Minister rejects claim tougher drink-driving rules will kill off rural pubs – UK politics live

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 8 min read 100% complete by Andrew SparrowJanuary 7, 2026 at 11:54 AM

AI Summary

long article 8 min

The article reports on recent UK political events, including statements from Reform UK figures. Nigel Farage criticized London Mayor Sadiq Khan, claiming he is "deluded" if he believes London is the best city in the world and has lost sight of how London is perceived abroad. Laila Cunningham, Reform UK's candidate for London mayor, stated that the Metropolitan Police commissioner should resign over the handling of grooming gang cases. Transport minister Lilian Greenwood rejected claims that stricter drink-driving rules would negatively impact rural pubs. Farage also discussed international relations, dismissing Starmer's plan for Ukraine and calling the era of a rules-based international order "out of date."

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Edinburgh 30% BBC 40% Lilian Greenwood ×240% Metropolitan Police 50% Ukraine 50% UK 50% Mark Rowley ×360% Laila Cunningham ×460% Reform UK ×470% London ×770% Sadiq Khan ×480% Nigel Farage ×1090%

Keywords

nigel farage 80% grooming gangs 70% london mayor 70% reform uk 70% drink-driving rules 70% london 60% met commissioner 60% sadiq khan 60% rural pubs 60% road safety 50%