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Showing posts from May, 2025

Tough choices on public spending unavoidable, says IFS

With the NHS and defence getting more funding, cuts to other areas are inevitable, the influential think tank says. from BBC News https://ift.tt/ebpfmM8

Healey sees defence spend rise to 3% of GDP by 2034

But a source says the defence secretary is voicing an opinion, not announcing a new commitment. from BBC News https://ift.tt/10bc6z4

Rugby league anger at no knighthoods in 130 years

The Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle joins protests at the lack of knighthoods for rugby league players. from BBC News https://ift.tt/WVTfizL

Millionaires shouldn't get winter fuel cash, minister says

Darren Jones says the pension top-up should only be "targeted to those that need it the most". from BBC News https://ift.tt/tIVsxWu

Reform UK to accept Bitcoin donations, says Farage

The party would be the UK's first to accept the cryptocurrency as regulation discussion continues. from BBC News https://ift.tt/Qqi4AJu

Badenoch attacks Starmer and Farage over welfare

The Tory leader says the PM and Reform UK are in a "race to the bottom" to scrap the child benefit cap. from BBC News https://ift.tt/2IB7LJu

MSPs back tobacco ban plan for 'smoke free generation'

MSPs back UK legislation which means it will be illegal for anyone currently aged 15 or under to ever buy cigarettes. from BBC News https://ift.tt/eKcqYhZ

Reeves outlines plan for £25bn pension 'megafunds'

The government says its overhaul of retirement savings will boost growth and pension pots. from BBC News https://ift.tt/Um58pV6

Kemi Badenoch's missteps are a 'total disaster' for Conservatives, say insiders

The party is at a 'hugely important crossroads'. But is Badenoch helping or, as some suggest, adding to the challenge - and what does it mean for her future as Tory leader? from BBC News https://ift.tt/W9uywV6

Planning change to make installing heat pump easier for millions

The rule requiring planning permission if a heat pump is within 1m of a neighbours property has been removed. from BBC News https://ift.tt/MetGmpY

Mayor backs report's call for cannabis law reform

The London Drugs Commission is calling for possession of cannabis for personal use to be decriminalised. from BBC News https://ift.tt/rFGQOzi

Hundreds of lawyers call for UK sanctions on Israel over Gaza war

Their letter warns of genocide in Gaza, and calls on the UK to take concrete actions to meet its international legal obligations. from BBC News https://ift.tt/jGTK48i

Met chief warns anti-crime pledges need funding

In what amounts to a direct plea to the chancellor, Sir Mark Rowley says the police are "overstretched". from BBC News https://ift.tt/ymNxSGW

Environmental rules reviewed for small housebuilders

Ministers are considering how costs can be reduced for small firms to help them build more homes. from BBC News https://ift.tt/FbT5Qlg

Swinney accuses Reform of racism over Sarwar advert

The first minister has urged Facebook's parent company Meta to remove the "unacceptable" video. from BBC News https://ift.tt/ScYkRv5

Churchill photo thief sentenced to two years in jail

'The Roaring Lion' - one of the 20th century's most iconic images - was stolen from a hotel in Ottawa. from BBC News https://ift.tt/IJa5VP2

Streeting urges doctors to vote no in strike ballot

Resident doctors unhappy with 5.4% pay rise with union warning strikes in England could return. from BBC News https://ift.tt/KnMZJ7x

Call for freeze on Syrian asylum claims to end as thousands still in limbo

The UK paused processing of Syrian claims five months ago, following the fall of President Assad. from BBC News https://ift.tt/43Uv5ip

South Western first rail firm renationalised by Labour

The first service under new public ownership will be partially operated by a rail replacement bus. from BBC News https://ift.tt/DfydVjB

'It's going to be ugly': Westminster braces for Spending Review

As the chancellor prepares to set government budgets for future years, who are likely winners and losers? from BBC News https://ift.tt/7SEQgzj

There is an alternative, Labour MPs tell Reeves

Some MPs are calling on the chancellor to raise taxes on the wealthy instead of cutting welfare. from BBC News https://ift.tt/PBDz7kn

Reform UK prepares for real power on a council it now dominates

Lancashire's new councillors start their jobs, after the party's big wins in this month's local elections. from BBC News https://ift.tt/2K3Hbj7

Government delays publication of child poverty strategy

The taskforce, which is working on the strategy, has been considering scrapping the two-child benefit cap. from BBC News https://ift.tt/my6PvoH

Second attempt to oust council leader fails

Arooj Shah says she just wants to "crack on" with working hard for the people of Oldham. from BBC News https://ift.tt/jKW8Jv7

Why did the government sign the Chagos deal now?

