Yang was the founder-partner of Pitch@Palace China. The Pitch@Palace initiative was the Duke of York’s scheme to support entrepreneurs.Jabed Ahmed16 December 2024 23:29British Company founded by Yang Tengbo issues statementThe Hampton Group, a British company founded by Yang Tengbo, has issued a statement following the high court ruling.The statement read: “Hampton Group is a British company employing a small number of British and Chinese nationals with the right to work in the UK. The company operates to high standards of governance and compliance according to international best practices. We pay tax in the UK and are proud to have made a positive impact on the UK economy through our work.“Neither Hampton Group or any of its staff or associates have ever been involved in any covert intelligence gathering on behalf of the Chinese Government, or any other state. Hampton Group in the UK will continue to support its clients, helping them to achieve their commercial goals.”The Hampton Group provides consulting and events services to British and Chinese companies. Tengbo is not involved in the day-to-day operations of the UK business, the company said.Jabed Ahmed16 December 2024 23:00Watch: Sir Keir Starmer urges Western allies to ‘double-down’ in support of UkraineSir Keir Starmer urges Western allies to ‘double-down’ in support of UkraineJabed Ahmed16 December 2024 22:28Watch: Alleged spy Yang Tengbo appears on Chinese state TV alongside portraits of British PMsAlleged spy Yang Tengbo appears on Chinese state TV alongside portraits of British PMsJabed Ahmed16 December 2024 21:59ICYMI: Every MP will have been contacted by Chinese agents, shadow home secretary warns Every MP will likely have been contacted by Chinese agents “at some point”, the Conservatives’ shadow home secretary has warned.Chris Philp told the Commons: “Chinese infiltration of public organisations is of grave concern but it’s not just public organisations such as Government; it’s also businesses and universities that are being systemically infiltrated, and often intellectual property theft is at the heart of what the Chinese government are trying to achieve.“When I was technology minister, I saw this in areas like artificial intelligence, quantum computing and others.”He added: “Last year, the head of MI5 Ken McCallum said that Chinese activity seeking to infiltrate our institutions is – and I quote – on an ‘epic scale’.“Last year, there were multiple attempts by Chinese companies to get hold of sensitive technology and MI5 estimate that 20,000 individuals have been approached by Chinese agents who are trying to influence them or forge contacts in some way, and it’s likely that, at some point either in the past or in the future, every member of this House will be contacted or attempted to be contacted in one form or another.”Security minister Dan Jarvis replied that it is “completely unacceptable that any entity, whether they be a hostile state or other, seeks to draw intellectual property out of our country”.He reiterated that on the Foreign Influence Registration Scheme (Firs), the Government would “lay the regulations as soon as practically possible in the New Year, with a view to having the scheme up and running by the summer”.Jabed Ahmed16 December 2024 21:28Pictured: Yang Tengbo and Prince Andrew( 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 The European Union on Monday moved to impose visa restrictions on Georgian diplomats and government officials over the police crackdown on opposition protesters demanding a rerun of October’s contested election.Tens of thousands of people have filled the streets regularly in recent weeks since the governing party decided to suspend negotiations on joining the EU. Police have increasingly used force in their attempts to break up the rallies.Former soccer player Mikheil Kavelashvili became Georgia’s president on Saturday as the governing Georgian Dream party tightened its grip on power in the election that the opposition alleges was rigged with Moscow’s help.After chairing what she described as a “very tense discussion” among the bloc’s foreign ministers, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said they had decided “to suspend the visa free regime for diplomatic passports and service passports.”The EU’s executive branch, the European Commission, was tasked to prepare the measure.Kallas also tabled a list of Georgian officials for the ministers to weigh sanctions against them, but Hungary and Slovakia — considered the most Russia-friendly of the 27 EU countries — blocked the move.“With sanctions, we need 27 on board,” Kallas said. But she called the imposition of visa restrictions an important first step.Chairing her first meeting since taking office on Dec. 1, Kallas added: “It’s my first Hungarian veto but I can guarantee it’s not the last.”Hungary holds the EU’s rotating presidency until the end of the month, when Poland takes over. Over the past year it has routinely blocked joint moves against Russia or in support of Ukraine, complicating procedures.Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys told reporters that a visa ban is the “minimum we should do,” adding that “we have to send the message to Georgian people in the streets that Europe doesn’t abandon you.”The EU granted Georgia candidate status for membership in December 2023 but put the accession bid on hold and cut financial support in June after the passage of a “foreign influence” law that was widely seen as a blow to democratic freedoms. 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 moreSir Keir Starmer is set to face tough questions over the UK’s defence spending as the prime minister gears up to meet with European allies at a major defence summit.The prime minister will meet with leaders from the 10 member states of the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) – a UK-led European defence alliance -in Tallinn on Monday and Tuesday, with defence spending expected to be the main topic of discussion. Just hours before the summit began, Estonia’s defence minister Hanno Pevkur issued a stark warning to allies that spending 2 per cent of GDP on defence is simply not enough.He urged allies to act immediately to boost funding, suggesting one possible method would be to introduce a security tax – something Estonia will be introducing from the new yearSir Keir Starmer said he was concerned about the challenge posed by China (Leon Neal/PA) More

