Category: UK Politics

Increase sanctions on Russia to secure peace, Starmer says Western sanctions on Russia need to be increased, not weakened, in order to bring it to the negotiating table, Sir Keir Starmer has said. The prime minister accused Vladimir Putin of “playing games and playing for time” after the Russian president demanded sanctions were lifted before… Continue reading Increase sanctions on Russia to secure peace, Starmer says

Spring Statement 2025: Key points at a glance 22 minutes ago Reuters Chancellor Rachel Reeves has set out her plans for the UK economy during her Spring Statement in the House of Commons. It came as the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) – which monitors the government’s spending plans – unveiled its latest economic forecasts.… Continue reading Spring Statement 2025: Key points at a glance

No risk to UK lives from US security breach, says minister The lives of British servicemen and women have not been put at risk by a major security breach in the United States, the UK armed forces minister has told MPs. Luke Pollard said he had “high confidence” that British operational security remains “intact”. It… Continue reading No risk to UK lives from US security breach, says minister

Government can be more efficient, says Keir Starmer Sir Keir Starmer has said that the government can be more efficient by using AI and technology, ahead of the Spring Statement. Questioned on BBC Radio 5 Live on whether unprotected departments would face cuts, the PM said ministers were “looking across the board”, but he wanted… Continue reading Government can be more efficient, says Keir Starmer

Civil Service told to slash running costs by 15% The government is to tell the Civil Service it must make savings of more than £2bn a year from its administrative costs by the end of the decade, Whitehall sources have told the BBC. Civil Service departments will be instructed to reduce running costs by 10%… Continue reading Civil Service told to slash running costs by 15%

Reform UK row: Leaked messages reveal Farage fury with Lowe 3 hours ago Chris Mason Laura Kuenssberg Presenter, Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg•@bbclaurak EPA Nigel Farage called the behaviour of suspended Reform UK MP Rupert Lowe “disgusting” and “contemptible” in private WhatsApp messages seen by the BBC. In the messages, which were sent after Lowe criticised… Continue reading Reform UK row: Leaked messages reveal Farage fury with Lowe

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