A deal to hand Mauritius the Chagos Islands and lease back a key military base has been months in the making. from BBC News https://ift.tt/bpkRa6J

Home Office issues apology over immigration raid

At the High Court in Belfast, the Home Office agreed to pay substantial damages, and reasonable legal costs. from BBC News https://ift.tt/YzNHhVg

Chris Mason: Labour is still blaming the Conservatives

A year on from the election, the government needs to demonstrate delivery to claw back some popularity. from BBC News https://ift.tt/xCuyt4c

Immigration is the albatross around UK politics. Starmer will struggle to break free

New figures are expected to show a fall in net migration. But still, Labour will struggle to soothe public concern, writes our senior correspondent Allan Little. from BBC News https://ift.tt/a3TX954

UK to sign Chagos deal with Mauritius

The US and UK will maintain a key military base on the island for 99 years, under the multi-billion pound deal. from BBC News https://ift.tt/xugS45v

MP considered bladder removal over chronic UTI

Stoke-on-Trent South MP Allison Gardner says at one point she considered having her bladder removed. from BBC News https://ift.tt/8xCo2zm

Paul Adams: Starmer and Lammy sound genuinely angry at Israel

The PM sounded genuinely angry at Israel's aid blockade and expanded Gaza offensive, writes diplomatic correspondent Paul Adams. from BBC News https://ift.tt/y0bPVCF

Government says water company investigations have increased

The government says it has launched 81 criminal investigations for alleged breaches of environmental law. from BBC News https://ift.tt/ZojHSrC

Labour postpones women's conference after Supreme Court ruling

The decision has been condemned by trans rights advocates and by gender critical activists. from BBC News https://ift.tt/VJdqscQ

Doubts over whether Brits can use EU e-gates this summer

It is unclear whether UK travellers can avoid long queues this summer and use e-gates at European airports. from BBC News https://ift.tt/fIjXT56

Peers demand more protection from AI for creatives

MPs have already overturned calls for more copyright protection for artists against AI once before. from BBC News https://ift.tt/AVNeEIl

Brussels hails UK deal as 'new chapter' - but much is yet to be written

The two sides have struck a new post-Brexit deal but this so-called 'reset' of the relationship is just the beginning. from BBC News https://ift.tt/L6HTaGd

Henry Zeffman: Starmer banks on public being over Brexit

For the UK-EU deal to succeed the PM needs it to seem as insignificant and uncontroversial as possible. from BBC News https://ift.tt/DtYImwb

The inside story of a council held to ransom in cyber-attack

The BBC investigates one of the most damaging ranswomare attacks on a UK local council. from BBC News https://ift.tt/FNvwPSa

Chris Mason: Brexit back in the news - but what do both UK and EU want?

Expect talk of haggling, fish, cash and courts as the summit risks inflaming old Brexit rows. from BBC News https://ift.tt/xl26Zhv

Criminals could fill potholes and clean bins under government plans

Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood is said to want to expand unpaid work, which she believes to be too lenient. from BBC News https://ift.tt/uGdl9af

Far-right leaders attempting to hijack success of Reform

Two prominent figures have set out plans to use Nigel Farage's party to push their own 'pro-white' agenda. from BBC News https://ift.tt/WShCmdE

Defence deals and palace invites: UK and EU haggle before first summit since Brexit

Defence deals, fishing rights and closer economic ties among the talking points at Downing Street. from BBC News https://ift.tt/O5oHkvL

Youth mobility scheme could be part of EU deal, PM signals

Sir Keir Starmer is expected to announce a broad agreement on the issue at a summit on Monday. from BBC News https://ift.tt/f5wj8U3

Rise in disabled people facing homelessness in England

Analysis of data also suggests the amount of social housing given to disabled people has gone down. from BBC News https://ift.tt/mqRkaHS

Is Britain really inching back towards the EU?

