On the eve of crucial local elections across England, Prime Minister Keir Starmer came under intense scrutiny during Wednesday’s Prime Minister’s Questions, facing criticism on border control, grooming gangs, and UK-US trade talks.
As voters prepare to cast ballots in 23 local authorities and six mayoral races, political tensions flared in Westminster. During PMQs, Starmer responded to sharp challenges from opposition leaders, including Reform UK’s Nigel Farage and Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch.
Labour recently unveiled a new fly-tipping policy that would allow authorities to crush vehicles used in illegal dumping—part of an effort to show firm leadership ahead of Thursday’s vote. However, this announcement was overshadowed by growing concerns over migration and law enforcement.
Farage, capitalizing on rising public anxiety over small boat arrivals, cited data indicating that over 10,000 irregular migrants had arrived in the UK by boat in 2025—the highest figure for the first four months of any year. “Smash the gangs was nothing more than an election slogan,” he said, urging Starmer to declare a national emergency.
Starmer defended his government's strategy: “We are passing a borders bill with extensive powers to smash the gangs. We must take back control of our borders after the last government lost control.”
On grooming gangs, Kemi Badenoch pressed for a national inquiry. Starmer pushed back, saying such an inquiry had already taken place and hundreds of recommendations were being implemented. “I strongly believe we should listen to victims, and we've been listening to victims on this side for decades,” he added.
Meanwhile, Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey criticized the government’s lack of transparency over UK-US trade negotiations, calling for parliamentary votes on any final agreement. Referencing Canada’s experience with former President Donald Trump, Davey warned, “He can't be trusted to stick with it.” Starmer did not commit to a vote but assured MPs that any deal would follow proper parliamentary procedures.
With polls predicting gains for Reform UK, Thursday’s elections are seen as a major test of Starmer’s leadership and Labour’s grip on public trust.
President Trump called on countries to assist in reopening the Strait of Hormuz, while Starmer said the UK is working with allies to restore naviga...
Senior officials from the United States and China met in Paris this week for a new round of trade talks, as the world’s two largest economies...
Court documents released on Monday (16 March) revealed that the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) ...
Governments around the world are responding cautiously to U.S. President Donald Trump’s call for countries to send naval ships to the Strait ...
Polish fighter jets intercepted a Russian reconnaissance aircraft over the Baltic Sea on Friday (13 March), according to Poland’s Operational...
President Trump called on countries to assist in reopening the Strait of Hormuz, while Starmer said the UK is working with allies to restore navigation and stabilise oil markets. It comes as a strike near Iraq’s western border killed several Hashed al-Shaabi fighters, raising regional tensions.
Senior officials from the United States and China met in Paris this week for a new round of trade talks, as the world’s two largest economies attempt to manage their economic rivalry and avoid further tensions.
Court documents released on Monday (16 March) revealed that the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) has asked a U.S. judge to dismiss President Donald Trump's $10 billion defamation suit over a 2024 documentary, arguing his re-election proves the edited 2021 speech did not harm his reputation.
Governments around the world are responding cautiously to U.S. President Donald Trump’s call for countries to send naval ships to the Strait of Hormuz to protect commercial shipping and help restore the flow of global oil supplies.
Iran says it is open to talks with countries seeking safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz - disrupted by recent attacks - as Israel continues to launch wide‑scale strikes on Iranian infrastructure in the west. This live report tracks the latest developments.
President Trump called on countries to assist in reopening the Strait of Hormuz, while Starmer said the UK is working with allies to restore navigation and stabilise oil markets. It comes as a strike near Iraq’s western border killed several Hashed al-Shaabi fighters, raising regional tensions.
The other evening, I was fuelling my car at a petrol station in Kenya’s capital. It was one of those small moments most motorists barely notice. The attendant filled the tank, I glanced at the pump price, paid, and drove off.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 15 March, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Top U.S. and Chinese economic officials launched a new round of talks in Paris on Sunday (15 March) to resolve issues in their trade truce. The discussions aim to smooth the way for U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit to Beijing to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping at the end of March.
Senior officials from the United States and China met in Paris this week for a new round of trade talks, as the world’s two largest economies attempt to manage their economic rivalry and avoid further tensions.
Court documents released on Monday (16 March) revealed that the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) has asked a U.S. judge to dismiss President Donald Trump's $10 billion defamation suit over a 2024 documentary, arguing his re-election proves the edited 2021 speech did not harm his reputation.
Polish fighter jets intercepted a Russian reconnaissance aircraft over the Baltic Sea on Friday (13 March), according to Poland’s Operational Command.
Russia has imposed a fine of 35 million roubles (around $432,366) on the messaging platform Telegram for failing to remove content deemed illegal by the authorities, according to the Interfax news agency.
Madagascar's president, Michael Randrianirina announced the appointment of anti-corruption chief Mamitiana Rajaonarison as prime minister, six days after dismissing the previous premier along with the entire cabinet.
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