The UK Parliament’s upper chamber and a historic check on government
Scottish Labour has seen its leader move to a Westminster role, with a potential leadership vacancy in Holyrood as the party eyes a new figure to steer through a tough period after the worst Holyrood result in history. The shift aligns with broader English devolution debates and UK-wide party dynamics.
The new prime minister has pledged tax-funded measures to ease the cost of living, including a 20% cut in business rates for pubs, clubs and live venues, a VAT reduction on electricity bills and bus-fare caps at £2 from January. Economists warn funding may require tax rises or spending cuts. Officials say the plan is fully funded, though questions remain about funding sources.
Andy Burnham has been confirmed as Labour’s leader, signaling a new direction for the party as it seeks to unite amid Gaza protests and mounting pressure on the government.
England’s prime minister is accelerating talks on a national care service with cross‑party support, aiming to fund reforms from existing budgets. Baroness Casey’s review will inform the plan, with a focus on pay for care workers and integration with the NHS. Officials say there will be no immediate tax rises as talks proceed.
UKRI has withdrawn funding for the Lovell telescope at Jodrell Bank, putting 28 jobs at risk and delaying its role in the e-Merlin network. Observations may end by March 2028 unless alternative funding is found; experts warn this risks the UK’s standing in international radio astronomy.
The prime minister has set out that any debate on assisted dying will proceed only after palliative and social care funding is fixed. Labour MP Lauren Edwards plans to push a private member’s bill for a second reading in September, arguing care reforms must come first and that the argument should continue with proper safeguards and funding.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has defended offering a former neo‑Nazi, Joshua Bonehill‑Paine, a role advising on culture and integration, amid protests from Jewish groups and victims. Bonehill‑Paine has withdrawn from standing in Crewkerne South for Somerset Council next year and may take an advisory position instead; critics question vetting and the impact on victims.
The House of Lords environment committee has called for restricting sales of flea and tick spot-on treatments sold online or over the counter. It says routine use is harming ecosystems, with chemicals like fipronil and imidacloprid entering rivers and affecting wildlife. The government is being urged to base policy on a comprehensive evidence base and to ensure professional advice accompanies sales.
Scottish Labour candidates have pledged to rebuild and unite the party after its worst Holyrood defeat. Monica Lennon, Joe Fagan and Michael Marra are campaigning to become leader, promising to change the party’s culture, seek local coalitions, and place working people at the heart of budget decisions.
The Scottish Labour leadership contest is intensifying as candidates lay out policy directions and leadership styles. Joe Fagan is seen as challenging the frontrunner with a focus on unity, governance, and new ideas for Holyrood, while Michael Marra’s longer track record signals a readiness to interrogate party strategy.
A government-wide crackdown on illegal waste dumping is expanding, with new powers to seize assets, higher fines, and regional enforcement to tackle organised waste crime that has blighted communities across England. The effort follows a BBC investigation identifying several supersites and a rising tide of waste crimes.
Recent coverage shows Reform’s leadership grappling with funding questions, internal dissent, and public skepticism as they push controversial policies ahead of a potential snap election. Watch closely for how opponents frame their credibility and whether the party can translate rhetoric into tangible steps.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has told Labour MPs he will not cast a vote on the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill when it returns to the Commons on 11 September. He has written that he has personal views but will not influence the debate and has asked ministers to avoid public advocacy so MPs can exercise a free vote.
Ministers have received final consultations on the Rosebank oil and Jackdaw gas fields and are preparing a decision that will balance jobs and energy security against climate concerns. Labour figures, industry groups and environmental campaigners are pressing ministers from different angles as the regulator and Energy Secretary complete their reviews.
MPs are back in the House of Commons facing the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill. Supporters argue it offers dying adults a choice with safeguards, while opponents warn of risks to vulnerable people. The government remains neutral. A pivotal vote is expected this Friday, with the outcome likely to hinge on turnout and the Lords’ future role.
Parliament is debating the assisted dying bill as care shortages and funding pressures dominate the debate. Proponents argue for autonomy and reform, while opponents warn about safeguards and vulnerable groups. The government is highlighting the need to fix palliative and end-of-life care first, with ministers abstaining on the vote. The issue remains highly contested amid demonstrations and ongoing scrutiny of safeguards.
