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Starmer's Lobby Cuts Spark Democracy Undermining Accusations

12/21/2025

Summary

Story summary

Dame Caroline Dinenage, chair of culture, media, and sport committee, accuses Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer of undermining democracy by limiting No 10 journalist access.
Labour plans to cut afternoon lobby briefings for political journalists, reducing weekly briefings from eight to five.
The change was announced before the Christmas break, giving Downing Street more time to respond.
Two lobby briefings will be replaced by one morning session and occasional controlled afternoon press conferences.

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Story summary

Dame Caroline Dinenage, chair of culture, media, and sport committee, accuses Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer of undermining democracy by limiting No 10 journalist access.
Labour plans to cut afternoon lobby briefings for political journalists, reducing weekly briefings from eight to five.
The change was announced before the Christmas break, giving Downing Street more time to respond.
Two lobby briefings will be replaced by one morning session and occasional controlled afternoon press conferences.