Responsibility seems to be the theme this week. Yesterday, BBC Director General Tim Davie announced his resignation, accepting “ultimate responsibility” for recent editorial mistakes. Deborah Turness, CEO of BBC News, has also stepped down and has spokenpublically this morning for the first time since her resignation. Their departures come following the leak of a memo by former standards adviser Michael Prescott, which accused the BBC of “systemic editorial failings” in its reporting on Gaza, trans rights and Donald Trump. The most serious allegation centred on a Panorama documentary about the 2021 Capitol attacks, which Prescott said were edited to “completely mislead” viewers.
On the morning media round, Lisa Nandy criticised the BBC for “undermining public trust” before also having to take “full responsibility” herself for breaching appointment rules. She has appointed a Labour donor to chair the new Independent Football Regulator without declaring their financial links. Opposition MPs have called the appointment inappropriate and pointed out a clear conflict of interest. The Cabinet Office is reviewing the case, but Number 10 insists Nandy still has the Prime Minister’s confidence.
Back at the Treasury, Reeves is fighting her own uphill battle as she prepares to unveil a Budget that breaks a central manifesto pledge. Plans to raise income tax by two pence, offset only partially by a National Insurance cut, have been described by senior Labour MPs as “a bucket of sick.” Others warn Reeves will be “lucky to be here by Christmas.”
The question of accountability stretches beyond Westminster. Democrats in the US Congress have asked Andrew Windsor, recently stripped of his royal titles, to appear before the House Oversight Committee as part of its investigation into Jeffrey Epstein’s network. The committee can not require his attendance, but it has urged Andrew to cooperate given he “may possess knowledge” relevant to the inquiry. Starmer called it a personal decision for Windsor, while Ed Davey said it was right he should testify, arguing the public deserves full transparency.
Numerous federal workers in the US are still unpaid as the government enters its 37th day of shutdown, the longest in the nation’s history after Congress failed to agree on a funding deal. Vital services are still stalled, and air traffic controllers are warning of mass cancellations if the stalemate continues. It could be opening up, though, as the Senate voted 60–40 to advance a deal between eight Democratic centrists, Republican leaders, and the White House. This proposal would reopen the government in exchange for a future vote on extending Affordable Care subsidies.
The COP Summit begins today, where world leaders will get together to negotiate climate commitments without the world’s largest economy at the table.
Headlines
- Britain sends RAF specialists to help Belgium combat disruptive drones – The Guardian
- UK seeks Danish inspiration to shake up immigration system – The BBC
- Reeves plans raid on stocks and shares – The Telegraph
What’s on in Parliament
Monday 10th November
The House of Commons is in recess.
House of Lords
- Oral questions: River pollution: sources other than sewage
- Oral questions: Impact of a potential National insurance rate increase on partnerships
- Legislation: Planning and Infrastructure Bill
- Legislation: Crime and Policing Bill
Tuesday 11th November
House of Commons
- Oral questions: Justice
- Ten Minute Rule Motion: Russian Frozen Assets
- Westminster Hall Debate: Step free access at rural railway stations
- Westminster Hall Debate: Impact of alcohol duty on the UK wine sector
House of Lords
- Oral questions: Impact of new airport expansion for the UK’s net zero target and economy
- Debate: Tobacco and Vapes Bill
Wednesday 12th November
House of Commons
- Oral questions: Science, Innovation and Technology
- Prime Minister Question Time
- Opposition Date Debate
- Westminster Hall Debate: Progress on the Carbon delivery plan
House of Lords
- Oral questions: Access to telemedical abortions: women’s safety, informed consent
- Legislation: Sentencing Bill
Thursday 13th November
House of Commons
- Oral questions: Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
- Oral questions: Attorney General’s Office
- Business Statement: Business Questions to Leader of the House
- Legislation: Considerations of Lords Amendments to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill
House of Lords
- Oral questions: Assessment of the jobs market and the implications for the wider economy
- Debate: Government’s economic and taxation policies on jobs, growth and prosperity
Consultations
- Extending the Right to Work Scheme – closes 26th November
- UK Emissions Trading Scheme: Regional aviation connectivity – closes 19thDecember
- Consultation: Proposed changes to the infected blood compensation scheme – closes 22nd January
Statistics
- Council Taxbase 2025 in England – published 6th November
- Pupil attendance in schools – published 6th November
- Business insights and impact on the UK economy: 6 November 2025 – published 6th November