August has been a busy month in UK politics, with developments touching everything from international security to domestic finances. From the government’s new deal with Iraq on returning migrants, to the UK preparing a reassurance force in Ukraine, and Rachel Reeves weighing up taxes on high-value homes to shore up the public finances, there’s plenty to unpack. Add in debates over air conditioning as a potential political wedge and ongoing tensions within the Labour movement, and it’s clear that both domestic and foreign issues are shaping the headlines. Here’s a roundup of the key stories you need to know.
UK and Iraq Strike Deal to Speed Up Returns of Failed Asylum Seekers
The UK has just signed a new agreement with Iraq aimed at speeding up the return of migrants with no legal right to be in the country. This deal builds on previous cooperation tackling people-smuggling gangs and discouraging risky Channel crossings in small boats.
So far this year, more than 27,000 people have attempted the dangerous journey across the Channel—up from around 18,000 during the same period last year. Interestingly, the Conservatives are calling the new deal “measly,” pointing out that only a tiny fraction of small boat arrivals are Iraqi. In fact, the number of Iraqis making the crossing fell from 2,600 to 1,900 in the year ending March 2025, according to the Home Office.
Home Office minister Dan Jarvis, who signed the deal alongside Iraq’s Deputy Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein during a two-day visit to the UK, stressed that the agreement will create formal processes to “swiftly” return those without a legal right to stay. But not every Iraqi arriving by small boat will be sent home—around 26% of them were granted asylum in the year to March 2025 after proving they faced persecution back home.
The Conservatives remain sceptical. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp dismissed the deal as “a sham designed to look tough while crossings keep soaring.” Meanwhile, the UK government points to broader cooperation efforts, including last year’s £800,000 deal to strengthen Iraqi border security and similar agreements with Albania, Vietnam, and France, as part of a wider push to tackle organised crime and irregular migration.
Jarvis framed it as a win-win: “By working together on security, development, and migration challenges, we are building stronger relationships that benefit both our countries whilst tackling shared challenges like organised crime and irregular migration.” So, while the Channel crossings continue to make headlines, the UK is clearly doubling down on bilateral deals to make returns quicker and more orderly.
How Politics UK Became Westminster’s Favourite (and Most Controversial) Social Media Voice
If you’ve been scrolling through X (formerly Twitter) lately, you might have noticed one account popping up everywhere: Politics UK. Over the summer, it’s become impossible to ignore, with rapid-fire, emoji-packed updates that have even caught the attention of Cabinet ministers. I’ve been following the rise of this account, and it’s giving me a front-row seat to just how Westminster is juggling traditional media, social platforms, and the fast-changing world of political news.
Politics UK isn’t your typical news outlet. Started by Bailey Nash-Gardner when he was just 17, the account has grown into a go-to aggregator for SW1 gossip, policy announcements, and Westminster developments. The account’s style is short, snappy, and attention-grabbing—think flashing red sirens, one-sentence updates, and links to the original stories—but it’s stirred debate. Some journalists appreciate the convenience and reach, while others worry it strips context, undercuts traditional outlets, and may even profit from work they didn’t create.
Despite the controversy, the account has become a real player. Ministers like Bridget Phillipson and Jonathan Reynolds have given interviews to Politics UK, recognising that its reach—over 367,000 followers—connects them with audiences that might not follow conventional political reporting. Nash-Gardner insists his goal isn’t to break news but to share it in a way that’s accessible and fast. Still, critics point out that younger audiences are already moving toward TikTok and other short-form video platforms, leaving Westminster to play catch-up in adapting its communications.
At the heart of it, Politics UK highlights a tension Westminster is grappling with: balancing polished, traditional reporting with the fast, attention-driven world of social media. For ministers, it’s a chance to reach new audiences—but for voters, journalists, and even the politicians themselves, it raises questions about whether speed and visibility are starting to outweigh depth and nuance in political reporting.
Sultana Takes Aim at Corbyn: “Capitulation” Over Antisemitism
It’s only been a few weeks since Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana announced their new political venture—tentatively called Your Party—and already sparks are flying. Sultana hasn’t held back in a recent interview, taking aim at Corbyn for what she calls “capitulating” over antisemitism during his time as Labour leader.
