http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/?service=Rss http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/british-troops-could-withdraw-from-germany-under-tories-1825136.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/british-troops-could-withdraw-from-germany-under-tories-1825136.html <p> British troops could be withdrawn from Germany for good, nearly 70 years after the end of the Second World War, if the Conservatives win the general election, it was revealed today. </p> UK Politics Sat, 21 Nov 2009 08:29:08 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/tories-accuse-brown-of-selling-out-the-city-in-deal-with-france-1824924.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/tories-accuse-brown-of-selling-out-the-city-in-deal-with-france-1824924.html ]]> <p>Gordon Brown was accused yesterday of failing to protect the British national interest by handing the French a powerful European post which could allow them to shackle the City of London.</p> UK Politics Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/david-curry-im-yorkshires-secondcheapest-mp-1824941.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/david-curry-im-yorkshires-secondcheapest-mp-1824941.html ]]> <p>The Conservative MP who quit as chairman of Parliament's anti-sleaze committee after allegations that he misused expenses has described the claims against him as fiction "akin to Harry Potter".</p> UK Politics Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/politics-is-a-nice-little-earner-ndash-if-youre-a-tory-1824942.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/politics-is-a-nice-little-earner-ndash-if-youre-a-tory-1824942.html <p>After revelations about duck houses, moats and fake mortgages, many suspected it. Now a Harvard study claims to have proof that the life of a politician really is a nice little earner.</p> UK Politics Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/village-people-21112009-1824947.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/village-people-21112009-1824947.html <p> <b>The plot thickens</b> </p> <p> *Yesterday, we learnt that the Tory MP David Curry has resigned the chairmanship of the Parliamentary Standards Committee because he has been claiming for a second home that he rarely uses because his wife allegedly would not let him because that was where she suspected he had conducted an affair. </p> UK Politics Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/news/illegal-downloaders-face-broadband-limits-1824357.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/news/illegal-downloaders-face-broadband-limits-1824357.html ]]> <p> Internet users who illegally download films and music will run the risk of being cut off from the web under new laws published by the Government today. </p> News Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:20:16 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/expensesrow-mp-dismisses-house-ban-claim-1824513.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/expensesrow-mp-dismisses-house-ban-claim-1824513.html <p> The head of the Commons committee that deals with MPs' expenses abuse dismissed an allegation that his wife banned him from the constituency home he claimed for as "akin to Harry Potter" today. </p> UK Politics Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:00:34 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/brown-well-provide-whats-needed-in-flood-crisis-1824528.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/brown-well-provide-whats-needed-in-flood-crisis-1824528.html <p> The Government will provide anything needed to help during the flooding which has seen hundreds of people evacuated from their homes, Gordon Brown said today. </p> UK Politics Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:01:32 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/police-chiefs-issue-threat-over-tory-plans-1824349.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/police-chiefs-issue-threat-over-tory-plans-1824349.html <p> Chief constables could resign if a Tory government presses ahead with plans to put police forces under the control of directly-elected local commissioners, the senior officers' leader warned today. </p> UK Politics Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:13:10 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/ashcroft-asked-questions-in-lords-about-tropical-idylls-1824107.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/ashcroft-asked-questions-in-lords-about-tropical-idylls-1824107.html ]]> <p>Michael Ashcroft has asked a significant number of questions in the House of Lords about British policy in a region of the Caribbean where he has extensive business interests. Half the questions he has put to ministers since late March have concerned Belize or the Turks and Caicos Islands.</p> UK Politics Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/bnp-signs-its-first-nonwhite-member-1824108.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/bnp-signs-its-first-nonwhite-member-1824108.html ]]> <p>An elderly Sikh who describes Islam as a "beast" and once provided a character reference for Nick Griffin during his racial hatred trial is set to become the British National Party's first non-white member. </p> UK Politics Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/mps-expenses-still-a-mess-1824110.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/mps-expenses-still-a-mess-1824110.html <p>Ministers faced accusations of presiding over a "shambles" last night as they insisted they remained committed to overhauling the MPs' expenses system. They were surprised by protests that the Queen's Speech contained no fresh proposals for reforming Commons expenses.