United KingdomOwnership & classification
Founded: 1986
Ownership
The Independent, founded in 1986 and now a digital-only title, is owned through Independent Digital News & Media. Its largest shareholder is Evgeny Lebedev (around 41%), son of Russian businessman and former KGB officer Alexander Lebedev, whose family bought the paper in 2010. Saudi national Sultan Muhammad Abuljadayel holds roughly 30% (acquired in 2017), and businessman Justin Byam Shaw holds about 26%.
Funding
The Independent is funded commercially by digital advertising, sponsored content and reader/subscription revenue, having dropped its print edition in 2016 to operate as an online-only outlet. Its growth has also drawn on investment from its private shareholders, including the 2017 Saudi-linked stake.
Affiliation & stance
Editorially the title is center-left/liberal and is not aligned to a UK political party. It is classified INDEPENDENT because it is privately owned by commercial shareholders rather than a party, church, union or state; nonetheless the Lebedev family's Russian background and the large Saudi-linked stake have drawn scrutiny over potential proprietorial influence.
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Lean Progressive
- Measured from coverage
- Centerbased on 702
82/100
Factual
75/100
Objective
805
Articles
805
reports
Factual: How accurately its articles report the facts, judged against primary sources and the cross-outlet consensus. Only articles that cite their sources are counted.
Objective: How neutral the writing is — whether reporting keeps the writer’s own preferences and opinions out of the article.
Recent coverage
Greens Pass ‘Zionism Is Racism’ Motion at Party Conference
At their largest-ever conference in Brighton, UK Green Party members passed a motion declaring Zionism as racism, making them the first mainstream British political party to take such a stance. The motion, supported by 1,022 votes to 813, calls for backing a single, democratic Palestinian state, supporting Palestinian political prisoners, opposing the Palestine Action ban, and affirming Palestinians' right to resistance. An amendment aimed at protecting Jewish members affiliated with Zionist institutions was rejected. Proponents argue the motion distinguishes between Judaism and Zionism and does not affect internal party discipline. The decision sparked controversy, with pro-Israel demonstrators protesting outside the conference, accusing the Greens of promoting racism. Internal divisions were evident, with senior figures like co-deputy leader Mothin Ali supporting the motion while former leader Caroline Lucas opposed it. Green Party policy has previously described Israeli actions as apartheid and genocide, and supports a full arms embargo and an end to occupation.
Experts give update on whether polar vortex could hit the UK this autumn
Experts discussed the potential impact of the ongoing El Niño phenomenon on global weather patterns, including the possibility of a polar vortex affecting the UK during the autumn season. The focus was on how climate systems like El Niño can lead to extreme weather conditions in different regions. While specific predictions about the UK were not detailed, the discussion highlighted the broader implications of such climatic events. The experts emphasized the need for continued monitoring of weather systems to better understand and prepare for their effects.
Badenoch promises ‘Britannia Dome’ missile shield
Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has proposed a £10 billion 'Britannia Shield' missile defense system, modeled after Israel's Iron Dome, to protect the UK and its interests from emerging threats such as drones and ballistic missiles. This initiative aims to address concerns raised by the military about the UK's current defensive capabilities, especially in light of recent conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. The proposal comes as the UK faces growing risks from 'grey' warfare tactics used by Russia and Iran, and as the Labour government struggles to close a £4.7 billion gap in its defense budget while meeting its commitment to spend 3% of GDP on defense. Critics question the feasibility of the £10 billion cost, noting previous estimates suggesting much higher expenses. The plan would be funded by increasing defense spending to 3% of GDP by 2030, achieved through reductions in welfare spending.
Tate brothers lured women with ‘lover boy’ tactic before coercing them into porn, court documents allege
British law enforcement alleges that social media influencers Andrew and Tristan Tate used a 'lover boy' strategy to attract women with promises of romantic relationships before coercing them into producing online pornography. Court documents obtained in the US describe how the brothers allegedly enticed women to move to Romania under the pretense of earning money through their webcam business, then used financial dependence, passport confiscation, and threats of violence to control them. The brothers, who hold dual US and British citizenship, were arrested in Miami in July following Britain's extradition request and have denied the allegations. They remain jailed in the US while awaiting further legal proceedings, with extradition hearings yet to be scheduled. The case has drawn attention due to the Tates' online presence and previous comments on gender roles.
Cancer warning for millions as younger people being diagnosed earlier, bombshell NHS analysis reveals
A study by the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) has revealed a significant increase in cancer diagnoses among individuals under the age of 50 in England over the past two decades. The analysis of NHS data between 2001 and 2023 showed rising rates of various cancers including prostate, kidney, womb, liver, pancreas, and breast cancer in younger adults. Prostate cancer cases among men under 50 increased from 158 in 2001 to 640 in 2023, while breast cancer cases in women under 50 rose from 6,886 to 8,507 during the same period. Kidney cancer cases doubled, and womb cancer rates nearly doubled as well. The WCRF called for further research into potential causes such as modern diets and obesity. A major UK trial led by King’s College London aims to investigate factors like diet, lifestyle, and environment that might contribute to the rise in early-onset cancers.
Kew Gardens turns to public to save historic Palm House
The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, is seeking public assistance to fund a £66 million renovation of the historic Palm House, a Victorian structure dating back to the 1840s. The project requires additional funding beyond the £33 million already secured from philanthropists, grants, and individual donors. The Palm House, home to the world's oldest pot plant and a significant collection of rare and endangered tropical species, will temporarily close in February 2025 for plant removal and reopen in summer 2025. The renovation includes modern upgrades like renewable energy systems and rainwater harvesting, aiming to make the glasshouse carbon neutral. Public contributions can be made through donations, glass pane sponsorships, or plant species sponsorship, with donations up to £300,000 being matched. The full renovation is expected to take three to four years, with the building closing again in autumn 2027.
