An independent review finds some NHS maternity units wrongly recorded babies showing signs of life as stillborn, exploiting rules that limit inquests. Families were denied answers amid poor care, weak communication and discrimination. Ministers promise urgent reforms and tighter oversight.
Keir Starmer urges voters in a key by‑election to reject “hate” and block a breakthrough for Reform, warning that backing Greens or Lib Dems could split the vote and let Nigel Farage’s party win. He frames the contest as a fight for the nation’s soul and asks for support for Labour.
An ex-health minister says the £100bn funding boost delivered almost no improvement, with productivity stalling and waiting lists staying high. He argues that pouring in cash without reform was misguided, urging an overhaul of management, incentives and technology to improve outcomes and value.
Scotland Yard apologised to the Commons Speaker amid a row over Peter Mandelson’s arrest. Detectives said they acted on a tip he might flee to the British Virgin Islands; Sir Lindsay Hoyle says he passed the claim on in good faith. Mandelson’s lawyers demand evidence for the allegation.
After more than 600 people arrived by small boat in a day, MPs urged the government to suspend funding to French patrols unless crossings fall. Supporters say payments must be results‑based; critics warn cutting cash would damage joint operations against smuggling.
An entertainment figure has confessed an unusual fear: that gorillas could one day take over the planet. Framed as a light‑hearted comment linked to his stint on a dance show, the claim has sparked playful chat about celebrity anxieties and wildlife myths.
Chancellor Reeves says Andrew must repay any misused taxpayer funds if confirmed. Civil servants allege he billed for personal services and excessive travel while trade envoy. Police are examining potential misconduct in public office.
An independent review finds some NHS maternity units concealed failings, falsified records and denied families answers after harm. It cites systemic pressures, poor leadership and discrimination. The report urges culture change, investment and accountability to improve safety.
Sir Lindsay Hoyle admitted alerting police that Peter Mandelson might flee to the British Virgin Islands, leading to Mandelson’s arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office and release on bail. The Met apologised to the Speaker after officers revealed his tip-off to Mandelson’s lawyers.
Police uncovered a large-scale cannabis farm inside a former town-centre casino, with thousands of plants across four floors. The building had been heavily fortified. Officers seized the crop and opened an investigation into an organised gang, including suspected money‑laundering.
Lord Mandelson says his arrest stemmed from a “fictional” claim he was a flight risk, denying he would evade inquiries linked to Jeffrey Epstein. He is challenging the police decision and bail conditions, arguing there was no basis for suspecting he intended to abscond.
Leaked Green Party papers propose scrapping immigration detention, granting an amnesty to people with irregular status and providing housing, a guaranteed income and NHS access, even after failed asylum bids. Backers call it humane and orderly; critics warn of cost and a pull factor.
Peter Mandelson was arrested and later bailed, with his lawyers saying police acted over flight-risk fears. No charges have been confirmed. He left custody in the early hours as inquiries continue.
Nearly half of adults avoided or delayed contacting a GP last year, a poll for the Health Foundation and Ipsos finds. Difficulties reaching surgeries and poor appointment options were key reasons. 42% said NHS standards worsened; experts urge action to improve access.
Ex-PM Gordon Brown warns voters in the Gorton & Denton by‑election to reject Reform UK, arguing its plans would revive austerity, reinstate the two‑child benefit cap, and weaken protections for workers and renters, leaving poorer children worst off.
Lord Mandelson was arrested after police were alerted he was preparing to leave the UK. Officers detained him to mitigate a perceived flight risk during an ongoing investigation. He surrendered his passport, was questioned and bailed. He denies wrongdoing.
Peter Mandelson criticised the Met after being detained on grounds he might leave the UK. His lawyers say he had been cooperating and had agreed to an interview, arguing the “flight risk” claim lacks evidence. Police say they acted after being told he planned overseas travel.
Trade minister Chris Bryant issued a rare Commons rebuke of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, calling him rude and arrogant, as MPs voted to release files on his appointment as trade envoy.
Investors are rotating into asset-heavy shares as anxiety over AI’s disruptive impact hits software valuations. Utilities, energy and shipping gained on demand for dependable cashflows, while roughly $1.2tn was wiped from software stocks in a sharp Wall St sell-off.
Ministers unveiled a clampdown on online adult content: banning incest‑themed material, tightening oversight of platforms and targeting offenders who hide behind screens. The package aims to curb abuse and forms part of a wider strategy to protect women and girls.
MPs forced the government to release files on how Prince Andrew was made UK trade envoy in 2001, after a shadow minister said Jeffrey Epstein may have influenced the appointment. Cross-party pressure mounted for transparency. Andrew left the role in 2011 as controversy grew.