UK won't take Ireland asylum returns, says Sunak

It comes after Ireland said it would pass new laws to allow people to be returned to the UK.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/5SzcXVy

Ministers accept three-month deadline for blood scheme

A final compensation scheme could be running by the year's end after ministers agree to a Labour-led demand.

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

NHS to stress biological sex in ward allocations

Transgender women should not be put on single-sex female NHS wards in England, the government is proposing.

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

Watch: Humza Yousaf resigns as first minister

Humza Yousaf has resigned as first minister of Scotland, triggering a leadership contest.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/hkA3aGr

'The NHS deserves better' says defecting Tory MP

Dr Poulter, who works part time as a doctor, says he struggled to "look my NHS colleagues in the eye".

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

UK forces may be deployed to help deliver Gaza aid

The US says no American forces will go ashore but an unnamed "third party" will drive aid into Gaza.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/S3X0Zbs

Salmond says independence plan is price for Yousaf support

The Alba leader demands the SNP focus on independence rather than "divisive" identity politics.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/sYVF4iT

UK borrowing casts doubt on pre-election tax cuts

Government borrowing for the year was £6.6bn higher than expected, according to new figures.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/9upao6D

Why a plane to Rwanda won’t be taking off anytime soon

The Rwanda bill has finally been approved - but planes won't be taking off imminently.

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

'The NHS deserves better' says defecting Tory MP

Dr Poulter, who works part time as a doctor, says he struggled to "look my NHS colleagues in the eye".

from BBC News https://ift.tt/XAFsTI5

See reaction when minister asks if Congo is different country to Rwanda

The Question Time audience were surprised when Chris Philp answered an audience member's question about DR Congo.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/rIOp5sX

Labour outlines plan for some rail public ownership

The shadow transport secretary says neither passengers or taxpayers "can afford for things to continue like this”.

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

Labour's rail plan 'unfunded', says minister

The transport secretary says there is “nothing” in Labour’s plan that will make rail services better for passengers.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/mn430Kc

Minister Chris Philp's Rwanda question raises eyebrows

The Question Time audience were surprised when Chris Philp answered an audience member's question about DR Congo.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/6lE2vV9

Shoplifting hits record high in England and Wales

Shoplifting was up by 37% in the year to December 2023, the highest since records began in 2003.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/mDx85qH

Minister Chris Philp's Rwanda question raises eyebrows

The Question Time audience were surprised when Chris Philp answered an audience member's question about DR Congo.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/6lE2vV9

SNP quizzes deputy PM on arms sales to Israel

Mhairi Black says the discovery of mass graves of Palestinians should be treated as a "war crime".

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

UK borrowing casts doubt on pre-election tax cuts

Government borrowing for the year was £6.6bn higher than expected, according to new figures.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/w0tVo3e

Why a plane to Rwanda won’t be taking off anytime soon

The Rwanda bill has finally been approved - but planes won't be taking off imminently.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/Nf6QOTC

Rwanda bill to become law after months of wrangling

Parliamentary stand-off ends, opening the way for asylum seekers to be sent to the African country.

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

Parliamentary researcher charged with spying for China

Christopher Berry, 32, and Christopher Cash, 29, will appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Friday.

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

Minister defends government's record on climate

Claire Coutinho says the government's track record is 'strong' after watchdog accuses PM of setting the UK back.

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

SNP will form minority government if Greens end deal

Scottish Green members are to  vote on whether to remain in government  after the SNP ditched key climate change targets.

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

UK rejects EU free movement for young people offer

The EU Commission said UK and EU citizens under 30 should be able to work or study for up to four years.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/sY4hD9v

Our climate change record is strong, minister says

Energy Secretary Claire Coutinho defends government after watchdog accuses PM of setting the UK back.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/4NVopCJ

Sunak has set us back, says climate watchdog head

In a BBC interview, Chris Stark says the PM has not made climate change "as much of a priority as his predecessors".

from BBC News https://ift.tt/9wm7UOG

Labour unveils plans for new housing on 'grey belt'

Low-quality green belt areas will be classed as "grey belt" and targeted for development, Labour say.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/y65JPU4

Scottish Greens to vote on SNP power-sharing deal

The Scottish Greens have called an EGM after the Scottish government ditched key climate change targets.

