Alicia Kearns, the Conservative MP for Rutland and Stamford, is set to take the stage on BBC’s Question Time tonight, February 26, 2026.

Alicia Kearns, the Conservative MP for Rutland and Stamford, is set to take the stage on BBC’s Question Time tonight, February 26, 2026.

Broadcast from Birmingham, the program arrives at a politically charged moment, specifically falling on the same day as the Gorton and Denton by-election. As a shadow Home Office minister and former chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Alicia Kearns is expected to face a lively audience in the West Midlands.

Tonight’s Panel

Host Fiona Bruce will lead a diverse panel of five, featuring a mix of government frontbenchers, opposition voices, and cultural figures.

Lisa Nandy Labour MP and Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport

Alicia Kearns Conservative MP for Rutland and Stamford; Shadow Home Office Minister

Jess Brown-Fuller Liberal Democrat MP for Chichester; Justice Spokesperson

Tom Kerridge Celebrity chef and business owner

Esther Krakue Journalist and broadcaster

Expected Discussion Points

While the final questions are chosen by the audience shortly before filming, the following topics are expected to dominate the debate:

The Gorton and Denton By-Election: With polls closing tonight, the panel will likely discuss the potential implications for the major parties and the rising influence of smaller parties.

The Economy and Small Business: Given Tom Kerridge’s presence, expect a heated debate on business rates and the pressures facing the hospitality industry.

National Security and Foreign Policy: As an expert in counter-terrorism and foreign affairs, Alicia Kearns may be grilled on the UK's current stance on global conflicts and recent developments regarding the Chinese Embassy.

Justice and Crime: With the Liberal Democrats' justice spokesperson on the panel, issues regarding prison capacity or policing reform are high on the agenda.

Where and When to Watch

• Channel: BBC One

• Time: 10:40 PM

• Streaming: Available on BBC iPlayer and BBC Sounds.

• https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m002rkcp/question-time-2026-19022026

A Week on the Frontline PC McKinnon’s Rutland Police Dispatch

A Week on the Frontline PC McKinnon’s Rutland Police Dispatch

In a comprehensive update from the Rutland Dedicated Neighbourhood Team, PC McKinnon has pulled back the curtain on a high-intensity week of policing. 

From high-speed road incidents on the A46 to grassroots community mentorship, the report illustrates the sheer variety of challenges faced by officers serving the Leicestershire and Rutland areas.

The week was marked by several significant arrests, requiring multiple trips to custody suites in Leicester. These incidents highlight the team's commitment to both local safety and regional operations.

An individual wanted on an outstanding warrant was processed after presenting themselves at Oakham Station.

Following a call to a domestic incident, one male was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage.

In a more unusual case, an arrest was made for public nuisance as part of a targeted operation against illegal horse and trap racing on the A46.

A core pillar of the week’s work involved safeguarding those most at risk. PC McKinnon reported a successful joint effort with Melton colleagues to locate a vulnerable missing person, who was found safe and well.

Furthermore, the team is investing in the future of the force; PC McKinnon delivered a specialised lesson to Volunteer Police Cadets, focusing on the critical skills of managing vulnerability and maintaining community safety.

Rutland’s arterial roads and rural corridors remained a major focus. The report detailed a wide spectrum of road-related incidents.

Officers responded to numerous accidents and breakdowns, including the physical removal of debris to keep roads clear.

The team attended a serious incident on the A46 where a heavy goods vehicle (HGV) left the carriageway and became embedded in an embankment.

Overt patrols were carried out along the A47 corridor and throughout the Welland Valley villages. these patrols are a direct response to resident concerns regarding road safety and the ongoing threat of rural crime.

Addressing Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) remains a top priority. This week, police conducted joint visits with local housing providers. By working alongside housing officers, the police aim to tackle the root causes of neighbour disputes and persistent ASB, ensuring that residents feel secure in their own homes.

"We might not always get it right, but we always try our best to keep our communities safe." PC McKinnon

As PC McKinnon heads into a well-earned period of rest days, the message to Rutland residents is one of transparency. While many operations remain confidential, these "snapshots" serve as a reminder of the 24/7 effort required to maintain order across the county.

