politics
Ex-Reform council leader quits following social media probe
Ian Cooper had already had his Reform UK membership revoked by the party. Source link
Thirteen Labour MPs vote for talks on joining EU customs union
One hundred MPs voted for and 100 against the Liberal Democrats’ bill, which would require the UK to begin talks with the EU for a new customs union. Source link
Trump criticises 'weak' European leaders over Ukraine and immigration
In his latest public criticism of Europe, the US president claims countries are “decaying”. Source link
Labour and Plaid Cymru agree Welsh budget deal
Labour and Plaid agree a deal on spending plans, helping avoid a government defeat in January. Source link
Minimum wage should not go any higher, suggests Badenoch
Badenoch claimed Labour had tipped the balance too far against workers and in favour of welfare. Source link
Rayner urges MPs not to 'blink or buckle' on employment rights
The government U-turned on protection against dismissal from day one last month in a bid to pass the bill. Source link
Minister 'disgusted' after soldiers injured in Ajax exercise
Luke Pollard says three investigations are under way after further problems emerged with the beleaguered armoured vehicle programme. Source link
Tories set out plans for judge-led grooming gang inquiry
Kemi Badenoch says Labour lacks “the political courage” to deliver its delayed national inquiry. Source link
Police assess claims Reform overspent on Farage election campaign
The party denies breaking electoral law, saying the “inaccurate claims come from a disgruntled former councillor”. Source link
Minister admits sharp rise needed to hit 1.5m housing target
Housing Secretary Steve Reed tells the BBC’s Build Baby Build ministers are “pulling every lever” to increase building. Source link