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Showing posts from January, 2025

Labour ministers tread carefully as welfare reform looms

The government is not just looking at reforming the benefits system - it is preparing to put it at the heart of its economic agenda. from BBC News https://ift.tt/h3XSWvQ

Patel clarifies defence of party's immigration record

Tory leader Kemi Badenoch appears to distance herself from Priti Patel's comments on immigration. from BBC News https://ift.tt/wPmz0Kt

No targets for flying or farming in UK climate plan

The UK has set an ambitious goal to radically reduce carbon emissions by 2035. from BBC News https://ift.tt/Hgi2AaJ

Reeves changes mind over Leeds airport expansion

Rachel Reeves has said she would now support any expansion, despite previously opposing the plans. from BBC News https://ift.tt/TjJd0GD

Ex-Tory leader warned over repeated rule breaches

An ex-Welsh Conservative leader has been warned he will be punished if he breaks Senedd rules again. from BBC News https://ift.tt/1yC6c27

Warning higher borrowing costs may mean tax rises

The Resolution Foundation says the risk of the government breaking its own fiscal rules "remains on a knife edge". from BBC News https://ift.tt/TPha8ze

Henry Zeffman: Reeves's plan comes under scrutiny from her own side

The chancellor has made clear she wants to see economic growth, but the response from Labour MPs will be key in how its delivered. from BBC News https://ift.tt/Ef97cwC

Reeves expected to back Heathrow expansion plans

The chancellor is expected to make the announcement as part of a speech about growth on Wednesday. from BBC News https://ift.tt/51zZWHa

Biased AI rejected my job applications, says ex-MP

Former Welsh Secretary David TC Davies says CV scanners rejected him over lack of a university degree. from BBC News https://ift.tt/EJWztXo

Minister spoken to over attending Muslim Council event

Labour has cut ties with the Muslim Council of Britain and bans ministers from engaging with the organisation. from BBC News https://ift.tt/fDU74YH

Keep assisted dying laws simple, says Whitty

England's chief medical officer warns of "bureaucratic thicket" if safeguards made too complicated. from BBC News https://ift.tt/VfcRZos

Temporary housing linked to deaths of at least 74 children

Official data show that 58 of those children were babies under the age of one. from BBC News https://ift.tt/UnO89gi

Navy submarine name change is woke nonsense, says Shapps

HMS Agincourt has been renamed Achilles amid reports the defence ministry did not want to offend France. from BBC News https://ift.tt/09a5pUE

Will a third runway at Heathrow help UK growth?

Chancellor Rachel Reeves is set to announce expansion plans but some question the short-term benefits. from BBC News https://ift.tt/z0b1w85

Chris Mason: Warm words, for now, between Trump and Starmer

Sir Keir Starmer and Donald Trump spent 45 minutes on the phone over the weekend. from BBC News https://ift.tt/s91a7NL

Starmer pledges to make Holocaust education 'national endeavour'

The prime minister says while we remember the six million Jewish victims "we must also act". from BBC News https://ift.tt/r5WLfjM

Reeves urges online platforms to remove violent content

Material seen by Southport murderer Axel Rudakubana should be removed by tech firms, the chancellor says. from BBC News https://ift.tt/UirlWKz

Streeting accuses Farage of 'miserabilist' vision for UK

The health secretary says Reform UK has a "poverty of ambition" for the UK that Labour "utterly rejects". from BBC News https://ift.tt/Kcki61V

Remove videos seen by Southport killer, Cooper says

Social media platforms have a 'moral responsibility' to remove violent content, home secretary says. from BBC News https://ift.tt/LF02QcA

Growth at all costs? Why Reeves is in a sudden rush on the economy

The chancellor raised taxes in the Budget - but now she wants to get rid of barriers to business. Why the change of focus? from BBC News https://ift.tt/4fjoE58

What are Parliament's bars really like?

Westminster's drinking culture is in the spotlight after a bar was closed over an alleged spiking incident. from BBC News https://ift.tt/N1uwXeO

Why was Scotland's National Care Service scrapped?

