Category: News Story

STORY

Wes Streeting has said Sir Keir Starmer could face a Labour leadership challenge next week, increasing pressure on the Prime Minister ahead of the Makerfield by-election. Streeting, who resigned as Health Secretary, said he believed there was support among Labour MPs for a contest and called on Starmer to consider his position.

Starmer, speaking while attending the G7 summit in France, said he intended to fight any challenge and wanted to turn around Labour’s political position after a difficult period for the Government. He also said Andy Burnham would be a major asset to Labour if he returned to Parliament and indicated that he would be open to offering him a senior role in Government.

The comments came before voters in Makerfield go to the polls in a by-election which could return Burnham to the House of Commons. The contest has become a focus for speculation about Labour’s leadership and the future direction of the Government, with senior figures seeking to manage internal divisions before any formal challenge is launched.

STORY

The Government is facing criticism over its plan to ban under-16s from using major social media platforms, with campaigners, parents and technology companies raising concerns about how the policy will work in practice. Ministers have said social media companies will be blocked from offering services to children under 16 from spring 2027, with the measure intended to protect children from harmful content, addictive design and contact from strangers.

The announcement has been criticised by some safety campaigners and digital rights groups, who said a ban could prove difficult to enforce and may fail to address the design of online platforms. The Molly Rose Foundation warned before the announcement that a rushed ban could “unravel”, while other critics have said children may move to less regulated services, use VPNs or lose access to online spaces they rely on for support. Technology companies including Meta, YouTube and Snapchat have also warned that a blanket ban could have unintended consequences.

The Government has said the plans follow public consultation and form part of wider measures covering social media, livestreaming, stranger contact and AI chatbots. Ministers have said the rules will be enforced through age assurance requirements overseen by Ofcom, rather than by punishing children themselves. The Children’s Commissioner welcomed action to protect children online, but the debate has continued over whether the policy is a workable safeguard or a poorly handled response to wider problems with online safety.

STORY

The Home Affairs Committee is taking evidence on the impact of serious and organised crime on local neighbourhoods. The session was scheduled for 16 June as part of the committee’s work scrutinising crime, policing and Home Office policy.

The inquiry is expected to consider the effect of organised criminal activity on communities, including how national and local agencies respond to criminal networks. The issue includes concerns about drug markets, exploitation, fraud, violence and the use of vulnerable people by organised gangs.

The evidence session comes as crime and policing remain central political issues for the Government and opposition parties. The committee’s work will form part of Parliament’s wider scrutiny of enforcement, prevention and support for affected communities.

STORY

MPs drawn in the Private Members’ Bill ballot are presenting their Bills in the House of Commons this week. Parliament said the presentation of Bills would take place during Commons proceedings on 16 June.

Private Members’ Bills allow backbench MPs to introduce legislation outside the main Government programme, although only a small number usually make significant progress without ministerial support. The ballot gives selected MPs priority for parliamentary time on sitting Fridays.

The presentation of Bills marks the formal start of the process, with full details of individual proposals expected as the Bills are published and given future sitting dates. The Government’s own legislative programme is also continuing, including the Health Bill and other measures introduced in the new session.

STORY

The Steel Industry (Nationalisation) Bill is due to receive its second reading in the House of Lords, after completing its Commons stages earlier this month. The Bill would give ministers powers to bring a steel company into public ownership where this is judged to be in the public interest.

The Government has said the legislation is being fast-tracked because of the need to safeguard the future of the UK steel industry. Parliament’s Lords Library said the Bill completed its House of Commons stages on 9 June and was scheduled for Lords second reading on 16 June.

The legislation does not itself nationalise British Steel, but it would give the Government a route to do so if ministers decide that intervention is necessary. Peers are expected to examine the principles of the Bill and the case for expedited legislation.

STORY

The Health Bill has entered detailed scrutiny in a Public Bill Committee, with MPs taking oral evidence from health leaders, patient groups, charities and former ministers. The committee began its work on 16 June and is expected to continue considering the legislation until July.

Witnesses listed for the first day included representatives from NHS England, the King’s Fund, National Voices, the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges, Healthwatch England, Carers UK, Age UK and other health and care organisations. Jeremy Hunt was also listed to give evidence during the committee’s first evidence session.

The Bill follows the Government’s wider programme of NHS reform and will be considered line by line after the evidence sessions. The committee is expected to report by 16 July, although parliamentary committees can conclude their work earlier.

STORY

Two men have been found guilty in connection with arson attacks on properties linked to Keir Starmer. Roman Lavrynovych and Stanislav Carpiuc were convicted of conspiracy to commit arson following incidents involving a car and properties associated with the Prime Minister.

The attacks took place in May 2025 and included a vehicle previously owned by Starmer, a house in north London and another property linked to his family. Prosecutors said Lavrynovych had communicated through Telegram with a person using the alias El Money, although no national security charges were brought in the case.

A third man, Petro Pochynok, was acquitted. Sentencing is expected to take place later this week, with the case raising concerns about security threats directed at elected politicians and their families.

STORY

Credit rating agencies are assessing the potential fiscal implications of Andy Burnham’s political rise as the Greater Manchester mayor campaigns in the Makerfield by-election. The contest is being watched closely at Westminster because a Labour victory could return Burnham to Parliament and increase speculation about a future Labour leadership challenge.

Reuters reported that Moody’s, Fitch and S&P Global were considering the possible market implications of political instability and any future shift in fiscal policy. The agencies were reported as focusing on whether any change in Labour leadership would alter the Government’s approach to borrowing, investment and debt reduction.

Burnham has said he would maintain fiscal rules, while also arguing for a more interventionist approach to economic policy. The by-election is due to take place on 18 June and is seen as one of the most politically significant parliamentary contests of the year.

STORY

Keir Starmer has met German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the G7 summit in France, with Downing Street confirming that the meeting took place on 15 June. The meeting came as the UK Government sought to maintain close engagement with European allies on Ukraine, defence, energy and economic security. Germany remains one of the UK’s most important European partners, including on NATO, sanctions and wider diplomatic coordination.

The Government has not issued a detailed readout of the discussion beyond confirming the meeting. The talks formed part of a wider programme of bilateral and multilateral meetings during the G7 gathering.

STORY

The UK Government has announced a further package of sanctions against Russia as the Prime Minister attends the G7 summit in France. Downing Street said the measures were intended to increase pressure on Russia’s military, financial and energy networks as the war in Ukraine continues.

The Government said the new measures would target organisations and vessels linked to Russia’s so-called shadow fleet, as well as financial institutions and procurement networks accused of helping Moscow obtain technology for its war effort. The UK also said it would support Ukraine’s energy security, including through arrangements involving enriched uranium for the country’s nuclear power sector.

Keir Starmer said the package was part of the UK’s continued support for Ukraine and its efforts to work with allies to reduce Russia’s ability to fund the war. The announcement came as G7 leaders met to discuss Ukraine, sanctions enforcement, energy security and wider international instability.