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Showing posts from July, 2025

Cleverly returns to Tory front bench as Badenoch reshuffles team

The former foreign secretary becomes shadow housing secretary and will face Angela Rayner in Parliament. from BBC News https://ift.tt/T3HDet1

Four arrests after 7,000 police deployed for Trump visit

The deployment included 6,144 Police Scotland officers and another 1,197 from other UK forces from BBC News https://ift.tt/zJ5nRPa

Chris Mason: Trump visit provides Starmer with invaluable access

The PM's time with the president helped burnish a relationship as solid as it is improbable. from BBC News https://ift.tt/tyqVcHs

Union flag theft on Queen's birthday treated as 'sectarian hate crime'

The union flag was stolen from outside a civil service building in Derry and replaced with the Irish tricolour. from BBC News https://ift.tt/kU5TA9n

Trump takes another swipe at London's mayor

Sir Keir Starmer intervened after Trump attacked Khan, saying: "He's a friend of mine, actually." from BBC News https://ift.tt/YIi8LF1

Scotland gives Trump three things he likes - and one thing he doesn't

As Trump wraps up his working holiday in the UK, the BBC's North America editor Sarah Smith assesses its success. from BBC News https://ift.tt/zJetEZO

Starmer shares Gaza peace blueprint with Trump

Downing Street says the proposals follow a call with France and Germany over the weekend. from BBC News https://ift.tt/ciLl1Gw

Asylum seekers refusing to leave hotels risk homelessness

The Home Office says new guidance will establish "clear consequences for those who game the system". from BBC News https://ift.tt/lVFyT0H

Home Office to share asylum hotel data with food delivery firms

The agreement is aimed at helping companies identify migrants who are working illegally in the UK. from BBC News https://ift.tt/7htVgCY

Ex-union boss McCluskey took private jet flights arranged by building firm, report finds

The ex-Unite chief enjoyed flights arranged by the firm building a controversial hotel, report seen by BBC says. from BBC News https://ift.tt/Y9Cgike

As porn sites apply new age checks, will users hand over personal ID?

All websites hosting pornography will have to check the age of their users from Friday. from BBC News https://ift.tt/9x3WnNv

Starmer arrives at Turnberry for talks with Trump

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has arrived to meet US President Donald Trump at the start of a day's talks in Scotland. from BBC News https://ift.tt/givN9hZ

Nurses to 'overwhelmingly' reject pay deal as strike vote looms

The Royal College of Nursing has been holding a consultative vote on their 3.6% pay rise. from BBC News https://ift.tt/uyoF0CJ

Tories would ban strikes by NHS doctors - Badenoch

Thousands of resident doctors are currently on strike after a dispute with the government over pay. from BBC News https://ift.tt/NZmWJq1

Starmer to raise Gaza situation in Trump meeting

Sir Keir Starmer and Donald Trump are expected to meet in Scotland for talks on Monday. from BBC News https://ift.tt/e9RIJGF

Pubs and venues to be protected from noise complaints

It will also be easier to open new pubs in disused shops under licensing reforms planned by the government. from BBC News https://ift.tt/2V78xHF

Starmer suggests UK will play role in new Gaza aid air drops

His comments come as he faces calls from 221 cross-party MPs for the UK to recognise a Palestinian state. from BBC News https://ift.tt/16BVC4s

Trump says 'great to be in Scotland', as he lands for four-day trip

The US president will be playing golf as well as meeting the prime minister and first minister for talks. from BBC News https://ift.tt/j4tPDEs

Asylum seekers refusing to leave hotels risk homelessness

The Home Office says new guidance will establish "clear consequences for those who game the system". from BBC News https://ift.tt/FUyDS0z

Starmer urged by MPs to recognise Palestinian state

A majority of MPs on the foreign affairs committee urge ministers to make the move immediately. from BBC News https://ift.tt/JRyluwm

Suffering in Gaza is indefensible, says Starmer

The prime minister warns of a "humanitarian catastrophe" ahead of emergency talks with France and Germany. from BBC News https://ift.tt/r4PTCDw

