Russian cargo ship anchors over undersea cables in Bristol Channel

A Russian cargo ship dropped anchor in the Bristol Channel near undersea data cables amid growing concerns around Russia’s shadow fleet.

The Sinegorsk cargo ship, sailing under the Russian flag, cruised into the Bristol Channel on Tuesday night and appeared to anchor about two miles off Minehead, on the north coast of Somerset, near to where vital undersea telecom cables, connecting Britain to the US, Canada, Spain and Portugal, lie.

Data from MarineTraffic showed the ship sailing up the British Channel on Tuesday night and stopping two nautical miles off Minehead around 11pm, where it remained stationary until 2pm on Wednesday.

A coastguard surveillance aeroplane, registered G-HMGC, appeared to scramble from Newquay and spent half an hour circling the ship on Wednesday morning, according to FlightRadar. The Royal Navy reportedly deployed a Wildcat helicopter to survey the ship, according to The Telegraph. It has since moved south and was last spotted off the coast of the Isles of Scilly.

The ship came within less than a mile of several undersea data cables, including the TGN Atlantic cable system, which connects Britain to New Jersey. A pair of cables, part of the TGN Western Europe cable system, connects the UK to Spain and Portugal. Another cable, EXA Express, links the UK to Nova Scotia in Canada.

Sinegorsk’s last recorded port call was three weeks ago at Arkhangelsk, Russia, a major trading port where Russia’s Northern Fleet has a naval base, shipping data confirms.

While it is understood that the Sinegorsk is not part of the Russian shadow fleet, it is the latest Russian vessel to cause concern amid a growing number of incursions in British waters since Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine almost four years ago.

The term, shadow fleet, is used to describe Russia’s practice of using an old collection of ships, often tankers flying under false flags, in order to smuggle sanctioned goods, such as oil.

The Ministry of Defence has imposed sanctions on over 500 Russia-related shadow fleet oil tankers and 16 LNG tankers to date, forcing 200 ships off the seas, believed to be almost half of its capacity.

A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said: “Deterring, disrupting and degrading the Russian shadow fleet is a priority for this government – alongside our allies, we are stepping up our response to shadow vessels.

“We are acutely aware of the threat posed by Russia, which includes attempts to map undersea cables, networks, and pipelines belonging to both the UK and our allies, and we are tackling these threats head-on. The Royal Navy constantly monitors our seas, including safeguarding critical infrastructure such as underwater cables and offshore structures.”

First sea lord general Sir Gwyn Jenkins warned in December that there had been a “30 per cent increase in Russian incursion in our waters” just over the past two years.

The activity is most visibly seen in the presence of Russian spy ships like the Yantar operating near UK waters, he said, but warned: “It’s what’s going on under the waves that most concerns me.”

“I can also tell you today that the advantage that we have enjoyed in the Atlantic since the end of the Second World War is at risk,” Sir Gwyn said. “We are holding on, but not by much. There is no room for complacency. Our would-be opponents are investing billions. We have to step up, or we will lose that advantage.

“We cannot let that happen, as the Secretary of State for Defence said recently in his message direct to (Russian President Vladimir) Putin, we see you and we know what you are doing.”

A Department for Transport spokesperson said: “We issued a clear warning as a first step to the SINEGORSK vessel to leave UK waters after it entered to undertake essential safety repairs. This directive has been complied with, and the vessel has left UK waters.

“We continue to take strong action against Russian-flagged ships, as well as to deter, disrupt and degrade the shadow fleet by stepping up our response through tough sanctions.”

Starmer secures visa-free travel deal for Britons visiting China

Sir Keir Starmer has secured a deal on visa-free travel to China for UK citizens during his visit to Beijing, Downing Street has announced.

Britons will be able to travel to China for 30 days without a visa under the new deal, which will apply to both tourists and business travellers and brings the UK into line with 50 other countries, including France and Germany.

Sir Keir said: “As one of the world’s economic powerhouses, businesses have been crying out for ways to grow their footprints in China.

