Council financial crisis 'out of control', MPs warn

More funding is needed to avoid a "severe impact" on services and councils going bust, a report says.

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

Jeremy Hunt: Less scope for tax cuts in Budget

The chancellor says he wants to "lighten the tax burden" but this has to be done in a "responsible" way.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/KVHJ0L6

Nicola Sturgeon denies Covid decisions were political

The former first minister admitted deleting her WhatsApps but denied presiding over a culture of secrecy.

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

Bankers' bonuses: No cap under Labour, says Reeves

Rachel Reeves told the BBC that Labour would not reinstate the bonus cap that was scrapped last year.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/kcIfHu0

Sikhs fear for their safety, MPs tell minister

Activists have called on the government to take action after receiving credible threats to their lives.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/CMA29Fk

Nicola Sturgeon's reputation on the line at UK Covid inquiry

Former Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon will give evidence to the UK Covid inquiry in Edinburgh.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/1XfGKHv

DUP: Coming days crucial for Stormont return, says Sinn Féin

The DUP has endorsed a deal to restore power sharing at Stormont after a 23-month absence.

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

Net migration to push UK population to 74m by 2036, ONS projects

Net migration of 6.1 million people is projected to help fuel a 10% rise in the UK population.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/eFuG0IT

UK considering recognising Palestine state, Lord Cameron says

Britain could recognise Palestine state as part of peace negotiations, foreign secretary suggests.

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

'Tidal wave' of sex abuse in music industry, MPs told

A report warns the music industry is a "boys' club" where sexual harassment and abuse is common.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/eSr8n0j

Disposable vapes to be banned for children's health, government says

Rishi Sunak announces the plan saying "we must act" to tackle a rise in vaping among children.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/qemN7nD

Stormont: DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson to brief members on possible deal

Sir Jeffrey Donaldson is expected to provide a "detailed update" on the political situation.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/9w6Zzoq

Ofsted: MPs call for an end to single-word grades

The cross-party committee says the consequences of an "inadequate" judgement should be far less severe.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/Last4KW

Kate Osamor: Labour suspends MP over Gaza remarks in Holocaust message

The MP for Edmonton apologises after saying Gaza should be remembered as genocide on Holocaust Memorial Day.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/Rbm1L0i

Nadine Dorries pledges to repay mistaken £17K exit payout

The former culture secretary was paid severance pay despite being too old to qualify.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/l02zDNR

Post Office scandal: Chairman Henry Staunton had to go as it 'wasn't working' - Badenoch

Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch said Henry Staunton's departure was about more than the Horizon scandal.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/rDdzO0v

Post Office chairman Henry Staunton steps down

The departure comes as public outcry over the wrongful conviction of hundreds of sub-postmasters continues.

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

Former Fujitsu UK CEO quits government role

Michael Keegan, who is married to Education Secretary Gillian Keegan, resigns from the Cabinet Office.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/ajcOQ0i

Britain must train citizen army, military chief warns

General Sir Patrick Sanders points to threat of Russia as he warns of UK's lack of readiness for war.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/hOYtp0E

Council tax bands need overhauling, northern business group says

A group representing northern businesses wants a property revaluation before the next election.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/61MyBxk

UK halts trade negotiations with Canada over hormones in beef ban

Talks aimed at extending a rolled-over EU-era deal broke down over Britain's ban on hormone-treated meat.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/qmDJv7E

Warning EU border system has lasting "negative impacts"

Ferry firms and Dover port warn business and communities would suffer from new EU border checks.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/Ub6318S

Zombie knives: Government announces third crackdown since 2016

New restrictions will close a loophole in the law in England and Wales, the government says.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/QIH8rsM

No-one likes the guy shouting 'iceberg' - Tory MP

Ex-minister Sir Simon Clarke says his party is on course for "a shattering defeat" without a change of leader.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/zH23A4o

Welsh independence: Leaving UK is viable, says new report

But experts warns Wales would face a "significant" challenge raising enough tax revenue.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/jqhc8D2

Sunak must be replaced as PM, says former cabinet minister Sir Simon Clarke

Sir Simon Clarke warns the Tories will be "massacred" in the general election if led by Rishi Sunak.

