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UK hosts military leaders to work on Ukraine plans The UK is hosting a closed meeting on Thursday of senior military leaders from the “coalition of the willing”, as they draw up plans for a proposed peacekeeping force for Ukraine. More than 20 countries are thought to be involved. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is… Continue reading UK hosts military leaders to work on Ukraine plans

Starmer says cost of sickness benefits ‘devastating’ 27 minutes ago Ian Aikman BBC News EPA The rising cost of sickness and disability benefits is “devastating” for the public finances, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said, after his government announced a major overhaul of the welfare system. Sweeping changes were unveiled on Tuesday, which ministers say… Continue reading Starmer says cost of sickness benefits ‘devastating’

Benefits crackdown unveiled with aim to save £5bn a year by 2030 6 hours ago Becky Morton Political reporter House of Commons The government has unveiled sweeping changes to the benefits system, aimed at saving £5bn a year by 2030. Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall said the overhaul would create a more “pro-work system”… Continue reading Benefits crackdown unveiled with aim to save £5bn a year by 2030

Net zero by 2050 ‘impossible’ for UK, says Badenoch 10 hours ago Sam Francis Political reporter PA Media Kemi Badenoch has said it is “impossible” for the UK to meet its net zero target by 2050 – a goal set by a previous Conservative government. The UK is legally committed to reaching net zero by… Continue reading Net zero by 2050 ‘impossible’ for UK, says Badenoch

Some PIP recipients may lose out under welfare cuts Some current recipients of the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) are likely to lose out under a planned overhaul of the welfare system, which is expected to tighten eligibility criteria. Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall will set out how the government intends to reform the health… Continue reading Some PIP recipients may lose out under welfare cuts

Benefits overhaul will be fair, insists Kendall 53 minutes ago Paul Seddon Political reporter Getty Images The work and pensions secretary has insisted her planned overhaul to benefits rules will be fair, as Labour MPs wait for details of expected welfare cuts. Liz Kendall said the plans, to be published on Tuesday, would put rising… Continue reading Benefits overhaul will be fair, insists Kendall

Reeves summons regulators to No 10 in drive for cuts to red tape Regulators are being summoned to No 10 on Monday to meet Chancellor Rachel Reeves as the government moves to slash bureaucracy and cut the cost of regulation for business by a quarter. The government will also announce plans to streamline environmental permitting… Continue reading Reeves summons regulators to No 10 in drive for cuts to red tape

Plan to freeze PIP disability benefits may be dropped Ministers are considering abandoning plans to freeze some disability benefits, the BBC understands. Initial reports had suggested Personal Independence Payments (PIP) would not rise in line with inflation for a year, but many usually loyal Labour MPs have voiced strong opposition in meetings in No10, as… Continue reading Plan to freeze PIP disability benefits may be dropped