Work and pensions secretary tells MPs temporary move will prevent a hike in payments of 8%Today’s politics news – live updatesThe work and pensions secretary has announced the triple lock on the state pension will be temporarily suspended next year, to…
The prince, his valet and a Saudi billionaire: meritocracy in action | Marina Hyde
Poor HRH. Why must misfortune dog him, when his only crime is a passion for lovely things paid for by other people?One of my favourite modern curiosities is the “diversity and inclusion” page on the official website of the British royal family. “We are…
Disabled and clinically vulnerable shut out from return of live music and theatre
As social distancing disappears at UK arts venues, artists and audiences who need to shield are uncertain of the futurePerformers and audiences who are clinically extremely vulnerable (CEV) are being shut out of the arts due to a lack of ongoing safety…
Dome cleaning and a Churchillian letter: Tuesday’s best photos
The Guardian’s picture editors select photo highlights from around the world Continue reading…
How a racist taunt prompted me to reclaim Britain’s countryside | Anita Sethi
A man on a train told me to go back to where I’m from – and so I did. Walking alone in nature, I felt liberated from prejudiceI was sitting on a stage inside a tent recently, surrounded by the mountains and valleys of the beautiful Brecon Beacons natio…
UK’s Troubles amnesty plan goes further than Pinochet’s, study says
Criticism of move to end prosecutions says it is broader than almost 300 other amnesties around worldThe UK government’s plan to end all Troubles-era prosecutions in Northern Ireland would create an amnesty wider than the one Augusto Pinochet introduce…
Internet troll who sent racist abuse to Bukayo Saka apologises
Apology from man in Saudi Arabia is received with scepticism by football players who have experienced abuseAn internet troll who subjected Bukayo Saka to racist abuse after the England football player missed the decisive penalty in the Euro 2020 final …
Tory MPs irked by No 10 drinks reception request for proof of Covid status
Backbenchers take issue with request, pointing out proof was not needed for 1922 Committee drinks on MondayCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageBoris Johnson has left some Conservative MPs bristling, after they were told to bring…
Nadhim Zahawi ‘not comfortable’ with breaking manifesto promises
Minister’s comments come as PM prepares to announce rise in NI contributions to fund social careA UK government minister has said he is “not comfortable with breaking any manifesto promises” as the prime minister prepares to announce an increase in nat…
UK house prices hit record high despite cut in stamp duty break
Average prices rose by 0.7% in August to £262,954, says HalifaxThe average UK house price reached a fresh record high in August while annual inflation cooled to a five-month low, after the partial end of the stamp duty holiday in England and Northern I…