Dan Crawford

Starmer stumbles on as rivals balk at killer blow Cabinet declares support for prime minister after Scottish Labour leader’s attack. But reprieve may only be temporary

Starmer stumbles on as rivals balk at killer blow ft.trib.al/x9ymRyL

National Apprenticeship Week 2026, 9 - 15 February 2026 National Apprenticeship Week 2026: 9 – 15 FEBRUARY 2026. A week-long celebration that brings together businesses and apprentices across the country to shine a light on the positive impact that…

⭐️ Kicking off National Apprenticeship Week by highlighting the life‑changing opportunities apprenticeships open up for people starting or growing their careers.

If you’re in Peckham, it’s a great moment to explore local and national apprenticeship opportunities.

naw.appawards.co.uk

Pakistan reverse boycott of India T20 World Cup clash | The Cricketer The Bangladesh Cricket Board have requested that Pakistan withdraw their threat to boycott their T20 World Cup clash with India for the benefit of the entire cricket ecosystem

Pakistan will face India at the T20 World Cup after ending their threat to boycott the fixture.

Keir Starmer’s inconvenient truth Labour must stop believing things because they are politically helpful and engage with the world as it really is

Tomorrow's column: the prime minister's wishful thinking saw him sign off cheques he couldn't cash, in both policies and personnel. Now the bills are coming in:

DWP permanent secretary to step down after carer’s allowance scandal Peter Schofield tells staff he will leave the department for personal reasons The government’s top welfare official is to step down after his department’s handling of a longstanding benefits failure that plunged thousands into debt and became known as the carer’s allowance scandal. Sir Peter Schofield, the permanent secretary at the Department for Work and Pensions, announced to staff on Monday that he is to step down in July for personal reasons. Continue reading...

DWP permanent secretary to step down after carer’s allowance scandal

Top civil servant could become third key No 10 departure in days Exclusive: Cabinet secretary Chris Wormald is expected to follow Morgan McSweeney and Tim Allan out the door

EXCL: Chris Wormald, the most senior civil servant in Downing Street, is negotiating his exit as part of a wider shakeup of Keir Starmer’s operation after dramatic day - @kiranstacey.bsky.social
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...

I have today been informed that, despite personal assurances to the contrary, the Green party have once again used my image and misrepresented my words on a second leaflet circulated in Gorton and Denton ahead of the by-election. I have now lodged an official complaint with the returning officer.

Government on track to lower minimum age for train drivers to 18 in Great Britain Labour will introduce legislation to cut threshold from 20 in effort to head off looming shortages

Government on track to lower minimum age for train drivers to 18 in Great Britain

www.theguardian.com/business/202...

England and Wales brace for downpours with more than 200 active flood alerts Met Office issues fresh yellow warning for rain as parts of England are still recovering from extensive flooding

England and Wales brace for downpours with more than 200 active flood alerts

www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...

England’s poorest areas have 70% more vape shops and bookmakers than wealthier ones Data shows deprived communities have more off-licences and takeaways and fewer childcare facilities and gyms

England’s poorest areas have 70% more vape shops and bookmakers than wealthier ones

www.theguardian.com/society/2026...

‘Pulling up the drawbridge’: Alf Dubs criticises Shabana Mahmood’s plans for child refugees Exclusive: Labour peer, who came to UK as a refugee, says some ministers try to show they won’t ‘just do things because of their background’

‘Pulling up the drawbridge’: Alf Dubs criticises Shabana Mahmood’s plans for child refugees

www.theguardian.com/politics/202...

North of England 2040? Andy Burnham backs plan for multi-city Olympics bid Northern leaders urge government to support proposal as Manchester mayor says a London bid ‘wouldn’t be right’

North of England 2040? Andy Burnham backs plan for multi-city Olympics bid

www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...

How London fell back in love with the office With workplace leasing enjoying a major post-pandemic bounceback, it's clear that, once again, the office is seen as critical to success.

How #London fell back in love with the office - Knight Frank's Philip Hobley in this morning's City AM:

www.cityam.com/how-london-f...

‘We will grind you down’: how rogue peers became Labour’s toughest opponents As Labour seeks abolition of hereditary peers, Tory-dominated House of Lords has inflicted near-record number of defeats on No 10

‘We will grind you down’: how rogue peers became Labour’s toughest opponents

www.theguardian.com/news/ng-inte...

