Calls to close RAF Wethersfield asylum centre after high court rules vulnerable migrants put there unlawfully – as it happened
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Afternoon summary
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*    — Iain Porter (@IainKPorter) 

*    — Iain Porter (@IainKPorter) 

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*   .](https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2025/mar/14/rachel-reeves-welfare-disability-cuts-labour-keir-starmer-uk-politics-live-news?page=with%3Ablock-67d424678f08228e4b9223ef#img-3)

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This is from **David Cowling**, the former head of political research at the BBC, on how to evaluate the Ashcroft polling on the Runcorn and Helsby byelection. (See .) In a note he’s sent out, he says:

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The trial of former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson and his wife on charges relating to alleged historical sex offences will be delayed by at least seven weeks.

At Newry Crown Court on Friday, Judge Paul Ramsey granted an adjournment application on medical grounds after being told Eleanor Donaldson is currently “unfit to stand trial”.

The trial had been due to start on March 24. No new trial date has been set.

But the judge said he would review the case, which is scheduled for two to three weeks, on 16 May.

The former DUP leader 62, has pleaded not guilty to 18 alleged offences between 1985 and 2008.

Eleanor Donaldson, 58, of Dublinhill Road, Dromore, is facing five charges including aiding and abetting, all of which she denies.

Updated at 10.18 EDT

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No 10 criticises Russia's response to Ukraine peace proposal as 'nebulous'
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Downing Street has described  as “nebulous”.

At the morning lobby briefing, the No 10 spokesperson was asked about Keir Starmer’s plan for  of European and Commonwealth leaders to discuss the potential “coalition of the willing” to support Ukraine.

Asked when there would be more clarity about what the plans might involve, the No 10 spokesperson said:

>  I think the nebulous responses are coming from Russia, the ball is in their court. There is a proposal there and in the mean time we are concentrating with our international partners on the best way to drive progress to secure that just and lasting peace.

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Trial of Jeffrey Donaldson and his wife delayed for at least seven weeks
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