Politics - Daily Politics

A major UK teaching union has urged the government to introduce a ban on social media for children under the age of 16, warning that online platforms are contributing to a worsening mental health crisis among young people. The call adds to growing pressure on ministers to take stronger action to protect children online.

The National Education Union said teachers are increasingly seeing the impact of excessive social media use in classrooms, including reduced concentration, anxiety, online bullying and exposure to harmful content. Union leaders argue that current safeguards and age limits are ineffective without stronger enforcement.

Health experts and educators point ...

The UK government has announced £200m in funding to begin military preparations linked to a potential postwar role in Ukraine, signalling a shift from diplomatic positioning to operational readiness. The investment is tied to ceasefire conditions and would only apply if Russia agrees to halt hostilities, according to senior officials.

The move forms part of the UK’s broader defence policy on Ukraine, with funding aimed at upgrading vehicles, communications systems and counter-drone capabilities to ensure rapid deployment. Officials say the measures reflect growing emphasis on UK military readiness for Ukraine within a wider European security framework.

The announcement follows a UK–France declaration ...

The US administration under Donald Trump has declared a national emergency aimed at controlling and protecting Venezuelan oil revenues, citing concerns that funds could benefit the government of Nicolás Maduro. The move gives Washington expanded legal authority to direct how oil income linked to Venezuela is handled under US jurisdiction.

The decision forms part of a broader Trump oil strategy toward Venezuela, combining geopolitical pressure with efforts to influence global energy markets. Officials say the emergency powers are designed to safeguard Venezuelan oil revenue and prevent its misuse, while also positioning the US to shape future energy arrangements in the Western

The UK government is reviewing its use of X following concerns about AI-generated images created using its Grok chatbot. The move comes amid growing political pressure over the spread of sexualised and non-consensual deepfake images and questions about platform responsibility.

UK ministers have said no immediate ban has been imposed, but departments are reassessing whether continued use of X aligns with standards on online safety and public trust. The issue has also featured in domestic political debate, with senior figures calling for clearer regulation of generative AI tools.

In the United States, JD Vance has described sexualised AI deepfakes as unacceptable, echoing ...

Donald Trump has said the United States could take direct action against drug cartels, including potential land-based strikes, as part of a broader effort to combat drug trafficking and fentanyl-related deaths. He described the cartels as national security threats and suggested that stronger measures may be needed to disrupt their operations.

The remarks indicate a more aggressive approach than traditional law enforcement cooperation, raising questions about sovereignty, international law, and relations with neighboring countries, particularly Mexico. Critics argue that such actions could escalate tensions and carry significant legal and humanitarian risks, while supporters say tougher measures are justified by the scale ...

US president Donald Trump has proposed a record increase in US defence spending, outlining plans that would push the military budget to unprecedented levels and reshape federal priorities.

The proposal, which Trump described as necessary to strengthen US security and counter global threats, has been welcomed by defence contractors and investors. Shares in major defence firms rose following the announcement, reflecting expectations of increased government contracts and sustained demand for military equipment.

However, the scale of the proposed spending has prompted criticism from analysts and commentators, who questioned how such a budget would be funded and whether it addresses underlying strategic needs. ...

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 ...