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.
By Nick Lester
9 Jun 2026
Politics
Police guarding Parliament think new security fence is ‘dangerous’, says author
Conservative peer Lord Dobbs claims officers have warned the tall metal barrier ‘cuts off sightlines’ to potential attackers.
By Nick Lester
25 Jun 2025
Politics
Kicking restoration of Parliament down the road risks disaster, authorities told
A Labour former cabinet minister highlighted ‘a real danger of a Notre Dame-type inferno or something worse’ unless action is taken.
By Nick Lester
25 Jun 2025
Politics
UK commitment to landmine ban ‘unwavering’ says minister as allies exit
The Government highlights the role played by the Ottawa Convention in protecting civilians against the indiscriminate weapons.
By Nick Lester
24 Jun 2025
Politics
Rail minister blasts ‘arrogant’ HS2 over crisis-hit flagship project
Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill said the flagship development has gone ‘badly wrong’.
By Nick Lester
19 Jun 2025
Politics
MP who first blew whistle on child rape gangs was smeared as a racist, says son
John Cryer, who sits in the Lords, highlighted the backlash faced by his mother Ann after she went public over the scandal in 2003.
By Nick Lester
18 Jun 2025
Politics
Televise grooming gang inquiry given public interest, Labour peer urges
Muslim Labour peer Baroness Hazarika apologised for the crimes carried out by ‘wicked, wicked men’.
By Nick Lester
18 Jun 2025
Politics
Cats ruled out for parliamentary pest patrols over welfare concerns
Free roaming felines have been rejected as potential pest controllers in Westminster because of concerns for their safety.
By Nick Lester
18 Jun 2025
Politics
Government tackled over why Grenfell cladding ‘crooks’ not behind bars
An inquiry found victims, the bereaved and survivors were ‘badly failed’ through incompetence, dishonesty and greed.
By Nick Lester
17 Jun 2025
Politics
Holocaust memorial critics warn of creating ‘monument to death and the Nazis’
Concerns have again been raised at Westminster over the loss of green space, the design of the scheme and security implications
By Nick Lester
17 Jun 2025
Politics
Tearing up strikes law branded ‘recklessness’ by Government opponents
Ministers say the Conservative legislation has not prevented a single day of industrial action and fuelled unrest.
By Nick Lester
16 Jun 2025
Politics
New House of Lords front door that cost almost £10 million does not work
The price tag rocketed by nearly 60% from the original estimate.
By Nick Lester
12 Jun 2025
Politics
Inspector’s report into Chinese ‘mega-embassy’ with ministers for final decision
A determination on the application, which has sparked security concerns, will be made on or before September 9.
By Nick Lester
12 Jun 2025
Politics
‘Out of control’ Zelensky scuppering chances of Ukraine peace, Parliament told
The accusation levelled at the country’s leader is rejected outright by ministers, who lay the blame firmly on Vladimir Putin.
By Nick Lester
5 Jun 2025
Politics
Al Qaida terrorists tried to poison UK water supply, says ex-security minister
Details of the foiled 2008 extremist plot emerged as the Government was pressed over steps to protect reservoirs against attack.
By Nick Lester
3 Jun 2025
Politics
Peers who ‘make great sacrifices’ hike their own overnight allowance by a fifth
Members of the unelected chamber wave through the increase without a vote.
By Nick Lester
2 Jun 2025
Politics
Tory veteran Gove who suggested Lords decamp to Stoke takes seat on red benches
Lord Gove was supported by close allies and fellow Conservative peers Baroness Finn and Lord Vaizey of Didcot.
By Nick Lester
22 May 2025
Politics
Prominent Brexiteer declares he is a French farmer as takes sideswipe at EU
A Tory former Cabinet minister presses the Government in Parliament over its ‘reset’ deal with the bloc
By Nick Lester
21 May 2025
Politics
Infected blood compensation hold-up ‘not about saving money’, insists minister
More than 3,000 people have died as a result while survivors are living with lifelong health implications.
By Nick Lester
21 May 2025
Politics
Ministers to prioritise compensation bid by man wrongly jailed for 38 years
Justice minister Lord Ponsonby said he would ‘encourage’ Peter Sullivan, 68, to seek a payout.
By Nick Lester
20 May 2025
Politics
Minister urges ‘much greater development’ of solar on factories and homes
His comments follow continuing concerns at the loss of prime fertile land for food production to sun-powered arrays as part of the drive to net zero.
By Nick Lester
6 May 2025