Guardian UK Politics
Starmer tells social media firms in No 10 meeting ‘things can’t go on like this’
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer confronted senior executives from Meta, TikTok, Google, and X at Downing Street, warning that social media platforms are "putting our children at risk" and that the status quo is no longer acceptable. The meeting signals that the government is actively weighing tougher restrictions, including a potential ban on under-16s using social media platforms, modeled on legislation recently passed in Australia. The summoning of Big Tech's top brass marks a notable escalation in tone from the British government on online child safety.
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SNP would set maximum price for essential foods, says Swinney as he fears costs affecting nutrition in Scotland – UK politics live
The SNP has unveiled its Holyrood election manifesto, with First Minister John Swinney pledging to introduce maximum prices on essential foods to combat the impact of rising costs on nutrition in Scotland. Swinney also used the launch to press for greater Scottish control over energy policy, arguing that Westminster's grip on reserved powers is holding the country back. The manifesto positions the SNP as a party fighting to expand Holyrood's authority across key policy areas ahead of a critical vote on its continued hold on power.
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Revealed: Mandelson failed vetting but Foreign Office overruled decision
Security officials initially denied Peter Mandelson the clearance required to serve as Britain's ambassador to Washington, only for the Foreign Office to overrule that decision and install him in the role regardless. The revelation raises serious questions about the integrity of the vetting process and who bears responsibility for the override. Parliament is already pushing for access to the documents, setting up a potential constitutional confrontation over transparency and national security accountability.
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UK prepares for food shortages in worst case scenario as Iran war continues
Britain's government is quietly war-gaming food supply disruptions as the Iran conflict threatens to destabilize global trade routes. Officials have outlined a worst-case scenario in which shortages could hit UK shelves by summer. The contingency planning signals growing concern that prolonged regional instability could ripple far beyond the Middle East.
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Badenoch accuses PM of misleading MPs over Mandelson vetting
Kemi Badenoch has accused Prime Minister Keir Starmer of misleading parliament after reports emerged that Lord Mandelson failed his security vetting for the US ambassador role, only for the decision to be overruled by the Foreign Office. The allegation raises serious questions about transparency and due process in one of the most politically sensitive diplomatic appointments in recent memory. If the claims hold up, the fallout could deepen scrutiny of Starmer's judgment at a critical moment in the UK-US relationship.
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