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Showing posts from June, 2025

Make healthy food more appealing, government tells supermarkets

Supermarkets will be challenged to sell healthier food, under a new government obesity plan. from BBC News https://ift.tt/87GUZFY

We've got the right balance, says PM after benefits U-turn

The prime minister has made concessions on his welfare bill after an angry response from 120 of his own MPs. from BBC News https://ift.tt/kDONxTU

Faisal Islam: How much will U-turn on disability benefits cost?

The changes could cost up to £3bn which will have to come from higher taxes or cuts elsewhere, given the chancellor's self-imposed borrowing rules. from BBC News https://ift.tt/yvRfi4h

PM's benefit cuts U-turn leaves backbenchers feeling bruised

After the PM's efforts to mend relations with many on Labour's left, plenty are still unhappy. from BBC News https://ift.tt/zlnjtQo

Chris Mason: A hat trick of U-turns - and this is the most awkward of the lot

The BBC's political editor Chris Mason gives his analysis of what the climbdown over the welfare bill means for the prime minister. from BBC News https://ift.tt/H25Cpu4

Starmer's stormy first year: Why his political honeymoon was so short-lived

As the PM marks a year in office next week - which he will spend grappling with crises - British politics finds itself at an inflection point from BBC News https://ift.tt/1Axqdko

'Disgusting' to say UK has two-tier justice system, attorney general tells BBC

Lord Hermer told the BBC that politicians using the phrase needed to think about the "dangers" they were posing to Britain's "essential institutions". from BBC News https://ift.tt/6ZRIaYn

Labour didn't do enough thinking, ex-top official says

Simon Case says ministers "weren't good enough at communicating" in the early days of the Labour government. from BBC News https://ift.tt/q48eNQD

What are the Pip and universal credit changes and who is affected?

More than 160 MPs are trying to block the government's planned changes to the benefits system. from BBC News https://ift.tt/dY6y2W5

A hat-trick of U-turns – and this is the most awkward of the lot

The BBC's political editor Chris Mason gives his analysis of what the climbdown over the welfare bill means for the prime minister. from BBC News https://ift.tt/HWbPhJM

Starmer's stormy first year ends in crisis - now he faces a bigger battle to turn it around

The PM is trying to prove to a volatile country that Labour can fix it - but that will be a challenge when profound policy disagreements are on full display from BBC News https://ift.tt/4WSoJ1c

PM 'agrees' welfare changes deal with Labour rebels

Cuts to some disability benefits will only hit future claimants, not those already on it, it is understood. from BBC News https://ift.tt/Coe3ESi

Government in talks with Labour MPs on welfare reforms, No 10 says

A source confirms to the BBC that the governemnt is holding talks with Labour MPs about proposals for welfare reforms. from BBC News https://ift.tt/szcKj5W

Why Starmer faces a political storm over welfare reforms

Conversations are continuing at the heart of government on the least worst course of action in the face of a significant backbench rebellion. from BBC News https://ift.tt/5zlR7fF

Reform council told to reconsider flag policy

A Leicestershire County Council scrutiny group heard there was "too grey an area" in the policy. from BBC News https://ift.tt/MIwEt39

UK prepared to defend interests in Middle East, Lammy says

The foreign secretary says UK forces are on high alert in the region, as Israel-Iran attacks continue. from BBC News https://ift.tt/DBX8C7O

Chris Mason: UK backs US's goals but not its methods in Iran

Starmer maintains diplomacy is the answer but Trump has so far chosen a different path, our political editor writes. from BBC News https://ift.tt/YO8lxAq

National inquiry announced after maternity failings

It will target the worst-performing trusts in England - and report back by the end of the year. from BBC News https://ift.tt/zQ5pj1H

Cheaper energy part of 10-year plan for industry

Plans to cut energy bills by up to 25% for more than 7,000 UK businesses is announced alongside other plans to boost growth. from BBC News https://ift.tt/gUX3AM7

Kneecap performing at Glastonbury 'not appropriate', PM says

He made the comments after Kneecap member Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh appeared in court on Wednesday. from BBC News https://ift.tt/UXGtCvS

Met chief 'shocked' by planned Palestine Action protest

The force says it cannot legally stop Monday's protest in support of the pro-Palestine group. from BBC News https://ift.tt/dhMsB9D

No budget for assisted dying service, Streeting says

The MP for Ilford North pledges to work "constructively" on technical aspects of the legislation. from BBC News https://ift.tt/wo9igZy

Palestine Action member tells BBC plan to ban group 'absurd'

The BBC understands the home secretary will move to proscribe the group in the coming weeks. from BBC News https://ift.tt/P35MtSO

'Noses out of joint': Colleagues reveal what Reform's Zia Yusuf is like to work for

Some who have worked with the former Reform chairman call him a "powerhouse", but others describe a chaotic workplace. from BBC News https://ift.tt/NPDrdfe

