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 moreA former senior cabinet minister has become the latest political grandee to oppose the assisted dying bill, warning that it could turn the National Health Service into “a national death service”.Liam Fox, who is a practising doctor and served as shadow health secretary for more than four years, believes it would be impossible to prevent “the slippery slope scenario” of the bill being expanded beyond terminal illness, as he described the safeguards contained in the legislation as “false”.His warning reflects concerns among the wider public, highlighted in polling seen by The Independent, which shows that 50 per cent do not believe the NHS is in a fit state to administer assisted dying.It came as three former prime ministers – Theresa May, Boris Johnson and Liz Truss – united to oppose the bill, which is set to be debated on Friday, and as former attorney general Dominic Grieve warned that it would breach the rule of law.Liam Fox is critical of the proposed legislation 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 moreReforms to disability benefit assessments are still set to come into force soon Labour has confirmed, as the DWP gives the latest update on its plans.An overhaul of the Work Capability Assessment remain at the heart of the changes, the department says, as its ‘Get Britain Working Again’ white paper – which pledges £240 million of investment – reveals that a consultation will begin in Spring 2025.Presented by work and pensions secretary Liz Kendall, the paper says: “The DWP-led health and disability benefits system is not well designed to promote and enable employment.“The current system focuses on assessing capacity to work instead of on helping people to adjust and adapt to their health condition. It misses opportunities to work with people to identify what kind of support could make work possible for them.”Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Liz Kendall (PA) More

Badenoch challenges Starmer on general election petitionYour 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 hit back at Kemi Badenoch after she urged him to resign in light of a petition calling for a new general election.At a fiery PMQs Sir Keir defended Labour’s approach to business and claimed the Tories “really haven’t got a clue what they’re doing” when it comes to pro-growth policies.Ms Badenoch countered: “To know what Conservatives would do, he should resign and find out. Until then, I’m the one asking the questions. There’s a petition out there, two million people asking him to go.”The prime minister also refused to repeat Rachel Reeves’ commitment not to push through any further tax hikes.He was asked by Ms Badenoch at PMQs if he could repeat the chancellor’s statement to the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), when she said: “I’m clear I’m not coming back with more borrowing or more taxes.”The PM said he was “fixing the foundations” of the economy, but would not repeat the pledge.The prime minister’s clash with the Tory leader comes as MPs continue to voice their opinions over the upcoming assisted dying vote in the Commons on Friday.Comment: Why Starmer has stayed silent over his views on assisted dying – and how that could backfireStrangely, despite backing the bill in 2015, the prime minister has refused to state his views ahead of the crucial vote, writes Andrew Grice – who believes he should be leading the debate from the frontJoe Middleton27 November 2024 14:51Is assisted dying a compassionate step forward or a dangerous precedent? Join The Independent DebateThe debate over assisted dying has reignited, with Parliament gearing up for a historic vote on Friday.If passed, the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill would allow those with less than six months to live to end their lives with medical assistance, under strict safeguards requiring approval from two doctors and a High Court judge.The issue is divisive, raising profound ethical, religious, and societal questions: and now we want to know where you stand. Is assisted dying a compassionate step forward or a dangerous precedent?Share your thoughts in the comments — we’ll feature the most compelling responsesJoe Middleton27 November 2024 14:45Kemi Badenoch’s three-word biscuit-themed swipe at Angela RaynerKemi Badenoch appeared to refer to Angela Rayner as “the ginger nut” during a heated Prime Minister’s Questions clash with Sir Keir Starmer on Wednesday, 27 November.The Conservative leader took a biscuit-themed swipe at the deputy prime minister as she referred to the boss of McVitie’s bakery products’ parent firm Pladis saying the case for investment in the UK is getting harder to see.“While the PM has been hobnobbing in Brazil, businesses have been struggling to digest his budget.” She added: “Isn’t it the case the Employment Rights Bill shows that it is not only the ginger nut that is causing him problems?”Kemi Badenoch’s three-word biscuit-themed swipe at Angela RaynerKemi Badenoch appeared to refer to Angela Rayner as “the ginger nut” during a heated Prime Minister’s Questions clash with Sir Keir Starmer on Wednesday, 27 November. The Conservative leader took a biscuit-themed swipe at the deputy prime minister as she referred to the boss of McVitie’s bakery products’ parent firm Pladis saying the case for investment in the UK is getting harder to see. “While the PM has been hobnobbing in Brazil, businesses have been struggling to digest his budget.” She added: “Isn’t it the case the Employment Rights Bill shows that it is not only the ginger nut that is causing him problems?”Joe Middleton27 November 2024 14:30Watch: Badenoch challenges Starmer on general election petitionBadenoch challenges Starmer on general election petitionJoe Middleton27 November 2024 14:15Rishi Sunak failed to turn up to smoking ban vote despite plan being his