54 h. ago Miliband vows to ban fracking, labels Reform ‘ideological extremists’ and tells Musk to ‘get the hell out of our politics’ – live

Environmental groups have welcomed the energy secretary’s fracking announcementAt the Labour conference Ed Miliband, the energy secretary, has just started his speech.Responding to the news that he will announce a total ban on fracking (see 9.19am), Asad Rehman, chief executive of Friends of the Earth, said:By providing a clear vision for our energy future based on helping people, not on ignoring the science, the energy secretary has sent an important message that the government is listening to communities.Fracking is and always has been unpopular, both with people facing it off locally and the wider public. The government must now translate its plans to ban fracking permanently into policy, alongside closing a loophole in planning law that still allows it to happen by the backdoor.Andy Burnham is doing a fantastic job as the mayor of Manchester. I actually worked closely with him. We’ve reset that relationship between Westminster and our mayors, and we’re working well together. So ...

Politics

55 h. ago Ed Miliband vows to ban fracking and warns Reform would ‘trash our climate commitments’ – UK politics live

There is currently no permanent ban in law, just a temporary moratoriumAt the Labour conference Ed Miliband, the energy secretary, has just started his speech.Responding to the news that he will announce a total ban on fracking (see 9.19am), Asad Rehman, chief executive of Friends of the Earth, said:By providing a clear vision for our energy future based on helping people, not on ignoring the science, the energy secretary has sent an important message that the government is listening to communities.Fracking is and always has been unpopular, both with people facing it off locally and the wider public. The government must now translate its plans to ban fracking permanently into policy, alongside closing a loophole in planning law that still allows it to happen by the backdoor.Andy Burnham is doing a fantastic job as the mayor of Manchester. I actually worked closely with him. We’ve reset that relationship between Westminster and our mayors, and we’re working well together. So I’ve got...

Events

56 h. ago Ed Miliband to announce total ban on fracking – UK politics live

There is not currently a permanent ban in law, just a temporary moratoriumSome people have argued that it is a mistake for Keir Starmer and Labour to talk about Nigel Farage and Reform UK as much as they have. There is a case for saying that this just shores up the credibility of a party with only five MPs, and it switches the news agenda towards immigration and small boats (issues where Reform UK polls well) and away from “Labour issues” like health.And art of this argument is that, by calling the Reform UK migration policy racist, Labour is also making it easier for Farage to leverage grievance (which, as Starmer himself argued in his speech yesterday, is part of what lies behind Reform UK’s electoral support.I think it’s a mistake to pretend this isn’t the fight of our times.If it is the fight of our times, we’ve got to recognise that, and we’ve got to be in it. I think simply ignoring it is a mistake, a political mistake.No, not at all. There is a political fight that has to be ...

Politics

57 h. ago PM brands Channel crossings ‘Farage boats’ because Brexit has hampered returns – UK politics live

PM also says he does not believe Nigel Farage or Reform voters are racistHelena Horton is a Guardian environment reporter.Ed Miliband is due to take to the stage to deliver his speech today, and he is set to announce a “total ban” on fracking.I am about to announce something you have been calling for and campaigning on, which is to ban fracking for good. You called for it, I’m going to do it, thank you for your campaigning.What an amazing result for our environment, our local communities, and the thousands of committed people and groups right across the country who’ve spent years fighting for fracking to be banned for good – including the many who signed 38 Degrees supporter Geoff’s recent petition. Not long ago, it felt like fracking might make a comeback, with Reform UK pushing to put it back on the agenda. But thousands of us stood up, demanded a permanent ban, and made our voices impossible to ignore. Continue reading...

Politics

3 d. ago Nigel Farage hits back after Keir Starmer claims Reform leader 'doesn't like Britain'

LIVE UPDATES: Follow the latest developments from the Labour Party conference in Liverpool where Sir Keir Starmer will make his keynote address as he bids to boost his ailing premiership.

Politics

3 d. ago Labour conference live: Starmer says Farage ‘doesn’t like Britain’ as he ramps up attack on Reform

The prime minister has said Britain stands at a ‘fork in the road’ between decency and division

Events

3 d. ago Labour conference: Sir Keir Starmer says Nigel Farage 'doesn't like Britain' as he warns country faces choice of 'decency or division'

LIVE UPDATES: Follow the latest developments from the Labour Party conference in Liverpool where Sir Keir Starmer will make his keynote address as he bids to boost his ailing premiership.

Events

3 d. ago Labour conference live: Starmer says Farage ‘doesn’t believe in Britain’ as he ramps up attack on Reform

The prime minister has said Britain stands at a ‘fork in the road’ between decency and division

Events

3 d. ago Labour conference live: Starmer to launch fresh attack on ‘divisive’ Farage in keynote speech

Health secretary says Reform UK leader a ‘con artist’ who cannot be trusted with public’s health

Events

3 d. ago LIVE: Keir Starmer to speak at Labour conference amid 'battle for soul' of the nation

The Prime Minister is set to announce several major changes at the Labour Party conference in Liverpool

Events

3 d. ago LIVE: Keir Starmer speaking at Labour conference amid 'battle for soul' of the nation

The Prime Minister is delivering several major changes at the Labour Party conference in Liverpool

Events

3 d. ago Labour conference live: Streeting brands Nigel Farage a ‘snake oil salesman’ in attack over Reform’s NHS plans

Health secretary says Reform UK leader a ‘con artist’ who cannot be trusted with public’s health

Economics

3 d. ago Labour conference: Wes Streeting brands Nigel Farage a 'snake oil salesman' and vows to send Reform leader 'packing' at next election

LIVE UPDATES: Follow the latest developments from the Labour Party conference in Liverpool where Sir Keir Starmer will make his keynote address as he bids to boost his ailing premiership.

Politics

3 d. ago Labour conference live: Farage may ‘do away with NHS’, Streeting warns doctors after strike threats

The prime minister is also expected to use his annual address to expand his attacks on Reform UK

Events

3 d. ago Labour conference: Keir Starmer will say he is fighting for Britain's 'soul' in new attack on Nigel Farage as PM aims to boost ailing premiership

LIVE UPDATES: Follow the latest developments from the Labour Party conference in Liverpool where Sir Keir Starmer will make his keynote address as he bids to boost his ailing premiership.

Politics

3 d. ago Labour conference live: Public can’t trust Farage with the NHS, Streeting warns before Starmer unveils reforms

The prime minister is expected to use his annual address to expand his attacks on Reform UK

Events

3 d. ago Starmer to ramp up attack on Farage and Reform in pivotal Labour party conference speech: Live updates

The prime minister is expected to use his annual address to expand his attacks on Reform UK

Society

3 d. ago Labour conference live: Burnham backs Starmer as he dampens leadership bid rumours

Manchester mayor suggests speculation has stemmed from ‘overwritten’ and ‘inaccurate’ reporting

Politics

4 d. ago Labour members back Burnham over Starmer in new leadership poll by large majority: Live updates

Polling comes amid increasing speculation over Manchester mayor’s Westminster ambitions

Politics

4 d. ago Home secretary Mahmood vows to do ‘whatever it takes’ to stop small boat crossings: Live updates

Shabana Mahmood says she will send migrants home ‘who have no right to be here’

Society