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UK police arrest 890 people at Palestine Action demonstration

The Metropolitan Police said they had arrested 890 people protesting in London in support of Palestine Action, which was proscribed in July by the government, a move critics have said is a threat to free speech.

Published on September 7, 2025, at 3:56 pm (Paris) Le Monde with AFP

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At least 425 arrested at London protest supporting banned group Palestine Action

Defend Our Juries, the campaign group organizing the protest, said aggression had come from police officers and dismissed claims that protesters had been violent as "frankly laughable."

Published on September 7, 2025, at 12:58 am (Paris), updated on September 7, 2025, at 2:37 am Le Monde

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UK PM Starmer reshuffles embattled Labour government after deputy's resignation

Amid a deepening crisis barely a year after Labour's return to power, the popular deputy prime minister, Angela Rayner, was forced to resign. David Lammy, the foreign secretary, has replaced her, with Yvette Cooper taking over his role.

Published on September 6, 2025, at 6:30 pm (Paris) Cécile Ducourtieux

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Starmer reshuffles cabinet after deputy PM Angela Rayner quits over tax breach

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer overhauled his government Friday after Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner resigned for underpaying property tax, triggering the first major reshuffle of his troubled 14-month premiership.

Published on September 5, 2025, at 7:23 pm (Paris), updated on September 5, 2025, at 8:04 pm Le Monde with AFP

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UK deputy PM resigns over tax inquiry on home purchase

Angela Rayner admitted that she did not pay enough tax on her purchase of an apartment in Hove, on England’s south coast, earlier this summer. 'I take full responsibility for this error,' she said in her resignation letter to Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

Published on September 5, 2025, at 1:54 pm (Paris), updated on September 5, 2025, at 2:03 pm Le Monde with AP

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Lucy Connolly, British far right's darling, draws Trump supporters' attention

The 42-year-old babysitter spent one year in prison for a tweet calling for hotels housing asylum seekers to be set on fire. Populist leader Nigel Farage was set to advocate for her on Wednesday before the United States House of Representatives.

Published on September 3, 2025, at 6:03 pm (Paris), updated on September 3, 2025, at 7:33 pm Cécile Ducourtieux

Investigation Subscribers only

Macron ignored reports advising against transport of Bayeux Tapestry

Le Monde has learned that two expert reports from 2021 and 2022 warned against transporting the millennium-old artwork, which is to be loaned to Britain and exhibited in London in September 2026.

Published on August 27, 2025, at 4:08 pm (Paris) Roxana Azimi

Gallery Subscribers only

The 1960s in England, through the lens of Tony Ray-Jones

Tony Ray-Jones, who passed away in 1972 at 31, captured the leisure and relaxation culture of 1960s England. From seaside resorts to fairs and society events, the photographer cast an amused yet gentle gaze on his fellow compatriots. His work is on display at the Festival Photo La Gacilly in Brittany, through October 5.

Published on August 25, 2025, at 9:32 pm (Paris), updated on August 26, 2025, at 10:32 am Eric Albert

In Depth Subscribers only

UK's far right mobilizes around asylum crisis: 'I don't want to pay for them anymore'

Following a court decision upholding the closure of a hotel housing migrants in Epping Forest, opposition to their presence has shown no sign of waning, as seen on Saturday, August 23, in Horley, southern England.

Published on August 25, 2025, at 8:30 pm (Paris) Cécile Ducourtieux

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British government vows to speed up asylum claims as hotel protests spread

Faced with a record number of asylum applications and rising tensions, the United Kingdom is preparing to overhaul its appeals system to relieve the courts.

Published on August 24, 2025, at 3:02 pm (Paris) Le Monde with AFP

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Ukraine allies meet in hopes of a breakthrough in peace talks

The French president and British prime minister will co-chair a meeting on Tuesday to keep Ukraine's allies 'up to date on what was decided' the day after a meeting at the White House.

Published on August 19, 2025, at 12:47 pm (Paris), updated on August 19, 2025, at 2:02 pm Le Monde with AFP

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Britain, France and Germany threaten Iran with reimposed sanctions over nuclear program

The three countries' foreign ministers wrote a letter to the UN that said they were ready to trigger the 'snapback mechanism,' which allows the Western parties to reimpose sanctions if Iran breaches the existing deal.

