Greens won the Gorton and Denton by‑election, overturning a large Labour majority to secure a fifth MP. Reform UK placed second, with Labour third. The result jolted Starmer’s party, prompting backbench unrest and demands for a strategic reset to stem further losses.
Home Office data show a steep fall in overseas nurses and care workers after tighter visa rules, sparking warnings of a staffing crisis across the NHS and social care. Analysts say services risk failing to meet demand from an ageing population unless recruitment and retention improve.
An independent review finds some NHS maternity units concealed failings, falsified records and denied families answers after harm. It cites systemic pressures, poor leadership and discrimination. The report urges culture change, investment and accountability to improve safety.
Peter Mandelson criticised the Met after being detained on grounds he might leave the UK. His lawyers say he had been cooperating and had agreed to an interview, arguing the “flight risk” claim lacks evidence. Police say they acted after being told he planned overseas travel.
Peter Mandelson has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office as the Met investigates claims he leaked sensitive government and market information linked to his ties with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. He denies wrongdoing.
Ministers announce a £4bn overhaul of SEND in England, promising more places, faster assessments and clearer national standards. The plan aims to ease pressure on councils and schools, cut delays for families, and boost specialist support, staffing and training.
Scotland Yard has widened its investigation into Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, interviewing former protection officers and reviewing flight records. Ministers are exploring legislation to exclude him from the line of succession, and UK police have requested related documents from US authorities.
The monarch said the law “must take its course” after a senior royal was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, questioned, and released under investigation. Officers are searching several properties. The palace signalled cooperation with the inquiry.
The government plans to require platforms to remove non-consensual intimate images and deepfakes within 48 hours or face heavy fines and potential blocking in the UK. The PM will hand Ofcom stronger powers to enforce compliance, aiming to protect victims and curb AI-enabled abuse.
One in nine homes built in England since 2022 are in areas at significant flood risk, prompting concerns that housing targets are steering development onto vulnerable land. Insurers warn owners may face higher premiums or struggle to get cover, as properties built after 2009 are excluded from Flood Re.