https://www.theguardian.com/politics/eu-referendum Latest news and features from theguardian.com, the world's leading liberal voice en-gb Guardian News &amp; Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. 2026 Wed, 09 Sep 2026 23:16:11 GMT 2026-09-09T23:16:11Z en-gb Guardian News &amp; Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. 2026 https://assets.guim.co.uk/images/guardian-logo-rss.c45beb1bafa34b347ac333af2e6fe23f.png https://www.theguardian.com https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/sep/09/like-a-death-sentence-british-widow-facing-deportation-from-sweden-lives-life-in-limbo <p>Exclusive:<strong> </strong>Joyce Thomas, 78, describes her ‘nightmare’ hours before the deadline for her removal from country</p><p>A 78-year-old British widow facing deportation over from Sweden over Brexit has said she feels she is facing a “death sentence” just hours before she was due to be removed from the country.</p><p>“I just want this nightmare to go away before I die,” says Joyce Thomas. “It is dragging me down. I am really not the same person I was. This has taken years. I just feel sick,” she adds as she packs her bags.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/sep/09/like-a-death-sentence-british-widow-facing-deportation-from-sweden-lives-life-in-limbo">Continue reading...</a> Brexit Sweden European Union Europe Foreign policy Politics UK news World news Wed, 09 Sep 2026 05:00:00 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/sep/09/like-a-death-sentence-british-widow-facing-deportation-from-sweden-lives-life-in-limbo Photograph: Lisa O'Carolll/The Guardian Photograph: Lisa O'Carolll/The Guardian Photograph: Lisa O'Carolll/The Guardian Lisa O’Carroll in Värmland 2026-09-09T05:00:00Z https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/sep/09/the-guardian-view-on-uk-eu-relations-voters-would-reward-greater-ambition <p>The architects of Brexit know it has failed. That presents Andy Burnham with an opportunity to set a bolder new agenda</p><p>Modesty is not a trait commonly associated with Nigel&nbsp;Farage. Something else must explain the Reform UK leader’s reluctance to talk about what is undoubtedly his biggest achievement.</p><p>Few individuals can boast of having influenced British politics as drastically as Mr Farage, with his record of campaigning for Brexit before that word was even coined. He will for ever be associated with the demand for emancipation from Brussels, but is rarely heard celebrating its completion. It barely earned a mention in speeches at his party’s <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2026/sep/05/nigel-farage-robert-jenrick-reform-uk-politics-latest-news-updates?page=with%3Ablock-6a9c42c38f0834a1091e025d#block-6a9c42c38f0834a1091e025d">annual conference</a> last week. The simple reason is that none of the promises made about the benefits of life outside the EU have been fulfilled. Leaving made the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/jun/14/how-uk-economy-changed-since-brexit-vote-charts">country poorer</a>, and voters know it.</p><p><em><strong>Do you have an opinion on the issues raised in this article? If you would like to submit a response of up to 300 words by email to be considered for publication in our<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/tone/letters"> letters</a> section, please <a href="mailto:guardian.letters@theguardian.com?body=Please%20include%20your%20name,%20full%20postal%20address%20and%20phone%20number%20with%20your%20letter%20below.%20Letters%20are%20usually%20published%20with%20the%20author%27s%20name%20and%20city/town/village.%20The%20rest%20of%20the%20information%20is%20for%20verification%20only%20and%20to%20contact%20you%20where%20necessary.">click here</a>.</strong></em></p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/sep/09/the-guardian-view-on-uk-eu-relations-voters-would-reward-greater-ambition">Continue reading...</a> Brexit European Union Politics UK news Nigel Farage Reform UK Andy Burnham Labour Europe Trade policy Wed, 09 Sep 2026 17:40:47 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/sep/09/the-guardian-view-on-uk-eu-relations-voters-would-reward-greater-ambition Photograph: Temilade Adelaja/Reuters Photograph: Temilade Adelaja/Reuters Photograph: Temilade Adelaja/Reuters Editorial 2026-09-09T17:40:47Z https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/sep/06/travellers-eu-queues-border-check-flexibility-rules-expire-entry-exit-system-ees <p>Sources indicate some members states will not enforce EES biometric controls after 6 September deadline</p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/jul/02/what-is-the-ess-and-how-is-it-affecting-visitors-to-eu-nations-this-summer"><strong>What are the new EU border checks and how will they affect your holiday?