Published on August 13, 2025, at 9:57 pm (Paris), updated on August 14, 2025, at 9:23 am Le Monde with AP

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UK police arrested 522 who backed banned pro-Palestine group

Activists in London were protesting the government's decision to ban the Palestine Action group. The 522 arrests are thought to be the highest ever recorded at a single protest in the UK capital.

Published on August 10, 2025, at 5:37 pm (Paris) Le Monde with AFP

News

London police arrest hundreds for backing banned pro-Palestine group

The group Palestine Action was banned in the UK after activists broke into a British air force base in June to protest British military support for Israel’s war with Hamas.

Published on August 9, 2025, at 4:42 pm (Paris), updated on August 9, 2025, at 11:33 pm Le Monde with AP and AFP

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UK, US hosting Western national security advisers on Ukraine

The meeting, hosted by Foreign Secretary David Lammy and the US Vice President JD Vance, follows confirmation Trump and Putin will hold talks in Alaska next week.

Published on August 9, 2025, at 2:04 pm (Paris), updated on August 9, 2025, at 6:49 pm Le Monde with AFP

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UK says first migrants held under return deal with France

Under the arrangement between France and the UK, irregular migrants arriving on British shores can be detained and then returned to France if they are deemed ineligible for asylum.

Published on August 7, 2025, at 2:32 pm (Paris), updated on August 7, 2025, at 2:48 pm Le Monde with AFP

Investigation Subscribers only

'The real villain of World War II': Winston Churchill is now a target of American revisionism

A new rewriting of history about the former British prime minister is gaining traction in the United States, especially among President Donald Trump's MAGA base.

Published on August 7, 2025, at 5:00 am (Paris) Valentine Faure

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War in Gaza causes rift within the British left

In the United Kingdom, Muslim communities and young urban voters have turned away from Labour, disappointed by its lack of initiative on the Palestinian conflict. Many say they are ready to join Jeremy Corbyn's new party.

Published on August 7, 2025, at 1:27 am (Paris), updated on August 7, 2025, at 10:39 am Julie Zaugg

News

France-UK migrant returns deal to take effect

The agreement seeks to curb record levels of irregular Channel crossings that are causing discontent in Britain and helping fuel the rise of the hard-right Reform UK party.

Published on August 5, 2025, at 4:22 pm (Paris), updated on August 5, 2025, at 6:44 pm Le Monde with AFP

News

UK summer storm creates travel chaos

Gusts of wind in the north of Scotland reached 132 kilometres per hour. Several train operators in northern England and Scotland canceled services, and flights were canceled, especially from Aberdeen airport.

Published on August 5, 2025, at 12:47 am (Paris), updated on August 5, 2025, at 9:47 am Le Monde with AFP

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UK's Corbyn follows in footsteps of France's Mélenchon with creation of new radical left party

Jean-Luc Mélenchon, head of La France Insoumise, welcomed the creation of Jeremy Corbyn's new party, likening it to his own strategy when he left the Socialists in 2008.

Published on August 3, 2025, at 10:41 pm (Paris), updated on August 4, 2025, at 8:03 am Olivier Pérou

News

EU set to launch an automated border system in October

The new Entry/Exit System (EES) will set up a common record of the names, passport numbers, fingerprints and facial photos of all non-EU nationals traveling to Europe.

Published on July 30, 2025, at 5:06 pm (Paris), updated on July 30, 2025, at 5:12 pm Le Monde with AFP

News

Starmer says UK will recognize Palestinian state unless Israel agrees to ceasefire

During a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the UK will recognize a state of Palestine unless the Israeli government agrees to a ceasefire in Gaza, makes clear there will be no annexation in the West Bank, and commits to a long-term peace process.

Published on July 29, 2025, at 6:35 pm (Paris), updated on July 29, 2025, at 8:55 pm Le Monde with AP

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French, British and German leaders urge end to Gaza 'humanitarian catastrophe' after Macron backs Palestinian state

British PM Starmer, President Macron and Chancellor Merz will spoke on Friday about deepening crisis in Gaza, with aid groups saying that 'mass starvation' is spreading after more than 21 months of conflict.

Published on July 25, 2025, at 3:36 pm (Paris), updated on July 26, 2025, at 9:55 am Le Monde with AP and AFP

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British ex-Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn announces a new political party

Jeremy Corbyn, who led the UK's Labour party from 2015-2020 before being ousted, announced that he is co-founding the new left-wing Your Party, together with fellow ex-Labour MP Zarah Sultana.

