38 m. ago The Home Secretary’s asylum reform plans explained – and how it’s similar to the Danish system

The reforms are aimed to make Britain a less appealing destination for illegal migrants and to simplify their removal from the UK

Society

71 m. ago Ticket resales above face value set to be outlawed in touts crackdown

Ministers are expected to announce the plans within days in major victory for fans of live events

Politics

77 m. ago White House aides had to kill one of Trump’s home improvement plans for the Oval Office

The president had planned to hang a chandelier in the historic room, right through the center of the U.S. crest in the center of the ceiling

Events

85 m. ago Starmer facing backlash from Labour MPs over ‘cruel’ asylum reforms

The controversial plans to tackle the asylum system have been likened to the policies of far right activist Tommy Robinson

Events

1 hour ago Shabana Mahmood warns of asylum 'uncomfortable truth' as plan sparks backlash

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the UK has not been tough enough at removing failed asylum seekers as she unveiled the biggest shake-up in a generation - but faced criticism over the plans

Events

2 h. ago Resale of tickets above face value set to be outlawed under crackdown on touts

Ministers are expected to announce the plans within days.

Politics

3 h. ago UK asylum reforms spark backlash within Labour Party, support from rivals

The British government plans to tighten its asylum system, sparking resistance within its own party

Events

3 h. ago The Guardian view on Labour’s asylum plans: ministers cannot out

Shabana Mahmood’s asylum overhaul burdens an overstretched system and hands political advantage to her opponentsIn government, politicians often mistake gestures for progress. It is disappointing to see Shabana Mahmood succumb to that temptation. The home secretary’s flurry of proposals are designed to signal purpose, but constitute a wishlist of demands that her department can’t deliver. Currently, those fleeing persecution are given a five-year right to stay in the country and can apply for settled status after that. Ms Mahmood wants refugees to stay in the country initially only for a 30-month period, and then review their status to see whether they will be allowed to remain in the country for another 30 months. After two decades in Britain, they could apply to stay here permanently.Denmark is held up as the model. A decade ago a centre-left government there was under pressure, with a surging populist right and immigration dominating voters’ concerns. Danish Social Democrats clai...

Politics

3 h. ago The Guardian view on Germany under Merz: Europe’s powerhouse is still struggling | Editorial

Donald Trump’s trade wars and Chinese competition constitute formidable headwinds. But old economic orthodoxies are not the answerLast March, following angst-ridden months as Europe came to terms with Donald Trump’s return to the White House, financial markets in Paris, Milan and Berlin were gripped by a surge of optimism. The cause was a historic deal brokered by Friedrich Merz, then Germany’s chancellor-elect, which loosened constitutional spending constraints in the EU’s powerhouse nation. Here at last, it was hoped, was the fiscal kickstart required to end a prolonged period of economic stagnation, and mitigate geopolitical headwinds blowing from the US and China.Six months into Mr Merz’s premiership, the angst is back and there are the first murmurings of rebellion. The chancellor’s plan included “whatever it takes” levels of defence spending, designed to prepare Germany for a changed era in which the US was no longer a dependable ally, and a huge €500bn investment in infr...

Politics

3 h. ago Anxiety intensifies for three schools which face potential closure

A decision on a fourth school has been delayed, and council chiefs say they understand how people feel

Politics

3 h. ago Labour faces growing revolt from own MPs over tougher asylum system as Shabana Mahmood sets out plans

One Labour MP branded the immigration reforms ‘dystopian’

Events

3 h. ago Backlash at the bed tax: Rachel Reeves plans to bring in an overnight tax on top of your hotel or Airbnb bed for the night

Rachel Reeves faced a furious backlash over plans to impose a 'bed tax' on hotel stays and holiday rentals.

Society

3 h. ago Shabana Mahmood tells MPs asylum system is ‘out of control and unfair’ amid Labour backlash over proposals – UK politics live

Labour MP calls government’s asylum plans ‘dystopian’ as home secretary announces measures in CommonsMomentum, the leftwing Labour group, has also denounced the government’s asylum plans. In a statement it says:The home secretary’s new immigration plans are divisive and xenophobic.Scapegoating migrants will not fix our public services or end austerity.Draconian, unworkable and potentially illegal anti-asylum policies only feed Reform’s support.The government has learnt nothing from the period since the general election.Some of the legal changes being proposed are truly frightening:Abolishing the right to a family life would ultimately affect many more people than asylum-seekers. Continue reading...

Politics

3 h. ago Alliance that will strike fear into Adam Peaty and Holly Ramsay: As wedding feud turns nuclear, twist no one saw coming revealed by CODIE BULLEN

The red heart emoji is about to prompt the latest round in the feud that seems to be wrecking Adam Peaty and Holly Ramsay's wedding plans.

Events

4 h. ago Contract for modular building to temporarily house Erskine Library to go before councillors

Elected members will be asked to authorise awarding the supply contract to Portakabin (Scotland) on Thursday.

Politics

4 h. ago David Watson is Aberdeen transfer target as second attempt fast tracked with rivals circling amid new deal plans

The Dons tried to sign Watson from Kilmarnock last summer but Scotland Under 21 star's contract is up at the end of this season

Economics

4 h. ago Transformation of sports hall at Paisley's Lagoon Leisure Centre into play facility to be considered

Elected members will be asked to approve awarding agreement for design, supply and installation to Alliance Leisure Services.

Politics

4 h. ago Keanu Baccus believes St Mirren will help him get to the World Cup with Australia

The Socceroos star is ready to shine at the ‘greatest show on earth' and feels the Saints are the best place to help him get there.

Politics

4 h. ago Reselling tickets for profit to be outlawed in UK government crackdown

Touts – and ordinary consumers – will no longer be able to charge anything more than price at which they purchased ticket Reselling tickets for profit is to be outlawed under plans due to be announced this week, the Guardian has learned, as the government goes ahead with a long-awaited crackdown on touts and resale platforms such as Viagogo and StubHub.Ministers had been considering allowing touts – and ordinary consumers – to sell on a ticket for up to 130% of face value, as part of a consultation process that ended earlier this year. Continue reading...

Politics

4 h. ago Legend Tony Fitzpatrick on why Stephen Robinson has "smashed it" at St Mirren

The former player, manager and executive speaks highly of the Northern Irish gaffer.

Politics