</strong></a></p></li></ul><p>Travellers to the EU could face renewed border queues as flexibility measures for the bloc’s entry-exit system officially come to an end – although numerous sources have indicated that some member states will not enforce biometric checks.</p><p>Airlines last week called on the European Commission to extend discretionary powers to pause <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/jul/02/what-is-the-ess-and-how-is-it-affecting-visitors-to-eu-nations-this-summer">EES controls</a> when necessary until the end of 2026, with the deadline for “flexibility” passing on 6 September.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/sep/06/travellers-eu-queues-border-check-flexibility-rules-expire-entry-exit-system-ees">Continue reading...</a> Travel & leisure European Union Airline industry Europe Business Brexit Air transport Eurostar UK news Sun, 06 Sep 2026 05:00:56 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/sep/06/travellers-eu-queues-border-check-flexibility-rules-expire-entry-exit-system-ees Photograph: Juan Medina/Reuters Photograph: Juan Medina/Reuters Photograph: Juan Medina/Reuters Gwyn Topham Transport correspondent 2026-09-06T05:00:56Z https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/sep/05/sweden-britons-deportations-brexit <p>Scale of deportations made public for first time amid criticism of hardline approach to UK citizens</p><p>Sweden has confirmed 458 British citizens have been deported or forcibly removed by police since Brexit.</p><p>It is the first time the scale of the deportations of citizens who failed to secure residency in Sweden post-Brexit has been made public and comes amid mounting criticism of a cruel and hardline approach to Britons who had chosen to make the country their home before Brexit.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/sep/05/sweden-britons-deportations-brexit">Continue reading...</a> Brexit Sweden Europe European Union Politics Immigration and asylum UK news Foreign policy World news Sat, 05 Sep 2026 09:16:01 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/sep/05/sweden-britons-deportations-brexit Photograph: John Sellers Photograph: John Sellers Photograph: John Sellers Lisa O’Carroll Senior correspondent 2026-09-05T09:16:01Z https://www.theguardian.com/world/ng-interactive/2026/sep/05/why-bayeux-tapestry-franco-british-politics-natural-bedfellows <p>Tapestry’s loan to UK is just another chapter in the love-hate relationship that has spanned the centuries since it was created</p><p>Five British prime ministers ago – and six French ones – when Emmanuel Macron <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/17/emmanuel-macron-bayeux-tapestry-loan-britain">first confirmed</a> that France would return the Bayeux tapestry to Britain after 1,000 years, he <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/pms-speech-at-the-uk-france-summit-18-january-2018">told an audience</a> at Sandhurst and Theresa May – the No 10 seat-warmer of the day – that when it came to France and Britain there were “two things that nothing can change, be it a vote or a political decision: our history and our geography”.</p><p>It was January 2018, 18 months after the UK had voted to leave the EU, and relations between the near neighbours were not good. The French political establishment had been shocked and angered by Brexit; personal relations were frazzled, and cross-Channel government contacts <a href="https://mail-attachment.googleusercontent.com/attachment/u/0/?ui=2&amp;ik=63ae3e3a49&amp;attid=0.1&amp;permmsgid=msg-f:1875317835615972925&amp;th=1a0677a2b8d82e3d&amp;view=att&amp;zw&amp;disp=inline&amp;sadnir=1&amp;saddbat=ANGjdJ-GqlFQUpQrRu43jlv9pTblou09LjW3iHW8VZ7j2ro5F0HJ3mksAlKr3zKhUAi33vaJ13aLZBYmetrAKNdIKXAYBPIj0nSg4VmGRZt20lG4B_Eu5M5jPvAgyZFtJFh4v8mT5YIXOx3gWe5dIa_sv_2c3QdVaWEPiBOvuF10AmR0txgs28IfUgqwPgu0r2j11NgnfCqJVECNvHPVDbNHYjUHJaAZ49HZaktRHxfpnrk4u_oZ-AFJE074nMPcrB8Tt0o3JN0LGWUp32d-oMfvXTbz3XdAWTMmcGaEyOO977FjvaljH3EOp9OwvjOBWGty_7jOQRfo54Q9GYh1apmXRIw7gzP1vytdokW-ekqh7VAZyacd4NfuMYTA3lj0AWzstYOuPs8EVe6qTbHsX15gSOJIOz-xEOsxoNWoFPg-Sy3i-AqlArO0zNPLYvPOMkzrdV7i9HnlpyHHjoB3Kgr25Y-jvGrHLS_1MxGjIzOEElDg-JNJ_a9FSF6R4JorQ63-frAU1tazK3Yh7FLY4GA8QqWhwVHeyIVm6Jmbx540sNIi8nzkyosAlSo_wFN_HGMeCTsOo6Zr_eP4l1OYc8_VR_MZW-Z-n4tlGQkE4fpyG0LwteAzpuoG-vjoLnA_hLROtz8Xsnr4Pz5PprpfiBV5DYKVoiAhDTqstENxVrBCM221UKX93sWg_STG5iVtyZlTq8b93LnEHLkgar2Yn_mCvrgt9MnW-ZaxEX-s3JHuDqGauvmfNeUbCibB_i29aTeWDihTHsFrtKAmf_5E6AoLDcajsgbSL7JjcNoQI3g6ETTiRhqPdgUWsgVpnfDmZ_SET8ShaUq3snQm8baSwyU5t0rjTLbZ8kgpliTvM-_2rXZxj2H5j0bvvxDsbT_xAqPVlcC2DN6SalBVaR5gg0WMeybXeR7t494BpWk-ABouyYXV9MeyTmJyZf1srq5_XaEsa_9ye2w1EBmszWgN-5cMDKHeH5YaMTJe6ZP1cANf-nWcThe3d0i64WCNL5yvcerZ4wHUNE9Ry6uoK4y7iXOq1tewlQBI-lLzULlx-A">measurably