Jenrick to use first speech as Farage’s ‘chancellor’ to slam net-zero after Reform Equality Act row

Wednesday, February 18, 2026

Good morning and welcome to your daily news briefing from The Independent.

Reform's pick for 'chancellor' Robert Jenrick to call net zero efforts a "distraction" for the Bank of England, The Independent has revealed that the government's plan to progress IPP prisoners will leave hundreds to rot, and police are investigating claims Labour tried to bribe voters with food in an upcoming Westminster by-election.

Top stories

1 | Jenrick to use first speech as Farage's 'chancellor' to slam net-zero after Reform Equality Act row

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2 | Secret prison documents show government plan to tackle the IPP scandal will fail

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3 |Essex Police assessing Stansted Airport flights tied to Epstein files

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4 | DWP pays out £35m in Cold Weather Payments – how to check your area

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5 | Police probe claims Labour bribed voters with food to support Gorton and Denton by-election candidate

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