Published on July 24, 2025, at 4:04 pm (Paris), updated on July 24, 2025, at 4:24 pm Le Monde with AFP

News

UK announces final go-ahead on £38 billion Sizewell C nuclear plant project

The UK has pivoted toward nuclear power since the start of the war in Ukraine, citing energy security and the need to modernize its fleet of ageing power stations, though nuclear projects have sparked controversy.

Published on July 22, 2025, at 11:37 am (Paris), updated on July 22, 2025, at 11:42 am Le Monde with AFP

News

UK sanctions 135 oil tankers in Russia's shadow fleet

Security analysts say the fleet of ageing vessels is used by Russia to circumvent international sanctions. Hundreds of vessels have now been sanctioned by the EU and the UK.

Published on July 21, 2025, at 7:29 pm (Paris), updated on July 21, 2025, at 9:08 pm Le Monde with AFP

Op-Ed Subscribers only

'The end of the UK's tax privilege for non-domiciled residents is an opportunity for France'

Other countries are rushing to fill the gap left by the United Kingdom, but not France. According to academics Nizar Atrissi and Ydriss Ziane, France should adopt a genuine strategy to attract private wealth, with clear, stable and competitive rules.

Published on July 21, 2025, at 12:35 am (Paris), updated on July 21, 2025, at 9:23 am Nizar Atrissi Ydriss Ziane

News

UK to lower voting age to 16 in general elections

Britain's government said on Thursday, July 17, that it was planning to lower the voting age from 18 to 16 before the next national election, in a bid to increase democratic participation.

Published on July 17, 2025, at 2:12 pm (Paris) Le Monde with AP and AFP

News

British court hands jail sentence to two men who chopped down iconic tree

The two men who, in 2023, felled a tree that stood next to the ancient Roman site of Hadrian's Wall for nearly 200 years, were both sentenced to four years and three months in jail.

Published on July 15, 2025, at 6:04 pm (Paris), updated on July 15, 2025, at 6:10 pm Le Monde with AFP

In Depth Subscribers only

Trump tariffs: The British have not fared so badly after all

The UK had faced criticism for rushing to sign a trade deal with the US in early May.

Published on July 13, 2025, at 11:41 pm (Paris), updated on July 19, 2025, at 1:57 pm Cécile Ducourtieux

News

More than 70 arrested at UK protests in support of banned group Palestine Action

In London, it was the second straight week that protesters gathered to support the pro-Palestinian activist group. The government moved to ban Palestine Action after activists broke into a Royal Air Force base in Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, England, on June 20. Its outlawing means that support for the organization is deemed a criminal offense.

Published on July 13, 2025, at 5:04 am (Paris), updated on July 13, 2025, at 9:49 am Le Monde with AP

News

EU Commission will 'assess' UK–France deal on Channel migrant return

The European Commission said it would review the UK–France migrant returns deal before it can take effect, as concerns mount among other EU countries over its potential impact on the bloc’s asylum system.

Published on July 11, 2025, at 4:26 pm (Paris), updated on July 11, 2025, at 4:30 pm Le Monde with AFP

Editorial

With Channel migration deal, France and UK show shared determination

The pilot project unveiled on Thursday reflects both governments' desire to test a solution for a problem that has strained their relations and led to the deaths of dozens of people each year.

Published on July 11, 2025, at 12:13 pm (Paris), updated on July 11, 2025, at 12:14 pm Le Monde

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Migration: France agrees to return deal with UK

Paris has agreed to take back individuals who managed to cross the Channel but are not eligible for asylum in the UK. In exchange, London will accept those who qualify for asylum through a legal process. Approximately 21,000 people have reached England in small boats since the beginning of the year.

Published on July 11, 2025, at 11:30 am (Paris) Cécile Ducourtieux Julia Pascual

In Depth Subscribers only

France and Britain reinforce 'coordination' of nuclear forces in response to Russian threat

Europe's two nuclear powers announced the creation of a joint steering group, paving the way for joint operational planning, during French President Emmanuel Macron's state visit to London on Thursday, July 10. The stated goal is to deter Moscow from escalation.

Published on July 11, 2025, at 11:02 am (Paris) Elise Vincent

News

UK and France strike a 'pilot deal' on migration as Macron wraps up state visit

Britain and France announced on Thursday a pilot deal to return some Channel-crossing migrants to France, part of a broader effort to curb dangerous small-boat journeys. The plan has drawn sharp criticism in the UK, with opponents calling it a betrayal of Brexit.

