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Jun 17, 2026 - World

Education secretary describes historical practice in England as a ‘shameful period’ in country’s historyDowning Street is to make a full apology on behalf of the state to those affected by historical forced adoption in England, the education secretary has confirmed.Bridget Phillipson, giving evidence to MPs on the education select committee on Wednesday, described it as a “shameful period” in UK history. Continue reading...

Jun 17, 2026 - World

This blog has now closed. See all our UK politics coverage hereAndy Burnham may have trouble getting through to Keir Starmer if he tries ringing him after the Makerfield byelection to urge him to set a timetable for his departure. Burnham reportedly wants to call Starmer this weekend. (See 9.47am.) But, in his interview with Sky News, Starmer said: “I’m sure I’ll talk to Andy after the weekend.”If Starmer declines to take Burnham’s call, he may be following Ed Miliband’s example. In a Times story today, Patrick Maguire and Steven Swinford report:Sir Keir Starmer’s relationship with Ed Miliband has broken down to such an extent that the energy secretary has been accused of “ghosting” the prime minister in recent weeks.Senior government sources claimed that Miliband declined to take calls from the prime minister during a tense stand-off over defence spending. Continue reading...

Jun 17, 2026 - World

A witness told local media that the guide lunged and tried to hold onto her by grabbing her arm, but nearly went over too.

Jun 17, 2026 - World

Keir Starmer has called the firing of warning shots by a Russian warship at a British yacht sailing across the Channel on Tuesday ‘deeply concerning and reckless’.Russia’s defence ministry said the yacht was on a ‘dangerous course’ and several attempts were made to contact it – a claim disputed by the retired couple onboard the 40ft yacht.Nosheen Iqbal speaks to the Guardian’s defence and security editor, Dan Sabbagh – watch on YouTube Continue reading...

Jun 17, 2026 - World

PM says Greater Manchester mayor is ‘huge asset’ who can play big part in Labour government if he wins byelectionUK politics live – latest updatesKeir Starmer has indicated he would give Andy Burnham a cabinet job, describing him as a “huge asset”, as he attempted to head off a challenge to his leadership that is expected to come after the Makerfield byelection on Thursday.Allies of Burnham said the Greater Manchester mayor would not be interested in serving under Starmer if he returned to Westminster. Continue reading...