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Showing posts from February, 2025

Starmer speaks to Trump and Zelensky following White House row

A statement from No 10 confirms he spoke with both and "retains unwavering support for Ukraine". from BBC News https://ift.tt/lXYbitz

Ex-Tory MP to lead review of Islamophobia definition

Dominic Grieve is to lead a new working group, following a rise in incidents of anti-Muslim hatred. from BBC News https://ift.tt/JZyzCjS

Schooboy, 10, becomes youngest to make speech in Commons

A 10-year-old schoolboy from the remote island of Tristan da Cunha speaks to the Youth Parliament. from BBC News https://ift.tt/8WnY07t

Key takeaways from Starmer's talks with Trump

A surprise letter from King Charles III to a possible trade deal - the key moments from Starmer's talks with Trump. from BBC News https://ift.tt/BIo9OrR

Trump 'inclined' to back UK's Chagos Islands deal

The UK has offered Trump an effective veto on the deal because of its implications for US security. from BBC News https://ift.tt/pf60ndq

PM gives Trump state visit invitation from the King

Keir Starmer says the invite for a second state visit is "truly historic" and "unprecedented". from BBC News https://ift.tt/wtdA5c1

Growth plan will make Londoners richer - mayor

Sir Sadiq Khan launches a growth plan to increase productivity and create jobs in London. from BBC News https://ift.tt/abznNxL

Ukraine needs US security guarantee to deter Putin - PM

The PM stresses the importance of US help but Trump suggests responsibility lies with Europe. from BBC News https://ift.tt/jy1xnrF

Chagos deal will not go ahead if Trump rejects it - Lammy

David Lammy says the UK "a shared military and intelligence interest" with the US in the territory. from BBC News https://ift.tt/JgL1ZrP

Chris Mason: Starmer upends Labour manifesto to confront Europe's new reality

Sir Keir Starmer's meeting with the US president comes at a pivotal moment for Europe, our political editor writes. from BBC News https://ift.tt/m8Jh4Wr

Minister backs expansion of airports as Gatwick decision looms

A decision is expected later this week on whether Gatwick airport has won permission to expand its operations. from BBC News https://ift.tt/stnQwWV

Farmers face 'bullying behaviour' by supermarkets

An MP says farmers face "ongoing mistreatment" including being dropped by retailers. from BBC News https://ift.tt/RK6kcTI

First cross-party talks on social care reform postponed

The five largest parties in England were due to meet this week - but the BBC has learned the talks have been cancelled. from BBC News https://ift.tt/QRtCP7b

Conservative councillor defects to Reform

Kevin Towill has become the party's sole representative in the council chamber. from BBC News https://ift.tt/Cimar5f

MP Mike Amesbury jailed for punching constituent

The MP was suspended by Labour after a video emerged showing him punching a man to the ground. from BBC News https://ift.tt/HfpZjeC

UK and India to relaunch trade talks in Delhi

British trade secretary Jonathan Reynolds is in Delhi to kick-start two days of discussions on the deal. from BBC News https://ift.tt/WzZrEa3

'Gruesome sell-out or a chance to lead': What will happen when Starmer visits Trump?

What could happen when Sir Keir Starmer visits the White House next Thursday? from BBC News https://ift.tt/YDr93yf

Trump right to engage Putin on peace talks, says minister

Bridget Phillipson says the US thawing diplomatic ties with Putin "brought Russians to the table". from BBC News https://ift.tt/OdlGWvX

I'll back Ukraine in talks with Trump, Starmer says

The prime minister called Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky for the second time in four days. from BBC News https://ift.tt/zaXTGcY

Child exploitation and cuckooing to be made criminal offences

New legislation being introduced to Parliament next week seeks to criminalise the practices. from BBC News https://ift.tt/rwi1lUt

Trump says Starmer and Macron 'haven't done anything' to end Ukraine war

Trump's criticisms come as the UK and French leaders prepare to visit the White House next week. from BBC News https://ift.tt/JwWqKsF

More struggling councils to sell assets and borrow cash

The number requesting relaxed rules is the latest sign of fragile local government finances. from BBC News https://ift.tt/na0BxDC

Israeli family mourns 'man of peace' as body returned from Gaza

Oded Lifschitz, whose body was returned from Gaza on Thursday, was a campaigner for peace and had many Palestinian friends. from BBC News https://ift.tt/UFsfbzZ