ideaRishi Sunak failed to turn up to vote for a ban on young people ever being able to buy cigarettes, despite the former prime minister having introduced the idea in the first place.MPs passed the Tobacco and Vapes Bill at its second reading by 415 votes to 47, legislation which will make it illegal for anyone born after 2009 to buy tobacco at any point in their lives.The plan was first announced by Mr Sunak at last year’s Tory conference in Manchester, where he promised to “ensure that future generations are smoke-free.”But on Tuesday, Mr Sunak failed to turn up to show his support for the law. Meanwhile, his successor, Kemi Badenoch, voted against the ban.Joe Middleton27 November 2024 14:00Starmer hits back at Badenoch’s suggestion he resigns in light of general election petitionSir Keir Starmer hit back at Kemi Badenoch’s suggestion that he should resign in light of a petition calling for a general election during Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday, 27 November.The Conservative leader told the prime minister: “There’s a petition out there, two million people asking him to go.”Sir Keir referenced Labour’s large majority from this year’s general election as he dismissed Ms Badenoch’s calls for him to step down.“She talks about a petition, we had a massive petition on the 4th of July in this country,” Sir Keir replied.Starmer hits back at Badenoch’s suggestion he resigns in light of election petitionSir Keir Starmer hit back at Kemi Badenoch’s suggestion that he should resign in light of a petition calling for a general election during Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday, 27 November. The Conservative leader told the prime minister: “There’s a petition out there, two million people asking him to go.” Sir Keir referenced Labour’s large majority from this year’s general election as he dismissed Ms Badenoch’s calls for him to step down. “She talks about a petition, we had a massive petition on the 4th of July in this country,” Sir Keir replied.Joe Middleton27 November 2024 13:35Farmers continue protests in the Garden of EnglandAway from the world of Westminster farmers are continuing to protest against the inheritance tax changes announced by chancellor Rachel Reeves in the Budget last month.Gareth Wyn Jones said that more than 100 tractors are making their way through Dover, Kent, on Wednesday afternoon.Joe Middleton27 November 2024 13:11Starmer accused of being determined to defend ‘disastrous’ Tory Brexit policies – PMQsSir Keir Starmer has been accused of being determined to defend the Tories “disastrous” Brexit policies that have left the UK out of the single market and customs union.Liberal Democrat MP Charlie Maynard said: “We recognise that Labour is determined to defend the economically disastrous conservative policies of being outside the customs union and single market. “However, does the prime minister agree with the principle that where it is in our country’s interest to maintain alignment with EU standards so we can better sell our products internationally, we align, and where it is in our interests to diverge, we diverge?”Responding, the PM said: “We are determined to reset the relationship which we’ve already done. Obviously there will be no return to freedom of movement, customs union, the single market. But we can improve the situation when it comes to trading, security and cooperation. We’re actively working on that.”Millie Cooke27 November 2024 12:49PMQs is over for the week…The third clash between Sir Keir Starmer and Kemi Badenoch has finished.Joe Middleton27 November 2024 12:40Starmer challenged at PMQs by Badenoch over Vauxhall job lossesSir Keir Starmer was challenged at PMQs about the potential job losses caused by Vauxhall-owner Stellantis saying it would close its van-making plant in Luton.Kemi Badenoch suggested Sir Keir “doesn’t seem to care” about young people who will “lose their jobs as a result of his Budget”, adding in the Commons: “Perhaps he can show more concern for the 1,100 people who found out yesterday that they could lose their jobs at Vauxhall’s plant in Luton.“So while he flies around making unilateral commitments, back home the real world effects are businesses closing in Bedfordshire and Basildon. Does the prime minister stand by his promise to ban the sale of petrol cars by 2030 even if more jobs will be lost?”Sir Keir replied: “The question of the position of jobs in Luton is a very serious one and families and workers will be very worried and we’re obviously engaging with them.“I would remind the leader of the Opposition that the EV (electric vehicle) mandates that are an issue in this particular case were actually introduced by the last government. I would also remind her that she was the business secretary that introduced them. We’re getting on with supporting those communities, she’s shouting from the sidelines.”Joe Middleton27 November 2024 12:32 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 moreWilliam Hague has beaten Peter Mandelson to become chancellor of the University of Oxford.It was announced on Wednesday that the former Conservative Party leader, 63, has been elected.Earlier this month he warned former Labour spinner Mr Mandelson could not be both the UK’s next ambassador to the US and chancellor, telling The Independent that taking on both roles would be “incompatible”. Lord Mandelson, widely seen as the leading candidate to become Britain’s new ambassador in Washington, had said he would be capable of holding both positions because the role of Oxford chancellor was merely a “ceremonial figurehead”.But Lord Hague hit back, telling this publication’s editor-in-chief Geordie Greig the job could not be done while living on the other side of the Atlantic.Watch the full interview hereWilliam Hague, right, has beaten Peter Mandelson, left, to become Oxford University chancellor 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 