Displaying items by tag: British Isles

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 past friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein before approving the appointment. A Commons debate nearly ended in government defeat, narrowly avoided through a last-minute amendment forcing the future release of documents relating to Mandelson’s vetting and appointment. Several Labour MPs described a collapse of trust, with some openly questioning whether they could support Starmer in a confidence vote. The mood, described as 'dark' and 'terminal’, has unsettled even long-standing loyalists. MPs warned that once withheld documents are released - currently delayed by a Metropolitan Police investigation - a leadership challenge could follow. Though Starmer has pledged transparency and announced plans to strip Mandelson of honours, and ministers insist he acted in good faith, many MPs fear lasting damage to the government’s credibility and moral authority.

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 charges. The raid took place in August 2024, when a group used a vehicle to breach the site’s perimeter and entered the building in protest against what they believe is the company’s involvement in supplying weapons to Israel - claims Elbit Systems strongly denies. While three defendants were acquitted of violent disorder, the jury was unable to reach verdicts on remaining charges for others, including grievous bodily harm against one defendant accused of injuring a police officer. Five activists have been released on bail, with one remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing in February. The trial heard conflicting accounts of events, with prosecutors alleging planned violence using sledgehammers, while the defence insisted the group acted defensively and without intent to harm. Outside the court, supporters gathered to celebrate the partial acquittals. The case has raised wider debate about protest, conscience, public order, and the limits of lawful dissent.

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 to ten years, with some migrants—particularly health and social care workers—potentially waiting up to fifteen years. Mahmood argued that record levels of net migration require a firm response, describing settlement as a privilege rather than a right. Government figures show net migration added 2.6 million people to the UK population between 2021 and 2024, with up to 1.6 million projected to qualify for settlement later this decade. Ministers say the proposals allow flexibility, enabling high earners or those on global talent routes to shorten the qualifying period, while benefit dependency could extend it. A consultation is exploring transitional arrangements, though those already granted settlement would not be affected. Critics warn the reforms risk being retrospective and 'un-British’, potentially deterring vital workers and worsening skills shortages, especially in the care sector. The debate highlights ongoing tensions between border control, economic need, and fairness.

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 central aim for 75% of people diagnosed with cancer to survive at least five years by 2035. Given that cancer outcomes in England have lagged behind comparable nations, this focus on survival has been widely welcomed, though delivering it will be challenging. Positive commitments include a full rollout of lung screening by 2030, stronger emphasis on earlier diagnosis, and meeting cancer waiting time targets by 2029. The plan also highlights innovations such as AI tools and liquid biopsies, and places welcome priority on children’s and young people’s cancer research. Efforts to reduce risk factors like smoking and UV exposure are noted; however, concerns remain about limited detail on implementation, responsibility, and funding. The plan sets oversight structures and promises progress reviews, but its success will depend on sustained investment, clear accountability, and determined delivery across the NHS and research system. See

The national director of the CofE Evangelical Council, Revd John Dunnett, has resigned as an honorary canon of Chelmsford Cathedral in response to its decision to use the Prayers of Love and Faith to bless same-sex couples. Appointed to the honorary role in 2020 by the Archbishop of York, Dunnett said he did not take the decision lightly but felt compelled to act on matters of biblical conviction. The Prayers of Love and Faith do not constitute marriage services but allow same-sex couples to receive a formal blessing within church settings. Church leaders describe them as a way of celebrating commitment in God’s presence. However, Dunnett stated that their use at the cathedral had deeply alienated those who uphold historic Anglican teaching on marriage and sexuality. He expressed a fundamental objection to endorsing practices which he believes are contrary to Scripture. However, he has said he remains committed to the diocese’s wider life and will continue worshipping, giving, and engaging in synodical processes.