Her main gripe? Corbyn’s acceptance of the IHRA definition of antisemitism back in 2018. Sultana argues that Labour under Corbyn “triangulated on Brexit,” alienating voters, ignored deeper internal reforms like mandatory MP reselection, and didn’t do enough to mobilize its large membership into labour movements and tenants’ unions. In her words, when the party faced attacks from the state and media, it should have “fought back” but instead came across as “frightened and far too conciliatory.”
She also questioned the IHRA definition itself, pointing out that it controversially equates antisemitism with anti-Zionism—a stance even the definition’s lead author, Kenneth Stern, has criticised. Unsurprisingly, the Jewish community wasn’t impressed. The Board of Deputies of British Jews called Sultana’s critique a “grave insult,” insisting that Labour’s real failure under Corbyn was the harassment and discrimination of Jews, not the adoption of the IHRA framework.
Meanwhile, Your Party is still finding its feet. The co-leadership structure seems to be a work in progress, with a conference expected this autumn to decide on a permanent name, leadership roles, and who’s really in charge. So far, the fledgling party has attracted pro-Gaza independents and councillors critical of Labour’s stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
In short: a new party, old tensions, and plenty of drama ahead. If Sultana and Corbyn can keep the peace, they might just reshape the left—but for now, the fireworks are only getting started.
UK Plans Troop Deployment to Ukraine if Peace Deal Happens, Trump Holds Back
Big moves on the Ukraine front this week: the UK is preparing to send troops to Ukraine as part of a so-called “reassurance force” if a peace deal with Russia is reached. France is on board too, but the US, under Donald Trump, has ruled out putting boots on the ground.
The announcement followed a virtual gathering of more than 30 international leaders, co-chaired by Sir Keir Starmer, aimed at agreeing security guarantees for Ukraine. They’re essentially trying to reassure Kyiv that if hostilities stop, Russia won’t just roll in again. The talks also explored further sanctions to pressure Vladimir Putin to end the war.
Of course, the timing is eyebrow-raising. Just hours after the meeting, Moscow launched its largest aerial attack in a month, firing 270 drones and 10 missiles at central Ukraine. Clearly, the road to peace is anything but smooth.
Trump, while open to offering some air support or a NATO-style security guarantee without Ukraine joining the alliance, is keeping his hands off ground forces. His envoy floated the idea of a mutual-defense-like pledge, but no boots, no NATO membership—at least for now.
Zelensky welcomed the plan, calling it a “major step forward,” with formal agreements expected within a week or so. Meanwhile, Sir Keir called the week a “real significant breakthrough,” highlighting the progress on security guarantees and reassuring people in Europe, Ukraine, and the UK.
Other developments: the UK’s Chief of Defence Staff is heading to Washington to hammer out details, and Switzerland has offered to host peace talks—granting Putin immunity from arrest for negotiations, despite his ICC warrant. Macron chimed in, noting that European leaders have managed to temper Trump’s earlier over-simplistic ideas about ending the conflict in 24 hours.
Bottom line: the UK and Europe are trying to build a safety net for Ukraine if a deal is reached, Trump is keeping a careful distance, and Putin… well, he’s still very much in control of the narrative. It’s a tense chess game, and no one’s willing to gamble on the wrong move.
Dan Jarvis Slams Farage Over Epping Asylum Hotel Row
The row started when Epping Forest District Council won a temporary High Court injunction stopping asylum seekers from being housed at The Bell Hotel, citing violent protests that left multiple arrests and police injuries. Nigel Farage, never one to hold back, celebrated the council’s legal win and encouraged similar protests across the country, framing it as a model for other Reform-controlled areas.
That, unsurprisingly, prompted a strong response from Security Minister Dan Jarvis, who didn’t mince words: he called Farage “the very worst” kind of politician, saying such figures try to drive people apart instead of bringing communities together. The Home Office is now reviewing the verdict and looking for alternative accommodation for the 138 asylum seekers affected, while Labour and several councils brace for more legal challenges on asylum hotel placements.
The situation is highlighting the tensions between local authorities, the government, and political leaders, with ministers like Yvette Cooper attempting last-minute interventions and councils split on whether to challenge or adapt. Farage’s statements have fanned the flames of public unrest, while the government grapples with both legal obligations and public safety concerns. In short, the story is far from settled—and it’s a vivid reminder of how quickly asylum policy can become a flashpoint in local communities.
