76 stories found
Keir Starmer's proposed defence plan has been identified by the Treasury as having a £4.7 billion funding shortfall. This significant gap will require difficult trade-offs and is expected to be addressed in the next budget.
The BBC's political editor Chris Mason reflects on the fallout from the Defence Investment Plan.
As a man who has held prime ministerial ambitions for years, Andy Burnham makes his dash for the door, political editor Chris Mason writes.
A political editor's analysis details the circumstances leading to the downfall of a UK Prime Minister, drawing parallels with previous leaders.
Keir Starmer has announced his resignation as the leader of the Labour Party, triggering a leadership contest. Andy Burnham has quickly emerged as a leading candidate to succeed him, drawing significant attention and discussion across the UK and beyond.
Keir Starmer has resigned as the leader of the UK Labour Party, prompting speculation about his successor. Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, has emerged as a frontrunner and confirmed his bid for the leadership.
Speculation is growing about the UK Prime Minister's departure, with reports indicating an announcement about plans to leave office is imminent. This follows a period of intense political uncertainty.
Andy Burnham's recent by-election victory in Makerfield has intensified discussions about his potential challenge to Keir Starmer's leadership of the Labour Party and his path to becoming Prime Minister. The win has sparked widespread speculation regarding Starmer's future and a potential power struggle within Labour.
Dissent is once again evident among the top ranks of the Labour Party, as reported by Chris Mason.
A political analysis suggests that Sir Keir Starmer's decision to send Lord Mandelson to Washington will be a significant point of criticism when evaluating his time at No10.
BBC political editor Chris Mason provides an inside look at the likely contest to determine the United Kingdom's next prime minister, which could unfold in weeks or months.
Former UK Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has been cleared by HMRC of any wrongdoing regarding her tax affairs. The investigation concluded with her settling a tax bill, prompting her to call for Labour to deliver change.
The Labour Party experienced significant setbacks in recent local elections across the UK, losing control in areas like Wales for the first time in decades. Nigel Farage's Reform UK celebrated substantial gains, signaling a shift in the political landscape.
BBC's Chris Mason analyzes how this week's elections are expected to reveal significant changes in the political landscape.
The Mandelson vetting row has reignited questions over the PM's future just two weeks before crucial elections in Scotland, Wales and England.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces a significant political crisis and calls for his resignation following controversy surrounding the vetting and appointment of Peter Mandelson as the US Ambassador, particularly due to alleged links to Jeffrey Epstein. The affair has been widely criticized as an "unforgivable failure" and a major challenge to Starmer's leadership.
BBC political editor Chris Mason provides analysis on how the 'Iran war' (referring to broader Middle East tensions) is tightening 'vicious circles' for the UK government and trapping the Labour party. His pieces explore the political ramifications and challenges faced by both major parties due to the ongoing regional instability.
Following landmark US social media addiction trials that found Meta and YouTube liable for harming children, the UK is actively considering a ban on social media for under-16s, while Meta has seen a significant $119 billion drop in market capitalization due to new regulatory risks.
BBC's Chris Mason has provided an explanation of what is at stake in the upcoming elections scheduled across the United Kingdom on May 7th.
US President Donald Trump confirmed the delay of his planned summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping, citing the ongoing military campaign against Iran. This delay is reportedly for 'a month or so' as Trump attempts to present a united front with Vice President JD Vance.
Donald Trump stated on social media that there would be no deal with Iran unless Tehran surrenders unconditionally, reiterating his hardline stance.
Addressing press in the Oval office earlier today, President Trump criticised Sir Keir Starmer and the UK's initial response to US-Israeli strikes on Iran.
The UK was not involved in, nor has it endorsed, the strikes on Iran by Israel and the US.
Not only did Hannah Spencer become the first Green to win a by-election, she won it well.
Political analysts suggest that the upcoming Gorton and Denton by-election could evolve into a competitive three-way contest between Labour, Reform, and the Green parties.
Sir Chris Bryant, a Member of Parliament, publicly called the former prince 'rude, arrogant and entitled' in the House of Commons, marking a new tone in parliamentary discussions regarding Andrew.