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

Antisemitic false quote cut from Liz Truss book

The ex-PM's publishers apologise and agree to remove a fake quote tied to an antisemitic conspiracy theory.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/uqes9AI

Minister asked if incinerator plans could be blocked

Steve Barclay's office sought advice on blocking incinerators, including one in his own constituency.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/nmHYw0q

Labour unveils plans for new housing on 'grey belt'

Low-quality green belt areas will be classed as "grey belt" and targeted for development, Labour say.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/fZEOJj9

Chris Mason: How mayors became the fashionable thing in England

Ahead of elections in May, political editor Chris Mason looks at England's mayoral model.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/Y0BZmph

Minister asked if incinerator plans could be blocked

Steve Barclay's office sought advice on blocking incinerators, including one in his own constituency.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/nmHYw0q

Tory activist 'appalled' by party's actions over MP

Fylde MP Mark Menzies strongly disputes claims he asked a party volunteer for £5,000 to pay "bad people".

from BBC News https://ift.tt/XKcm8by

Are taxes going up or down?

The government talks about taxes coming down but other talk about them going up. Who is right?

from BBC News https://ift.tt/J6XosIV

Councils to watch in the 2024 local elections

Where might the main political parties make gains and losses in the local elections on 2 May?

from BBC News https://ift.tt/BArygt7

New carpets got rid of Downing Street fleas - Hunt

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt says he replaced the No 11 carpets Liz Truss claimed were infested with fleas.

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

Chris Mason: Smoking ban represents a political legacy for PM

It has cross-party support but Tory opposition shows a 'fractious' party, says political editor Chris Mason.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/y2zKEOq

Inflation falls as meat and crumpet prices drop

New official figures show that inflation, the rate at which prices rise over time, fell again in March.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/x5jQXfp

Chris Mason: Smoking ban represents a political legacy for PM

It has cross-party support but Tory opposition shows a 'fractious' party, says political editor Chris Mason.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/y2zKEOq

Yousaf: Trans women will be protected by misogyny law

The first minister says anyone affected by misogyny will be covered, whatever their biological sex.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/jSnVqD9

Sunak urges restraint after Iran attack on Israel

The prime minister will speak to Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss how to prevent escalation.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/DWn1y37

Starmer: Iran attack leaves world more dangerous place

Labour supports the "defensive action" taken by the UK and allies over Iran's attack on Israel, its leader says.

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

Watch: Iran suffered 'double defeat' - Lord Cameron

The UK foreign secretary says Iran carried out a very significant attack, "but fortunately, it was a failure".

from BBC News https://ift.tt/dfVG3zo

Streeting: Sunak ‘failed' in NHS waiting list promises

Labour says it would create two million more appointments in English health services with extra evening and weekend working.

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

Streeting: Sunak ‘failed' in NHS waiting list promises

Labour says it would create two million more appointments in English health services with extra evening and weekend working.

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

Watch: Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg

Health Secretary Victoria Atkins and shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper are the main political guests.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/Muv2wBV

Can health secretary name NHS trusts performing well?

Victoria Atkins is challenged to name some health trusts meeting their targets to cut waiting lists.

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

Streeting: Sunak ‘failed' in NHS waiting list promises

Labour says it would create two million more appointments in English health services with extra evening and weekend working.

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

Unpaid carers shocked at having to repay thousands

Two ex-ministers say the government should pause demands for large sums of money from benefits overpayments.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/ZoqJvV1

David Cameron heads to Brussels for Gibraltar talks

Following Brexit, the British overseas territory has been operating under temporary rules.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/O4SVQeY

Can health secretary name NHS trusts performing well?

Victoria Atkins is challenged to name some health trusts meeting their targets to cut waiting lists.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/89izvSw

'The future isn't in burning our waste'

An MP asks the government to revoke the permit for a planned incinerator in his constituency.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/g5yIBJ0

Pressure grows over rough sleeping clampdown

More than 30 groups warn the government that fining or arresting people risks stigmatising the homeless.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/fUq5rmv

Greens promise council powers to 'tame' private rents

The Green Party launch their local election campaign with a demand for more affordable homes.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/8lxSe3O

Council faces bankruptcy over SEND reform roll-out

The council's chief executive says: "If we get this wrong, we will be effectively bankrupt."

