Shapps says UK will repel Houthi Red Sea attacks

The defence secretary says British forces will take direct action against Houthi rebels targeting vessels in the key shipping lane.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/HVuEWwt

Justin Welby: Political leaders should treat opponents as human beings

The Archbishop of Canterbury urges politicians to "forswear wedge issues" and avoid divisive topics.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/PuB4JG5

Dominic Cummings: Sunak wanted me to secretly work on election strategy

Rishi Sunak twice met the former No 10 adviser to discuss campaigns, Downing Street says.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/rNuBPlJ

Chris Mason: Get ready - general election talk will dominate 2024

A new year, and all the political parties are focusing their planning and attention on the polls ahead.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/OW08Xwf

New Year Honours 2024: Derbyshire MPs recognised in list

They are receiving their respective accolades in recognition of their political and public service.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/RDZLf3J

Tim Martin: Wetherspoon boss knighted in New Year Honours

The pub chain founder and Brexit campaigner is recognised for services to hospitality and culture.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/ktdGVXc

National Archives: Thatcher was desperate to stop Spycatcher publication

Keenly awaited secret files show how determined Thatcher was to block an ex spy's tell-all.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/0PE1Npb

Former PM Tony Blair was keen on Wimbledon FC relocating to Belfast

Ex-Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair was keen on an idea to relocate Wimbledon FC to Belfast in the late 1990s.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/961pcOI

Jacques Delors: Tributes pour in for architect of modern EU

"Whatever you say about the modern EU - it is the house that Jacques built" - Boris Johnson.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/HYIPZW0

Recycling: Plans for electrical goods to be included in UK collections

UK households could put old toasters and hairdryers on the kerbside for pick-up under the proposals.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/VEDzeJg

Suspected arson at MP Mike Freer's office concerning, No 10 says

Firefighters were called to a fire at Conservative MP Mike Freer's office on Christmas Eve.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/N8jya2K

Treasury says 2024 Budget to be held on 6 March

The speech could be the government's last opportunity to set out tax changes before the general election.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/0TiSyCJ

Metric measurement rules to stay after Brexit review

But the government has announced it will move away from EU-era rules on wine bottle sizes in shops.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/rusZjhq

Labour considers processing asylum seekers overseas

The party is exploring whether some could have their claims assessed before they travel to the UK.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/QZxP8DN

Tory MP Mike Freer's office hit by suspected arson attack

A fire broke out at the north London office of Mike Freer MP on Christmas Eve, police have confirmed.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/yjPAqiF

Home Secretary James Cleverly criticised over drink spiking joke

The home secretary apologises for making an "ironic joke" at a Downing Street event, a spokesman says.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/7dNLCH1

Prevent: Rise in climate activists referred to anti-terror scheme

Prevent has received dozens of environmental referrals since disruptive climate protests emerged.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/WoFuDhH

How are the visa rules changing and how many people come to the UK?

The government is making it harder to get UK work and family visas to try to reduce legal migration.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/4psAjfc

UK at risk of recession after the economy shrinks

Revised figures show the economy shrank between July and September this year.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/qP5HszV

Ministers row back on salary threshold for family visa

The Home Office now says the threshold for people who want to come to the UK will be at a lower level of £29,000 a year.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/7wkch3P

Calls for inquiry over £100k Dudley Council France trip

A delegation from Dudley Council attended a property investment event in Cannes in 2022.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/9sM74vW

Fears UK not ready for deepfake general election

A senior Tory MP leads calls for more government action to prevent AI sabotaging British democracy.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/DjArcFz

Public pay must reflect rises, ministers say

Government letters to pay review bodies say pay rises should be reflected when setting pay in 2024

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/Jf1Zegx

Rishi Sunak says there's no target date to stop migrant boat crossings

The prime minister insists his Rwanda plan will work and curb migrant crossings, as he is questioned by senior MPs.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/nozu8XT

UK inflation falls sharply as fuel prices drop

Prices rose by 3.9% in the year to November, down from 4.6% the month before.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/yr9XcDv

Andrew Bridgen: Ex-Tory MP quits Reclaim Party after seven months

The North West Leicestershire MP says he has left over a "difference in the direction of the party".

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/nMfVuso

Peter Bone MP loses seat as recall petition triggers by-election

A recall vote was held after the MP was suspended over bullying and sexual misconduct allegations.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/vKIDCHA

New income tax band for higher earners in Scotland

People earning between £75,000 and £125,000 will pay more tax as part of efforts to plug a £1.5bn funding shortfall.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/l5AcDC1

Transgender guidance: Schools to keep parents informed

Parents should usually be told if their child wants to change gender identity at school, says new guidance.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/B98VA65

Rishi Sunak: Key pledge targets missed so far

The PM is currently meeting just one of the five priorities he set out at the start of the year.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/Ec83Oei

Michelle Mone admits she stands to benefit from £60m PPE profit

In an exclusive interview, the ex-Tory peer says she and her husband were made "scapegoats" for PPE failings.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/XBMDvKW

