Sir Keir Starmer has said the government “will not back down” on ensuring Elon Musk’s X clamps down on its AI tool over the generating of sexualised images of women and children.
Following reports that Grok has been barred from creating such images, even for paying subscribers, the prime minister told MPs at PMQs that the change is “welcome” but that X “must act” on the unlawful images.
It comes after the prime minister issued an ultimatum to Elon Musk on Tuesday, announcing that the government will take “fast action” to deal with the abuses of the AI tool Grok on X (Twitter).
In a direct message to the platform’s owner, Mr Musk, he said: “If X cannot control Grok, we will – and we'll do it fast because if you profit from harm and abuse, you lose the right to self-regulate.”
Previously X faced criticism after declining to fully remove the ability for users to sexually manipulate images of women and children using Grok, instead limiting the use of the image function to those who pay a monthly fee.
Media watchdog Ofcom has launched an investigation into whether the social media platform has breached UK law.
Key Points
- Government 'will not back down' on X, Starmer says
- Compulsory digital ID plan axed as Labour performs another U-turn
- Labour grandee 'disappointed' as Starmer waters down ID scheme
- Reeves: Government is 'pretty relaxed' about choice of right-to-work documentation
Comment: The knight vs the edgelord – can Keir Starmer stand up to Elon Musk?
13:45 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
The knight vs the edgelord – can Keir Starmer stand up to Elon Musk?
Downing Street criticises Grok changes amid deepfake fury
13:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneDowning Street previously criticised X over its changes to Grok as “insulting to victims”.
It warned that changes to Mr Musk’s AI chatbot Grok, which turned off image generation for all but paid subscribers after it was used to remove clothing from children, had made creating deepfakes a “premium service”.
Reports today suggest the platform may have removed the ability to generate images of this nature from everyone, including paid subscribers.
It came after Sir Keir Starmer indicated that the social media platform could be completely blocked in the UK after “unlawful” and “disgusting” images were generated.
Larry causes chaos at No 10
13:15 , Nicole Wootton-CaneTaking a quick diversion from the government’s latest lines on the Grok scandal, it appears 10 Downing Street’s cutest resident has been causing chaos this afternoon.
Bounding out of the prime minister’s residence, Larry the cat was caught on camera comically tripping up Polish president Karol Nawrocki’s photographer.
The Polish President’s photographer caught tripping over Larry the Cat outside 10 Downing Street as President Nawrocki watches him. 🇵🇱🇬🇧
— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) January 14, 2026
📸 Damian Burzykowski pic.twitter.com/bk2pfmwthM
The Polish president later posed with Larry, who appeared to be enjoying his moment in the spotlight.
'I don't accept we have made 13 U-turns,' minister says
13:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneA top minister has said she “does not accept” that the government has made 13 U-turns since coming to power.
Speaking on Mornings With Ridge And Frost on Sky News, transport minister Heidi Alexander insisted the government remains "committed to having mandatory digital right to work checks in this country".
She added: “I don't accept that this government has done 13 U-turns."
You can read the full list of U-turns below:
Pressure grows on Google and Apple to remove X and Grok from app stores
12:57 , Nicole Wootton-CaneA coalition of women's groups, tech watchdogs, and progressive activists has called on Google and Apple to remove Elon Musk's social media platform X and its chatbot, Grok, from their app stores.
In open letters published on Wednesday, the groups accused the Musk-owned apps of generating illegal content, specifically sexually charged, degrading, or violent images of women and children, which they argue violates both companies' terms of service.
You can read more below:
Pressure grows on Google and Apple to remove X and Grok from app store
PMQs analysis: Starmer is just not rallying the troops
12:35 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Independent’s political editor David Maddox reports:
In another brutal series of exchanges in PMQs Keir Starmer once again looked flustered and wooden in his responses to Tory leader Kemi Badenoch.
While Ms Badenoch looked relaxed and confident as she dismantled the series of U-turns by this Labour government in just over 18 months, Sir Keir was forced to resort to references to Reform UK and bad jokes about Ikea.
The bigger problem though is that while Ms Badenoch is now being cheered loudly by her relatively small band of Tory MPs, there is barely any noise coming from the Labour benches in response to the PM.
The choked sounds of support and silent grim faces of cabinet ministers on the front bench is not the look of a government and prime minister in control of events.