Government to pay more for wind generated energy

The government increases the maximum price it will pay to wind farm developers for electricity. from BBC News https://ift.tt/MhLPIn8

Use offices or lose them, Welsh government staff told

Less than a fifth of Welsh government staff use the office, as the vast majority work from home. from BBC News https://ift.tt/15VTe3P

Some asylum seekers misusing payment cards for gambling

More than 6,500 payments in gambling settings were attempted by asylum seekers in the past year. from BBC News https://ift.tt/IqtiX5U

Tories must 'offer hope' unlike Reform - Badenoch

The Conservative Party leader said Argentinian President Javier Milei was the "template" for her leadership. from BBC News https://ift.tt/HgRjMSU

The teenager who wanted to be a teacher but now leads a council

George Finch, the UK's youngest council leader at 19, had thought he would become a history teacher. from BBC News https://ift.tt/J51ZLTF

Deprivation and immigration straining social cohesion, says Rayner

The deputy prime minister presents a report commissioned in the wake of riots sparked by the Southport killings. from BBC News https://ift.tt/vnRK0UL

Five-day doctor strike will go ahead, says BMA

Union rejects plea by health secretary to call off strikes in England and continue talks. from BBC News https://ift.tt/Vi5h8Iu

UK and 27 other nations condemn Israel over 'inhumane killing' of Gaza civilians seeking aid

Israel rejects a joint statement which says the suffering of civilians has "reached new depths". from BBC News https://ift.tt/fXH0TOJ

Security committee launches inquiry into Afghan data leak

The Intelligence and Security Committee says all documents related to the case should be provided for review. from BBC News https://ift.tt/dXi4UBS

Rule-breaking ministers to lose exit pay-outs

The rule change is part of a package of measures which will come into effect in October. from BBC News https://ift.tt/kK5R2Vs

Farage proposes sending prisoners to overseas jails

Farage sets out plans to create more than 30,000 prison places, but Labour accuses the party of "empty promises". from BBC News https://ift.tt/W0ansIG

Five key takeaways from the landmark water sector review

The wide-ranging review was launched amid growing public concern about sewage spills and rising bills. from BBC News https://ift.tt/oT8jtxp

Future pensioners to be worse off, government warns

Future pensioners are set to be worse off than today's with four-in-10 not saving enough for retirement, says the DWP. from BBC News https://ift.tt/DELdeh8

Badenoch and PM spar over 'modest income' tax pledge

A cabinet minister said people on "modest" incomes will be protected from tax rises, but the Tories say ministers can't explain who they are. from BBC News https://ift.tt/0O2PfBR

'Great British Energy solar panels' were made in China

A Labour MP says GB Energy should buy British to avoid the risk of forced labour in supply chains. from BBC News https://ift.tt/M7qaj4N

Sewage discharges to halve by 2030, minister pledges

The target is part of plans to improve the water sector following a record number of discharges. from BBC News https://ift.tt/qdxYEjV

Who is in charge? The prime minister's authority is in question again

It's been a week of dismissals, disagreements and backbench bust-ups, writes Laura Kuenssberg. from BBC News https://ift.tt/XofCajv

Reform plans to spend up to £190k on assistants

Opposition parties on Warwickshire County Council say the money could be better spent elsewhere. from BBC News https://ift.tt/Z3IXCzT

Health secretary and BMA to meet in bid to avoid strikes

The meeting with Wes Streeting will take place next week, the doctors' union confirms. from BBC News https://ift.tt/pvso4QZ

Which parties could benefit from lower voting age?

Young people are more likely to vote for left-wing parties - but how could this translate to a real election? from BBC News https://ift.tt/bnap2iD

Shoddy that Trump can't address MPs, says Farage

The US president's state visit later this year has been scheduled during a House of Commons recess. from BBC News https://ift.tt/bvH7uIq

Starmer stamps authority with MP suspensions, but risks appearing vindictive

Senior officials say the sackings came after repeated organising against the government. from BBC News https://ift.tt/fx2bjZp

Labour MP Diane Abbott stands by racism comments

The veteran Labour MP was disciplined by the party last year over comments in a newspaper letter. from BBC News https://ift.tt/806xpAb