dwindling</a>. This was not a rupture that a piece of embroidered medieval linen, however perfectly it represented that tangled history, was going to solve on its own.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/ng-interactive/2026/sep/05/why-bayeux-tapestry-franco-british-politics-natural-bedfellows">Continue reading...</a> Bayeux tapestry France Foreign policy UK news Politics Emmanuel Macron Brexit World news Europe European Union British Museum Culture Sat, 05 Sep 2026 05:00:27 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/world/ng-interactive/2026/sep/05/why-bayeux-tapestry-franco-british-politics-natural-bedfellows Illustration: Anais Mims/Guardian Design/Getty Illustration: Anais Mims/Guardian Design/Getty Illustration: Anais Mims/Guardian Design/Getty Esther Addley 2026-09-05T05:00:27Z https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/sep/03/swedish-mp-promises-help-for-britons-facing-deportation-if-his-party-wins-power-general-election <p>Exclusive: Centre party says it will change law to end plight of those hit by post-Brexit policy if it gains power in upcoming election</p><p>A leading Swedish opposition party has promised an urgent reprieve for British nationals facing deportation from the country over Brexit administrative issues.</p><p>Niels Paarup-Petersen, the migration spokesperson for the Centre party, said it would introduce laws to end the suffering of people <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/aug/10/british-widow-78-told-to-leave-sweden-under-brexit-rules-after-living-there-for-21-years">such as the 78-year-old British widow Joyce Thomas</a> if, as polls project, it forms a new centre-left coalition after the general election in 10 days’ time. Thomas has been told to leave by next Wednesday after 21 years in Sweden.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/sep/03/swedish-mp-promises-help-for-britons-facing-deportation-if-his-party-wins-power-general-election">Continue reading...</a> Sweden Brexit Migration UK news Europe European Union European Commission Thu, 03 Sep 2026 12:38:20 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/sep/03/swedish-mp-promises-help-for-britons-facing-deportation-if-his-party-wins-power-general-election Photograph: Felix Andler Photograph: Felix Andler Photograph: Felix Andler Lisa O’Carroll Senior correspondent 2026-09-03T12:38:20Z https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/sep/03/wife-of-british-man-at-risk-of-deportation-from-sweden-calls-on-burnham-to-intervene <p>Case is latest in string of post-Brexit deportations from country, which has been criticised for high refusal rate for British people to remain</p><p>The wife of a British man detained by police in Stockholm on Tuesday ahead of a threatened deportation has pleaded with Andy Burnham to get involved in the Brexit catastrophe unfolding for many British citizens in Sweden.</p><p>Charles, who does not want to be fully identified, and his Swedish wife, Lily, were summoned to the police station at 10am on Tuesday, where he was told he would be held at a detention centre and deported within the next two weeks.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/sep/03/wife-of-british-man-at-risk-of-deportation-from-sweden-calls-on-burnham-to-intervene">Continue reading...</a> Sweden Brexit European Union Europe Foreign policy Thu, 03 Sep 2026 06:00:45 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/sep/03/wife-of-british-man-at-risk-of-deportation-from-sweden-calls-on-burnham-to-intervene Photograph: Bloomberg/Getty Images Photograph: Bloomberg/Getty Images Photograph: Bloomberg/Getty Images Lisa O’Carroll Senior correspondent 2026-09-03T06:00:45Z https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/sep/02/swedish-minister-removals-deportations-britons-brexit <p>Minister says Sweden has ‘fulfilled its commitments’ amid criticism of ‘unjust’ decisions such as case of Joyce Thomas</p><p>The Swedish government has doubled down on its position on removing and deporting British citizens on the grounds they were late to apply for permission to stay after Brexit.