Guardian UK Politics
Russia-linked arson attacks show bad actors targeting UK, says Starmer
Russia-linked operatives have been convicted of conspiring to commit arson attacks on properties connected to Prime Minister Keir Starmer, prompting him to warn that the UK faces deliberate efforts to exploit division and undermine democratic institutions. The case involved two men — a Ukrainian national and a Romanian national — acting on behalf of Russian interests. The convictions mark a rare instance of a sitting prime minister being directly targeted in a state-sponsored sabotage operation.
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Voters head to the polls for Makerfield by-election
Voters in Makerfield are casting their ballots today as 14 candidates compete to fill the constituency's vacant seat in Parliament. The Greater Manchester by-election represents a significant test of party support in a seat that has historically leaned Labour. The result will be closely watched as a barometer of the current political mood ahead of the next general election.
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Sky News UK
Polls open in Makerfield by-election
Voters in Makerfield headed to the polls today in a by-election that will test the political temperature in a traditionally Labour-held seat. The contest comes at a critical moment for the government, making the result a closely watched indicator of public sentiment. Counting is expected to follow later tonight.
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UK officials expect Russia to retaliate for seizure of shadow fleet oil tanker
British officials are bracing for Russian retaliation following the Royal Marines' seizure of the Smyrtos, a shadow fleet tanker carrying $40 million worth of Russian crude destined for India. No formal warning has been issued to captains or ship owners, but the industry body reports heightened vigilance across UK-linked vessels. The incident marks a significant escalation in Western efforts to enforce sanctions on Russian oil exports, with Moscow widely expected to respond.
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New UK defence secretary meets Nato allies without investment plan in place
Britain's new defence secretary faced an awkward debut on the international stage, meeting NATO allies without a concrete spending plan in hand. The alliance has pressed members to produce credible roadmaps for hitting defence investment targets — a demand that puts the UK in an uncomfortable spotlight. The omission risks undermining Britain's standing as a leading NATO voice at a moment when the alliance is pressing hard for unified commitments.
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