Posts

Showing posts from March, 2025

Minister warns of risk from foreign donors

Democracy Minister Rushanara Ali is planning measures to protect against foreign political interference. from BBC News https://ift.tt/RfkV7jG

Birmingham declares major incident over bin strike

City council leader John Cotton says the action is being taken because of public health concerns. from BBC News https://ift.tt/Q5TZG0t

Buses in Wales to be brought under public control

Ministers have promised a "simpler" network replacing a system where bus companies set their own timetables. from BBC News https://ift.tt/K6LxbNZ

Lib Dems aim to become 'party of Middle England'

Sir Ed Davey says they're vying for votes in Tory-run council areas, in his local election launch. from BBC News https://ift.tt/FkI2Azy

Protests postponed after pharmacy funding boost

Community pharmacies have delayed protest action after the government agreed a new funding package. from BBC News https://ift.tt/BaMjsx5

UK to host 40 countries for illegal migration summit

The talks, seen as the first of their kind, will aim to increase international co-operation. from BBC News https://ift.tt/BeqGzOH

Government to table law overriding sentencing rules

The new legislation comes in response to a row over how ethnic minority offenders should be sentenced. from BBC News https://ift.tt/JAU1G68

Morning-after pill to be made free at pharmacies in England

The government hopes the move will end the "unfair postcode lottery" some women face. from BBC News https://ift.tt/qGjDYMi

Labour councillors resign over Starmer's leadership

The three councillors say they disagree with recent policy choices taken by the Westminster party. from BBC News https://ift.tt/iyk4gVs

Men make sacrifices many women don't for top jobs, Farage says

The Reform leader makes the comments on the role of women in the workplace at an event in Westminster. from BBC News https://ift.tt/wqBTrAb

UK not entering trade war with US, says Starmer

The UK is in "intense negotiations" with the US over tariff plans, the prime minister says. from BBC News https://ift.tt/ikWRQy6

Watch: Don't call civil servants 'pen-pushers', says Sue Gray

Watch: Don't call civil servants 'pen-pushers', says Sue Gray from BBC News https://ift.tt/Ou8bfnp

Anxiety over welfare cuts rises among Labour MPs

There is some unease in Labour's ranks over the planned savings to welfare in the Spring Statement. from BBC News https://ift.tt/DRnxvwa

BBC Verify: How did Rachel Reeves make her sums add up?

BBC Verify's Ben Chu looks at how the Chancellor managed to stick to her fiscal rules in the Spring Statement, despite a jump in borrowing costs for the Government. from BBC News https://ift.tt/z4UZqO0

Local elections 2025: Is there an election in my area?

Find out whether there is an election near you on 1 May using our postcode lookup tool. from BBC News https://ift.tt/fgOtzvP

Government concerns over assisted dying timeline

The Labour MP bringing the bill says she is "disappointed" to be proposing pushing the implementation deadline to 2029. from BBC News https://ift.tt/jSJVfwE

Sussex university fined £585k in free speech row

The university is fined by the higher education regulator for failing to uphold freedom of speech. from BBC News https://ift.tt/C8wmMz3

Reeves to focus on £2bn defence boost in Spring Statement

The chancellor will warn of a "changing world", as she sets out latest plans for the UK economy. from BBC News https://ift.tt/z4BHiTJ

'I could lose £100K despite Woodford redress scheme'

People who lost savings from a collapsed investment fund say a redress scheme has let them down. from BBC News https://ift.tt/PlY8a72

Peers seek tax rise safeguards for health workers

Lords inflict a series of defeats on plans to raise National Insurance Contributions from13.8% to 15%. from BBC News https://ift.tt/HvmtZrE

Faisal Islam: No tax rises and no return to austerity but will it last?