</p><p>The migration minister, Johan Forssell, issued a robust defence of the Swedish migration agency’s implementation of the Brexit withdrawal agreement on Wednesday in response to a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/aug/18/swedish-mp-intervenes-brexit-row-elderly-britons-ordered-leave">question from an MP</a> about the case of Joyce Thomas, a 78-year-old British widow who has been <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/aug/10/british-widow-78-told-to-leave-sweden-under-brexit-rules-after-living-there-for-21-years">ordered to leave the country after 21 years</a>.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/sep/02/swedish-minister-removals-deportations-britons-brexit">Continue reading...</a> Sweden Brexit European Commission European Union Politics UK news Europe World news Wed, 02 Sep 2026 12:59:23 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/sep/02/swedish-minister-removals-deportations-britons-brexit Photograph: Joel Lindhe/ZUMA Press Wire/Shutterstock Photograph: Joel Lindhe/ZUMA Press Wire/Shutterstock Photograph: Joel Lindhe/ZUMA Press Wire/Shutterstock Lisa O’Carroll Senior correspondent 2026-09-02T12:59:23Z https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/sep/01/burnham-promises-to-bring-optimism-and-substantial-change-in-first-commons-speech-as-pm <p>The prime minister said Britain needed to be brutally honest about the mistakes of the last 40 years of UK politics</p><p>Andy Burnham has blamed Brexit and Margaret Thatcher for a decade of low growth in the UK, arguing that Britain needs to be brutally honest about having taken “a series of wrong turns” in the last 40 years.</p><p>In his first Commons appearance since he took over as prime minister about six weeks ago, Burnham told MPs he wanted to build a new sense of optimism so “we can make this next decade better than the last”.</p><p>Hinted that he would commit to spending 3% of GDP on defence by 2030, saying he had appointed John Healey as his chancellor “precisely because” of his <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/jun/11/john-healey-resigns-defence-secretary-military-spending">position on military spending</a>.</p><p>Signalled he is open to renationalising the water industry – saying he is looking at “all possible solutions”, as the sector is a “leaking monument” to the failures of privatisation.</p><p>Opened the door to looking again at electoral reform in Labour’s next manifesto. “I do believe there needs to be a mandate to make that change. There are different views in this house, but I believe we will need to get a consensus at the next election. And if there is that consensus, then a change can be made in the next parliament.”</p><p>Announced he would attend the Cop31 climate summit in Turkey and continue pursuing green energy – but that he would be “pragmatic” on supply, amid expectations he will approve the Jackdaw gasfield. “The mistake is saying it’s got to be one or the other for political purposes. The truth is, it’s going to have to be both.”</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/sep/01/burnham-promises-to-bring-optimism-and-substantial-change-in-first-commons-speech-as-pm">Continue reading...</a> Andy Burnham Politics Labour UK news Margaret Thatcher Brexit Tue, 01 Sep 2026 18:52:32 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/sep/01/burnham-promises-to-bring-optimism-and-substantial-change-in-first-commons-speech-as-pm Photograph: House of Commons Photograph: House of Commons Photograph: House of Commons Pippa Crerar and Jessica Elgot 2026-09-01T18:52:32Z https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2026/sep/01/andy-burnham-statement-commons-prison-release-farage-healey-defence-latest-news-updates <p>This liveblog is now closed. Read the Guardian’s report of today’s political news <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/sep/01/burnham-promises-to-bring-optimism-and-substantial-change-in-first-commons-speech-as-pm">here</a></p><p>My colleague <strong>Richard Partington</strong>, the Guardian’s senior economics correspondent, grew up, like Andy Burnham, in the Warrington suburb of Culcheth. He has been home to find out what people there are saying about the new PM.