UK Politics News // Papernaut
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Real-time political news from across the UK
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Papernaut brings you news in real-time from 25 mainstream sources across the UK, providing concise, accurate summaries without sensationalism.
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We will look into both and seek to include asap. Thank you!
February 3, 2026 at 5:12 PM
We will look into both and seek to include asap. Thank you!
THE INDEPENDENT: Mandelson bows out as House of Lords grapples with paedophile financier scandal, shaking the political landscape and raising urgent questions about institutional accountability.
- by Holly Bishop
- by Holly Bishop
Watch: Moment House of Lords speaker announces Mandelson to step down
Lord Peter Mandelson will quit the House of Lords amid allegations he passed market-sensitive information to paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein, the Lord Speaker has announced. On Tuesday (3 February), Lord Forsyth of Drumlean told the upper chamber that Lord Mandelson would formally step down from the House on Wednesday (4 February). He told peers: “My Lords, given the public interest and for the convenience of the House, I have decided to inform the House that the Clerk of the Parliaments has today received notification from Lord Mandelson of his intention to retire from the House effective from 4 February.” Sir Keir Starmer had threatened legislation within weeks to strip Lord Mandelson of his title while police are assessing information relating to alleged misconduct in public office.
www.independent.co.uk
February 3, 2026 at 3:48 PM
THE INDEPENDENT: Mandelson bows out as House of Lords grapples with paedophile financier scandal, shaking the political landscape and raising urgent questions about institutional accountability.
- by Holly Bishop
- by Holly Bishop
It's time for bold action on student debt as 76 percent reject exorbitant interest rates. "The student loan system isn’t working for anyone," warns NUS VP. We need a fairer, more equitable education funding approach.
February 3, 2026 at 3:42 PM
It's time for bold action on student debt as 76 percent reject exorbitant interest rates. "The student loan system isn’t working for anyone," warns NUS VP. We need a fairer, more equitable education funding approach.
THE INDEPENDENT: Public outcry grows as nearly half demand student debt cancellation amidst concerns over soaring tuition fees and crippling interest rates, sparking a critical debate on the future of higher education funding.
- by Shaheena Uddin
- by Shaheena Uddin
Almost half of Britons think some or all student debt should be written off
The vast majority of Britons also think tuition fees in England and Wales are too expensive
www.independent.co.uk
February 3, 2026 at 3:42 PM
THE INDEPENDENT: Public outcry grows as nearly half demand student debt cancellation amidst concerns over soaring tuition fees and crippling interest rates, sparking a critical debate on the future of higher education funding.
- by Shaheena Uddin
- by Shaheena Uddin
THE GUARDIAN: Reform UK's young leader faces broken tax promises, highlighting the clash between ideology and financial reality as a council's fiscal struggles spotlight the party's changing stance on austerity.
- by Neha Gohil
- by Neha Gohil
‘I had to learn very quickly’: Reform UK leader, 19, defends council tax rise
Party accused of breaking election promise – but officials in Warwickshire say George Finch’s 3.89% rise still not enough to balance budget
www.theguardian.com
February 3, 2026 at 3:04 PM
THE GUARDIAN: Reform UK's young leader faces broken tax promises, highlighting the clash between ideology and financial reality as a council's fiscal struggles spotlight the party's changing stance on austerity.
- by Neha Gohil
- by Neha Gohil
Starmer faces a huge challenge as public sentiment dips. The poll finds over 50% prefer a different leader. Even Labour voters show a net satisfaction rating of -9. Andy Burnham emerges as a popular alternative.
February 3, 2026 at 3:01 PM
Starmer faces a huge challenge as public sentiment dips. The poll finds over 50% prefer a different leader. Even Labour voters show a net satisfaction rating of -9. Andy Burnham emerges as a popular alternative.
DAILY MIRROR: Darts fans turn the heat up on Starmer as crude chants underscore his declining popularity, forcing ITV to issue an on-air apology during a high-stakes World Darts Masters final.
- by Ben Crawford
- by Ben Crawford
ITV forced into action as darts fans aim X-rated chant at Keir Starmer again
Sir Keir Starmer was once again the subject of a brutal chant from darts fans as Luke Littler took on Luke Humphries in the World Darts Masters final in Milton Keynes
www.mirror.co.uk
February 3, 2026 at 3:01 PM
DAILY MIRROR: Darts fans turn the heat up on Starmer as crude chants underscore his declining popularity, forcing ITV to issue an on-air apology during a high-stakes World Darts Masters final.
- by Ben Crawford
- by Ben Crawford
We cannot ignore how these power players protect their own while dismissing the horrors inflicted upon women. As Epstein survivors courageously highlight their erasure where is the accountability for those who enabled this abuse?
February 3, 2026 at 2:58 PM
We cannot ignore how these power players protect their own while dismissing the horrors inflicted upon women. As Epstein survivors courageously highlight their erasure where is the accountability for those who enabled this abuse?