</p> UK Politics Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/benefits-could-be-axed-to-fund-care-for-the-elderly-1824109.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/benefits-could-be-axed-to-fund-care-for-the-elderly-1824109.html <p>Plans to reform social care for the elderly came under fierce attack yesterday when it emerged that key benefits received by millions of pensioners could be axed to pay for the overhaul. Downing Street confirmed it was possible that Disability Living Allowance and Attendance Allowance, paid to disabled pensioners, may be reviewed to pay for a new system of free personal care, labelled by Gordon Brown as a National Care Service. However, ministers made clear that no decisions had been made and anyone who lost benefits would be compensated.</p> UK Politics Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/cameron-keeps-mumsnet-waiting-1824113.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/cameron-keeps-mumsnet-waiting-1824113.html ]]> <p>Gordon Brown got in trouble for dodging an unexpected question on his favourite biscuit during his live webchat with the popular parents' website, Mumsnet.</p> UK Politics Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/harman-faces-driving-charges-1824126.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/harman-faces-driving-charges-1824126.html <p>Harriet Harman, the deputy Labour leader, is to be charged with driving without due care and attention and driving while using a mobile phone, the Crown Prosecution Service announced last night.</p> Crime Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/brown-appeals-to-labour-mps-over-afghan-war-1824121.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/brown-appeals-to-labour-mps-over-afghan-war-1824121.html ]]> <p>Gordon Brown and three cabinet ministers have moved to shore up wavering support among Labour backbenchers for the war in Afghanistan.</p> UK Politics Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/borrowing-to-exceed-darlings-worst-forecast-1824112.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/borrowing-to-exceed-darlings-worst-forecast-1824112.html <p>The Government is heading for borrowing more of than £200bn this year, on the basis of the latest figures on the Treasury's finances, which have been branded "dismal" by economists.</p> UK Politics Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/mp-quits-sleaze-watchdog-role-amid-expenses-probe-1824047.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/mp-quits-sleaze-watchdog-role-amid-expenses-probe-1824047.html <p>The MP in charge of the Commons sleaze watchdog stood down tonight pending an inquiry into his second home allowance claims.</p> UK Politics Thu, 19 Nov 2009 22:08:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/harriet-harman-prosecuted-after-crash-while-using-phone-1823783.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/harriet-harman-prosecuted-after-crash-while-using-phone-1823783.html ]]> <p> Labour deputy leader Harriet Harman faces prosecution for her involvement in a car smash in which she was allegedly using her mobile phone, the Crown Prosecution Service said tonight. </p> UK Politics Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:05:03 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/borrowing-higher-than-expected-at-pound114bn-1823431.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/borrowing-higher-than-expected-at-pound114bn-1823431.html <p> UK borrowing ballooned by a higher than expected £11.4 billion in October, official figures showed today. </p> UK Politics Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:34:46 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/government-plans-unravelling-over-expenses-says-cameron-1823427.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/government-plans-unravelling-over-expenses-says-cameron-1823427.html <p> Tory leader David Cameron today claimed the Government's legislative programme was "unravelling" after ministers were forced to concede they could introduce laws to complete the clean-up of MPs' expenses. </p> UK Politics Thu, 19 Nov 2009 09:44:31 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/brown-tries-to-put-policy-above-personality-1823210.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/brown-tries-to-put-policy-above-personality-1823210.html ]]> <p>Gordon Brown and David Cameron offered two different directions for the country yesterday as the longest general election campaign in recent history got under way.</p> UK Politics Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/why-were-expenses-spared-pm-asked-1823211.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/why-were-expenses-spared-pm-asked-1823211.html <p>The anti-sleaze watchdog attacked Gordon Brown last night for failing to include new legislation to clean up MPs' expenses in the Queen's Speech.</p> UK Politics Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/andrew-grice-the-long-election-campaign-has-begun-1822914.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/andrew-grice-the-long-election-campaign-has-begun-1822914.html <p> Dress rehearsal for the general election this afternoon when Gordon Brown and David Cameron clashed in the Commons at the start of the debate on the Queen's Speech. </p> UK Politics Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:30:41 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/south-african-president-to-make-state-visit-1822897.