</p><p>Yesterday, <strong>Kemi Badenoch</strong> announced a reshuffle, replacing Mel Stride with Andrew Griffith as shadow chancellor and Priti Patel with Tom Tugendhat as shadow foreign secretary.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2026/sep/01/andy-burnham-statement-commons-prison-release-farage-healey-defence-latest-news-updates">Continue reading...</a> Politics UK news Andy Burnham Labour UK cost of living crisis Devolution Economics Conservatives Liberal Democrats Reform UK Darren Jones Tax and spending Prisons and probation Immigration and asylum Migration House of Commons Keir Starmer Byelections London Zack Polanski Green party Nigel Farage Ed Miliband Israel West Bank Cornwall Electoral reform Farming Brexit Shropshire Glasgow Proportional representation Sentencing Tue, 01 Sep 2026 17:52:31 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2026/sep/01/andy-burnham-statement-commons-prison-release-farage-healey-defence-latest-news-updates Photograph: parliamentlive.tv Photograph: parliamentlive.tv Photograph: parliamentlive.tv Andrew Sparrow 2026-09-01T17:52:31Z https://www.theguardian.com/politics/audio/2026/aug/31/rejoining-eu-bedroom-tax-andy-burnham-political-donors-politics-weekly-answers-your-questions-podcast <p>Will the UK ever rejoin the EU? Who is funding Andy Burnham? And will the bedroom tax be scrapped? In a special episode, Kiran Stacey and Peter Walker answer some of your questions</p><p>Please keep sending your comments and questions to Pippa and Kiran at <a href="mailto:politicsweeklyuk@theguardian.com">politicsweeklyuk@theguardian.com</a></p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/audio/2026/aug/31/rejoining-eu-bedroom-tax-andy-burnham-political-donors-politics-weekly-answers-your-questions-podcast">Continue reading...</a> Politics Brexit Andy Burnham Bedroom tax UK news Europe Benefits Society Housing benefit Welfare Housing Communities Labour European Union Foreign policy Party funding Mon, 31 Aug 2026 04:00:15 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/politics/audio/2026/aug/31/rejoining-eu-bedroom-tax-andy-burnham-political-donors-politics-weekly-answers-your-questions-podcast Photograph: WPA/Getty Images Photograph: WPA/Getty Images Photograph: WPA/Getty Images Presented by Kiran Stacey and Peter Walker, produced by Maz Ebtehaj and Ned Carter Miles, music by Axel Kacoutié; the executive producer is Frankie Tobi 2026-08-31T04:00:15Z https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/aug/30/brexit-north-east-recovery-rides-survival-nissan-plant <p>Operating at only half its capacity, Japanese carmaker’s Sunderland factory seeks deal with China’s Chery as it battles Brexit threats</p><p>In a factory in Gateshead, engineers carefully wind metal wires around iron cores to go in electric motors. Here, workers produce a smaller “pancake motor”, which generates higher torque than conventional versions for supercars or construction equipment.</p><p>These workers form part of north-east England’s automotive industry, which has experienced a long line of political disruptions, from <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/news/2018/oct/04/will-nissan-stay-once-britain-leaves-sunderland-brexit-business-dilemma">Margaret Thatcher’s efforts to attract international investment</a>, through Brexit and now Andy Burnham’s <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/jul/10/how-andy-burnham-can-finance-a-reindustrialised-britain">reindustrialisation strategy</a>.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/aug/30/brexit-north-east-recovery-rides-survival-nissan-plant">Continue reading...</a> Nissan Automotive industry Manufacturing sector Business Brexit Sunderland North of England England UK news Sun, 30 Aug 2026 06:00:48 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/aug/30/brexit-north-east-recovery-rides-survival-nissan-plant Photograph: Christopher Thomond/The Guardian Photograph: Christopher Thomond/The Guardian Photograph: Christopher Thomond/The Guardian Jasper Jolly 2026-08-30T06:00:48Z https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/aug/28/the-guardian-view-on-the-loan-of-the-bayeux-tapestry-a-manifestation-of-soft-power <p>The British Museum’s landmark cultural exchange is a symbol of post-Brexit rapprochement between Britain and France</p><p>“<em>Harold Rex interfectus est</em>”: King Harold is killed. As every British schoolchild knows, the Bayeux tapestry depicts a turning point in the history of these