BBC Politics
Antisemitism 'a national security emergency', government terror adviser says
Rafe Courage, the government's independent terror adviser, has declared antisemitism a national security emergency, citing a sharp rise in incidents since the October 7 Hamas attacks. The warning puts him at odds with Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, who insists the government is treating the issue as a priority but stops short of endorsing the emergency framing. The public disagreement between senior figures highlights growing pressure on ministers to take a harder line on antisemitic violence and intimidation.
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It’s amazing how much damage Kemi can do to herself in five minutes on local radio | John Crace
Kemi Badenoch's round of local radio interviews drew unflattering comparisons to Liz Truss after a series of stumbling, ill-prepared performances left her opposition leadership looking shaky. The appearances came on a day demanding political clarity, making her missteps all the more damaging. For a politician still working to establish authority, the self-inflicted wounds will be difficult to walk back.
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UK terrorism threat level raised to ‘severe’ after Golders Green attack
The UK's terrorism threat level has been raised to "severe" following the Golders Green stabbings, with the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre assessing a terrorist attack as "highly likely." Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood condemned the incident as a "vile act of terrorism" while announcing the elevated alert status. The upgrade marks a significant escalation in the government's security posture as authorities respond to the attack.
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Bank of England says rates could rise as Iran war fuels inflation
The Bank of England held interest rates steady at 3.75%, but warned that further hikes remain on the table as the Iran conflict drives up inflationary pressure. Policymakers are closely watching how the war's ripple effects — particularly on energy and commodity prices — feed through to the broader economy. The signal is clear: relief for borrowers may be short-lived if the geopolitical situation deteriorates further.
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Farage did not need to declare £5m donation as it was ‘private’, claims Braverman – UK politics live
Suella Braverman has defended Nigel Farage's failure to declare a £5 million donation to Reform UK, arguing the gift was "private" and therefore exempt from disclosure requirements. The claim raises immediate questions about transparency standards within the party, which has positioned itself as a straight-talking alternative to the political establishment. The episode hands critics fresh ammunition against Reform at a moment when Farage is working to expand the party's reach into traditionally hostile territory like Merseyside.
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