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/south-african-president-to-make-state-visit-1822897.html ]]> <p> South African President Jacob Zuma will make a state visit to Britain in March, the Queen announced today. </p> UK Politics Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:09:40 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/government-lays-out-election-agenda-1822807.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/government-lays-out-election-agenda-1822807.html ]]> <p> Labour will seek to rush through measures to reform public services and regulation of the banks in the final session of Parliament before the general election. </p> UK Politics Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:58:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/new-rules-could-see-bonus-contracts-torn-up-1822791.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/new-rules-could-see-bonus-contracts-torn-up-1822791.html <p> Bankers will see excessive pay and bonuses contracts torn up if they promote undue risk-taking under tough new rules outlined today in the proposed Financial Services Bill. </p> UK Politics Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:00:15 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/brown-lays-down-election-battle-lines-1822697.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/brown-lays-down-election-battle-lines-1822697.html ]]> <p> The Government unveiled its final legislative package before the general election today, with pledges to help the neediest pensioners and crack down on excesses in the financial sector. </p> UK Politics Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:40:15 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/careathome-plans-for-elderly-outlined-1822773.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/careathome-plans-for-elderly-outlined-1822773.html <p> Plans to extend care for the elderly are at the heart of the Government's final legislative programme before the general election. </p> UK Politics Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:39:19 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/list-of-bills-in-final-legislative-programme-1822699.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/list-of-bills-in-final-legislative-programme-1822699.html <p> Here is a list of the bills in the Government's final legislative programme before the general election: </p> UK Politics Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:28:23 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/temporary-workers-to-get-new-rights--in-2011-1822764.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/temporary-workers-to-get-new-rights--in-2011-1822764.html <p> The Government today confirmed plans to give temporary workers the same rights as permanent staff, but not until 2011, much later than unions had been expecting. </p> UK Politics Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:28:20 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/osborne-will-break-up-the-treasury-empire-1822398.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/osborne-will-break-up-the-treasury-empire-1822398.html <p>George Osborne has vowed to slim down the Treasury should the Tories win power, breaking up the empire built by Gordon Brown during his time as chancellor.</p> UK Politics Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/meet-cyberwoman-the-battleground-for-the-next-election-1822412.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/meet-cyberwoman-the-battleground-for-the-next-election-1822412.html <p>We have had "Worcester Woman", "Mondeo Man", the "Pebbledash People" and others. Every election seems to throw up its special group of voters on whom politicians focus their attention.</p> UK Politics Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/amol-rajan-a-british-politics-of-national-greatness-1822260.html http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/amol-rajan-a-british-politics-of-national-greatness-1822260.html <p> David Brooks argues that Americans have lost some of the optimism for which they were famed. He says the rise of China accentuates their sense that they have largely abandoned an enterprising spirit and energising culture that marked them out from competitors. </p> Commentators Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:32:10 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/john-rentoul-do-the-polls-flatter-labour-1822222.html http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/john-rentoul-do-the-polls-flatter-labour-1822222.html <p> n ICM poll in The Guardian this morning gives the Conservatives a 13-point lead, roughly the same as the 14-point lead in our ComRes poll for The Independent on Sunday at the weekend, and another 14-point lead from YouGov in The Sunday Times. </p> Commentators Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:22:34 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/spy-bosses-to-give-evidence-to-iraq-war-inquiry-1821736.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/spy-bosses-to-give-evidence-to-iraq-war-inquiry-1821736.html <p>Past and present chiefs of MI6 are to be among the first witnesses to give evidence to the official inquiry into the Iraq war, it was disclosed yesterday. </p> UK Politics Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/harman-attacks-call-to-scrap-queens-speech-1821745.