Rayner Slams Farage for Threatening Online Safety Protections for Young Women
In a move that’s stirring political debate, Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has taken aim at Nigel Farage over his plans to scrap the Online Safety Act. Rayner warns that getting rid of the law would leave young women exposed to an increase in “revenge porn” and intimate image abuse, calling Farage’s approach “dangerous and irresponsible.”
Labour isn’t stopping at words—they’ve launched a series of attack ads highlighting Farage’s connections with controversial figures like influencer Andrew Tate, framing him as out of step with online safety concerns. Reform UK, for its part, argues that the law brings censorship and overreach, while critics worry that abandoning it could leave victims without protection.
Rayner’s comments underline a broader tension: as the government battles online harms, political leaders are clashing over whether regulation protects or restricts citizens. With Labour taking a firm stance on safeguarding women, Farage’s challenge has quickly become a flashpoint in the online safety debate.
Campaigners Warn UK Police Plans to Disclose Suspects’ Ethnicity Could Fuel ‘Dog-Whistle Politics’
The UK government’s new police guidelines, which encourage releasing the ethnicity and immigration status of suspects in high-profile cases, have sparked concern from race campaigners. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper says the move is aimed at countering misinformation online, such as the false claims that circulated after the Southport schoolgirls’ murder.
Critics, however, argue that highlighting ethnicity could deepen divisions, fuel prejudice, and provide material for rightwing conspiracy theories. Legal and policing experts stress that the justice system should focus on fairness rather than race, warning that the policy could make Black and brown communities more vulnerable.
While police forces will decide on a case-by-case basis whether to release this information, campaigners caution that the guidance risks unintended consequences, including increased online speculation and misuse for political agendas.
Labour to Revive Northern Powerhouse Rail Ahead of Conference
Keir Starmer plans to formally announce the revival of Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR) this autumn, ahead of the Labour conference, signaling a renewed focus on northern infrastructure. The announcement, expected to involve both Starmer and Rachel Reeves, aims to reassure Labour’s traditional northern heartlands amid rising support for Nigel Farage’s Reform UK.
The NPR project, connecting Liverpool to Hull and linking major northern cities such as Leeds, Bradford, and Sheffield, is seen as vital for rebalancing the UK economy. The plan also depends on part of HS2 construction between Crewe and Manchester and could influence future HS2 connections to Birmingham and London. Timing is likely before the September 28 conference, with Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander highlighting the project in her speech.
Reeves Eyes Property Taxes to Fill UK Budget Gap
Chancellor Rachel Reeves is exploring ways to raise billions without touching income tax, VAT, or national insurance—and high-value homes are in the spotlight. One idea under consideration is scrapping the capital gains tax exemption on primary residences above £1.5 million, which could bring in £30–40 billion. Basic-rate taxpayers would pay 18% on the gain, while higher-rate taxpayers would face 24%.
Other options being floated include an annual levy on expensive properties or replacing stamp duty with a new property tax paid when homes are sold. Longer-term plans could even overhaul council tax, linking it directly to property values.
Critics warn higher property taxes might discourage older homeowners from downsizing, potentially shaking up the housing market. Supporters argue it’s a fairer way to tap into the enormous wealth tied up in property, especially as the government seeks to close a projected £51 billion hole in the public finances.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has tried to calm fears, stressing that the upcoming budget will focus on living standards and making people “feel better off,” but the debate over property taxes is set to dominate headlines as the autumn budget approaches.
Boiling Britain: Could Air Conditioning Become a Political Hot Topic?
The heat waves that scorched Europe might be fading, but in the UK, the debate over air conditioning is just heating up. Politicians and policy wonks are starting to ask: could AC become a real political issue?
Supporters argue that more widespread air conditioning could boost living standards and productivity—a tempting prospect for a Labour government looking to connect with voters fed up with sweltering summers. Surprisingly, some even say it could support the net-zero transition if done thoughtfully. On the flip side, failing to act might backfire politically as temperatures continue to rise.
Public sentiment seems to be on board. Polling by More in Common shows that 43% of Brits already support wider AC adoption—and that number is likely to climb as summers get hotter. If parties start championing the cause, it could become a subtle but significant wedge issue in the coming years.
Bottom line: what was once a luxury might soon be a political talking point—and maybe a must-have for keeping voters (and MPs) cool under pressure.