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Politicians urge Labour to restore Electoral Commission independence

All-party group say move is needed to stop UK lagging behind global standards on election integrityKeir Starmer is being urged to restore independence to the Electoral Commission, with MPs and peers likely to launch a battle to amend the elections bill in the new year.In a letter to the prime minister, MPs and peers will warn the elections watchdog should not be overseen by the political parties in charge of holding to account. Continue reading...

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Farage urged to explain conspiracy theories linked to antisemitism he voiced in US media

Exclusive: The Reform UK leader discussed far-right talking points in web TV and radio appearances between 2009 and 2018Nigel Farage is facing calls to explain why he repeatedly aired tropes and conspiracy theories associated with antisemitism during interviews, after claims the Reform UK leader used racist language in his teens.In appearances on US TV shows and podcasts earlier in his political career, Farage discussed supposed plots by bankers to create a global government, citing Goldman Sachs, the Bilderberg group and the financier George Soros as threats to democracy. Continue reading...

Princess of Wales calls for end to ‘stigma’ around addiction

Forward Trust patron says ‘compassion and love’ is needed to end fear and shame felt by those affectedThe Princess of Wales has called for an end to the “stigma” surrounding addictions, saying the experiences of those dependent on drugs, alcohol or gambling are “shaped by fear, shame and judgment”.Catherine, who is a patron of the charity Forward Trust supporting recovering addicts, said more open conversations were needed to bring the issue “out of the shadows” and for society to show “compassion and love” to those affected. Continue reading...

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Civil liberties groups call for inquiry into UK data protection watchdog

Campaigners including Good Law Project describe ICO ‘collapse in enforcement activity’ after Afghan data breach Dozens of civil liberties campaigners and legal professionals are calling for an inquiry into the UK’s data protection watchdog, after what they describe as “a collapse in enforcement activity” after the scandal of the Afghan data breach.A total of 73 academics, senior lawyers, data protection experts and organisations including Statewatch and the Good Law Project, have written to Chi Onwurah, the chair of the cross-party Commons science, innovation and technology committee, calling for an inquiry to be held into the office of the information commissioner, John Edwards. Continue reading...

University students in England get two-thirds of funding of a decade ago, analysis finds

University leaders says planned levy on international student fees will leave many institutions even worse offUniversity students in England get just two-thirds of the funding they would have received a decade ago, after inflation and government cuts have reduced the resources available for teaching, according to vice-chancellors.University leaders said the situation was likely to get worse if the government went ahead with a new levy on international student fees in Wednesday’s budget. Continue reading...