News and Opinion

A Sinn Féin MP has said that Brexit has ‘changed forever’ the debate around a united Ireland. John Finucane MP, who unseated the DUP’s Westminster leader Nigel Dodds in Belfast North, has urged Dublin to prepare the ground for a border poll was it was now a “mainstream” matter. But he added that any move […]

A Labour MP has said she would introduce a ‘ministry of fabulosity’, filled with ‘fabulous MPs’ if she were prime minister. It's back! Acting PM podcast returns with Tooting MP @DrRosena and deputy Labour leader hopeful telling @PaulBrandITV how she'd introduce a 'Ministry of Fabulosity'. She says: 'It's a real thing, it will be full […]

Boris Johnson is expected to make his first public appearance in 12 days for Prime Minister’s Questions. The prime minister has been under fire for failing to appear in the House of Commons over the Iran situation, with Jeremy Corbyn accusing him of “hiding behind” the defence secretary Ben Wallace on Tuesday. Johnson has not […]

Uri Geller has revealed he has responded to Dominic Cummings’ call for ‘talented weirdos’ to join the Downing Street team. The spoon-bending psychic said he has expressed interest in working for Boris Johnson – claiming his special powers would be an asset to the government. It is in response to a post from special adviser […]

Jess Phillips has moved in second place in the race to become the next Labour leader based on the number of nominations from the parliamentary party. The first part of the race requires each leadership contender to win over 22 MPs – with Sir Keir Starmer currently the clear favourite with the parliamentary Labour party […]

The Lib Dems have vowed to carry on fighting to guarantee EU citizens’ rights in laws as Tory MPs blocked their latest proposals. The latest amendment would have given EU citizens the right to appeal if the Home Office refused them settled status under the Conservative government’s scheme. They also called for the Tory government […]

A Brexit Party councillor has been suspended pending an investigation after sharing racist and offensive posts on Facebook. A complaint has been lodged about Hartlepool Brexit Party councillor Tony Richardson after comparing a migrant claiming benefits to a dog. In other screenshots shared on social media he is seen sharing Islamophobic posts about Muslims and […]

The government is looking for a new British ambassador to the United States role to replace Sir Kim Darroch. There had been speculation that Boris Johnson could make a political appointment, with Brexiteers nominating Nigel Farage for the role to cosy up to Donald Trump. But with the advert only appearing on the civil service’s […]

Conservatives MPs have been urged to support an amendment demanding that the government continues to take in lone child refugees from Europe after Brexit. In a redrafting of Boris Johnson’s Withdrawal Agreement Bill, conducted after his election win, clause 37 waters down a commitment to strike a deal with the European Union so unaccompanied child […]

Four former Brexit Party MEPs including Jacob Rees-Mogg’s sister have joined the Conservative Party ahead of the big Brexit vote in the European parliament. Annunziata Rees-Mogg, Lance Forman, John Longworth and Lucy Harris are all to be unveiled as new Conservative MEPs after quitting Nigel Farage’s party days before the general election. The move is […]

Labour leadership hopeful Rebecca Long-Bailey has given Jeremy Corbyn a ’10 out of 10′ rating for his time at the head of the party. Despite dismissing claims she was a “continuity candidate”, and the Labour leader losing two elections, she said Corbyn had the right approach to policy-making. Asked how she would rate his performance […]

Downing Street has been asked about the status of Boris Johnson after not being seen in public for 11 days. Before Christmas the prime minister was seen daily on the election campaign trail and then lapping up his win. But he has not been spotted since December 27th when he arrived in the Caribbean for […]

Ministers could make undemocratic ‘power grabs’ in devolved areas after Brexit, a new report warns. Analysis by the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe) states new powers in devolved policy areas will be handed to Scottish ministers under the Prime Minister’s Withdrawal Agreement Bill to ensure it is properly implemented. But the powers will also be […]

The speaker has scuppered Mark Francois’ bid to get Big Ben to ring on Brexit day after failing to select his amendment to the Withdrawal Agreement Bill. It will be a blow to prominent Tory Brexiteers who supported the calls including Nigel Evans, Desmond Swayne, John Redwood, Andrea Jenkyns, and Philip Davies. Brexit Party leader […]

