NewsUKUK PoliticsEnglandN. IrelandScotlandWalesStarmer would have blocked Mandelson over vetting failure, ministers sayThe prime minister says he only learned of security concerns around the ex-US ambassador earlier this week.7 hrs agoPoliticsWhy Starmer still can't move on from the Mandelson messThe decision to send Peter Mandelson to Washington has become a scandal that just won't go away for Labour.1 day agoBBC InDepthMandelson saga is a messy palaver - and the questions continue to swirlSir Keir and the top official at the Foreign Office at the time are expected to face questions from MPs next week.2 days agoPoliticsAI minister Kendall says she doesn't use AI at workThe Science, Innovation and Technology Secretary this week unveiled a £500m fund to boost British AI firms.2 days agoStarmer accused of 'skulking' and shunning Sarwar in Scotland It is the first time the prime minister has been north of the border since the Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar called for him to step down in February.1 day agoScotland PoliticsEx-Scottish Labour leader Dugdale appointed as Stonewall chairwomanDugdale, who is currently chairwoman of Shelter in Scotland, said she was "thrilled and honoured" to secure the post.5 hrs agoScotland Politics'Staggering' I was not told Mandelson failed vetting, says PMThe PM is facing calls to resign over the revelation that Lord Mandelson did not pass security checks.2 days agoPoliticsUK seeks closer EU ties in volatile times - but at what cost?The UK is adopting a "ruthlessly pragmatic" approach to becoming closer to its European neighbours, the UK's EU minister tells the BBC.What we know about Mandelson's vetting and security clearanceThe former US ambassador was given a security clearance despite concerns being raised during checks.Key questions facing government over Mandelson vettingIt's emerged that Lord Mandelson did not pass inital security vetting checks ahead of taking up the role of ambassador to the United States.Home Office investigating after BBC finds migrants making false claims to stay in UKNo 10 says the government is working to ensure "anyone potentially abusing our immigration system is held accountable".Swinney denies SNP grocery price cap is 'potty gimmick'The first minister defends his party's plans to impose a limit on the cost of "essential" items.Features and analysisChris Mason: Ministers have to close asylum loopholes while protecting genuinely vulnerableThere has been a stickiness to the electorate's concerns about issues of immigration and asylum, Chris Mason writes.Bogus websites, staged protests and pretend atheists: Inside the fake asylum industryIn the second part of an undercover investigation, the BBC exposes elaborate deceptions being used to bolster fake asylum claims.Legal advisers help migrants pose as gay to get asylum, undercover BBC investigation findsThe BBC exposes a shadow industry charging migrants thousands of pounds to help them cheat the asylum system.Who can I vote for in my area?Elections are taking place across the country in May. Use our postcode lookup to find out if there are elections where you live and who you can vote for. A simple guide to every new constituency in Wales - and all the election candidatesHow we vote is changing Wales - here's what you need to know about the new Senedd constituencies.From our Political Editor Chris MasonChris Mason: Mandelson nightmare haunts Starmer againThe prime minister is believed to be absolutely furious over the handling of Lord Mandelson's vetting, Chris Mason writes.Chris Mason: Ministers have to close asylum loopholes while protecting genuinely vulnerableThere has been a stickiness to the electorate's concerns about issues of immigration and asylum, Chris Mason writes.Chris Mason: Iran war has trapped Labour in a vicious circleA subdued economy makes trade-offs and choices over public spending more difficult, Chris Mason writes.Chris Mason: How Lammy and Vance's unlikely friendship is being leveragedTheir relations remain warm just as those between their leaders seems decidedly chilly, Chris Mason writes.Will the UK ban social media for under 16s? As a US trial finds Meta and Google intentionally built addictive social media platforms, will the UK change its rules?BBC InDepthWhy Starmer still can't move on from the Mandelson messThe decision to send Peter Mandelson to Washington has become a scandal that just won't go away for Labour.As Starmer faces war overseas, his party can't find peace at homeBritish politicians tend to stick together during dangerous moments abroad. In 2026? Not so much.Why Europe's leaders have struggled to speak as one on IranEuropean nations say they want to work better together but have differing prioritiesOne giant boys' club? Why Westminster can still feel like a man's worldThe decision to appoint Peter Mandelson has prompted soul searching about women’s role in government, writes Laura Kuenssberg.Why China views the UK visit as part of something biggerSir Keir Starmer is one of a number of world leaders heading to BeijingWatch/ListenWhy are the 2026 local elections so significant?BBC West Midlands political editor Elizabeth Glinka explains the significance of 14 local elections.Why Starmer is under renewed pressure over Mandelson scandalPolitical correspondent Harry Farley reports as new information emerges about the former US ambassador's appointment to the role.Party leaders say how they engage young people in politicsParty leaders each face questions from an audience of voters in Llandudno.What changes people want to see in SwindonWe asked what issues people in Swindon cared about most going into the local elections.From friendship to friction: Inside the growing tensions between Trump and StarmerBBC’s Sarah Smith examines how the Iran war has led to discrepancies between the US president and UK prime minister.
