Durham Police revisit lockdown allegations as Labour leader maintains confidence in his actions

Sir Keir Starmer is to be investigated by Durham Police over alleged breaches of Covid-19 lockdown rules, following the receipt of “significant new information.” Despite previously stating that no offence had been committed, the investigation represents a U-turn amid mounting scrutiny and pressure.

The allegations centre on an incident in April 2021 when Starmer was reportedly seen drinking a beer with up to 30 colleagues at a constituency office in Durham during campaigning for the Hartlepool by-election. Starmer has strongly denied any wrongdoing, asserting on Friday: “I’m confident no rules were broken.”

Durham Constabulary initially concluded earlier this year that no breach had occurred, but the investigation has now been reopened post-election. The Labour Party has remained firm in its response, saying they are “happy to answer any questions” while maintaining that no lockdown rules were violated.

The timing of the investigation follows the conclusion of local elections where Labour celebrated several key wins, including taking control of three councils in London. Conservative MP Richard Holden praised the police investigation, arguing that Starmer must be held “to the same standard” as the Prime Minister and other politicians.

In the wake of similar scandals — with Boris Johnson, his wife Carrie, and Chancellor Rishi Sunak among those fined for breaking Covid laws — Starmer’s investigation adds further complexity to the political landscape. Labour’s focus has been on addressing the cost-of-living crisis while resisting Conservative accusations, but “Beergate” has continued to dominate headlines.

Sir Keir had previously defended his team’s actions, explaining that, at the time of the alleged incident, dining options were limited. “No restaurants or pubs were open at the time, and if you didn’t get a takeaway, then our team wasn’t eating that evening,” he said.

The investigation signals a challenging period for the Labour leader, as scrutiny from both police and political opponents creates fresh hurdles ahead of the next general election.

Historic council losses signal pressure on Boris Johnson and a political turning point

Boris Johnson’s leadership faces mounting pressure following Thursday’s local election results, which saw the Conservatives lose over 300 council seats and historic strongholds to Labour and the Liberal Democrats. Among the most significant defeats were Wandsworth and Westminster, two of the Tories’ longest-held boroughs, now taken over by Labour.

The losses mark a “turning point”, according to Keir Starmer, Labour’s leader, who celebrated his party’s gains in key areas, particularly London. Sadiq Khan, London’s mayor, joined in celebrating Labour’s historic capture of Wandsworth Council, a Conservative stronghold for 44 years. Meanwhile, Barnet and Westminster also fell into Labour’s hands, signalling deeper concerns for the Tories. Jonathan Carr-West, head of the Local Government Information Unit (LGiU), labelled these defeats as “a big blow” for Conservative morale.

The Liberal Democrats also made strides by securing Somerset County Council with a strong majority of 61 seats, compared to 36 for the Conservatives. Ed Davey, leader of the Lib Dems, described this victory as a clear sign that residents in Somerset were eager for “change” after 13 years of Conservative governance.

While the elections dominated headlines, another controversy arose with “Beergate.” Keir Starmer and Angela Rayner are now under investigation by Durham Constabulary over alleged Covid-19 breaches, despite initially being cleared. Starmer maintained his confidence that no rules were violated.

In Northern Ireland, Sinn Fein is projected to win the most votes in the Stormont elections, although it is unclear if this will translate into the most seats. Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald hailed the elections as “about change, progress and partnership,” while DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson described the outcome as “very tight.”

These local election results have sent shockwaves through British politics, reflecting a significant shift in public opinion and a challenging path ahead for the Conservatives as internal divisions and external pressure mount.

Rising demand, legal hurdles and overcrowded services characterise the fight for access to care

Abortion providers in Oklahoma are already navigating conditions similar to a post-Roe v Wade world, as restrictions in the state put pressure on an already strained healthcare system. Governor Kevin Stitt has signed laws criminalising abortion care, mirroring Texas’s restrictive six-week ban and opening the door for private lawsuits against those aiding or supporting abortion access.

Despite protections under Roe v Wade, Oklahoma’s clinics are grappling with growing demand from patients unable to access abortion care in other states. Between September and December 2021, Planned Parenthood clinics in Oklahoma experienced a nearly 2,500 per cent increase in abortion patients from Texas alone, as the state’s abortion restrictions forced many to travel across borders.

Dr Iman Alsaden, medical director for Planned Parenthood Great Plains, emphasised the mounting strain: “We are already living in a virtually post-Roe world in our region.” A growing number of people are having to travel long distances—often overnight—to access abortion services in Oklahoma or neighbouring states such as Kansas, which allows abortion up to 20 weeks.

Access to medication abortion adds another layer of complexity. While the pills are approved by the Food and Drug Administration for at-home use and telehealth visits, 19 states, including Oklahoma, have restricted access to these medications. Many patients must therefore endure in-person appointments and time-consuming obstacles just to secure their prescription.

Dr Maya Bass, who travels from New Jersey to Oklahoma every few weeks to offer abortion services at the Trust Women Foundation clinic in Oklahoma City, shared the challenges: “Patients come to me and tell me that they’ve driven six or more hours to get there, it took them weeks to get an appointment because of the volume increase, or just time for them to raise the money to travel and to find childcare.”

The legal environment has worsened access. Stitt has pledged to make Oklahoma “the most pro-life state” in the US, but critics argue that such policies place more burdens on already underserved populations, particularly people of colour. Oklahoma has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the country, with rates of 23.5 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births between 2017–2019, according to federal data.

Organisations like the Center for Reproductive Rights and Planned Parenthood Federation of America have taken legal action against Oklahoma’s restrictive laws, but the system remains under pressure. With a potential Supreme Court ruling overturning Roe v Wade imminent, abortion providers are strengthening their capacity, bolstering telehealth infrastructure, and partnering with abortion funds to assist patients crossing state lines.

Dr Bass, reflecting on the political dimensions of the fight, stated: “The people who are affected by these laws are already being underserved by our system… It’s very hard to have a politician come into my patient room to make the decision that is really something that should be entirely based on what my patient’s life is and guided by my medical expertise.”

Advocates are urging a collective response, with Dr Bass adding: “This decision is not about patients, it’s not about lives, it’s about controlling people’s bodies and futures.” As the battle over abortion rights continues, the focus shifts to expanding safe access, improving resources and building public support for reproductive healthcare amid a climate of legal uncertainty.