“We’ll make it easier for them to do so, including via relaxed visa rules for short-term travel, supporting them to expand abroad, all while boosting growth and jobs at home.”

Sir Keir and the Chinese leadership also agreed to work towards an agreement on trade in services, setting out clear rules for UK companies doing business in China.

The deal on visas could be significant in terms of helping the UK with economic growth by opening up opportunities between the two countries.

But it comes at a time of concerns over Chinese espionage in the UK, with the trial of two alleged spies for Beijing in parliament recently collapsing.

A number of political figures have also pushed for the UK to erect further barriers with China over attempts to steal UK copyright, as well as human rights abuses in Hong Kong, where the activist and British citizen Jimmy Lai has been imprisoned.

But the deal comes as Sir Keir pushes for investment in the UK – and at a time when Donald Trump has erected tariffs which have hit relations with the US, the UK’s biggest trade partner.

Sir Keir has also agreed a data-sharing deal to help tackle the small boats crisis, with 60 per cent of the engines used in the craft by organised criminal gangs coming from China.

Earlier, Sir Keir had told the president he wanted a “more sophisticated” relationship with China at the start of the meeting, while Mr Xi said relations had been through some “twists and turns” in recent years.

He met Mr Xi at the Great Hall of the People on the first morning of his trip to China, the first by a UK prime minister since 2018.

Afterwards, the prime minister said: “We made some really good progress on tariffs for whisky, on visa-free travel to China and on information exchange and cooperation on irregular migration, focusing particularly on small boats and engine parts.

“So a very good, constructive meeting with real outcomes – and that’s very much in our national interest.”

The meeting, which lasted about an hour and 20 minutes, was the second between the two men and represents the culmination of months of preparation for Sir Keir’s visit as he seeks to reset relations between the two countries.

China had said, in its own readout of the meeting, that it was willing to “actively consider” implementing unilateral visa-free entry for the UK.

Downing Street’s readout said the two leaders “agreed they would continue to enhance cooperation on areas of mutual interest, while maintaining frank and open dialogue on areas of disagreement”.

“The prime minister raised areas of concern to the United Kingdom,” No 10 added.

Sir Keir is understood to regard meetings with the Chinese leadership as crucial for Britain, as he seeks to emphasise the practical benefits of engaging with Beijing.

To that end, he arrived alongside a delegation of 54 representatives of British businesses and cultural institutions looking to deepen ties with the country.

‘Madonna is my idol – now she’s a regular at my Margate restaurant’

A restaurant owner in Margate has recounted his joy at cooking for one of his idols, Madonna, after she praised the venue as her “favourite Italian restaurant” during a recent visit.

The pop icon hailed the trendy seaside town as her “idea of heaven” in a post to her 20 million followers on Instagram after visiting the southeast coast in support of her friend Dame Tracey Emin’s residency programme for artists.

It is reportedly the second time the global superstar has visited the town in three months, and both times she’s dined at Cantina Caruso, the sister restaurant to Bottega Carusa, a small traditional restaurant specialising in fresh pasta which The Guardian praised as “possibly some of the best Italian food in modern Britain”.

Opened eight years ago by Harry Ryder and his partner Simona Di Dio, it is inspired by the food, recipes and wines from her hometown, Foglianise, a small village an hour away from Naples in Benevento Province, Campania.

Speaking to The Independent, Mr Ryder said: “It was really lovely to get a mention, a really nice surprise.

“We have a wine bar next door, Cantina, as well as the Bottega, and a small private space. She was in the private space. We’ve cooked for her before, a few times.”

He added: “She’s super nice, great fun. It’s odd hosting your idols as I’ve been listening to Madonna since I was about seven years old. But she’s really lovely.

“January’s quite a bleak time, so it’s a really nice boost, and it’s been great for the whole town, especially the arts scene.”

Madonna and Dame Tracey both dined on the set-menu, which features signature dishes like Simona’s grandmother’s recipe of greens and beans, polpette di pane, homemade lasagna and tiramisu.

