Minister warns of risk from foreign donors

Democracy Minister Rushanara Ali is planning measures to protect against foreign political interference.

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

Lib Dems aim to become 'party of Middle England'

Sir Ed Davey says they're vying for votes in Tory-run council areas, in his local election launch.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/v1Pto8L

Protests postponed after pharmacy funding boost

Community pharmacies have delayed protest action after the government agreed a new funding package.

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

Starmer and Trump discuss 'productive negotiations' on economic deal

The call comes after sources at No 10 say the government is prepared to retaliate against US tariffs if needed.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/SFL1Tbv

UK to host 40 countries for illegal migration summit

The talks, seen as the first of their kind, will aim to increase international co-operation.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/TMPQa9d

Government to table law overriding sentencing rules

The new legislation comes in response to a row over how ethnic minority offenders should be sentenced.

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

Morning-after pill to be made free at pharmacies in England

The government hopes the move will end the "unfair postcode lottery" some women face.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/0L5kRlD

Labour councillors resign over Starmer's leadership

The three councillors say they disagree with recent policy choices taken by the Westminster party.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/i8AQL9t

David Dimbleby: I thought the free market was with us forever - then Trump came along

Why the reign of the free market is facing its biggest ever challenge

from BBC News https://ift.tt/PUQhw4s

Men make sacrifices many women don't for top jobs, Farage says

The Reform leader makes the comments on the role of women in the workplace at an event in Westminster.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/1E5I6AN

Faisal Islam: Could surprise on growth save the day?

The UK's economic prospects are better than expected, but the forecasts are precarious and could easily be derailed.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/Lh0bwdJ

BBC Verify: How did Rachel Reeves make her sums add up?

BBC Verify's Ben Chu looks at how the Chancellor managed to stick to her fiscal rules in the Spring Statement, despite a jump in borrowing costs for the Government.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/CGsThS1

Local elections 2025: Is there an election in my area?

Find out whether there is an election near you on 1 May using our postcode lookup tool.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/z5QMsrU

Government concerns over assisted dying timeline

The Labour MP bringing the bill says she is "disappointed" to be proposing pushing the implementation deadline to 2029.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/KT4lMV6

Sussex university fined £585k in free speech row

The university is fined by the higher education regulator for failing to uphold freedom of speech.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/C7OFkmo

Reeves to focus on £2bn defence boost in Spring Statement

The chancellor will warn of a "changing world", as she sets out latest plans for the UK economy.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/YGJp46S

'I could lose £100K despite Woodford redress scheme'

People who lost savings from a collapsed investment fund say a redress scheme has let them down.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/fw1la7j

Peers seek tax rise safeguards for health workers

Lords inflict a series of defeats on plans to raise National Insurance Contributions from13.8% to 15%.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/83GDMHR

Faisal Islam: No tax rises and no return to austerity but will it last?

The Spring Statement is "not a Budget", but the chancellor is facing major tax and spending challenges.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/Gk3VEor

Reform name candidate for by-election

Sarah Pochin is chosen as Reform UK's candidate for the upcoming by-election in Cheshire.

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

Government can be more efficient, says Keir Starmer

The prime minister says he wants to see government departments become more efficient by using AI and technology.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/59gJva4

Sort 'pothole plague' or lose cash, councils warned

Councils in England will be asked to publish reports on their repairs or miss out on funding, but critics say long-term thinking is needed.

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

Grassroots anger tests Farage's grip on Reform UK

Disquiet in the ranks of the rapidly growing party might run deeper than leader Nigel Farage is prepared to admit.

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

Civil Service told to slash running costs by 15%

The target is said to be administrative costs - but unions have challenged ministers to be upfront about what areas of work they are prepared to sacrifice as a result.

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

Government considering sending failed asylum seekers to Balkans

Home Office officials have discussed proposals to set up overseas "return hubs"

from BBC News https://ift.tt/dbms3P1

Investigation ordered into power outage that closed Heathrow

Ed Miliband says there are lessons to be learned after outage led to major flight disruption on Friday.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/BHwb5xp

Rachel Reeves: I will not 'tax and spend'

In an interview with the BBC's Laura Kuenssberg, the chancellor opened up on the public finances and how she's finding the job.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/JXUZD3e

Three more councillors resign from Labour

Dudley councillors Peter Drake, Karl Denning and Matt Cook confirm they will now sit as independents.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/qtN6yBw

Schools and hospitals get £180m solar investment

The government has announced the funding for 200 schools and hospitals apiece across the UK.

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

Putin would breach Ukraine deal if it is not defended, says PM

Military leaders met in London to discuss plans for troops to help guarantee Ukraine's security in any peace deal.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/zva5elP

UK to host new Ukraine peacekeeping talks

The prime minister is expected to attend the meeting of senior military officers on Thursday afternoon.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/lHspZ40

Watch: Starmer visits UK nuclear-armed submarine

The prime minister pays a rare visit to the crew of HMS Vanguard, as the submarine returns to UK waters after more than 200 days of patrol.