islands: defeat at the Battle of Hastings in 1066, which would lead to the ascent of William the Conqueror to the English throne. Its <a href="https://www.britishmuseum.org/exhibitions/bayeux-tapestry">return to the UK</a> for the first time in nearly 1,000 years is being hailed as a hugely historic moment in its own right. The loan of the tapestry (technically an embroidery of wool on linen) to the British Museum in <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/news/bayeux-tapestry-to-go-on-display-at-the-british-museum-in-2026">exchange</a> for UK treasures from Sutton Hoo is the ultimate manifestation of soft power – a 70-metre symbol of post-Brexit Anglo-French rapprochement in comic-strip form.</p><p>Ticket sales for the exhibition, which opens on 10 September, were <a href="https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2026/07/02/bayeux-tapestry-exhibition-brings-in-%C2%A325m-for-the-british-museum-on-first-day-of-ticket-sales">the biggest in a single day in the museum’s history</a>, with online queues of 80,000. Radio 4 is devoting <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/2026/bayeux-tapesty-returns-to-uk-documentary">a day of special broadcasts</a> to mark the arrival of the tapestry, including a new drama with verse from the poet laureate Simon Armitage. The <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&amp;amp;v=VCeydlr3Nww">museum’s videos</a> explaining this tale of ambition, friendship, betrayal and revenge are fittingly narrated by Traitors presenter Claudia Winkleman. Norman-mania is here.</p><p><em><strong>Do you have an opinion on the issues raised in this article? If you would like to submit a response of up to 300 words by email to be considered for publication in our<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/tone/letters"> letters</a> section, please <a href="mailto:guardian.letters@theguardian.com?body=Please%20include%20your%20name,%20full%20postal%20address%20and%20phone%20number%20with%20your%20letter%20below.%20Letters%20are%20usually%20published%20with%20the%20author%27s%20name%20and%20city/town/village.%20The%20rest%20of%20the%20information%20is%20for%20verification%20only%20and%20to%20contact%20you%20where%20necessary.">click here</a>.</strong></em></p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/aug/28/the-guardian-view-on-the-loan-of-the-bayeux-tapestry-a-manifestation-of-soft-power">Continue reading...</a> Bayeux tapestry British Museum Art and design Culture World news Brexit Fri, 28 Aug 2026 16:55:09 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/aug/28/the-guardian-view-on-the-loan-of-the-bayeux-tapestry-a-manifestation-of-soft-power Photograph: Ardee Napolitano/Reuters Photograph: Ardee Napolitano/Reuters Photograph: Ardee Napolitano/Reuters Editorial 2026-08-28T16:55:09Z https://www.theguardian.com/food/2026/aug/28/uk-urged-ban-import-brazil-meat-health-concerns <p>Brazil has failed to prove compliance with EU rules on use of antibiotics in cattle and poultry farming</p><p>The UK’s leading farming organisations and animal health experts have called for an urgent ban on imports of Brazilian meat, in light of concerns over the safety of imports.</p><p>The National Farmers’ Union in England and its sister organisations in the devolved administrations wrote to the government on Friday warning that public health was at risk.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/food/2026/aug/28/uk-urged-ban-import-brazil-meat-health-concerns">Continue reading...</a> Meat UK news Brazil Meat industry Health Farming Food Trade policy Brexit Environment Society Politics European Union Fri, 28 Aug 2026 15:13:43 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/food/2026/aug/28/uk-urged-ban-import-brazil-meat-health-concerns Photograph: Bloomberg/Getty Images Photograph: Bloomberg/Getty Images Photograph: Bloomberg/Getty Images Fiona Harvey Environment editor 2026-08-28T15:13:43Z https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026/aug/24/woman-stranded-spain-uk-evisa-system-mistakes-twin-sister <p>Nidia Webb, who is legally settled in UK, falls foul of ‘known issue’ with Home Office’s digitised immigration process</p><p>A woman who is legally settled in the UK was left stranded at a Spanish airport after the Home Office’s post-Brexit visa system mixed her up with her twin sister.</p><p>Nidia Webb fell foul of what she was told was a “known issue” with the eVisa, which was brought in as part of the government’s drive to digitise the UK’s immigration system but has faced problems that have caused concern for thousands of people.