While PMQs does not change public perception it is a very good indicator of the confidence and happiness of individual parties.
Government 'will not back down' on X, Starmer says
12:34 , Joe MiddletonThe Independent’s political reporter Athena Stavrou reports:
Sir Keir Starmer has said the government “will not back down” on ensuring Elon Musk’s X prevents its AI tool from generating sexualised images of women and children.
“The actions of Grok on X are disgusting and shameful," the prime minister said.
Amid reports that X has restricted Grok from generating such images even for paying subscribers, the prime minister said: “To update the house, we have been informed that X is acting to ensure all compliance with UK law.
“If so that is welcome but we’re not going to back down they must act.”
Tories 'failed northern England' on rail, prime minister says
12:20 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe previous Conservative government failed northern England by not delivering rail improvements, Sir Keir Starmer has said.
“Time and again under the party opposite, towns and cities across the north were failed,” he told MPs.
“Today, this Labour Government delivers change, a major new rail network across the north and a new northern growth strategy.
“That is the renewal that this country voted for.”
Watch: Keir Starmer breaks silence on ID card u-turn
12:19 , Nicole Wootton-CaneBadenoch demands Starmer apologise for family farms tax U-turn
12:18 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Independent’s political correspondent Millie Cooke reports:
Kemi Badenoch has demanded Sir Keir Starmer apologise after U-turning on the family farm tax.
It comes after Labour in December said it was raising the threshold from £1m to £2.5m, meaning that most farms would not have to pay the tax.
Criticising the government’s track record of changing its mind at PMQs, Mrs Badenoch said: “Let’s look at some other things the prime minister didn’t get right first time, starting with the family farms’ tax.
“Some farmers were so terrified they sold their farms last year only for the prime minister to U-turn two days before Christmas.
“Will he apologise for the misery he has caused countless farmers?”
Responding, the prime minister insisted that the government listened to voters, arguing that “the principle we put in place on inheritance tax is the right one”.
He added: “What we are doing is turning the country around. Yes we’ve changed the country. We’ve changed the failed approach of the last Tory government.”
Hospitality industry being 'clobbered' by Labour tax hikes, Badenoch says
12:17 , Nicole Wootton-CaneKemi Badenoch has now accused Sir Keir Starmer of being “clueless” over recent reversals of business rates hikes.
She says that instead, Labour should abolish business rates for the high street.
“He’s already agreeing with us on family farms tax, he’s already agreeing with us on digital ID, why doesn’t he make it a hat-trick and abolish business rates for the high street?”
In response, Sir Keir says the Tories “crashed the economy” and that “nobody is going to listen to them ever again”.
Starmer says Tories had ‘more positions than the Kama Sutra’
12:16 , Joe MiddletonThe Independent’s political reporter Athena Stavrou reports:
Sir Keir Starmer has accused the Conservatives of having “more positions in 14 years than the Kama Sutra”.
When asked about the government’s latest U-turn on digital IDs, the prime minister pointed to the opposition’s record in government."Mr Speaker, on consistency, don't get me started on five prime ministers, six chancellors, eight home secretaries, 16 housing ministers," Starmer said.
"They had more positions in 14 years than the Kama Sutra."No wonder they're knackered, they left the country screwed!"
PM working with allies on further sanctions on Iran
12:15 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Independent’s political correspondent Athena Stavrou reports:
Sir Keir Starmer began PMQs by condemning “in the strongest possible terms” the murder of protesters in Iran and said he was “working with allies on further sanctions”.
US-based HRANA rights group said it verified the deaths of 2,571 people during Iran's protests, including 2,403 protesters and 147 government-affiliated individuals.
The prime minister told MPs: “The contrast between the courage of the Iranians and the brutality of their desperate regime has never been clearer.”“Mr. Speaker….we are working with allies on further sanctions and doing all we can to protect UK nationals.”
Starmer promises to hold school leaders to account after Jewish MP's visit cancelled
12:12 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Independent’s political correspondent Millie Cooke reports:
Sir Keir Starmer has promised to hold school leaders to account after a Jewish MP’s visit to a local school in his constituency was cancelled after a campaign by a pro-Palestine group.
Damien Egan, the Labour MP for Bristol North East, had been due to visit Bristol Brunel Academy in September, but the booking was called off shortly before his appearance.T
he cancellation was labelled a “victory” by the Bristol branch of the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, which protested against the visit.