Kemi Badenoch has pressed Labour leader Keir Starmer on his party's defence spending plans, highlighting a reported £5 billion 'black hole' in their proposals. This comes as Andy Burnham is anticipated to face significant challenges regarding defence budget trade-offs.
Keir Starmer says a further £15bn will be invested, but acknowledges that there "will always be those that argue that even more should be spent".
Andy Burnham presented his plan to transform Britain, focusing on devolution and fixing a 'broken' system, including potential tax increases for high-street slot machines and casinos. His proposals aim to shift economic and political power across the UK.
BBC political editor Chris Mason examines the factors contributing to the prime minister's downfall, noting that like predecessors Liz Truss and Boris Johnson, Sir Keir lost the capacity to viably govern.
Andy Burnham will have to set out his stall to show how he will deliver on his promises, the BBC's political editor writes.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is reportedly considering his political future and may announce his resignation today, according to multiple British media outlets. This comes amid increasing pressure and speculation about his leadership.
The 2026 World Cup continues to generate news with updates on player personal lives, such as Norway's Østigård following his son's birth via video call, and Germany setting a new World Cup record. Teams are also preparing for upcoming matches, with discussions around lineups and strategies.
Keir Starmer has maintained a defiant stance following a dispute regarding defence spending. The Labour leader's position on the issue has been highlighted by Chris Mason.
The UK Defence Minister resigned, accusing Prime Minister Starmer of making Britain 'less safe' due to proposed defence funding cuts. His departure highlights a growing crisis over military spending within the government.
BBC's Chris Mason suggests that Sir Keir Starmer's decision to send Lord Mandelson to Washington will be a central point of criticism when evaluating his tenure at No10, continuing to inflict damage.
BBC Political Editor Chris Mason provides insight into the ongoing internal contest to determine the United Kingdom's next prime minister, suggesting a new leader could emerge within weeks or months.
The UK Labour Party is facing a severe leadership crisis, with over 80 Labour members reportedly demanding Keir Starmer's resignation and speculation rising about potential challengers. This internal turmoil has overshadowed King Charles's recent speech, highlighting Starmer's perceived unpopularity and the party's disarray.
The Labour Party experienced significant setbacks in recent UK local elections, putting leader Keir Starmer under considerable pressure. Concurrently, Reform UK made notable gains, indicating a shift in the political landscape.
UK Labour leader Keir Starmer has indicated that new powers could be introduced to ban some pro-Palestinian marches in the UK. This consideration follows concerns about antisemitic attacks and the promotion of violence during such demonstrations.
Prime Minister Starmer is experiencing a challenging week due to the Mandelson vetting row, raising questions about his future and potentially impacting the upcoming crucial elections in Scotland, Wales, and England.
UK opposition leader Keir Starmer is facing calls for his resignation following new revelations linking Peter Mandelson to the Epstein scandal, which also led to a vetting row and the departure of top Foreign Office official Olly Robbins.
BBC analysis by Chris Mason explores how the unexpected friendship between political figures Lammy and Vance is being strategically leveraged. The articles delve into the utilization of their bond for various purposes.
Following landmark jury verdicts in Los Angeles and New Mexico finding Meta and Google (YouTube) responsible for social media addiction, the tech liability shield is now under intense scrutiny, potentially leading to significant fallout for the tech giants regarding harm to minors.
BBC's Chris Mason provides an analysis of the upcoming 7 May elections across the UK, detailing the key issues and what is at stake for voters.
BBC Political Editor Chris Mason offers his analysis on why Labour leader Keir Starmer believes his position on the ongoing war is correct, despite recent criticisms from US President Trump.
Embassy staff in Israel have been told to shelter in place as the U.S. conflict with Iran widens into a regional war
The prime minister told MPs that the government "does not believe in regime change from the skies".
The UK was not involved in, nor has it endorsed, the strikes on Iran by Israel and the US.
Chris Mason reports from Manchester on the Gorton and Denton by-election result.
A defeat for Labour at the Gorton and Denton by-election would likely pile the pressure back on Sir Keir Starmer
BBC Political Editor Chris Mason reflects on Keir Starmer's proposed Defence Investment Plan, discussing the significant trade-offs and the ongoing debate over whether the allocated £15 billion is sufficient.