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026/aug/24/woman-stranded-spain-uk-evisa-system-mistakes-twin-sister">Continue reading...</a> Immigration and asylum Home Office Politics UK news Brexit European Union Europe Mon, 24 Aug 2026 07:57:15 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026/aug/24/woman-stranded-spain-uk-evisa-system-mistakes-twin-sister Photograph: NurPhoto/Getty Images Photograph: NurPhoto/Getty Images Photograph: NurPhoto/Getty Images Kevin Rawlinson 2026-08-24T07:57:15Z https://www.theguardian.com/politics/audio/2026/aug/24/revisited-brexit-an-oral-history-podcast <p>Revisited: This year marked 10 years since the UK chose to leave the EU. In a series of interviews with key players from both sides, Kiran Stacey looks back on the Brexit vote that changed the country for ever</p><p>Read the Guardian’s full article on Brexit 10 years on <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/jun/23/brexit-campaign-oral-history-front-row-seat">here</a></p><p>Please keep sending your comments and questions to Pippa and Kiran at <a href="mailto:politicsweeklyuk@theguardian.com">politicsweeklyuk@theguardian.com</a>.</p><p>Please follow and subscribe to the Politics Weekly YouTube channel <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@politicsweekly">here</a>.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/audio/2026/aug/24/revisited-brexit-an-oral-history-podcast">Continue reading...</a> Brexit Politics UK news European Union Foreign policy Mon, 24 Aug 2026 04:00:51 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/politics/audio/2026/aug/24/revisited-brexit-an-oral-history-podcast Photograph: Christopher Furlong/Getty Images Photograph: Christopher Furlong/Getty Images Photograph: Christopher Furlong/Getty Images Presented by Kiran Stacey, produced by Frankie Tobi, original music by Axel Kacoutié; the executive producer is Maz Ebtehaj 2026-08-24T04:00:51Z https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/aug/23/the-guardian-view-on-andy-burnhams-foreign-policy-work-in-progress <p>The prime minister has focused on domestic affairs since coming to office. But at a time of global disruption, he will need to define Britain’s place in the world</p><p>A run of volatility in domestic British politics in recent years has tracked a period of global turbulence, and yet foreign policy over the same period has been an area of relative stability. What little is known about Andy Burnham’s approach to international relations expresses more continuity with Sir Keir Starmer’s administration than deviation. In negotiations with the EU, the red lines that prohibit membership of the single market or customs union <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/jul/21/eu-dilemmas-facing-burnham-food-exports-youth-mobility-starmer-europe">still stand</a>. Where Washington is concerned, Mr Burnham shows no interest in performances of bonhomie with Donald Trump, but his predecessor had already swapped that approach for a cooler pragmatic tone by the end of his tenure.</p><p>The new foreign secretary, Ed Miliband, has opened a good <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c1e14zn0pxeo">dialogue with Marco Rubio</a>, his US counterpart. Such is the density of integration in defence and security matters that incoming UK prime ministers, regardless of ideology, have little choice but to invest time in cultivating a bond with whoever sits in the White House. Anyone hoping for a spectacular transatlantic rupture and sudden clinch with Brussels will be disappointed.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/aug/23/the-guardian-view-on-andy-burnhams-foreign-policy-work-in-progress">Continue reading...</a> Foreign policy Andy Burnham Keir Starmer Labour Politics Ed Miliband Marco Rubio Donald Trump US politics Ukraine Russia European Union Brexit Kemi Badenoch Conservatives Europe UK news Sun, 23 Aug 2026 17:30:38 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/aug/23/the-guardian-view-on-andy-burnhams-foreign-policy-work-in-progress Photograph: Kin Cheung/Reuters Photograph: Kin Cheung/Reuters Photograph: Kin Cheung/Reuters Editorial 2026-08-23T17:30:38Z https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/aug/23/new-eu-border-checks-ees-uk-travellers-visa-queues <p>Britons report that EES digital entry and exit system has led to frustration, visa mix-ups and long queues</p><p>On top of fears about <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jun/27/germany-italy-heatwave-records-tumble-across-europe">extreme heat</a> and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/may/06/totally-grounded-how-the-jet-fuel-crisis-could-change-our-summer-holidays-and-world-history">possible jet fuel shortages</a>, Britons planning summer holidays in the EU this year had another thing to worry about – long queues and waiting times caused by the bloc’s new border checks.