British Isles

Are Starmer’s days as PM numbered amid fury over Mandelson?

05 Feb 2026
Labour MPs have warned that Keir Starmer’s leadership is under serious threat following intense backlash over the appointment of Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the USA. Fury erupted after Starmer admitted he was aware of Mandelson’s…

Palestine Action protesters ‘not guilty’ ahead of potential re-trial

05 Feb 2026
Six Palestine Action activists have been cleared of aggravated burglary following a break-in at a UK subsidiary of Israeli defence firm Elbit Systems near Bristol, but several still face the prospect of retrial on other serious…

Mahmood defends immigration reforms amid Labour opposition

05 Feb 2026
Home secretary Shabana Mahmood has defended the government’s proposed immigration reforms amid growing opposition from Labour MPs concerned about fairness and workforce impact. The plans would double the standard qualifying period for permanent settlement from five…

A turning point for cancer treatment?

05 Feb 2026
A new national cancer plan for England has been published, marking a significant moment after years of calls for a long-term, ambitious cancer strategy. The ten-year plan covers prevention, diagnosis, treatment, care, and research, with a…