On her social media, the 67-year-old said: “On top of all of that [visiting arts in Margate], I get to eat at my favourite Italian restaurant which I’m not giving anyone the name of because then everyone’s going to go there and it only has one table!!”

Dishes on their menu at Bottega Caruso include fresh pasta with fennel sausage and squash ragu, Italian meatloaf in girolles sauce, slow braised local squid, and house-cured pork loin. Their wine bar next door also serves natural wines by the glass, as well as apertitivo-style cocktails and small plates.

Other deli essentials such as fresh pasta, chocolates and olive oil are also sold, while the couple and their staff host regular cooking workshops, private events and wine tastings.

On Tripadvisor, one customer wrote: “BELIEVE THE HYPE! This place is outstanding. Absolutely cannot fault it. Staff were lovely, food DIVINE, wine glorious… mmmm. I’ve been thinking about the salt cod and beef ragu for the past two weeks… Cant wait to go back.”

Another said: “This small friendly restaurant never fails to deliver – its our ‘go to’ restaurant whenever we are visiting Margate, that’s if we can get a table. Food is excellent and service is informed and friendly. The only downside is that its nearly always booked well in advance. Italian homemade cooking at its best.”

With a growing arts scene and the opening of several craft breweries and well-reviewed dining spots, Margate is increasingly becoming a tourist hotspot for those looking for a break from the city. Situated just 80 miles from London and easily reached by train from St Pancras International, London Victoria or Charing Cross, it has seen a recent influx of creatives relocating to the Victorian seaside town.

Sharing a photo with Turner Prize winner Dame Tracey, Madonna wrote: “I have known Tracey [Emin] for over 25 years and I’ve always been a fan of her extremely personal and provocative work. But what she has created in this community by the sea is quite remarkable.

“She has an artist residency programme where she invites young artists from all around the world to come and paint and live for several months, artists who otherwise would have no place to paint and develop their talent and be a part of the many exhibitions that happen around Margate.

“I’ve been there a few times now and I’m always struck by the commitment and passion of all of these artists. Hungry, possessed, and extremely grateful to have this opportunity. They all have very touching stories to share and honestly it’s so refreshing to witness them working in such a dedicated way.”

The singer, who is behind hits such as ‘Like a Prayer’ and ‘Material Girl’ has recently released her remix album Veronica Electronica as well as Bedtime Stories: The Untold Chapter, which gave fans a collection of remixes and outtakes from her 1994 album.

Raducanu sacks latest coach after scathing Australian Open criticism

Emma Raducanu has split from her coach, Francisco Roig, after lamenting that she had lost her tennis “identity” following her tame second-round defeat at the Australian Open.

The former US Open champion said following her loss to Anastasia Potapova that she wanted to “re-evaluate” her game and work on playing like she did when she was younger, in comments that appeared to signal her unhappiness at some of Roig’s instructions.

The Spaniard, who was part of Rafael Nadal’s team for 16 of his 22 grand slam titles, joined the Raducanu camp in August and before the US Open, but the British No 1 will now head in a different direction after confirming her latest coaching change.

A Raducanu statement on social media read: “Francis, thank you for our time together. You have been more than a coach to me and I will cherish the many good times we spent together on and off the court.

“While we have come to the conclusion together that we ought not to move forward, please know that I am very grateful for all you have taught me and fond of our time together.”

Last season, Raducanu enjoyed her best run of results working under coach and commentator Mark Petchey, as she reached the quarter-finals of the Miami Open, but he was unable to commit to a full schedule on tour due to his TV commentating commitments.

Raducanu is now looking for another permanent coach as the carousel of appointments since her US Open triumph in 2021 continues, having made the decision to not stick with Andrew Richardson following her remarkable grand slam victory as an 18-year-old qualifier.

