The UK’s High Court has ruled the Home Office’s decision to ban Palestine Action under anti-terrorism laws was unlawful following a legal challenge.
Dame Victoria Sharp said the proscription of Palestine Action “did result in a very significant interference with the right to freedom of speech and freedom of assembly”.
She added that “the Palestine Action was disproportionate, a few small of Palestine Action’s activities amounted to terrorism”.
Palestine Action’s co-founder Huda Ammori took action against the department over the then-home secretary Yvette Cooper’s decision to proscribe the group under the Terrorism Act 2000.
The group was banned by the government after several of its members were accused of breaking into an Oxfordshire RAF base to spray-paint military planes.
Speaking as she unveiled the ban in June, former home secretary Yvette Cooper said it was the latest in a “long history of unacceptable criminal damage committed by Palestine Action”.
But lawyers for Ms Ammori have argued that the decision to ban the group was unlawful and should be quashed.
More than 2,500 people have been arrested on suspicion of publicly showing support for Palestine Action since it was banned.
Read MorePalestine Action terror ban ruled unlawful by High Court
Why was Palestine Action banned as a terror group?
Key Points
- BREAKING: Palestine Action co-founder wins High Court challenge
- Palestine Action to remain proscribed as terror group to allow for appeal
- Home secretary vows to appeal Palestine Action judgment
- High Court decision on Palestine Action ban expected later today
- Analysis: Humiliation for Starmer as Palestine Action ban ruled unlawful
Home secretary vows to appeal Palestine Action judgment
10:31 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Independent’s political correspondent Millie Cooke reports:
The home secretary has vowed to appeal the High Court's judgement that Palestine Action’s ban under terrorism legislation is unlawful, saying she is "disappointed by the Court's decision".
In a statement on Friday morning, Shabana Mahmood said: “The Court has acknowledged that Palestine Action has carried out acts of terrorism, celebrated those who have taken part in those acts and promoted the use of violence.
“It has also concluded that Palestine Action is not an ordinary protest or civil disobedience group, and that its actions are not consistent with democratic values and the rule of law.
“For those reasons, I am disappointed by the Court’s decision and disagree with the notion that banning this terrorist organisation is disproportionate."
She added: “The proscription of Palestine Action followed a rigorous and evidence-based decision-making process, endorsed by Parliament. The proscription does not prevent peaceful protest in support of the Palestinian cause, another point on which the Court agrees.
“As a former Lord Chancellor, I have the deepest respect for our judiciary. Home secretaries must however retain the ability to take action to protect our national security and keep the public safe. I intend to fight this judgment in the Court of Appeal.”
Palestine Action co-founder reacts to ruling
10:28 , Nicole Wootton-CanePalestine Action co-founder Huda Ammori has reacted publicly to the High Court ruling in her favour over the group’s proscription.
In a post on X she wrote: “BREAKING: WE WON.
“The High Court ruled the Palestine Action ban is unlawful as it is disproportionate to free speech and the Home Secretary breached her own policy.
“The court ordered the ban be quashed. Details of lifting the ban will be decided and completed at a later date.”
BREAKING: WE WON.
— Huda Ammori (@HudaAmmori) February 13, 2026
The High Court ruled the Palestine Action ban is unlawful as it is disproportionate to free speech and the Home Secretary breached her own policy.
The court ordered the ban be quashed. Details of lifting the ban will be decided and completed at a later date.
Analysis: Humiliation for Starmer as Palestine Action ban ruled unlawful
10:24 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Independent’s Whitehall editor Kate Devlin reports:
At the end of a terrible week for the prime minister, this judgement comes as a humiliating blow.
The Home Office's decision to ban Palestine Action under terrorism laws has been judged unlawful.
Last year as the row over the ban depended Labour peer Shami Chakrabarti told The Independent that it risked becoming the PM’s ‘poll tax' moment -a reference to Margaret Thatcher’s unpopular policy that triggered civil disobedience and riots.
But Downing Street defended the move to ban the group, saying it was “violent”, had committed “significant injury” as well as criminal damage, and that the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre had found the organisation had carried out three separate acts of terrorism.
As Starmer heads to the Munich Security Conference to discuss security with other world leaders this judgement will come as a blow.
