The Know Daily - Monday 15 September 2025

_{Read in 4m 12s ∙ Listening to Kelsea Ballerini ∙}

In Costa Rica, infrared cameras caught bats curling their wings around one another in what looked like heartfelt hugs – forming "cuddle balls" with snouts nestled together – before tucking into shared meals. It turns out, these apex predators might just be the sweetest 🦇

🗳️ What’s going on in Downing Street?

There’s been movement at the top of UK politics – but why the sudden shake-up, who’s in, who’s out and what does it mean for Parliament?

Why has there been a shake-up?
The catalyst was the resignation of Angela Rayner, Deputy Prime Minister and Deputy Leader of the Labour Party. She stepped down after an investigation found she had underpaid stamp duty on a property purchase, breaching the ministerial code. Her exit prompted PM Keir Starmer to carry out a wider reshuffle of his cabinet – what he has called the “second phase” of his government. It’s part damage control, part effort to show the government is still focussed on delivery.

Who’s out?
Rayner’s departure was the most high-profile, but others have been moved aside too.

• Lucy Powell has been removed from her role as leader of the House of Commons.

• Ian Murray has also been sacked as Scotland secretary.

• Justin Madders is no longer minister for employment rights.

Who’s in?
Starmer has promoted close allies into key positions:

• David Lammy has become Deputy Prime Minister, moving from Foreign Secretary.

• Yvette Cooper is taking over as Foreign Secretary.

• Shabana Mahmood is now Home Secretary.

Other tweaks across government are designed to reinforce Starmer’s inner circle and steady the ship.

What about the deputy leader race?
Rayner’s resignation also leaves Labour without a Deputy Leader. Two MPs have emerged as final contenders:

• Bridget Phillipson, Education Secretary

• Lucy Powell, former Commons Leader

The result will be a signal of Labour’s internal direction – whether MPs want to double down on Starmer’s centrist course by voting for Phillipson, or move in a different direction.

What does that mean for Parliament?
The reshuffle could reshape both policy and politics. The Employment Rights Bill, closely associated with Rayner, may face delays or changes, raising concerns among unions. More broadly, the shake-up is a test of Starmer’s leadership style: can he project unity and competence under pressure? As MPs prepare to elect a new Deputy Leader, the outcome will help shape morale inside Labour and could influence how confidently the party pursues its agenda in Parliament.

💰 Money Monday: TikTok and Instagram are booming with the latest budgeting trend – cash stuffing.

• The bigger story: Using envelopes of cash to divide spending, lots of people are finding the hands-on method helps them stick to limits on groceries, bills and leisure. It may feel old-fashioned, but advocates say physically seeing money leave your wallet is a simple way to curb impulse spending and build better habits.

📖 Redemptive reading: Uzbekistan has approved a law that will allow prisoners to reduce their sentences by up to 30 days per year by reading selected books.

🌬️ Storm Amy arrives: The Met office has released a Yellow wind warning as the first storm of the season blows through the UK.

🏆 Amazing awards: The Emmys took place over the weekend, with one powerful show dominating the wins.

⛏️ Ancient assumptions: The excavation of an ancient burial site dating back over 5,000 years could upend old stereotypes about the roles of women in Stone Age societies.

🛌 Dream on: Have you ever noticed your dreams erring on the bizarre when you’re away on holiday? Here is science’s explanation.

🔗 Last week’s most clicked: A petition for better consumer protection, the most underrated travel destinations and a new Banksy mural.

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Trivia answer: B) Author Zadie Smith was presented with the 2025 British Icon award.

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