The West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, Simon Foster, has accused MPs of showing bias against the force’s chief constable during parliamentary scrutiny, prompting a wider debate over political neutrality in policing oversight.

Foster said comments made by members of a parliamentary committee risked undermining fair and impartial accountability, arguing that criticism appeared to be directed at the individual rather than focused on evidence or performance. He warned that such an approach could damage public confidence and blur the line between political scrutiny and operational independence.

The dispute centres on questioning of Craig Guildford, the West Midlands Police chief constable, who has ...

The UK government has reaffirmed its commitment to major rail investment in England, confirming funding for Northern Powerhouse Rail alongside plans for a new rail line linking Birmingham and Manchester.

Northern Powerhouse Rail is intended to improve east–west connections across the north of England, cutting journey times between cities such as Manchester, Leeds and Sheffield. The project is central to wider ambitions to boost regional productivity, support business growth and strengthen transport links outside London.

Alongside this, ministers have backed a new north–south rail line between Birmingham and Manchester, designed to increase capacity and improve long-distance connectivity. However, while funding has been ...

The UK government has stepped back from plans to introduce digital identity cards, signalling a change in direction after concerns were raised about privacy, civil liberties and value for money.

Under the revised approach, ministers are no longer pursuing a universal or mandatory digital ID card. Instead, digital identity checks would be used on a voluntary basis to access certain online services, alongside existing forms of identification.

The rethink follows criticism from MPs and civil liberties groups, who warned that a centralised digital ID system could undermine public trust, expand state access to personal data and expose citizens to greater cybersecurity risks. ...

Claims that Iran’s recent protests have been influenced or amplified by foreign actors were discussed in an interview aired by RT, featuring Black Alliance for Peace organiser and political analyst Ajamu Baraka (source: RT (@RT)). Baraka argued that demonstrations which began as expressions of domestic dissent were later framed as signs of imminent regime collapse through what he described as an external “playbook”.

In the interview, Baraka pointed to symbolic acts abroad, including the raising of a flag at the Iranian embassy in London, as evidence that protest narratives are being shaped outside Iran. He questioned whether diplomatic norms are ...

China has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining strong momentum in its anti-corruption drive, with senior leaders vowing there will be “no pause or retreat” in efforts to combat graft. The campaign, led by the Communist Party of China, remains a central pillar of governance and political discipline.

Authorities say the anti-corruption campaign continues to target both senior and lower-ranking officials, reinforcing oversight across central and local government. Disciplinary inspections have expanded nationwide, with investigations covering state institutions, public sector bodies and party organisations.

China’s corruption watchdog has reported progress in pursuing fugitives and recovering illicit assets through international cooperation mechanisms such as ...