Tough choices on public spending unavoidable, says IFS

With the NHS and defence getting more funding, cuts to other areas are inevitable, the influential think tank says.

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

Healey sees defence spend rise to 3% of GDP by 2034

But a source says the defence secretary is voicing an opinion, not announcing a new commitment.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/GxIT1sa

Rugby league anger at no knighthoods in 130 years

The Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle joins protests at the lack of knighthoods for rugby league players.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/13epfUb

Millionaires shouldn't get winter fuel cash, minister says

Darren Jones says the pension top-up should only be "targeted to those that need it the most".

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

Reform UK to accept Bitcoin donations, says Farage

The party would be the UK's first to accept the cryptocurrency as regulation discussion continues.

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

Badenoch attacks Starmer and Farage over welfare

The Tory leader says the PM and Reform UK are in a "race to the bottom" to scrap the child benefit cap.

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

MSPs back tobacco ban plan for 'smoke free generation'

MSPs back UK legislation which means it will be illegal for anyone currently aged 15 or under to ever buy cigarettes.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/NBn5gAe

Reeves outlines plan for £25bn pension 'megafunds'

The government says its overhaul of retirement savings will boost growth and pension pots.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/eg8TsQW

Planning change to make installing heat pump easier for millions

The rule requiring planning permission if a heat pump is within 1m of a neighbours property has been removed.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/tT6rAWu

Mayor backs report's call for cannabis law reform

The London Drugs Commission is calling for possession of cannabis for personal use to be decriminalised.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/tWRvCH9

Hundreds of lawyers call for UK sanctions on Israel over Gaza war

Their letter warns of genocide in Gaza, and calls on the UK to take concrete actions to meet its international legal obligations.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/ikDL8ZR

Met chief warns anti-crime pledges need funding

In what amounts to a direct plea to the chancellor, Sir Mark Rowley says the police are "overstretched".

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

Environmental rules reviewed for small housebuilders

Ministers are considering how costs can be reduced for small firms to help them build more homes.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/fXK9Tzy

Swinney accuses Reform of racism over Sarwar advert

The first minister has urged Facebook's parent company Meta to remove the "unacceptable" video.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/VR5jLSX

Churchill photo thief sentenced to two years in jail

'The Roaring Lion' - one of the 20th century's most iconic images - was stolen from a hotel in Ottawa.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/V4XpgkB

Streeting urges doctors to vote no in strike ballot

Resident doctors unhappy with 5.4% pay rise with union warning strikes in England could return.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/beXo1lc

Call for freeze on Syrian asylum claims to end as thousands still in limbo

The UK paused processing of Syrian claims five months ago, following the fall of President Assad.

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

Farage commits to reinstating winter fuel payment

Reform UK also plans to scrap the two-child benefit policy, as part of plans to outflank the government.

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

'It's going to be ugly': Westminster braces for Spending Review

As the chancellor prepares to set government budgets for future years, who are likely winners and losers?

from BBC News https://ift.tt/6bvAVs7

There is an alternative, Labour MPs tell Reeves

Some MPs are calling on the chancellor to raise taxes on the wealthy instead of cutting welfare.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/Ng8dMyf

Reform UK prepares for real power on a council it now dominates

Lancashire's new councillors start their jobs, after the party's big wins in this month's local elections.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/j1OCV27

Starmer migration plan will damage Wales, FM fears

Sir Keir Starmer's migration plans will damage Wales, First Minister Eluned Morgan says.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/DVku6be

Netanyahu accuses Starmer of siding with Hamas

The UK, France and Canada condemned the expanded Israeli military operation in Gaza this week.

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

Second attempt to oust council leader fails

Arooj Shah says she just wants to "crack on" with working hard for the people of Oldham.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/93Hn7lN

Why did the government sign the Chagos deal now?

A deal to hand Mauritius the Chagos Islands and lease back a key military base has been months in the making.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/qCDs3cI

Chris Mason: Labour is still blaming the Conservatives

A year on from the election, the government needs to demonstrate delivery to claw back some popularity.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/dKUlNe4

Immigration is the albatross around UK politics. Starmer will struggle to break free

New figures are expected to show a fall in net migration. But still, Labour will struggle to soothe public concern, writes our senior correspondent Allan Little.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/LsH56uc

MP considered bladder removal over chronic UTI

Stoke-on-Trent South MP Allison Gardner says at one point she considered having her bladder removed.

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

Union blames council for lack of bin strike deal

Unite accuses Birmingham City Council of failing to meet a promised deadline to present a pay offer.

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

Government says water company investigations have increased

The government says it has launched 81 criminal investigations for alleged breaches of environmental law.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/u9lt8qD

Labour postpones women's conference after Supreme Court ruling

The decision has been condemned by trans rights advocates and by gender critical activists.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/h73I0DC

Starmer joins condemnation of Israel over Gaza

The UK, France and Canada "strongly oppose" Benjamin Netanyahu's expansion of military operations.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/qY4DVuQ

Chris Mason: EU deal a reminder of an uneasy relationship

Our political editor reflects on the UK's deal with the EU to smoothen frictions in trade.