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

Hinkley C: UK nuclear plant costs could soar as delays mount

EDF says final costs could soar by about a third as it faces a delayed completion date.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/OI76KkB

Betty Boothroyd's Columbo DVDs among items auctioned off for charity

Items reflecting the former MPs personal and political life raise over £80,000 at auction.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/T7j9WzI

Government borrowing lower than expected in December

Public borrowing fell to £7.8bn last month, according to the latest official figures.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/ZUqSH3O

US and UK launch fresh strikes on Houthis

The second joint operation between the US and UK targets underground storage and missiles, they say.

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

Rwanda asylum scheme: Peers vote against approving Rwanda treaty

Kigali must improve its asylum procedures before parliament ratifies the treaty, House of Lords says.

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

Covid Inquiry: Chief medic told staff to delete WhatsApps every day

Prof Gregor Smith has told the UK Covid Inquiry he erased messages "frequently" during the pandemic.

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

Royal Mail's Saturday post should stay, government says

Royal Mail wants to drop Saturday deliveries but the prime minister says they are "important".

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/O1CDgjs

Conservative attacks on National Trust are desperate - Starmer

The Labour leader said the Conservatives had got "tangled up in culture wars of their own making".

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

More than 40 Tory MPs call for extra council funding

In a letter to the PM, the group warns of cuts to services without extra money for English councils.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/39nSBEa

Shapps 'disappointed' by Netanyahu opposition to Palestinian state

It is the only solution to end conflict between Israel and the Palestinians, says the defence secretary.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/HXnA1kB

Laura Kuenssberg: Why is Humza Yousaf predicting 'inevitable' Keir Starmer victory?

Polls suggest Humza Yousaf is yet to convince the Scottish public he's an effective leader - could that change?

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/LCZlsU4

Covid Inquiry has my informal messages, says Sturgeon

Former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon says copies of her messages were handed to the inquiry last year.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/qhnpN16

Devolving justice powers would be calamitous - Buckland

A report recommends Wales takes the reins from Westminster as soon as possible.

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

Trust Labour to uphold green investment plan, David Lammy says

The policy would see a Labour government invest in green projects.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/e1yg6EC

Can Rishi Sunak halt growing Tory poll panic?

The PM got a win when his Rwanda bill cleared the Commons, but disquiet is still growing among his MPs.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/1SZTmsR

Fujitsu: MPs seek details on public sector contracts with IT firm

Committee looks to uncover how much money was handed out after Post Office scandal was uncovered.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/Zm3sce4

Michelle Mone's ex-lawyer apologises to BBC for misleading comments about Tory donations

Lawyer says statements about donations to the Tory Party by Mone's husband were made in good faith.

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

Kuenssberg: The thorny politics of Houthi strikes for Sunak and Starmer

The PM and the Labour leader agree on military action but it could be just the beginning of their problems.

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

Sir Tony Lloyd: MPs hold minute's silence following his death

The Rochdale MP revealed just days ago he had an untreatable form of leukaemia.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/yux1tc3

Police called after council meeting 'pantomime'

A town council meeting is abandoned after residents challenged, booed and slow clapped councillors.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/QEFAw3i

Rishi Sunak sees off Conservative rebels as MPs back Rwanda bill

The legislation will now head to the House of Lords where it is expected to face stiff opposition.

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

Labour Party 'campaign bible' gives hints of general election strategy

The party issues instructions to candidates on how to get their core policies across to voters.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/djW8Hko

Lee Anderson resigns as deputy Tory chair to rebel over Rwanda bill

Lee Anderson and Brendan Clarke-Smith step down to defy the government in a Commons vote.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/6G1SRc5

Palestinian envoy Husam Zomlot says UK guilty of hypocrisy

Husam Zomlot says the UK's policies towards Israel have caused it "reputational damage".