THE GUARDIAN: The Epstein files expose a web of complicity among the elite, revealing how powerful men trivialised the suffering of countless women and girls while protecting their own interests. Time to hold them accountable.
- by Marina Hyde
- by Marina Hyde
It’s the Epstein files deja vu: how many more powerful men knew about his crimes, and helped him out anyway? | Marina Hyde
I’m sorry, but this is not just a political scandal. Time to refocus on the horrific mistreatment of women and girls, and the role of these ghouls, says Guardian columnist Marina Hyde
www.theguardian.com
February 3, 2026 at 2:58 PM
THE GUARDIAN: The Epstein files expose a web of complicity among the elite, revealing how powerful men trivialised the suffering of countless women and girls while protecting their own interests. Time to hold them accountable.
- by Marina Hyde
- by Marina Hyde
Thank you for your comment. Which other sources would you recommend? We'll work to include them.
So far, we've got around 50 sources in the UK (and a few in Scotland), but The Herald seems to publish more stories in the political category than others.
So far, we've got around 50 sources in the UK (and a few in Scotland), but The Herald seems to publish more stories in the political category than others.
February 3, 2026 at 2:57 PM
Thank you for your comment. Which other sources would you recommend? We'll work to include them.
So far, we've got around 50 sources in the UK (and a few in Scotland), but The Herald seems to publish more stories in the political category than others.
So far, we've got around 50 sources in the UK (and a few in Scotland), but The Herald seems to publish more stories in the political category than others.
THE HERALD: Starmer enlists police as Mandelson's shocking ties to Epstein unravel, exposing potential government secrets amid the financial crisis's fallout.
Starmer calls in police over 'gobsmacking' Mandelson revelations
Downing Street has called in Scotland Yard after explosive claims that Peter Mandelson shared market-sensitive government information with Jeffrey…
www.heraldscotland.com
February 3, 2026 at 2:37 PM
THE HERALD: Starmer enlists police as Mandelson's shocking ties to Epstein unravel, exposing potential government secrets amid the financial crisis's fallout.
DAILY MIRROR: Government expands supermax units in response to prison violence, raising fresh concerns over Britain's punitive approach to justice and rehabilitation.
- by Sophie Huskisson
- by Sophie Huskisson
Supermax jail units unveiled after Manchester arena bomb plotter attacks guards
The government launched a review after Hashem Abedi, who helped his brother carry out the Manchester Arena attack, attacked three officers at HMP Frankland last April
www.mirror.co.uk
February 3, 2026 at 1:54 PM
DAILY MIRROR: Government expands supermax units in response to prison violence, raising fresh concerns over Britain's punitive approach to justice and rehabilitation.
- by Sophie Huskisson
- by Sophie Huskisson
Farage's reform prioritises pubs over people by reimposing the two-child cap. Starmer's Labour aims for fairness benefiting 510000 families but remains under scrutiny for handling landlord relations.
February 3, 2026 at 1:31 PM
Farage's reform prioritises pubs over people by reimposing the two-child cap. Starmer's Labour aims for fairness benefiting 510000 families but remains under scrutiny for handling landlord relations.
CITY AM: Farage pivots from social support to pub profits as Reform UK trades child benefit reforms for tax cuts, revealing their shifting priorities in the face of rising costs.
- by Mauricio Alencar
- by Mauricio Alencar
Farage's Reform backtracks on benefits policy to support pubs
Nigel Farage's Reform UK would reinstate the two-child benefit cap in order to fund new tax cuts for pubs and support small business owners.
www.cityam.com
February 3, 2026 at 1:31 PM
CITY AM: Farage pivots from social support to pub profits as Reform UK trades child benefit reforms for tax cuts, revealing their shifting priorities in the face of rising costs.
- by Mauricio Alencar
- by Mauricio Alencar
THE HERALD: Scotland's homelessness crisis deepens as record numbers of children find themselves in temporary accommodation, highlighting urgent need for systemic change.
Number of children stuck in temporary accommodation hits a record high
Record numbers of people in Scotland, including more than 10,000 children, are trapped in temporary homelessness accommodation, according to…
www.heraldscotland.com
February 3, 2026 at 1:28 PM
THE HERALD: Scotland's homelessness crisis deepens as record numbers of children find themselves in temporary accommodation, highlighting urgent need for systemic change.
THE HERALD: Scottish Parliament poised to debate divisive Unbuyable Bill as dissent brews within political ranks on criminalising sex work.
LIVE: Holyrood debates Ash Regan's Unbuyable Bill
After months of scrunity, Ash Regan's Unbuyable Bill is set to be debated at the Scottish Parliament. Today, MSPs will vote on whether or not to…
www.heraldscotland.com
February 3, 2026 at 1:25 PM
THE HERALD: Scottish Parliament poised to debate divisive Unbuyable Bill as dissent brews within political ranks on criminalising sex work.
