The lawmaking body that represents the electorate and oversees the executive
The Makerfield by-election has become a focal point for Labour’s leadership contest dynamics as Andy Burnham is contesting the seat with an eye on challenging Sir Keir Starmer. Reform UK and Restore Britain are also fielding candidates, with polling showing Burnham leading but vote-splitting risk remains. The outcome could affect the Labour leadership trajectory and the party’s near-term future.
Tony Blair has published a 5,700-word essay urging Labour to prioritise policy over personality and return to a “radical centre.” Keir Starmer has rejected major elements of the critique. Andy Burnham and Wes Streeting have publicly attacked Blair’s omissions on inequality, leaving the party divided as the June 18 Makerfield by-election and a potential leadership contest approach.
The government is pushing for a sweeping set of online-safety measures, including an Australia-style under-16 ban on social media and design-feature restrictions. Ministers argue these steps protect children, while critics warn of evasion and rushed policy.
Voters in Switzerland have cast ballots on a sustainability-focused migration cap. Preliminary results show a rejection of the proposal, with turnout above 57%. The referendum, driven by the SVP, would have capped the population by 2050 and could have forced limits on asylum and residency if 9.5 million is reached. Government and Parliament oppose the measure; EU ties could be affected. Final tallies are pending canton-by-canton results.
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 Cockroach Janta Party has grown from a satirical social account into a mass youth movement that has amassed more than 22 million Instagram followers and organised street protests in New Delhi. Founder Abhijeet Dipke has returned from the U.S. to lead rallies demanding Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resign after repeated exam paper leaks and cancelled tests.
Mette Frederiksen has formed a four‑party left‑leaning coalition after more than two months of talks. Her Social Democrats, the Moderates, the Green Left and the Social Liberals have agreed a programme that cuts VAT on food, offers free public transport for under‑22s, promises free dental care within ten years and commits to a firm stance on Greenland and stepped‑up defence spending.
Historians are re-evaluating the widely taught image of George III as a tyrant, arguing that the American Revolution narrative has been shaped by wartime propaganda and that he was not mentally ill during the period. The new view emphasizes Parliament's role and the limits of royal authority within a constitutional framework.
Zimbabwe’s High Court has acquitted an opposition activist after seven months in pre-trial detention amid allegations of political persecution. In Ghana, arrests over false news and offensive speech ignite a national debate on free expression, laws, and digital-era challenges. Zimbabwe also debates constitutional timing changes that could shift future elections.
Pope Leo XIV has addressed Spain’s parliament, urging leaders to end wars, protect migrants, and address the causes of migration amid renewed Israel–Iran hostilities. He warns of a spiritual crisis, defends religious freedom, and calls for safe, legal pathways for migration during his Spain visit.
Across Rome, tens of thousands have protested migration policy as a far-right plan to push hardline measures advances to parliament. Demonstrations featured anti- and pro-migration marches, with police deployed to keep groups apart. The debate ties to a 50,000-signature petition and to Italy's broader migration strategy.
Tanzania has unveiled its 2026/27 budget and national development plan, highlighting 38 flagship projects across seven transformational programs. The plan aims to push inclusive growth, with private sector investment and human capital development at the fore. Infrastructure, irrigation, energy, and digital transformation feature prominently, while costs for the year are set against a challenging fiscal backdrop.