Fact checks

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

26 March 2012

How much does dementia cost the economy?

This morning Health Minister Paul Burstow told the Today programme that dementia costs us £23bn. Later on his boss David Cameron contradicted this, saying it only costs £19bn. Who was right? Read

Fact check
26 March 2012

Europe

Express claims the EU is banning plastic bags (again)

The Daily Express returns to a familiar theme on its front page this morning, accusing "Brussels commissars" of trying to pave the way for ban on plastic bag use. Regular … Read

Fact check
19 December 2011

Were the rioters 'career criminals'?

When referring back to the English riots earlier this year, Theresa May claimed that, on average, each rioter charged had committed 11 previous offences, rendering them "career criminals". One of our readers decided to investigate whether this figure paints a clear enough picture. Read

Fact check
13 December 2011

How much have renewable energy subsidies cost households?

The cost of renewable energy to the taxpayer has become a contentious issue as energy bills have risen in recent years. In a recent article by the Express, subsidising renewable energy had reportedly 'cost every household about £320'. Full Fact took a look at some of the figures behind the cost of renewable energy subsidies. Read

Fact check
5 December 2011

Benefit fraud: Has DWP hotline increased prosecutions?

Today's Express hailed a crackdown on benefit fraud by the coalition Government, attributing some of the success to the National Benefit Fraud Hotline. Is it as successful as the article claims? Full Fact investigates. Read

Fact check

Evidence you can rely on

Fact checking claims made by politicians, public figures and viral online content can give you the full picture backed by the evidence.

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