Hundreds chant 'Free Palestine' outside High Court building in London
10:19 , Nicole Wootton-CaneAbout a hundred people gathered outside the High Court building in central London are cheering and chanting “Free Palestine” after news broke that judges have ruled the Home Office’s decision to ban Palestine Action under terrorism laws was unlawful.
Palestine Action to remain proscribed as terror group to allow for appeal
10:18 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Independent’s home affairs correspondent Holly Bancroft reports:
Dame Victoria Sharp, Mr Justice Swift and Mrs Justice Steyn have decided that the terror ban will remain in force until further legal hearings can take place.
Lawyers for Ms Ammori and the Home Office have till the 20 February to provide further submissions to the court ahead of more hearings that will decide whether the ban should be lifted.
Ban 'resulted in very significant interference with right to freedom of speech'
10:14 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Independent’s home affairs correspondent Holly Bancroft reports:
Justice Victoria Sharp has told the High Court that the proscription of Palestine Action “did result in a very significant interference with the right to freedom of speech and freedom of assembly”.
She added that “the Palestine Action was disproportionate, a few small of Palestine Action’s activities amounted to terrorism”.
She said that the criminal acts “had not yet reached the level, scale and persistence to warrant proscription.”
BREAKING: Palestine Action co-founder wins High Court challenge
10:08 , Nicole Wootton-CanePalestine Action’s co-founder Huda Ammori has won a High Court challenge over the ban of the organisation as a terror group on two grounds, judges have said.
High Court decision on Palestine Action ban expected later today
10:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe High Court is to rule on whether the Home Office’s decision to ban Palestine Action under anti-terrorism laws was lawful on Friday.
Palestine Action’s co-founder Huda Ammori is taking legal action against the department over the then-home secretary Yvette Cooper’s decision to proscribe the group under the Terrorism Act 2000.
The activist group had been allowed to challenge the Home Office over its proscription as a terrorist organisation after the Court of Appeal dismissed an appeal.
You can read more about why the group was banned below:
Why was Palestine Action banned as a terror group?
Watch: 'Catastrophic lack of judgement' - Ed Davey calls out Starmer on appointment of 'pedophile supporter'
09:40 , Nicole Wootton-CaneComment: The race to replace Keir Starmer is still on – and Angela Rayner is ready to strike
09:20 , Nicole Wootton-Cane The race to replace Starmer is still on – and Angela Rayner is ready to strike
Important Wormald’s successor’s background is ‘looked at carefully’, says minister
09:07 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Independent’s political correspondent Athena Stavrou reports:
It is important that the background of the next top civil servant is “looked at carefully”, a minister has said.
Sir Keir Starmer has been under pressure in recent weeks over failings in the government’s vetting process, as highlighted by Lord Peter Mandelson and Lord Matthew Doyle.
As his cabinet secretary Sir Chris Wormald leaves the job, the prime minister has been urged to vet his replacement thoroughly. It comes as top home office civil servant Dame Antonia Romeo is said to be the the frontrunner to replace Chris, despite allegations of bullying.
Water minister Emma Hardy told Times Radio on Friday that the government must “look very carefully” at a successor’s background.
“I think that's certainly something that's become even more important in the last few weeks,” she said.
“So I think it's important that her background is looked at carefully.”
Reform by-election candidate calls for ‘young girls’ to be given ‘biological reality’ check
08:55 , Nicole Wootton-CaneReform UK’s candidate in an upcoming by-election has called for women and young girls to be given a “biological reality” check, as he gave his views on how Britain should tackle its impending “fertility crisis”.
Days after The Independent revealed that Matt Goodwin previously suggested people who don’t have children should be taxed extra as punishment, an unearthed clip posted to his personal YouTube channel in November 2024 has shown the former academic warning that “many women in Britain are having children much too late in life”.
In the video, Mr Goodwin – who is standing for Reform UK in the upcoming Gorton and Denton by-election – argued: “We need to explain and educate to young children, the next generation, the severity of this crisis.”
The Independent’s political correspondent Millie Cooke has this exclusive below:
Reform candidate calls for ‘young girls’ to be given ‘biological reality’ check
Starmer's outgoing cabinet secretary receives £260,000 payout
08:32 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Independent’s political correspondent Athena Stavrou reports:
Sir Keir Starmer's outgoing cabinet secretary is to receive a payout of over £250,000, as he became the latest of the prime minister’s top team to resign.