UK and Europe must step up over Ukraine, says ex-Army boss

Sir Nick Carter says "others are going to have to step up to the plate" if the US does not want to. from BBC News https://ift.tt/Vejw0TJ

The worrying pitfalls ahead of Starmer's US trip

When Sir Keir Starmer touches down in Washington next week, he will be treading a fine diplomatic line. from BBC News https://ift.tt/neHuC8b

MP 'committed' to keeping Red Arrows in action

The Red Arrows aircraft goes out of service in 2030 and costs £27.7m annually to run. from BBC News https://ift.tt/BsehPUc

Consultation opens on joint mayor for two counties

Consultation seeks views on an elected mayor to lead a combined Norfolk and Suffolk authority. from BBC News https://ift.tt/WvPzOhY

Starmer backs Zelensky after Trump 'dictator' claim

The prime minister spoke to Zelensky on the phone and expressed support for "Ukraine's democratically elected leader". from BBC News https://ift.tt/4VrAx27

Minister faces calls to resign over solicitor CV claim

Jonathan Reynolds is accused of falsely claiming he was a solicitor, when he was only a trainee. from BBC News https://ift.tt/kxbdFXm

Kabul evacuation whistleblower wins unfair dismissal case

Civil servant Josie Stewart is found to have been unlawfully dismissed after disclosing failures to the BBC. from BBC News https://ift.tt/gMdyBJZ

MPs criticise 'wealth-hoarding' boomers stereotype

A report from the Commons' women and equalities committee says age discrimination is widespread. from BBC News https://ift.tt/k2HNgvs

Retailers selling knives online face stricter laws

Retailers must report suspicious purchases and there will be tougher sentences for selling to under-18s. from BBC News https://ift.tt/1CHE7r5

British Army 'absolutely ready' if ordered to deploy to Ukraine

It comes as 2,500 UK troops take part in Nato's largest exercise this year near Ukraine's border. from BBC News https://ift.tt/RSocumH

Reeves' intervention in car loans case rejected

The UK's highest court has rejected the Treasury's attempts to intervene in the landmark case. from BBC News https://ift.tt/9zNUSgE

'Tough on crime' policies behind prison crisis, says review

The independent review says successive governments made "knee jerk" decisions to issue longer prison sentences. from BBC News https://ift.tt/1YaAjZ2

Thames Water secures £3bn lifeline after court ruling

The UK's largest water and waste company was set to run out of money by the end of March. from BBC News https://ift.tt/U4VPnAu

Union and bishops criticise small boat refugee citizenship ban

Some 147 signatories of a letter say the recently-implemented rule will "breed division and distrust". from BBC News https://ift.tt/BrAw3pt

JD Vance attacks Europe over free speech and migration

The vice-president's speech at the Munich Security Conference was denounced by several European leaders. from BBC News https://ift.tt/Evg8J0b

US isolation threatens global democracy, warns Major

Sir John says US policy will embolden Russia and China, with gains since the fall of the Soviet Union being reversed. from BBC News https://ift.tt/lZCeRfx

Welsh Tory leadership change now 'completely nuts'

Both the shadow secretary of state and Senedd group leader claim to lead the party in Wales. from BBC News https://ift.tt/5ay4otD

UK military too 'run down' to lead Ukraine peace mission - ex-Army chief

Lord Dannatt says up to 40,000 UK troops would be needed for such a mission and "we just haven't got that number available". from BBC News https://ift.tt/T5UQZwO

Plans to protect UK steel industry as tariff threat looms

US President Donald Trump is set to impose 25% taxes on steel entering America "without exceptions". from BBC News https://ift.tt/H3YoN48

NHS to expand opt-out HIV and hepatitis testing

The NHS will automatically test patients for HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C unless they opt out at 90 hospitals. from BBC News https://ift.tt/x0THwsO

What we've learned about Rachel Reeves's expenses - and the Labour response

Senior figures defended the chancellor after we revealed her expenses were investigated before she was an MP. from BBC News https://ift.tt/L46nAxi

Government axes political violence adviser role

The crossbench peer calls for more action against "the menace of extreme protestors" as he leaves. from BBC News https://ift.tt/9dogCvt

Government borrowing, bonds and yields explained

You may have heard about government borrowing costs going up and then down again. Here's a quick guide on government borrowing, bonds and yields. from BBC News https://ift.tt/myUTsRk