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

Labour group leader resigns from party over cuts

Dudley councillor Pete Lowe says welfare cuts are "the final straw" after much heart-searching.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/eQ9TU4k

Drama shines light on 'growing problem' - PM

The drama focuses on the impact of social media and misogynist influencers on some teenage boys.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/ug3Qk9I

Tulip Siddiq attacks 'false' corruption allegations

The ex-Labour minister's lawyers say investigators in Bangladesh have yet to formally question her.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/YHkr0oW

Starmer says cost of sickness benefits 'devastating'

The prime minister's remarks come after the government announced a major benefits overhaul on Tuesday.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/s6qyvCl

Chris Mason: Flurry of worry over benefit changes

It could be some time before people know how they may be affected by the government's benefits overhaul.

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

Lammy says Israel international law remarks 'could have been clearer'

The foreign secretary had twice told MPs Israel's aid blockade into Gaza was a "breach" of international law.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/R8ZFeGU

At-a-glance: Key changes to benefits in welfare shake-up

How Personal Independence Payments (Pip) and other health-related benefits could change under government plans.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/n0OaiAN

Some PIP recipients may lose out under welfare cuts

Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall will set out reforms to the benefits system on Tuesday afternoon.

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

Crackdown on government cards to cut 'wasteful' spending

Purchases include £2,500 spent at a women's shoe shop in Barbados and £1,200 on luxury coffee pods.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/FQxf8du

PM faces discontent over benefits system shake-up

Sir Keir Starmer has faced concerns from Labour backbenchers who have expressed anger at proposals.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/7ZCFTRA

Michael Gove denies trying to circumvent Dyson ventilator checks

Former cabinet minister says it would be ludicrous to suggest he tried to shortcut safety checks in the pandemic.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/O3SCaGZ

Conservatives push for ban on phones in schools

Opposition says it will attempt to amend a Labour government bill to include the ban.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/s8D1URY

Streeting admits 'risk of disruption' in NHS overhaul

The health secretary defends scrapping NHS England but admits the reform will bring challenges.

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

Could Starmer be in for a benefits rebellion as tribes clash in his own party?

Labour may have ditched its factional in-fighting - but deep welfare cuts could reignite tensions.

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

Charities accuse Starmer of misleading spider claims

Charities say rare spiders did not block "an entire new town", as the prime minister suggested.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/SYg7lCu

Labour picks candidate to replace shamed Amesbury

Cheshire councillor Karen Shore hopes to retain the seat which Labour won at the general election.

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

Sentencing body to review 'two-tier' justice objections

New guidance issued to judges created a stand-off between the independent Sentencing Council and MoJ.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/qTZN2hd

Mone accuses Covid inquiry of 'cover-up'

She says husband Doug Barrowman and her are targets of a "politically motivated witch hunt".

from BBC News https://ift.tt/RYEZSr4

Starmer pledges to tackle 'flabby' state

The PM will promise to cut regulations and use AI to make the Civil Service more efficient in a speech later.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/OczPTu9

Could PM's regulation shake-up mean a 'bonfire of the quangos'?

The PM will pledge to slash the costs of regulation with an "active government" in a speech later.

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

MPs scrap judge sign-off in assisted dying bill

Activists suggest replacing judges with a three-person panel featuring a senior legal figure.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/rai56s3

Disabled people must have a say in rail reforms, MP says

The transport committee chair urged the government "not to forget about disabled people" ahead of nationalisation.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/MkY6FpQ

UK seeks trade deal as Trump metal tariffs take effect

Duty on steel and aluminium imports is a major hit for some of the US's top trading partners.

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

UK helped Ukraine and US reach ceasefire agreement

Sir Keir Starmer led European efforts to mend Trump-Zelensky relationship, UK government sources tell the BBC.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/bU3JXmC

'Worrying' number of teens lose disability benefits

More than 124,000 young people have had claims for adult disability benefits refused, the BBC finds.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/Z6npmIT

Ministers scrap green heating plans for new homes

Acting net-zero secretary Gillian Martin told MSPs the legislation, drafted by the Scottish Greens, would "make people poorer."

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

Plan to make it easier for councils to seize land for housing

The measure is part of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, which is being introduced in Parliament later.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/UP8CuVg

Former MP decides to stand as independent

Ex-MP Ruth George says hundreds wanted her to stand as an independent candidate for Whaley Bridge.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/FL3CRSg

Sentencing body defends changes after 'two-tier' row

New guidance on sentencing offenders from ethnic monitories and other backgrounds is set to start in April.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/7FExQph

Former Bristol MP takes seat in House of Lords

A former Bristol MP and shadow minister takes her seat in the House of Lords.

