Available for over a year

Today, Keir Starrmer has said he will “get on with governing” despite another day of increasing pressure on him to resign from the Labour party.

Four ministers resigned on Tuesday, and more MPs have called for the Prime Minister to stand down. But so far no formal leadership contest has been triggered.

Meanwhile more than 100 MPs are understood to have signed a statement backing the PM, saying “this is no time for a leadership contest”. Adam, Chris and Alex reflect on whether Starmer can survie the pressure.

You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say “Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast”. It works on most smart speakers.

You can join our Newscast online community here: https://bbc.in/newscastdiscord

Get in touch with Newscast by emailing newscast@bbc.co.uk or send us a WhatsApp on +44 0330 123 9480.

New episodes released every day. If you’re in the UK, for more News and Current Affairs podcasts from the BBC, listen on BBC Sounds: https://bbc.in/4guXgXd

Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. The presenter was Adam Fleming. It was made by Jack Maclaren with Jem Westgate. The social producer was Beth Pritchard. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Programme WebsiteShow less

President Donald Trump on Tuesday refused to close the door on illegally sending federalized National Guard soldiers or Immigrations and Customs Enforcement agents to voting sites in Democratic areas during the November midterm elections despite the complete lack of any legal basis for doing so.

The president was pressed on whether he’d try to send federal resources to intimidate voters as he departed the White House for a state visit to China.

Asked whether he’d send National Guard or ICE to voting locations, Trump replied: “I do anything necessary to make sure we have honest elections.”

His comments came just days after he announced on Truth Social that the GOP plans to dispense a large “Election Integrity Army” to every single state for the 2026 midterms – invoking his debunked claims that the United States does not have fair elections.

In the social media post, he claimed his 2024 election win over Kamala Harris was due to the thousands of poll watchers Republicans had sent into polling stations nationwide,

“During my Historic Election in 2024, when I won every single Swing State, and decisively won both the Electoral and Popular votes by wide margins, the Republicans had an Election Integrity Army in every single State to preserve the sanctity of each legal vote. We will be doing the same again in 2026, but it will be much bigger and stronger,” Trump wrote.

Trump did not elaborate on who would be part of the “Election Integrity Army” or how large it would be.

But his announcement was reminiscent of familiar claims he made in the run-up to the 2024 presidential race in which he planted seeds of doubt on the validity of U.S. election – seemingly dependent on the outcome.

Since returning to office last January, Trump has remained fixated on his 2020 loss to Biden and has attempted to use his authority to make it far more difficult for Americans to vote by mail, citing widely debunked allegations of fraud in that election.

Earlier this year, he signed an executive order attempting to restrict mail-in ballot voting by directing the government to create a list of eligible voters and demanding that the U.S. Postal Service only send ballots to voters on that list.

He has also demanded Congress pass federal voter ID laws and sought to have Republican-led states redraw congressional maps in their party’s favor.

When his party has lost, as it did during last month’s Virginia referendum on a new congressional map (that has been tossed out by the state’s top court) he immediately took to Truth Social to falsely allege that the Democratic victory was the result of subterfuge.

He screamed in all caps that a “RIGGED ELECTION” had taken place despite there being absolutely no evidence of any irregularities or fraud in the conduct of the plebiscite the previous evening in which 1,575,288 voters cast ballots in favor of a constitutional amendment which permits the implementation of new districts drawn by Virginia’s Democratic-led General Assembly, bypassing an independent, bipartisan commission which has drawn district lines since 2020.

No irregularities were reported during the voting on Tuesday, and Democrats had indicated that they expected to win based on heavy turnout in Arlington, Fairfax, Loudon, Prince William and Henrico Counties, all of which are home to hundreds of thousands of federal workers, many of whom have been affected by the Trump administration’s efforts to slash federal employment rolls to punish what GOP loyalists believe is an anti-Trump “deep state.”

Trump nonetheless claimed Republicans had been “winning” the referendum “all day long” — until what he described as a “massive ‘Mail In Ballot Drop’” changed the GOP’s fortunes.

Katie Price’s husband, Lee Andrews, has branded critics ‘gremlins’ in unearthed social media comments, after followers questioned their marriage.

Lee Andrews’ vile rants against social media followers have been uncovered, following his marriage to Katie Price. The lovebirds stunned fans when they tied the knot at the beginning of the year, after a whirlwind relationship. The businessman currently lives in Dubai and has yet to meet his new wife’s family, including her five children.

After facing scrutiny over their romance, the 41-year-old lashed out at critics in unearthed Facebook comments, branding a family “ugly gremlins” and slamming a “pig looking rat bag”. Underneath a picture of Lee posing beside a horse, one Facebook fan said he “liked big teeth”.

Having none of it, he shared a photo seemingly of their family, spitting back: “The Absolutely ugliest gremlins and family I’ve ever seen not the care bear . But the rest Jeaus help my eyes.

Advertisement

“And these poor beings .. the world is so unfair .. and has been super harsh this lot. I’d start a make a wish list but I’m sure the few Pennie’s wouldn’t help. They might go a long way at that 2nd rate theme park your at .. good for you I bet it’s someone’s birthday . Well done saving up for this. Best mum vibes [sic].”

