Government pledges support for Stormont stability

It follows the resignation of Sir Jeffrey Donaldson as DUP leader after he was charged with historical sex offences.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/0NdUv6Q

China is 'greatest threat to UK's economic security' - Sunak

Rishi Sunak has said that China represents the "greatest state-based threat" to the UK's economic security.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/iTuLAFR

Watch: Tories will keep 'triple lock' on pensions - chancellor

The chancellor says the Conservatives would commit to keeping the so-called "triple lock" system.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/vdZc4FL

Another moment of instability for Northern Ireland

Sir Jeffrey Donaldson's arrest and resignation is a pivotal moment for the DUP, says the BBC's Chris Mason.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/1kj2SL6

Revised figures confirm UK ended 2023 in recession

Official data shows the economy contracted during the last two quarters of last year.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/vX3mf1z

Labour starts review of government childcare plan

Bridget Phillipson tells the BBC the £4bn plan is a "mess" and calls for wider reform of provision.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/8yH1nCj

Peers to get up to £100 a night for hotel stays

Members who live outside London will be able to claim for accommodation when they attend the Lords.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/Ng2zL4D

Care worker migrant surge 'should've been obvious'

The former independent borders watchdog has criticised the Home Office's approach foreign care staff and airport security.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/9Axfpko

Council spending on special needs transport doubles

The rising cost of getting children to school is a key driver of current pressure on council budgets.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/qAbvoEN

Tory's mayoral contest ad showed New York not London

The clip showed a stampede in a New York subway station and was replaced with the scenes cut.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/ftnYSVl

Coutinho queried waste project opposed by Barclay

The energy secretary questioned the approval of an incinerator opposed by the environment secretary.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/YmZ2JxU

Say one thing, do another? The government’s record net migration rise

The Conservatives pledged to cut immigration, but there’s been a rise - BBC Panorama explores why.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/xNyzZHW

Secret files on Galahad bombing to be released

The attack on the Sir Galahad and its sister ship in 1982 killed 48 men, including 32 Welsh guards.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/JebM6Yn

Chris Mason: What further Rwanda delay says about the plan

The government's flagship Rwanda bill will be back before MPs after Easter, following a series of heavy defeats in the Lords.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/tbOlY9v

Police probe Tory donor's alleged Abbott comments

West Yorkshire Police are looking into alleged comments by Frank Hester about MP Diane Abbott.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/erYmBgV

Watch: Tories will keep 'triple lock' on pensions - chancellor

The chancellor says the Conservatives would commit to keeping the so-called "triple lock" system.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/1rMwa2Q

Chancellor to be quizzed after inflation hits lowest level in over two years

Jeremy Hunt is back in the red seat after sharing the last Budget before the general election

from BBC News https://ift.tt/oO901gR

Rayner says questions over her tax are a 'smear'

Labour's deputy leader tells BBC Newsnight she has been assured by tax experts she owes no money.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/XCtT6G7

Mordaunt rubbishes talk of challenging Sunak

The Portsmouth MP says she is focussed on doing her current job and called speculation "nonsense".

from BBC News https://ift.tt/YZ7auq0

Legal warning over Barclay waste project decision

A top government lawyer raised bias concerns over plan to halt a waste incinerator in Steve Barclay's constituency.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/uFvcwre

Concerns raised over Steve Barclay's role in waste project

The environment secretary has been a vocal opponent of a planned waste incinerator in his seat.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/jMPoakw

Starmer urges Nike to change new England kit cross

The Labour leader speaks out as fans, pundits and politicians criticise the £124.99 shirt.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/liNPEmT

GMB staff to strike over sex harassment claims

Employees claim reforms recommended by an independent lawyer-led review are yet to take place.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/uSk3eR8

UK economy to 'bounce back' in 2024, says Sunak

The prime minister tells the BBC the economy has "turned a corner" as he is challenged on rising bills.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/R5CGHbF

Would you recognise Wales' next first minister?

Not everyone on the streets of Ammanford was able to identify Wales' next first minister.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/kG04psO

Women's state pension report set to be published

Campaigners impacted by rises in the state pension retirement age are hoping for compensation.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/75hRU9g

Gogglebox star chosen to stand as Labour candidate

Josh Tapper, 26, has been chosen by Labour for Hertsmere, the seat currently held by Oliver Dowden.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/bV5cI13

UK economy to 'bounce back' in 2024, says Sunak

The prime minister tells the BBC the economy has "turned a corner" as he challenged on rising bills.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/fGK9JYe

Tees Valley Mayor: What's the role and who's running?