Starmer backs Ukraine's Nato bid despite US view

The PM reaffirms the UK will back Ukraine's "irreversible path" to joining NATO in a call with Volodymyr Zelensky. from BBC News https://ift.tt/Nu4vCgd

MPs call for end to booing and jeering in Commons

"Antiquated" jargon and poor behaviour is restricting access to politics, says a committee of MPs. from BBC News https://ift.tt/IDTu3eK

MP shares in Commons he is living with HIV

The Sittingbourne and Sheppey MP is only the third parliamentarian to share his HIV status. from BBC News https://ift.tt/Eaq3R9c

Ukraine must be at heart of talks, says Healey

The UK's defence secretary says there can be no negotiation on Ukraine without Ukraine. from BBC News https://ift.tt/aECf5pX

Reform UK sets out plan to tax renewable energy

Deputy leader Richard Tice argues net-zero policies are to blame for higher energy bills in the UK. from BBC News https://ift.tt/hrUlvPa

Farming funding rule change worries first minister

She says a UK change to future funding support rules for Welsh agriculture is of "huge concern". from BBC News https://ift.tt/rsIwTZW

Stand up to Trump tariffs threat, urges Ed Davey

The Lib Dem leader says the US president needs to hear a "strong" response over threatened steel tariffs. from BBC News https://ift.tt/p6eL4GH

Government plans to stop 'housing benefit going to rogue landlords'

The Housing Ministry says £350m will unlock an extra 2,800 affordable homes across England. from BBC News https://ift.tt/TkjuK0n

Labour suspends 11 councillors over WhatsApp group

The group, which is being investigated by the party, has already led to the suspension of two Labour MPs. from BBC News https://ift.tt/UAshobC

MPs' bar to reopen with CCTV after alleged spiking

Strangers' Bar was shut last month after a woman alleged her drink had been tampered with. from BBC News https://ift.tt/YRrncXj

Watch: Sue Gray takes seat in the House of Lords

Former Partygate investigator who went on to become Sir Keir Starmer's chief of staff joins the Lords. from BBC News https://ift.tt/ot87Fik

UK must respect Trump's mandate, new US ambassador tells BBC

In his first day on the job, Lord Peter Mandelson says "we have to respect and understand what drives" the US president. from BBC News https://ift.tt/XxEwI1N

Smuggling gangs have taken hold, Cooper says during border debate

MPs are holding a debate in the House of Commons on Labour's plans to overhaul border measures. from BBC News https://ift.tt/SRuzevk

MP behind assisted dying bill suggests scrapping High Court approval

It comes after concerns were raised over the court's capacity to hear each individual case. from BBC News https://ift.tt/R0vspTB

Oliver Ryan suspended as Labour MP over WhatsApp messages

Ryan had been summoned to a meeting with his chief whip after the Mail on Sunday published the texts. from BBC News https://ift.tt/x4p0yz3

Chris Mason: Ministers want to show toughness on immigration

With high numbers still arriving in the UK, the government is keen not to appear wishy-washy on an issue that matters to so many people. from BBC News https://ift.tt/PgTMyHI

New subsidies deal for Drax wood-burning power station

The government has agreed a new subsidy arrangement with the controversial wood-burning Drax power station in north Yorkshire. from BBC News https://ift.tt/Rn1v3ub

Hundreds arrested in New Year illegal worker blitz

It comes ahead of the second reading of the Government's Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill. from BBC News https://ift.tt/sZVJGPe

Second Labour MP apologises over WhatsApp comments

Burnley MP Oliver Ryan says his comments in the group were "completely unacceptable". from BBC News https://ift.tt/eX9aQbv

Ex-mineworkers 'dying while waiting for pension cash'

Former coal workers say many are dying of old age and respiratory illness as they wait for payments. from BBC News https://ift.tt/RrCSkA4

Power station's further reporting failure exposed by BBC

Drax, which burns wood pellets, is required to report where it sources its wood from. from BBC News https://ift.tt/UFOVrYC

Health Minister Andrew Gwynne sacked over messages

Gwynne apologises for the "badly misjudged" messages and is suspended as a Labour party member. from BBC News https://ift.tt/MJrAgsX

What is Mandelson's strategy for charming Trumpworld?

