Eleni Courea
@ecourea.bsky.social
Political correspondent for the Guardian
Get in touch — eleni.courea@theguardian.com or carob7@proton.me
Get in touch — eleni.courea@theguardian.com or carob7@proton.me
Exclusive: Boris Johnson approved China’s super-embassy proposal in 2018 — and welcomed the fact it was “China’s largest overseas diplomatic investment” anywhere in the world
He made a commitment it would be built alongside the new British embassy in Beijing
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
He made a commitment it would be built alongside the new British embassy in Beijing
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Boris Johnson approved China’s London super-embassy proposal in 2018
Exclusive: Conservatives under Theresa May gave Beijing assurances that it could proceed with the proposal
www.theguardian.com
October 29, 2025 at 2:59 PM
Exclusive: Boris Johnson approved China’s super-embassy proposal in 2018 — and welcomed the fact it was “China’s largest overseas diplomatic investment” anywhere in the world
He made a commitment it would be built alongside the new British embassy in Beijing
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
He made a commitment it would be built alongside the new British embassy in Beijing
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
EXC: Conservative MPs have complained to party whips over Katie Lam's remarks that many legal immigrants should be deported to make the UK “culturally coherent”
“It’s either dog-whistle or it’s so vague it’s meaningless,” one Tory MP said
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
“It’s either dog-whistle or it’s so vague it’s meaningless,” one Tory MP said
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Conservatives complain to whips about fellow MP’s comments on legally settled people
Exclusive: Criticism of Katie Lam comes amid widespread confusion in the party over its policy on indefinite leave to remain
www.theguardian.com
October 23, 2025 at 6:35 PM
EXC: Conservative MPs have complained to party whips over Katie Lam's remarks that many legal immigrants should be deported to make the UK “culturally coherent”
“It’s either dog-whistle or it’s so vague it’s meaningless,” one Tory MP said
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
“It’s either dog-whistle or it’s so vague it’s meaningless,” one Tory MP said
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
EXC: Lucy Powell urged ministers to reconsider legal action against a developer in her seat founded by a Labour donor
Powell wrote to Rayner on behalf of Urban Splash after bumping into Tom Bloxham at a fundraiser
She said she was acting as a constituency MP
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Powell wrote to Rayner on behalf of Urban Splash after bumping into Tom Bloxham at a fundraiser
She said she was acting as a constituency MP
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Lucy Powell urged ministers to rethink legal action against Labour donor’s firm
Exclusive: Intervention by deputy leadership contender could have saved company based in her Manchester constituency millions
www.theguardian.com
October 21, 2025 at 6:26 PM
EXC: Lucy Powell urged ministers to reconsider legal action against a developer in her seat founded by a Labour donor
Powell wrote to Rayner on behalf of Urban Splash after bumping into Tom Bloxham at a fundraiser
She said she was acting as a constituency MP
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Powell wrote to Rayner on behalf of Urban Splash after bumping into Tom Bloxham at a fundraiser
She said she was acting as a constituency MP
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
EXC: China threatened to retaliate against the UK govt if ministers targeted parts of its state under foreign influence rules
Chinese officials warned the FCDO the move would have negative consequences for relations after we reported it was being considered
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Chinese officials warned the FCDO the move would have negative consequences for relations after we reported it was being considered
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
China threatened to retaliate against UK over foreign influence rules
Exclusive: Chinese officials warned that targeting its security apparatus would have negative consequences for relations
www.theguardian.com
October 5, 2025 at 6:10 PM
EXC: China threatened to retaliate against the UK govt if ministers targeted parts of its state under foreign influence rules
Chinese officials warned the FCDO the move would have negative consequences for relations after we reported it was being considered
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Chinese officials warned the FCDO the move would have negative consequences for relations after we reported it was being considered
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
My read on the 7-year-long Chinese embassy saga at Royal Mint Court
— How Chinese officials sought to overturn the council's refusal behind the scenes before ministers intervened
— Residents are preparing to seek a judicial review if the government approves it
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/o...
— How Chinese officials sought to overturn the council's refusal behind the scenes before ministers intervened
— Residents are preparing to seek a judicial review if the government approves it
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/o...
Starmer on horns of dilemma over China’s seven-year mega-embassy saga
Decision time is coming after Labour called in the planning application for a new building in east London
www.theguardian.com
October 4, 2025 at 9:52 AM
My read on the 7-year-long Chinese embassy saga at Royal Mint Court
— How Chinese officials sought to overturn the council's refusal behind the scenes before ministers intervened
— Residents are preparing to seek a judicial review if the government approves it
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/o...
— How Chinese officials sought to overturn the council's refusal behind the scenes before ministers intervened
— Residents are preparing to seek a judicial review if the government approves it
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/o...
