Newslinks for Tuesday 23rd September 2025

Farage plan to save £234bn from migrant benefit cuts ‘falling apart’

“Nigel Farage’s claim that Reform UK will save £234 billion by banning foreigners from claiming benefits is facing mounting scrutiny, after it emerged that there would be a temporary carve-out for EU citizens. Farage argued that the plans to scrap “indefinite leave to remain” and require all migrants to gain work visas at nearly double the current salary threshold would stop “endless cheap foreign labour”, with all those ineligible for the new visa deported if they refuse to leave the UK. However, Reform clarified on Monday that there would be an initial exemption for 4.2 million EU citizens, raising questions about the true size of welfare savings — given many overseas claimants have “settled status”. The policy would initially be limited to 431,000 non-EU migrants who have indefinite leave to remain in the UK.” – The Times

• Reform leader faces showdown with EU as he declares benefits are for Britons only – Daily Telegraph
• EU threatens war over Farage’s immigration crackdown – Daily Express

Comment

>Today:

Starmer ‘burying’ the hostages by recognising Palestinian state

“The families of Israeli hostages have said that Sir Keir Starmer is “burying” their relatives by recognising Palestine. Starmer described his “unwavering commitment” to returning the hostages in a post on X, marking Rosh Hashanah, Jewish new year, on Monday. The families of hostages, however, have accused the prime minister of rewarding Hamas by recognising a state without any conditions to release their relatives. Ilay David, 28, said Starmer’s decision is “burying” his brother Evyatar, 24, who was captured by Hamas at the Nova music festival nearly two years ago.” – The Times

• Recognising Palestine ‘is a reward for Hamas’, says Trump – The Times
• Macron formally recognises Palestinian state – Daily Telegraph
• Starmer’s long road to recognising Palestine – FT

Comment

Trump claims taking paracetamol in pregnancy is linked to autism

“President Trump has urged pregnant women to “tough it out” and refrain from taking Tylenol, an over-the-counter painkiller, as he claimed it was linked to autism. Contradicting the findings of a number of scientific studies, the US president announced new guidelines recommending against the use of acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol, which is sold over the counter in the UK as paracetamol. In a meandering press conference lasting more than an hour, Trump said there had been a “meteoric” rise in autism, which he said was “among the most alarming public health developments in history”. “With Tylenol — don’t take it. Don’t take it!” he repeated numerous times. “You shouldn’t take it during the entire pregnancy.” – The Times

• BBC North America editor criticised for calling Kirk ‘far-right – Daily Telegraph

Comment

Starmer to launch progressive fightback against far right

“Keir Starmer will make a major intervention this week, pledging a progressive fightback and promising the UK will reject the division and hate fuelled by the far right. The move comes ahead of Labour’s conference amid increasing pressure on the prime minister from within his own party, where even senior loyalists have voiced fears that he has not mounted a passionate enough attack on Reform UK and rising racism in Britain. In a speech later this week, Starmer is expected to say the UK is “at a crossroads” and that the government will lead the fight against “decline and division”. – Guardian

• Labour radicals make their case for era of Starmer ‘contribution’ – The Times
• PM is accused of breaking rules over his relationship with controversial top aide McSweeney – Daily Mail
• Starmer vows to fix UK’s ‘creaking’ infrastructure starting with Gatwick Airport’s second runway – The Metro
• Labour’s favourite think tank demands tax raid on pensioners – Daily Telegraph
• Raise income tax by 2p to fill budget black hole, Reeves told – The Times
• Reeves urged to raise income tax – FT

Top Burnham ally launches scathing attack on Starmer on eve of Labour conference

“One of Andy Burnham’s closest allies has launched a damning attack on Sir Keir Starmer on the eve of Labour’s conference, accusing the prime minister of overseeing “rot” in the Labour Party. Former donor Sacha Lord said it is the first of the party’s annual gatherings he will miss since joining in 2022, accusing Sir Keir of having abandoned Labour’s values. He lashed out at “poor decisions being made from the top”, and warned hundreds of Labour councillors stand to lose their jobs in May as a result. Mr Lord was Greater Manchester’s night time economy adviser under Mr Burnham for seven years until January and his intervention comes amid mounting speculation the so-called King in the North is plotting a bid to oust Sir Keir.” – The Independent

Davey warned that luring Tory voters is a doomed strategy

“Sir Ed Davey has been warned that he is making a “fundamental mistake” as he calls on millions of Conservative voters to “help us save the country” by voting for the Liberal Democrats. The Liberal Democrat leader will use his speech at the party’s conference on Tuesday to call on moderate Conservatives who “reject the divisive politics” of Kemi Badenoch and Nigel Farage to “come and join us”. Davey is expected to tell activists in Bournemouth: “I’ve lost count of the people who’ve told me: ‘I’ve voted Conservative all my life, but now I’ve switched to the Liberal Democrats.’ And not just because they feel so badly let down by their old party. But because they see their values reflected best in our party.” – The Times

• Davey hints at deal with Labour to keep Reform out – Daily Mail
• Lib Dem leader calls for UK to import US cancer researchers hit by Trump cuts – Guardian
• Davey appeals to business to help halt the rise of Reform – FT

Comment

>Today:

Corbyn and Sultana prepare new party membership launch

“Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana are preparing a fresh attempt to launch memberships for their new party this week but without a joint public statement or a unified line, the Guardian understands. The pair have spoken since Sultana called off legal action on Sunday night in a dramatic climbdown as she acknowledged people had been left feeling “demoralised” by the group’s public spats. While their relations are said to remain cordial, Corbyn is understood to feel a “complete lack of trust” towards her, the Guardian has been told, noting it marked the second time she had made a unilateral move.” – Guardian

• Fraud concerns prompted shutdown of Corbyn party portal – Daily Telegraph

Comment

Other political news and comment

News in Brief