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/harman-attacks-call-to-scrap-queens-speech-1821745.html <p>The Government has hit back at Nick Clegg's call for tomorrow's Queen's Speech to be scrapped, accusing the Liberal Democrat leader of "pointless political posturing".</p> UK Politics Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/the-big-question-what-is-the-queens-speech-and-does-it-serve-any-real-purpose-1821766.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/the-big-question-what-is-the-queens-speech-and-does-it-serve-any-real-purpose-1821766.html ]]> UK Politics Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/afghan-mission-vital-to-combating-alqaida-says-brown-1821569.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/afghan-mission-vital-to-combating-alqaida-says-brown-1821569.html <p> Gordon Brown will today issue a vigorous defence of Britain's military mission in Afghanistan as he repeats warnings that the al-Qa'ida terror network poses the biggest source of threat to UK national security. </p> UK Politics Mon, 16 Nov 2009 12:46:06 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/nick-clegg-cancel-the-queens-speech-ndash-and-save-democracy-1821244.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/nick-clegg-cancel-the-queens-speech-ndash-and-save-democracy-1821244.html ]]> <p>Nick Clegg today issues a call for this week's Queen's Speech to be scrapped and replaced by an emergency programme of reform designed to "clean up politics once and for all".</p> UK Politics Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/education-officials-spent-16310m-on-firstclass-fares-1821245.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/education-officials-spent-16310m-on-firstclass-fares-1821245.html <p>Education officials have run up a £10m bill for the taxpayer from first-class rail travel over the last three years. Civil servants bought an estimated 60,000 first-class tickets between 2006 and 2009. The scale of the spending – equivalent to just over 300 teachers' salaries or four new primary schools – provoked anger among opposition MPs and parents' leaders.</p> UK Politics Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/tories-target-newest-bbc-channels-for-spending-cuts-1821255.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/tories-target-newest-bbc-channels-for-spending-cuts-1821255.html <p>The BBC could be forced by an incoming Conservative government to accept a cut in the licence fee and to justify subsidising digital channels such as BBC Three. </p> UK Politics Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/bnp-leader-to-stand-against-minister-1821259.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/bnp-leader-to-stand-against-minister-1821259.html <p>Nick Griffin, the leader of the British National Party, is to challenge Margaret Hodge, the Culture minister, for the Barking constituency at the next General Election.</p> UK Politics Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/a-field-day-for-the-tory-old-guard-1821258.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/a-field-day-for-the-tory-old-guard-1821258.html ]]> <p>David Cameron faces a major challenge to his authority today as local Conservative Party activists meet to decide whether to sack a woman candidate, whom he had favoured, because she once had an extra-marital affair.</p> UK Politics Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/parliamentary-inquiry-misled-on-phone-hacks-1821256.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/parliamentary-inquiry-misled-on-phone-hacks-1821256.html ]]> <p>A parliamentary inquiry into phone hacking by tabloid journalists may have been seriously misled, it emerged yesterday when lawyers acting for a Scotland Yard detective denied that he had ever claimed that messages to 6,000 people had been intercepted.</p> UK Politics Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/education/education-news/childcare-relief-to-stay-1821260.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/education/education-news/childcare-relief-to-stay-1821260.html <p>Ministers were in retreat yesterday over plans to abolish tax relief on childcare vouchers paid to working families. </p> Education News Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/new-speaker-warns-of-watering-down-new-expenses-rules-1821217.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/new-speaker-warns-of-watering-down-new-expenses-rules-1821217.html <p> John Bercow, the Commons Speaker, warned yesterday it would be a “catastrophic mistake” to water down tough plans for sweeping reform of MPs’ expenses. </p> UK Politics Sun, 15 Nov 2009 18:15:21 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/aid-commitment-dropped-from-queens-speech-1820952.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/aid-commitment-dropped-from-queens-speech-1820952.html ]]> <p>A law preventing future governments from cutting back their spending on aid to developing countries has been left out of this week's Queen's Speech, prompting anger from campaigners, it emerged last night</p> UK Politics Sun, 15 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/at-last-pm-eclipses-the-sun-and-enjoys-a-good-week-1820962.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/at-last-pm-eclipses-the-sun-and-enjoys-a-good-week-1820962.html <p>In his telephone call with Rupert Murdoch last Tuesday evening, Gordon Brown, while keeping the tone friendly, warned the owner of The Sun that his paper was effectively undermining Britain's mission in Afghanistan.