Andy Burnham, a prominent figure with long-held prime ministerial ambitions, is under scrutiny as he outlines plans that are being compared to those of the outgoing prime minister, while also making a public dash for the door.
Andy Burnham, a leading contender for UK Prime Minister, has outlined his plans for decentralizing power and resources, promising to shift control out of London and establish a 'No. 10 North' operation in Manchester to empower local leaders.
BBC political editor Chris Mason analyzes the anatomy of a prime minister's downfall, noting that Sir Keir, like his predecessors Liz Truss and Boris Johnson, lost the capacity to viably govern.
Andy Burnham, widely tipped to replace Keir Starmer, will need to clearly outline how he plans to deliver on his promises, according to the BBC's political editor.
Attention is focused on Downing Street as observers await a statement from the Prime Minister. Speculation is high regarding the timing and content of the anticipated announcement.
Andy Burnham's victory in the Makerfield by-election has intensified pressure on Labour leader Keir Starmer, with many speculating that Burnham is positioning himself to challenge Starmer for the party's leadership and potentially become the next Prime Minister.
Dan Jarvis has been appointed the new UK Defence Minister following the resignation of John Healey, who criticized Keir Starmer's policies on military spending. Healey's departure highlights growing issues for Starmer regarding defense investment plans.
The British government has released new files related to the Peter Mandelson affair, revealing internal doubts and infighting within the Labour party and criticism of No 10. The documents also highlight the ongoing controversy surrounding Mandelson's ambassadorial appointment and raise questions about missing vetting documents.
Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves' proposed "summer savings drive" will not extend to providing relief for energy bills. This indicates that her plan focuses on other areas of household expenditure.
BBC political editor Chris Mason offers an in-depth look into the unofficial competition among various figures vying to become the United Kingdom's next prime minister. His analysis explores the dynamics and potential candidates in this shadow contest.
The UK Prime Minister is confronting a challenging day as members of his own party reportedly revolt against his leadership. This internal dissent marks a significant test for the Prime Minister.
The upcoming elections scheduled for this week are anticipated to be highly competitive, featuring a diverse range of closely contested races.
BBC's Chris Mason reports on a challenging week for Keir Starmer, with the Mandelson vetting controversy raising new questions about the Prime Minister's future just two weeks before significant elections across Scotland, Wales, and England.
Labour leader Keir Starmer faced parliamentary pressure and apologized for failing to properly inform Parliament about the appointment of Peter Mandelson, who reportedly failed security vetting. The controversy has led to calls for Starmer's resignation.
The UK Home Office is investigating a significant asylum fraud scheme where migrants are allegedly coached by lawyers to make false claims, including feigning homosexuality or domestic abuse, to secure residency. Authorities are cracking down on these practices and threatening deportation for fraudulent claimants.
An opinion piece highlights the warm relationship between Lammy and Vance, noting how this unlikely friendship is being leveraged despite chilly relations between their respective leaders.
A US jury found Meta and Google liable for intentionally designing addictive social media platforms, a ruling echoed by a Hungarian court, with new reports from Germany also finding Meta and Google negligent, raising stakes for tech giants and potentially opening the door to more lawsuits globally.
The UK Chancellor is expected to outline principles for energy bill support, reacting in real-time to the economic shock caused by the war in Iran.
Newly revealed Mandelson papers indicate that the prime minister ignored dissenting voices and rushed processes during Peter Mandelson's appointment, highlighting the arrogance surrounding the scandal where he was sacked and later received a £75,000 settlement.
The remarks came amid a row over the refusal to permit the use of UK bases for the initial US-Israel strikes.
The prime minister told MPs that the government "does not believe in regime change from the skies".
The prime minister is facing questions about whether Labour's focus on Reform left them exposed among some of their regular supporters.
BBC's Chris Mason reports from Manchester on what he describes as an 'extraordinary' by-election result in Gorton and Denton.
It was quite a moment when Sir Chris Bryant called the former prince "rude, arrogant and entitled" in the House of Commons, the BBC's political editor writes.