Labour’s David Lammy under spotlight as leadership drama grips Keir Starmer’s team; deputy PM and long-time MP, born 1972.
Since May 7 local elections, dozens of Labour MPs have publicly demanded Keir Starmer quit and senior figures — including Wes Streeting and Andy Burnham — have positioned to challenge. Streeting has resigned; Burnham is seeking a Commons seat via a by-election. Markets have reacted by pushing up UK borrowing costs and weakening the pound.
Several UK politicians from Reform UK and Labour have been involved in social media controversies. Lancashire councillor Simon Evans shared a post with a death threat against Labour MP Natalie Fleet, which he later deleted and apologized for. Meanwhile, Badenoch refused to apologize for inflammatory remarks about Labour, and other incidents highlight ongoing tensions around political discourse and social media conduct.
As of March 10, 2026, the UK has deployed the HMS Dragon destroyer and counter-drone helicopters to the eastern Mediterranean following an Iranian drone strike on RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus on March 1. British Typhoon and F-35 jets are actively intercepting Iranian missiles and drones in the Middle East. The UK has authorized limited US use of British bases for defensive strikes against Iranian missile sites amid escalating regional tensions.
Britain's HMS Dragon was delayed in deployment to the Mediterranean after a drone attack on Cyprus. The ship, equipped with advanced missile systems, is now en route after logistical and strategic delays. Critics cite funding and strategic shifts towards Russia as reasons for the slow response.
As of March 10, 2026, the US and Israel continue their military campaign against Iran, focusing on neutralizing missile capabilities, destroying the navy, and preventing nuclear weapon development. Despite heavy strikes, including the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader, Iran remains defiant, threatening retaliation and control over the Strait of Hormuz. The US signals no end to the conflict until Iran surrenders unconditionally.
Charlotte Nichols, MP for Warrington North, revealed she waited 1,088 days for her rape case to reach court, criticizing government plans to limit jury trials for certain crimes. The reforms aim to reduce case backlogs but face opposition from victims and legal experts.
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.