Fact checks

From false health claims to misleading statements on immigration, politics and conflict—our expert team delivers impartial, evidence based fact checks.

2 November 2011

Did unemployment rise to 30 per cent under Labour?

The new Economic Secretary to the Treasury, Chloe Smith, claimed yesterday that unemployment rates under Labour rose to 30 per cent. Full Fact decided to investigate. Read

Fact checks
2 November 2011

Economy, Business & Finance

Do three million UK jobs rely directly on our place in the EU?

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg appeared on BBC Radio 4 this week claiming that three million UK jobs depend directly on participation in the EU. Is this accurate? Full Fact remains cautious. Read

Fact checks
27 October 2011

What proportion of UK law comes from Brussels?

In the wake of the Conservative backbench rebellion over Europe, and with the Eurozone crisis showing little sign of abating, Full Fact investigates the extent of the EU's influence on UK law and regulation. Read

Fact checks
27 October 2011

Justice in sentencing: are courts getting 'softer' on criminals?

As Justice Secretary Ken Clarke announces plans to hand out mandatory life sentences for offences besides murder for the first time, we look at whether it really is a 'myth' than sentences are getting shorter, as he claimed this week. Read

Fact checks
26 October 2011

Is school spending protected as David Cameron claimed?

During today's sessions of Prime Minister's Questions David Cameron claimed that not only was school spending being protected, but there would be some extra cash on top in the form of a pupil premium. Does his maths make the grade? Read

Fact checks
25 October 2011

Were 1 in 8 rioters in receipt of incapacity benefits?

In the rush to comment on official figures released about August's rioters, did the papers get their statistics regarding benefit claims by rioters correct? Full Fact finds reason to be cautious. Read

Fact checks