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

Conservatives call for salary hike on work visas

Shadow home secretary Chris Philp said he wants to "bring to an end the era of mass migration".

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

Man charged after climbing Big Ben's Elizabeth Tower

Daniel Day, 29, has been charged with causing a public nuisance and trespassing on a protected site.

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

Lawyer probing Reform UK row contradicts suspended MP

Comments attributed to the senior lawyer by the Great Yarmouth MP in his defence have been denied by her.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/LQthV2K

Farage defends suspending MP and criticises 'infighting'

The Reform UK leader acknowledges the row has "dented" the "sense of unity" in his party.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/aWuEd8l

Tory call to ban use of rights act to stop deportations

Kemi Badenoch previously criticised how some foreign criminals and illegal migrants were using the act.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/sDdpZh3

Poor performing civil servants to be incentivised to leave jobs in new plans

Pat McFadden said the civil service's "state is not match-fit to rise to the moment".

from BBC News https://ift.tt/8pUnS4q

Labour ministers yet to hold talks over Abramovich funds

Funds worth £2.5bn - meant to help Ukrainians - remain frozen in a UK bank account over a row about how to use them.

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

Water fluoridation expansion plans confirmed

The government says it will help reduce the number of children with tooth decay.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/gwnqtQ3

Plan to ban smart phones in schools scrapped by MP

The MP behind the bill says he has altered proposals in a bid to gain government support.

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

Farage hits back at Reform MP's leadership criticism

Farage rejects suggestions from Rupert Lowe that Reform UK is a "protest party led by the Messiah".

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

How big is the welfare budget and where might cuts fall?

The Chancellor has earmarked "several billion pounds" in draft spending cuts to welfare.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/avqYA2Q

Work coaches to focus on long-term unemployed

Ministers hope the plans will help reduce the rapidly rising cost of health and disability benefits.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/QcMz94U

Mahmood rejects sentencing changes after 'two-tier' claims

Proposed reforms issued by the independent Sentencing Council were labelled biased by the Conservatives.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/acMm7wb

Councils fear shake-up won't improve finances, survey says

There is low support for local government reorganisation among council leaders, a survey suggests.

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

More funding for judges to tackle record court delays

The announcement of new support for courts comes as two reports warn the justice system is struggling.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/tbw8MlE

Stop the Boats slogan was too stark, says Rishi Sunak

The former prime minister examines his time in Downing Street, with the BBC's Nick Robinson for Political Thinking.

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

Treasury earmarks billions in spending cuts

Cuts to areas including welfare will be put to the official forecaster ahead of the Spring Statement.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/EatX4Y7

Welsh budget plans approved after Lib Dem deal

Welsh government plans for an extra £600m in NHS spending passes with Lib Dem help.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/fXcQ0CG

Vance sparks row with Ukraine peace deal force remarks

The US vice-president has suggested "20,000 troops from some random country" will not deter Putin.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/4qTzh8g

UK won't be derailed by Ukraine aid freeze - Rayner

The deputy PM says the UK will continue "dialogue" with the US after it suspended military aid to Ukraine.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/M2cyfl1

King's pivotal role in Trump and Ukraine balancing act

King Charles has been a key part of efforts to maintain relationships with Trump and Zelensky.

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

Covid inquiry turns to PPE deals and the 'VIP lane'

Four weeks of hearings will look at the purchase of billions of pounds of medical equipment in the pandemic.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/ObR173K

Starmer announces 'coalition of the willing' to guarantee Ukraine peace

The UK prime minister says Europe would take the lead but US backing for a peace plan was needed.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/1AMXUD2

Was Starmer's summit enough to sway Trump?

Europe stepping up is only half of the story and much depends on whether the US is willing to play its part.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/D1GYKtb

Starmer announces £1.6bn missile deal for Ukraine

The PM announced "a number" of allies had signed up to his plan following the Lancaster House summit.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/H3k8uq5

UK and France to discuss Ukraine plan with Trump, says PM

Sir Keir Starmer also says he believes the US president wants peace, despite last week's Oval Office row with Ukraine's leader.

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

Starmer dismisses SNP call to axe Trump state visit

The SNP say Donald Trump needs to be a steadfast ally of Ukraine after a fiery exchange with Zelensky on Friday.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/r8QFcJo

Starmer and Zelensky set to meet at Downing Street

Zelensky has arrived in the UK a day before Sir Keir is set to host a summit of European leaders to discuss an end to the war between Ukraine and Russia

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

Independent MPs call for change to committee rules

Shockat Adam and Iqbal Mohamed, who were elected in 2024, say they want to participate in the parliamentary system.

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