Nick Lester

UK

Nasa sticks by 2027 launch of next mission despite Blue Origin rocket explosion

The agency expresses confidence in the space firm founded by the billionaire Amazon businessman as it names its Artemis III crew.
9 Jun 2026
Business News

Number of ‘Neets’ a societal and economic disaster, warns David Blunkett

The Labour peer urges the Government to look at a welfare-to-work programme he introduced as employment secretary back in 1998
11 Sept 2025
Politics

Arrest of ‘harmless old ladies’ what outlawed Palestine Action wants – Clarke

The Conservative peer urged the use of discretion in dealing with protesters following the proscription of the organisation
10 Sept 2025
Politics

Death penalty for ‘sabotage’ of defence sites by activists ruled out by minister

Parliament heard arson at a naval dockyard was a capital offence until 1971, amid questions over the adequacy of the current law.
4 Sept 2025
Politics

Officials must ‘get off bums’ and quickly set up football regulator – Blunkett

Legislation passed in July paves the way to set up the body which will oversee the professional men’s game in England.
3 Sept 2025
Politics

Minister apologises for calling assisted dying Bill ‘major Government priority’

The Labour frontbencher moved to correct ‘inaccurate information’ as the administration is neutral on the contentious legislation.
1 Sept 2025
Politics

Former Whitehall chief Simon Case takes seat on red benches in House of Lords

The 46-year-old, who served four prime ministers, will sit as an independent crossbencher.
22 Jul 2025
Politics

Hereditary peers make last-ditch plea to be spared in ‘ruthless purge’ of Lords

Bloodline members complain they are being treated like ‘discarded rubbish’ under the move that was a Labour manifesto pledge
21 Jul 2025
Business News

Fujitsu ‘kicking can down the road’ on compensation, says Post Office campaigner

The Government is being urged to stop awarding contracts to the Japanese tech giant.
17 Jul 2025
Politics

Housebuilders’ £100m offer after probe ‘definitely looks dodgy’, Parliament told

The firms have said the offer of voluntary commitments does not mean they admit any wrongdoing.
15 Jul 2025
Politics

Court reforms vital to tackle ‘scandalous disgrace’ of backlog, says Ken Clarke

The Tory grandee backed plans to reduce the number of jury trials and create a new type of crown court where cases are heard by judges.
14 Jul 2025
Business News

AstraZeneca’s stock market exit would be devastating blow, warns ex-chancellor

The UK is ‘a hostile environment’ for innovative, high-tech growth companies, the Government has been told.
10 Jul 2025
Politics

Government urges Fujitsu to pay compensation to victims of Post Office scandal

Some victims were sent to prison or financially ruined, others were shunned by their communities, and some took their own lives.
9 Jul 2025
Politics

Slavery victims cannot be ‘abandoned’ over loophole concerns, says Theresa May

The peer spoke out after her own frontbench argued her bid to protect those who fall prey to trafficking could be exploited.
8 Jul 2025
Politics

‘No plans’ for watch towers outside House of Lords as new security fence erected

The long length of high metal railing has provoked controversy at Westminster with concerns it ‘cuts off sightlines’ to potential attackers.
8 Jul 2025
Politics

Media faces existential threat from ‘thieving’ AI, ministers warned

Media minister Baroness Twycross said AI posed both significant risks and opportunities for news media.
7 Jul 2025
Politics

Ban on Palestine Action clears Parliament but faces legal challenge

The House of Lords backed proscribing the group under the Terrorism Act 2000 without a vote.
3 Jul 2025
Politics

Ex-spending watchdog called in to probe £10 million Lords front door ‘scandal’

The expensive debacle at Westminster has led to demands for those responsible to resign.
2 Jul 2025
Politics

Lords reform task force proposed amid moves to oust hereditary peers

Concerns were raised that a select committee might be ‘a very good and highly-qualified talking shop’ but ignored by the Government.
2 Jul 2025
Politics

Chagos deal cost is ‘going rate for best defensive real estate’, says ex-FO boss

The UK has agreed to pay Mauritius at least £120 million a year to lease back the Diego Garcia base post-handover.
30 Jun 2025
Politics

Days of empire show Britons can cope with soaring temperatures, says ex-minister

People continue to withstand hot climates in India and Africa, argues a Conservative peer
26 Jun 2025