The position is currently held by Conservative Ben Houchen who was re-elected in May 2021.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/Ix0cD3C

Is this the worst economic inheritance since WW2?

Rachel Reeves says the next government will inherit "the worst set of economic circumstances since World War Two".

from BBC News https://ift.tt/KgWzMsv

UK inflation falls to 3.4% - lowest level for almost two and a half years

The slower pace of food price rises helped push down overall inflation, along with soft drinks, restaurants and hotels.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/6IRh20L

Chancellor hints at October general election

The PM has already said his "working assumption" is a poll will be held in the second half of this year.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/dj3GNEv

Sunak accuses Labour over 'double standards'

The PM reminds Sir Keir Starmer of previous comments from Labour frontbenchers about “scum”, “Nazis” and “lynching a female leader”.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/Vq2KdRF

Rwanda bill amendments overturned in Commons vote

Labour continues its opposition, flagging how six flights to space cost the same as each deportation.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/qCZQ0NR

Bill introduced to establish football regulator

The UK government will establish an independent football regulator when the Football Governance Bill is introduced in Parliament on Tuesday.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/eviw61B

Zac Goldsmith banned after speeding seven times

The Conservative peer admitted breaking the speed limit seven times in 2023.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/Lux4PRS

Ed Davey calls for 'once-in-generation' election

The Lib Dem leader called on party members to "bring the blue wall tumbling down" in his conference speech.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/UVYQFRG

Councils told to consider residents' support of LTNs

Councils in England will have to carry out leaflet drops and run surveys under new government guidance.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/e2WIajw

Chris Mason: How will Welsh Labour change under Gething?

As soon as Vaughan Gething was announced as Welsh Labour's new leader, thoughts turned to the general election.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/Jofb7uO

Ed Davey calls for 'once in generation' election

The Lib Dem leader will say his party is the only one to offer "transformational change".

from BBC News https://ift.tt/nIHX3cr

Group chooses candidate to take on Totnes Tory MP

Just over 1,000 people voted as part of a campaign which aims to unify support with the aim of unseat the sitting Tory MP.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/ZbSN1gj

Ex-Tory councillor discriminated against, report says

A report found Mohammed Arif, who was blocked from standing for re-election, faced discrimination from the local party.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/m9ThVGK

What are the hurdles facing Michael Gove's extremism plans?

Mr Gove says he was driven to action because the UK's values are "under challenge" from extremists.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/xfQFcqB

Armed forces minister to stand down at next election

The MP for Wells James Heappey says he wants to prioritise family and pursue another career.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/d9aKiVS

Delayed puppy smuggling crackdown back before MPs

It's nearly three years since the government promised reform, but a new bill hopes to tighten the law.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/jpVQ1zR

Sir Brandon Lewis to stand down at next election

Sir Brandon says he will continue to serve his constituency until Parliament is dissolved.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/57EKZmB

Rishi Sunak rules out general election on 2 May

There had been speculation the PM might hold a ballot on the same day as local elections.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/vuXzf9c

Rachel Reeves could be our next chancellor - but what's she really like?

Laura Kuenssberg speaks to Reeves' friends, colleagues, and opponents to explore the kind of politician she is.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/erCTEXn

Angela Rayner will not face police inquiry

The deputy Labour leader had faced claims she gave false information on official documents.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/Bpc7TlW

Baptisms 'a ticket' for some asylum seekers - vicar

A vicar tells MPs most baptism requests he had from asylum seekers were during their appeal stage.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/BC6EMKr

New gas power plants to stop blackouts - minister

Critics say a commitment to build new gas-fired power stations would threaten climate pledges.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/bXU7P3F

Home Office is dysfunctional, says ex-watchdog

David Neal, who was dismissed by the government, says the department needs complete reform.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/d91yiIn

Labour won't be able to turn things around straight away, Rachel Reeves says

The shadow chancellor does not say if some government departments would face real-term cuts under a Labour government.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/ov03jEy

Former Tory deputy chairman defects to Reform Party

The defection ends weeks of speculation about the Ashfield MP and TV presenter's future.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/NS1Ve9f

Ex-home secretaries warn against politicising extremism

On Thursday, the government plans to set out a broader definition of extremism to tackle increases.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/Pz6ulE8

Home Office is dysfunctional, says ex-watchdog

David Neal, who was dismissed by the government, says the department needs complete reform.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/r1C3qV0

Starmer: Tories ask to 'pay more and more for less and less'

The Labour leader says the Conservatives are 'stubbornly clinging to the failed ideas of of the past'.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/0nhelf5

Rachel Reeves could be our next chancellor - but what's she really like?

