Guardian UK Politics
House of Lords pushes for Australian-style social media ban for under-16s
The House of Lords voted 266 to 141 to back an Australian-style ban on social media for under-16s, overriding Prime Minister Keir Starmer's preference for a public consultation before any decision is made. The decisive margin signals strong political appetite in the upper chamber for direct legislative action rather than prolonged deliberation. The move puts significant pressure on the government to harden its stance on children's access to social media platforms.
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PM rejects ‘far-fetched’ scepticism about Morgan McSweeney phone theft
Keir Starmer has dismissed opposition scepticism over the theft of ex-chief of staff Morgan McSweeney's phone as "far-fetched," after Kemi Badenoch's team suggested the timing raised questions. The stolen device has become politically significant amid pressure on Downing Street to release communications relating to Peter Mandelson's appointment as US ambassador. The row signals growing opposition appetite to probe potential gaps in the government's documentary record.
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British forces preparing to board Russian shadow fleet ships in UK waters
The UK is preparing to board and inspect Russian shadow fleet vessels operating in British waters, in a significant escalation of efforts to cut off Moscow's ability to fund its war in Ukraine. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, speaking ahead of a military summit in Finland, framed the move as a direct strike against Putin's financial lifeline. The policy marks one of Britain's most assertive maritime interventions since the invasion began.
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Fears net zero is ‘next Brexit’ as oil crisis fuels political climate divide
Rising energy costs tied to the Iran conflict are giving Reform and the Conservatives fresh ammunition to attack net zero policy, with critics warning the issue could fracture British politics along the same fault lines as Brexit. A well-funded coalition including Nigel Farage's Reform party, the Tories, and right-leaning media are intensifying their assault on climate targets as household bills climb. With the government reluctant to make a forceful public case for clean energy, climate advocates fear the political ground is shifting dangerously beneath them.
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Trump says UK’s aircraft carriers are just ‘toys’, repeating complaint about lack of support US in Iran – UK politics live
Trump dismissed the UK's aircraft carriers as "toys" during a broader address criticizing NATO allies for insufficient support on Iran, marking a fresh strain in the transatlantic relationship. The remarks underscore growing tensions between Washington and its closest partners over burden-sharing and military commitments. Meanwhile, UK domestic politics saw the Conservatives propose banning campaign literature in foreign languages, with shadow minister Paul Holmes arguing the practice "fosters greater division."
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