Sir Keir admits concerns over challenges China poses to the UKYour 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 moreAn alleged Chinese spy banned from the UK and linked to the Duke of York can now be named as Yang Tengbo, a High Court judge has ruled.The 50-year-old director of a Chinese investment consultancy firm was barred from the UK in 2023 after it was deemed he would likely threaten national security. A High Court judge has now lifted an anonymity order so he can now be identified.Mr Yang was allegedly found with letters addressed to Beijing’s United Front Work Department – a shadowy arm of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) tasked with gaining influence over foreign officials – after he was detained in 2019.The suspect is said to have become a “close” confidant of the Duke of York and has also been pictured with senior politicians including Lord David Cameron and Baroness Theresa May.It comes after Sir Keir Starmer defended his approach of engaging with Xi Jinping’s government despite concerns over security and human rights abuses.Speaking during a visit to Norway, Sir Keir would not comment on any conversations he may have had with the royal family over the H6 case.But he said: “Of course we are concerned about the challenge that China poses.”Yang Tengbo statement in full: Suspected Chinese spy breaks silence after being named at heart of scandalJabed Ahmed16 December 2024 14:42Inside the court room as alleged Chinese spy is namedIn a short court hearing that lasted less than 30 minutes, a judge ruled that an order preventing the identity of businessman Yang Tengbo from being reported should be lifted.Previously only known as H6, Mr Tengbo is facing allegations of being a Chinese spy who had ingratiated himself with senior Establishment figures, including Prince Andrew.Given that he has been banned from entering the UK, the only people present at the hearing were his legal team, headed by Guy Vassall-Adams KC, a barrister for the Home Office and another lawyer for the media.Around 15 journalists from a number of different publications were also present, after the identity of Tengbo and his relationship to the Duke of York dominated headlines over the weekend.Holly Evans, at the Royal Courts of Justice16 December 2024 14:41Yang Tengbo issues statement denying spying allegations Yang Tengbo, the alleged Chinese spy banned from the UK and linked to the Duke of York, said he has “done nothing wrong or unlawful”, adding in a statement that the “widespread description of me as a ‘spy’ is entirely untrue”.“Due to the high level of speculation and misreporting in the media and elsewhere, I have asked my legal team to disclose my identity,” the statement said. “I have done nothing wrong or unlawful and the concerns raised by the Home Office against me are ill-founded. The widespread description of me as a ‘spy’ is entirely untrue. “This is why I applied for a review of the Home Office decision in the first place, and why I am seeking permission to appeal the SIAC decision. It is also why an order extending my anonymity up to the point of determination of the appeal process was granted.“I have been excluded from seeing most of the evidence that was used against me under a process which is widely acknowledged by SIAC practitioners as inherently unfair: decisions are made based on secret evidence and closed proceedings, which has been described as “taking blind shots at a hidden target”.“On their own fact finding, even the three judges in this case concluded that there was ‘not an abundance of evidence’ against me, their decision was ‘finely balanced’, and there could be an ‘innocent explanation’ for my activities. This has not been reported in the media.“The political climate has changed, and unfortunately, I have fallen victim to this. When relations are good, and Chinese investment is sought, I am welcome in the UK. When relations sour, an anti-China stance is taken, and I am excluded.“I am an independent self-made entrepreneur and I have always aimed to foster partnerships and build bridges between East and West. I have dedicated my professional life in the UK to building links between British and Chinese businesses. My activities have played a part in bringing hundreds of millions of pounds of investment into the UK.“I built my private life in the UK over two decades and love the country as my second home. I would never do anything to harm the interests of the UK.”Jabed Ahmed16 December 2024 14:27Full report: ‘Chinese spy’ at heart of Prince Andrew scandal namedJabed Ahmed16 December 2024 14:22Judge gives order naming suspectGiving his judgement, Mr Justice Chamberlain told the court: “Since our order on the 11th of December there has been extensive press reporting in this jurisdiction and abroad. Some reporting on social media has named the claimant and there has been some suggestion that the claimant may be named in Parliament.He continued: “I now discharge those parts of this order. This means the claimant’s name Tengbo Yang can be reported in public in connection with these proceedings.”Holly Evans, at the Royal Courts of Justice16 December 2024 14:17Alleged Chinese spy namedAn alleged Chinese spy banned from the UK and linked to the Duke of York can now be named as Yang Tengbo, a High Court judge has ruled.Jabed Ahmed16 December 2024 14:12Suspect’s lawyer says client wishes to set aside the anonymity orderSpeaking on behalf of the businessman known only as H6, his barrister Guy Vassall-Adams KC said that his client wished to set aside the anonymity order.“My lord following the judgement last Thursday, there has been an enormous amount of media reporting in relation to this story, in particular the relationship between my client H6 and Prince Andrew as well as a huge amount of speculation to the identity of my client,” he said.He added that there had been some publication to the identity, as well as threats “from different quarters” to identify his client using parliamentary privilege.“My client wishes to make a public statement and is applying for last Wednesday’s order to be discharged,” he said.Jabed Ahmed16 December 2024 14:08Hearing begins for suspected agent H6 linked to Prince Andrew The hearing at the Royal Courts of Justice has begun where lawyers acting for H6, the alleged Chinese spy linked to Prince Andrew, will shortly ask the court to allow the spy to be named. Among those inside the room is The Independent’s Holly Evans, who will be bringing you the latest updates. The suspect is said to have become a “close” confidant of the Duke of York and has also been pictured with senior politicians including Lord David Cameron and Baroness Theresa May.Jabed Ahmed16 December 2024 14:03Watch: Starmer admits concerns about China amid Chinese spy allegationsStarmer admits concerns about China amid Chinese spy allegationsJabed Ahmed16 December 2024 13:59Why the alleged Chinese spy with ties to Andrew cannot be named as Farage threatens to unmask himA judge will consider naming an alleged Chinese spy who was able to form links at the heart of the British establishment.An urgent hearing is taking place at the Royal Courts of Justice today at 2pm where a judge is expected to review whether the suspect can be named.Here is why the suspect cannot be named: Jabed Ahmed16 December 2024 13:49 More