The Spring Statement is "not a Budget", but the chancellor is facing major tax and spending challenges. from BBC News https://ift.tt/izYKOBc

Reform name candidate for by-election

Sarah Pochin is chosen as Reform UK's candidate for the upcoming by-election in Cheshire. from BBC News https://ift.tt/rnTZfGs

Government can be more efficient, says Keir Starmer

The prime minister says he wants to see government departments become more efficient by using AI and technology. from BBC News https://ift.tt/uOAhdjY

Sort 'pothole plague' or lose cash, councils warned

Councils in England will be asked to publish reports on their repairs or miss out on funding, but critics say long-term thinking is needed. from BBC News https://ift.tt/QSI3ZiF

Grassroots anger tests Farage's grip on Reform UK

Disquiet in the ranks of the rapidly growing party might run deeper than leader Nigel Farage is prepared to admit. from BBC News https://ift.tt/NsDdK82

Civil Service told to slash running costs by 15%

The target is said to be administrative costs - but unions have challenged ministers to be upfront about what areas of work they are prepared to sacrifice as a result. from BBC News https://ift.tt/H0JnGMv

Government considering sending failed asylum seekers to Balkans

Home Office officials have discussed proposals to set up overseas "return hubs" from BBC News https://ift.tt/J0dF6Rf

Investigation ordered into power outage that closed Heathrow

Ed Miliband says there are lessons to be learned after outage led to major flight disruption on Friday. from BBC News https://ift.tt/boSCOFy

Rachel Reeves: I will not 'tax and spend'

In an interview with the BBC's Laura Kuenssberg, the chancellor opened up on the public finances and how she's finding the job. from BBC News https://ift.tt/1E43Lo7

Putin would breach Ukraine deal if it is not defended, says PM

Military leaders met in London to discuss plans for troops to help guarantee Ukraine's security in any peace deal. from BBC News https://ift.tt/yf3EnvX

Reform UK row: Leaked messages reveal Farage fury with Lowe

The Reform UK leader calls behaviour of suspended MP "disgusting" in WhatsApp messages seen by the BBC. from BBC News https://ift.tt/GiePnNh

Don't fear football regulator, league chief tells rich clubs

English Football League chief Rick Parry rejects claims a regulator would harm the Premier League. from BBC News https://ift.tt/tMRVuEc

Ex-union official investigated by solicitors regulator

Howard Beckett, a qualified solicitor, was Unite the Union's assistant general secretary and head of legal until his suspension in 2022. from BBC News https://ift.tt/0LJM4e2

Ministers struggle to quell MP concerns over benefit cuts

Ministers have been meeting Labour MPs worried about new restrictions to disability payments. from BBC News https://ift.tt/zmiH149

Commissioner warns ministers over domestic abuse

Dame Nicole Jacobs says government plans to tackle domestic abuse could continue to fail victims. from BBC News https://ift.tt/1g5URZk

Welfare uncertainty is stirring up fear - Davey

The Liberal Democrat leader says there has not been enough detail on the government's cuts to benefits. from BBC News https://ift.tt/Ya95nWm

Hancock criticises 'wholly naive' Covid inquiry

The former health secretary was giving evidence about medical equipment deals during the pandemic. from BBC News https://ift.tt/cK7QkBp

Starmer says cost of sickness benefits 'devastating'

The prime minister's remarks come after the government announced a major benefits overhaul on Tuesday. from BBC News https://ift.tt/OuW1Lzw

Chris Mason: Flurry of worry over benefit changes

It could be some time before people know how they may be affected by the government's benefits overhaul. from BBC News https://ift.tt/O5uRIn9

Lammy says Israel international law remarks 'could have been clearer'

The foreign secretary had twice told MPs Israel's aid blockade into Gaza was a "breach" of international law. from BBC News https://ift.tt/bJhdTsS

Under-22s to be excluded from incapacity benefits

The move comes as part of an overhaul of the welfare system as the UK's benefits bill rises. from BBC News https://ift.tt/ECzHq9s

Crackdown on government cards to cut 'wasteful' spending

Purchases include £2,500 spent at a women's shoe shop in Barbados and £1,200 on luxury coffee pods. from BBC News https://ift.tt/S6ptHBO

What are PIP disability payments and why could they change?

The Personal Independence Payment is a benefit that helps cover the extra costs of long-term health conditions. from BBC News https://ift.tt/fcXMLrC

PM faces discontent over benefits system shake-up

Sir Keir Starmer has faced concerns from Labour backbenchers who have expressed anger at proposals. from BBC News https://ift.tt/Yyh0IGg

Michael Gove denies trying to circumvent Dyson ventilator checks

Former cabinet minister says it would be ludicrous to suggest he tried to shortcut safety checks in the pandemic. from BBC News https://ift.tt/R17P0gW

Conservatives push for ban on phones in schools

Opposition says it will attempt to amend a Labour government bill to include the ban. from BBC News https://ift.tt/ipUwh9D

Streeting admits 'risk of disruption' in NHS overhaul

The health secretary defends scrapping NHS England but admits the reform will bring challenges. from BBC News https://ift.tt/E4IZhca

Plan to freeze PIP disability benefits may be dropped

Many usually loyal Labour MPs had voiced strong opposition to the idea, with the government expected to make billions in welfare cuts. from BBC News https://ift.tt/fjNX9Ek

Could Starmer be in for a benefits rebellion as tribes clash in his own party?

