Newslinks for Sunday 29th June 2025

June 29, 2025

BBC reprimanded over Glastonbury ‘death to IDF’ chant

“The BBC has been reprimanded by the Government after it broadcast a rap group leading chants of “death to the IDF” on stage at Glastonbury on Saturday. Lisa Nandy, the Culture Secretary, phoned Tim Davie, the BBC director-general, demanding that he explain why the performance by Bob Vylan, a rap duo, was shown live. Bob Vylan, who were performing ahead of an appearance by the pro-Palestinian Northern Irish rappers Kneecap, repeatedly shouted “death to the IDF” – a reference to the Israel Defense Forces. The chant was taken up by the crowd, many of whom were waving Palestinian flags. Police later said they would be examining video footage of the comments.” – Sunday Telegraph

Israel and Reform UK slap Glastonbury down over ‘death to IDF’ chant – Sunday Express
Two further arrests after Palestine Action RAF base break-in – Sunday Telegraph
BBC axes ‘anti-Semitic’ broadcaster – Sunday Telegraph
IDF ‘assassinates Hamas mastermind of October 7’ – Sun on Sunday
‘We have killed Hamas’ Oct 7 mastermind, IDF claims – Sunday Telegraph
Israel close to accomplishing objectives in Gaza, says IDF – Sunday Telegraph

Comment

Tories strike unprecedented deal with Reform on migrant crime

“The Conservatives have struck an unprecedented deal with Reform UK in an attempt to force the Government to reveal the true extent of migrant crime. All five Reform MPs are backing an amendment to a Government bill that would require ministers to reveal the nationality and legal status of all offenders convicted and sentenced by magistrates and judges. It is thought to be the first time that Reform has stepped in to back a Tory policy in such a way. Supporters of the amendment said it was significant that it was on immigration, given how divisive the issue has proved between the two parties.” – Sunday Telegraph

>Today:

Starmer faces fresh MP rebellion over farmers’ inheritance tax

“Sir Keir Starmer is facing a fresh rebellion from Labour MPs over his inheritance tax raid on farmers. The Telegraph understands that more than 40 MPs are considering mounting an attempt to water down the policy, which threatens to bankrupt family farms by landing them with large inheritance tax bills. Rebels have been emboldened after forcing the Prime Minister to climb down on welfare cuts this week, in the third about-turn for the Government in two months. The U-turns – on benefits, winter fuel payment cuts and a national inquiry into grooming gangs – have added to a £40 billion black hole Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor, needs to fill at the next Budget.” – Sunday Telegraph

Middle classes flee Britain for the Med after Reeves tax raids – Sunday Telegraph
‘It’s not an excuse but I was distracted’: Starmer on the benefits U-turn – Sunday Times
Tears and fury of the Labour rebels: did Reeves go too far over welfare? – Sunday Times
What next for welfare reform after U-turn – FT
‘Too arrogant to listen’: how welfare bill soured Starmer’s relations with rebel MPs – Observer
Disabled Labour MP says welfare U-turn would create ‘unethical two-tier system’ – Observer
PM told to rein in Rayner’s workers’ rights bill – Mail on Sunday
Most Brits think Labour has done a bad job in its first year of government – Sun on Sunday
PM snubs call to axe powerful No10 chief McSweeney after welfare backlash – Sun on Sunday

Comment

Hannan: Prepare for economic collapse

“Make a note of last Friday’s date: June 27 2025. It was the day that Britain’s coming financial crisis became inescapable. In backing away from his attempt to slow, however feebly, the rise in benefits spending, Sir Keir Starmer was signalling to the world that Labour would never bring Britain’s budget back into balance. The storm might break in 2026 or 2027 or even later. Labour politicians will do everything in their power to postpone the reckoning. But debts are not just paper liabilities; they end up being recovered. We have all just watched a hopeless and hapless PM throw away his majority and, with it, any hope of reform.” – Sunday Telegraph

‘Tell me what to ask about’ — Tory MP faces cash for questions claims

“A former Conservative minister allowed a company that paid him £60,000 a year to effectively write several of his parliamentary questions, leaked emails have revealed. George Freeman submitted queries to Labour ministers about the sector the firm operates in, potentially handing the company a commercial advantage. He also asked a director at the environmental monitoring company to tell him “what to ask about”, in exchanges that may have breached ethics rules and are likely to see Freeman accused of taking “cash for questions”. – Sunday Times

Tory MP accused of asking for client’s help with parliamentary questions – Sunday Telegraph

If I can’t give young men a voice, wait till what comes after me, says Farage

“When Nigel Farage became an MP on his eighth attempt, he said it would kickstart a “revolt against the establishment”. Almost 12 months on, with Reform UK riding high in the polls, he is planning his next coup: tearing down the whole parliamentary system. “I love the [House of Commons] building. I love the history. I respect the Speaker as a human being but I find that the way the place does business just ridiculous,” he said. “I do think that there’s a better way of doing things. I’ve always believed that you can combine tradition with modernity.” Sitting in his unofficial office of Boisdale of Belgravia over a “proper f***ing lunch” of lamb and kidney pudding and claret, Farage, 61, spoke for the first time about his plans for power.” – Sunday Times

Reform triumphs to win three by-elections – Sunday Express
The little UK town that’s ‘more Brexit’ than any other – and now been taken over by Reform – Sunday Express