Updated : 16/02/2026

Politics Independent 16/02/2026 11:30:20 PM PM facing inquiry call over Labour think tank’s probe into journalists No online platform gets ‘free pass’ when it comes to child safety, says Starmer Starmer promises crackdown on young people’s phone use within months Liz Truss shares photo with Donald Trump: ‘Right about everything’ Reform by-election candidate defends man who said ‘burn asylum hotels’ PM backs more EU ties as he says UK ‘turning our back’ on Brexit years UK hits back at Russia’s denial over Navalny’s death Larry the cat celebrates 15 years at Downing Street Palestine Action ban defended by Cooper despite ‘unlawful’ ruling Cooper expresses anger at Mandelson’s appointment as US ambassador Palmerston, former Foreign Office chief mouser, dies in Bermuda Europe must be ready to fight, Starmer says as he deploys warships Stephen Flynn says Starmer’s Labour has ‘downed tools’ amid crisis Union leaders issue new leadership ultimatum to Starmer Mandelson breaks cover for first time since fresh Epstein revelations Ex-Reform MP launches new political party – with very similar name PM: Britain’s ‘Brexit years’ are over – we need Europe, not Trump Rupert Lowe launches new political party after Reform UK exit Starmer backs closer EU ties as he says Britain is ‘turning our back’ on Brexit years Mandelson asked to testify to US Congress over Epstein links Trans people facing ‘workers’ rights crisis’, campaigners says Reverse ban on new North Sea oil drilling licences, Blair tells Labour Britain’s top civil servant quits in another exit from Starmer’s team Union backs Rayner to replace Starmer if Labour fail in by-election Ratcliffe apologises for claiming Britain ‘colonised’ by migrants Reform candidate calls for girls to get ‘biological reality’ check Keir Starmer doesn’t have a ‘women problem’ - he has a ‘man problem’ How Trump’s BBC lawsuit could play out as trial date is set Will 16-year-old and 17-year-old voters change Britain’s politics? Reeves insists no change in strategy despite sluggish economic growth Britain leads world when it comes to migration concerns, poll finds Starmer ‘knew Lord Doyle supported paedophile councillor’ Polling booths to be set up in train stations and supermarkets Furious women MPs turn on Starmer over ‘boys’ club’ scandals Reeves says closer ties with EU ‘the biggest prize’ in Brexit shift ‘It’s a scandal’: Government called ‘loan sharks’ over student loans Lib Dem MP ‘despairs’ over party’s plan to scrap Treasury Will Starmer resign as prime minister and who could replace him? UK to double number of troops in Norway in response to Putin’s threat Disdain for Labour unites Gorton and Denton ahead of key by-election Why the cabinet secretary could be next to leave Starmer’s No 10 team Starmer in crisis as paedophile-linked peer suspended by Labour Starmer’s ‘put up or shut up’ moment is overshadowed by a new scandal Reform-led authority set for England’s largest council tax rise Starmer loses another top aide but clings on – for now Poll: If Starmer were forced to step aside, who should lead Labour? Streeting publishes his text messages to Lord Mandelson As Tim Allan quits No 10, will Keir Starmer be the last man standing? Sadiq Khan says his ‘ultimate goal’ is to reverse Brexit UK leader Starmer fights for his job as Mandelson-Epstein revelations spark a leadership crisis

BBC Politics 16/02/2026 11:30:14 PM Government abandons plans to delay 30 council elections All English elections will now go ahead as originally planned after Reform UK brought a legal challenge over the decision to delay some polls. UK considering significant increase to defence spending Attribution PM orders investigation into claims Labour think tank paid firm to look into journalist Attribution We will do battle with AI chatbots as we did with Grok, says Starmer Attribution Cabinet secretary frontrunner previously spoken to about management style Attribution Ministers want to reform SEND - but they are treading very carefully Attribution Andrew's time as trade envoy should be investigated, says