The battle for the right’s post-Trump future has begun Conservatism is a big tent, but there should be no room in it for those who deny the dignity of all human beings

The battle for the right’s post-Trump future has begun ft.trib.al/tofgn79 | opinion

Elizabeth Line would ‘never’ be built, Michael Portillo wrote when urging cancellation Former Treasury minister warned that Crossrail London link was too costly and unnecessary, newly released papers show

Elizabeth Line would ‘never’ be built, Michael Portillo wrote when urging cancellation - www.ft.com/content/a5b7...

US fines for dirty money drop 61% as Trump retreats from enforcement Total penalties imposed by financial watchdogs fell to $1.7bn in the year to December 19

US fines for dirty money drop 61% as Trump retreats from enforcement

www.ft.com/content/4682...

Huge rise in number of people in England’s A&Es for coughs or hiccups Lack of prompt access to primary care blamed for rise in hospital cases of minor ailments including blocked noses

Huge rise in number of people in England’s A&Es for coughs or hiccups

www.theguardian.com/society/2025...

Oasis reunion and Taylor Swift vinyls fuel boom year for UK music industry BPI figures show music lovers listened to equivalent of 210.3m albums by UK artists in 2025 in 11th consecutive year of growth

Oasis reunion and Taylor Swift vinyls fuel boom year for UK music industry

www.theguardian.com/business/202...

‘People are wrestling with the burden’: Japan pivots to focus on nuclear power ‘maximisation’ alongside renewables Post-Fukushima nuclear closures of dozens of reactors forced the country to rely heavily on imported fossil fuels

‘People are wrestling with the burden’: Japan pivots to focus on nuclear power ‘maximisation’ alongside renewables

Lord Wolfson KC criticised for representing Roman Abramovich The shadow attorney-general acted for the Russian billionaire against the Jersey government while also sitting on the Conservatives’ front bench

The shadow attorney general, Lord Wolfson, has been representing Roman Abramovich whilst serving on the Conservative front bench. Nothing to see here, obviously.

www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/...

Tatiana Schlossberg obituary: journalist and JFK’s granddaughter

Science and climate writer who spoke out against her cousin Robert F Kennedy Jr’s appointment as health secretary, dies aged 35

Isiah Whitlock Jr, actor in The Wire and Veep, dies aged 71 Whitlock’s career spanned decades and included roles in many Spike Lee films The American actor Isiah Whitlock Jr, who played a corrupt politician on HBO crime drama The Wire and had roles in numerous Spike Lee films, died at age 71 on Tuesday, his manager said. “It is with tremendous sadness that I share the passing of my dear friend and client Isiah Whitlock Jr. If you knew him – you loved him. A brilliant actor and even better person,” Brian Liebman wrote on social media. Continue reading...

Isiah Whitlock Jr, actor in The Wire and Veep, dies aged 71

Good old John Wells was to blame for that.

Here in Illinois, we’re lowering costs, increasing transparency, and cutting the red tape — all to make our state the best in the nation to live, work, and raise a family.

Man City have spent more than £500m pounds on new talent since being charged with more than 100 Premier League rule breaches. As another window opens, they’re poised to add another top talent, and still there is no ruling. Shames the Premier League how long it’s taken. Man City deny the allegations

Glenn Phillips brings out the switch cover drive Playing in the Super Smash, he hit a four with this shot, and then a six over extra-cover while taking strike left-handed

Incredible innovation from Glenn Phillips in the Super Smash 🤯

The Plan That Foretold Trump’s 2025 Reviewing Project 2025’s year of successes and shortcomings

A year ago, it wasn’t clear whether Project 2025 would amount to much. Today, it’s become the Trump era’s most effective policy initiative. In The Atlantic Daily, @dgraham.bsky.social reviews how Project 2025 transformed 2025:

Judge blocks White House's attempt to defund the CFPB, ensuring employees get paid Judge blocks White House's attempt to defund the CFPB, ensuring employees get paid

Judge blocks White House's attempt to defund the CFPB, ensuring employees get paid

Putin preparing hybrid attacks to undermine Europe, warns Moldova Maia Sandu says Russian leader wants to seize control of continent through military force and electoral interference

Putin preparing hybrid attacks to undermine Europe, warns Moldova

www.telegraph.co.uk/gift/a642f83...