With Leavers making plans for the big Brexit day on January 31st, we asked Remainers what they plan to do at 11pm on 31st January when the UK is expected to leave the EU. Sitting in Parliament Square draped in the EU flag and singing Ode to Joy as loudly as possible. Paola Thomas In […]

Sir Ed Davey is the favourite to become the next Liberal Democrat leader – before any declarations have been made. Sir Ed, who lost to Jo Swinson in the last leadership election, is currently the acting leader of the party. However before the contest has even started the bookmakers have ranked he is currently the […]

Australia’s trade minister has poured cold water on a post-Brexit trade deal with the UK, warning that it cannot include visa-free travel. Simon Birmingham said he “can’t imagine full and unfettered free movement” during negotiations over trade talks. He told the Sydney Morning Herald: “We’re not into full negotiating mode and we will have to […]

A top aide to Boris Johnson has claimed the UK will have a ‘special relationship’ with the authoritarian government in Hungary after Brexit. Tim Montgomerie’s comments have sparked alarm for remarks made in Budapest before Christmas at a meeting hosted by right-wing think tank the Danube Institute. The social justice adviser, hired by Downing Street […]

Labour leadership contender Jess Phillips has ruled out supporting calls for another Scottish independence referendum if she was elected. Phillips has said that not having a clear position on Scottish independence and Brexit is a key reason why the party has lost elections, and said she was opposed to holding another vote. The Birmingham Yardley […]

Labour leadership contender Clive Lewis has said that local parties should be given the right to stand the party down in certain seats to work with other progressive parties. Some Remain campaigners have claimed the only way to achieve a change in politics is through political reform – something Lewis is advocating in his leadership […]

Acting Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey has said that Nigel Farage’s plans for a Brexit celebration on January 31st are a ‘nonsense’ that should be stopped. Speaking on LBC Radio, Davey said that the Greater London Authority should reject the plans because it would not help bring the country back together. “I don’t think it’s […]

Scotland’s only Labour MP and a practising A&E doctor have joined the race to become Labour’s deputy leader to replace Tom Watson. Ian Murray has been critical of Jeremy Corbyn and used his own victory speech at the general election to criticise the leadership for helping to deliver “the worst Conservative prime minister in history”. […]

Boris Johnson’s Brexit deal will return to the House of Commons on Tuesday as he aims to ensure the UK leaves the EU by the end of the month. MPs returning from their Christmas break will start three days of debate on the Withdrawal Agreement Bill, with opposition parties proposing a number of amendments to […]

Sajid Javid will hold a post-Brexit budget on March 11th – claiming that the UK will take advantage of ‘huge opportunities’ once the country has left the EU. The government is set to increase borrowing in order to fund promises made in the Tory election manifesto, with Javid saying “the country voted for change” by […]

Shadow business secretary Rebecca Long-Bailey has set out her stall to become Labour leader, without a reference to one of the biggest issues of the day. With nominations due to open on Tuesday, Long-Bailey – favourite of the Labour left – said she could be trusted to maintain “our socialist agenda”. Her comments will be […]

Nigel Farage says he is 99.9% certain that Brexit will happen on January 31st, but has revealed the one person that has left him with a small amount of doubt. Guy Verhofstadt, European Parliament’s chief Brexit negotiator, poses for a selfie as he joins a group of pro-EU supporters protesting against Brexit. (Photograph: Wiktor Szymanowicz […]

Wales’ first minister Mark Drakeford has said that his country will continue to fly the European flag on occasions after Brexit. Speaking at a news conference Drakeford was asked about the large European flag next to him – which sits alongside the Welsh and British flags. When asked if it would disappear after Brexit he […]

The leader of the SDLP has tabled a series of amendments to protect Northern Ireland against Boris Johnson’s Withdrawal Agreement Bill. SDLP leader Colum Eastwood wants to give Stormont a say on any post-Brexit trade deals taking place once the bill is passed. Eastwood said the 13 amendments proposed would seek to protect the Good […]