Significant divisions exposed within party as angry backbenchers vow to force changes to hardline proposals Keir Starmer is facing another major challenge to his authority as angry Labour MPs vowed to force changes to new hardline migration measures that would bring an escalation in the deportations of children and families. The policies, which include the possibility of confiscating assets from asylum seekers to contribute to costs, have caused significant divisions within the party with some MPs accusing their colleagues of not taking seriously public anger about illegal migration and asylum. Continue reading...

PM defends plans to tighten eligibility for personal independence payments and vows to push ahead with Commons vote on measures next week Keir Starmer will press ahead with his disability benefit reforms despite a growing rebellion from Labour MPs, as he said there was a “clear moral case” for change. Speaking before next week’s Commons vote on the measures, the prime minister defended plans to tighten the eligibility criteria for personal independence payment (Pip), arguing that the current system was unsustainable. Continue reading...

Report finds China and Russia may be coordinating ‘grey zone’ tactics against vulnerable western infrastructure China and Russia are stepping up sabotage operations targeting undersea cables and the UK is unprepared to meet the mounting threat, according to new analysis. A report by the China Strategic Risks Institute (CSRI) analysed 12 incidents where national authorities had investigated alleged undersea cable sabotage between January 2021 and April 2025. Of the 10 cases in which a suspect vessel was identified, eight were directly linked to China or Russia through flag-state registration or company ownership. Continue reading...

Exclusive: London theatre urges Home Office to reconsider as Ibrahima Balde unable to watch adaptation of award-winning book The author of an award-winning memoir about his life as a refugee has been refused a UK visa to attend a premiere of its adaptation for the London stage by one of Britain’s most celebrated playwrights. Ibrahima Balde, who lives in Spain, was told the UK government was not satisfied he would return home after the performance of Little Brother which begins its run at Jermyn Street Theatre next week. Continue reading...

Greater Manchester mayor says number of young people not in education, employment or training has reached unacceptable levels The number of young people not in education, employment or training has risen to unacceptable levels because Whitehall is failing to listen and respond to their needs, Andy Burnham will say this week. The mayor of Greater Manchester will warn in a key speech that the number of “neets”, which now stands at almost 1 million - the highest figure in 11 years – will continue to rise unless the Department for Education (DfE) adopts a new schools policy more geared to their requirements. Continue reading...

The US Presidential Medal of Freedom has been formally given to U2 frontman Bono.