Germany to tighten people-smuggling law as chancellor visits UK

It comes as Friedrich Merz makes his first official visit to the UK as German chancellor. from BBC News https://ift.tt/hpZkgVl

Lib Dems back 'pot zero' plan to cut energy bills

Leader Sir Ed Davey says the UK must break the link between gas prices and electricity costs. from BBC News https://ift.tt/XkN8TQG

Three key questions after Afghan data breach sparked unprecedented secret evacuation

The BBC's security correspondent Frank Gardner analyses the leak of Afghan citizens' data and the fallout. from BBC News https://ift.tt/n58uMwF

Reeves inadvertently breached rules on gifts, says MPs' watchdog

The chancellor missed the 28-day deadline for registering free tickets from the National Theatre. from BBC News https://ift.tt/1mFfAkX

Stop being negative about savers buying shares, Reeves says

Chancellor tells the financial industry to change the narrative around consumer investment to encourage growth. from BBC News https://ift.tt/7Kalr30

Trump shrugs off giving Parliament speech when he visits UK

The US president says there is no need to recall MPs, saying "let them go and have a good time" instead. from BBC News https://ift.tt/Sng7r5j

Freeholders begin High Court challenge over reforms

A group of landowners is challenging the government's attempts to reform the freehold and leasehold system of property ownership. from BBC News https://ift.tt/luy8kBe

Benn accuses Tories of making false promises to veterans

Hilary Benn was speaking during a three-hour debate in Parliament, which saw MPs clash over legacy. from BBC News https://ift.tt/EL1Hy6M

Drivers offered up to £3,750 discount to buy electric cars

Government will subsidise prices cuts to encourage a shift away from petrol and diesel. from BBC News https://ift.tt/z7qQtYR

Post Office could be owned by its workers, government says

The service could be turned into an employee-owned business, under options set out by the government. from BBC News https://ift.tt/7BoMUv0

Trump will be hosted by King at Windsor during second state visit

The US president will be accompanied by his wife, Melania, when he visits the UK from 17-19 September. from BBC News https://ift.tt/ZSBrVsK

Reporter Reads

BBC Political Editor Chris Mason on the latest defection from Tory to Reform. from BBC News https://ift.tt/ndALKZw

Reporter Reads

A political strategist says there are eight words that resonate with all voters. from BBC News https://ift.tt/p6wkOP8

UK pledges to make electric cars cheaper to buy

Heidi Alexander says she will announce measures to cut the cost of buying an electric car. from BBC News https://ift.tt/7wrLd2b

We're looking at further online rules, says minister

Heidi Alexander says new age checks will not mark the "end of the conversation" on online safety. from BBC News https://ift.tt/WZmVD8K

Health secretary and BMA to meet in bid to avoid strikes

The meeting with Wes Streeting will take place next week, the BBC understands. from BBC News https://ift.tt/ciA1nqH

Labour not defending workers, says Unite after Rayner row

The union could consider its future relationship with the party, General Secretary Sharon Graham says. from BBC News https://ift.tt/Xtvg6fc

MP Rupert Lowe cleared by standards watchdog

The standards commissioner says he is satisfied the former Reform MP did not break rules on declaring donations. from BBC News https://ift.tt/qBWYsDa

'One in, one out' sounds simple - but the migrant deal could be complicated

Details aside, the agreement is likely to encounter legal, political and practical obstacles. from BBC News https://ift.tt/m6H3Nz1

Councillor calls man-made global warming a 'hoax'

The comment came from Nottinghamshire County Council's cabinet member for transport and environment. from BBC News https://ift.tt/YjH06pK

Investigation into bans for Grenfell firms paused

Campaigners call the further delays "incompetence or outright indifference" following the news. from BBC News https://ift.tt/GNFrUit

Ban some foreigners from sickness benefits, Tories urge

Leader Kemi Badenoch will set out her plans to restrict welfare payments in a speech on Thursday. from BBC News https://ift.tt/0GYBq4e

Government's watered-down benefits bill clears Commons

The legislation, which implements some cuts to universal credit, could become law in one month. from BBC News https://ift.tt/TQDN0bW

