UK NewsWatchdog to investigate Met over 2019 Thomas Markle letter
The IOPC will examine why allegations about Meghan’s father were not shared with other police agencies, as a separate investigation continues in the Philippines.
30 October 2026
Political Correspondent
Marcus Odell
Marcus Odell is political correspondent for The Daily Times, covering Parliament, party politics and the departments that shape everyday policy. Before joining the paper he spent six years reporting on local government in the West Midlands, work that shaped his interest in how national decisions land in ordinary streets. He writes with a preference for plain explanation over political theatre.
Westminster
Stories by Marcus Odell
UK News
UK NewsChris Brown receives suspended jail term for London bottle attack
The singer and his vocal coach were sentenced for affray after music producer Abraham Diaw was attacked at a private members’ club in Mayfair.
26 October 2026
PoliticsBurnham opens debate on restoring EU free movement
The prime minister is considering closer ties with the EU ahead of a Brussels summit, while saying fundamental changes would need an election mandate.
25 October 2026
UK NewsStorm Austen cuts power to nearly 7,000 homes and disrupts travel
Schools shut and flights and trains were cancelled as Storm Austen hit southern Britain, with another Atlantic storm due tomorrow.
23 October 2026
PoliticsMI5 chief confirms Russian Brexit interference but warns on impact
Sir Ken McCallum says Russia tried to influence the 2016 referendum, but cautions against confusing interference with changing the result.
13 October 2026
UK NewsBryant defends Drumcree parade ban after police safety warning
The Northern Ireland secretary says stopping the Orange Order procession was necessary for peace after police warned of serious injury and wider unrest.
10 October 2026
PoliticsCharlie Maynard quits Lib Dem frontbench seeking Davey's removal
The Witney MP has stepped down as Treasury spokesman amid concern over the party's direction, while senior Liberal Democrats have rallied behind Sir Ed Davey.
9 October 2026
UK NewsStudent admits murdering Maria Saceanu in Dexter-inspired room
Benjamin William Day changed his plea during his trial at Wolverhampton Crown Court and will be sentenced on 4 December.
6 October 2026
UK NewsJeffrey Archer dies aged 86 ahead of final novel's publication
The novelist and former Conservative politician died at home on Monday, a day before Adam and Eve was due to reach readers.
6 October 2026
UK NewsPrison releases begin as Burnham faces warnings over supervision
About 700 prisoners are expected to leave jails in England and Wales on Thursday, as victims’ groups and MPs raise concerns over safety and support.
1 October 2026
UK NewsBuckingham Palace staff given alcohol awareness training
Royal household staff received training from Alcohol Change UK covering drinking habits, workplace safety and how to respond to intoxicated colleagues.
30 September 2026
PoliticsHealey to back UK-built submarine docks and £115m research ship
The chancellor will set out shipbuilding and skills plans at Labour’s Liverpool conference, a month before his first Budget.
28 September 2026
UK NewsTrump praises police after five arrests near RAF Fairford
Police are examining a possible Iranian link after five men were arrested near RAF Fairford and viable incendiary devices were found in a van.
27 September 2026
UK NewsNoah Woods inquest hears how toddler left Brantham playground
The three-year-old passed through a fence opening and a garden gate before disappearing from view, an inquest in Suffolk has heard.
25 September 2026
UK NewsTwo firms fined £1.3m over fatal falling window in London
Coach driver Mick Ferris died when a window fell from a Vauxhall tower, a year after another panel had fallen from the same development.
24 September 2026
UK NewsPiers Morgan seeks withdrawal of Earl Spencer's Diana book
Earl Spencer has apologised over an error linking Piers Morgan to intrusive Diana photographs, but the broadcaster is pursuing legal action.
22 September 2026
MoneyWater complaints rise by record 84% as higher bills hit households
Complaints reaching the Consumer Council for Water rose to 15,115 in 2025-26, with affordability and billing problems among customers’ main concerns.
16 September 2026
PoliticsTrump backs Irish unity during Dublin visit, drawing unionist anger
The US president urged movement towards a united Ireland as unionist parties defended Northern Ireland’s right to decide its constitutional future.
12 September 2026
PoliticsReform UK receives record £36m donation from Ben Delo
The cryptocurrency billionaire’s gift has renewed demands for donation limits as Reform faces police inquiries and MPs prepare to debate funding rules.
12 September 2026
PoliticsMPs reject assisted dying bill for England and Wales
The Commons voted 286 to 270 against the proposed law, ending a renewed attempt to give some terminally ill adults access to assisted dying.
11 September 2026
UK NewsDiana’s ‘revenge dress’ to be auctioned with £220,000 estimate
Sotheby’s will sell the Christina Stambolian dress in New York on 9 December, following displays in London, Hong Kong and Geneva.
11 September 2026