Asked about the case at PMQs by Tory MP Lincoln Jopp, who said it was “antisemitism..in plain sight”, Sir Keir said: “It is very serious, very concerning and all members of parliament should be able to visit anywhere in their constituency, schools or other places, without any fear of antisemitism.
“We do take this seriously. We are providing more funding for security and support we’re putting in across the country and we will be holding those to account who prevented this visit to this school.”
Starmer defends digital ID after criticism from Badenoch
12:11 , Nicole Wootton-CaneSir Keir Starmer has insisted digital ID checks will happen following criticism from Kemi Badenoch.
“I’m determined to make it harder for people to work illegally in this country,” he said.
“We’re taking the right choices for Britain, and they oppose every single one of them.”
Badenoch mocks Labour U-turn
12:10 , Nicole Wootton-CaneKemi Badenoch has mocked the prime minister’s “latest U-turn”, branding it as “rubbish”.
She accused health secretary Wes Streeting of saying Sir Keir’s new year’s resolution should be to “try and get it right the first time”.
PMQs begins
12:02 , Nicole Wootton-CaneSir Keir Starmer has now taken to the floor for Prime Minister’s Questions.
Analysis: Starmer braced for yet another rebellion
12:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Independent’s political editor David Maddox reports:
Labour MPs are furious about an attempt by the government to bring in a ban protests outside animal testing laboratories.
A vote on an amendment to the Public Order Bill is going through the Commons today with a result expected at around 2.30pm.
But Labour backbenchers are preparing to make it the latest rebellion following those on welfare cuts, ditching jury trials and winter fuel payments for pensioners.
One rebel told The Independent: “We are furious. We voted against exactly the same plans when the Tories tried to bring them in and there is going to be a significant rebellion on this.”
The issue is seen as the latest in a line of attempts to undermine the right to protest in the UK.
PMQs set to start at midday
11:55 , Nicole Wootton-CanePrime Minister’s Questions will begin at 12pm on Monday.
Sir Keir Starmer has been pictured leaving 10 Downing Street as he makes his way to parliament to face questions - many of which are likely to centre around his U-turn on digital ID.
Headlines in politics ahead of PMQs
11:50 , Nicole Wootton-CaneAway from scrapping mandatory digital ID, here are today’s politics headlines at a glance:
• Rachel Reeves has confirmed pubs will receive “more temporary support” in another climbdown from a Budget decision on an upcoming hike in business rates
• Britain is intensifying its focus on Arctic security, the Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said as she tours Scandinavia
• Sir Keir Starmer is set to announce plans to build a new railway line between Birmingham and Manchester
• A police chief blamed the use of AI in an apology to MPs for giving them an error in evidence about the decision to ban Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from their game against Aston Villa in November
Green councillor defects to Reform UK
11:43 , Nicole Wootton-CaneA Green councillor in Merseyside has left the party to defect to Reform UK.
Cllr Hawley, who represents Bold & Lea Green ward, said his views “no longer align” with the Green party on both a “national and local” level.
“During my time as a councillor, I have passionately worked alongside the local community to better protect green spaces, improve public transport and engage with local schools,” he said.
“I voted for Brexit to take back control of Britain’s borders and lower immigration, yet the government failed to do so.
“It is time for me to join the party which best represents the views of myself and the people of St Helens in order to act on the improvements I have long strived for.
“I am excited to be joining an expanding team of Reform UK councillors to really tackle the issues many of the residents have previously raised with me.
“I have lived in St Helens my whole life and I look forward to bringing a brighter and more hopeful future to the town.”
Welcome to Reform UK, Cllr David Hawley! ✅ pic.twitter.com/bKOqLrx4qj
— Reform UK (@reformparty_uk) January 14, 2026
All the Labour U-turns – from tractor tax to winter fuel – as compulsory digital ID plan axed
11:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe U-turn on mandatory digital ID cards is one of a string of reversals made by Sir Keir Starmer’s government during its time in office.
From the watering down of the government’s flagship benefits bill to a major U-turn on the controversial winter fuel cut last year, Labour has been criticised heavily over its policy changes.
The Independent’s political correspondents Millie Cooke and Athena Stavrou have taken a look back at all the U-turns this Labour government have made.