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

UK now best placed country on trade - Reeves

The chancellor tells the BBC the latest trade agreements with the EU, US and India will boost economic growth.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/rBKf5md

Peers demand more protection from AI for creatives

MPs have already overturned calls for more copyright protection for artists against AI once before.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/KOF1Q8b

Henry Zeffman: Starmer banks on public being over Brexit

For the UK-EU deal to succeed the PM needs it to seem as insignificant and uncontroversial as possible.

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

The inside story of a council held to ransom in cyber-attack

The BBC investigates one of the most damaging ranswomare attacks on a UK local council.

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

Chris Mason: Brexit back in the news - but what do both UK and EU want?

Expect talk of haggling, fish, cash and courts as the summit risks inflaming old Brexit rows.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/PUF60kR

Criminals could fill potholes and clean bins under government plans

Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood is said to want to expand unpaid work, which she believes to be too lenient.

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

Far-right leaders attempting to hijack success of Reform

Two prominent figures have set out plans to use Nigel Farage's party to push their own 'pro-white' agenda.

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

Gove 'in agreement' with Swinney over second independence referendum

Former Tory MP Michael Gove reveals his change in position over a second vote.

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

Youth mobility scheme could be part of EU deal, PM signals

Sir Keir Starmer is expected to announce a broad agreement on the issue at a summit on Monday.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/4ryb13M

Rise in disabled people facing homelessness in England

Analysis of data also suggests the amount of social housing given to disabled people has gone down.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/K8mcNI4

Is Britain really inching back towards the EU?

The first UK-EU summit since Brexit takes place on Monday - but is it a "surrender summit" as the Conservatives fear, or could it be, as Starmer puts it, an example of "serious pragmatism"?

from BBC News https://ift.tt/n4xduWo

PM's Albania trip shows tricky path on migration

Keir Starmer chose a curious location to talk up his plan for hubs to host failed asylum seekers.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/kphz2JX

Anti-poverty strategy to be signed off after 18 years

The anti-poverty strategy has been a a requirement since the St Andrews Agreement in 2006.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/JlOoVW4

Overhaul needed to prevent benefit claimants suffering harm, MPs say

MPs say new laws and "deep-rooted cultural change" are needed at the Department for Work and Pensions.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/5mF9pZN

Margaret Thatcher festival planned for centenary

Ideas for the celebration include themed beers with names such as Iron Lady and Grantham Lass.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/ATYlu1N

Thousands of civil servant jobs to leave London

The government is aiming to cut roles in London by 12,000 and close 11 offices in the capital.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/u3PFRMV

AI tool put to test sifting public views on botox and fillers

The technology's success sorting comments on cosmetic surgery paves the way for its wider use, the government says.

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

Scottish assisted dying bill passes first vote

MSPs have been debating proposals to allow terminally-ill adults to seek medical help to end their lives.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/SQW3LoX

Fishing shouldn't block defence pact, says EU chief

The EU's foreign policy chief says talks over future fishing access should not block a defence deal.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/c94mPoB

Labour MPs signal rebellion over welfare cuts

A number of Labour MPs say they will vote against the government's proposed welfare reforms.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/Kx09RpY

Man arrested after fires at homes linked to PM Keir Starmer

The Metropolitan Police arrest a 21-year-old man on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life after fires at homes linked to the prime minister.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/SZ6QJnI

Starmer's robust language nods to immigration failures

The PM knows cutting immigration is crucial to his credibility, political editor Chris Mason writes.

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

Care worker recruitment from abroad to end, Cooper says

Up to 50,000 fewer lower-skilled workers will come to the UK under new measures aimed at tackling net migration, the home secretary says.

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

Green Party duo launch joint leadership bid

Green Party co-leader Adrian Ramsay and MP Ellie Chowns join forces in a bid for the leadership.

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

Chris Mason: Why Labour aims to buck 25-year trend of rising legal migration

While the focus is on legal immigration, it is expected that ministers will discuss illegal immigration.

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

PM promises tougher visa rules to fix 'broken' migration system

Sir Keir Starmer promises new migration rules will "create a system that is controlled, selective and fair".

from BBC News https://ift.tt/RA2VsYv

Time to end care worker recruitment from abroad, Cooper says

Up to 50,000 fewer lower-skilled workers will come to the UK under new measures aimed at tackling net migration, the home secretary says.

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

Labour to unveil big immigration plans next week - but will they win back votes?

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper is set to release her White Paper called "Restoring Control Over the Immigration System".

