Chris Mason: Starmer upends Labour manifesto to confront Europe’s new reality A big moment and a big decision, ahead of a big meeting. The government’s announcement that it will crank up defence spending and shrivel the international aid budget amounts to a big shift in strategy, posture and political positioning. Take a look at the… Continue reading Chris Mason: Starmer upends Labour manifesto to confront Europe’s new reality

Mobile phone thieves targeted in flagship crime bill Police will be given new powers targeting anti-social behaviour and be allowed to search homes for stolen mobile phones without a warrant under major legislation to be unveiled in Parliament. The Crime and Policing Bill is at the heart of what the government calls its “Safer Streets… Continue reading Mobile phone thieves targeted in flagship crime bill

Boris Johnson backs Ukraine-US minerals deal 43 minutes ago Joshua Nevett Political reporter James Waterhouse Ukraine correspondent Reporting fromKyiv BBC Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson has urged President Volodymyr Zelensky to secure Ukraine’s future by signing a minerals deal with the US. Johnson said he believed Ukraine would sign a “promising” agreement to give the… Continue reading Boris Johnson backs Ukraine-US minerals deal

I’ll back Ukraine in talks with Trump, Starmer says 7 hours ago Damian Grammaticas Political correspondent Tom Symonds News correspondent Reuters Sir Keir Starmer will discuss the importance of Ukraine’s sovereignty in talks with Donald Trump next week, he said in a call with the country’s president. The UK prime minister reiterated the UK’s “ironclad… Continue reading I’ll back Ukraine in talks with Trump, Starmer says

Government finances in surplus but pressure builds on Reeves 13 minutes ago Michael Race & Harry Farley Business reporter & political correspondent BBC news BBC Pressure has increased on the chancellor’s tax and spending plans after a surplus in government finances missed official forecasts. The surplus – the difference between what the government spends and… Continue reading Government finances in surplus but pressure builds on Reeves

UK and Europe must step up over Ukraine, says ex-Army boss The UK and Europe may need to offer security guarantees to Ukraine in the event of a deal with Russia, regardless of US support, the former head of the armed forces has said. Retired General Sir Nick Carter said he believed it was for… Continue reading UK and Europe must step up over Ukraine, says ex-Army boss

Starmer backs Zelensky after Trump calls him ‘dictator’ 4 hours ago Joshua Nevett Political reporter Eleanor Montague BBC News Reuters Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has backed Volodymyr Zelensky as a “democratically elected leader” after Donald Trump described the Ukrainian president as a “dictator”. Sir Keir called Zelensky on Wednesday evening and told him it… Continue reading Starmer backs Zelensky after Trump calls him ‘dictator’