Politics

Andy Burnham has apologised for Labour’s initial response to Israel’s military action in Gaza, saying the party “didn’t get it right” and needs to do better under his leadership. Burnham, who is expected to become prime minister later this month, was one of several high-profile Labour figures who were calling …

Pip is the working age benefit which helps individuals deal with the extra costs of having a physical or mental health condition or disability. It was introduced in 2013, external as a replacement for Disability Living Allowance (DLA). You do not have to be out of work to claim Pip …

One of the big headaches facing a prospective Burnham government is the welfare budget. A major review of Personal Independence Payments (Pip) in England and Wales published on Thursday found the disability benefit to be “not fit for purpose” and in need of fundamental change. Opposition parties, most notably the …

👉Listen to Politics At Sam And Anne’s on your podcast app👈 The Andy Burnham era of politics is fast approaching – and the prime minister-in-waiting has finally set out some of his priorities for government. As Labour leadership nominations open – with his last active challenger Al Carns officially stepping …

The leader of the far-right Restore Britain party has sparked fury after describing the 1996 Dunblane massacre as “one murder”. MP Rupert Lowe made the comment during an appearance on popular US podcast The Joe Rogan Experience, drawing criticism from the family of one of the children killed and a …

A by-election in Clacton has been formally triggered, following Reform UK leader Nigel Farage’s resignation as MP. Reform MP Lee Anderson moved the writ in the Commons on Thursday morning, meaning there will be a likely by-election date of Thursday, 13 August, though this has yet to be confirmed. Farage …

Ahead of the meeting of Nato leaders on Wednesday, Trump again complained that Nato allies “weren’t there for us” in the US war in the Middle East and criticised the UK for its initial denial of a request to use British bases. Speaking after the summit, Sir Keir said he …

Andy Burnham is on course to become Labour’s new leader, with no other candidate running against him as nominations in the contest open. Labour MPs can formally endorse contenders to replace Sir Keir Starmer from 09.00 BST on Thursday, with an initial total to be published by Labour at around …

Sir Olly Robbins, the FCDO’s top civil servant, was sacked by Sir Keir Starmer earlier this year over Lord Mandelson’s security clearance. After his removal, Sir Olly there had been an “atmosphere of pressure” and “constant chasing” from Number10 while checks were taking place. In its recommendations, the report said …

Police are investigating a donation given to Robert Jenrick’s Conservative leadership campaign in 2024, BBC News understands. The Electoral Commission had reportedly been looking at claims £37,500 donated to Jenrick’s campaign originated overseas. That information was passed from the commission to the Metropolitan Police in January this year. The force …

Personal Independence Payments (PIP) are “not fit for purpose” and can create barriers to work, while the assessment process can be “dehumanising”, a new report found. PIP is money given to people, including some of whom are in work, who have extra care or mobility needs as a result of …

Former Defence Minister Al Carns has said he will not stand for the Labour leadership and urged his party to get behind Andy Burnham. He told Sky News a leadership contest was “not the best use of Labour’s time” and in his view “we need to get on board” with …

The BBC’s Chris Mason has been travelling with the prime minister for the Nato summit and asked a few questions. BBC News

After the announcement that Reform UK leader Nigel Farage would quit his Clacton constituency and stand in a by-election, the serial election candidate Count Binface posted online: “Game on, Nige.” Jonathan Harvey, the man who dresses as a bin, spoke to the BBC’s Justin Webb and Nick Robinson on the …

Dan Thomas has given his backing to Nigel Farage, who triggered a by-election in Clacton on Tuesday. BBC News

Last month, Jeffrey Donaldson was convicted of 18 counts of sex abuse against two women when they were children. BBC News

Senior figures in Reform say they did price in both scenarios that have since played out: other parties saying they won’t stand and some seeking to delay the by-election until after the completion of the ongoing inquiry into Farage by the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards. The Liberal Democrats have suggested …

Reform UK Deputy leader Richard Tice has written to the boss of the National Crime Agency (NCA) asking if he will investigate whether the body is responsible for leaking his private financial information to the media. Payments made to his organisations were flagged to the NCA as part of its …

In a 20-minute video statement, recorded at his party headquarters in London, Farage insisted he had “done nothing wrong” in regards to his finances and railed against the media, complaining about the treatment of his family. He said the “establishment” were using “foul means” to target his party. The by-election …

Nigel Farage has resigned as MP for Clacton, triggering a by-election he says he will stand in. It comes amid a row over his financial support, after the Sunday Times reported he had not declared benefits and questions were raised about a £5m gift. In a statement, Farage insisted he …