Vince Cable Attribution Council workers to vote over possible pay strike Attribution Reform councillor defects to Conservatives Attribution Labour face tough fight in Gorton and Denton by-election Attribution UK wants action taken on Russia after Navalny frog poisoning, Cooper says Attribution Europe must be ready to fight, PM tells Munich Security Conference Attribution A simple guide to the May elections in England, Scotland and Wales Attribution Where does Wormald sacking leave Sir Keir Starmer? Attribution The Victorian aristocrat who became first British Muslim lord Attribution Chris Mason: Latest vetting row raises fresh concerns over Starmer's judgement Attribution Six key questions about Keir Starmer's future Attribution From our Political Editor Chris Mason Chris Mason: Latest vetting row raises fresh concerns over Starmer's judgement Attribution Chris Mason: Smiles of a survivor as Starmer attempts his latest reset Attribution Chris Mason: Labour sticks with Starmer for now but this is not over Attribution Starmer prepares to face Labour MPs knowing his future is in the balance Attribution Chris Mason: Starmer's predicament is dire and now he faces future without top aides Attribution One giant boys' club? Why Westminster can still feel like a man's world Attribution Why China views the UK visit as part of something bigger Attribution Labour wants to shake up the police - but will that solve 'everyday crime epidemic'? Attribution Jenrick's move is massive - but could it cause a bigger fight on the right? Attribution Starmer has kept Trump on side - but is it coming back to bite him? Attribution BBC at memorial for Gen Z protesters after landmark election in Bangladesh. Video, 00:01:14BBC at memorial for Gen Z protesters after landmark election in Bangladesh Attribution Three issues that matter to voters in the Bangladesh election. Video, 00:01:34Three issues that matter to voters in the Bangladesh election Attribution Has Keir Starmer saved his job? Video, 00:00:57Has Keir Starmer saved his job? Attribution 'Is this it?' - Could the day have ended differently for the PM? Video, 00:01:04'Is this it?' - Could the day have ended differently for the PM? Attribution Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar calls on Keir Starmer to quit. Video, 00:00:38Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar calls on Keir Starmer to quit Attribution 18:07 GMTGovernment abandons plans to delay 30 council elections, published at 18:07 GMTGovernment abandons plans to delay 30 council elections Attribution 17:09 GMTA simple guide to the May elections in England, Scotland and Wales, published at 17:09 GMTA simple guide to the May elections in England, Scotland and Wales Attribution 16:33 GMTPM orders investigation into Labour Together claims, published at 16:33 GMTPM orders investigation into Labour Together claims Attribution 15:57 GMTSinn Féin will not attend White House for St Patrick's Day, published at 15:57 GMTSinn Féin will not attend White House for St Patrick's Day Attribution Northern Ireland Politics 14:38 GMTOfficers call for police cars to be equipped with guns, published at 14:38 GMTOfficers call for police cars to be equipped with guns Attribution 14:13 GMTTrams will make it easier to find work, says mayor, published at 14:13 GMTTrams will make it easier to find work, says mayor Attribution 11:54 GMTNew adverts urge boys not to share sexist content online, published at 11:54 GMTNew adverts urge boys not to share sexist content online Attribution 07:48 GMTLabour think tank commissioned firm that ended up investigating journalist, published at 07:48 GMTLabour think tank commissioned firm that ended up investigating journalist Attribution 06:17 GMTCoventry council tax to rise less than expected, published at 06:17 GMTCoventry council tax to rise less than expected Attribution Coventry & Warwickshire 05:46 GMT'Moving into a hostel for rough sleepers saved my life', published at 05:46 GMT'Moving into a hostel for rough sleepers saved my life' Attribution 01:28 GMTUK considering significant increase to