Andrew Sparrow
@andrewsparrowgdn.bsky.social
📤 34714
📥 552
📝 2160
I write the Guardian’s Politics Live blog
Green party re-opens nominations in Makerfield after candidate withdraws for 'personal and family reasons' -
www.theguardian.com/politics/liv...
1 day ago
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Foreign-born people now account for almost one in five of UK population, highest share ever, latest figures show -
www.theguardian.com/politics/liv...
1 day ago
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Polanski defends Greens fielding byelection candidate against Burnham, saying 'in democracy people must have choice' -
www.theguardian.com/politics/liv...
1 day ago
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VAT on attractions like theme parks and zoos, and on meals and cinema tickets for children, to be cut over summer, Reeves says -
www.theguardian.com/politics/liv...
1 day ago
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reposted by
Andrew Sparrow
Pippa Crerar
2 days ago
Big story by
@jessicaelgot.bsky.social
&
@kiranstacey.bsky.social
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
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Burnham to back Shabana Mahmood’s immigration changes, allies say
Exclusive: Greater Manchester understood to support home secretary’s push to limit legal and illegal migration
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/may/20/burnham-to-back-shabana-mahmoods-immigration-changes-allies-say?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other
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Reform UK advertises for vetting officer to help ensure 'highest standards' amongst candidates -
@benquinn75.bsky.social
reports -
www.theguardian.com/politics/liv...
2 days ago
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Streeting's resignation speech - snap verdict -
www.theguardian.com/politics/liv...
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Streeting says he resigned because Labour ‘in fight of our lives against nationalism’, and is currently losing – UK politics live
Former health secretary standing down after saying he no longer had confidence in Keir Starmer
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2026/may/20/keir-starmer-wes-streeting-labour-leadership-kemi-badenoch-pmqs-conservatives-reform-uk-politics-latest-news-updates?page=with%3Ablock-6a0dc4ba8f089d6dcf6c1089#block-6a0dc4ba8f089d6dcf6c1089
2 days ago
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Trade minister Chris Bryant says it's his fault sanctions announcement originally presented as rules being relaxed -
www.theguardian.com/politics/liv...
3 days ago
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Trade minister says no existing sanctions on Russia being lifted, and sanctions policy 'as tough as any in world' -
www.theguardian.com/politics/liv...
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Starmer defends changes to Russian oil sanctions as Zelenskyy’s office asks for clarification – UK politics live
‘There is currently very active communication between our diplomats… and the British side to clarify the detail,’ Kyiv says
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2026/may/20/keir-starmer-wes-streeting-labour-leadership-kemi-badenoch-pmqs-conservatives-reform-uk-politics-latest-news-updates?page=with%3Ablock-6a0da7d58f089d6dcf6c0eb4#block-6a0da7d58f089d6dcf6c0eb4
3 days ago
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PMQs - snap verdict -
www.theguardian.com/politics/liv...
3 days ago
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Rhun ap Iorwerth tells Senedd he wants Wales to be seen as 'equal partner' in talks with UK government -
www.theguardian.com/politics/liv...
3 days ago
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Darren Jones says Mandelson files to be published 'as soon as possible' after recess - but won't promise before Makerfield byelection -
www.theguardian.com/politics/liv...
4 days ago
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Minister rejects claim from ISC that too much personal data redacted from Mandelson files being released -
www.theguardian.com/politics/liv...
4 days ago
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Mandelson files won't be published until June, and will be biggest release of documents since Chilcot inquiry, MPs told -
www.theguardian.com/politics/liv...
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Minister defends Mandelson file redactions and says documents to be released in June – UK politics live
Darren Jones says release will be ‘one of the largest government publications ever laid in this house’
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2026/may/19/labour-leadership-keir-starmer-andy-burnham-iran-hs2-energy-latest-news-updates?page=with%3Ablock-6a0c4c228f08f52e78e1067c#block-6a0c4c228f08f52e78e1067c
4 days ago
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Starmer's interview about his future - snap analysis -
www.theguardian.com/politics/liv...
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‘I am not going to walk away’, says Starmer – UK politics live
The prime minister said he wouldn’t be setting out a timetable to stand down if Andy Burnham wins the Makerfield byelection
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2026/may/18/keir-starmer-labour-leadership-wes-streeting-andy-burnham-david-lammy-brexit-eu-latest-news-updates?page=with%3Ablock-6a0b21c78f08235aac0dd7a2#block-6a0b21c78f08235aac0dd7a2
4 days ago
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Burnham says he's 'not proposing UK considers rejoining EU', and rerun of Brexit arguments 'last thing' Britain needs -
www.theguardian.com/politics/liv...