Sir Chris Wormald stood down as Britain’s top civil servant after just 14 months on Thursday evening, just days after the resignations of chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, and communications chief, Tim Allan.
Typically, the civil service offers those who voluntarily leave one month’s pay per year of service, up to 21 months. Having joined the civil service in 1991, Sir Chris would be eligible for the maximum amount, said to be £260,000.
However, payments of more than £95,000 have to be authorised by the Treasury under value-for-money rules.
No 10 declined to comment on reports Sir Keir Starmer had been forced to sign off the payment through a formal “ministerial direction”, as it did not meet Whitehall’s value-for-money rules.
Former cabinet secretary hits out at “shabby” anonymous briefings against civil servants
08:25 , Nicole Wootton-CaneA former cabinet secretary has criticised Sir Keir Starmer’s government for briefings against civil servants, after Sir Chris Wormald left the post this week.
Gus O'Donnell described the briefings as one of the current Labour government’s “biggest failings” and urged the prime minister to “get a grip” on his special advisors.
“Where it's shabby is the fact that we've got to this place and that they have briefed anonymously against the cabinet secretary, saying it's not working,” he told the BBC’s Today programme.
“You've seen it right from the start with Sue Gray briefings against her. This is the fundamental problem that and that is something the prime minister can solve by getting a grip on his special advisors.”
Starmer 'keen to make sure we have the team we need', minister says
08:15 , Nicole Wootton-CaneA minister has said Sir Keir Starmer is “keen to make sure we have the team we need” following a number of high-profile departures from Downing Street in recent days.
Water minister Emma Hardy told Sky News: “Well, I think he (Sir Keir) is keen to, sort of, you know, look at his team and make sure that we have the team we need to deliver on the priorities this year.”
She added the prime minister is “absolutely dedicated to cutting the cost of living”.
“I know for definite that’s what people talk to me about here, and how they constantly talk to me about problems around the cost of living,” she said.
“So I think it’s right that he has a team that is able to drive that forward.”
Minister denies Starmer has thrown top civil servant ‘under the bus’
08:02 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Independent’s political correspondent Athena Stavrou reports:
Sir Keir Starmer is facing claims that he has thrown his cabinet secretary “under the bus” as he seeks to reset his Downing Street operation following a turbulent start to 2026.
Sir Chris Wormald has stood down as Britain’s top civil servant after just 14 months on Thursday evening, just days after the resignations of chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, and communications chief, Tim Allan.
But water minister Emma Hardy rejected criticism of the prime minister, who has been accused of throwing his team “under the bus” by Kemi Badenoch.
“No, I really don't think he is,” she told Sky News. “But of course, Kemi’s going to say things like that.”
Defending Sir Keir’s many changes in his top team, she added: “He's keen to look at his team and make sure that we have the team we need to deliver on the priorities this year.”
Major union backs Rayner to replace Starmer if Labour fails in Gorton and Denton by-election
07:49 , Nicole Wootton-CaneA major union has given its backing to Angela Rayner if Labour fails to win the upcoming Gorton and Denton by-election.
Maryam Eslamdoust, general secretary of the Transport Salaried Staffs’ Association (TSSA), has publicly backed Angela Rayner to replace him, marking the first time a leader of one of Labour’s affiliated unions has openly supported an alternative to Sir Keir.
Ms Eslamdoust told the Daily Telegraph: “If we were to come third, I think Keir’s time will be up.”
But a spokesperson for Ms Rayner said there was “no contest and no vacancy”.
The spokesman added: “Angela has been clear Labour must come together, avoid distraction and work as a team to deliver for the public.”
You can read the full story below:
Major union backs Rayner to replace Starmer if Labour fails in Gorton by-election
Chris Wormald quits: Cabinet secretary steps down as Starmer loses another member of No 10 team
07:00 , Bryony Gooch Britain’s top civil servant quits in another exit from Starmer’s team
Watch: Badenoch accuses PM of 'stuffing government with paedophile apologists' amid Lord Doyle row
06:00 , Bryony GoochRecap: Andy Burnham criticises Sir Jim Ratcliffe for anti-immigration comments
05:00 , Bryony GoochMayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham has criticised Sir Jim Ratcliffe, co-owner of Manchester United, for his comments on immigration.