She went into Wimbledon in 2022 under the short-term guidance of mentor Jane O’Donoghue, having dismissed Torben Beltz after six months. Dmitry Tursunov warned of “red flags” following a short trial period, and Sebastian Sachs only lasted 10 matches as Raducanu underwent wrist and ankle surgeries in 2023.

When Raducanu returned, there was an improvement under another former childhood coach, Nick Cavaday, but after working together for the entire 2024 season, he was forced to step down following last year’s Australian Open due to health reasons. Slovenian, Vlado Platenik, was then dismissed following a 14-day trial.

Although Raducanu spoke highly of Roig and their partnership was extended following a more positive 2025 season where the 23-year-old returned to the world’s top 30, there appeared to be differences when it came to her forehand shot, with the Spaniard pushing for a longer swing and Raducanu preferring a shorter, earlier strike.

After her defeat to Potapova, where the British No 1 was subdued and barely interacted with her coaching box, Raducanu said: “I think I want to be playing a different way, and I think the misalignment with how I’m playing right now and how I want to be playing is something that I just want to work on.

“At the end of the day, I just want to hit the ball to the corners and hard. I feel like I’m doing all this variety and it’s not doing what I want it to do. I need to just work on playing in a way more similar to how I was playing when I was younger.

“I always just changed direction, took the ball early, and went for it. I think I do have the ability to do many things on the court, but I feel like as I’m learning all those skills, it’s like I need to stick to my guns a bit as well and work on that.”

Raducanu is next expected to play at the Transylvania Open in her father’s home country of Romania. The indoor hard-court WTA 250 event begins on 1 February, with Raducanu set to appear there for the first time since 2021.

Former Radio 1 DJ Andy Kershaw ‘unable to walk’ after cancer diagnosis

Popular former BBC Radio DJ Andy Kershaw is “unable to walk” after being diagnosed with cancer that affected his spine.

The presenter, 66, has been undergoing treatment including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, physiotherapy and “a lot of scans and painkillers”, his friend and podcast producer Peter Everett shared on Facebook this week.

Kershaw, who hosted shows for Radio 1 and also co-presented the BBC’s TV coverage of Live Aid in 1985, was diagnosed last August.

“Although we’ve not been able to put together any podcasts in the last six months, we are very grateful to all the patrons and supporters who have stuck with us,” Everett said.

He then shared a message from Kershaw himself, who said: “I am in good spirits, feeling very positive and planning another podcast.

“I am determined not to die before Benjamin Netanyahu, Vladimir Putin, Donald Trump and Ant’n’Dec. That should keep me going for a while.”

Everett said the many messages of support and good wishes sent to Kershaw were “hugely appreciated”.

Born in Rochdale, Kershaw – the brother of fellow broadcaster Liz Kershaw – grew up a fan of artists such as Bob Dylan and went to university with the aim of becoming a journalist.

After arriving in London in 1984, where he secured a job as roadie and driver for singer-songwriter Billy Bragg, he was enlisted as a new presenter for BBC 2’s Whistle Test.

He then got his own show on Radio 1 the following year, which he presented for 15 years before being sacked, as his website states, “to be replaced by another dance music programme”.

Kershaw went on to work at Radio 3 while also making travel documentaries for Channel 4.

He became a tabloid fixture in 2008 after his 17-year marriage ended over infidelity on his part, which he admitted to.

His ex-wife, Juliette Banner, left him and obtained a court order to keep him away from their two children; Kershaw repeatedly broke the terms of the order and was imprisoned three times before going on the run.

He ended up developing an alcohol dependency and was temporarily homeless: “Nobody, not even my allies within the serious media, bothered to look at what was really going on,” he told The Independent at the time. “All I wanted to do was see my children, so why was I in jail? Why was I on the run? It was ridiculous, insane.”

In 2012, he published an autobiography, titled No Off Switch, which detailed his improbable rise through UK media, including his work as a war correspondent.

“It’s an insatiable curiosity, basically, a nosiness,” he told The Independent that year of his approach to music and life. “I think initially Radio 1 wanted another [John] Peel, but I got quickly bored of those awful, insipid demo tapes I was receiving from Liverpudlian indie acts, especially as I was beginning to discover properly fantastic, amazing music from Malawi, the Congo, South Africa.