Archbishop Sarah Mullally has formally paid homage to the King at Buckingham Palace, marking a significant moment at the start of her ministry as Archbishop of Canterbury. During the ceremony, she took an oath recognising the King as Supreme Governor of the Church of England, a tradition dating back to the reign of Queen Elizabeth I and observed by all diocesan bishops. Archbishop Sarah, recently confirmed as the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury at St Paul’s Cathedral, was accompanied by senior figures including the Lord Chancellor and the Clerk of the Closet. Reflecting on the occasion, she described it as a privilege and spoke warmly of the King’s deep Christian faith, evident in his lifelong service to the nation and the Commonwealth. She also recalled paying homage to Queen Elizabeth II when she became Bishop of London, expressing gratitude for the continuity of royal support for the Church. As she prepares for her formal installation at Canterbury Cathedral later this month, she begins her leadership at a time of both opportunity and challenge for the Church of England, calling for prayerful support as she steps into this historic role.

Sarah Mullally has been formally confirmed as the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury during a service at St Paul’s Cathedral. This was the legal moment when the responsibilities of the office were vested in her, ahead of her installation in Canterbury and the start of her public ministry. Presided over by Stephen Cottrell, the ceremony brought together bishops, clergy, laity, schoolchildren and representatives from across the Church of England and the global Anglican Communion. Archbishop Sarah took the oath of allegiance and made the declaration of assent, before receiving words of encouragement known as 'The Charge'. Archbishop Stephen urged her to 'be yourself', affirming that God has called her with her own gifts, experiences and perspective to serve Christ and build the Church. The service reflected the Church’s diversity and concluded with Archbishop Sarah’s first blessing, as prayers were offered for discernment, unity and faithfulness in her leadership. See

Keir Starmer has concluded a landmark bilateral meeting with Chinese president Xi Jinping in Beijing, marking the first visit by a British prime minister to China in eight years. The talks, held at the Great Hall of the People, signal a renewed phase of engagement between the UK and China at a time of global economic fragility and geopolitical tension. Starmer described China as a vital global player and spoke of the need for a more mature and sophisticated relationship, while President Xi emphasised long-term partnership and the importance of rising above differences. Discussions covered trade, services, education, healthcare, artificial intelligence, climate change and irregular migration. A series of cooperation agreements were signed, including progress towards visa-free travel for short-term UK visitors and a feasibility study on trade in services. While human rights concerns remain sensitive, the Government argues that constructive engagement, rather than isolation, offers the best route to economic growth, international stability and influence on the global stage.

The Royal Navy has closely monitored a Russian cargo vessel after it spent around fourteen hours stationary above sensitive undersea data cables in the Bristol Channel, just two miles from Minehead. The ship, Sinegorsk, arrived late at night and anchored near multiple telecommunications cables linking the UK with the USA, Canada, Spain,. and Portugal. The vessel’s last recorded port was Arkhangelsk, a key base for the Russian Navy’s northern fleet. Surveillance aircraft and a helicopter were deployed, after which the ship departed westwards. While MoD sources suggested the stop may have been due to poor weather, politicians and security experts described the behaviour as suspicious, given previous incidents involving Russian interference with undersea infrastructure. The episode has renewed concerns over the vulnerability of critical national communications and the ongoing security challenges facing the UK amid heightened geopolitical tensions.

Fresh divisions have emerged within the Labour party after the decision to block Andy Burnham from standing in a parliamentary by-election in Greater Manchester. The move, approved by Labour’s National Executive Committee, has triggered a strong backlash from MPs, party activists and trade unions. Unison general secretary Andrea Egan warned Keir Starmer that the party risked damaging itself through excessive central control and intolerance of internal dissent. Writing publicly, she accused the leadership of factionalism and called for a radical change in direction to prevent further electoral losses. More than fifty Labour MPs from across the party have expressed concern, with local activists also demanding the decision be reversed. Critics argue the move undermines democratic accountability and weakens Labour’s position in a once-safe seat now vulnerable to Reform UK and the Greens. Breaking news: Andy Burnham has said he will accept the Labour decision even though it was hard to take. See