Published on July 10, 2025, at 9:00 pm (Paris), updated on July 10, 2025, at 9:01 pm Le Monde with AFP

News

Starmer and Macron call for new sanctions on Russia, expand UK-France military force

During Macron's three-day state visit to the UK, the British prime minister and French president called on Thursday for more sanctions to 'step up the pressure on Russia' and secure a ceasefire in Ukraine.

Published on July 10, 2025, at 5:28 pm (Paris), updated on July 10, 2025, at 7:03 pm Le Monde with AFP

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The strategic hurdles for France-UK military cooperation

As London strengthens its ties with Washington and deepens its security relationship with Berlin, the French president's state visit to the United Kingdom highlights the fragile nature of defense collaboration between the two countries.

Published on July 10, 2025, at 5:00 am (Paris) Elise Vincent Cécile Ducourtieux

News

UK and France to enable 'coordinated' nuclear deterrent

The declaration will be signed on Thursday, as President Emmanuel Macron wraps up his three-day state visit in the UK. It will state that the respective deterrents of both countries remain under national control 'but can be coordinated,' Paris and London said in an overnight statement.

Published on July 10, 2025, at 1:19 am (Paris), updated on July 10, 2025, at 7:54 am Le Monde with AFP

News

Macron urges France-UK partnership on AI to keep up with US and China

On the second day of his state visit to the United Kingdom, French President Emmanuel Macron said on Wednesday, July 9, that the two countries had a common interest in developing their artificial intelligence solutions and avoiding reliance on US and Chinese innovations.

Published on July 9, 2025, at 6:10 pm (Paris) Le Monde with AFP

News

Macron discusses migration with Starmer on second day of UK state visit

On Wednesday, the French president's three-day visit to Britain took a political turn as London pushed for new measures to curb undocumented migration and Channel crossings.

Published on July 9, 2025, at 5:56 pm (Paris), updated on July 9, 2025, at 8:48 pm Le Monde with AFP

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France's EDF to own 12.5% stake in future Sizewell C nuclear plant in the UK

The French electricity giant will oversee the construction of British reactors at the plant. London hopes to complete the project's funding round over the summer.

Published on July 9, 2025, at 11:51 am (Paris), updated on July 9, 2025, at 2:15 pm Adrien Pécout

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'La Marseillaise' rings out in Windsor as Macron begins UK state visit

Throughout a day marked by pageantry and declarations of friendship between the two countries on Tuesday, the French president delivered more political messages on China and Palestine.

Published on July 9, 2025, at 10:35 am (Paris) Cécile Ducourtieux

News

French energy giant EDF takes 12.5% stake in new UK nuclear power plant

France's state-owned EDF was to invest around £1.1 billion in the Sizewell C nuclear power plant under construction in Suffolk, London and Paris announced on Tuesday, July 8, as French President Emmanuel Macron began a three-day state visit to the UK.

Published on July 8, 2025, at 6:05 pm (Paris), updated on July 8, 2025, at 6:06 pm Le Monde with AFP

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France will lend Bayeux Tapestry to the UK, Macron announces

While local authorities hailed the decision, conservators warned of the risks of moving such a fragile work across the Channel.

Published on July 8, 2025, at 5:34 pm (Paris), updated on July 8, 2025, at 7:42 pm Roxana Azimi

News

Macron calls for new era of French-British unity in address to UK Parliament

The French president urged UK lawmakers to work with France to reinforce international cooperation in an address in the Palace of Westminster on Tuesday, July 8. Macron also pledged support for Ukraine on the first of his three-day state visit.

Published on July 8, 2025, at 2:10 pm (Paris), updated on July 9, 2025, at 7:46 am Le Monde with AFP

Feature Subscribers only

Channel crossings by migrants in small boats are on the rise

Since the beginning of the year, more than 20,000 men, women and children have managed to reach the United Kingdom – 7,000 more than during the same period in 2024. At least 15 people have died while attempting the crossing.

Published on July 8, 2025, at 5:00 am (Paris), updated on July 8, 2025, at 9:36 am Julia Pascual

In Depth Subscribers only

Macron makes state visit to UK in attempt to move past Brexit

French President Emmanuel Macron is visiting the United Kingdom on Tuesday, where he will meet with the royal family and Prime Minister Keir Starmer. It is the first state visit by the leader of a member of the European Union since the Brexit crisis of 2020.