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/7AHBm0u

Brits living abroad for more than 15 years get general election vote

The rule change will see more than two million more people eligible to register for a vote.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/e0PFVJT

Councils in crisis: Town Hall debt levels staggering, MPs warn

The Public Accounts Committee warns of an "extreme and long-lasting effect" on public services.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/Ma0QxZw

General election: Labour would need record swing to win

Analysis shows the effect of the new election boundaries. Use our tool to look up your constituency.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/ke2dubq

Stormont crisis: Decisions to make if Stormont not restored - SoS

Chris Heaton-Harris holds further meetings with Stormont parties, but there is still no deal.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/oh3f0ux

Sunak: Air strikes on Houthis in Yemen self-defence

The prime minister says the UK had to send a "strong signal" to the Houthis attacking ships in the Red Sea.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/mQ1o65M

Rishi Sunak to address MPs about strikes on Houthis in Yemen

The defence secretary also warns the UK will consider more strikes if the Houthis do not stop attacking ships.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/1JLfXCU

David Cameron denies £10m payment from Greensill Capital

The foreign secretary says he was a "private citizen" while working for the collapsed finance firm.

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

Stephen Flynn fears 'wider regional crisis' after Yemen air strikes

SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn also says the failure to consult MPs in advance was "farcical".

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/B7Keybx

Starmer denies backtracking on military action vote

While running to be Labour leader, Sir Keir promised a law requiring a Commons vote for military action.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/JyleF26

UK had no choice but to strike Houthis - Cameron

Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron suggests the UK could strike Houthi targets again if attacks on ships continue.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/zHJ84LS

Kuenssberg: The thorny politics of Houthi strikes for Sunak and Starmer

The PM and the Labour leader agree on military action but it could be just the beginning of their problems.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/V9LYSTl

Thousands attend pro-Palestinian march in London

Organisers say the protest is part of a global day of action in 30 countries.

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

New Malden ex-postmistress aims to stand against Sir Ed Davey

Yvonne Tracey says she will contest the Lib Dem leader's seat at the next general election.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/J1sQP3I

Post Office scandal: Minister says he wants to see those responsible jailed

Kevin Hollinrake said that people "must be held to account" over the scandal.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/oTPFBr1

A landmark moment for Rishi Sunak, but uncertainty abounds

The PM will face questions about the aim of military action in Yemen, our political editor writes.

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

Sunak authorises Labour and civil service talks ahead of election

The meetings enable the opposition to establish relationships with Whitehall ahead of an election.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/eTL359b

Keir Starmer used Qatar-funded private jet for Emir trip

The Labour leader made the return trip whilst attending the COP28 climate conference held in Dubai.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/bnS4a5K

Minister Alex Burghart seeks to avoid outsourcing AI projects to tech firms

Cabinet Office minister Alex Burghart says he wants build up the government's in-house expertise instead.

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

Pride 'is sin' councillor's elections sparks resignation in Northamptonshire

A Labour councillor resigns after King Lawal is elected as chair of a health committee.

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

Rochdale man killed in Pakistan, says MP

Tasaraf Hussain from Rochdale was killed whilst visiting family in Pakistan, says Tony Lloyd MP.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/iMFr39k

Chris Mason: Justice at last, but plenty more questions remain

Figures across politics will be asked why exoneration for postmasters took so long, our political editor writes.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/DrM5CN0

Tory group of MPs aim to force changes to Rwanda Bill

Former minister Robert Jenrick leads a group of 40 would-be rebels looking to "strengthen" the bill.

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

David Cameron worried Israel may have broken international law in Gaza

The former PM said he regularly consults government lawyers over incidents in the Israel-Gaza war.

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

Akshata Murty: Rishi Sunak's wife gives up shares in childcare firm

Akshata Murty's shares in Koru Kids were the subject of a transparency row for the PM last year.

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

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt says decision over gas drilling disappointing

A court has ruled against further opposition to drilling at a site in the chancellors' constituency.