Reposted by Eleni Courea
EXCL: Rachel Reeves is set to lift the two-child benefit limit in the budget with officials exploring options of a new tapered system.
The Treasury is exploring if it might instead be limited to three or four children – or whether there could be a tapered rate.
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
The Treasury is exploring if it might instead be limited to three or four children – or whether there could be a tapered rate.
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
Rachel Reeves to lift two-child benefit cap in November’s budget
Exclusive: Officials exploring options to change rule that affected 1.7 million children in Great Britain last year UK politics live – latest updates
www.theguardian.com
September 30, 2025 at 4:14 PM
EXCL: Rachel Reeves is set to lift the two-child benefit limit in the budget with officials exploring options of a new tapered system.
The Treasury is exploring if it might instead be limited to three or four children – or whether there could be a tapered rate.
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
The Treasury is exploring if it might instead be limited to three or four children – or whether there could be a tapered rate.
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
Reposted by Eleni Courea
"OUTRAGE AS FARAGE THREATENS MASS DEPORTATION OF LEGAL IMMIGRANTS"
Full Story: t.ly/IBk_I
@ecourea.bsky.social for @theguardian.com
#NigelFarage faces condemnation after threatening thousands of #LegalImmigrants with #deportation.
#TheGuardian
#TomorrowsPapersToday
#IBPAPERS
Full Story: t.ly/IBk_I
@ecourea.bsky.social for @theguardian.com
#NigelFarage faces condemnation after threatening thousands of #LegalImmigrants with #deportation.
#TheGuardian
#TomorrowsPapersToday
#IBPAPERS
September 22, 2025 at 8:37 PM
"OUTRAGE AS FARAGE THREATENS MASS DEPORTATION OF LEGAL IMMIGRANTS"
Full Story: t.ly/IBk_I
@ecourea.bsky.social for @theguardian.com
#NigelFarage faces condemnation after threatening thousands of #LegalImmigrants with #deportation.
#TheGuardian
#TomorrowsPapersToday
#IBPAPERS
Full Story: t.ly/IBk_I
@ecourea.bsky.social for @theguardian.com
#NigelFarage faces condemnation after threatening thousands of #LegalImmigrants with #deportation.
#TheGuardian
#TomorrowsPapersToday
#IBPAPERS
Migration minister Mike Tapp shudders as Peter Mandelson's emails to Epstein are read out to him on BBC Breakfast
He says they are "disturbing" but that we should consider Mandelson's statement expressing regret
He says the PM retains confidence in him "as far as I know"
He says they are "disturbing" but that we should consider Mandelson's statement expressing regret
He says the PM retains confidence in him "as far as I know"
September 11, 2025 at 6:42 AM
Migration minister Mike Tapp shudders as Peter Mandelson's emails to Epstein are read out to him on BBC Breakfast
He says they are "disturbing" but that we should consider Mandelson's statement expressing regret
He says the PM retains confidence in him "as far as I know"
He says they are "disturbing" but that we should consider Mandelson's statement expressing regret
He says the PM retains confidence in him "as far as I know"
Shabana Mahmood's promotion to home secretary is at the centre of this reshuffle
Read my profile of her from this summer👇
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Read my profile of her from this summer👇
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Shabana Mahmood: justice secretary and rising star of the Labour party
Described as a pragmatic politician with an instinct for the times, Mahmood is thought of by some as a future Labour leader
www.theguardian.com
September 5, 2025 at 5:01 PM
Shabana Mahmood's promotion to home secretary is at the centre of this reshuffle
Read my profile of her from this summer👇
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Read my profile of her from this summer👇
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
How a shrug from Donald Trump moved the UK's position on Palestine:
— Trump comments on Monday gave Starmer the green light
— Policy inc. conditions on Israel drafted largely by Jonathan Powell
— Senior govt figures privately say all roads lead to recognition
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
— Trump comments on Monday gave Starmer the green light
— Policy inc. conditions on Israel drafted largely by Jonathan Powell
— Senior govt figures privately say all roads lead to recognition
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
From silence to statehood: how Trump’s indifference moved the UK on Palestine
Under pressure on domestic and international stage to act on Gaza, a shrug from the president allowed Starmer to make pledge
www.theguardian.com
August 1, 2025 at 2:16 PM
How a shrug from Donald Trump moved the UK's position on Palestine:
— Trump comments on Monday gave Starmer the green light
— Policy inc. conditions on Israel drafted largely by Jonathan Powell
— Senior govt figures privately say all roads lead to recognition
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
— Trump comments on Monday gave Starmer the green light
— Policy inc. conditions on Israel drafted largely by Jonathan Powell
— Senior govt figures privately say all roads lead to recognition
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
EXC: Keir Starmer is under intense pressure from his most senior cabinet ministers to move faster on recognising Palestine
Angela Rayner and Yvette Cooper are understood to be among ministers who believe the UK should take the lead on Palestinian statehood
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Angela Rayner and Yvette Cooper are understood to be among ministers who believe the UK should take the lead on Palestinian statehood
