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Multiple sources report high levels of family voting in the Gorton and Denton by-election, with concerns raised about illegal practices. Democracy Volunteers observed 68% of monitored stations exhibiting family voting, prompting investigations and political reactions. The Electoral Commission encourages reporting potential offences.
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Conservative and Reform UK politicians have been involved in controversies over social media posts. Badenoch refused to apologise for inflammatory remarks about Labour, while Lancashire councillor Evans shared a post with a death threat against Labour MP Fleet. Both incidents sparked widespread criticism and calls for accountability.
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UK government figures show a 4% decline in asylum claims in 2025, despite a 13% rise in small boat crossings. Hotel housing for asylum seekers decreased by 19%, with the backlog falling 48%. Visa issuance also declined, amid ongoing border control efforts.
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The Green Party's Hannah Spencer won a historic by-election in Gorton and Denton, overturning nearly a century of Labour dominance and highlighting a shift in voter sentiment. The result signals challenges for Labour's leadership and reflects broader political fragmentation in Britain.
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As of early 2026, major economies including the US, UK, France, Australia, Israel, and Japan face slowing population growth due to declining birth rates and shifting migration patterns. The US population is projected to stall by 2056, with deaths surpassing births by 2030. The UK and France see deaths outnumbering births starting in 2026, while Australia’s population grows slower amid falling fertility and migration. Israel’s growth dips below 1%, driven by increased emigration and aging.
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Recent political upheavals in the UK involve high-profile defections from the Conservative Party to Reform UK, driven by internal conflicts, leadership struggles, and ideological shifts. The fallout impacts party stability, voter sentiment, and the broader political landscape, with implications for upcoming elections and party strategies. Today's date is Sun, 25 Jan 2026 10:16:34 +0000.
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As of February 12, 2026, the UK plans to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Archipelago to Mauritius while leasing back the Diego Garcia military base to the UK-US. Despite initial US support, former President Trump sharply criticized the deal as "an act of great stupidity," delaying parliamentary ratification amid legal and political challenges. Trump has since softened his stance after talks with UK Prime Minister Starmer but warned of military intervention if US interests are threatened.
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Nigel Farage, Reform UK leader and MP, has been found to have committed 17 breaches related to late declaration of outside earnings totaling over £38,000. The Standards Commissioner deemed the breaches unintentional, citing administrative errors amid Reform UK's growth. Farage accepted responsibility and apologized, while critics call for tighter rules on MPs' second jobs.
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Multiple UK local authorities, including Birmingham, Worcestershire, and Scottish councils, are grappling with severe financial challenges. They plan significant council tax hikes, service cuts, and debt management strategies amid ongoing budget shortfalls, social care costs, and systemic funding issues, raising concerns about local service sustainability.
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The UK government and NatWest have announced new initiatives to expand affordable housing, with NatWest setting a £10bn funding goal for social housing by 2028. Scotland plans to establish a new housing agency, while Dunkirk port regeneration includes a potential ferry route to Scotland, reflecting broader regional development efforts.
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A by-election in Gorton and Denton on 26 February could signal shifts in Labour support amid internal party tensions and rising populist challenges. The race is complicated by the absence of popular candidate Andy Burnham and the presence of multiple parties including Reform UK and the Greens.
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Reform UK has attracted high-profile former Conservative ministers, including Suella Braverman, amid criticism of the party's past policies and leadership. The defections highlight ongoing political realignment and questions over the party's direction and impact on UK politics.
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Ten years after Brexit, UK politicians and polls show growing support for closer EU relations. Labour advocates for stronger ties, including rejoining programs like Erasmus+, amid economic and diplomatic concerns. The government aims to secure trade agreements before the 2029 election, amid shifting public opinion and political strategies.
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Keir Starmer's decision to block Andy Burnham from standing in a Manchester byelection has intensified internal party tensions, risking electoral losses and damaging Labour's credibility. The move highlights factional struggles, leadership weakness, and concerns over party unity amid declining support and internal dissent.
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The UK Parliament is set to vote on removing the two-child benefit cap, a policy linked to rising child poverty. Experts estimate this change will reduce child poverty by 550,000 by 2030, but warn further measures are needed to sustain progress amid deepening poverty levels.
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The upcoming Gorton and Denton by-election on 26 February is intensifying internal Labour party conflicts. Labour blocked Mayor Andy Burnham from standing, citing resource concerns, amid fears of losing the seat to Reform UK and the Greens. The decision has triggered criticism and increased speculation about leadership challenges within Labour.
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Labour's safe seat in Gorton and Denton is under threat ahead of a February by-election, with Reform UK and Greens mounting strong campaigns. Labour's decision to block Andy Burnham's candidacy has sparked internal dissent and concerns about electoral prospects, amid wider political instability and voter disillusionment.
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Recent official figures show UK net migration fell sharply to 204,000 in 2025, raising concerns about long-term economic growth and public finances. Think tanks warn that sustained zero migration could shrink the workforce, reduce tax revenues, and increase borrowing, potentially leading to a 3.6% smaller economy by 2040.
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Voters in Gorton and Denton will elect a new MP on February 26 amid declining Labour support and rising support for Reform UK and Greens. The contest is seen as a test of Keir Starmer’s leadership and could impact the party’s future, with polls showing Labour’s support weakening in the constituency.
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Reform UK's candidate in the Gorton and Denton byelection, Matt Goodwin, has been criticized for comments suggesting women should have children earlier and for making remarks about gender and education. His past proposals and statements have sparked accusations of misogyny and divisiveness, drawing widespread political and public condemnation.
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Britain announced plans to deploy a carrier strike group to the North Atlantic and High North, led by HMS Prince of Wales, to demonstrate NATO commitment amid US threats over Greenland. Sir Keir Starmer emphasized European independence and NATO's importance, calling for closer EU-UK defense ties. The move follows US President Trump's threats to annex Greenland and questions about US-European NATO solidarity.
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On 12 February 2026, Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe sparked widespread condemnation after claiming the UK has been "colonised by immigrants," citing inaccurate population figures. Despite apologising for his language, he defended the need for controlled immigration. Political leaders, fan groups, and local officials criticized his remarks as offensive and divisive, highlighting the club's diverse makeup and the economic contributions of immigrants.