</p> UK Politics Sun, 15 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/childrens-rights-being-systematically-breached-1820965.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/childrens-rights-being-systematically-breached-1820965.html <p>England is "systematically" breaching international human rights laws protecting children, according to a damning new report released by a coalition of Britain's biggest children's charities to coincide with the 20th anniversary of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.</p> Home News Sun, 15 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/civil-servants-earn-16330m-bonuses-and-claim-16335m-in-fares-1820970.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/civil-servants-earn-16330m-bonuses-and-claim-16335m-in-fares-1820970.html <p>Bureaucrats across Whitehall are pulling in tens of millions of pounds in bonuses at a time when the Government is attempting to cut waste throughout the public services.</p> UK Politics Sun, 15 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/stephen-byers-a-blairite-thorn-in-browns-side-1820721.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/stephen-byers-a-blairite-thorn-in-browns-side-1820721.html <p> Stephen Byers is one of a small group of prominent Blairite "ultras" who have been a thorn in the side of Gordon Brown since he became Prime Minister. </p> UK Politics Sat, 14 Nov 2009 13:38:43 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/stephen-byers-to-quit-as-mp-at-next-general-election-1820715.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/stephen-byers-to-quit-as-mp-at-next-general-election-1820715.html <p> Former Cabinet minister Stephen Byers is to stand down from Parliament at the next general election, he announced today. </p> UK Politics Sat, 14 Nov 2009 11:05:03 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/cultural-olympiad-will-be-a-fiasco-as-big-as-dome-says-tory-spokesman-1820542.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/cultural-olympiad-will-be-a-fiasco-as-big-as-dome-says-tory-spokesman-1820542.html ]]> <p>An arts extravaganza to showcase the finest British creative talent in the run-up to the 2012 London Olympics could become as much of a fiasco as the Millennium Dome, Ed Vaizey, the shadow culture minister, has warned.</p> UK Politics Sat, 14 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/labour-hails-byelection-victory-1820021.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/labour-hails-byelection-victory-1820021.html ]]> <p> Gordon Brown ended a traumatic week on a rare high note as he celebrated Labour’s “tremendous” victory today in the Glasgow North East by-election. </p> UK Politics Fri, 13 Nov 2009 13:30:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/cameron-and-osborne-the-jedward-of-politics-1820218.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/cameron-and-osborne-the-jedward-of-politics-1820218.html ]]> <p> Labour spin chiefs dubbed David Cameron and George Osborne the "Jedward" of British politics today, warning voters: "You won't be laughing if they win." </p> UK Politics Fri, 13 Nov 2009 12:36:24 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/brown-to-push-for-5000-extra-troops-in-afghanistan-1820141.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/brown-to-push-for-5000-extra-troops-in-afghanistan-1820141.html ]]> <p> Prime Minister Gordon Brown said today he believed he could secure a commitment of 5,000 extra troops for the military operation in Afghanistan from Nato and other allies. </p> UK Politics Fri, 13 Nov 2009 09:01:53 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/measuring-labours-glasgow-triumph-1820131.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/measuring-labours-glasgow-triumph-1820131.html <p> Labour's triumph came over as the clear message from Glasgow North East despite the problems of measuring it. </p> UK Politics Fri, 13 Nov 2009 08:16:23 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/slimline-queens-speech-to-push-financial-reform-1819908.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/slimline-queens-speech-to-push-financial-reform-1819908.html ]]> <p>Measures to improve social care for the elderly, create jobs, curb bankers' bonuses and cut the huge public deficit will be included in next Wednesday's final Queen's Speech before the general election.</p> UK Politics Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/brown-to-get-tough-on-student-visas-and-foreign-skilled-workers-1819922.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/brown-to-get-tough-on-student-visas-and-foreign-skilled-workers-1819922.html ]]> <p>Gordon Brown has announced tough new rules on student visas and cut the number of skilled foreign workers allowed into Britain as he acknowledged public concerns over immigration levels.</p> UK Politics Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/why-dimbleby-will-be-giving-bullocks-a-wide-berth-1819606.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/why-dimbleby-will-be-giving-bullocks-a-wide-berth-1819606.html <p> He has been a Question Time stalwart, seeing ‘heavyweights’ like Nick Griffin and Kelvin MacKenzie in the process. But David Dimbleby is tonight missing his first edition in more than 15 years after he finally met his match: a bullock, which injured him in a “farming accident.” </p> UK Politics Thu, 12 Nov 2009 17:28:58 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/tv-bosses-act-over-election-debates-deadlock-1819601.