“The way I saw it, this was music that would have an appeal way beyond the circle of African music aficionados. And the letters I received from enthusiastic listeners suggested I was right.”

What the future of travel looks like in 2026

Are we done with viral hotspots? According to travel comparison site KAYAK’s WTF (that’s What The Future, by the way) 2026 trends report, the era of copy-paste travel may finally be winding down. Not because people are travelling less – quite the opposite – but because they’re travelling differently.

Drawing on billions of user searches, an independent survey from more than 14,000 Gen Z and Millennial travellers – including over 2,000 next-gen UK travellers – and exclusive TikTok community insights, KAYAK’s report shows a shift away from headline destinations and performative travel. In their place? Shorter breaks, quieter cities, better value and experiences that feel personal rather than pre-approved.

Here’s what that looks like in practice, and where those trends could take you.

The next “it” destination, it turns out, is the one you haven’t already seen 50 times on your phone. According to KAYAK, 71 per cent of Gen Z and 75 per cent of Millennials actively want to visit places they’ve never been before, while TikTok posts tagged #hiddengems are up more than 50 per cent. Saturation is the new turn-off.

Cork fits that brief neatly. Long treated as a stopping point on the way to somewhere else, Ireland’s second city still flies under the algorithmic radar. Yet it rewards curiosity in small, satisfying ways: a walkable centre, a burgeoning food scene and easy access to coastline and countryside without the fanfare.

Base yourself near Shandon rather than around the busier quays, and start the day with a stroll along the River Lee before the city fully wakes up. For dinner, follow locals to the English Market at lunchtime, then head out to Ballycotton or Garretstown the next morning.

Travellers aren’t cancelling trips in 2026, they’re financing them more creatively. Nearly 30 per cent of Gen Z and Millennial travellers say installment plans will determine how many trips they take, while KAYAK data shows international fares from the UK sitting almost exactly where they were last year. Add a 52 per cent rise in the use of flight price alerts and the picture becomes clear: deal-hunting has gone mainstream.

This shift favours cities that deliver substance without sticker shock. Bilbao still fits the bill, but it’s the city’s everyday pleasures that offer the real value. Skip the Guggenheim café and eat at Gure Toki or Sorginzulo for pintxos done properly. Better still, cross the river into Deusto at lunchtime, where menus del día feel resolutely local and prices soften noticeably. Savvy travellers are stretching budgets without sacrificing experience, and places like Bilbao are making it easy for them.

Forget souvenirs. In 2026, it’s goosebumps people are packing for. More than half of travellers say natural wonders will shape their plans, and 34 per cent list awe-inspiring experiences as a top priority. That’s driving renewed interest in northern landscapes, but not always the obvious ones.

While Tromsø continues to top bucket lists, travellers looking for something fresher are turning towards Christchurch, New Zealand as a gateway rather than a destination in itself. From here, the night skies of the Canterbury plains offer serious dark-sky credentials without the premium price tags of more famous stargazing spots. Pair it with a drive to Lake Tekapo or a night at Mt John Observatory, and prepare to be amazed as the universe puts on one of its more impressive galactic light shows.

AI has officially replaced your mate who “went once and loved it”. Nearly six in 10 travellers say they’d change destination if AI suggested somewhere better, and half would do so for a better deal. Notably, 44 per cent of AI prompts are now about value, not inspiration.

AI can also steer travellers toward lesser-visited cities that prioritise authentic, local experiences over familiar tourist circuits. Fukuoka, in particular, remains one of the country’s most liveable and engaging destinations, offering a compelling blend of modern convenience and rich cultural heritage. Base yourself near Hakata Station for better-value hotels, then eat like a local at the yatai food stalls along the Naka River. It’s informal, affordable and far more revealing than a booked-out tasting menu. Leveraging AI-led planning tools helps today’s savvy travellers to unlock the city’s true potential, moving beyond generic guidebook recommendations.

