UK News

Sir Keir Starmer has labelled Reform UK’s policy of scrapping indefinite leave to remain as “racist” and “immoral”. The policy, which could effectively lead to hundreds of thousands of people who are here legally being deported from the UK, was announced by party leader Nigel Farage last week. Sir Keir added he did not think Reform UK supporters were racist ...

The construction of three new towns will begin before the next general election, Labour has pledged. A taskforce has recommended 12 locations in England for development, with three areas – Tempsford in Bedfordshire, Leeds South Bank, and Crews Hill in north London – identified as the most promising sites. Housing Secretary Steve Reed is expected to announce the plans in ...

Sir Keir Starmer has said he believes his government can still “pull this round” as the Labour Party heads into its annual conference hoping to revive public support. With opinion polls suggesting Labour trails Reform UK, and mounting speculation that Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham could launch a leadership challenge, the prime minister told the Times it was time to ...

Sir Keir Starmer has announced the UK’s recognition of a Palestinian state, in what represents a significant change in government policy. In a video statement on X, the prime minister said: “In the face of the growing horror in the Middle East we are acting to keep alive the possibility of peace and a two-state solution.” Australia and Canada also ...

The United Kingdom is expected to formally recognize a Palestinian state on Sunday, moving forward despite opposition from the United States, after concluding that Israel has failed to meet the conditions it previously set regarding the ongoing war in Gaza. Although largely symbolic, British officials hope the move will boost diplomatic efforts to end the conflict and help revive the ...

Heathrow is among several European airports hit by a cyber-attack affecting an electronic check-in and baggage system. The airport warned of possible delays due to a “technical issue” affecting software provided by Collins Aerospace to several airlines. Brussels Airport said a cyber-attack on Friday night meant passengers were being checked in and boarded manually, while Berlin’s Brandenburg Airport also reported ...

US President Donald Trump is planning to invite King Charles and Queen Camilla to the US next year, a senior White House official confirmed to the BBC. The date of the visit – which will come as the US marks its 250th anniversary – remains unclear. Trump made a second state visit to the UK this week to meet with ...

Donald Trump suggested Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer could use the military to stop illegal migration at a news conference marking the end of the US president’s second state visit to the UK. Trump said he discussed migration issues with Sir Keir during a meeting at his country residence Chequers. The US president talked about his policies to secure borders ...

The prime minister and his team are delighted – and relieved. State visits are far from a new tool in the British armoury of soft power, but they are frequently a useful one – and particularly with an unpredictable ally with an abiding love for the UK in general and its monarchy in particular. That was why, back in February ...

A former Labour councillor has been charged with blackmail and communications offences, in connection with the Westminster “honeytrap” scandal. The charge of blackmail relates to alleged unwarranted demands for the phone numbers of up to 12 individuals. Oliver Steadman, 28, of Pemberton Gardens, north London, has also been charged with communications offences in relation to the sending of alleged unsolicited ...