Guardian UK Politics
Celtic nations begin to plan for breakup of UK in event of Reform election win
Reform UK's surging poll numbers have sent shockwaves beyond Westminster, prompting politicians across Scotland, Wales, Ireland, and Northern Ireland to quietly war-game scenarios involving UK dissolution. The prospect of Farage in government — or even commanding a powerful opposition — is accelerating constitutional conversations that would have seemed far-fetched just years ago. Notably, both unionists and nationalists view a Reform ascendancy as a potential catalyst for instability, signaling just how broadly disruptive the party's rise is seen across the political spectrum.
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Starmer tells of 'intensely personal' decision to quit and warns Burnham in first interview since resigning
Keir Starmer has broken his silence on his resignation in a rare moment of candour, describing the decision to step down as prime minister as "intensely personal" and "really tough." The outgoing leader used his first interview since leaving office to acknowledge the end of his political career — and to issue a public warning to Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham. The interview marks an unusually open departure from a politician known for his guarded public persona.
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Starmer warns Burnham will have to spend time on global affairs, in first interview since quitting
Keir Starmer has broken his silence following his resignation, admitting in a rare candid BBC interview that accepting the end of his political career was "really tough." The outgoing Prime Minister used the conversation to address Andy Burnham's future, warning his successor that global affairs will demand significant attention. The remarks mark an unusually personal moment from a leader not known for public introspection.
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UK and Ireland leaders fear for union’s future under Farage-led government
Reform UK's ascent is forcing political leaders across the Celtic nations to confront scenarios once considered fringe — including the dissolution of the United Kingdom itself. Both unionists and nationalists warn that a Farage-led government would accelerate constitutional pressures in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The prospect of Reform in power, whether governing or as official opposition, has triggered contingency planning on all sides of the independence debate.
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Starmer warns Burnham he cannot spend less time on diplomacy
Keir Starmer has cautioned his expected successor Andy Burnham that the demands of international diplomacy are non-negotiable for any prime minister. Speaking to the BBC in his first interview since announcing his resignation, Starmer also described stepping down after two years in office as an "intensely personal" decision. The remarks signal a clear-eyed message to Labour's next generation of leadership about the realities of the role.
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