Luxury, redefined, looks suspiciously like a good night’s sleep. KAYAK’s report shows 69 per cent of Gen Z and Millennials travel primarily for mental reset, while wellness-led luxury continues to rise. The emphasis has shifted from showing off to switching off.

The Greek island of Zakynthos excels here, particularly inland. Head to villages such as Kiliomenos, where evenings are cooler and dinner at family-run tavernas like Latas stretches lazily into the night. No playlists, no dress code, just plates refilled without fuss. For one in five travellers, it’s the small comforts that matter most: a quiet morning, decent coffee, and nowhere you’re expected to be. Wellness travel isn’t about spa breaks and luxury escapes anymore; it’s about coming back better than you left.

The big-city rush is out. In 2026, 84 per cent of younger travellers say they’d rather visit a smaller city or rural area than a major hub. Lower prices help, but the real appeal is authenticity that doesn’t need explaining.

Bastia, in northern Corsica, perfectly exemplifies the trend. Mornings on the old port unfold naturally with fishermen unloading and café chairs scraping into place. Walk up to the Citadelle before the heat builds, then lunch at U San Ghjuvà for unfussy Corsican cooking. These are places where life hasn’t been edited for visitors. Yes, social media still nudges people towards them, but only once they’re already halfway there.

In 2026, the destination is wherever the action is. An overwhelming 95 per cent of Gen Z and Millennials plan to travel for a major event, whether that’s a concert, a sporting tournament or a once-in-a-lifetime performance.

Cities that flex around calendars are winning. In Canada, Toronto works as a terrific base. But those thinking ahead are looking beyond the obvious to places like Halifax, where festivals, touring acts and sporting events are easier to access and far less inflated by demand. Stay near the waterfront, eat at The Bicycle Thief, and let the event anchor the trip rather than dominate it.

Over half of travellers say slower travel helps clear their head, and #slowtravel content has surged by almost 330 per cent on TikTok. But the aim isn’t inactivity, more a break from decision-making.

The Azores remain a benchmark, but similar benefits can be found in places like Praia in Cape Verde. The rhythm is gentle, the beaches walkable, and long lunches at Quintal da Música turn into evenings almost by accident. Headspace holidays aren’t about ticking boxes, they’re about removing friction and the demand for constant optimisation.

Adventure hasn’t disappeared, it’s simply grown up. Nearly one in four travellers now combine light outdoor activity with proper rest, while searches for amenities like terraces, hot tubs and gyms continue to rise. The Great Outdoors is now more likely to be paired with a Quite Decent bottle of wine.

Hilo, on Hawaii’s Big Island, captures that softer approach to adventure perfectly. Base yourself here and mornings might mean walking the edge of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park or taking an easy hike through the stunning scenery of Akaka Falls rainforest. Afternoons are for slowing down: soaking in naturally warmed ocean pools, lingering over poke bowls or fresh fish, and letting yourself reset.

Who says holidays have to be long? Nearly two-thirds of travellers plan to take several shorter trips in 2026, with searches for one-to-four-day breaks continuing to rise. The appeal is immediacy: quick resets, minimal planning and maximum reward.

Milan makes for an excellent Nanocation. Trains run on time, neighbourhoods are compact, and finding good food rarely requires much research. Rather than chasing the Duomo and moving on, spend a night in areas like Isola or Porta Venezia, where the city feels lived-in rather than visited. Grab a seat for aperitivo along the Navigli as the working day winds down, eat late without ceremony, and walk everywhere. Milan rewards restraint; do it right, and even 24 hours can feel like a proper break.

With billions of user searches across its platforms, KAYAK helps travellers find their perfect flight, stay, rental car or holiday package. Download the app here and start exploring.

Keir Starmer is too cowardly to do the right thing on welfare

We already know that Keir Starmer is running scared of welfare reform. This is partly a matter of political cowardice, and partly of tactics.