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Britain ‘been on wrong path for 40 years’, says Andy Burnham – UK politics live
Greater Manchester mayor says UK needs big debate about ‘how politics needs to change’ as he attempts return to parliament
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2026/may/18/keir-starmer-labour-leadership-wes-streeting-andy-burnham-david-lammy-brexit-eu-latest-news-updates?page=with%3Ablock-6a0b0eb98f08ef4693943b3e#block-6a0b0eb98f08ef4693943b3e
5 days ago
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Why even Burnham would face tough challenge beating Reform UK in Makerfield -
www.theguardian.com/politics/liv...
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Farage says Reform UK will ‘throw absolutely everything’ at winning Makerfield byelection - UK politics live
Announcing he would step down as an MP, Labour’s Josh Simons said: ‘I am standing aside so that Andy Burnham can return to his home’
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2026/may/14/angela-rayner-says-starmer-should-reflect-on-stepping-aside-after-hmrc-clears-her-over-tax-affairs-uk-politics-live?page=with%3Ablock-6a05ffbd8f0871867a244114#block-6a05ffbd8f0871867a244114
8 days ago
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Burnham says he wants to Makerfield's MP to make 'politics work for people' and life 'more affordable' -
www.theguardian.com/politics/liv...
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Labour’s Josh Simons to stand down as MP so Andy Burnham can ‘drive the change our country is crying out for’ - UK politics live
Simons says: ‘I am standing aside so that Andy Burnham can return to his home’
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2026/may/14/angela-rayner-says-starmer-should-reflect-on-stepping-aside-after-hmrc-clears-her-over-tax-affairs-uk-politics-live?page=with%3Ablock-6a05fc708f086f4020ef7648#block-6a05fc708f086f4020ef7648
8 days ago
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'MPs don't get to pick their successors,' McFadden warns -
www.theguardian.com/politics/liv...
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Labour’s Josh Simons to stand down as MP so Andy Burnham can ‘drive the change our country is crying out for’ - UK politics live
Simons says: ‘I am standing aside so that Andy Burnham can return to his home’
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2026/may/14/angela-rayner-says-starmer-should-reflect-on-stepping-aside-after-hmrc-clears-her-over-tax-affairs-uk-politics-live?page=with%3Ablock-6a05fa298f0871867a24409d#block-6a05fa298f0871867a24409d
8 days ago
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Starmer tells Streeting he is 'truly sorry' he has quit, but says he will play 'important role' in Labour 'for years to come' -
www.theguardian.com/politics/liv...
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Streeting resigns as health secretary but stops short of launching leadership bid - UK politics live
Streeting calls on PM to resign and implies that he would stand as a candidate in a leadership contest
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2026/may/14/angela-rayner-says-starmer-should-reflect-on-stepping-aside-after-hmrc-clears-her-over-tax-affairs-uk-politics-live?page=with%3Ablock-6a05f1b98f08f817fdb23862#block-6a05f1b98f08f817fdb23862
8 days ago
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Streeting calls for leadership contest with 'best possible candidates' - saying Labour must offer 'bigger solutions' - Summary of his resignation letter -
www.theguardian.com/politics/liv...
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Streeting resigns as health secretary and says he has lost confidence in Starmer’s leadership - UK politics live
Streeting calls on PM to resign but stops short of launching leadership bid
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2026/may/14/angela-rayner-says-starmer-should-reflect-on-stepping-aside-after-hmrc-clears-her-over-tax-affairs-uk-politics-live?page=with%3Ablock-6a05ba6f8f08b0bfaa7477a3#block-6a05ba6f8f08b0bfaa7477a3
9 days ago
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Hilary Benn tells BBC he does not know if Streeting still health secretary -
www.theguardian.com/politics/liv...
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Streeting’s allies say he’s preparing to resign and launch leadership challenge as early as tomorrow – UK politics live
Health secretary had brief meeting at No 10 with Keir Starmer ahead of king’s speech
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2026/may/13/keir-starmer-labour-party-prime-minister-leadership-wes-streeting-kings-speech-latest-news-updates?page=with%3Ablock-6a046f2d8f082dc7c02304e4#block-6a046f2d8f082dc7c02304e4
10 days ago
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How parliamentary inquiry into Farage's £5m donation could potentially lead to recall byelection in Clacton -
www.theguardian.com/politics/liv...