Public support for digital ID cards reversed after government plans, YouGov poll shows
11:20 , Nicole Wootton-CanePublic support for a digital ID card system reversed following the government’s announcement of its plans in September, statistics from YouGov show.
According to the poll, opposition to the plans hovered at around 13 per cent in June 2025.
But by December 2025, this had soared to 31 per cent.
Meanwhile, strong support in June 2025 was recorded at around 24 per cent, but dropped to 14 per cent by December.
Recap: Britain should embrace voluntary ID cards, Keir Starmer suggests
11:11 , Nicole Wootton-CaneSir Keir Starmer said Britain should “embrace” voluntary ID cards as he defended his policy in October.
The comments, which were made before the backtrack on making digital IDs compulsory, came as the prime minister insisted the IDs were important to meet his party’s manifesto pledge to tackle illegal migration.
“We need to address the fact that too many people can come to this country and work illegally,” he said.
“And that's why ID mandatory for working is really important. I think there is a case to be made about the benefits for voluntary ID into other areas, and obviously we need to make that case.
“I think it's a really important discussion for us to have. So on the one hand, it's mandatory for work, but I actually think it would be a good passport.
“I don't know how many times the rest of you have had to look in the bottom drawer for three bills when you want to get your kids into school or apply for this or apply for that, [it] drives me to frustration. I do think that we could gain a significant advantage.”
Swinney welcomes U-turn on ‘foolhardy’ digital ID proposals
11:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneScotland’s First Minister has welcomed the UK Government’s U-turn on its “foolhardy” digital ID plans, saying it had been “flawed from the beginning”.
Mr Swinney went on to accuse prime minister Sir Keir Starmer of “always changing his mind,” adding: “I think the point of consistency that is now emerging from the prime minister is he’s always changing his mind.
“I think this is about the 13th U-turn that the prime minister has undertaken, so I think it’s just another illustration of why people are supporting the trusted leadership of the Scottish National Party government here in Scotland, because we deliver what we promise.”
Report: Starmer under fire over humiliating digital ID U-turn as Labour peer says he’s ‘disappointed but not surprised’
10:45 , Nicole Wootton-CaneSir Keir Starmer’s U-turn on plans for mandatory ID cards has been fiercely criticised by former Labour home secretary David Blunkett, who argued the government was forced to abandon the scheme because it failed to convince people why it was a good idea after announcing it last year.
The Independent’s political correspondent Millie Cooke has more below:
Labour peer ‘disappointed but not surprised’ by Starmer’s digital ID U-turn
Blair think tank calls U-turn 'change in approach, not change in direction'
10:29 , Nicole Wootton-CaneSir Tony Blair’s think tank has called removing mandatory digital ID from right-to-work checks “a change in approach, not a change in direction”.
Sir Tony himself tried to introduce mandatory ID cards during his time in Downing Street but was forced to water down the policy to a voluntary scheme that was then scrapped by the Conservative-Lib Dem coalition.
Ryan Wain, executive director of policy and politics at the Tony Blair Institute For Global Change, said: “Removing mandatory digital ID from right-to-work checks is a change in approach, not a change in direction.”
He added digital identity remains “essential” to helping public services operate more seamlessly.
“The real test isn’t whether people are forced to use it, but whether it’s good enough that they choose to,” he continued. “People who can pay for more personalised and preventative services already get them. Government should be aiming to make that the standard, not the exception.
“If digital ID makes everyday interactions with the state easier, faster and more personalised, people will choose it. Getting the design and rollout right is how you build public trust, and it’s the foundation for genuinely modernising public services.”
Priti Patel slams U-turn as sign of 'shambolic' government
10:20 , Nicole Wootton-CaneShadow foreign secretary Dame Priti Patel has slammed the government as “shambolic” over its decision to backtrack on mandatory digital IDs.
She told the Press Association: “Of course, Keir Starmer’s feeble justification for digital ID was that it would stop the small boats, so clearly he was making it up as he goes along.
“This was a failed project from the outset, and the Government should hold its head in shame really, that it even proposed such a spurious scheme in the first place.”
How would the ‘Brit card’ digital ID work?
10:15 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe government has now climbed down from its plans to make digital ID cards mandatory for anyone working in the UK.
But it says it is still determined to introduce digital ID as one of a number of ways workers could prove their identities.
