2 h. ago As the UK looks to invest in nuclear, here’s what it could mean for Britain’s environment

In this week’s newsletter: The government’s bid to speed up nuclear construction could usher in sweeping deregulation, with experts warning of profound consequences for nature• Don’t get Down to Earth delivered to your inbox? Sign up hereWhen UK prime minister Keir Starmer announced last week that he was “implementing the Fingleton review”, you can forgive the pulse of most Britons for failing to quicken.But behind the uninspiring statement lies potentially the biggest deregulation for decades, posing peril for endangered species, if wildlife experts are to be believed, and a likely huge row with the EU.2025 ‘virtually certain’ to be second- or third-hottest year on record, EU data showsJust 0.001% hold three times the wealth of the poorest half of humanity, report finds‘Even the animals seem confused’: a retreating Kashmir glacier is creating an entire new world in its wake Continue reading...

Events

12 h. ago ‘Superflu’ mayhem will drag into New Year as mutant bug’s ‘longtail fuels post

THE NHS has been plunged into its worst-case winter scenario as an “unprecedented wave of superflu” pushed hospital cases up 55 per cent in a week.  Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer urged Britons to “be careful” and blasted doctors plotting a mid-crisis strike next week as “irresponsible”.  NHS officials said there are now enough virus...

Science

15 h. ago The Guardian view on Labour’s new peerages: another boost for the ermine arms race | Editorial

Sir Keir Starmer promised to bring meaningful reform to the House of Lords. He is failing to introduce itIn opposition, Sir Keir Starmer called the unelected House of Lords “indefensible”. This week, barely 18 months into his prime ministership, Sir Keir took the total of unelected peers he has appointed since July 2024 to 96. Remarkably, Wednesday’s 34 new life peerages, mainly Labour supporters, take his appointment total above those of each of his four most recent Conservative predecessors. You must go back to David Cameron to find a prime minister who did more to stuff the Lords than Sir Keir.At the last election, Labour presented itself to the voters as a party of Lords reform. The party manifesto promised to remove the remaining hereditary peers, to reform the appointments process, to impose a peers’ retirement age, and to consult on proposals for replacing the Lords with an alternative second chamber. The House of Lords, the manifesto flatly declared, was “too big”....

Politics

20 h. ago Trump and Europe want ‘same thing’ for Ukraine, Starmer says

The Prime Minister said there were a ‘number of issues still to be resolved’ but dismissed suggestions his optimism had been frayed.

Politics

24 h. ago Keir Starmer to chair coalition of the willing call after Trump talks on Ukraine

The Prime Minister is expected to co-chair a call with leaders and officials from around 30 nations on Thursday.

Politics

39 h. ago Ukraine war: Trump criticises European leaders on eve of crunch coalition meeting

President says there were ‘strong words’ in latest call, as Volodymyr Zelenskyy to join other European leaders to discuss peace plan on ThursdayLeaders of the “coalition of the willing” group of nations will hold a video call about the Ukraine war on Thursday as Donald Trump voiced impatience with European allies and put US involvement in further talks in doubt, saying they risked “wasting time”.Amid chaotic American efforts to push through a peace deal, the US president said on Wednesday night: “We discussed Ukraine in pretty strong words”, when asked about an earlier phone call with British prime minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz Continue reading...

Politics

39 h. ago Brit soldier George Hooley killed in Ukraine had 'rare gift' and 'open heart'

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has joined British commanders in paying tribute to Lance Corporal George Hooley, who died in a 'tragic accident' in Ukraine watching a weapon test

Events

44 h. ago Nigel Farage stunned by swipe over Reform 'white supremacist' from Keir Starmer

In a lively Prime Minister's Questions (PMQs) session, Keir Starmer lashed out over scandals in Reform-led councils and said Nigel Farage has made a career from sowing 'chaos and division'

Events

45 h. ago British soldier killed after 'tragic accident' in Ukraine named as Starmer pays tribute

The Brit solider killed in Ukraine while observing Ukrainian forces during testing a new defensive has been named after Sir Keir Starmer paid tribute during at Prime Minister’s Questions

Events

48 h. ago Prime Minister Keir Starmer to address UK today as 'apology' demanded from Rachel Reeves

During Prime Minister's Questions today (Wednesday December 10), Conservative MPs are set to demand an 'apology' from Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves for 'misleading the country'

Politics

60 h. ago Starmer calls on European leaders to modernise ECHR ahead of gathering

European ministers, including Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy, are due to meet in Strasbourg, France, on Wednesday to discuss reforming the treaty.

Politics

63 h. ago Sir Keir Starmer leads tributes to armed forces member killed in Ukraine

The man died as he watched the testing of a new defensive capability, according to the Ministry of Defence.

Events

3 d. ago Independence could lower Scots’ energy bills by a third, Swinney tells voters

Scottish First Minister John Swinney spoke out about how independence could allow a ‘different policy approach’ on energy.

Politics

3 d. ago POLL OF THE DAY: Would Angela Rayner be a better prime minister than Sir Keir Starmer?

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has praised the 'hugely talented' Angela Rayner - who is popular with the Labour Left - and explicitly said he expects her to return to his Cabinet.

Politics

4 d. ago Ministers promise 50,000 new apprenticeships in bid to tackle youth unemployment

The Prime Minister has expressed his desire to see apprenticeships treated with the same respect as degree courses.

Politics

6 d. ago Angela Rayner hits back after fresh rumours of 'joint ticket' pact plan by Wes Streeting so he can topple Sir Keir Starmer as Prime Minister

The disgraced former housing secretary was reportedly promised a Cabinet role if she backs Streeting for a future leadership run.

Politics

6 d. ago Starmer clarifies position on EU after Lammy talks up customs union

The Prime Minister said Labour would be sticking to its manifesto, which pledged to deepen ties with the EU without returning to the customs union.

Politics

6 d. ago Scotland’s energy industry facing ‘existential threat’, Swinney warns PM

The First Minister met with the Prime Minister ahead of a summit of the British-Irish Council in Wales.

Events

7 d. ago Child poverty strategy ‘will give every child a good start in life’

comes amid a record high of 4.45 million children living in poverty in the UK.

Politics

7 d. ago KEIR STARMER: 'I'm proud we're lifting half a million kids out of poverty

Prime Minister Keir Starmer writes for The Mirror as he launches the government's child poverty strategy first promised in the summer after Labour's election landslide

Politics