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Cabinet ministers and third of MPs call on Starmer to recognise state of Palestine
More than 220 MPs sign letter to prime minister and foreign secretary calling for British recognition of statehood
www.theguardian.com
July 25, 2025 at 6:11 PM
EXC: Keir Starmer is under intense pressure from his most senior cabinet ministers to move faster on recognising Palestine
Angela Rayner and Yvette Cooper are understood to be among ministers who believe the UK should take the lead on Palestinian statehood
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Angela Rayner and Yvette Cooper are understood to be among ministers who believe the UK should take the lead on Palestinian statehood
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Back in action from today after three gorgeous weeks in Puglia and Sicily
July 14, 2025 at 7:39 PM
Back in action from today after three gorgeous weeks in Puglia and Sicily
EXC: China is considering lifting the sanctions it imposed on UK parliamentarians in 2021 in the latest sign of warming relations between London and Beijing
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
China considers lifting sanctions on UK parliamentarians as relations warm
Exclusive: Restrictions to be reviewed as embassy official says ‘UK-China relations are showing a positive momentum’
www.theguardian.com
June 16, 2025 at 8:44 AM
EXC: China is considering lifting the sanctions it imposed on UK parliamentarians in 2021 in the latest sign of warming relations between London and Beijing
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Great anecdote from trade sec Jonathan Reynolds over lunch with lobby journalists
His first WhatsApp message to US commerce sec Howard Lutnick was drafted through a cross-Whitehall process and the result was "something no human being would send or be able to understand"
His first WhatsApp message to US commerce sec Howard Lutnick was drafted through a cross-Whitehall process and the result was "something no human being would send or be able to understand"
June 12, 2025 at 2:43 PM
Great anecdote from trade sec Jonathan Reynolds over lunch with lobby journalists
His first WhatsApp message to US commerce sec Howard Lutnick was drafted through a cross-Whitehall process and the result was "something no human being would send or be able to understand"
His first WhatsApp message to US commerce sec Howard Lutnick was drafted through a cross-Whitehall process and the result was "something no human being would send or be able to understand"
UK and Gibraltar close to post-Brexit agreement on border with Spain
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/j...
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/j...
UK and Gibraltar close to post-Brexit agreement on border with Spain
David Lammy and territory’s chief minister to meet with EU and Spain to get Eurostar-style arrangement over the line
www.theguardian.com
June 11, 2025 at 1:21 PM
UK and Gibraltar close to post-Brexit agreement on border with Spain
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/j...
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/j...
EXC: UK officials are hopeful the US will begin implementing the deal to reduce tariffs this week
The aim is to secure a proclamation from Donald Trump in the coming days. Officials expect tariffs on cars to be reduced first, before steel/aluminium
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
The aim is to secure a proclamation from Donald Trump in the coming days. Officials expect tariffs on cars to be reduced first, before steel/aluminium
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
British officials hopeful that US will start lifting car tariffs this week
Exclusive: Trade secretary to meet US counterpart with aim of implementing first parts of deal in coming days
www.theguardian.com
June 10, 2025 at 6:31 PM
EXC: UK officials are hopeful the US will begin implementing the deal to reduce tariffs this week
The aim is to secure a proclamation from Donald Trump in the coming days. Officials expect tariffs on cars to be reduced first, before steel/aluminium
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
The aim is to secure a proclamation from Donald Trump in the coming days. Officials expect tariffs on cars to be reduced first, before steel/aluminium
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
EXC w/ @kiranstacey.bsky.social: Plans to regulate artificial intelligence have been delayed by at least a year
Ministers are planning a bumper bill in the next king's speech to regulate the technology and its use of copyrighted material
www.theguardian.com/technology/2...
Ministers are planning a bumper bill in the next king's speech to regulate the technology and its use of copyrighted material
www.theguardian.com/technology/2...
UK ministers delay AI regulation amid plans for more ‘comprehensive’ bill
Law expected to include safety and copyright issues but delay likely to raise concerns about ongoing lack of regulation
www.theguardian.com
June 7, 2025 at 6:40 PM
EXC w/ @kiranstacey.bsky.social: Plans to regulate artificial intelligence have been delayed by at least a year
Ministers are planning a bumper bill in the next king's speech to regulate the technology and its use of copyrighted material
www.theguardian.com/technology/2...
Ministers are planning a bumper bill in the next king's speech to regulate the technology and its use of copyrighted material
www.theguardian.com/technology/2...
Reposted by Eleni Courea
Worth rereading this excellent profile of Zia Yusuf from @ecourea.bsky.social last year 👇
www.theguardian.com/politics/art...
www.theguardian.com/politics/art...