Kneecap performing at Glastonbury 'not appropriate', PM says

He made the comments after Kneecap member Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh appeared in court on Wednesday. from BBC News https://ift.tt/qdRPnNZ

Scottish government to remove WhatsApp from phones

It comes after the UK Covid Inquiry revealed officials had deleted messages shared during the pandemic. from BBC News https://ift.tt/WyGLUQI

Council leader sorry for 'poor people' social post

Kay Mason Billig says her Facebook post showing a steak and wine dinner was "a private joke". from BBC News https://ift.tt/fx7SdpI

UK preparing to charter flights from Israel, Lammy says

The foreign secretary says charter flights from Tel Aviv will take place once Israeli airspace re-opens. from BBC News https://ift.tt/gb3zmNR

Foreign criminals should expect to be deported, minister says

Human rights law too often "protects those who break the rules", the justice secretary says. from BBC News https://ift.tt/AE4jtzr

MP once on benefits calls cuts 'brutal' - but colleague says 'moral' case for reform

A bill to enact cuts – part of a package aimed at saving £5bn by 2030 – arrives in Parliament on Wednesday. from BBC News https://ift.tt/tw9m5vO

First Windrush commissioner announced

Reverend Clive Foster, a senior pastor in Nottingham, will take up the role on a three-year term. from BBC News https://ift.tt/sK0hRBt

Cats ruled out as Parliamentary pest controllers

Parliament has been advised cats would face risks, including from construction and self-closing doors. from BBC News https://ift.tt/vY2TN9k

Man jailed for threatening posts to Emma Little-Pengelly

The Democratic Unionist Party politician was so scared that she considered moving from her home. from BBC News https://ift.tt/AhRDmQl

No threat to British sovereignty over Gibraltar deal, says Lammy

It comes after the UK agreed a deal with the European Union over the territory's post-Brexit future. from BBC News https://ift.tt/ebAmkTq

MPs vote to decriminalise abortion for women in England and Wales

Labour MP Tonia Antoniazzi led the call to decriminalise the 1% of abortions that happen after 24 weeks. from BBC News https://ift.tt/HlX7p9w

MP pleads not guilty to sexual assault charges

He is accused of two attacks on two separate women in August 2023. from BBC News https://ift.tt/HGrRS53

MPs debate rival bids to decriminalise abortion

Two amendments to the Policing Bill are aimed at ending police investigations into abortion. from BBC News https://ift.tt/rXIfuKE

Chris Mason: Tariffs deal a triumph for Starmer - up to a point

The agreement signed at the G7 summit is limited but an achievement nonetheless, writes the BBC's political editor. from BBC News https://ift.tt/BFYmzlU

Ethnicity of grooming gangs 'shied away from', Casey report says

"We as a society owe these women a debt," the report also says. from BBC News https://ift.tt/1wfZsKG

UK sending more RAF jets to Middle East

Sir Keir Starmer said aircraft are being deployed amid intense fighting between Israel and Iran. from BBC News https://ift.tt/soyRnMF

Prime minister defiant on crucial benefits vote

MPs will vote in the coming weeks on a package of measures aiming to cut the benefits bill by £5bn by 2030. from BBC News https://ift.tt/MUPKtZf

G7 is a big moment for Carney. Here are five things to watch

The gathering of leaders in Alberta will be a big test for Canada's new leader. We break down his challenges. from BBC News https://ift.tt/DvcNsgY

Corbyn and McDonnell to face no action after rally

The pair were interviewed by police after a pro-Palestinian demonstration in January. from BBC News https://ift.tt/mi8uHwX

PM announces national inquiry into grooming gangs

Sir Keir Starmer said he had accepted the recommendations of an audit into the nature and scale of the abuse. from BBC News https://ift.tt/G3OFVuL

Minister to soften impact of planned disability benefit cuts

Liz Kendall tries to ease the impact of planned benefits cuts as Labour MPs consider rebelling. from BBC News https://ift.tt/w8m0lcv

Peers criticise £9.6m House of Lords front door

Upgrades to the Peers' Entrance have been branded a "white elephant and a disaster". from BBC News https://ift.tt/csXzSVQ

Corbyn and McDonnell to face no action after rally

The pair were interviewed by police after a pro-Palestinian demonstration in January. from BBC News https://ift.tt/2SNK9p1

Bangladesh leader declines to meet Tulip Siddiq

Muhammad Yunus says he has confidence in the Bangladeshi authorities investigating the Labour MP. from BBC News https://ift.tt/Uy9OYXe

Reform council brings in 'British values' flag rules

The new Reform council leadership says it will meet LGBTQ+ and disabled staff over their concerns. from BBC News https://ift.tt/bvHtFKZ

Peers criticise £9.6m House of Lords front door

Upgrades to the Peers' Entrance have been branded a "white elephant and a disaster". from BBC News https://ift.tt/csXzSVQ

Council tax expected to rise by 5% a year

Council tax is expected to rise by 5% a year to pay for local services, documents in the Spending Review suggest. from BBC News https://ift.tt/UOyWrxf

Labour must tell its working class story, says minister

Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds says his party must get better at countering Nigel Farage's message. from BBC News https://ift.tt/TYMeBhs

Winners and losers: Who got what in the spending review?