Dental patient left with costs exceeding £10,000 after multiple failed root canal treatments
A consumer watchdog report highlights significant issues with the complaints process in private dental care in the UK. Patients face high costs and poor service, with some facing bills exceeding £10,000 after failed treatments. One patient reclaimed 66% of fees but avoided further claims due to concerns about future care. Another faced pressure to pay disputed fees to receive basic services. Survey data reveals widespread dissatisfaction: 39% found costs excessive, 22% paid more than quoted, and 21% faced unclear pricing. Quality concerns included clinical mistakes and high-pressure sales tactics. Most patients (62%) did not pursue complaints, fearing damaged relationships or ineffective outcomes. Of those who did, few received meaningful resolutions, and only a small percentage escalated disputes to formal channels like the Dental Complaints Service or regulatory bodies.
Jeffrey Archer, former novelist and Conservative MP, dies aged 86
Jeffrey Archer, a former Conservative MP and renowned novelist, has died at the age of 86. His publisher, Harper Collins, reported that he passed away suddenly and peacefully at his home between writing sessions. Archer served as a Conservative MP for five years before becoming the party’s deputy chairman and later a life peer in 1992. His political career ended in 2001 when he was imprisoned for four years for perjury and perverting the course of justice, related to a libel case against The Star newspaper. After his release in 2003, he returned to the House of Lords until retiring in 2024. Known for his bestselling novels like 'Kane and Abel,' Archer continued to engage with fans, including a sold-out book signing event with broadcaster Gyles Brandreth. He was set to discuss his final novel, 'Adam and Eve,' at the Cheltenham Festival. Archer celebrated his 60th wedding anniversary with his wife, Mary, and they had two sons and five grandchildren. Former Tory minister Nadhim Zahawi and Harper Collins UK chief executive Kate Elton both paid tribute to his storytelling talent and dedication.
Trump says ‘threats’ led to US decision to remove bombers from RAF Fairford
U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the decision to withdraw American strategic bomber warplanes from RAF Fairford in the UK was influenced by 'undisclosed threats.' He claimed the U.S. knew the individuals behind these threats and suggested the move was a precautionary measure rather than an accidental departure. The airbase had previously been targeted in a suspected terror attack involving five British men arrested near the facility. These men were later released on bail, along with a sixth individual of dual UK-Iranian nationality. Trump expressed concerns about the safety of U.S. assets in the UK but praised the new Prime Minister, suggesting economic benefits could arise from opening North Sea oil reserves. Vice President JD Vance attributed the bomber relocation to an abundance of caution following a suspected Iranian plot at the site. However, Secretary of State Marco Rubio denied a direct connection between the bomber removal and the alleged Iranian involvement, emphasizing routine resource reallocation. NATO sources indicated continued concerns over potential Iranian threats to U.S. assets in the UK.
Inside Tory-Reform fight as Jacob Rees-Mogg reignites calls for parties to make a deal
Jacob Rees-Mogg, a senior Conservative figure, has renewed calls for a potential electoral alliance between the Conservative Party and Reform UK, suggesting such a deal might be necessary if current tensions persist. While Kemi Badenoch, the current Conservative leadership candidate, opposes immediate cooperation with Reform, Rees-Mogg argues that parties often engage in ideological conflict before reaching agreements. During the Conservative Party Conference, Rees-Mogg compared past negotiations between David Cameron and Nick Clegg, emphasizing that parties must eventually consider collaboration. He acknowledged Reform’s differences from the far-right group 'Restore,' noting Nigel Farage’s cautious approach. Meanwhile, internal Tory members remain divided, with some dismissing Reform as a threat while others acknowledge the party's growing influence due to scandals. A Tory member expressed concern over the party's poor poll numbers and suggested a coalition might be necessary if it serves national interests.
Meghan Markle launches new ‘Holiday Collection’ in run-up to Christmas
Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, is launching a new 'Holiday Collection' ahead of Christmas through her lifestyle brand, As Ever. The collection includes items such as a hostess basket containing scented candles, jams, teas, and flower sprinkles, along with a set of playing cards and three flavored chocolate bars. The collection, titled 'The Holiday Collection: Chapter One,' will debut on October 6 with the tagline 'Merriment in the Making.' The brand previously released a luxury advent calendar priced at £112, inspired by Meghan's Montecito mansion and garden. However, the holiday products are currently only available for shipping within the United States.
Murder investigation after body of unknown man found in burning van
A murder investigation has been launched following the discovery of an unidentified man's body inside a burning van. Authorities have established a cordon around the location where the body was found, indicating the seriousness of the situation. The exact circumstances surrounding the death remain unclear at this time, and further investigations are likely underway to determine the cause of death and identify the victim. Law enforcement is expected to conduct forensic examinations and possibly interview witnesses to gather more information.
When temperatures are set to drop after unusually warm start to October
The article reports on an upcoming weather change in the UK, where temperatures are expected to drop significantly after an unusually warm start to October. The Met Office forecasts that rural areas could experience overnight temperatures as low as -2°C, while southern regions may reach 4°C. This shift comes after a period of unusually mild weather, with some areas recording temperatures up to 22°C. The article notes that while some parts of the country may still see high temperatures on Tuesday, by Wednesday, daytime highs are projected to drop to around 16°C or 17°C. Widespread single-digit temperatures are anticipated by Thursday morning, marking a return to more typical autumn conditions. The forecast includes periods of mist, fog, frost, rain, and colder temperatures, especially in northern regions.