Labour’s David Lammy under spotlight as leadership drama grips Keir Starmer’s team; deputy PM and long-time MP, born 1972.
Andy Burnham is contesting Makerfield in a by-election triggered by Josh Simons’ departure. Polls show a tight race with Reform UK’s Robert Kenyon; Restore Britain’s Rebecca Shepherd is a potential spoiler. Burnham signals a bid to lead Labour and possibly challenge Sir Keir Starmer, arguing for greater public control and devolution.
The Defence Investment Plan has not yet been published as ministers face questions over funding. Critics warn a gap could imperil NATO commitments while the government argues taxes must rise or spending must shift to meet the defence target.
The UK and EU are struggling to agree on lower university tuition fees for European students, threatening broader Brexit reset negotiations. UK officials oppose the EU's demand, risking delays before the planned July summit. Talks focus on trade, mobility, and regulatory alignment, with progress being slow and contentious.
Angela Rayner resigned from government last September over an underpayment of stamp duty on her seaside flat. She has since sought further legal advice, which may support her paying the standard rate. HMRC is investigating, with a resolution expected before May's local elections. Rayner plans to settle any owed amount.
A comedy sketch aired on the UK version of Saturday Night Live depicts UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer as fearful of a call from US President Trump. The skit, shared by Trump on social media, satirizes UK-US relations during the Middle East tensions and the energy crisis caused by the Strait of Hormuz blockade.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has faced intense pressure after it has emerged that the Foreign Office has overruled security vetting officials who recommended against appointing Lord Peter Mandelson as UK ambassador to the US. Starmer has maintained he has been unaware of the override until this week and has pledged to fully explain the matter in Parliament on Monday. Mandelson was dismissed in September 2025 over his links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and is under police investigation.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has acknowledged he was wrong to appoint Peter Mandelson as ambassador to Washington after learning this week that Mandelson had failed security vetting and that Foreign Office officials had overruled that recommendation without informing ministers. Starmer has sacked top official Olly Robbins, will brief Parliament, and is facing calls for inquiry and possible Privileges scrutiny.
Keir Starmer has faced intense parliamentary questioning over the appointment of Peter Mandelson as UK ambassador to Washington. Mandelson, who failed security checks due to links with Jeffrey Epstein, was appointed despite warnings from the Foreign Office. Starmer has expressed frustration at not being informed of the vetting concerns, which have sparked calls for his resignation.
The NTSB findings on a 2023 Southwest incident highlight cockpit smoke as a safety concern; meanwhile Joby Aviation’s six-rotor eVTOL has demonstrated quiet, electric takeoffs and a possible path to urban air mobility in New York and beyond. FAA certification, charging infrastructure, and pricing are key questions as pilots and cities watch progress.
Labour figures are in flux as Andy Burnham eyes Makerfield for a Westminster return, while Keir Starmer faces pressure over leadership timing. Streeting and Lammy are among potential contenders as the party confronts Brexit and EU questions ahead of by-elections.
Since mid-May 2026 Labour has been forced into open leadership turmoil after heavy local election losses. Wes Streeting has resigned and declared a challenge; Andy Burnham has been enabled to seek a Commons seat via a Makerfield by-election; party members are expressing stronger support for Burnham than Keir Starmer.
Protests erupted in Southampton after Henry Nowak’s murder; Digwa has been convicted of murder and sentenced to life with a minimum of 21 years. Critics allege bias in policing toward white residents, while officials call for calm and accountability. An independent inquiry is reviewing police actions.