Years of delay and dispute have worn down support for what was once the government's flagship policy. from BBC News https://ift.tt/wOG109U

Landslide election cost £52m in staff turnover payments

Parliamentary standards body says the last election saw an "almost-unprecedented" staff turnover. from BBC News https://ift.tt/r15AXhF

Miliband: I won't quit over Heathrow expansion

The net zero secretary is a longstanding opponent of a third runway, which the government is now expected to back. from BBC News https://ift.tt/qowpVlE

PM vows to curb 'Nimby' legal blocks on infrastructure

The government wants to cut the number of legal challenges to infrastructure projects. from BBC News https://ift.tt/J2nuTzi

Former PM Sunak takes up Oxford and Stanford roles

The jobs are the first the former Conservative leader has taken since he returned to the backbenches. from BBC News https://ift.tt/on1q73y

Closing bars could risk MPs' safety, says minister

Commons leader Lucy Powell says she is open to debate about bars in Parliament but they serve a purpose. from BBC News https://ift.tt/DmMLulR

Government ousts UK competition watchdog chair

Marcus Bokkerink is leaving as the government signals it is serious about growth, the BBC understands. from BBC News https://ift.tt/sWyLX0A

'Dress smartly', Speaker tells assembly members

Stormont Speaker Edwin Poots said MLAs had a "very loose interpretation of smart". from BBC News https://ift.tt/UM2f6Sk

Call for more women footballers on birthday cards

A lack of cards featuring female players undermines efforts to promote women's sport, says a group of MPs. from BBC News https://ift.tt/Irnd3HX

'Terrorism has changed', says PM on Southport attacks

The prime minister says the UK faces a "new and dangerous threat" from extreme violence. from BBC News https://ift.tt/XWiDp1L

Yes, Minister character is government's new AI assistant

A new suite of AI tools for civil servants are named 'Humphrey' after the scheming character. from BBC News https://ift.tt/kIcRjef

Can opposites Trump and Starmer find common ground?

The prime minister and the new president of the United States are rather different characters. from BBC News https://ift.tt/VS1HWt8

Grave questions to answer on Southport attack, says PM

Keir Starmer responds as it emerges the Southport killer had been referred to counter-terrorism scheme. from BBC News https://ift.tt/noQ6U7m

Government rejects request to pull Stormont brake

Unionist parties requested to have the brake pulled to stop incoming EU rules on packaging and labelling of chemicals. from BBC News https://ift.tt/KfS46BZ

Secret UK 'mini cabinet' tries to plan for unpredictable Trump

On security and on the economy, Westminster feels both worry and hope as Donald Trump heads back to the White House. from BBC News https://ift.tt/7vwDO1W

Brexit fishing row heads for trade court showdown

The UK has banned European vessels from catching the silvery fish species in its North Sea waters but the EU is challenging the move. from BBC News https://ift.tt/qKONhkc

US-UK relations will flourish under Trump, says PM

Sir Keir Starmer sends his congratulations to Donald Trump ahead of the US presidential inauguration. from BBC News https://ift.tt/yI20MPA

Corbyn and McDonnell face police interview after pro-Palestinian rally

The former Labour leader and former shadow chancellor will voluntarily attend a police station. from BBC News https://ift.tt/H4KTADa

Trump will want a good deal with UK, says minister

Darren Jones, the chancellor's second-in-command, is confident UK-US trading relationships could be deepened. from BBC News https://ift.tt/SJUsHxc

Starmer vows to fight 'poison' of antisemitism in Auschwitz visit

Sir Keir, who is in Poland for defence and security talks, said "nothing" could have prepared him for the horror of what he had seen. from BBC News https://ift.tt/eHxaw7L

Mayor to be investigated over Taylor Swift tickets

Sir Sadiq Khan's received six Taylor Swift tickets worth about £3,000 for her concert in August. from BBC News https://ift.tt/HbrEVFo

Parliament bar closed after alleged spiking incident

Police are investigating a report that a woman had her drink spiked in the bar, which is closed pending a safety review. from BBC News https://ift.tt/WLeXgBF

Chris Mason: A clear nod to demands for a new child abuse inquiry

The BBC's political editor examines the government's announcement on grooming gangs. from BBC News https://ift.tt/lqyY83N

No convictions for breaching sanctions on Russia

Sanctions were introduced after the Crimea annexation in 2014 and the wider invasion of Ukraine in 2022. from BBC News https://ift.tt/d2o3uhw

'Important' step as 'Holly's Law' raised at PMQs

PM urged to consider campaign to lower the age a person can be seen as a victim of domestic abuse. from BBC News https://ift.tt/rq5tzD8

