On the ground in the refugee and asylum capital of Britain - podcast

The article explores the first six months of the Reform party's governance in local authorities and councils in the UK. It examines their approach to leadership and whether they are fulfilling their commitments to the public.

MPs are pressing HMRC for explanations regarding a child benefit error that led to the suspension of payments for 23,500 families, wrongly flagged for fraud due to incorrect data suggesting they had left the UK. Labour MP Meg Hillier is seeking clarity on the decision-making process and whether affected families will receive compensation.

A recent investigation by the BBC reveals a crime network operating behind UK mini-marts that facilitates illegal work for migrants. Undercover reporters discovered how simple it is to profit from selling illegal vapes and cigarettes, highlighting serious concerns about exploitation and the underground economy.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves is contemplating cutting funding for energy-efficient homes to help reduce energy bills by up to £170. However, industry insiders warn that this move could have disastrous consequences for the green energy sector.

Gopichand Hinduja, the head of the UK's richest family, has passed away at the age of 85. He played a significant role in expanding his father's small textile and trading businesses into a global conglomerate.

The chancellor is considering breaking a long-standing taboo on income tax, believing that voters might accept a broken promise if it leads to significant investment. This move echoes past efforts, like those of Denis Healey in 1975, aimed at addressing economic crises.

Top lawyers in the UK are raising alarms over a concerning trend in political rhetoric that targets migrants, particularly after a Conservative MP hinted at deporting legally settled families. This 'race to the bottom' in political discourse is creating fear among minority ethnic Britons, highlighting the urgent need for a change in how politicians discuss immigration. The implications of such threats could lead to increased division and anxiety within communities, making it crucial for leaders to foster a more inclusive dialogue.

A new proposal in the UK aims to criminalize protests outside the homes of Members of Parliament, potentially leading to six months in prison for demonstrators. This move raises significant concerns about the right to protest and freedom of expression, as it could deter citizens from voicing their opinions on political issues. The implications of such a law could stifle democratic engagement and set a troubling precedent for civil liberties in the country.

A recent investigation by the BBC has uncovered a crime network operating behind UK mini-marts, facilitating illegal work for migrants. Undercover reporters revealed how simple it is to profit from selling illegal vapes and cigarettes, raising serious concerns about exploitation and the underground economy.

In a historic victory speech, New York mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani took a stand against oligarchy and authoritarianism, directly addressing Donald Trump. This comes as Democrats celebrate significant wins in key elections, including the California redistricting vote and gubernatorial races in New Jersey and Virginia.

In a heated exchange, Alex Antic has criticized Sussan Ley after she condemned the insensitive comments made by Coalition colleagues regarding abortion. The remarks have sparked outrage among Liberal women, who expressed their horror at the situation.

Academics are pushing back against claims made by the Nationals regarding net zero costing, stating that their research has been misrepresented. They clarify that their findings are based on assumptions related to costs for overseas customers rather than Australians.

In a thrilling election night, Zohran Mamdani emerged as New York City's youngest mayor since 1892, declaring his victory a 'mandate for change' in his speech. This moment marks a significant shift in the city's leadership.

Zohran Mamdani's recent victory in the New York mayoral election is seen as a refreshing change for the Democratic party, which has been criticized for lacking direction. His engaging personality and strong focus on affordability resonated with voters, suggesting a potential revival for the party.