The cowardice is easy to read. Starmer knew last summer that he was already fighting for his political life. Angela Rayner was still deputy prime minister, untainted by carelessness with her taxes, and it was obvious that if she could get 81 Labour MPs to back her publicly, triggering a leadership election, Starmer would be finished because he would lose a vote of party members. As there were a lot more than 81 MPs opposed to welfare cuts, prudence and further U-turns to appease demands for more public spending became the guiding principle of No 10.

In defence of Starmer and Pat McFadden, the work and pensions secretary, there is also a tactical argument for avoiding legislation. Legislation means votes in the Commons, and votes mean rebellions. But skilled ministers can achieve a great deal without giving their MPs the chance to go into the No lobby.

Henry de Zoete, one of Michael Gove’s most talented special advisers, set out his advice for “how to make government work” last month. One of his points was: “Do not legislate unless you really have to. It takes forever. And once every MP and Lord has their say you won’t get what you wanted in the first place.”

Ministers have a lot of powers already under existing legislation, and can often make changes by issuing guidance or using statutory instruments – secondary legislation that usually goes through parliament by default.

Interviews for the award of disability and incapacity benefits need to be face-to-face rather than on Zoom. That can be changed without legislation. It is claimed that assessors have an incentive to make awards rather than to deny them. That can be changed by rewriting contracts.

McFadden knows this, and some changes will happen. But they need to happen quickly and they need to be trumpeted so that taxpayers feel that they are not being fleeced. There is far too much reviewing going on and not enough action.

In the end, this may mean taking some risks with Labour MPs. They need to understand that a rapidly growing disability budget – which does not reflect any increase in actual disability – is playing into Nigel Farage’s hands.

Starmer, clearly, has no desire to return to the scene of his defeat by his own MPs last year, when a threatened rebellion forced him and Rachel Reeves to abandon a plan to cut disability benefits – personal independence payments (PIP) – by £5bn a year.

I say “cut” because that is the language used by Labour MPs opposed to the change. In fact, Liz Kendall, who was then the work and pensions secretary, proposed to reduce the increase in PIP spending by £5bn a year. But as this was done in a crude way, reducing or taking away altogether benefits from existing recipients, it would have been a cut for them.

So Kendall folded her tent and Reeves had to put up taxes by even more than she would otherwise have done in the November Budget. Kendall was moved to deal with the moral panic about social media at the science and technology department, and McFadden, just as much a Blairite ultra but with better political instinct, was brought in as work and pensions secretary with instructions not to poke the hornets’ nest again. Is it, therefore, any surprise that McFadden’s department will not be troubling the parliamentary draftspersons in the near future?

It should be noted that just because the Department for Work and Pensions has failed to secure a slot in the King’s Speech, a list of laws the government intends to pass in the coming year or so, it does not mean the case is closed. There is nothing to stop the prime minister deciding at a later date that he needs to legislate to curb spending on benefits.

At some point, however, Starmer and McFadden will have to show leadership by explaining to their parliamentary colleagues that if they do not reform welfare, a Reform government will.

Trump’s border tsar says ‘no agency is perfect’ as administration shifts tone on ICE

President Donald Trump’s border czar Tom Homan, sent to Minneapolis to restore order to federal immigration operations, has said he will stay in the city “until the problem is gone.”

Homan held a press conference Thursday morning after being brought in following the fatal shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, which saw CBP Commander Greg Bovino stood down earlier this week.

“No agency is perfect – we have recognised certain improvements could and should be made,” the Trump official said, pledging to restore “safety” while also insisting that he would not be “surrendering the president’s mission.”

His involvement comes amid ongoing backlash over the Trump administration’s handling of the second fatal shooting last weekend.

The Department of Homeland Security has meanwhile announced that the two federal agents involved in Pretti’s death have been withdrawn from the streets and placed on administrative leave.

A video was released Wednesday showing a prior confrontation between Pretti and other agents, which is understood to have taken place 11 days before he was killed.