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Malcolm Offord, a former Conservative minister and Scottish Tory treasurer, has defected to Reform UK during a Falkirk rally. He plans to resign from the House of Lords and stand for Holyrood in May, criticizing the Scottish Conservatives' lack of vision and the SNP government.
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Speculation grows that Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham is eyeing a Westminster return, with reports of a 'nailed-on' seat. Burnham dismisses the stories, while Labour insiders debate the hurdles he faces amid internal party tensions and poll setbacks. The story highlights ongoing leadership tensions within Labour as the party faces electoral challenges.
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Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has outlined plans for modest tax cuts, deregulation, and a focus on becoming a pro-business government. The party aims to remove inheritance tax from family farms, raise tax thresholds, and reassess public sector benefits, amid concerns over economic stability and Brexit's impact. The proposals face criticism from Labour and Conservatives.
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Hadush Kebatu, an Ethiopian national convicted of sexual offenses, was mistakenly released from Chelmsford prison before deportation. The error led to a police manhunt, political outrage, and protests over immigration policies. Kebatu was re-arrested and deported to Ethiopia today, amid ongoing debates over migrant housing and justice.
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New deprivation indices confirm Jaywick in Essex is England’s most deprived neighbourhood for the fourth consecutive time, highlighting persistent inequality. The latest data, updated for 2025, shows high deprivation across multiple measures, especially in coastal towns and inner London, with implications for government funding and policy focus.
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Hurricane Melissa, the most powerful storm to hit Jamaica, caused widespread devastation with winds up to 185 mph on October 28. Scientists confirm climate change intensified the storm’s wind speeds by 7% and rainfall by 16%, making such events more frequent and severe. The hurricane caused at least 61 deaths and damages estimated at one-third of Jamaica’s GDP, highlighting urgent climate adaptation and finance needs.
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Prime Minister and Labour leaders signal plans to abolish the two-child benefit limit, aiming to reduce child poverty. The policy, introduced in 2017, restricts welfare claims for families with more than two children. Official figures show 4.5 million children live in poverty, with campaigners urging urgent action ahead of the November 26 Budget.
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A survey of 11,000 Reform UK supporters reveals a diverse coalition with varied priorities, challenging stereotypes. Many support the party for issues beyond immigration, including workers’ rights and the environment. The findings suggest potential for political realignment and highlight the importance of addressing voter concerns across the spectrum.
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As of December 2025, the UK government is expanding its Electric Car Grant by £1.3bn and adding £200m for charging infrastructure to support EV adoption. This comes amid stalled EV demand due to high upfront costs and plans for a new pay-per-mile tax on EVs from 2028, sparking industry concerns about potential market slowdown.
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Labour figures, including Angela Rayner and Shabana Mahmood, condemned recent party infighting and briefings, calling it 'embarrassing' and 'arrogant tittle-tattle.' Rayner emphasized focusing on policy and constituency work amid leadership speculation and internal turmoil.
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On 25 November 2025, the UK government announced sweeping asylum reforms inspired by Denmark's strict system. Refugee status will be temporary, reviewed every 30 months, with a 20-year wait for permanent settlement. The government plans to remove support for asylum seekers able to work and forcibly remove families, including children, sparking backlash from Labour MPs, refugee groups, and campaigners.
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Lancashire County Councillor Tom Pickup has been suspended amid an investigation into messages suggesting support for mass deportations and calls for a 'mass Islam genocide.' Pickup denies supporting extremism, claiming messages were taken out of context and that he was unaware of the most extreme content. The controversy raises concerns over party vetting.
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The UK government announced sweeping changes to immigration and asylum policies, including longer settlement wait times, stricter eligibility criteria, and temporary refugee status. High earners and NHS workers are fast-tracked, while others face waits up to 30 years. The reforms aim to control migration and reform public services.
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Nigel Farage, Reform UK leader, was seen dining near Westminster while visiting gun shops in London. The outing coincided with debates on UK border and immigration policies. Farage's activities raise questions about his stance on gun laws and immigration, amid ongoing political discussions.
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On November 21, 2025, Nathan Gill, former Reform UK Wales leader and ex-MEP, was sentenced to 10.5 years in prison for accepting at least £40,000 in bribes from pro-Kremlin Ukrainian politician Oleg Voloshyn between 2018 and 2019. Gill made scripted pro-Russian statements in the European Parliament and media, compromising legislative integrity and implicating other MEPs. The case raises concerns about Kremlin influence in UK politics and scrutiny of Nigel Farage's party.
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The UK is implementing strict refugee policies inspired by Denmark, including shorter residence rights, asset seizures, and frequent status reviews. Critics warn these measures could increase racism and harm integration, echoing Denmark's experience of rising far-right support and social division.
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The UK government plans to give local authorities in England the power to impose a tourist levy on overnight visitors, aiming to fund local infrastructure. The move follows similar measures in Scotland and Wales, with mixed reactions from industry and political leaders. The consultation runs until February 2026.
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Net migration to the UK dropped 69% to 204,000 in the year to June 2025, the lowest since 2021, driven by fewer non-EU arrivals for work and study and increased emigration. Despite this, public concern over immigration remains high, especially regarding illegal Channel crossings and asylum seekers. The government has introduced stricter immigration policies and plans further reforms to reduce migration pressures.
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The UK government announced delays for mayoral elections in Essex, Hampshire, Sussex, and Norfolk, citing local government reorganization. The move has sparked criticism from opposition parties, who accuse Labour of undermining democracy. The elections are now scheduled for 2028, with political tensions rising ahead of upcoming local polls.
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Christopher Harborne, a Thai-based investor, donated £9m to Reform UK in August, marking the largest ever single donation from a living person to a UK political party. His wealth stems from cryptocurrency, aviation, and defense sectors, raising questions about influence and transparency in UK politics.
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Nigel Farage's Reform UK gains support in Scotland amid rising anti-immigration protests and controversial claims about Glasgow's schoolchildren. Key figures, including First Minister Swinney and Sir Keir Starmer, condemn Farage's comments as racist. The political landscape in Scotland is shifting ahead of the 2026 Holyrood elections, with Reform UK poised to make significant gains.