“Go be with your ugly Mrs,” he urged one commenter, before telling another: “Concentrate on that pig looking rat bag you call a Mrs In your profile picture not our beautiful relationship jealous a**e.”

“You pair of mingers behave, stay with that sewage rat of a Mrs in your profile picture .. then make that comment,” the entrepreneur told a hater.

Katie is no stranger to the headlines, but she has barely been out of the news since marrying Lee in January. However, he is yet to meet her family as he currently lives in Dubai, with the former glamour model travelling back and forth to the UK.

It was announced that they would be making their live TV debut today in a joint appearance on Good Morning Britain but, just before the chat, it emerged that Lee had missed his flight, leaving the mum-of-five to face the chat alone.

Host Susanna Reid took the opportunity to warn the I’m A Celebrity star over the marriage, questioning whether he was “telling her everything”. Insisting that he was “reliable”, she urged the hosts to “interrogate” her over the relationship, so that she could clear up any doubt.

“What I love about you Katie is that you’re very open, but I just wonder if he’s telling you everything,” Susanna said, to which Katie replied: “I know no one believes me, your face says it all.

“I can’t keep going to Dubai because I’ve got work and my kids here. He pays for it anyway but I can’t keep going to Dubai so he’s shifting over here. I said ‘I keep flying to you, you’ve got to come to England now.’”

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .

People claiming Universal Credit are being reminded to check DWP rules before travelling abroad this summer as leaving the UK may affect their benefit payments

Individuals receiving Universal Credit are being urged to review Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) regulations before heading overseas this summer, as international travel could impact their benefit entitlements.

Universal Credit payments can typically be maintained for up to one month during foreign trips, as long as recipients continue fulfilling their claim requirements. Nevertheless, claimants must declare alterations to their circumstances, including overseas journeys, via their online Universal Credit portal.

These regulations are applicable to claimants across Scotland, England and Wales. Information on GOV.UK confirms that individuals receiving Universal Credit “may be able to continue getting it for up to one month while you’re abroad”.

Recipients may still be required to attend scheduled appointments, actively seek employment or fulfil claimant obligations while overseas, unless they have arranged alternative measures with their work coach.

Those receiving Universal Credit who neglect to declare changes to their situation could face postponements, excess payments or complications with their claim upon returning home, reports the Daily Record.

Extended periods overseas may be permitted under specific circumstances, including:

• receiving medical treatment
• dealing with the death of a partner, child or close relative
• escaping domestic abuse
• accompanying a child receiving medical treatment

According to GOV.UK information, certain individuals may qualify to receive Universal Credit for up to six months when travelling abroad for medical care or supporting a child undergoing treatment.

The DWP advised claimants to always verify the regulations prior to travelling, as entitlement depends on personal circumstances and the duration of time spent overseas. Universal Credit is a means-tested benefit intended to support those on a low income, out of work, or unable to work with their everyday living costs.

The sum an individual receives is determined by their personal circumstances, taking into account factors such as earnings, housing costs, and whether they have children or health conditions.

Those in receipt of Universal Credit can report any changes to their circumstances via their online Universal Credit account or by calling the Universal Credit helpline.

Claimants who are planning holidays or trips abroad this summer are also being urged to keep a record of their travel dates and return plans, should they be required to provide further information regarding their absence from the UK.

Guidance on GOV.UK also cautions that Universal Credit payments may be halted if a claimant remains outside the UK beyond the permitted period and does not meet the criteria for an exemption under DWP rules.

As a result, claimants are advised to carefully review the latest guidance before booking or embarking on any trips outside the UK.

Further information regarding travelling abroad while claiming Universal Credit can be found on GOV.UK.

York Council’s Executive backed trialling Tuesday closures this year to improve accessibility including for disabled people, despite hearing that up to £7.8 million less could be spent in the city centre as a result.

Disabled people told councillors on Tuesday, May 12, the move sent a powerful message they they were an equal part of the local community.

But traders warned the move could put visitors off, pile pressure on the event when it is open and cause further harm to the already struggling hospitality industry.

Cllr Pete Kilbane, the council’s Labour economy spokesperson, said they had to strike a difficult balance but they would not bar people from the city centre during the event.

RECOMMENDED READING:

It follows the introduction of restrictions barring Blue Badge holders and other vehicles from driving into the city centre during the event last year following a North Yorkshire Police request.

The Anti-Terror Traffic Regulation Order (ATTRO) is now available to use year round but is expected to be activated only during future markets and other events on a case-by-case basis, in consultation with the council and other emergency services.

The police said last year the restrictions were needed to deter terror attacks.

Tuesday’s executive meeting heard the national terror threat level had recently been raised to severe, meaning an attack is highly likely.

But disabled people said in the run up to last year’s market the measures would restrict their access to the city centre, resulting in the event’s opening times being pushed back.

The approved plans are set to see the market open from 10.30am to 7pm every day except Tuesday.