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/tv-bosses-act-over-election-debates-deadlock-1819601.html <p> Broadcasters have proposed three American-style televised debates between Gordon Brown, David Cameron and Nick Clegg at the next general election in a move likely to break the deadlock over leaders’ debates. </p> UK Politics Thu, 12 Nov 2009 17:23:43 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/mps-back-hackers-extradition-fight-1819543.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/mps-back-hackers-extradition-fight-1819543.html <p> An influential committee of MPs today threw its weight behind the campaign to stop computer hacker Gary McKinnon's extradition to the US. </p> UK Politics Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:42:32 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/mandelson-named-undisputed-alpha-male-of-westminster-1819504.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/mandelson-named-undisputed-alpha-male-of-westminster-1819504.html ]]> <p> Lord Mandelson was dubbed the "undisputed alpha male of the Westminster village" today after scooping one of the top accolades at a Westminster awards ceremony. </p> UK Politics Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:16:20 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/brown-details-tighter-immigration-rules-1819238.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/brown-details-tighter-immigration-rules-1819238.html <p> Prime Minister Gordon Brown today announced a review of student visas to clamp down on people applying to study in the UK with the intention of working illegally when they get here. </p> UK Politics Thu, 12 Nov 2009 11:07:52 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/griffin-announces-alliance-of-eu-nationalist-parties-1819266.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/griffin-announces-alliance-of-eu-nationalist-parties-1819266.html <p> BNP leader Nick Griffin today announced a new political alliance to fight "this monstrous federal Europe". </p> UK Politics Thu, 12 Nov 2009 10:52:09 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/where-mod-bonuses-could-have-been-spent-1819228.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/where-mod-bonuses-could-have-been-spent-1819228.html <p> Bereaved families said almost £300 million which has been spent on bonuses for civil servants at the Ministry of Defence since the start of the war in Iraq should have been spent on equipment for troops instead. </p> UK Politics Thu, 12 Nov 2009 08:43:28 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/anger-over-mod-civil-servants-bonuses-1819227.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/anger-over-mod-civil-servants-bonuses-1819227.html <p> Families of soldiers killed in Afghanistan and Iraq today reacted angrily to news that civil servants at the Ministry of Defence shared performance bonuses of almost £300 million since the start of the war in Iraq. </p> UK Politics Thu, 12 Nov 2009 08:41:18 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/has-cameron-done-a-deal-with-murdoch-1819010.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/has-cameron-done-a-deal-with-murdoch-1819010.html ]]> <p>David Cameron has been accused of making a "contract" with Britain's biggest media company to trade political support before an election for government favours afterwards if the Tories win.</p> UK Politics Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/exministers-call-for-vote-on-war-in-afghanistan-1819011.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/exministers-call-for-vote-on-war-in-afghanistan-1819011.html ]]> <p>The challenge to Gordon Brown's authority from within his own party grew last night as four former ministers joined calls for a Commons vote on the war in Afghanistan. They are pressing for an early parliamentary debate on Britain's military role and objectives in the country, and a timetable for pulling out of the region.</p> UK Politics Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/labour-confident-of-success-in-byelection-1819018.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/labour-confident-of-success-in-byelection-1819018.html <p>Labour is quietly confident that history will not repeat itself today when voters go to the polls in a parliamentary by-election in Glasgow North East.</p> UK Politics Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/mandelson-to-become-governments-tv-face-1819017.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/mandelson-to-become-governments-tv-face-1819017.html <p>Lord Mandelson will become the "public face" of the Government by giving regular televised press conferences as it tries to sharpen its message in the run-up to the general election.</p> UK Politics Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/britain-offers-land-for-cyprus-reunification-1819028.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/britain-offers-land-for-cyprus-reunification-1819028.html <p>The UK would give up tracts of its military bases in Cyprus if reunification talks are successful, Gordon Brown said yesterday.</p> UK Politics Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/iindependent-livei-in-a-democracy-changes-are-made-by-us-1819024.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/iindependent-livei-in-a-democracy-changes-are-made-by-us-1819024.html ]]> <p>"Is politics in crisis?" was the focus of last night's third Independent Live! event, which took place in Brighton. The debate, chaired by <i>The Independent's</i> chief political commentator Steve Richards, also saw panellists Johann Hari, Yasmin Alibhai-Brown, Simon Fanshawe and former Conservative MP Michael Brown discuss topics including the use of secret evidence and global warming.