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London police urge pro-Palestine march to reschedule from October 7 anniversary
11 days ago•Source: BBC
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211.08 min•11 days ago
Widdecombe Suspect Charged with Terror Plot Against Farage
Joshua Kerry, 28, has been charged with preparing terrorist acts against Nigel Farage, adding to existing murder charges for the killing of former minister Ann Widdecombe. Prosecutors allege Kerry engaged in preparatory conduct between May 2024 and July 2026. The charges follow the July 9 murder of Widdecombe, a Reform UK spokeswoman, who was found dead at her Devon home after being struck 21 times with a hammer. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood called the charges 'extremely concerning' and pledged to review security protections for politicians. Kerry is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Wednesday. The case highlights ongoing debates about political security, particularly regarding Farage, who faces a parliamentary probe into a £5 million donation he claims was necessary for his protection.
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Spencer's 'Swan Song' memoir reignites royal feud over Diana's death
independent.co.uk•22 days ago
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UK Government Promises Clearer Student Loan Info but Rejects Key Repayment Reforms
The UK government has agreed to improve the clarity of information provided to prospective students regarding student loans, acknowledging that previous presentations amounted to mis-selling. However, ministers rejected several key recommendations from the Treasury Committee, including reversing the freeze on the repayment threshold, changing the interest rate calculation, and applying Financial Conduct Authority consumer rules. While the government committed to showing how career choices affect repayment, it refused to provide specific long-term repayment predictions, citing accuracy concerns. Critics, including MPs and campaign groups, argue the response is insufficient and fails to address the punitive terms faced by existing graduates, particularly those with Plan 2 loans.
Commons votes down renewed bid to legalise assisted dying in England and Wales
In a live Commons session, MPs rejected the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill by 286 votes to 270, ending the bid to legalise assisted dying in England and Wales for now; the issue could return as a new bill next year. Campaign groups lament the defeat, while some MPs had changed their minds. The debate also highlighted calls for stronger palliative care and hospice funding, and concerns about safeguards and inequalities in access to end-of-life options.
Masked far-right protests test UK police over anti-migrant actions in Dover and Portsmouth
Masked protesters linked to far-right groups blocked Dover port and attempted to halt lifeboat crews bringing ashore migrants in Portsmouth, prompting government condemnation and questions about police intelligence and resource deployment amid ongoing immigration debates.
Fresh illicit-funding sting haunts Reform UK and Farage
An undercover Channel 4 News/Verbatim report shows Nigel Farage meeting individuals posing as a US donor and his UK-based son who allegedly funded Reform UK polls, potentially breaching UK electoral funding rules; Reform UK says it did nothing illegal and is launching an internal review. The sting adds to recent fundraising controversies around Farage, including a £5m crypto-backed donation, with the Electoral Commission and Metropolitan Police examining related donations; no arrests have been made as Reform hosts its Birmingham conference.
Burnham pins Brexit for decade of UK growth stagnation in Commons debut
Andy Burnham used his first Commons address as prime minister to blame Brexit for a decade of low UK growth, calling it one of a series of 'wrong turns' since the 1980s, while outlining a decentralisation drive, signaling possible public ownership, reaffirming support for Ukraine and net-zero policies, and hinting at electoral reform after Lib Dem pressure—while sticking to not rejoining the single market or customs union and dodging defence-spending questions.
Israel warns Britain of retaliation over UK sanctions on West Bank settlements
Israel warned it will retaliate if Britain imposes sanctions over plans to expand illegal settlements in the West Bank, with Gideon Saar saying, 'If Britain acts against Israel, Israel will act against Britain.' In London, Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband signaled a policy reset and said Britain will consider measures to stop British firms financing, constructing or advertising new settlements; Labour MP Andy Burnham warned the E1 expansion could imperil the two-state solution, and a minister floated sanctions including a ban on trade with illegal settlements.
UK urged to hold public inquiry into media harassment of ex-Cambridge professor Jason Arday
Following the death of ex-Cambridge professor Jason Arday, supporters are calling for a UK public inquiry into alleged media harassment linked to a plagiarism controversy that preceded his resignation, with thousands signing a petition and a vigil planned.
Clacton by-election closes as Farage seeks return in record-long ballot
Polls closed at 22:00 BST in Clacton as counting begins in a record-breaking by-election triggered by Nigel Farage’s resignation; 51 polling stations served 79,785 eligible voters with 10,716 postal votes, and 34 candidates appear on the longest ballot in British history. Farage, Reform UK leader, aims to regain the seat he won in 2024, while major parties like the Conservatives, Labour and the Lib Dems did not stand. Results are expected between 05:00 and 07:00 BST, with the winner to be sworn in when Parliament returns in September.
Bev Craig becomes Greater Manchester’s new mayor, pledging housing boosts and fare freezes
Bev Craig has been elected as Greater Manchester’s new mayor, succeeding Andy Burnham after he became prime minister. The Labour candidate won with 309,525 votes to Reform’s Sian Astley’s 157,178. Craig, a longtime Manchester City Council leader and former deputy mayor, vows to deliver the region’s next chapter, including 50,000 new homes over 15 years, freezing Metrolink and Bee Network fares, extending free bus travel to 11–18-year-olds, and backing town-centre regeneration and social care improvements.
Burnham's bold early push targets social care, youth unemployment and devolution
Andy Burnham is set to address social care reform next week and separately tackle youth unemployment and devolution, framing these long-ignored issues as priorities of his premiership and signaling a proactive effort to reset Britain's political agenda.