Police preparing for Donald Trump to visit Scotland

The US President is expected to visit his new golf course in Aberdeenshire when it opens later this month. from BBC News https://ift.tt/tUAoFpG

Action urged to halt exodus of firms leaving UK

The boss of the CBI says he would support cutting the allowance on cash ISAs to encourage more people to invest in shares. from BBC News https://ift.tt/H8muX0q

Jury-free trials recommended to save courts from 'collapse'

A senior judge recommends a shake-up of the system, but some barristers argue juries are essential for fair justice. from BBC News https://ift.tt/vD8luFd

Former PM Rishi Sunak takes job at Goldman Sachs

Sunak will take up the part-time role while remaining Conservative MP for Richmond and Northallerton. from BBC News https://ift.tt/YXaokhc

Labour might be down, but it's not necessarily out - voters reflect on a year in power

What’s gone wrong for Labour? 2024 voters delve into it, writes Laura Kuenssberg. from BBC News https://ift.tt/IzWg8ZK

Discussions ongoing about new party, says Corbyn

It comes after ex-Labour MP Zarah Sultana said she was quitting the party to co-found a new party with Corbyn. from BBC News https://ift.tt/d7tIYMB

Palestine Action banned after judge denies temporary block

A High Court judge refused the group's request to temporarily block the government from proscribing it as a terror group. from BBC News https://ift.tt/uHlOAeo

In Our Time

On the value of keeping conversations going with opponents, from the Reformation onwards from BBC News https://ift.tt/ix5NWQa

In Our Time

On the value of keeping conversations going with opponents, from the Reformation onwards from BBC News https://ift.tt/M7jY8yp

A year in power - BBC correspondents assess how Labour are doing

With the economy, immigration, education, welfare and health high on the agenda, has Sir Keir Starmer's top team met their pledges? from BBC News https://ift.tt/r8xDuJb

In Our Time

On the value of keeping conversations going with opponents, from the Reformation onwards from BBC News https://ift.tt/ix5NWQa

Family hubs to open in every council in England

Government says £500m plan aims to support an extra half a million more children. from BBC News https://ift.tt/aSlgZ5I

Nick Robinson: Starmer told me he'd met every challenge. But things look bad right now - very bad

Nick Robinson sits down with the prime minister to look back at his first year in Downing Street. from BBC News https://ift.tt/wV9WLNG

Palestine Action to be banned after judge denies temporary block

A High Court judge refused its request to temporarily block the government from proscribing it as a terror group. from BBC News https://ift.tt/AQdmsRG

Home Office 'not checking' when foreign worker visas expire

The cross-party committee says the government has failed to gather "basic information". from BBC News https://ift.tt/MQ5bHFu

MPs approve plan to proscribe Palestine Action as terrorist group

The ban means supporting the group could potentially carry a maximum sentence of 14 years. from BBC News https://ift.tt/fcR2SJa

New plan will fundamentally rewire NHS, says PM

But nurses, doctors and health experts say that more funding and extra staff are needed to make it a reality. from BBC News https://ift.tt/Y1KWZPn

Who are the welfare bill rebels? Find out how your MP voted

Check whether your MP voted for or against the Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill from BBC News https://ift.tt/4kVP1rd

Reeves' tears raise big questions at top of Labour

Whatever the cause, Labour must soon start projecting direction, confidence and grip. from BBC News https://ift.tt/B8XiK0G

MPs approve plan to proscribe Palestine Action as terrorist group

The ban means supporting the group could potentially carry a maximum sentence of 14 years. from BBC News https://ift.tt/bexjzC9

Slow-motion humiliation for Starmer as he loses control of Commons

The BBC's political editor Chris Mason and chief political correspondent Henry Zeffman on the welfare bill. from BBC News https://ift.tt/1hQHxyS

Who are the welfare bill rebels? Find out how your MP voted

Check whether your MP voted for or against the Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill from BBC News https://ift.tt/M8PXmhl

Government makes big concessions to win welfare vote

MPs approved the Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill but only after ministers made big changes. from BBC News https://ift.tt/ZE0GyHL