Labour may have ditched its factional in-fighting - but deep welfare cuts could reignite tensions. from BBC News https://ift.tt/Kqw2pul

Charities accuse Starmer of misleading spider claims

Charities say rare spiders did not block "an entire new town", as the prime minister suggested. from BBC News https://ift.tt/j07UQKk

Does cutting benefits work?

The government is to set out details of how it will save billions of pounds from the working welfare bill. from BBC News https://ift.tt/bTwkGg7

Asylum seekers housed 'unlawfully' at air base

Three men took the government to court over what they described as "prison-like" conditions. from BBC News https://ift.tt/Q6iVwMF

Labour picks candidate to replace shamed Amesbury

Cheshire councillor Karen Shore hopes to retain the seat which Labour won at the general election. from BBC News https://ift.tt/tfrDGH6

Mone accuses Covid inquiry of 'cover-up'

She says husband Doug Barrowman and her are targets of a "politically motivated witch hunt". from BBC News https://ift.tt/kgUcqym

Disabled people must have a say in rail reforms, MP says

The transport committee chair urged the government "not to forget about disabled people" ahead of nationalisation. from BBC News https://ift.tt/U2h8DFX

Disability benefit cuts test loyalty of Labour MPs

Some are worried about the possibility of freezing payments for people with long-term conditions. from BBC News https://ift.tt/o3uwWEG

How will the latest Trump tariffs affect the UK?

How much will the UK be hit by US tariffs and what happens next? from BBC News https://ift.tt/PMoBCDO

Sturgeon remains the biggest name in Scottish politics

Nicola Sturgeon's decision to stand down as an MSP was obvious but it still has the capacity to startle, says BBC Scotland political editor Glenn Campbell. from BBC News https://ift.tt/6jNFWTu

UK helped Ukraine and US reach ceasefire agreement

Sir Keir Starmer led European efforts to mend Trump-Zelensky relationship, UK government sources tell the BBC. from BBC News https://ift.tt/87DL2db

'Worrying' number of teens lose disability benefits

More than 124,000 young people have had claims for adult disability benefits refused, the BBC finds. from BBC News https://ift.tt/BTC0Rbf

Ministers scrap green heating plans for new homes

Acting net-zero secretary Gillian Martin told MSPs the legislation, drafted by the Scottish Greens, would "make people poorer." from BBC News https://ift.tt/8XevR61

Government backs paid miscarriage bereavement leave

A group of MPs want workers to get the right to leave if they suffer a miscarriage before 24 weeks. from BBC News https://ift.tt/GAgxkDl

Former MP decides to stand as independent

Ex-MP Ruth George says hundreds wanted her to stand as an independent candidate for Whaley Bridge. from BBC News https://ift.tt/OjJa1xw

Sentencing body defends changes after 'two-tier' row

New guidance on sentencing offenders from ethnic monitories and other backgrounds is set to start in April. from BBC News https://ift.tt/JXjUcxn

Former Bristol MP takes seat in House of Lords

A former Bristol MP and shadow minister takes her seat in the House of Lords. from BBC News https://ift.tt/Dpdh81T

Mike Amesbury to stand down as MP over assault conviction

Mike Amesbury says he "regrets" attacking Paul Fellows "every moment, every day". from BBC News https://ift.tt/5WDQCjh

Man charged after climbing Big Ben's Elizabeth Tower

Daniel Day, 29, has been charged with causing a public nuisance and trespassing on a protected site. from BBC News https://ift.tt/1m28igP

Reform UK lawyer contradicts suspended MP Rupert Lowe

Comments attributed to the senior lawyer by the Great Yarmouth MP in his defence have been denied by her. from BBC News https://ift.tt/09eI5cd

Starmer praised for statesman role abroad but can he show 'same mojo' at home?

