All articles tagged with #uk politics
Labour faces a high-stakes by-election in Gorton and Denton, seen as a test of Keir Starmer's leadership amid a Reform UK challenge and internal party tensions. With 11 candidates and results expected around 4am after a 7am–10pm polling window, the outcome could either boost Labour's position ahead of May elections or energize Nigel Farage's Reform UK, signaling voter sentiment about Starmer's leadership.
UK lawmakers approved publishing confidential documents related to Prince Andrew’s 2001 appointment as trade envoy after a fiery debate urging greater royal accountability. The government backed the move, noting some papers may be delayed until police investigations conclude, as Andrew faces Epstein-related allegations and Peter Mandelson faces misconduct inquiries. The development fuels broader discussions about the monarchy’s role and future reforms, even as Buckingham Palace distances the royal family from the scandal.
British police arrested Peter Mandelson, the former British ambassador to the United States, on suspicion of misconduct in public office over alleged disclosures to Jeffrey Epstein, as documents from the Epstein files fuel political fallout in the UK.
Peter Mandelson, the 72-year-old former Labour minister and ex-UK ambassador, was arrested at a Camden address on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The Met Police say he was taken to a London police station for interview after searches at Wiltshire and Camden properties, with police-CPS discussions ongoing. The case is linked to Mandelson’s relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, and the government says it still plans to publish related documents in due course, while Mandelson maintains he acted appropriately during vetting.
This Sunday’s UK front pages center Prince Andrew on calls for a police inquiry into his Epstein ties, with the King allowing access to palace files for investigators and former protection chiefs seeking answers on who knew what. Other papers report emails suggesting police protection for Epstein’s party guests and security arrangements, while international items note Trump’s tariff decision, the Chagos Islands sovereignty debate, and the four-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, including calls for 2026 to be the war’s end and a Ukrainian grandmother’s plea for safe streets for children.
Ministers are reportedly weighing legislation to remove Prince Andrew from the line of succession once the police investigation concludes; MPs from several parties have urged action, with Labour and Lib Dems calling for removal and some advocating a wider debate on abolishing the monarchy. Any change would require an Act of Parliament and consent from other realms, and would also remove him as a counsellor of state.
Former Prince Andrew was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office in an Epstein-related inquiry, marking the first arrest of a senior British royal in nearly 400 years, though he has not been charged. The 66-year-old, who denies wrongdoing, has long faced scrutiny over his ties to Jeffrey Epstein, his trade envoy role, and documents suggesting he shared government materials with Epstein. He stepped back from royal duties in 2019, was stripped of military affiliations and royal charity work, and in October King Charles III stripped him of his princely/Duke of York titles and evicted him from Windsor’s Royal Lodge. A 2015-2020 Virginia Giuffre lawsuit against him was settled; Giuffre died in 2025. Andrew remains eighth in line to the throne.
Nigel Farage condemned his former Reform colleague Rupert Lowe’s new Restore Britain party, dismissing a poll suggesting Lowe could reach 10% and reaffirming Reform UK as the country’s only credible centre-right option. He criticised Lowe’s positions on mass deportations, warned against dealing with those he sees as dishonourable, and noted Elon Musk’s potential support while doubting Lowe’s national appeal.
Ministers are reportedly weighing delaying the plan to remove discretionary age bands and raise 18–20-year-olds’ minimum wage to match those over 21, despite Labour’s manifesto commitment. With youth unemployment around 16% and employers warning higher wages may deter hiring, ministers may slow the timetable, though a full reversal is unlikely.
BBC reporters depict Horden, a former mining town in east Durham, as a community left poorer and more isolated since the pits closed, with boarded-up streets, absentee landlords and rising child poverty; residents lash out at Westminster and Labour, while Reform UK gains ground amid frustration over Brexit funding cuts and lack of local investment, even as regeneration plans and community efforts attempt to reverse the decline.
UK MPs are weighing a formal inquiry into Prince Andrew over his time as a UK trade envoy after files suggest he forwarded confidential government and business information to Jeffrey Epstein; Andrew denies wrongdoing, while police review a separate complaint and MPs prepare options for next week's committee meeting.
The dollar softens at the start of European trading as risk-on sentiment boosts overseas assets and a rally in US tech and Japan’s market backdrop supports risk assets; meanwhile, Chinese regulators warn against concentration risk in Treasuries. Traders await the January U.S. payrolls (NFP) data and CPI, which could reprice the Fed path. EUR steadies on potential European reform gains, while GBP remains pressured by UK political developments; in CEE, markets stay in ranges ahead of inflation and GDP data.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting published his private messages with former US ambassador Peter Mandelson, presenting them as not close friends while using the disclosures to counter smears as he pursues a leadership bid. The exchanges show Streeting fearing he could lose his seat, criticising the government’s lack of a growth strategy, and weighing Labour’s stance on Palestine recognition amid Mandelson’s controversial appointment and ongoing investigations.
On a day of intense political pressure, Labour backed Keir Starmer after Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar urged him to quit; Ed Miliband said it must be a turning point for the party and that Starmer deserves time to renew the government. Cabinet ministers publicly supported the PM, and Labour chose unity over a chaotic leadership contest as attention turns to policy and upcoming elections.
Scottish Labour Leader Anas Sarwar publicly urged Keir Starmer to resign, arguing leadership change is needed as Downing Street faces turmoil after two top aides quit, while some Labour allies continue to back the prime minister.