</p><p>The <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/jul/02/what-is-the-ess-and-how-is-it-affecting-visitors-to-eu-nations-this-summer">EU digital entry and exit system (EES)</a>, which requires non-EU citizens to register and be photographed and fingerprinted on arrival and departure from the Schengen zone, has been technically in full force since April after <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/sep/27/will-the-eu-new-fingerprint-entry-system-cause-gridlock-the-guardian-tried-it-out">launching last autumn</a>, but has been beset by teething problems.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/aug/23/new-eu-border-checks-ees-uk-travellers-visa-queues">Continue reading...</a> Travel & leisure European Union UK news Europe World news Brexit Airline industry Business Politics Sun, 23 Aug 2026 07:00:26 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/aug/23/new-eu-border-checks-ees-uk-travellers-visa-queues Photograph: Juan Medina/Reuters Photograph: Juan Medina/Reuters Photograph: Juan Medina/Reuters Jane Clinton and Rosie Peters-McDonald 2026-08-23T07:00:26Z https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/aug/18/swedish-mp-intervenes-brexit-row-elderly-britons-ordered-leave <p>Migration minister asked how he intends to stop deportations of people ‘who had lived in Sweden for decades’</p><p>The deportation and removal of British citizens from Sweden over Brexit residency rights is damaging relations with the UK amid efforts to improve links with London, a Swedish MP has said.</p><p>Håkan Svenneling, representative for Värmland, where a 78-year-old British widow, Joyce Thomas, has been given four weeks to leave Sweden after 21 years of residency, has written to the migration minister, Johan Forssell, asking what he “intends to do to stop the deportations”.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/aug/18/swedish-mp-intervenes-brexit-row-elderly-britons-ordered-leave">Continue reading...</a> Brexit Sweden Migration European Union UK news Europe Politics Tue, 18 Aug 2026 18:44:06 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/aug/18/swedish-mp-intervenes-brexit-row-elderly-britons-ordered-leave Photograph: Helena Karlsson/Helena Karlsson/NWT Photograph: Helena Karlsson/Helena Karlsson/NWT Photograph: Helena Karlsson/Helena Karlsson/NWT Lisa O’Carroll Senior correspondent 2026-08-18T18:44:06Z https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/aug/18/sweding-deporting-britons-eu-country-brexit <p>The official talk is of the government acting with understanding and flexibility. But devastated lives tell another story</p><p>There is anger about the case of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/aug/10/british-widow-78-told-to-leave-sweden-under-brexit-rules-after-living-there-for-21-years">Joyce Thomas</a>, a 78-year-old retired nurse who has lived in Sweden for 21 years. Her husband died there; her son, grandchildren and home are there. Yet she has been told to leave because her post-Brexit residence application was late. Her case is appalling and predictable – but far from isolated.</p><p>The Guardian has also reported on the plight of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/aug/12/british-man-dementia-leave-sweden-brexit-migration-case">Horace Mason, 74</a>, who faces being deported after a court ruling, despite having lived in Sweden for 25 years. This is sad but not surprising.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/aug/18/sweding-deporting-britons-eu-country-brexit">Continue reading...</a> Sweden Brexit Migration European Union Europe Foreign policy UK news Tue, 18 Aug 2026 14:38:17 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/aug/18/sweding-deporting-britons-eu-country-brexit Photograph: Copyright: Felix Andler/TheGuardian Photograph: Copyright: Felix Andler/TheGuardian Photograph: Copyright: Felix Andler/TheGuardian David Milstead 2026-08-18T14:38:17Z