“If any criticism is needed, it should be directed towards those who have offered little contribution to our life here and have instead spent years siphoning wealth out of one of our proudest institutions,” said Mr Burnham.
Keir Starmer doesn’t have a ‘women problem’ - he has a ‘man problem’
04:00 , Bryony Gooch Keir Starmer doesn’t have a ‘women problem’ - he has a ‘man problem’
Female Labour parliamentarians criticise Downing Street 'boys' club'
03:00 , Bryony GoochFemale Labour parliamentarians have called for Sir Keir Starmer to appoint a woman as his de facto deputy after a series of controversies which critics say has exposed a “boys’ club” in Downing Street.
No 10 has rejected the accusations about the way it has been run, but the Prime Minister has said he would consider a suggestion from Baroness Harriet Harman to revive the position of first secretary of state, which functions in practice as a deputy prime minister, and give the role to a woman.
Watch: Disdain for Labour unites Gorton and Denton ahead of crucial by-election
02:00 , Bryony GoochRecap: UK to provide Ukraine with more than £500m for new defence missiles and systems
01:00 , Bryony GoochThe United Kingdom will provide Ukraine with more than £500 million for new defence missiles and systems, the Ministry of Defence has announced.
Defence secretary John Healey said the UK will contribute £150 million for the first time to Nato’s Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (Purl), a programme designed to speed up the country’s air defence support.
A further 1,000 UK-made lightweight multirole missiles will be delivered to Ukraine as part of a £390 million deal.
The announcement comes as Mr Healey co-hosts meetings in Brussels with the 50-nation Ukraine Defence Contact Group and Nato defence ministers on Thursday.
Will lowering the voting age change Britain’s political landscape?
00:00 , Bryony Gooch Will lowering the voting age change Britain’s political landscape?
Reform 'flagship' local authority passes budget despite warning of 'recklessness'
Thursday 12 February 2026 23:00 , Bryony GoochReform UK’s “flagship” local authority in Kent has passed its first budget despite warnings from opposition leaders of “extreme risk” and it being “potentially reckless”.
Kent’s Reform leaders have secured a 3.99 per cent council tax increase, 1% under the limit before a referendum is required, despite promising ahead of their election win not to raise tax.
But opposition bosses have criticised the move for not raising it to the maximum possible, which will leave the council with £10 million less for the next financial year that could have protected services and reserves.
They also pointed to a statement from the council’s head of finance, David Shipton, legally required to be considered for the budget, where he said: “The decision to raise the council tax household charge below the level permitted without a referendum poses a long-term financial risk as a result of the council tax income forgone.”
Burnham and Rayner join forces to criticise Starmer's pub tax rates
Thursday 12 February 2026 22:52 , Bryony GoochBoth Angela Rayner and Andy Burnham have criticised Sir Keir Starmer’s pub tax grab as the prime minister fights for his leadership.
The two Labour figures, who have been tipped as potential rivals in a future leadership contest, suggested the Sir Keir should cut VAT to ease pressure on struggling businesses.
The former deputy prime minister, speaking at a nighttime economy summit in Liverpool, called for extra help for the sector to help struggling towns and cities.
During a question and answer session after her speech, Ms Rayner, forced from Government last year over a tax row involving her properties, said: “And I think that we’ve got to recognise the, it’s not even the double whammy, it’s not even the triple whammy.
“I mean, I talked about the challenges on business rates, the challenges on VAT. The challenges, yes, the minimum wage going up and the living wage and the costs of energy.”
Mr Burnham later supported a “VAT rate more consistent with what you find in Europe because of the social value that your businesses bring to places and towns that need that life injected into them,” according to The Telegraph.
“I personally would support permanently a lower business rates regime for hospitality businesses for exactly the same reason.”
Watch: Dorries says Ratcliffe's claim Britain has been ‘colonised’ by migrants is 'not hard-right rhetoric'
Thursday 12 February 2026 22:44 , Bryony GoochTrade union leader calls for Starmer to stand down if Labour comes third in Gorton and Denton by-election
Thursday 12 February 2026 22:16 , Bryony GoochSir Keir Starmer should stand down if Labour comes third in the Gorton and Denton by-election, a trade union leader has said as she backed Angela Rayner to replace him.