The government has given English mayors the power to charge an overnight visitor levy as a percentage of accommodation costs with no statutory upper limit. Industry groups and major hotel chains have warned the uncapped power will push up prices, reduce demand and cost jobs; mayors argue revenue will fund local services and infrastructure from 2028.
The far-right AfD has secured a sweeping win in Saxony-Anhalt, prompting concerns about a broader European shift. UK protesters challenge migration policies as Dover and Portsmouth scenes echo rising nationalist sentiment. Alf Dubs reflects on Kindertransport memories while warning against echoes of 1930s Europe.
Crypto billionaires Ben Delo and Christopher Harborne have poured tens of millions into Reform UK, promising a “fair fight” and backing ahead of the next general election. The gifts come amid ongoing police and parliamentary investigations into party funding and donor disclosure.
Donors Ben Delo and Christopher Harborne have pledged record sums to Reform UK, aiming to level the playing field ahead of the next general election. The support follows investigations into Reform’s finances and questions about foreign donations, with the party insisting donations are for a party ready for government.
Reform UK has received two towering donations totaling £72m from cryptocurrency billionaires Ben Delo and Christopher Harborne, with backdated caps on overseas donations and residency rules under review. Jenrick says donations are in line with current law, while Prime Minister Suspending oversight debates loom as the government pushes to tighten fundraising rules.
Reform UK has received two large donations totaling £72m from crypto billionaires Ben Delo and Christopher Harborne. The money is aimed at expanding the party’s reach with more staff, targeted campaigning and stronger policy preparation, while police investigations into donor rules and questions of influence mount. The donation surge raises questions about the role of money in politics as campaigns gear up for upcoming byelections and local elections.
Two crypto billionaires have donated 72m to Reform UK, triggering a debate over caps on overseas and domestic political contributions as Parliament considers the Representation of the People Bill. The government is pushing to tighten rules while reform argues donations are legal. The story is developing as Lords debate the bill.
The UK debates overseas and domestic political donations after crypto billionaires Ben Delo and Christopher Harborne each donate 27m to Reform UK. Government plans to cap donations by Britons living abroad backdated to March 25 and to tighten rules on foreign influence are being scrutinised as MPs warn of a potential Americanisation of UK politics.
The triple lock has raised costs and sparked calls for reform. Governments and thinktanks say the system is expensive and unsustainable; opponents urge targeted support for pensioners, while some advocate linking uplifts to inflation only. The debate centers on funding, fairness, and youth opportunities as the policy’s future comes under review.
A chain of recent disclosures shows the US diplomat stationed in London has been reassigned to the United States as UK authorities confirm ongoing inquiries into allegations involving indecent images. British officials say foreign diplomats must obey the law, while US statements stress swift coordination with British partners.
YouGov polling shows a sharp drop in Reform UK leader Nigel Farage’s favourability, with 69% unfavourable and 24% favourable, leaving a net rating of -45. The results come amid donations scandals, a Channel 4 sting, and police investigations surrounding key aides and donors.
The cabinet secretary’s exit payment has been disclosed as 859,496 pounds, the largest severance for a civil servant. Reports show ministers approved the payment amid questions of value for money; accounts reveal ongoing scrutiny of exit terms for senior officials.
MPs have voted 286 to 270 against the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, ending the latest attempt to legalise assisted dying in England and Wales. Campaigners have reacted with despair outside Parliament, opponents have welcomed the decision, and ministers are urging renewed focus on palliative and social care funding.
Reform UK faces scrutiny over its £72 million in donations from crypto billionaires, prompting calls for a cap on political donations. The government has signalled potential reforms to spending limits and overseas donor rules, while opposition and unions warn of risks to democracy.
Two Scottish Labour figures have seen bullying allegations levelled against Monica Lennon, who denies the claims as a leadership race nears its end. Michael Marra has said Lennon could join his shadow cabinet as scrutiny continues. Labour officials say no formal complaints have been lodged with the party or Parliament.
Jeffrey Archer has died suddenly and peacefully at his home at age 86, HarperCollins has announced. The bestselling novelist and former Conservative politician has sold about 300 million books and has faced a public fall after a 2001 conviction for perjury and perverting the course of justice. His final novel, Adam and Eve, was due for release this week.