Community and Coordination A Fortnight on the Rutland Beat

Community and Coordination A Fortnight on the Rutland Beat

In the latest update from the Rutland Police, PCSO Beth has provided a detailed look at the diverse range of incidents handled by local officers over the past two weeks. From high-speed road collisions to grassroots community engagement, the report paints a picture of a force that is constantly on the move across the county and beyond.

Road safety and traffic management dominated much of the recent schedule. The team responded to several incidents that required swift action to keep the public safe.

Officers attended a Road Traffic Collision (RTC) on the A1, one of the region's busiest transit veins.

PCSO Beth assisted with significant road closures in Melton town following an RTC and provided traffic control in Melton Mowbray after a vehicle collided with a garden wall. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in the latter incident.

Coordination with PCSO Etienne ensured the safe recovery of a broken-down vehicle on a high-traffic route, preventing further congestion or danger to motorists.

Beyond emergency response, the force remains heavily invested in long-term safety and resident relations.

Dedicated Beat Surgeries sessions were held in Ketton and Edith Weston. These surgeries allow residents to voice concerns directly to officers in an informal setting.

Police are encouraging all residents to sign up for Neighbourhood Link to stay informed about future surgeries and local safety alerts.

ASB Patrols: PCSO Beth joined forces with PCSO Claire to patrol Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) hotspots in the Melton Rural North beat, maintaining a visible deterrent in sensitive areas.

While much of the work happens in public view, a significant portion of the week was dedicated to the investigative and professional foundations of the job.

"I’ve collected significant amounts of CCTV to assist in ongoing investigations and spent time at Force Headquarters for advanced training to ensure I can serve the community to the best of my ability." PCSO Beth

The update also highlighted a successful search operation for a missing person, who was thankfully located safe and well.

A Note to Residents

As PCSO Beth heads into a well-earned period of rest days, the message to Rutland remains clear, the force is active, trained, and listening. Whether it's managing a scene on a busy A-road or discussing local issues over a coffee in Ketton, the focus remains on "policing with a personal touch."

On the Beat A Busy Week for Uppingham’s Local Police

On the Beat A Busy Week for Uppingham’s Local Police

In a recent update from Rutland Police, PC Melissa shared a candid look into a high-tempo week serving the Uppingham community. From managing local "beat priorities" to supporting major regional incidents, the report highlights the diverse and often unpredictable nature of modern policing in our market town.

The week saw immediate action on several fronts regarding arrests and public safety.

One individual handed himself in following an outstanding warrant, while a separate domestic incident led to an arrest on suspicion of criminal damage.

Officers successfully located two vulnerable individuals in separate cases, ensuring both were returned to safety.

Demonstrating the collaborative nature of the force, Uppingham officers assisted colleagues in Melton during a high-stakes firearms incident.

PC Melissa highlighted three core areas where the community has requested increased vigilance.

1. Road Safety

Following reports of speeding courier vans, traffic calming measures were implemented on Branston Road. Additionally, while attending a breakdown on the A1, police issued a "polite reminder" to motorists, When you see cones or emergency lights, please slow down and change lanes safely. It is vital for the protection of emergency workers and the public.

2. Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB)

The team has been conducting targeted patrols following a string of "knock-door-run" incidents. While often dismissed as a prank, police are taking it seriously to ensure residents especially the elderly feel secure in their homes.

3. Drug Intelligence

Efforts to combat drug-related activity in and around Uppingham remain a top priority, with officers actively building intelligence to disrupt local networks.

Firearms Amnesty Reminder

Residents are reminded that this month marks the Firearms Amnesty. This provides a safe opportunity for individuals to surrender unlicensed or unwanted firearms and ammunition without the fear of prosecution at the point of surrender.

Final Word from the Beat

The update concluded with a note of gratitude for the community's ongoing cooperation. By sharing these "snapshots" of police work, the Rutland force hopes to maintain transparency and encourage residents to keep reporting concerns.