Stormont parties to discuss financial deal for power-sharing return

All eyes are on Hillsborough Castle as leaders meet over a financial deal to restore Stormont.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/aSHlZiK

Eddie Izzard fails bid to become Labour candidate for Brighton Pavilion seat

The stand-up comedian fails to win Labour's backing to contest Caroline Lucas' seat.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/GLAdQtk

Spiking crackdown to see more funding for test kits

Modernising the law and training for door staff are also among measures announced by the government.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/qbyDK0X

Laura Kuenssberg: Five facts from a political year of gains and losses

Departures and by-elections, polls and Partygate fallout - how the political year unfolded.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/Og8e2MS

UK MP Layla Moran's family among hundreds trapped in Gaza church

Layla Moran's relatives and the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem say a sniper has killed two women there.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/B6rVNWz

Stormont: DUP won't be distracted by hype over deal, says Donaldson

Sir Jeffrey tells party members in an email that more work is needed before a deal to restore Stormont.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/s6Xvorc

Israel Gaza: Lord Cameron supports 'sustainable ceasefire' and warns over deaths

Lord Cameron warns "too many civilians have been killed" in Gaza in a shift in tone from the UK.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/2QcVohe

Call for cots to be given to homeless families

Campaigners want ministers to upgrade guidance to councils providing for families in temporary accommodation.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/pG2glMa

Bereaved parents' anger at 'broken' online safety promise

The government denies watering down online protections promised to bereaved families.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/RGfxlnX

'Betrayed' Afghan special forces references ignored

Members of the Afghan special forces were denied help under a UK scheme to settle those in danger.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/z63XPOc

Welsh Labour leader: Vaughan Gething to announce bid

One of the two frontrunners for the contest is expected to announce his bid later today.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/H1Q2pNj

Suspended Tory MP Scott Benton faces 35-day Commons ban

Blackpool South MP Scott Benton is found to have committed "serious breach" of lobbying rules.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/CL3SM5a

Stormont: Sir Jeffrey says DUP approaching a decision

Talks between the UK government and Northern Ireland political parties have been extended.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/eg8WiRM

Rishi Sunak sees off Tory rebellion in Rwanda bill vote

Flagship bill passes its first Commons hurdle but PM still faces battle to get it through Parliament.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/gkMLTRd

Watch: Why Sunak’s Rwanda bill battle isn’t over

The BBC's Ione Wells tells us what's next for the PM's Rwanda plan after it passes a vote in the Commons.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/2gVxYRh

Chris Mason: Sunak takes the win but the battle is not over

The PM secures a comfortable victory in crunch Rwanda vote but his troubles are far from over.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/eyh0iGZ

What is the Rwanda bill vote about? Ros Atkins explains

The BBC's analysis editor Ros Atkins answers key questions about Tuesday's Commons vote on the Rwanda bill.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/ghM6TsJ

Bibby Stockholm: Asylum seeker on board barge dies

The three-storey barge moored off Dorset houses people awaiting the outcome of asylum applications.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/vClZfBV

Rishi Sunak seeks to charm Tory MPs to avoid Rwanda split

The PM will host a breakfast meeting to try to persuade potential Tory rebels to vote for his Rwanda bill.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/hKDyYFx

Chris Mason: Rishi Sunak’s authority on the line over Rwanda vote

Jeopardy is in the air and MPs are being tracked down to ensure they are around to vote. says Chris Mason.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/5nhoRWs

Rishi Sunak faces crunch Rwanda vote as Tory MPs split

MPs on the right want legislation to go further but more centrist Tories warn against changes.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/hKDyYFx

Covid inquiry: What was the impact of Eat Out to Help Out?

How much did the scheme help the economy and affect the spread of Covid? 

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/9JVe8bN

UK to send two Royal Navy minehunter ships to Ukraine

It forms part of a wider effort to bolster Ukraine's abilities at sea, as the war with Russia continues.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/RjiJnrB

Chris Mason: PM faces Covid inquiry and Rwanda vote in key week

Rishi Sunak's flagship policies will come under scrutiny and his past and future is set to collide.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/qACsK0D

Veterans demand Commons debate on review into past armed forces gay ban

Campaigners are accusing the government of failing on its key pledges over LGBT veterans ban.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/qRdStxT

Tory peer Michelle Mone 'regrets' denying links with PPE firm

PPE Medpro is being sued by the government and is being investigated by the National Crime Agency (NCA).

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/6bKPV2q

Rwanda asylum bill is too weak to be a deterrent, says Robert Jenrick

The ex-immigration minister says the PM's bill to revive the asylum scheme "doesn't do the job".

