Politics - Daily Politics

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 ...

Former US president Donald Trump has said he is “very serious” about the United States taking control of Greenland, reviving a controversial idea that has drawn firm rejection from Denmark and concern among Western allies.

In comments reported by US and UK media, Trump said Greenland was vital for American national and economic security, citing its strategic location in the Arctic and growing global competition in the region. He argued that US control would strengthen security interests, as melting ice opens new shipping routes and access to natural resources.

Denmark, which oversees Greenland’s foreign and defence policy, has reiterated that the territory ...

The United Kingdom has said it was not involved in reported US military strikes on Venezuela, as questions mounted over international responses to the operation. British officials stressed that the decision was taken independently by Washington.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed that the UK did not participate in or support the strikes, while declining to issue an immediate condemnation. He said the government was monitoring developments closely and assessing the situation as more information becomes available.

British officials emphasised the importance of stability, international law, and the protection of civilians, while urging restraint and de-escalation. The government also said diplomatic channels remained ...

​Zohran Mamdani was officially sworn in as New York City’s 112th mayor on January 1, 2026, marking a significant shift in the city's political landscape. As the first Muslim and youngest person to hold the office in over a century, the democratic socialist used his first hours in City Hall to issue a series of executive orders aimed at addressing the city’s affordability crisis.
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A central piece of his initial actions was the reestablishment of the Mayor’s Office to Protect Tenants. The office is designed to serve as a central hub for defending renters' rights and holding negligent landlords accountable. Mamdani ...

The Trump administration has significantly escalated its pressure campaign against the Venezuelan government with the first known direct operation on Venezuelan soil. President Donald Trump confirmed that U.S. forces targeted a coastal dock facility used for drug trafficking, describing the site as a major implementation area for narcotics shipments. Sources familiar with the operation indicate that the strike was carried out by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) using an unmanned drone, marking a shift from previous maritime-only engagements.

​The strike is the latest in a months-long "Big Stick" policy approach, which has seen the deployment of a massive naval fleet ...