City minister clear to deal with China, says No 10

Reynolds - who took over from Tulip Siddiq - has faced questions about potential conflicts of interest. from BBC News https://ift.tt/cYx0ruv

PM visits Ukraine to sign 'landmark' 100-year pact

The deal is seen as a show of support for Ukraine, days before Donald Trump re-enters the White House. from BBC News https://ift.tt/gz5C0oU

UK must rejoin EU customs union, says Lib Dem Davey

Sir Ed will argue the move is needed to deal with the incoming Trump presidency in the US. from BBC News https://ift.tt/QqbSuEp

Tone down grooming gangs rhetoric, top Tory told

Party's Senedd leader accuses presiding officer of "inappropriately" interrupting him on the issue. from BBC News https://ift.tt/AC8X0GV

Gerry Adams in line for 'pay day' if Legacy Act repealed

Former Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams is in line for "a pay day from the taxpayer" under plans to repeal the Legacy Act, a report backed by several peers has stated. from BBC News https://ift.tt/GOE0iL1

Chair of miscarriages of justice review body quits

Helen Pitcher "jumped as she was pushed", a government source said. from BBC News https://ift.tt/zBaAvph

Tulip Siddiq resigns as Treasury minister

It comes after growing pressure over an anti-corruption investigation in Bangladesh. from BBC News https://ift.tt/DkrsjGK

Meeting with grooming victims 'shocking' - Badenoch

The Tory leader has been calling for a fresh inquiry into grooming gangs. from BBC News https://ift.tt/YCXIg7f

Chris Mason: Starmer and Reeves navigate tricky economic backdrop

Sir Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves are the duo that best personify the Labour project of the 2020s. from BBC News https://ift.tt/Yvh2PBA

Rotherham MP Champion backs national grooming inquiry

The Labour MP says "nothing less than a full inquiry... will restore faith in our safeguarding systems". from BBC News https://ift.tt/FBbVKlz

Nicola Sturgeon and Peter Murrell to end marriage

Ms Sturgeon says she and the former SNP chief executive have been separated for "some time". from BBC News https://ift.tt/sjWO4MI

Former New Labour adviser appointed to lead UK's EU reset

HSBC boss Michael Ellam was an adviser to Gordon Brown and now has rejoined government. from BBC News https://ift.tt/mIHGROz

PM plans to 'unleash AI' across UK to boost growth

Leading tech firms are said to have committed £14bn towards the project, which could create more than 13,000 jobs. from BBC News https://ift.tt/pXm0rfw

Facebook and X must comply with UK law - minister

Peter Kyle responds after Mark Zuckerberg confirms changes to how content on Meta is monitored. from BBC News https://ift.tt/tG6OEoQ

Molly Russell's dad warns UK 'going backwards' on online safety and urges PM to act

In an exclusive interview, Ian Russell tells the BBC that he believes there is "no real movement" within government on online safety. from BBC News https://ift.tt/MUXY914

PM should sack Siddiq over corruption claims, Badenoch says

The Tory leader's call follows allegations about properties linked to her family in Bangladesh. from BBC News https://ift.tt/X24mE3T

Reform UK councillors resign in protest over Farage

A group of councillors in Derbyshire say the party "has lost its sense of direction" under Farage's leadership. from BBC News https://ift.tt/DrSa5uT

Oldham abuse survivors criticise government over inquiry decision

Three women whose lives were ruined by historical child abuse want the PM to come and meet survivors. from BBC News https://ift.tt/itMlzNQ

Ros Atkins on... 24 hours on Elon Musk's X timeline

The BBC's Analysis editor, Ros Atkins, investigates Elon Musk's recent posts on X about grooming gangs - and looks at how one day unfolded on his timeline. from BBC News https://ift.tt/7oZ6mHB

Why are UK borrowing costs rising and what does it mean for me?

Government borrowing costs have hit their highest level for several years - what does it mean for you? from BBC News https://ift.tt/KoEBpy7

Lammy challenges Trump's rhetoric days before White House return

The foreign secretary talks up UK-US relations - but clear divisions with the incoming president remain. from BBC News https://ift.tt/4Tcua2U

Jeremy Hunt apologises to Letby victims' families

The former health secretary has been giving evidence at the Thirlwall Inquiry into the nurse's crimes. from BBC News https://ift.tt/XHxtogN

New sanctions key to stopping smuggling gangs, insists PM

The planned measures will allow the UK to freeze the finances of illegal smuggling networks, Sir Keir said. from BBC News https://ift.tt/HqG6aQL

Far-right group Blood and Honour has assets frozen by government

The sanctions affect neo-Nazi organisation Blood and Honour, linked to the skinhead music scene. from BBC News https://ift.tt/lCnU9Tz

Chris Mason: Is Starmer leaving the door open to an abuse inquiry?