York Christmas Market is set to close on Tuesdays this year (Image: Staff)

Blue Badge holders will be able to use the ‘Goodramgate loop’ between Deansgate, King’s Square and Colliergate but Church Street would be closed.

Extra hostile vehicle measures would be put in place as a result, costing an estimated £50,000 in extra running costs.

The council and other bodies would monitor the measures during the event and make any changes deemed necessary.

Council city development lead Garry Taylor said the measures would allow the city centre to run as normal, as well as allowing access to disabled people and Blue Badge holders.

But he added the estimated loss of spending in the city centre could be between £2.6 million and £7.82 million, 1.87 and 5.62 per cent of total spend respectively during the market.

Amanda Cooper, of the York Disability Rights Forum, told councillors disabled people found it very difficult to be in the city centre when the market is on.

Ms Cooper said: “Restricting access to essential services including banks could cause some to go into financial difficulties or debt.

“Those who oppose this may themselves become disabled one day, they should reflect on that.”

But organisations including York’s High Street Forum, Business Improvement District (BID), Made In Yorkshire and others all objected to the plans warning of their impact on the local economy.

Market trader Nick Miller said closing one day a week would mean having to stop production and potentially hire fewer staff for them.

The trader said: “We had 241 applications for jobs on our stall last year, it’s worrying that that many people need a job in York.

“The market’s already busy at peak times, this could put more pressure on the market as a whole.”

Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader Cllr Paula Widdowson said the saga showed the issue of Blue Badge access to the city centre should never have been turned into a political football.

Cllr Widdowson said: “We’re talking about safety in the city centre during one of the busiest periods of the year, this shouldn’t have been left to politicians balancing competiting priorities.”

Economy and Culture Executive Member Cllr Kilbane said a return to a seven-day market was not ruled out in the future as officials continue to work on long term solutions to access issues.

The executive member said: “No city has cracked making events such as the Christmas Market fully accessible but we will turn over every stone to make sure all residents and visitors can access the city centre while it’s on at a bare minimum.”

Er… what’s a fancam?

Right. And Gordon Brown is in these?

Council officers decided the proposal conflicted with both national and local planning policies because the site lies within designated green belt land.

A proposal to build a small tourism development in the green belt near Braidwood has been refused.

The application, which was presented to councillors on today’s (May 12) planning committee, sought full planning permission for a rural tourism business on land east of Meadow Cottage, off Old Lanark Road near Carluke.

The development would include three glamping-style tourist pods, a lodge/caravan for staff accommodation, a workshop for bicycle repairs and maintenance and a stable block with two stables.

According to planning documents, the business was intended to offer cycling and equestrian tourism, allowing visitors to explore nearby countryside routes, bridleways and cycling networks.

However, council officers decided the proposal conflicted with both national and local planning policies because the site lies within designated green belt land.

Councillor Alex Allison (Clydesdale East), questioned the reasoning behind the refusal.

He said: “I’m a little bit concerned, we’ve had a number of these types of applications come through recently some of them have been refused because they don’t show a good enough business plan.

“We have one here who’s done something to try to improve the business plan, there’s a lot of businesses in the rural area. But the report suggests that it is so far away from Carluke that you’re going to need transport to get there, yet it’s supposedly still in the green belt. There’s a lot of contradictions here and yet again it’s another indication of when ideas do come up for the rural area, it’s very difficult, if not impossible to get a good application through and it really is concerning.

READ MORE: Progress made across South Lanarkshire to reduce the education attainment gap

“How are we supposed to develop businesses in the rural area for the people that stay there if we’re not allowing some of these things to go through?”

Council officials stated that every application is treated on individual merit. The site of this application does sit within the greenbelt and has to be assessed against the greenbelt policy, they said. Access to the site is poor and is a single track, therefore it does not comply with planning policies.

The report for the Planning Committee stated that while tourism and leisure uses can sometimes be acceptable within the green belt, applicants must demonstrate why such a location is essential.

Planners said the supporting information failed to justify why the business could not operate from a more suitable site outside the green belt.

The report noted: “A green belt location is not considered essential and, as such, the proposal could be located on an alternative site.”

READ MORE: South Lanarkshire community learning initiative has been praised

Officers also raised concerns that most visitors would likely rely on private cars due to the rural location, which they considered contrary to suitable planning principles.

The site itself is currently overgrown with vegetation and mature trees. Planning officers say the development would require substantial site clearance and would create an isolated cluster of buildings in an otherwise undeveloped area.

The report stated there are no nearby buildings with which the development could integrate, making it an “inappropriate form of dispersed development.”

Officers also said the application did not include sufficient information on expected visitor numbers, local tourism demand, or long term financial viability.

Consultation responses from council departments and agencies produced no objections from Roads and Transportation Services or Scottish Water.

READ MORE: Derelict East Kilbride church to be converted into social housing

No public objections were submitted during the consultation process.

*Don’t miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.

And did you know Lanarkshire Live had its own app? Download yours for free here.

READ MORE: New Post Office opens it doors in Motherwell