The PM seizes the spotlight as Trump upends the world order - but he faces serious challenges in the UK. from BBC News https://ift.tt/mpiLD7I

Farage defends suspending MP and criticises 'infighting'

The Reform UK leader acknowledges the row has "dented" the "sense of unity" in his party. from BBC News https://ift.tt/7Pnlboc

Tory call to ban use of rights act to stop deportations

Kemi Badenoch previously criticised how some foreign criminals and illegal migrants were using the act. from BBC News https://ift.tt/hZt0lmG

Poor performing civil servants to be incentivised to leave jobs in new plans

Pat McFadden said the civil service's "state is not match-fit to rise to the moment". from BBC News https://ift.tt/kG40thZ

Labour ministers yet to hold talks over Abramovich funds

Funds worth £2.5bn - meant to help Ukrainians - remain frozen in a UK bank account over a row about how to use them. from BBC News https://ift.tt/d7sIitU

Reform UK refers MP Rupert Lowe to police

The party alleges the Great Yarmouth MP made "threats of physical violence" against its party chair. from BBC News https://ift.tt/UaVH30u

Labour MPs urge investors to support defence firms

A group of over 100 Labour politicians say ethical investment rules are holding the sector back. from BBC News https://ift.tt/VMT0uH8

France has a nuclear umbrella. Could its European allies fit under it?

President Macron has aired the idea that France's deterrence force could be used to defend of other European countries. from BBC News https://ift.tt/Nhci1Jt

Mhairi Black - I was flailing in life until ADHD diagnosis

Following her decision to stand down, the SNP MP opens up on her mental health struggles at Westminster ahead of a new BBC documentary. from BBC News https://ift.tt/1mdzoRf

Councils fear shake-up won't improve finances, survey says

There is low support for local government reorganisation among council leaders, a survey suggests. from BBC News https://ift.tt/9i1YuZL

Chris Mason: Starmer's strategy for dealing with Team Trump outbursts

The PM refrained from criticizing JD Vance and chose to read out the names of fallen British soldiers. from BBC News https://ift.tt/HhGLU5c

UK government to end North Sea windfall tax in 2030

The announcement comes with a number of measures aimed at transitioning from oil and gas to renewable energy. from BBC News https://ift.tt/sHOdNTp

Welsh budget plans approved after Lib Dem deal

Welsh government plans for an extra £600m in NHS spending passes with Lib Dem help. from BBC News https://ift.tt/M5AdJpo

Henry Zeffman: US aid pause raises stakes for Starmer

The prime minister will soon need evidence to show he can be a bridge between Trump and Ukraine. from BBC News https://ift.tt/TNRUCKt

UK will not pay Rwanda more for scrapped migrant deal

Rwanda had asked for additional money it said it was owed after the UK suspended aid to the country. from BBC News https://ift.tt/aCqwY2H

Vance sparks row with Ukraine peace deal force remarks

The US vice-president has suggested "20,000 troops from some random country" will not deter Putin. from BBC News https://ift.tt/rDvp1Qo

UK won't be derailed by Ukraine aid freeze - Rayner

The deputy PM says the UK will continue "dialogue" with the US after it suspended military aid to Ukraine. from BBC News https://ift.tt/0oCnTtM

King's pivotal role in Trump and Ukraine balancing act

King Charles has been a key part of efforts to maintain relationships with Trump and Zelensky. from BBC News https://ift.tt/9MkdSN4

Covid inquiry turns to PPE deals and the 'VIP lane'

Four weeks of hearings will look at the purchase of billions of pounds of medical equipment in the pandemic. from BBC News https://ift.tt/OE3rzgY

Was Starmer's summit enough to sway Trump?

Europe stepping up is only half of the story and much depends on whether the US is willing to play its part. from BBC News https://ift.tt/g0v9EbF

Starmer announces £1.6bn missile deal for Ukraine

The PM announced "a number" of allies had signed up to his plan following the Lancaster House summit. from BBC News https://ift.tt/g6Cw7Th

Starmer dismisses SNP call to axe Trump state visit

The SNP say Donald Trump needs to be a steadfast ally of Ukraine after a fiery exchange with Zelensky on Friday. from BBC News https://ift.tt/vi3qfHD