defence spending , published at 01:28 GMTUK considering significant increase to defence spending Attribution 01:07 GMTCabinet secretary frontrunner previously spoken to about management style, published at 01:07 GMTCabinet secretary frontrunner previously spoken to about management style Attribution 15:43 GMT 15 FebruarySuspended Reform councillor to get whip restored, published at 15:43 GMT 15 FebruarySuspended Reform councillor to get whip restored Attribution 13:35 GMT 15 FebruaryHundreds of thousands join Iran protests around the world, published at 13:35 GMT 15 FebruaryHundreds of thousands join Iran protests around the world Attribution 08:48 GMT 15 FebruaryLabour face tough fight in Gorton and Denton by-election , published at 08:48 GMT 15 FebruaryLabour face tough fight in Gorton and Denton by-election Attribution 08:01 GMT 15 February'Serious climate breakdown' warning over filthy rivers and flooding, published at 08:01 GMT 15 February'Serious climate breakdown' warning over filthy rivers and flooding Attribution 07:28 GMT 15 FebruaryThe Victorian aristocrat who became first British Muslim lord, published at 07:28 GMT 15 FebruaryThe Victorian aristocrat who became first British Muslim lord Attribution 22:23 GMT 14 FebruaryEurope must be ready to fight, PM tells Munich Security Conference, published at 22:23 GMT 14 FebruaryEurope must be ready to fight, PM tells Munich Security Conference Attribution 18:35 GMT 14 FebruaryFormer Foreign Office cat Palmerston dies in Bermuda, published at 18:35 GMT 14 FebruaryFormer Foreign Office cat Palmerston dies in Bermuda Attribution 13:54 GMT 14 FebruaryGovernment sues dentists for not treating enough NHS patients, published at 13:54 GMT 14 FebruaryGovernment sues dentists for not treating enough NHS patients Attribution Why you can trust BBC News Best of the BBC Emily Brontë's haunting classic of doomed love and revenge Attribution Exposing one of the UK's most prolific romance scammers Attribution Grilling the crème de la crème of the culinary world Attribution Chris and Xand explore the science of kissing Attribution Make an editorial complaint Read about our approach to external linking. Politics.co.uk 13/12/2024 12:31:53 PM Your daily horoscope Friday December 13, 2024 33 Best dressed celebrities in December 2024: Nicole Kidman, Ariana Grande & more Billboards 2024: Taylor Swift becomes the most decorated artist in history 21 empties our beauty experts finished in 2024 - from £2! 17 unmissable things to do in magical London in December 2024

The Spectator 16/02/2026 11:30:21 PM Terrorism no longer shocks Britain Why Shahid Butt might win in Birmingham The genius of Japan’s ambassador to Britain Don't wait for the chairlift – try a ski ‘safari’ The stakeholder class needs blowing up ‘Yes, it’s that bad’: inside Oxford’s Saïd Business School To understand pure stupidity, watch The News Agents Will Merz get his 'transatlantic reset' with America in Munich? Yvette Cooper: ‘Only the Russian regime had the motive, the means and the opportunity’ Why doesn't the Church want us to get married? India are becoming unbeatable in T20 cricket Starmer: Britain must be ready for war Has Marco Rubio done enough to reassure Europe? The Docklands bombing should have been a line in the sand There is no evidence that social media harms children’s mental health In praise of juicing Pep Guardiola should pipe down about politics – and Palestine Spectator TV Pr Terrorism no longer shocks Britain The genius of Japan’s ambassador to Britain Yvette Cooper: ‘Only the Russian regime had the motive, the means and the opportunity’ British politics has become a Devil’s Wheel Why Shahid Butt might win in Birmingham ‘We know where the bodies are buried’: How Kemi put Keir on the ropes ‘Yes, it’s that bad’: inside Oxford’s Saïd Business School Apart from Mandelson, who is Labour’s biggest freebie lover? Who doesn’t want a better life? The new freakish shopping trend Racing tips for Haydock, Ascot and beyond From Spectator Life Why do guide dogs need ID to go to the pub? From Spectator Life Americans are erasing