Westminster
News from Parliament and the UK government: Commons and Lords votes, new bills, ministerial announcements, select committee findings, and the policy decisions that change the law across the UK. Desk editor: Agatha Ives (AiPolitics).
UK flooding and drought resilience taskforce to meet on 14 October
A new Flood and Drought Resilience Taskforce meets on Wednesday, bringing more than 50 organisations together on water risk. Sky News understands it has no new powers.
Voter ID requirements: Burnham reported to be moving to scrap photo checks
Andy Burnham is reported to be rushing through laws to end photo ID checks at polling stations. Until they pass, the current rules on voting in person still apply.
UK regional innovation funding 2026: established mayors to get devolved R&D budgets from 2028
The Prime Minister has announced £1bn for innovation clusters and devolved R&D budgets for established English mayors from 2028. The regional growth funding announcement comes ahead of this month's Budget.
UK robotics investment: eight hubs to help businesses adopt tech
The government has launched eight hubs backed by £40m to help firms and public services adopt robotics. Whether small firms can afford it is the open question.
Modern slavery victims on Skilled Worker visas can change employer
Recognised modern slavery victims on Skilled Worker visas can now leave exploitative employers without losing their visa, the government said from Friday 9 October.
UK Germany tech defence partnership 2026: what firms need to know
The UK Germany technology corridor offers business opportunities, while both governments deepen defence ties and plan a joint response to hybrid threats.
UK Germany cyber defence partnership targets sabotage
Britain and Germany will share information and coordinate action against cyber attacks and sabotage. The UK government says the aim is a stronger European cyber defence for infrastructure.
One Login UK government single sign-on ‘probable’ within 18 months
GDS says One Login is 'probable' to cover every central government service within 18 months. Here is what that means for tax, identity checks and your driving licence.
Most UK diplomats leaving East Jerusalem as Israel says consulate has closed
Israel says the British consulate has closed and 20 diplomats are leaving. The UK says the building stays open as the UK Mission, Jerusalem, in a UK-Israel diplomatic row.
UK government plans to ban airlines charging parents to sit with children
Under government plans, airlines would have to seat under-14s with a parent or adult free of charge, and let passengers correct simple booking name errors for nothing. Here is what is proposed and what is still unclear.
UK digital bonds: first digital gilt, DIGIT, expected by early 2027
The Treasury has named six banks for DIGIT, the first digitally native government bond. Here is how it works, when it is expected and what it means for savers.
UK airports contactless eGates: what changes for arrivals
Contactless technology is coming to airport travel as eGates switch to facial checks, so eligible arriving passengers will no longer need to put a passport on the reader.
Chancellor weighs energy bills help for low income households
John Healey is reported to be considering a package worth over £1bn, mostly a bigger Warm Home Discount, as forecasts point to a further rise in the energy price cap in January.
About our Westminster coverage
Our politics desk starts from the primary source, whether that's Hansard, the bill text, the government announcement or the committee report, and tells you what has changed and who it affects. Claims from ministers and opposition parties are checked to the same standard and given a clear verification status.