As Peter Mandelson takes up the role of ambassador to the US, No 10 is determined the UK builds a strong relationship with Donald Trump. from BBC News https://ift.tt/YvxdUcF

Child sex abuse survivors demand ring-fenced funding

They are urging MPs to work together to ensure a much-delayed plan to tackle grooming gangs is put into action. from BBC News https://ift.tt/1bwEyYj

£22bn for 'unproven' green tech could raise bills, MPs warn

The Public Accounts Committee warns the government of gambling public money on carbon capture. from BBC News https://ift.tt/leOrC08

Chris Mason: Starmer goes nuclear in hunt for long-term growth

Ministers hope new nuclear power stations will be keeping lights on by 2032. from BBC News https://ift.tt/GpJtsXr

Law to make social landlords fix mould in force from October

Campaigners called for change after two-year-old Awaab Ishak died from mould exposure at his home in 2020. from BBC News https://ift.tt/VYNFG1f

Bank cuts interest rates and slashes growth forecast

Bank boss Andrew Bailey told the BBC it expected to cut rates further but warned the road ahead would be bumpy. from BBC News https://ift.tt/67v8Dei

Grenfell to be demolished, bereaved families told

Grenfell Tower is to be demolished, Angela Rayner tells a meeting with bereaved relatives and survivors. from BBC News https://ift.tt/QuANLqS

Councils fear the local is being taken out of local government

Ministers say a major reorganisation will save money but some councils are worried it will harm services. from BBC News https://ift.tt/rP6HRKM

No police action over Starmer voice coach claims

Police say the alleged incident during the 2020 Covid lockdown was too long ago to initiate proceedings. from BBC News https://ift.tt/Md9lJFp

Speaker says later father was 'everything' to him

Labour politician Lord Doug Hoyle died surrounded by his family in April, aged 98. from BBC News https://ift.tt/0mJIPFy

Illegal meat on most UK High Streets, official says

Post-Brexit checks are undermining efforts to keep out potentially disease-ridden meat, official says. from BBC News https://ift.tt/l31PArf

Can Starmer make good vibes last with EU and US?

Something is likely to have to give, as the UK tries to keep both major trading partners on side. from BBC News https://ift.tt/87diWPr

Tories' Trump trip means Labour to win budget vote

Leader of the opposition in Wales Darren Millar heads to US, missing vote on draft budget. from BBC News https://ift.tt/XE8Pboj

Starmer denies breaking Covid rules with voice coach

Leonie Miller was invited to coach the then-opposition leader on his response to Johnson's Brexit deal. from BBC News https://ift.tt/UVM6fOR

Millions face council tax rise of more than 5%

The government has allowed six areas to bypass the usual 5% cap on council tax increases. from BBC News https://ift.tt/pT8mJPv

How could Trump's tariffs affect the UK?

How might the UK be affected by Trump's tariffs, even if they are not imposed on the UK? from BBC News https://ift.tt/0laMrDR

'No cat ban in Scotland', John Swinney confirms

The first minister rules out the idea after experts suggest ways to reduce the impact domestic cats have on wildlife. from BBC News https://ift.tt/Ozw4KWg

I let child abuse survivors down - Welsh Lib Dem leader

Jane Dodds says she will continue as leader despite criticism of her time in the Church of England. from BBC News https://ift.tt/Zuo5leL

Positive start for Stormont but more to do after first year - NI leaders

NI leaders give their verdict on progress one year after the restoration of devolution at Stormont. from BBC News https://ift.tt/k3IuspJ

Pylons v people - battle lines drawn over UK's green energy plans

Are solar panel fields and giant pylons the price of energy decarbonisation by 2030? - Panorama investigates. from BBC News https://ift.tt/dmc0ny4

Starmer first PM to join EU leaders' meeting since Brexit

The trip is part of what the PM calls a "reset" between the UK and the European Union. from BBC News https://ift.tt/apw7ksn

Fears council shake-up could spell end of independent-run areas

Critics say merging smaller councils will make it harder for independents to be elected. from BBC News https://ift.tt/HSe7W0G

Farage hails Trump 'inspiration' at Reform UK rally

Nigel Farage holds a rally in North West Essex as his party targets Kemi Badenoch's seat. from BBC News https://ift.tt/Bz5g0du

Davey urges Starmer to start EU customs union talks

Sir Ed Davey calls for PM to use meeting with EU leaders to "fire the starting gun" on new trade deal. from BBC News https://ift.tt/Nika7Q1