By Joseph Lee BBC News Ukraine conflict Britain is supplying Ukraine with short-range anti-tank missiles for self-defence after Russia amassed about 100,000 troops on its border, the defence secretary said. Ben Wallace told MPs a small team of British troops would also be sent to Ukraine to provide training. He said there was “legitimate and […]
Sir Keir Starmer has accused Boris Johnson of breaking Covid laws with parties held in Downing Street during lockdown. The Labour leader said the prime minister had “lied” about “industrial scale partying” in No 10. Six Tory MPs have now called on the PM to resign over gatherings held during restrictions. But Tory party chairman […]
China has denied interfering in UK politics after MI5 warned an agent of the country had infiltrated Parliament. The security service said Christine Ching Kui Lee “established links” for the Chinese Communist Party with current and aspiring MPs. She then gave donations to politicians, including Labour MP Barry Gardiner, who received more than £420,000 from […]
By Gordon Corera & Jennifer Scott Security correspondent & political reporter, BBC News MI5 has issued a rare warning that an alleged Chinese agent has infiltrated Parliament to interfere in UK politics. An alert from the security service said Christine Ching Kui Lee “established links” for the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) with current and aspiring […]
The Duke of York’s military titles and royal patronages have been returned to the Queen, Buckingham Palace has announced. Prince Andrew will also stop using the style His Royal Highness in an official capacity, a royal source added. The duke’s roles will be distributed among members of the Royal Family. It comes as he faces […]
Prince Andrew is to face a civil case in the US over allegations he sexually assaulted a woman when she was 17. Virginia Giuffre is suing the prince, claiming he abused her in 2001. His lawyers said the case should be thrown out, citing a 2009 deal she signed with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. […]
Europe migrant crisis The number of people who crossed the English Channel in small boats last year was treble the number for 2020. Figures compiled by the BBC show at least 28,431 migrants made the journey in 2021, despite huge UK investment in France to prevent crossings. A Home Office minister said the government […]
Coronavirus pandemic UK nationals will be allowed to travel through France if they are going to their home in an EU country during the festive period. France suspended its Covid restriction after UK travellers faced difficulties reaching their country of residence. Eurotunnel, which had earlier issued warnings to customers, said it was “delighted” by […]
By Dulcie Lee BBC News Coronavirus pandemic There will be no further Covid restrictions in England before the new year, Sajid Javid has said. But the health secretary said people should “remain cautious” and celebrate outside on New Year’s Eve if possible. “When we get into the new year, of course we will see […]
Coronavirus pandemic The UK’s top civil servant has stepped aside from his role leading an inquiry into Downing Street lockdown parties, after it emerged an event was held in his own office. Simon Case had been due to report on claims Covid rules were broken at events for staff last year. But his role […]