Maryam Eslamdoust, general secretary of the Transport Salaried Staffs’ Association (TSSA), is the first leader of one of Labour’s affiliated unions to publicly back an alternative to Sir Keir as party leader.
She warned that a leadership challenge could come as soon as the end of the February, after a key by-election in which Labour risks falling behind Reform UK and the Greens.
Ms Eslamdoust told the Daily Telegraph: “If we were to come third, I think Keir’s time will be up.”
Home Office spent £700k on Palestine Action proscription legal fight
Thursday 12 February 2026 22:00 , Bryony Gooch Home Office spent £700k fighting Palestine Action proscription legal battle
In pictures: Angela Rayner calls for more support for nightlife sector
Thursday 12 February 2026 21:00 , Bryony Gooch Rayner: Government must listen to struggling hospitality sector
Thursday 12 February 2026 20:30 , Bryony GoochAngela Rayner has said the Government must listen to the struggling hospitality sector and recognise its “value not just in rhetoric, but in policy”.
The former deputy prime minister was speaking at Liverpool’s Night Time Economy Summit on “what we need to see from Labour in the future”.
She said: “If we’re serious about recovery, then we must fuel the recovery of them (businesses).
“That means recognising the value not just in rhetoric, but in policy. And this is where we must be candid.
“There is, without doubt, a clear divide between policy that truly understands the night time economy and policy that simply applies a one-size-fits-all approach.
“Too often, policy is done to this sector, not with it. And I recognise clearly and openly that more needs to be done to engage the industry directly and consistently and respectfully, to listen, to co-design, to recognise expertise where it exists.
“Because confidence in politics matters. Businesses need to believe that they will be treated fairly, that the rules won’t shift without warning, that the long-standing structural issues will finally be addressed, not deferred again.”
John Healey tells Ukraine’s allies to make 2026 ‘the year this war ends’
Thursday 12 February 2026 20:00 , Bryony GoochUkraine’s allies should make sure 2026 is the year Russia’s war against Kyiv ends, the Defence Secretary has said.
Speaking after a meeting of defence ministers in Brussels, John Healey said Ukraine’s allies were “more united and more determined than ever”.
He said: “We will step up military assistance to Ukraine. We will step up pressure on Russia.
“And we want to make 2026 the year this war ends, the year we secure peace.”
Rayner calls for a dedicated night-time economy minister
Thursday 12 February 2026 19:30 , Bryony GoochAngela Rayner has called for Sir Keir Starmer to appoint a dedicated night-time economy minister as she warned “more needs to be done” to support the industry.
In a challenge to the Labour government, the former deputy prime minister suggested venues face a “triple whammy” of costs with business rates, VAT and a minimum wage increase, on top of other pressures.
Speaking at a summit on the night-time economy in Liverpool, Ms Rayner said the sector should have a “true champion on the national stage” to represent its interests.
The Labour MP, who served as Sir Keir’s deputy and as local government secretary until resigning last year after a row over her underpayment of stamp duty on a new property, told an event in Liverpool: “We need to do better.
“We need to recognise the value of this industry, economically, culturally, socially.
“We need to design policy with the industry and not for it.”
She added: “I would support the government in having a named minister with responsibility for the night-time economy to champion the sector inside government and ensure that the voices of small and medium businesses are heard loud and clear.”
Exclusive: Reform by-election candidate calls for ‘young girls’ to be given ‘biological reality’ check
Thursday 12 February 2026 19:00 , Bryony GoochReform UK’s candidate in an upcoming by-election has called for women and young girls to be given a “biological reality” check, as he gave his views on how Britain should tackle its impending “fertility crisis”.
Days after The Independent revealed that Matt Goodwin previously suggested people who don’t have children should be taxed extra as punishment, an unearthed clip posted to his personal YouTube channel in November 2024 has shown the former academic warning that “many women in Britain are having children much too late in life”.
Millie Cooke, political correspondent, reports:
Reform candidate calls for ‘young girls’ to be given ‘biological reality’ check
Culture Secretary intervenes in Daily Mail owner’s £500m Telegraph takeover
Thursday 12 February 2026 18:45 , Bryony GoochThe culture secretary has intervened and launched a probe into The Telegraph’s proposed £500 million takeover by the owner of the Daily Mail over competition concerns.
