Guardian UK Politics
Starmer says ministers will consider ‘every lever possible’ to tackle cost of living – UK politics live
Starmer has pledged to deploy every policy tool available to address cost-of-living pressures, with ministers set to convene an emergency Cobra meeting to assess the economic fallout from the conflict in Iran. The gathering signals the government's recognition that the war carries direct consequences for British household budgets, likely through energy prices and supply chain disruption. The use of Cobra — typically reserved for national emergencies — underscores the severity with which Downing Street is treating the situation.
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Starmer says ‘every lever’ will be explored to ease rising costs of living from Iran conflict
Rising tensions between the US, Israel, and Iran are sending shockwaves through the global economy, prompting UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to convene an emergency Cobra meeting with senior ministers and the Bank of England. Starmer has pledged to deploy every available government tool to shield British households from the cost of living fallout. The gathering signals serious concern at the highest levels of UK government about the conflict's economic ripple effects.
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Ministers name seven areas where 'new towns' could be built
The government has identified seven priority locations for its flagship new towns programme, narrowing the field as six previously considered sites are dropped from contention. The announcement marks a significant step forward in plans to deliver large-scale new settlements aimed at tackling the housing crisis. The shortlisted areas will now face further scrutiny before any development commitments are made.
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Funding for populist-right ‘media-political complex’ exceeded £170m in five years, research finds
A new study by Labour MP Liam Byrne reveals that over £170 million flowed to UK populist-right politicians, media outlets, and think tanks over five years, with a small group of billionaires responsible for the bulk of the funding. Byrne, who chairs Parliament's business committee, argues the spending pattern constitutes a coordinated "media-political complex" designed to amplify right-wing politicians and their agendas. The findings raise fresh questions about the concentration of political influence in the hands of a few ultra-wealthy donors.
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HMS Dragon has arrived near Cyprus and will join defence operations from tonight, says minister – UK politics live
HMS Dragon has arrived near Cyprus and will begin contributing to UK defence operations in the eastern Mediterranean from tonight, Defence Secretary John Healey confirmed to MPs. The warship's deployment signals Britain's active military commitment to the region amid ongoing instability. Separately, Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook indicated the government is pushing the Competition and Markets Authority to investigate potential profiteering by oil companies, citing significant price disparities across the country.
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