The first UK-EU summit since Brexit takes place on Monday - but is it a "surrender summit" as the Conservatives fear, or could it be, as Starmer puts it, an example of "serious pragmatism"? from BBC News https://ift.tt/Dr2CmE4

Man charged over fires at homes linked to PM

The 21-year-old man has been charged with three counts of arson with intent to endanger life. from BBC News https://ift.tt/SdGwTxs

PM's Albania trip shows tricky path on migration

Keir Starmer chose a curious location to talk up his plan for hubs to host failed asylum seekers. from BBC News https://ift.tt/R1uSpMJ

Anti-poverty strategy to be signed off after 18 years

The anti-poverty strategy has been a a requirement since the St Andrews Agreement in 2006. from BBC News https://ift.tt/uqBMV7F

Overhaul needed to prevent benefit claimants suffering harm, MPs say

MPs say new laws and "deep-rooted cultural change" are needed at the Department for Work and Pensions. from BBC News https://ift.tt/Klr4aNG

Starmer accuses Plaid MP of talking 'rubbish'

Liz Saville Roberts had criticised the prime minister's "island of strangers" immigration warning. from BBC News https://ift.tt/tIUJuxG

Asylum hotel companies vow to hand back some profits

Three companies have made combined profits of £383m since 2019, according to the National Audit Office. from BBC News https://ift.tt/Xl8xmPH

Youngest city councillor suspended after complaint

Willis Marshall was elected as a Sheffield Lib Dem councillor in November at the age of 19. from BBC News https://ift.tt/y4NzSvB

Man arrested after fires at homes linked to PM Keir Starmer

Police arrest a 21-year-old man on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life after fires at homes linked to the prime minister. from BBC News https://ift.tt/cb6Jzqi

Starmer's robust language nods to immigration failures

The PM knows cutting immigration is crucial to his credibility, political editor Chris Mason writes. from BBC News https://ift.tt/pWgl2ok

What are the challenges facing the government's immigration plan?

The government has outlined plans to "significantly" cut immigration - what are the challenges it faces? from BBC News https://ift.tt/OkyRVcU

Care worker recruitment from abroad to end, Cooper says

Up to 50,000 fewer lower-skilled workers will come to the UK under new measures aimed at tackling net migration, the home secretary says. from BBC News https://ift.tt/ePdMnEU

Green Party duo launch joint leadership bid

Green Party co-leader Adrian Ramsay and MP Ellie Chowns join forces in a bid for the leadership. from BBC News https://ift.tt/7BDtNH3

Chris Mason: Why Labour aims to buck 25-year trend of rising legal migration

While the focus is on legal immigration, it is expected that ministers will discuss illegal immigration. from BBC News https://ift.tt/vCsHnWg

PM promises tougher visa rules to fix 'broken' migration system

Sir Keir Starmer promises new migration rules will "create a system that is controlled, selective and fair". from BBC News https://ift.tt/zmipQYB

Time to end care worker recruitment from abroad, Cooper says

Up to 50,000 fewer lower-skilled workers will come to the UK under new measures aimed at tackling net migration, the home secretary says. from BBC News https://ift.tt/ePdMnEU

Labour to unveil big immigration plans next week - but will they win back votes?

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper is set to release her White Paper called "Restoring Control Over the Immigration System". from BBC News https://ift.tt/XfLcS6b

In pictures: 25 years of London's mayors in action

The first mayor of London was elected in May 2000 - we mark 25 years with these memorable images. from BBC News https://ift.tt/g51IYQM

Kyiv ceasefire talks a 'significant moment', says Starmer

Global leaders urge Russia to agree to an unconditional 30-day ceasefire from Monday, warning of further sanctions if it does not comply. from BBC News https://ift.tt/OHUmJp4

What's likely to be in Labour's immigration crackdown?

