Keir Starmer says deportation policies touted by Reform UK ‘would tear our country apart’ – UK politics live

Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, is facing pressure to dismiss Ian Cooper, the leader of Staffordshire County Council, following accusations of racism linked to social media posts. Cooper allegedly made derogatory remarks about a black British lawyer and referred to London Mayor Sadiq Khan in a derogatory manner, prompting calls for his resignation from Labour MPs.

Nigel Farage received a £9 million donation this week, coinciding with his assertion that a merger between Reform UK and the Conservatives before the upcoming general election is 'inevitable.' This development was discussed in a podcast featuring John Harris and Kiran Stacey, who also addressed David Lammy's proposal to eliminate certain jury trials.

Richard Tice, the deputy leader of Reform UK, has dismissed allegations of racism and antisemitism against party leader Nigel Farage, labeling the testimonies of around two dozen former classmates as 'made-up twaddle.' This controversy arises as Farage faces renewed scrutiny over his past behavior during his school days at Dulwich College, where multiple individuals have come forward with claims of his racist conduct.

Reform UK has received a record donation from a former Conservative Party donor, marking a significant financial boost for the party as it prepares for upcoming electoral challenges. This donation comes at a time when the party is navigating internal scrutiny and public perception issues.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has criticized a potential election pact between the Conservatives and Nigel Farage's Reform UK, labeling it an 'alliance of austerity and failure.' This response follows reports that Farage anticipates an electoral deal with the Tories, reminiscent of his previous support for Boris Johnson's Brexit agenda.

Richard Tice, the deputy leader of Reform UK, stated in an interview with Sky News that discussions regarding an electoral pact with the Conservative Party are not taking place at any level. This assertion comes amid ongoing scrutiny of Reform UK's internal challenges and public perception.

George Cottrell, a close aide to Nigel Farage and a prominent figure in Reform UK, is alleged to have acted as a frontman for a betting syndicate led by billionaire Tony Bloom, according to a lawsuit filed in the high court. The documents claim that Cottrell transferred control of his gambling accounts to this syndicate, raising serious questions about his financial dealings and connections.

The UK government has postponed its decision on the approval of China's proposed super-embassy in London until January, coinciding with Labour leader Keir Starmer's anticipated visit to Beijing. This delay follows formal submissions from the Home Office and Foreign Office, which raised no security objections to the plans.