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

In pictures: 25 years of London's mayors in action

The first mayor of London was elected in May 2000 - we mark 25 years with these memorable images.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/90lfkHP

Kyiv ceasefire talks a 'significant moment', says Starmer

Global leaders urge Russia to agree to an unconditional 30-day ceasefire from Monday, warning of further sanctions if it does not comply.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/Bkx4Vy2

What's likely to be in Labour's immigration crackdown?

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper is preparing to unveil an immigration white paper.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/k1rxial

Bold spending needed to halt prison crisis - union

A probation service union says a sentencing review may have no impact without extra funding.

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

Starmer joins world leaders in Ukraine to call for ceasefire

The prime minister will join world leaders as they vow to "ratchet up pressure on Russia's war machine".

from BBC News https://ift.tt/93n7KJs

UK must 'do everything' to rebuild trade with EU, says Bank boss

Andrew Bailey told the BBC that as a public official he did not take a view on Brexit, but that reversing the post Brexit hit to UK-EU trade would be "beneficial".

from BBC News https://ift.tt/c7hNxzV

Chris Mason: Starmer can claim limited win with America deal

The government's diplomatic achievement in sorting this deal before anyone else delivers reprieve to carmakers.

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

US and UK agree deal slashing Trump tariffs on cars and metals

It will leave a 10% import tax on most goods shipped from the UK to the US.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/96XK2yg

Calls to suspend councillor over 'Hitler' post

Two Lancashire Labour MPs condemn a post on a newly elected councillor's Facebook page.

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

More offenders could be tagged, as minister insists he's 'not soft on crime'

The prisons minister tells the BBC more criminals could be tagged in future, rather than sent to prison.

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

Labour MPs signal rebellion over welfare cuts

A number of Labour MPs say they will vote against the government's proposed welfare reforms.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/mzJl1Ta

Chris Mason: Can Delhi deal mask Labour's problems at home?

Labour says the deal has "tangible benefits", but it comes as the government faces heat at home.

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

Criminals who skip sentencing could face more jail time

A new bill providing powers for judges to punish offenders will be introduced to Parliament on Wednesday.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/6J8fatF

Climbing of Winston Churchill statue to become a crime

The home secretary will include Churchill's statue in new law trying to stop war memorial vandalism.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/Gd3ayxp

India trade deal could undercut UK workers, opposition parties say

The trade deal gives a tax break to Indian professionals, which critics say undercuts UK businesses.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/HwdiC76

Councillor resigns from Reform after suspension

Donna Edmunds was suspended from the party over a post on X declaring she had planned to defect.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/jLNe3JH

Reform clarifies flag policy after red rose row

Blackpool South MP Chris Webb raised concerns that Lancashire's flag would be banned from being flown.

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

Trump film tariffs to be part of UK-US trade talks

It comes as moviemakers worry the UK's thriving film industry could be hit by the new tariff threat.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/Phb3aQn

Doing nothing on social care 'untenable', MPs warn

The report says failure to fix England's social care system carries an unknown human and financial cost.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/nj8UhHm

Scotland's election countdown - should Swinney be optimistic?

The first minister will set out his programme for government this week, with a focus on steadying the ship.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/oD26Utq

Ex-Tory council leader calls for Badenoch to resign

Jason Smithers says the Conservatives need a new face at the top after "terrible" election results.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/7wQV5uk

Sir John Curtice: The map that shows Reform's triumph was much more than a protest vote

It suggests the party was particularly popular among those who voted for Brexit in 2016 and for Boris Johnson in 2019.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/FS4bzJr

Labour minister sorry over grooming gangs remark

Leader of the Commons Lucy Powell has sought to clarify comments she made in "the heat of" a radio debate.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/YBf8Tgi

Labour and Tories digest Reform UK election surge

Nigel Farage's party took control of 10 local councils, won two mayoral races and added a fifth MP.

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

What might Reform do with its newly-won power?

For the first time the party has won control of local councils, as well as two mayoralties.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/9ioBjg6

Chris Mason: Fireworks for Reform as Labour and Tories write election post-mortems

Senior Reform figures believe the primary driving motivation behind their surge is betrayal.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/mN291bP

Reform UK makes big gains in English local elections

Nigel Farage's party gains its first foothold in local government after seizing hundreds of seats.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/s21Hk8F

Streeting accused of 'betrayal' over maternity funding plan

Campaigners say the move will “rip the heart out of any moves to improve maternity safety”.

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

Runcorn and Helsby by-election - all you need to know

The poll was prompted after the incumbent MP was sentenced for assaulting a constituent.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/LKxMHS1

Is there a local election in my area and where can I vote?

Find out whether there is an election near you on Thursday and where you can vote, using our lookup tool.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/j4Z3eBJ

Counter-terrorism police investigating Kneecap videos

The Metropolitan Police say there are 'grounds for further investigation' into the videos.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/bOJn7dw

Bin dispute goes to May Day mediation talks

The talks on Thursday will see conciliation service Acas included in negotiations for the first time.

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