Independent Front Page 8th of November 2021

In a different story about criticism of ministerial conduct, the Guardian is reporting that a watchdog had to stop the government from “breaching a strict code” around neutrality when selecting new chairs of the BBC and British Film Institute. The Office of the Commissioner of Public Appointments had to ask ministers to replace interviewers for the roles because they were “not sufficiently independent”, the paper learned through a Freedom of Information request. The government says the commissioner found no breaches of the code.

Independent Front Page 13th of March 2026

UK troops in Iraq were targeted, prompting the defence secretary to consider deploying warships to secure the Strait of Hormuz and protect oil shipping. Tehran says it will maintain a blockade, squeezing supply and pushing energy costs higher in Britain.

Independent Front Page 12th of March 2026

Newly released papers say the PM was warned of reputational risk before appointing Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the US, citing his links to a disgraced financier already convicted of offences. They add he sought a £500,000 payout after dismissal and was paid £75,000.

Independent Front Page 11th of March 2026

Thousands in Beirut remain homeless as continued military action hits sites linked to an armed group. Local reports put the death toll near 570. While the US president says the conflict is close to ending, residents sleep rough and aid needs are rising.

Independent Front Page 9th of March 2026

Escalating conflict around Iran has hit oil and gas infrastructure and disrupted shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, pushing prices higher. Analysts warn crude could near $150 a barrel and Britain faces a potential gas shortfall, with supply recovery expected to take months.