Published on July 7, 2025, at 7:01 pm (Paris), updated on July 8, 2025, at 10:00 am Cécile Ducourtieux Philippe Ricard

Editorial

Between France and Britain, an indispensable entente cordiale

President Emmanuel Macron's state visit to the United Kingdom, beginning Tuesday, takes place against the backdrop of challenges facing Europe due to the war in Ukraine and the uncertainties surrounding the Trump presidency.

Published on July 7, 2025, at 12:12 pm (Paris) Le Monde

News

Macron heads to UK for first official visit of King Charles III's reign

French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte are to arrive at Windsor Castle on Tuesday for the first state visit of the reign of King Charles III. Macron will also address UK MPs during a three-day visit expected to improve a Franco-British relationship strained by Brexit.

Published on July 7, 2025, at 11:10 am (Paris), updated on July 7, 2025, at 12:49 pm Le Monde with AFP

News

King Charles III to lead 20th-anniversary commemoration of the 7/7 London transit bombings

The 2005 London transit bombings, which killed 52 people and wounded 700 others, were the deadliest attack on the British capital since World War II.

Published on July 7, 2025, at 1:58 am (Paris), updated on July 7, 2025, at 10:15 am Le Monde with AP

News

Ozzy Osbourne set for swansong at Black Sabbath hometown gig

Birmingham, England prepared for rocker Osbourne's final gig as the heavy metal band's frontman. The 76-year-old musician revealed that he had Parkinson's disease in 2020; 'This is his full stop,' said his wife Sharon.

Published on July 5, 2025, at 5:49 am (Paris), updated on July 5, 2025, at 5:57 am Le Monde with AFP

News

Macron and Starmer will co-chair Ukraine talks in the UK

As Emmanuel Macron visits the United Kingdom next week, he and Keir Starmer are set to co-chair a July 10 meeting of Ukraine's European allies, aimed at discussing a 'reassurance force' and putting pressure on Russia.

Published on July 4, 2025, at 3:05 pm (Paris), updated on July 4, 2025, at 3:22 pm Le Monde with AFP

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One year after taking office, Keir Starmer faces growing weakness and dissent from his own MPs

The British prime minister's Labour government has been forced to strip down a proposed law restricting access to disability support, in order to avoid it being blocked.

Published on July 2, 2025, at 2:30 pm (Paris) Cécile Ducourtieux

News

French court jails migrant smugglers over 2022 Channel deaths

A court in Lille sentenced seven Afghans and two Iraqi Kurds to seven to eight years in jail over the deadly capsizing of a boat carrying migrants from France to England.

Published on June 30, 2025, at 12:05 pm (Paris), updated on June 30, 2025, at 5:17 pm Le Monde with AFP

News

UK PM condemns 'death to the IDF' chants at Glastonbury Festival

British punk-rap group Bob Vylan led crowds to chant, 'Death, death to the IDF,' a reference to the acronym for the Israeli military, during their set on Saturday at the world-famous UK music festival. The Israeli embassy said in a statement that it was 'deeply disturbed by the inflammatory and hateful rhetoric expressed on stage.'

Published on June 30, 2025, at 2:24 am (Paris), updated on June 30, 2025, at 1:06 pm Le Monde with AFP

News

British man charged in staged Disneyland Paris 'marriage' with nine-year-old girl

The man allegedly organized a bizarre ceremony at Disneyland Paris where he played the role of the groom in a fake marriage with a young Ukrainian girl.

Published on June 24, 2025, at 12:14 pm (Paris), updated on June 24, 2025, at 12:24 pm Le Monde with AFP

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A century of MI5 secrets are being revealed in the UK's National Archives

A unique exhibition traces the history of the legendary British domestic intelligence agency and features a wealth of original documents in a bid to maintain public trust and to counter conspiracy theories.

Published on June 24, 2025, at 5:00 am (Paris), updated on June 24, 2025, at 8:07 am Cécile Ducourtieux

News

Starmer and Zelensky announce agreement to strengthen military cooperation

The UK and Ukraine will now share 'battlefield technology,' with 'data sets from Ukraine's front line set to be plugged into UK production lines,' according to a statement from Keir Starmer's office on Monday.

Published on June 24, 2025, at 1:10 am (Paris), updated on June 24, 2025, at 7:45 am Le Monde with AFP

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