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/aP6ySwv

Green Party split from group at centre of trans row

Green Party Women's committee argue they are being punished for members' gender-critical views.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/BwcgjhL

Gap between haves and have-nots widening, report warns

Issues including stagnant wages and mental health problems risk becoming entrenched, report warns.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/kGlJ1eI

Laura Kuenssberg: Tory party splits and spats put Sunak under serious pressure

The PM's unique selling point - ending the chaos of the Truss and Johnson years - is taking a battering.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/2fVQ97h

Emergency Rwanda legislation is doomed to fail, says Robert Jenrick

The former immigration minister speaks for the first time since he resigned saying the policy wasn't being tough enough.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/gMoZnjC

MPs defeated at election to get help finding a new career

Those losing their seats at the next election will get taxpayer-funded advice with landing a new job.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/x0PZpgd

Chris Mason: Rwanda bill a reminder of Brexit Tory divisions

This weekend different groupings of MPs in the party are scrutinising the government's planned new law on Rwanda.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/CL1yUpM

Rishi Sunak’s Rwanda law at mercy of Tory factions

Rebellious Tory MPs from different wings of the party could sink the prime minister's asylum policy.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/QignGw5

Covid inquiry: Five takeaways from Boris Johnson's evidence

The former PM is the most high-profile witness so far to testify at the inquiry into the pandemic.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/C2iFS3Z

Chris Mason: Mood in Conservative Party bleak after Jenrick's resignation

Senior Tories say they would not be surprised if Rishi Sunak ends up facing a confidence vote, says Chris Mason.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/j9aSwG8

What's in the new Rwanda bill and why is it controversial?

The legislation could set up a politically explosive fight with the courts.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/60m2EbH

Robert Jenrick resigns as immigration minister, MPs told

It comes as the government unveils emergency legislation aimed at enabling its Rwanda policy to go ahead.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/u3wVf0j

Racist abuse will not stop me standing in Bedford - Tory candidate

Pinder Chauhan says she has been sent an image of a pig's head and more since becoming a councillor.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/lGfSdLg

Conservative splits emerge ahead of Rwanda migration law

Competing factions are lobbying to influence Rishi Sunak in the days before he publishes his flagship Rwanda legislation.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/NIjtGVO

Councils in England warn of growing financial crisis

Local leaders say more councils in England are at risk of going bust because of a lack of funding.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/9ZUBzh0

Boris Johnson faces two-day grilling at Covid inquiry

The former prime minister is expected to apologise for mistakes but defend his pandemic record.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/uvZUpyA

Robert Jenrick insists UK workers will fill labour gaps after migration crackdown

The immigration minister says he is prepared to "take further steps" if net migration does not come down.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/D6A2SNe

Migration rules: What impact might the changes have on the care sector?

Many in social care believe overseas staff saved the system from collapse, reports Alison Holt.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/odjgQxS

Chris Mason: Home Secretary James Cleverly heads to Rwanda to sign migration treaty

James Cleverly is hoping to finally secure flights to the country for migrants who travel to the UK illegally.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/Zlix9X1

Ministers lose infected blood vote after Tory MPs revolt

MPs were voting on a plan to set up a compensation scheme for infected blood scandal victims.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/za3nFre

Chris Mason: Ministers in new bid to reduce immigration

The government has failed to meet its own promises - this week it makes renewed efforts to rectify that.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/rKQuf8o

British lawyers could be sent to Rwandan courts as part of asylum plans

The government hopes changes to policy will address concerns from the Supreme Court.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/UrSYP0A

BBC should be 'realistic' on licence fee - Sunak

The PM welcomes savings at the BBC and says decisions on the fee have not been made.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/PTZEMLa

'Labour won't turn on spending taps' says Starmer

Sir Keir Starmer will say in a speech there will be "huge constraints" if Labour win power.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/KTlLOiq

Chris Mason: Prime Minister's Questions is a brutal spectacle

This week really was quite something for Rishi Sunak, says the BBC's Chris Mason.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/XDydlLK

Fact-checking claims about the government's migration policies

Looking at claims about migration, small boats and returning failed asylum seekers.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/fNRMK1V

Scotch on the Rocks: The TV drama locked away for 50 years

The BBC Scotland drama Scotch on the Rocks was so contentious it has been locked away for 50 years.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/Bw8RLzQ

Starmer credits Thatcher in pitch to Tory voters

The Labour leader says Conservative PM set loose "our natural entrepreneurialism".

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/AYqkaMZ

Laura Kuenssberg: Tory party's fate could depend on new Health Secretary Victoria Atkins

How Victoria Atkins fares this winter, when pressure mounts on the NHS, is vital for her party's prospects.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/YuTN0Kf

Digital pound plans should proceed with caution, say MPs

The benefits of a digital pound are unclear but the government should keep exploring it, say MPs.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/s1BoCbk

Covid Inquiry felt like the trial of Matt Hancock

The inquiry is both a case of reputation management and the big picture questions, BBC political editor Chris Mason writes.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/fh78abe

Rwanda scheme can save billions of pounds, claims Rishi Sunak

The PM says he is confident the government will get it right on deporting asylum seekers.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/m8jgaW4

Tory candidate risks being dropped in vote row

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/YNWAm4d