Politics - Daily Politics

The Labour Party has reversed its position on proposed business rate changes affecting pubs, following sustained criticism from the hospitality industry and concerns over financial viability.

Under the revised approach, ministers said they would reconsider how rates are applied to pubs, after warnings that earlier plans could have led to closures and job losses. Pub operators and trade groups argued that higher fixed costs, combined with inflation and staffing pressures, were placing significant strain on the sector.

The move was welcomed by industry representatives, who said it offered some relief to businesses already facing rising energy bills and reduced consumer spending. However, ...

Reform UK has come under renewed scrutiny following criticism of comments made by its candidate for London Mayor, Laila Cunningham.

Cunningham’s remarks about London prompted accusations that she was “talking down” the capital at a time when mayoral candidates are expected to promote the city’s strengths and economic potential. Critics argued that the comments risked reinforcing negative perceptions of London rather than addressing its challenges constructively.

Reform UK defended its candidate, saying the comments were intended to highlight concerns raised by residents and businesses, including crime, infrastructure pressures and the cost of living. The party said acknowledging problems was necessary to argue ...

In Prime Minister’s Questions, Sir Keir Starmer set out a busy agenda dominated by foreign policy and domestic pressures, while facing demands from opposition leaders for clearer detail and faster parliamentary scrutiny.

Starmer told MPs he had attended a “Coalition of the Willing” meeting in Paris alongside European and US counterparts and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. He said the UK, France and Ukraine had agreed a declaration of intent covering the possible deployment of multinational forces if a peace deal is reached. Starmer emphasised any deployment would come only after a ceasefire and would require further legal steps. He added that ...

Prime Minister Keir Starmer is encountering increasing opposition in Parliament over the government’s approach to resetting the UK’s relationship with the European Union.

The government has set out plans for closer cooperation with the EU in areas such as trade, security, research and regulatory standards. Ministers argue that a more pragmatic relationship would reduce friction, support economic growth and improve the UK’s standing with European partners, while maintaining that there are no plans to rejoin the single market or customs union.

Critics, particularly on the Conservative benches, have accused the government of pursuing closer alignment with EU rules by stealth. They warn ...

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has said that recent US action in Venezuela was “morally right,” comments that have prompted debate across the UK political spectrum.

Badenoch argued that the United States was justified in acting against the government of Nicolás Maduro, citing concerns about democracy, human rights and security. She suggested that moral considerations should carry significant weight when assessing international interventions, even where legal questions remain contested.

Her remarks were met with criticism from opposition figures, who questioned whether endorsing the action risked undermining international law and setting a precedent for unilateral interventions. Critics also warned that such statements could complicate ...

Recent opinion polling has prompted discussion about the public standing of Rachel Reeves, with some surveys suggesting her personal popularity remains limited despite Labour’s broader electoral support.

The polling compares Reeves’ ratings with those of former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, indicating that both figures attract strong backing from core supporters while facing scepticism among other sections of the electorate. Analysts note that such comparisons reflect ongoing tensions within Labour’s voter coalition, particularly between centrist and more traditional left-leaning supporters.

Commentary around the figures suggests that Reeves’ role as chancellor places her under greater scrutiny, with economic decisions and fiscal messaging shaping public ...

New opinion polling suggests Labour Party has fallen into third place nationally, marking a notable shift in the UK’s political landscape and raising fresh questions about the party’s direction under Keir Starmer.

The figures indicate Labour has been overtaken by Reform UK, with the Conservative Party also gaining support. Analysts say the results reflect growing volatility in voter preferences and a fragmentation of the traditional two-party dominance.

In London, where Labour has historically performed strongly, the polling points to a sharp drop in support, with Reform UK making significant inroads and the Conservatives stabilising their vote. Commentators suggest factors such as economic ...

The UK government has emphasised the importance of complying with international law following reports of US action connected to Venezuela, as ministers sought to strike a careful diplomatic tone.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy said he had raised the issue directly with his US counterpart, underlining that respect for international law is central to the UK’s foreign policy. He declined to offer explicit approval or criticism of the reported US operation, instead stressing the need for restraint and legal clarity.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer also faced questions about the government’s response. He reiterated that the UK values its close relationship with the United ...

Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing mounting resistance in Parliament over the government’s approach to resetting the UK’s relationship with the European Union, as political divisions reopen over Brexit.

The government has said it wants a more pragmatic and cooperative relationship with the EU, focusing on trade, security, research and regulatory cooperation. Ministers argue that closer engagement is necessary to boost economic growth and improve Britain’s standing with its European neighbours, while stopping short of rejoining the single market or customs union.

Critics, particularly on the Conservative benches, accuse the government of attempting to move the UK closer to EU rules without ...

A senior US defence official, Pete Hegseth, has been formally censured following the release of a video in which he criticised Democratic Senator Mark Kelly, according to US officials.

The video, shared on social media, accused Kelly of undermining national security and questioned his loyalty, remarks that drew swift backlash from lawmakers and defence officials. Critics said the comments breached long-standing expectations that senior Pentagon figures remain politically neutral.

The US Department of Defense confirmed that Hegseth had been reprimanded, stressing that political commentary directed at elected officials is inappropriate for those serving in senior defence roles. Officials said the censure was ...