</p> UK Politics Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/independent-live-podcast-is-politics-in-crisis-1814027.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/independent-live-podcast-is-politics-in-crisis-1814027.html ]]> <p> Independent Live, our series of free debates featuring commentators from The Independent, returned in Brighton for a debate on the state of politics in the UK. </p> UK Politics Wed, 11 Nov 2009 22:00:08 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/miliband-picks-election-battle-over-eu-role-1818755.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/miliband-picks-election-battle-over-eu-role-1818755.html <p> Foreign Secretary David Miliband firmly ruled himself out of contention for the role of European foreign minister today, saying he wanted to "stay and fight" the general election. </p> UK Politics Wed, 11 Nov 2009 18:21:07 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/andrew-grice-a-new-gordon-brown-1818728.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/andrew-grice-a-new-gordon-brown-1818728.html <p> David Cameron went on the attack over youth unemployment at Prime Minister's Questions this afternoon. </p> UK Politics Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:25:46 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/big-society-is-the-solution-to-poverty-declares-cameron-1818209.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/big-society-is-the-solution-to-poverty-declares-cameron-1818209.html <p>The Conservatives will replace Labour's "big government" with a "big society" which would be more effective at tackling poverty, David Cameron pledged last night.</p> UK Politics Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/three-more-government-drugs-advisers-quit-1818211.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/three-more-government-drugs-advisers-quit-1818211.html <p>Alan Johnson failed in an attempt to defuse the damaging row between the Government and Britain's top scientists after three more of his drugs advisers resigned last night.</p> UK Politics Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/bob-ainsworth-the-conflict-in-afghanistan-is-one-of-necessity-not-choice-1818047.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/bob-ainsworth-the-conflict-in-afghanistan-is-one-of-necessity-not-choice-1818047.html <p> Tomorrow, as we commemorate military sacrifice, my thoughts will be with our forces on the frontline in Afghanistan. </p> UK Politics Tue, 10 Nov 2009 16:46:57 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/anger-at-cloak-of-secrecy-for-freemason-judges-1818043.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/anger-at-cloak-of-secrecy-for-freemason-judges-1818043.html <p> Jack Straw's decision to no longer force applicants for the judiciary to declare if they are Freemasons was today branded a "disgrace" by a Labour MP. </p> UK Politics Tue, 10 Nov 2009 16:44:20 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/andrew-grice-sombre-brown-1817954.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/andrew-grice-sombre-brown-1817954.html <p> A very sombre Gordon Brown on display at his Downing Street press conference this morning, the first of these once-monthly events since July. Inevitably, it was dominated by Afghanistan. He wore a black tie and it felt a bit odd when he spoke slowly and deliberately about the NHS too. He brought the presser to an end so that it did not clash with the bodies of six other servicemen killed in the conflict arriving home. </p> UK Politics Tue, 10 Nov 2009 12:14:06 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/oliver-wright-oops-how-the-telegraph-got-it-wrong-1817937.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/oliver-wright-oops-how-the-telegraph-got-it-wrong-1817937.html <p> Interesting to see that The Telegraph has taken down what was the main story in their newspaper this morning from the home page of their website . </p> UK Politics Tue, 10 Nov 2009 11:24:20 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/brown-pays-tribute-to-troops-killed-in-afghanistan-1817929.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/brown-pays-tribute-to-troops-killed-in-afghanistan-1817929.html ]]> <p> Prime Minister Gordon Brown today paid tribute to British servicemen who have died in Afghanistan, as the remains of six fallen troops were repatriated to the UK. </p> UK Politics Tue, 10 Nov 2009 11:03:39 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/john-rentoul/john-rentoul-david-milibands-threat-to-brown-1817910.html http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/john-rentoul/john-rentoul-david-milibands-threat-to-brown-1817910.html <p> Oops. The Times, unexpectedly, this morning asks Number 168 in my series of Questions to Which the Answer is No: Is David Miliband seeking the role of EU foreign minister? </p> John Rentoul Tue, 10 Nov 2009 10:12:46 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/dead-soldiers-mother-confronts-pm-over-lack-of-equipment-1817889.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/dead-soldiers-mother-confronts-pm-over-lack-of-equipment-1817889.html <p> Gordon Brown was confronted over the lack of equipment for British troops by the mother of a dead soldier when he called to offer his condolences. </p> UK Politics Tue, 10 Nov 2009 08:08:48 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/ministers-cancel-big-brother-database-1817708.