You can read some of our previous coverage on how digital ID cards would work below:
Analysis: Starmer’s digital ID U-turn shows a prime minister in survival mode
10:05 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
Starmer’s digital ID U-turn shows a prime minister in survival mode
What were Labour's digital ID plans - and what has changed?
09:49 , Nicole Wootton-CaneIn September, prime minister Keir Starmer announced plans to introduce a digital ID system in 2029.
At the time, he said the system would be mandatory for people working in the UK as part of a bid to tackle illegal migration.
The plans faced huge criticism over privacy concerns, with Conservative former minister Sir David Davis calling them “profoundly dangerous to the privacy and fundamental freedoms of the British people”.
On Tuesday, the government said it would still be introducing digital ID cards - but that using the identification form would not be mandatory for those working in the UK.
A government source told The Times the compulsory element of the scheme had been “stopping conversation about what digital IDs could be used for generally”.
Government 'committed to introducing digital IDs,' transport secretary says
09:45 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe transport secretary has said digital right-to-work checks will be mandatory but that a digital ID or “another form of digital documentation” will be accepted.
Heidi Alexander appeared to confirm that digital ID will no longer be mandatory for right-to-work checks, as was set out by Sir Keir Starmer when he announced the flagship policy last year.
She told Times Radio: “We will still have digital ID. We will still have mandatory digital right-to-work checks. The form of digital ID … the nature of the material that is presented could be either the digital ID on somebody’s phone … or it could be another form of digital documentation which contains proof of your right to work.”
She said the government was committed to introducing to digital IDs.
Asked if they would be compulsory, Ms Alexander said: “We are committed to having mandatory digital right-to-work checks.”
Pressed further, she said: “You say this is some sort of massive U-turn – we said we would have digital checks on people for right to work, that is what we are continuing to do.”
Reeves: Government is 'pretty relaxed' about what form of digital documentation people use to prove right-to-work
09:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Independent’s political correspondent Millie Cooke reports:
Rachel Reeves played down the impact of a U-turn on digital ID, saying the government is “pretty relaxed” about what form of digital documentation people use to prove their right to work.
The chancellor told BBC Breakfast: “On the digital ID, for starters, I do think this story has been a bit overwritten.
“We are saying that you will need mandatory digital ID to be able to work in the UK.
“Now the difference is whether that has to be one piece of ID, a digital ID card, or whether it could be an e-visa or an e-passport, and we’re pretty relaxed about what form that takes.”
She added that she doesn't think "most people mind whether it is one piece of digital ID or a form of digital ID that can be verified.
Asked whether constant U-turns damages public confidence, she said: “The key thing is where you’re trying to go. Our government, this government, our focus is on growing the economy and improving living standards for working people.”
Compulsory digital ID plan axed as Labour performs another U-turn
09:25 , Tom BarnesSir Keir Starmer has scrapped a key plank of his plans for digital ID, rowing back on the requirement to make it mandatory for right-to-work checks in yet another U-turn from the beleaguered Labour government.
The prime minister last year said Labour would introduce a digital ID system that would be voluntary in most cases but mandatory for right-to-work checks.
But the plans were thrown into confusion on Tuesday night after it was reported that ministers were rowing back on the compulsory element, allowing other digital documents to be used for right-to-work check.
It brings to at least nine – and by some counts as many as 13 – the number of U-turns Labour has performed since the 2024 general election and comes just days after the decision to provide additional support for pubs facing large hikes in business rates.
Compulsory digital ID plan axed as Labour performs another U-turn
Blunkett 'disappointed but not surprised' over digital ID U-turn
09:24 , Tom BarnesA Labour peer has said said he was “disappointed but not surprised” the U-turn, which he said is a result “failure to be able to annunciate why this policy mattered”.
“I’m not surprised because the original announcement was not followed by a narrative or supportive statements or any kind of strategic plan which involves other ministers and those who are committed to this actually making the case,” he told the BBC’s Today programme.
“As a consequence those who are opposed to this scheme for all kinds of nefarious and very different reasons, some of them inexplicable were able to mobilise public opinion to get the online opposition to it up and running.
“So very sadly, it’s an indication of failure to be able to annunciate why this policy mattered. To be able to follow through with the detail of how it would work and then to reinforce that by a plan and communication of action
.“And when you fail to do all of those things, it’s not surprising in the end that the thing runs into the sand.”