10 days ago
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reposted by
Andrew Sparrow
Pippa Crerar
10 days ago
💥 We're also hearing that Wes Streeting is preparing to quit as health secretary and could mount formal challenge for leadership as early as tomorrow - as per
@breeallegretti.bsky.social
&
@patrickmaguire.bsky.social
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
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Lammy urges Labour rebels to back off, saying no rival has numbers to take on PM and they're only helping Farage -
www.theguardian.com/politics/liv...
10 days ago
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Health minister Zubir Ahmed become latest Streeting ally to resign -
www.theguardian.com/politics/liv...
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More than 100 Labour MPs sign letter saying it’s ‘no time for a leadership contest’ as Starmer refuses to quit – UK politics live
Three ministers quit the government today in protest of Starmer’s leadership after the PM said he would not step down on Tuesday
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2026/may/12/keir-starmer-prime-minister-resignation-labour-leadership-cabinet-meeting-yvette-cooper-shabana-mahmood-andy-burnham-wes-streeting-uk-politics-latest-news-updates?page=with%3Ablock-6a0345ca8f08676dd37f307d#block-6a0345ca8f08676dd37f307d
10 days ago
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Phillips accuses Starmer of blocking law to stop children's phones being used for naked pictures in resignation letter -
www.theguardian.com/politics/liv...
11 days ago
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Safeguarding minister Jess Phillips resigns, saying Labour needs leader with more 'gusto' -
www.theguardian.com/politics/liv...
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Jess Phillips resigns as minister after Keir Starmer tells cabinet he is not stepping down – UK politics live
She becomes the second junior minister to step down after cabinet ministers rallied around the PM earlier on Tuesday
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2026/may/12/keir-starmer-prime-minister-resignation-labour-leadership-cabinet-meeting-yvette-cooper-shabana-mahmood-andy-burnham-wes-streeting-uk-politics-latest-news-updates?page=with%3Ablock-6a0314d38f08f8bc3844a165#block-6a0314d38f08f8bc3844a165
11 days ago
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Starmer tells cabinet no one has triggered process for leadership challenge and he's not resigning -
www.theguardian.com/politics/liv...
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First minister resigns and calls for Starmer’s resignation ahead of critical cabinet meeting – UK politics live
Miatta Fahnbulleh – minister for devolution, faith and communities – has become the first minister to go
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2026/may/12/keir-starmer-prime-minister-resignation-labour-leadership-cabinet-meeting-yvette-cooper-shabana-mahmood-andy-burnham-wes-streeting-uk-politics-latest-news-updates?page=with%3Ablock-6a02e8cb8f08e1b4adf2755d#block-6a02e8cb8f08e1b4adf2755d
11 days ago
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Darren Jones says Starmer 'listening to colleagues', and does not rule out PM announcing resignation timetable -
www.theguardian.com/politics/liv...
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Keir Starmer to face crucial cabinet meeting as ministers and MPs urge him to resign – UK politics live
PM on the brink with Yvette Cooper and Shabana Mahmood believed to be among those urging him to set out a timetable for departure
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2026/may/12/keir-starmer-prime-minister-resignation-labour-leadership-cabinet-meeting-yvette-cooper-shabana-mahmood-andy-burnham-wes-streeting-uk-politics-latest-news-updates?page=with%3Ablock-6a02c75a8f087a8ca71302e5#block-6a02c75a8f087a8ca71302e5
11 days ago
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Kyle says Wes Streeting, his friend, not plotting to oust Starmer -
www.theguardian.com/politics/liv...
12 days ago
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Kyle suggests Rayner, and other candidates, could put public finances in 'peril' with spending policies -
www.theguardian.com/politics/liv...
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Starmer to say ‘incremental change won’t cut it’ in major make-or-break speech to avert leadership challenge – UK politics live
Prime minister will try to convince Labour MPs to back him after suffering major election losses last week
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2026/may/11/keir-starmer-labour-leadership-speech-angela-rayner-wes-streeting-andy-burnham-catherine-west-may-elections-uk-politics-latest-news-updates?page=with%3Ablock-6a0191848f087a8ca712f7ed#block-6a0191848f087a8ca712f7ed
12 days ago
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Kyle says it was Burnham himself who chose to leave Commons, as he rubbishes talk of Labour allowing swift return for mayor -
www.theguardian.com/politics/liv...
12 days ago
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Starmer to say ‘incremental change won’t cut it’ in major make-or-break speech to avert leadership challenge -
www.theguardian.com/politics/liv...