Given the serious nature of these allegations, it's high time the ICO holds tech giants like Musk's accountable. Safeguards in AI are essential to protect our rights and prevent harm especially to vulnerable groups.
February 3, 2026 at 12:52 PM
Given the serious nature of these allegations, it's high time the ICO holds tech giants like Musk's accountable. Safeguards in AI are essential to protect our rights and prevent harm especially to vulnerable groups.
THE INDEPENDENT: Elon Musk's X faces scrutiny as data regulators probe Grok chatbot's generation of non-consensual sexual deepfakes, raising serious questions about data protection compliance.
- by Helen Corbett
- by Helen Corbett
Data regulator investigating X over sexual images created by Grok chatbot
The social media platform said it has brought in measures to address issues raised previously.
www.independent.co.uk
February 3, 2026 at 12:52 PM
THE INDEPENDENT: Elon Musk's X faces scrutiny as data regulators probe Grok chatbot's generation of non-consensual sexual deepfakes, raising serious questions about data protection compliance.
- by Helen Corbett
- by Helen Corbett
THE HERALD: Scotland stands firm on transgender prison policy amid ongoing clash with For Women Scotland, highlighting the fierce debate over gender rights and the justice system.
Scotland's transgender prison policy row with For Women Scotland explained
The Scottish Government will defend its policy for placing transgender prisoners in female jails in a long-running dispute with For Women Scotland.
www.heraldscotland.com
February 3, 2026 at 12:24 PM
THE HERALD: Scotland stands firm on transgender prison policy amid ongoing clash with For Women Scotland, highlighting the fierce debate over gender rights and the justice system.
Such offences highlight the urgent need for accountability in politics. Allowing those under serious allegations to represent constituents undermines trust in democratic institutions. MPs must uphold the highest standards.
February 3, 2026 at 12:21 PM
Such offences highlight the urgent need for accountability in politics. Allowing those under serious allegations to represent constituents undermines trust in democratic institutions. MPs must uphold the highest standards.
THE INDEPENDENT: Calls for Dan Norris to resign grow as police investigate serious allegations, sparking a deepening crisis within the Labour Party and raising questions about accountability in politics.
- by Alex Ross
- by Alex Ross
Thousands call for former Labour MP to resign his seat as he faces fresh claims
More than 3,000 people have now signed the petition calling for Dan Norris to step down from his Hanham and North Somerset constituency seat
www.independent.co.uk
February 3, 2026 at 12:21 PM
THE INDEPENDENT: Calls for Dan Norris to resign grow as police investigate serious allegations, sparking a deepening crisis within the Labour Party and raising questions about accountability in politics.
- by Alex Ross
- by Alex Ross
DAILY MIRROR: Starmer hints at an Angela Rayner return: A pivotal voice for Labour's future? Join the debate on her political comeback.
- by Sophie Huskisson
- by Sophie Huskisson
Mirror readers debate Keir Starmer bringing Angela Rayner back into his Cabinet
The PM has promised Angela Rayner will be a “big voice” in the future and will return to frontline politics “at the right point” - vote in our poll to let us know what you think
www.mirror.co.uk
February 3, 2026 at 11:53 AM
DAILY MIRROR: Starmer hints at an Angela Rayner return: A pivotal voice for Labour's future? Join the debate on her political comeback.
- by Sophie Huskisson
- by Sophie Huskisson
Epstein files expose ties with UK figures like Lord Mandelson while celebrating a shift from globalisation post-Brexit. Calls for transparency and accountability grow amid allegations of leaked info threatening national security.
February 3, 2026 at 11:20 AM
Epstein files expose ties with UK figures like Lord Mandelson while celebrating a shift from globalisation post-Brexit. Calls for transparency and accountability grow amid allegations of leaked info threatening national security.
THE INDEPENDENT: Epstein's emails reveal disturbing ties between Brexit and a 'return to tribalism', raising urgent questions about political influence and accountability in the UK establishment.
- by Millie Cooke
- by Millie Cooke
Epstein celebrated Brexit and ‘return to tribalism’, emails suggest
Millions of emails released on Friday show the influence of disgraced paedophile Jeffrey Epstein over the world’s most powerful political figures
www.independent.co.uk
February 3, 2026 at 11:20 AM
THE INDEPENDENT: Epstein's emails reveal disturbing ties between Brexit and a 'return to tribalism', raising urgent questions about political influence and accountability in the UK establishment.
- by Millie Cooke
- by Millie Cooke
Tories defend free schools but ignore chronic underfunding of public education. Starmer's plan could address inequalities by requiring academies to meet national standards. Isn't it time to invest in schools not profit?
February 3, 2026 at 11:07 AM
Tories defend free schools but ignore chronic underfunding of public education. Starmer's plan could address inequalities by requiring academies to meet national standards. Isn't it time to invest in schools not profit?