There's anger about Elon Musk's interventions - but they have turbocharged a public conversation about child sexual abuse in the UK. from BBC News https://ift.tt/0mEyakt

Ros Atkins on...Elon Musk's political interventions

The BBC's Analysis Editor looks at Elon Musk's involvement in politics outside the US. from BBC News https://ift.tt/oAzKJDN

Musk's 'disinformation' endangering me, says Phillips

The tech billionaire and Trump adviser has fiercely criticised the safeguarding minister in recent days. from BBC News https://ift.tt/yMvl9s2

Farage aims to 'mend fences' with Elon Musk in US

It comes after the tech billionaire called for Farage to be replaced as Reform UK leader. from BBC News https://ift.tt/v0BaH7e

Victims want action, child abuse inquiry chair says

Professor Alexis Jay responds to calls for a new national inquiry into grooming gangs. from BBC News https://ift.tt/9wkqzaQ

Cooper promises law to tackle child abuse cover ups

The home secretary says those who fail to report child sexual abuse could face criminal sanctions. from BBC News https://ift.tt/dR4XY1K

What is Starmer's record on prosecuting grooming gangs?

The prime minister has come under attack from Elon Musk over his record as director of public prosecutions. from BBC News https://ift.tt/vfaFStI

Child sexual abuse inquiry chair urges government to act

A campaign group led by Prof Alexis Jay also warns against "politicising" sexual violence. from BBC News https://ift.tt/vQykLlp

Musk looms large over UK politics as MPs return for 2025

Another year in Westminster has gotten off to an explosive start after the tech billionaire's intervention. from BBC News https://ift.tt/N9uqKDk

Former Welsh Lib Dem Baroness Randerson dies aged 76

She was the first ever female Welsh Lib Dem to hold ministerial office at Westminster. from BBC News https://ift.tt/nmbIt9w

Musk's grooming gangs attack on Phillips 'disgraceful smear', says Streeting

Wes Streeting says his cabinet colleague has "done more than most people ever do" to fight grooming gangs. from BBC News https://ift.tt/y9eNpU5

Nigel Farage claims Reform can win power - but how realistic is that?

With new financial backers and a rapidly growing base, Reform UK seems to have momentum, but will it stay? from BBC News https://ift.tt/O7DSaip

Farage defends Musk after grooming gangs posts

The tech billionaire has used his X platform to heavily criticise the UK government and individual ministers. from BBC News https://ift.tt/JvuNiyU

Farage distances himself from Musk on Robinson

Tech billionaire Elon Musk has voiced support for jailed far-right activist Tommy Robinson. from BBC News https://ift.tt/dLwBtWn

How Trump and Musk's interventions prompt fresh diplomatic challenge

Politicians are navigating how to deal with the social media presence of Donald Trump and Elon Musk. from BBC News https://ift.tt/VIexgPN

Labour councillor quits party in transgender row

Zoe Hughes opposes a ban on puberty blockers but the government says children's welfare comes first. from BBC News https://ift.tt/xyiGBTD

Nick Clegg leaves Meta ahead of Trump's return as US president

He will be replaced by Republican Joel Kaplan, a former White House deputy chief of staff under President Bush. from BBC News https://ift.tt/2z3hpjf

Why is VAT being added to private school fees?

The government says the rule change will raise £460m extra to spend in state schools in 2024/25. from BBC News https://ift.tt/7ps6ZGX

Post Office scandal: MPs call for financial penalty for slow payouts

The business and trade select committee says the schemes are so poorly designed, the application process is like a second trial. from BBC News https://ift.tt/NxiChd0

'A man exposed himself to me on a video call - police didn't properly investigate'

Police are dismissing women's experiences and failing to properly investigate, BBC is told. from BBC News https://ift.tt/kPyaXoE

Energy prices rise with warnings of more pain to come

The new year starts with a 1% increase in domestic gas and electricity prices under Ofgem's price cap. from BBC News https://ift.tt/Ub15qhE