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Starmer to say ‘incremental change won’t cut it’ in major make-or-break speech to avert leadership challenge – UK politics live
Prime minister will try to convince Labour MPs to back him after suffering major election losses last week
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2026/may/11/keir-starmer-labour-leadership-speech-angela-rayner-wes-streeting-andy-burnham-catherine-west-may-elections-uk-politics-latest-news-updates?page=with%3Ablock-6a017b578f08f695b7fc16cd#block-6a017b578f08f695b7fc16cd
12 days ago
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Reform UK suspends Sunderland councillor over racist rant - after Tice dismisses questions about him as smear tactics, Mark Brown reports -
www.theguardian.com/politics/liv...
12 days ago
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Unison leader urges Labour to learn from Polanski, praising him for 'defending progressive values Starmer has abandoned' -
www.theguardian.com/politics/liv...
12 days ago
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Ex-minister Josh Simons calls for Starmer to be replaced, saying under PM 'we constantly talk big, then act small' -
www.theguardian.com/politics/liv...
13 days ago
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Tice claims millions of voters 'enormously grateful' to crypto billlionaire who donated £5m for Farage's security -
www.theguardian.com/politics/liv...
13 days ago
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Richard Tice refuses to condemn Reform UK councillor over racist rant, implying it's just 'daft' comment or media smear -
www.theguardian.com/politics/liv...
13 days ago
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Unite leader Sharon Graham says she's 'very sure' Starmer won't lead Labour into next election -
www.theguardian.com/politics/liv...
13 days ago
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Starmer insists he won’t quit as PM, as former minister Catherine West seeks to trigger Labour leadership contest -
www.theguardian.com/politics/liv...
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Labour MP challenges ministers to trigger leadership contest as PM vows to fight on – UK politics live
Bridget Phillipson says leadership ultimatum from the Labour backbencher Catherine West is ‘completely wrong’
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2026/may/10/may-elections-keir-starmer-catherine-west-labour-leadership-nigel-farage-reform-conservatives-kemi-badenoch-richard-tice-bridget-phillipson-uk-politics-latest-news-updates?page=with%3Ablock-6a001df78f087a8ca712eeb1#block-6a001df78f087a8ca712eeb1
13 days ago
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Starmer says results 'very tough' for Labour, he takes responsibility, and party must 'reflect and respond' -
www.theguardian.com/politics/liv...
15 days ago
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7 reasons why 2026 election results set to have transformative impact on British politics -
www.theguardian.com/politics/liv...
16 days ago
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Badenoch reprimanded by statistics watchdog for misleading MPs - day after her call for inquiry into PM's honesty rejected -
www.theguardian.com/politics/liv...
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Lib Dems accuse Badenoch of being willing to ‘put Farage in No 10’ after she hints she would approve council pacts – UK politics live
Conservative leader says her party ‘are willing to work with people who will help deliver Conservative policies’
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2026/may/06/local-elections-labour-starmer-greens-polanski-red-cross-reform-tories-conservatives-lib-dems-latest-news-updates?page=with%3Ablock-69fb5f428f0875fd2951bf9e#block-69fb5f428f0875fd2951bf9e
16 days ago
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Lib Dems accuse Badenoch of being ready to 'put Farage in No 10' after she hints she would approve Tory/Reform council pacts -
www.theguardian.com/politics/liv...
16 days ago
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Farage claims he has 'no case to answer' over claim he broke Commons rules by not declaring £5m donation -
www.theguardian.com/politics/liv...
17 days ago
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UK should not try rejoining EU until it accepts it won't get special à la carte deal it had before, Polish foreign minister says -
@jakubkrupa.bsky.social
reports -
www.theguardian.com/politics/liv...
17 days ago
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Polanski says he is not ready to be PM now - but suggests he might be in two years' time -
www.theguardian.com/politics/liv...
17 days ago
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Polanski accuses Times of 'scraping the barrel' over his claim to be charity spokesperson, saying he just 'used wrong word' -
www.theguardian.com/politics/liv...
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Polanski accuses Times of ‘scraping the barrel’ over his claim to be charity spokesperson – UK politics live
Green leader said he hosted fundraisers for the Red Cross but accepts he should not have described himself as a spokesperson for it
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2026/may/06/local-elections-labour-starmer-greens-polanski-red-cross-reform-tories-conservatives-lib-dems-latest-news-updates?page=with%3Ablock-69fae5948f08711e04fe1145#block-69fae5948f08711e04fe1145
17 days ago
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UK's relationship with Europe matters 'even more than ever' given global events, minister tells EU ambassadors,
@lisaocarroll.bsky.social
reports -
www.theguardian.com/politics/liv...
18 days ago
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