moreWilliam Hague has beaten Peter Mandelson to become chancellor of the University of Oxford.It was announced on Wednesday that the former Conservative Party leader, 63, has been elected.Earlier this month he warned former Labour spinner Mr Mandelson could not be both the UK’s next ambassador to the US and chancellor, telling The Independent that taking on both roles would be “incompatible”. Lord Mandelson, widely seen as the leading candidate to become Britain’s new ambassador in Washington, had said he would be capable of holding both positions because the role of Oxford chancellor was merely a “ceremonial figurehead”.But Lord Hague hit back, telling this publication’s editor-in-chief Geordie Greig the job could not be done while living on the other side of the Atlantic.Watch the full interview hereWilliam Hague, right, has beaten Peter Mandelson, left, to become Oxford University chancellor 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 moreRishi Sunak failed to turn up to vote for a ban on young people ever being able to buy cigarettes, despite the former prime minister having introduced the idea in the first place.MPs passed the Tobacco and Vapes Bill at its second reading by 415 votes to 47, legislation which will make it illegal for anyone born after 2009 to buy tobacco at any point in their lives.The plan was first announced by Mr Sunak at last year’s Tory conference in Manchester, where he promised to “ensure that future generations are smoke-free.”But on Tuesday, Mr Sunak failed to turn up to show his support for the law. Meanwhile, his successor, Kemi Badenoch, voted against the ban.Unveiling the proposal in 2023, Mr Sunak said: “No parent ever wants their child to start smoking. It is a deadly habit – killing tens of thousands of people and costing our NHS billions each year, while also being hugely detrimental to our productivity as a country.Former prime minister Rishi Sunak has returned to the Commons as a backbench MP (Jack Taylor/The Times/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 moreSir Keir Starmer may be softening his stance on changes to inheritance tax, according to the boss of the National Farmers’ Union (NFU).After a meeting in No 10 with the prime minister on Monday, NFU president Tom Bradshaw claimed there was “a more conciliatory tone” regarding the controversial change which some have dubbed a “tractor tax”.Mr Bradshaw added: “We are trying to give it a bit of room to breathe. He hasn’t guaranteed me anything but I think there is a general softening of lines and I don’t want to stoke the fire.”In a video update to NFU members, he said: “I had a great opportunity to be invited into 10 Downing Street by the prime minister. We’ve been able to present outside of the discussion around what the changes… are going to mean for you, your family and your future.Jeremy Clarkson joined farmers protesting over the changes to inheritance tax rules 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 moreParliament will vote on an assisted dying bill this Friday for the first time in nearly a decade.Labour MP Kim Leadbeater proposed the Private Members Bill in mid-October, which will legalise assisted death under certain conditions for terminally ill adults in England and Wales.The bill would apply to those who are over 18 years old, have mental capacity, and have six months left to live, with the consent of two medical professionals. The bill has generated strong opinions from both sides of the assisted dying movement, while even some of those in favour have voiced concerns over the lack of safeguarding in the bill.A group of MPs have also pushed an amendment which may stop the bill from progressing to a vote this week.The Independent analysed public statements from all 650 MPs, in addition to news reports and other available information, to find which MPs will likely vote for or against the assisted dying bill this week. The analysis will be updated as more MPs come forward.The bill is open to a “free vote”, meaning that the party whips will not dictate whether to support or oppose the bill. Individual MPs are free to vote based on their own values and opinions of their constituents, regardless of whether they are Labour, Tory, or otherwise. Note: the voting intention of MPs is not final until the votes have been cast on Friday. As this is a sensitive issue, many MPs are still deciding and some could change their mind from previous positions.Our analysis found that at least 85 MPs are likely to vote in favour of the bill, while at least 76 are likely to vote against it.Some 489 MPs have either not made their opinion on assisted dying public, said they are still weighing up both possibilities or said they will abstain from the vote. Taking this into consideration, it will be difficult to say exactly whether the vote will pass. There is a significant degree of “unknown”, particularly among first-time MPs who are facing the issue for the first time.Meanwhile, when also including voting intentions shared off-record, ITV reports 146 MPs are planning to vote for the assisted dying bill, and 101 plan to vote against it. Both our analysis and ITV’s analysis indicate that slightly more MPs are leaning in favour of the assisted dying bill than not. Within the parties, our analysis found MPs are divided between voting for and against the bill, according to public declarations, reports, and working group memberships.Labour MPs are more likely than Tories to lean towards supporting the assisted dying bill, which was proposed by a fellow Labour MP.At present, an estimated 50 Labour MPs will support the bill, while 39 will vote against it. Among those against the bill are some of Labour’s most prominent members, including health secretary Wes Streeting, and long-standing MP Diane Abbott. Health secretary Wes Streeting has spoken out against the assisted dying bill More