European culture From Spectator Life The secret to a good marriage is drink Don't wait for the chairlift – try a ski ‘safari’ From Spectator Life What does it do to one’s soul to swipe? From Spectator Life ‘Authority is like virginity. Once it’s gone, it’s gone’: Inside Keir Starmer’s downfall Years ago, Peter Mandelson shared a key lesson with his protg Morgan McSweeney. Reminiscing about his involvement in Labours 1987 general election campaign, he called it the spray-paint election. The manifesto was a beautiful technicolour document but the tax-and-spend shibboleths of Old Labour remained, along with the policy of unilateral nuclear disarmament. I spray-painted the Apart from Mandelson, who is Labour’s biggest freebie lover? ‘Yes, it’s that bad’: inside Oxford’s Saïd Business School How Jeff Bezos destroyed the Washington Post How Andrew could save the royal family The BBC’s Lord of the Flies is mesmerically brilliant Mumford & Sons are trolling themselves: Prizefighter reviewed Eye-catching but superficial: ‘Wuthering Heights’ reviewed No chemistry between the performers: Arcadia at the Old Vic reviewed Warhol meets Rauschenberg: John Giorno retrospective reviewed The early-music movement is ageing well Old songs for an audience of elderly people: The Damned’s Not Like Everybody Else reviewed The streaming model is broken From Spectator Life

New Statesman 16/02/2026 11:30:20 PM Even Labour MPs are haunted by student loans The problem isn’t going away Charli XCX’s soundtrack is the only good thing about Wuthering Heights In Bicester Village, England is for sale Can American democracy survive trump? Keir Starmer’s identity crisis In Whitechapel, a new England struggles to be born Reading Lolita on Epstein Island Anneliese Dodds: “I felt Peter Mandelson was a clear blackmail risk” Love in the time of AI Charli XCX’s soundtrack is the only good thing about Wuthering Heights The dark side of the Enlightenment Capitalism is far from the only extractive force in human history George Saunders goes supernatural Arsenal fans are not needy! They just want an expensive lunch  Lord of the Flies is not for children Love in the time of AI Emerald Fennell’s Wuthering Heights is porn Philippe Gaulier and the paradox of clowning 1. Anneliese Dodds: “I felt Peter Mandelson was a clear blackmail risk” The former shadow chancellor on the Mandelson Affair, foreign aid and countering the tech bros 3. The dark side of the Enlightenment 4. Even Labour MPs are haunted by student loans Keir Starmer’s silver lining Morgan McSweeney’s political obituary The dark side of the Enlightenment England’s maternity scandal engulfs another NHS trust Why Ron DeSantis could (still) be president The once-derided Florida Governor is partly insulated from the administration’s unpopularity Driving in Ukraine’s anti-drone corridors Dan Neidle on Mandelson’s “astonishing” Epstein leaks What Jeffrey Epstein knew about money Defrosting among the terminators of Kyiv Inside Sudan’s perpetual war The decline and fall of the samurai MPs plot to stop Lords from killing assisted dying bill The bill’s backers fear there is a strong chance it could run out of time What next after Palestine Action ban ruled unlawful? High Court declares Palestine Action ban unlawful Why is Labour so unpopular? Jim Ratcliffe is wrong Keir Starmer’s women problem Queen Elizabeth II has died, again Is the Labour party having an ideological crisis? Keir Starmer is safe Starmer’s top two aides quit Elon Musk asked to attend Epstein’s “wildest party” Do ideas change the world? James Goldsmith, godfather of British populism Ice and Donald Trump’s regime of violence We are living through regime change Kenneth Rogoff on the decline of the dollar  Trump is preparing to unleash inflation on his own voters The great lie about the British welfare state Reform of the skills system cannot be stuck in nostalgia for Britain’s past A testing ground for children’s care reform It’s official: Labour voters want Starmer to go further on the cost of living How do we get employers to better engage with skills reform?