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper is preparing to unveil an immigration white paper. from BBC News https://ift.tt/NCpSQ3a

Bold spending needed to halt prison crisis - union

A probation service union says a sentencing review may have no impact without extra funding. from BBC News https://ift.tt/51vpKIE

Starmer joins world leaders in Ukraine to call for ceasefire

The prime minister will join world leaders as they vow to "ratchet up pressure on Russia's war machine". from BBC News https://ift.tt/lF5Vwkm

UK must 'do everything' to rebuild trade with EU, says Bank boss

Andrew Bailey told the BBC that as a public official he did not take a view on Brexit, but that reversing the post Brexit hit to UK-EU trade would be "beneficial". from BBC News https://ift.tt/lk91FET

US and UK agree deal slashing Trump tariffs on cars and metals

It will leave a 10% import tax on most goods shipped from the UK to the US. from BBC News https://ift.tt/LOX78x2

Home Office urged to record migrant exits from UK

Labour MP Clive Betts warns the UK border system will "continue to fail" without proper exit checks. from BBC News https://ift.tt/OCqtn2h

After-work drinks in decline outside London, peers told

A Lords committee hears Thursday is the new Friday for city-centre workers - but only in the capital. from BBC News https://ift.tt/aqZVmOi

Calls to suspend councillor over 'Hitler' post

Two Lancashire Labour MPs condemn a post on a newly elected councillor's Facebook page. from BBC News https://ift.tt/fDhysx2

More offenders could be tagged, as minister insists he's 'not soft on crime'

The prisons minister tells the BBC more criminals could be tagged in future, rather than sent to prison. from BBC News https://ift.tt/P013rUF

Labour MPs signal rebellion over welfare cuts

A number of Labour MPs say they will vote against the government's proposed welfare reforms. from BBC News https://ift.tt/rhDngKM

Climbing of Winston Churchill statue to become a crime

The home secretary will include Churchill's statue in new law trying to stop war memorial vandalism. from BBC News https://ift.tt/YSPUrFJ

India trade deal could undercut UK workers, opposition parties say

The trade deal gives a tax break to Indian professionals, which critics say undercuts UK businesses. from BBC News https://ift.tt/ubGUVo4

Councillor resigns from Reform after suspension

Donna Edmunds was suspended from the party over a post on X declaring she had planned to defect. from BBC News https://ift.tt/bcWFxEJ

Trump film tariffs to be part of UK-US trade talks

It comes as moviemakers worry the UK's thriving film industry could be hit by the new tariff threat. from BBC News https://ift.tt/G6JrSfm

Doing nothing on social care 'untenable', MPs warn

The report says failure to fix England's social care system carries an unknown human and financial cost. from BBC News https://ift.tt/2zWdAiE

Scotland's election countdown - should Swinney be optimistic?

The first minister will set out his programme for government this week, with a focus on steadying the ship. from BBC News https://ift.tt/o3dCsTM

Ex-Tory council leader calls for Badenoch to resign

Jason Smithers says the Conservatives need a new face at the top after "terrible" election results. from BBC News https://ift.tt/AoGfYV3

Sir John Curtice: The map that shows Reform's triumph was much more than a protest vote

It suggests the party was particularly popular among those who voted for Brexit in 2016 and for Boris Johnson in 2019. from BBC News https://ift.tt/pFn4Neo

Labour minister sorry over grooming gangs remark

Leader of the Commons Lucy Powell has sought to clarify comments she made in "the heat of" a radio debate. from BBC News https://ift.tt/GjbPKJ4

Reform UK makes big gains in English local elections

Nigel Farage's party gains its first foothold in local government after seizing hundreds of seats. from BBC News https://ift.tt/EJNPt8v

Assisted deaths could top 4,000 a year within decade

Estimate included in official review of costs and impact of passing assisted dying law in England and Wales. from BBC News https://ift.tt/xANlfdU

Lib Dems take councils after local election gains

The Lib Dems win more than 140 new seats, almost entirely from the Conservatives, in Thursday's election. from BBC News https://ift.tt/AU06QJl

Runcorn recount with Reform and Labour just four votes apart

The first tally put Nigel Farage's party ahead by a tiny margin, party officials tell the BBC. from BBC News https://ift.tt/gPShFrl

Streeting accused of 'betrayal' over maternity funding plan

Campaigners say the move will “rip the heart out of any moves to improve maternity safety”. from BBC News https://ift.tt/Zvzh6TU

Runcorn and Helsby by-election - all you need to know

The poll was prompted after the incumbent MP was sentenced for assaulting a constituent. from BBC News https://ift.tt/fHwY6UA

Bin dispute goes to May Day mediation talks

The talks on Thursday will see conciliation service Acas included in negotiations for the first time. from BBC News https://ift.tt/CBVPsLy