3 d. ago QUENTIN LETTS: The minister was like my wife when she has a clear

Sometimes my wife announces a clear-out. She sweeps shelves free of clutter and promises that henceforth it will all be different.

Politics

4 d. ago As Sir Keir told the Commons Labour are a 'united team', backbenchers stared, arms crossed, wondering: Can't we send him back and ask Ikea for a refund? writes QUENTIN LETTS

When thoroughly embogged, lie. Produce a whopper which will at least make people laugh. And so Sir Keir Starmer told a raucous PMQs that all was well in his Cabinet. 'This is a united team!'

Politics

5 d. ago QUENTIN LETTS: Relating the fall of the BBC boss, Lisa Nandy could have been burying the family gerbil

After teatime, at an hour when most people at Broadcasting House were probably on their fifth jolt of neat gin, the Commons got round to discussing the BBC crisis.

Politics

1 week ago QUENTIN LETTS: Lammy told MPs 'we will never forget' but he bleedin' forgot his poppy, didn't he?

A farce ensued for 15 minutes before a colleague managed to slap one on his right lapel when she thought no one was watching.

Politics

1 week ago Rachel Reeves was a wan prophet of perdition, honking like a faulty cyborg: QUENTIN LETTS

Few of us are at our best before breakfast but Rachel Reeves' early-morning speech was a horror show.

Politics

1 week ago Malaysia defends Trump trade deal after critics warn it will compromise country’s sovereignty

Former Malaysian prime minister Mahathir Mohamad said the deal amounted to ‘handing over’ the country’s independenceMalaysia’s government has been forced to defend its new trade deal with the US after opposition politicians, analysts and civil society groups warned that the deal was “one-sided” and could compromise the country’s sovereignty.Investment, trade and industry minister Tengku Zafrul Aziz has called the trade deal “the best possible outcome for Malaysia.” Continue reading...

Events

1 week ago QUENTIN LETTS: Reeves was a wan prophet of perdition honking like a malfunctioning cyborg

Few of us are at our best before breakfast but Rachel Reeves's early-morning speech was a horror show.

Politics

1 week ago QUENTIN LETTS: MPs used to treat Whitehall's panjandrums with awe. Now they snort at them with open ridicule

Sir Olly Robbins, the incumbent, described himself as 'Peter Mandelson's line manager'. If Peter ever uttered the term 'line manager' it would have been greased with irony.

Events

2 w. ago What would you do if democracy was being dismantled before your eyes? Whatever you’re doing right now | Andy Beckett

In California, daily life under Trump is marked by sporadic resistance and avoidance. Neither will defeat the autocratsHow would you behave if your democracy was being dismantled? In most western countries, that used to be an academic question. Societies where this process had happened, such as Germany in the 1930s, seemed increasingly distant. The contrasting ways that people reacted to authoritarianism and autocracy, both politically and in their everyday lives, while darkly fascinating and important to study and remember, seemed of diminishing relevance to now.Not any more. Illiberal populism has spread across the world, either challenging for power or entrenching itself in office, from Argentina to Italy, France to Indonesia, Hungary to Britain. But probably the most significant example of a relatively free, pluralist society and political system turning into something very different remains the US, now nine months into Donald Trump’s second term.Andy Beckett is a Guardian colum...

Politics

2 w. ago Prince Andrew could be forced to hand over Royal Lodge to Prince Harry after Epstein scandal

Prince Andrew had reportedly offered a proposal to the King in order to give up his home and move into another – but a royal expert warns the lodge could be given to Harry

Politics

2 w. ago As their PM was cheered, his Grudge Sisters sat in stony silence: QUENTIN LETTS

The most interesting thing at PMQs was to be found two rows behind Sir Keir Starmer . There, snug beside one another, smouldered Angela Rayner and Lucy Powell. The Sisters Grudge.

Politics

2 w. ago QUENTIN LETTS: Deputy PM David Lammy laughed theatrically but he was seething, his voice now near castrato

In the Commons David Lammy, Deputy PM and Justice Secretary, was fighting to save his career after the Epping sex offender was accidentally released from prison.

Politics

3 w. ago QUENTIN LETTS: Panicky Labour is now losing more votes to Zack Polanski's loony Left Greens than it is to naughty Nigel Farage

QUENTIN LETTS: Hallowe'en arrived early for Sir Keir Starmer last week when an opinion poll found the Greens to be level with Labour. Eek! No wonder the Prime Minister is looking so knackered.

Politics

3 w. ago QUENTIN LETTS: Big Ange twisted her head right then left, as guileless as Little Weed between the flower pots...

One hour after PMQs, Labour MPs herded back to the Commons for a 'personal statement' from Angela Rayner , property dealer and ex-deputy PM. First appearance since her tax scandal downfall.

Politics

3 w. ago New law proposed to give King power to strip Prince Andrew of his dukedom

York Central MP Rachael Maskell said it was time for Parliament to act on the issue.

Politics

3 w. ago Scots workers to 'demand better for our society' as thousands prepare to march in Edinburgh

EXCLUSIVE: Four workers from different industries have told the Record why they will be taking part in the Scotland Demands Better rally in the Capital this weekend.

Politics

3 w. ago QUENTIN LETTS: Brother Jenrick whacked Prince Andrew then proposed a burka ban. Polite society will be appalled

To complete his day, he attended a Commons debate on the Sentencing Bill in which his sidekick Kieran Mullan complained about Labour ditching plans to castrate pederasts.

Politics

3 w. ago Robert Jenrick accused of fomenting division by backing burka ban

The Tory shadow justice secretary said there was ‘a strong argument’ for a ban on the face coverings.

Politics

3 w. ago QUENTIN LETTS: Speaker Hoyle was still right unchoofed about t'China spy case

What will become of the House of Lords if Nigel Farage 's Reform does well at the next general election?

Politics

3 w. ago US government nuclear physicist arrested on child sex charges

Exclusive details: After his arrest for propositioning a 16-year-old, top government nuclear physicist Andrew Worrall, 56, is no longer employed at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, a spokeswoman told The Independent

Events