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/ministers-cancel-big-brother-database-1817708.html ]]> <p>Plans to store information about every phone call, email and internet visit in the United Kingdom have in effect been abandoned by the Government.</p> UK Politics Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/mortified-pm-apologises-over-condolence-note-1817718.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/mortified-pm-apologises-over-condolence-note-1817718.html ]]> <p>Gordon Brown has apologised to the mother of a soldier killed in Afghanistan after misspelling her name in a letter of condolence.</p> UK Politics Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/labour-forces-secret-inquests-bill-through-the-commons-1817711.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/labour-forces-secret-inquests-bill-through-the-commons-1817711.html <p>Secret inquests which will bar bereaved families and the public from attending hearings into controversial deaths were forced through Parliament last night.</p> UK Politics Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/brown-government-even-more-unpopular-than-majors-1817667.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/brown-government-even-more-unpopular-than-majors-1817667.html <p> Labour has failed to dent the Conservatives’ opinion poll lead as David Cameron’s party improves its ratings on the economy, according to The Independent’s latest “poll of polls”. </p> UK Politics Mon, 09 Nov 2009 18:02:11 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/10-new-nuclear-power-stations-named-1817643.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/10-new-nuclear-power-stations-named-1817643.html ]]> <p> A huge expansion of nuclear power was signalled by the Government today as it named 10 sites where new power stations could be built. </p> UK Politics Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:08:16 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/pm-contacts-bereaved-mother-over-misspelt-letter-1817487.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/pm-contacts-bereaved-mother-over-misspelt-letter-1817487.html ]]> <p> Gordon Brown said today that he had apologised to the grieving mother of a soldier killed in Afghanistan for "any unintended mistake" in a hand-written letter of condolence. </p> UK Politics Mon, 09 Nov 2009 13:40:40 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/andrew-grice-waiting-for-obama-1817586.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/andrew-grice-waiting-for-obama-1817586.html <p> What were armed services chiefs and politicians talking about in the margins of the Remembrance Sunday ceremony in Whitehall yesterday? I am told two words kept coming up. "President" and "Obama. </p> UK Politics Mon, 09 Nov 2009 12:57:04 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/amol-rajan-neither-brown-nor-we-deserve-this-propaganda-1817581.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/amol-rajan-neither-brown-nor-we-deserve-this-propaganda-1817581.html <p> Iain Dale is essentially right and more measured than I am prepared to be. </p> UK Politics Mon, 09 Nov 2009 12:16:52 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/country-needs-nuclear-power-government-insists-1817488.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/country-needs-nuclear-power-government-insists-1817488.html <p> The Government today insisted the country needed nuclear power as it prepared to unveil plans to fast-track a new generation of nuclear power stations. </p> UK Politics Mon, 09 Nov 2009 08:30:29 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/johnson-we-need-a-debate-on-migration-1817248.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/johnson-we-need-a-debate-on-migration-1817248.html ]]> UK Politics Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/tories-finally-come-clean-on-ashcroft-tax-status-1817257.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/tories-finally-come-clean-on-ashcroft-tax-status-1817257.html ]]> <p>The Conservative Party sought to defuse the controversy over its deputy chairman, Lord Ashcroft, yesterday by confirming that he is paying tax in Britain.</p> UK Politics Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/johnson-has-no-regrets-over-sacked-drugs-adviser-1817250.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/johnson-has-no-regrets-over-sacked-drugs-adviser-1817250.html <p>Alan Johnson remains unrepentant over the controversial sacking of his chief adviser on drugs and is surprised about the outcry from scientists over the decision.</p> UK Politics Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/plans-to-fasttrack-new-nuclear-power-stations-1817157.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/plans-to-fasttrack-new-nuclear-power-stations-1817157.html <p> Plans to fast-track a new generation of nuclear power stations are set to be unveiled by the Government, it was reported today. </p> UK Politics Sun, 08 Nov 2009 15:50:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/drive-to-tackle-youth-unemployment-1817186.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/drive-to-tackle-youth-unemployment-1817186.html <p> Thousands of jobs for young people are expected to be announced this week as part of the Government's drive to tackle youth unemployment. </p> UK Politics Sun, 08 Nov 2009 15:41:16 +0000