The best and worst of 2021 – featuring the culture war, dogs and a phenomenal third legLee Anderson MP, shrugging off the critics in July after his boycott of England didn’t catch on. Anderson, who called players taking the knee at the Euros “an attack…
Tagging UK asylum seekers: another Patel idea destined to fail?
Despite a string of measures intended to cut numbers, more than 27,000 crossed the Channel in small boats this yearThe home secretary, Priti Patel, has repeatedly promised to curb the number of people arriving on UK shores in small boats by making this…
Decision on stricter Covid rules for England may come on Monday
Ministers expected to assess latest data given to Sage and decide on possible return to step 2 restrictionsCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageMinisters could meet as soon as Monday to determine whether new restrictions are need…
UK to ease immigration rules for care workers as shortage worsens
Loss of more than 40,000 staff over past six months prompts move to recruit overseas Thousands of additional care workers are to be recruited from abroad to fill chronic gaps in the workforce, the government has announced, after figures showed more tha…
Essential workers thousand of pounds worse off than a decade ago, TUC says
Nurses, care home staff and police officers have had real pay cuts since 2010 as wages lag behind pricesNurses, care home staff and police officers working on Christmas Day will be thousands of pounds worse off than they were a decade ago as a result o…
Ministers pledge to ‘reset the dial’ on women’s health in England
After 100,000 women voiced concerns, plans include menopause support, GP training and banning ‘virginity repair’ operationsFinally the UK has noticed its rampant sexism in healthcare. What now?A strategy for women’s health in England: six areas of focu…
Johnson reluctantly took the call. Why did everyone expect answers from the PM? | John Crace
Steve Barclay didn’t want to crash and burn like Raab, so maybe he could be told the line to take todayBoris Johnson: (picking up phone) Who’s that?Steve Barclay: It’s me. Steve.A Farewell to Calm by John Crace (Guardian Faber, £9.99). To support the G…
Mixing work with wine is a recipe for bad judgment | Letters
Readers express their disbelief at the government’s explanation for the lockdown gathering at Downing Street last yearJohn Harris’s article (The fatal weakness of the Conservatives is not seeing the kindness in most people, 19 December) carried the eve…
No new Covid restrictions before Christmas, Boris Johnson confirms
Prime minister warns rapid spread of Omicron variant could mean curbs are imposed after 25 DecemberCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageMinisters will not introduce any new Covid restrictions before Christmas, Boris Johnson has c…
Pay attention for a message from the prime minister: careless cheese and wine costs lives | Marina Hyde
As we await the known unknowns of Omicron, No 10 does more to undermine public trust than all the conspiracy theorists on YouTubeFor the rapidly unravelling winter caretaker of Downing Street, it has been another paranoia-inducing few days. What with l…