It comes a month after Lisa Nandy had said she was “minded to intervene” on public interest grounds.
On Thursday, she confirmed in a written statement that she has launched a public interest intervention into the deal, which would expand one of the UK’s largest media groups.
The secretary said she has “concerns” related to the public interest, including how the move could impact the “plurality of views” in UK news media.
Therefore, she is specifically keen to assess whether the deal will impact newspaper customers by reducing the number of titles owned by different parent groups.
Watch: 'Catastrophic lack of judgement': Ed Davey calls out Starmer on appointment of 'pedophile supporter'
Thursday 12 February 2026 18:30 , Bryony GoochKent County Council passes first Reform UK budget
Thursday 12 February 2026 18:14 , Bryony GoochKent County Council, the largest authority in the country, has passed its first budget under Reform UK leadership.
The vote was carried with 48 councillors in favour, 26 against and 1 abstention.
Reform councillors represent 48 out of the 81 seats.
Summing up the debate, deputy leader Brian Collins said the budget has been “carefully thought through”, adding: “Some people call it risky, I call it bold”.
MSPs vote to back draft Budget as Lib Dems agree deal with Scottish Government
Thursday 12 February 2026 18:00 , Bryony GoochMSPs have voted to back the draft Scottish Budget at stage one as the Government announced changes due to a deal with the Lib Dems.
Finance Secretary Shona Robison proposed the Budget (Scotland) (No.5) Bill, which was supported by 65 votes to 30 at stage one on Thursday. There were 24 abstentions.
Scottish Liberal Democrat MSP Jamie Greene confirmed in the chamber at First Minister’s Questions that the Lib Dems had struck a Budget deal with the Scottish Government on social care, hospices and hospitality.
Watch: Starmer hits out at Jim Ratcliffe over ‘colonised’ by immigrants claim
Thursday 12 February 2026 17:45 , Bryony GoochPictured: Sir Chris Wormald, who has stepped down from his role as Cabinet Secretary
Thursday 12 February 2026 17:30 , Bryony Gooch No 10 decline to 'comment on speculation' about Whitehall's future
Thursday 12 February 2026 17:21 , Bryony GoochNo 10 earlier declined to “comment on speculation” when asked about rumours that Dame Antonia Romeo, the Home Office permanent secretary, will take over the Whitehall reins.
Dame Antonia has been announced as one of three interim replacements for Sir Chris Wormald, performing the role jointly with Cabinet Office permanent secretary Cat Little and Treasury permanent secretary James Bowler.
The Cabinet Office said Sir Keir Starmer was expected to appoint a new cabinet secretary “shortly”.
Cabinet Secretary responsibilities to be shared between three people in interim
Thursday 12 February 2026 17:10 , Bryony GoochDame Antonia Romeo, who is widely tipped to be in line for Sir Chris Wormald’s former job, Catherine Little and James Bowler will share the responsibilities of Cabinet Secretary for an interim period.
The permanent secretary at the Home Office, permanent secretary at the Cabinet Office, and permanent secretary at the Treasury would take over the duties following the departure of Sir Chris on Thursday.
The Prime Minister will appoint a new Cabinet Secretary “shortly” and the appointment process will be agreed by the First Civil Service Commissioner, the Cabinet Office said.
Analysis: Wormald sacking is another sign of a government in chaos
Thursday 12 February 2026 17:07 , Bryony GoochDavid Maddox, political editor, reports:
It is only a little over a year since Sir Keir Starmer appointed Sir Christopher Wormald to the most senior position in Whitehall as cabinet secretary to run the civil service. And yet just 13 months later he is giving the 57-year-old mandarin his marching orders dressed up as “leaving by mutual agreement”.
This latest departure from Downing Street is yet another sign of a Labour government in complete chaos led by a man - the prime minister Sir Keir Starmer - who seems incapable of choosing the right people for senior jobs.
As a result of Wormald going there is currently no cabinet secretary, chief of staff or director of communications in Downing Street. This is a government bereft of leadership.In fact in 19 months as prime minister Sir Keir has gone through two cabinet secretaries (he did not like the one he inherited Simon Case), two chiefs of staff (with the departures of Sue Gray and Morgan McSweeney) and four directors of communication.