Reform’s new chair Zia Yusuf: a man intent on making Nigel Farage PM
Former leftwing student defends leader’s Southport comments and insists party stands for British values
www.theguardian.com
June 5, 2025 at 4:59 PM
Worth rereading this excellent profile of Zia Yusuf from @ecourea.bsky.social last year 👇
www.theguardian.com/politics/art...
www.theguardian.com/politics/art...
I spoke to BBC Profile a few weeks ago about my conversation with Zia Yusuf before I wrote the first newspaper profile of him:
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
Profile - Zia Yusuf - BBC Sounds
The millionaire businessman turned chairman of the Reform UK party.
www.bbc.co.uk
June 5, 2025 at 4:46 PM
I spoke to BBC Profile a few weeks ago about my conversation with Zia Yusuf before I wrote the first newspaper profile of him:
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
EXC: Ministers have offered a series of last-minute concessions on copyright protections in an effort to avoid a fifth defeat in the House of Lords today
The data bill faces the prospect of being shelved if the impasse isn't broken
www.theguardian.com/technology/2...
The data bill faces the prospect of being shelved if the impasse isn't broken
www.theguardian.com/technology/2...
Ministers offer concessions on AI and copyright to avoid fifth Lords defeat
Exclusive: Data bill faces being shelved amid standoff over plans to allow AI firms to use copyrighted content
www.theguardian.com
June 4, 2025 at 8:47 AM
EXC: Ministers have offered a series of last-minute concessions on copyright protections in an effort to avoid a fifth defeat in the House of Lords today
The data bill faces the prospect of being shelved if the impasse isn't broken
www.theguardian.com/technology/2...
The data bill faces the prospect of being shelved if the impasse isn't broken
www.theguardian.com/technology/2...
Labour’s poll ratings have plummeted — so is Starmer’s future in question?
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Labour’s poll ratings have plummeted – so is Starmer’s future in question?
Dissatisfaction among MPs has created a febrile mood, with ambitious cabinet ministers assessing their options
www.theguardian.com
May 31, 2025 at 8:30 AM
Labour’s poll ratings have plummeted — so is Starmer’s future in question?
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
EXC: Five Labour MPs have travelled to Taiwan for meetings with government officials for the first time since Labour came to power
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/m...
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/m...
Delegation of Labour MPs arrives in Taiwan in first visit since UK election
Trip by five Labour MPs designed to build UK-Taiwan ties as Beijing steps up military capability
www.theguardian.com
May 25, 2025 at 7:06 PM
EXC: Five Labour MPs have travelled to Taiwan for meetings with government officials for the first time since Labour came to power
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/m...
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/m...
Scoop by @pippacrerar.bsky.social
Labour’s child poverty strategy has been delayed until at least the autumn
Concerns at the top of govt that the cost of key proposals outweighs the political benefit
Thousands more children will fall into poverty as a result
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
Labour’s child poverty strategy has been delayed until at least the autumn
Concerns at the top of govt that the cost of key proposals outweighs the political benefit
Thousands more children will fall into poverty as a result
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
No 10 delays child poverty strategy with tens of thousands more facing hardship
Exclusive: Flagship policy put back until at least autumn amid fears cost of scrapping two-child limit will outweigh political benefit
www.theguardian.com
May 23, 2025 at 2:44 PM
Scoop by @pippacrerar.bsky.social
Labour’s child poverty strategy has been delayed until at least the autumn
Concerns at the top of govt that the cost of key proposals outweighs the political benefit
Thousands more children will fall into poverty as a result
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
Labour’s child poverty strategy has been delayed until at least the autumn
Concerns at the top of govt that the cost of key proposals outweighs the political benefit
Thousands more children will fall into poverty as a result
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
Reposted by Eleni Courea
Exc from @ecourea.bsky.social
Ex-Reform UK MP Rupert Lowe recorded making antisemitic remark at parliament
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Ex-Reform UK MP Rupert Lowe recorded making antisemitic remark at parliament
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Rupert Lowe recorded making antisemitic remark at parliament
Exclusive: Former Reform UK MP made comment during a meeting with staff earlier this year, leaked video shows
www.theguardian.com
May 21, 2025 at 12:12 PM
Exc from @ecourea.bsky.social
Ex-Reform UK MP Rupert Lowe recorded making antisemitic remark at parliament
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Ex-Reform UK MP Rupert Lowe recorded making antisemitic remark at parliament
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
EXC: Rupert Lowe MP recorded making antisemitic remark at a meeting in parliament
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Rupert Lowe recorded making antisemitic remark at parliament
Exclusive: Former Reform UK MP made comment during a meeting with staff earlier this year, leaked video shows
www.theguardian.com
May 21, 2025 at 12:15 PM
EXC: Rupert Lowe MP recorded making antisemitic remark at a meeting in parliament
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...