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

Labour seeking to force ministers to publish Rwanda documents

The opposition want the government to disclose the cost of sending asylum seekers to Rwanda.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/ic6Zy0S

Ministers seeking to speed up Post Office appeals

The government says its plans for victims of the Horizon IT scandal will be published "shortly".

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/VreN1FU

Rishi Sunak would back committee in honour probe into ex-Post Office boss

Ex-boss Paula Vennells is being urged to forfeit her CBE over a scandal that led to staff being wrongly prosecuted.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/8CbnKNm

Greens to stand throughout England and Wales at next general election

Co-leader Carla Denyer says the party aims to stand throughout England and Wales for the first time.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/C6iaOAz

National Insurance: Is Jeremy Hunt right about £1,000 saving?

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt claims National Insurance cut is worth 'nearly £1,000 for a typical two-earner family'.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/waB2shi

Oil and gas legislation is total distraction, senior Tory says

Former minister Sir Alok Sharma says he will not vote for plans to guarantee annual oil and gas licensing rounds.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/7TW5zSd

Ministers to meet to discuss Post Office Horizon scandal

Discussions will be held over options to help people convicted in the Post Office Horizon scandal.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/I21XxCA

PM considers ways to clear all victims of Post Office scandal

The justice secretary is looking into steps to help hundreds of wrongly convicted sub-postmasters.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/yBoj253

Starmer worries about toll of election on his children

The Labour leader called for a general election as soon as possible, adding that he wanted the fight.

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

Rishi Sunak denies doubting Rwanda plan when chancellor

The prime minister says it was his job to scrutinise policies after the BBC reported he had concerns.

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

Watchdog to assess claims against pensions minister Paul Maynard

Paul Maynard is accused of using taxpayer money to fund Conservative Party work and campaigning.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/SQwg87l

Resigning ex-minister Chris Skidmore wrong on climate, says Jeremy Hunt

The chancellor "profoundly" disagrees with Chris Skidmore who quit over government energy plans.

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

Rishi Sunak had significant doubt over Rwanda plan, papers suggest

New documents indicate the PM had doubts about sending migrants to Rwanda when he was chancellor.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/khrO4it

Derek Draper: Kate Garraway says husband has died, aged 56

The former political adviser, had multiple health issues after first being hospitalised with Covid in 2020.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/7z6wG8R

Charities to benefit from Betty Boothroyd items auction

Items owned by Lady Boothroyd, who died last year, are expected to raise up to £200,000 for charity.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/wgN5vix

Carol Vorderman: Shaun Bailey's comments are 'pathetic'

Presenter Carol Vorderman hits out at Tory politician Sean Bailey after he criticised her on GB News.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/3NlfQud

Louise Casey: Lessons for government in election year

Trouble-shooter and peer Louise Casey looks at the way to get things done in government for a new BBC series.

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

Keir Starmer seeks new year boost before 2024 election

The Labour leader kicks off the year with a speech, as politicians look towards the looming election.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/ALI90Qg

Junior doctors' strike: Some hospitals request staff return to work

NHS bosses say the service is under huge pressure - but junior doctors say they are misusing the system.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/zyN4RLT

Lib Dem leader Ed Davey launches 'Tory Removal Service'

The party leader has begun the new year campaigning in seats held by senior ministers in Surrey.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/YZ1l7gk

Kids Company founder Camila Batmanghelidjh dies

The social justice campaigner, known for her work with children, died on her birthday, aged 61.

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

Government's asylum figures show uncleared backlog

Thousands of asylum applications made before June 2022 have still not received initial decisions.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/Q7XFtny

UK asylum backlog cleared, says PM, but critics disagree

Rishi Sunak says he has met a pledge made a year ago, but Labour accuse the government of massaging the figures.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/MPmKL8V

Lessons for government as general election year looms

Trouble-shooter and peer Louise Casey looks at the way to get things done in government for a new BBC series.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/ejU5EbX