Added to that his judgement over appointments is in question over picking Peter Mandelson as US ambassador despite knowing he had an ongoing relationship with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
And also promoting his first director of communications Matthew Doyle to the Lords despite knowing he had campaigned for a now convicted paedophile after charges were brought.
The prime minister is not in the clear by any means from the threat of a Labour Party coup and if he is to somehow survive he needs to start making better senior appointments and end the chaos.
Badenoch accuses Starmer of throwing staff under the bus
Thursday 12 February 2026 17:02 , Bryony GoochLeader of the opposition Kemi Badenoch has accused the Prime Minister of throwing staff under the bus as Sir Chris Wormold stands down from his role as Cabinet Secretary.
She said: “The Cabinet Secretary is the latest person Keir Starmer has thrown under the bus to save his own skin….”
The Cabinet Secretary is the latest person Keir Starmer has thrown under the bus to save his own skin…. https://t.co/QMTxWM8frs
— Kemi Badenoch (@KemiBadenoch) February 12, 2026
Starmer says there was 'mutual decision' for Chris Wormald to stand down
Thursday 12 February 2026 16:57 , Bryony GoochPrime minister Sir Keir Starmer has said he’s come to a mutual decision with Sir Chris Wormald that he would go.
Sir Chris was widely expected to be on his way out as the UK’s top civil servant as the Prime Minister seeks to reset his Downing Street operation after controversies surrounding the appointments of Lord Peter Mandelson and Lord Matthew Doyle despite their association with sex offenders.
Sir Keir said: “I am very grateful to Sir Chris for his long and distinguished career of public service, spanning more than 35 years, and for the support that he has given me over the past year.
“I have agreed with him that he will step down as Cabinet Secretary today.
“I wish him the very best for the future.”
BREAKING: Chris Wormald to stand down
Thursday 12 February 2026 16:44 , Daniel HaygarthSir Chris Wormald will stand down as the UK’s top civil servant and head of the Civil Service, the Cabinet Office has announced.
Reform by-election candidate calls for ‘young girls’ to be given ‘biological reality’ check
Thursday 12 February 2026 16:30 , Dan HaygarthReform UK’s candidate in an upcoming by-election has called for women and young girls to be given a “biological reality” check, as he gave his views on how Britain should tackle its impending “fertility crisis”.
Days after The Independent revealed that Matt Goodwin previously suggested people who don’t have children should be taxed extra as punishment, an unearthed clip posted to his personal YouTube channel in November 2024 has shown the former academic warning that “many women in Britain are having children much too late in life”.
In the video, Mr Goodwin - who is standing for Reform UK in the upcoming Gorton and Denton by-election - argued: “We need to explain and educate to young children, the next generation the severity of this crisis.
“We need to also explain to young girls and women the biological reality of this crisis. Many women in Britain are having children much too late in life and they would prefer to have children much earlier on.”
Read the full exclusive from Millie Cooke
BREAKING: Man Utd issue statement after Jim Ratcliffe comments
Thursday 12 February 2026 16:18 , Dan HaygarthThe club said: “Manchester United prides itself on being an inclusive and welcoming club.
“Our diverse group of players, staff and global community of supporters, reflect the history and heritage of Manchester; a city that anyone can call home. Since launching All Red All Equal in 2016, we have embedded equality, diversity and inclusion into everything we do.
“We remain deeply committed to the principles and spirit of that campaign. They are reflected in our policies but also in our culture and are reinforced by our holding of the Premier League's Advanced Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Standard.
“Over the course of this season, we have participated in events and initiatives at our men's and women's games marking mental health, LGBTQ+ inclusion, No Room for Racism, violence against women and girls and homophobic chanting.
“We have also celebrated our supporters' clubs' events, including our Disabled Supporters' Association's Christmas Party and our Jewish Supporters' Club's Chanukah event.
“In the weeks and months ahead, we will be supporting further initiatives in these areas.
“This all sits alongside the incredible work which the Manchester United Foundation undertakes in and around Manchester on a daily basis.Manchester United reflects the unity and resilience of all the communities we are so privileged to represent. We will continue to represent our people, our city and our fans with purpose and pride.”
