Labour Not Prepared for Government in 2024: McSweeney
Morgan McSweeney, Keir Starmer's former chief of staff, admits Labour was unprepared to govern in 2024, citing a lack of readiness for a volatile world and slow delivery of change.
Category : Whitehall
UK Forced Adoption Apology: Pain Unhealed for Survivors
An estimated 185,000 babies were taken from unmarried mothers in England and Wales between 1949 and 1976. The UK government apologised on Thursday, but survivors say words are not enough without proper redress.
Govt Accepts Southport Attack Failings, Vows to Right Wrongs
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood accepts all 67 recommendations from the Southport Inquiry, which found the murders of three girls 'could and should have been prevented' due to five major failings across public services.
Brian Moore Thanked After Two Terms on North Lanarkshire IJB
Brian Moore completed two terms on the North Lanarkshire Integration Joint Board, serving as chair from June 2025. He was praised for his leadership and dedication to improving health and social care services.
Starmer Apologises for Forced Adoptions, 'Shame Is Ours'
PM Sir Keir Starmer issues state apology for forced adoptions of unmarried mothers' babies between 1949-1976, branding it a 'stain on our history' and telling survivors 'the shame was never yours, the shame is ours.'
Oldham Council Stalemate Continues Without Leader
Oldham Council remains deadlocked after a 30-minute meeting failed to elect a leader, with councillors watching England play instead. The authority faces risk of expensive commissioners being appointed.
Burnham Warned Not to Level Down London in Devolution
Westminster council leader warns Andy Burnham not to 'level down' London as devolution plans could see tens of thousands of Whitehall jobs axed, risking hollowing out the capital.
US Justice Department Reverses Course, Renews Fight Against Law Firms That Defied Trump
US Justice Department reverses course, renews fight against four law firms that defied Trump's executive orders, after initially dropping the appeal.
Starmer and Burnham Warn of £5bn Defence Gap
Sir Keir Starmer and Andy Burnham have warned that the government faces a £5bn hole in defence spending, describing the current pledge as a 'goodwill token' rather than a credible plan.
Vitor Pereira 'Complete Surprise' at Forest Dismissal
Vitor Pereira says his dismissal as Nottingham Forest head coach came as a 'complete surprise' without warning, despite guiding the club to Premier League survival and Europa League semi-finals.
Corrections: Water Shortage, TF1 Channel
Corrections: Water shortage estimate of 5bn litres/day by 2055 applies only to England, not England and Wales. TF1 is a French commercial TV channel, not a public service broadcaster.
Labour Minister and Reform MP Slam Road Cuts for Defence
Labour minister Hamish Falconer and Reform MP Robert Jenrick have voiced anger over the cancellation or delay of key transport infrastructure projects to fund a £15bn defence investment plan, with East Midlands roads facing cuts.
Starmer Dominates PMQs with Fierce Defence Critique
PMQs saw Keir Starmer deliver a withering response to Kemi Badenoch, accusing the Tories of cutting defence while Labour boosts investment to £300bn. Starmer also slapped down SNP and Reform UK.
Dundee Ex-Principals Get £290K After Resignation Amid Crisis
Two former University of Dundee principals received over £290,000 after leaving amid a financial and governance crisis, with the institution facing a potential £30m deficit and 'material uncertainty' about its future.
Kemi Badenoch Attacks Starmer's Defence Plan at PMQs
At PMQs, Kemi Badenoch launched a brutal four-word attack on Keir Starmer, saying his £15bn defence investment plan 'does not add up', as the armed forces need £28bn more.
Burnham to Slash Central Govt, Shift Jobs from London
Andy Burnham plans to slash central government and move tens of thousands of jobs out of London as part of the 'biggest devolution of power in modern times', says London MP Miatta Fahnbulleh.
GB News: Starmer Leaves Burnham with £5bn Defence Black Hole
Andy Burnham faces a £5bn defence black hole left by Keir Starmer, GB News commentator Tali Fraser says, calling the situation 'unbelievably difficult' for the aspiring PM.
Heseltine Backs Burnham's 'No 10 North' Plan
Lord Michael Heseltine supports Andy Burnham's proposal for a 'No 10 in the North', calling it an important gesture for devolution and the UK economy.
Burnham accused of dodging media questions like 'slippery eel'
Andy Burnham faces accusations of avoiding media scrutiny, refusing questions at events and banning critical outlets, raising concerns over democratic accountability.
Judge May Halt Trump's $400m White House Ballroom Plan
Federal judge criticises Trump's $400m White House ballroom plan, may halt project amid historic preservation lawsuit.
FIFA Defends VAR After Germany's Late Goal Ruled Out vs Paraguay
FIFA referees chief Pierluigi Collina defends VAR decision to disallow Germany's late winner against Paraguay, calling it a clear foul. Julian Nagelsmann labelled the call a 'scandal' after Germany's penalty shootout exit.
FIFA VAR Chief Defends Call That Eliminated Germany from World Cup
FIFA referees chief Pierluigi Collina has defended the VAR decision to disallow Germany's late winner against Paraguay, which led to their penalty shootout exit from the World Cup round of 32.
Reform UK Plan Would Sack More Planning Officers Than Exist, Analysis Shows
Reform UK's plan to cut 68,500 civil service jobs would sack more planning officers than exist and remove two-thirds of prison psychologists, analysis reveals.
Ex-Parliamentary Staffer Arrested Under Anti-Hacking Laws, Speaker Tells MPs
Former parliamentary staffer arrested under Computer Misuse Act; Speaker Hoyle informs MPs of ongoing investigation.
Civil Service Seeks Vetting Officers After Mandelson Scandal
Sir Olly Robbins resigns after Foreign Office overruled denial of security clearance for Peter Mandelson, sparking political crisis.
Trump Files Amended $15bn Defamation Lawsuit Against New York Times
Donald Trump files amended $15bn defamation lawsuit against New York Times, Penguin Random House and reporters after judge tossed initial suit.
Trump Signs Bipartisan Bill to End 75-Day DHS Shutdown
Trump signs bipartisan bill ending 75-day DHS shutdown, funding most agencies but excluding immigration enforcement.
Architect Replaced On $300m White House Ballroom
Trump defends $400m White House ballroom amid criticism over design flaws, including fake windows and stairs that go nowhere.
Corrections: Asylum Routes and Crossword Error
The Guardian corrects an article on asylum routes, a crossword clue, and lists other recent corrections including AI project, care workers, and obesity-linked heart conditions.
Ireland's Big Tech Ties Compromise EU Presidency
Ireland's economic dependence on big tech undermines its ability to lead EU digital negotiations. Critics argue it should recuse itself from tech talks during its presidency.
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