Guardian UK Politics
Bibby Stockholm asylum barge contractor admits overcharging UK government £118m
Corporate Travel Management, the Australian firm behind the controversial Bibby Stockholm asylum barge, has admitted to overcharging the UK government by £118 million following an internal audit that uncovered "erroneous billing." The company has increased its repayment estimate by £40 million and says it is currently negotiating a refund. The admission raises fresh questions about oversight of government contractors managing asylum accommodation.
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Mapped: the elections that could deliver ‘unprecedented’ losses for Labour
Labour is heading for a historic drubbing at May's local elections, with analysis suggesting the party could record its lowest-ever vote share across English councils and the devolved parliaments of Wales and Scotland. Reform stands to make substantial gains at Labour's expense, compounding an already difficult period for Keir Starmer. The results would mark a severe test of his leadership with pressure from within and outside the party already mounting.
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Foreign Office unit tracking Israel’s potential breaches of international law closes due to cuts
The Foreign Office has quietly shut down its dedicated unit for monitoring potential Israeli violations of international law in Gaza and Lebanon, a casualty of departmental budget cuts. The closure means Britain will lose access to a database containing 26,000 verified cases — a significant intelligence gap at a moment of intense scrutiny over UK arms sales and legal obligations. Critics will see the timing as deeply uncomfortable for a government already under pressure to demonstrate it is taking compliance seriously.
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Unhappy Labour MPs aren't ready to oust Starmer yet
Discontent is brewing among Labour MPs over Keir Starmer's leadership, but frustration has yet to translate into action. The missing ingredient is a credible challenger — without a candidate willing to step forward, any leadership contest remains a non-starter. For now, Starmer's position holds not through loyalty, but through a lack of alternatives.
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UK to pay France another £660m to curb Channel crossings
Britain is writing France a £660 million check over three years in its latest bid to stem irregular Channel crossings, with the funding set to bankroll a dedicated riot squad tasked with breaking up would-be boat departures on French shores. The deal, signed by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, will expand joint enforcement by 40%, bringing the total to 1,100 officers. The arrangement signals London's continued reliance on French cooperation — and French leverage — as a cornerstone of its migration strategy.
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