BBC correspondents analyse how departments have fared and the impact decisions could have on you. from BBC News https://ift.tt/umfyU82

PM denies bowing to political pressure over winter fuel

Sir Keir Starmer says his decision to give more pensioners the payment was the result of an improving economy. from BBC News https://ift.tt/UeYqyLk

MPs set to vote on decriminalising abortion in England and Wales

Women would never be prosecuted for terminating a pregnancy under proposed new laws. from BBC News https://ift.tt/yULetDF

Family visa income threshold should be lower, review says

An increase to minimum salary requirements would risk breaching international law, an advisory body warns. from BBC News https://ift.tt/9CA5iov

The winter fuel payment U-turn in numbers

The winter fuel payment U-turn has raised questions about how much the policy will save. from BBC News https://ift.tt/zlk9LjI

Spending Review to include £86bn science and tech package

The government says every corner of the country will benefit, but research backers call for a long-term plan for science. from BBC News https://ift.tt/eKHqwak

Spending Review: Massive cheques from the chancellor for some - but what do totals hide?

The total spend may be enormous, writes Laura Kuenssberg, but fears it could be “painful” for some remain. from BBC News https://ift.tt/rfUXYG3

Home secretary yet to agree deal three days before spending review

Housing secretary Angela Rayner reached a settlement with the Treasury on Sunday evening, the BBC understands. from BBC News https://ift.tt/lfX5PGD

Growing number of MPs changing their mind on assisted dying

At least a dozen MPs who backed the bill or abstained now say they are likely to vote against it. from BBC News https://ift.tt/Sxmzrts

Reform council cost-cutting drive in doubt

Nathaniel Fried resigned from Reform UK on Thursday, following Zia Yusuf's departure. from BBC News https://ift.tt/IiGQAbS

Zia Yusuf returning to Reform UK two days after quitting

Nigel Farage says Yusuf "regrets what he said and did" when he resigned as party chairman on Thursday. from BBC News https://ift.tt/a7MbKjz

Winter fuel payment U-turn in place this year, says chancellor

Rachel Reeves says more people will get winter fuel payment "this winter", but details over how many will get it remain unclear. from BBC News https://ift.tt/JfDkyZ6

Voters go to the polls in Hamilton by-election

The ballot is being held following the death of local MSP and government minister Christina McKelvie. from BBC News https://ift.tt/yJu7lLe

Chancellor announces £15bn for transport projects

Money will be spent on tram, train and bus projects in England across the Midlands, North and West Country. from BBC News https://ift.tt/LgtPQyE

PM warned more funding needed to halve crime against women

Two senior government watchdogs say victim support services are being "pushed to the brink". from BBC News https://ift.tt/eIMnVgk

Talks ongoing over Nato defence target, says No 10

Sir Keir Starmer is under pressure to raise defence spending above the UK's target of 3% of GDP by 2034. from BBC News https://ift.tt/K1ymLGN

Starmer faces calls for stronger line on Gaza

The prime minister faces calls from some of his own MPs to take further action against Israel. from BBC News https://ift.tt/LoIi9JC

Britain's defence review has grand ambition. Now it needs the money

The review was asked to keep to a target of spending 2.5% of GDP on defence. It's clear more will be needed for full implementation. from BBC News https://ift.tt/Ka9vI2e

Government's football regulator chair choice faces inquiry

The government's proposed choice of David Kogan as chair of English football's new independent regulator faces a "full inquiry" by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. from BBC News https://ift.tt/9oumZkd

Minister apologises for grooming gangs report delay

Home Office minister Jess Phillips tells MPs an audit into grooming gangs will be published "very shortly". from BBC News https://ift.tt/Tzhlqgo

PM accepts need for clarity on winter fuel payments

Sir Keir Starmer has said he wants more pensioners to be eligible but is yet to set out full details. from BBC News https://ift.tt/VrLUKuh

UK to build up to 12 new attack submarines

The defence review on Monday is expected to recommend the armed forces move to "warfighting readiness". from BBC News https://ift.tt/AlKTp5j

Reform to begin 'Doge' audits of local councils

Reform says a team lead by an as-yet unnamed tech entrepreneur will review council spending in Kent. from BBC News https://ift.tt/6vz5gXJ

The AI copyright standoff continues - with no solution in sight

The bitter row over how to protect artists in the artificial intelligence age returns to the Lords. from BBC News https://ift.tt/NOIse73

Prison officers should be armed, say Conservatives

The party said secure armouries should be introduced at maximum security jails and used as a last resort. from BBC News https://ift.tt/DZ8cqxI

More than 1,000 migrants cross Channel in a day

So far in 2025, more than 14,800 migrants have arrived in the UK after crossing the English Channel. from BBC News https://ift.tt/X5NG2FR