from BBC News https://ift.tt/ikeZQd1

Abolish Foreign Office, former top diplomats say

A new Department for International Affairs with modernised premises and a broader remit is proposed.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/3YD1SPO

Lord Bamford retires from the House of Lords

Lord Bamford, the executive chairman of JCB, stepped down on 1 March.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/PMKJl7r

Deputy PM: It's still legal to sell arms to Israel

Oliver Dowden says Israel's war is "legitimate", but the UK has specific concerns about the country's conduct.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/Y9lfC6h

Reform leader quizzed on vetting candidates

Richard Tice says Reform is the fastest party to get rid of candidates when they act inappropriately.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/Wyv537Q

MP's misleading website links 'arouse suspicion'

People typing in MP Richard Foord's name online are being redirected to his rival's website.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/n8XOrwm

Abolish Foreign Office, former top diplomats say

A new Department for International Affairs with modernised premises and a broader remit is proposed.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/jWY5TUD

Lib Dems unveil special needs support plan

Leader Ed Davey wants a new national champion to tackle the most complex special educational needs.

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

Greens promise council powers to 'tame' private rents

The Green Party launch their local election campaign with a demand for more affordable homes.

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

Israel is conducting a legitimate campaign - Dowden

The deputy prime minister says government's advice on UK arms sales to Israel has not changed.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/39jcz4s

Government delays decision on incinerator opposed by Steve Barclay

Permits for new incinerators are temporarily banned, including one the environment secretary opposes.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/mD13f8A

PM marks six months since start of Israel-Gaza war

Rishi Sunak says Israel has the right to defend itself but he is "shocked by the bloodshed" in Gaza.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/fz0uXFK

GMB staff scrap strike over sex harassment claims

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

from BBC News https://ift.tt/MQiY45V

Mercer given deadline for Afghan inquiry challenge

The MP, who served in Afghanistan, has until 8 May to give his reasons for protecting whistleblower sources.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/W1SuFJ6

I reported explicit messages to police, says MP

Luke Evans says he was a victim of cyber-flashing in a suspected honeytrap plot targeting Westminster.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/q40QK9x

Warning to 'stay on guard' after cyber-attack

The council says work is ongoing to find out the amount and nature of data which was taken.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/ocVPiS6

Hunt praises MP's apology over dating app incident

The chancellor says William Wragg showed courage in admitting he gave out MPs' phone numbers.

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

AI chatbot for civil servants moves a step closer

The Cabinet Office expands trials of Redbox, which it says will increase productivity of civil servants.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/C7Lvfi6

Burnham launches mayoral re-election campaign

Andy Burnham asks voters to examine his track record as he seeks a third term as Greater Manchester mayor.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/THq8Oy7

Top judges urge UK to stop arms sales to Israel

Lawyers and academics say arms sales must end due to the 'plausible risk of genocide' in Gaza.

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

Food price fears as Brexit import charges revealed

Fees of up £145 will be levied on imports of fish, salami, sausage, cheese and yoghurt, the government says.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/yLIg3Vb

Labour commits to Tory childcare expansion plan

From this week, working parents with two-year-olds will be eligible for 15 hours of free childcare.

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

Sunak calls for inquiry into Gaza aid worker deaths

But the prime minister stops short of saying arms sales to Israel should be suspended.

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

Mercer challenging order to give names to inquiry

The minister has refused to reveal who told him about alleged war crimes by British forces in Afghanistan.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/oh8OwgA

PM backs JK Rowling in row over hate crime laws

The author hit out at the Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act that came into effect on Monday.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/guM4CsO

Sunak defends rollout of free childcare hours

Rishi Sunak says it is a "positive and exciting moment" after Labour called the system a "total mess".

from BBC News https://ift.tt/1FL9SZA

Millions get a pay rise as minimum wage increases

Above inflation wage-hikes are set to benefit 2.7 million low-paid workers and apprentices.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/m5d3Dst

JK Rowling in ‘arrest me’ challenge over hate crime law

The Harry Potter author described several transgender women as men in a series of social media posts.

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

'Are you part of the deep state, prime minister?'

The PM laughs off a question on whether he is part of the 'deep state' adding he could not say if he was.

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

Dowden blames Chinese groups for two cyber-attacks

The deputy PM says the UK and international partners will expose China for "ongoing patterns of hostile activity".

from BBC News https://ift.tt/E3FdmT1