Laura Kuenssberg speaks to Reeves' friends, colleagues, and opponents to explore the kind of politician she is.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/Zla10rC

Mordaunt defends Donelan over £15,000 legal bill

Taxpayers are covering the damages paid to an academic the minister falsely accused of supporting Hamas.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/uV1ARKD

Budget: Key points at a glance

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has set out his tax and spending plans - here's what you need to know.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/0Wip7Ns

Is the tax take the highest for 70 years?

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt and Labour leader Keir Starmer made a number of claims on Budget day.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/cAe8vhV

Who is Jeremy Hunt, the chancellor?

The chief financial minister has been in control of public spending at a time of economic turmoil.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/rA6fauU

Chris Mason: No fireworks but tax cuts headache for Labour

The Budget gives a glimpse of what will be the big tussles come the election, says our political editor.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/hyNSn94

House of Lords inflict more defeats on Rwanda bill

Peers fight to change the government bill aimed at deporting asylum seekers to the East African country.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/fEP79TD

Minister's claim on academic cost taxpayer £15,000

The science secretary has accepted her original comments about Professor Kate Sang were wrong.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/tU1Bf4h

Hunt expected to cut National Insurance by another 2p in Budget

It would mean the main rate for employees falling from 10% to 8% - which could save the average worker around £450 a year.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/r3DVlLh

Budget among last chances to move the political dial

The statement comes amid Tory fears that many voters have stopped listening, says our political editor.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/BLlGJE8

Cabinet minister pays damages over Hamas claim

Science Secretary Michelle Donelan had claimed a university professor sympathised with Hamas.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/Hh15nzU

Birmingham Council to vote on wave of budget cuts

The council declared itself effectively bankrupt last year and is trying to make £300m in savings.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/VhEGpWi

Watch: 'My biggest financial regret is...'

People in Kent share their finance stories ahead of Wednesday's Budget. Would you share yours?

from BBC News https://ift.tt/0GyNqcE

Government defeated in Lords over Rwanda bill

Peers back five changes to the draft law aiming to revive the UK's Rwanda deportation scheme.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/npRCMTk

Corbyn to take legal action against Farage

On his GB News show, Nigel Farage accused Mr Corbyn of subscribing to an antisemitic conspiracy theory.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/ZYvjhIf

Rwanda bill begins tricky Lords stage

Peers in Parliament will try to change Rishi Sunak's planned law aimed at deterring channel crossings.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/fS0g2H7

Did the last Budget deliver what was promised?

The previous Budget was meant to help growth, investment, pubs and parents. Has it worked so far?

from BBC News https://ift.tt/3sQgImw

Warning cost of living fund closure 'catastrophic'

Hundreds of thousands of families have had help through the government's Household Support Fund.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/Lslj7ge

'No option of life on benefits for young' - Labour

Liz Kendall is expected to say young people have a "responsibility" to take up jobs and training.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/Vwxba18

Hunt: We will only cut taxes in a responsible way

The chancellor is asked about his plans ahead of next Wednesday's budget.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/STyBjuY

Hunt to face Kuenssberg questions ahead of Budget

Laura Kuenssberg quizzes Chancellor Jeremy Hunt on tax, spending and the economy before Wednesday's speech.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/AVGkMZp

AI and drones in £800m Budget technology package

The Treasury says healthcare and policing will be more efficient as a result of the reforms.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/fBaL6WE

'There was heartache but we had to keep going'

Miners, police, journalists and politicians tell the story of the strike which changed Britain.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/zFd2OHo

Tories need a Budget bounce but can Hunt deliver?

The chancellor may resort to stealing Labour's plans on Wednesday to give Tories the tax cuts they crave.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/2tcJCTr

Chris Mason: PM's speech shows impact of Gaza war on UK politics

The prime minister's Friday statement addressed 'extremism' on the streets of the country.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/ZaE9bU4

We must face down extremists, says Rishi Sunak

Speaking from the steps of Downing Street, the prime minister attacks Islamists and far-right groups.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/qMbWjog