Category: UK Politics

What can nervous businesses expect from the Budget? 9 hours ago Simon JackBusiness editor Reuters Business leaders face a nervous final few days before the chancellor’s second Budget, having borne the brunt of a brutal set of tax hikes this time last year. Firms are still reeling from those: the £25bn National Insurance increase and… Continue reading What can nervous businesses expect from the Budget?

Rail fares to be frozen in England next year Rail fares in England next year are to be frozen for the first time in 30 years, the government has announced. The freeze until March 2027 will apply to regulated fares, which includes season tickets and off-peak returns. The most recent fare rise, in March 2025,… Continue reading Rail fares to be frozen in England next year

Starmer and Zelensky discuss US peace plan for Ukraine Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has said that “Ukraine must determine its future”, after speaking to President Zelensky about a US-backed peace plan. There are concerns some of the reported proposals appear to heavily reflect many of Moscow’s demands. The White House has pushed back on… Continue reading Starmer and Zelensky discuss US peace plan for Ukraine

Starmer labels Farage ‘spineless’ over handling of racism claims Sir Keir Starmer has labelled Nigel Farage “spineless” and accused him of failing to adequately explain reports of racist and antisemitic comments it is alleged the Reform UK leader made while at school. This week, the Guardian newspaper reported a number of Farage’s contemporaries at the… Continue reading Starmer labels Farage ‘spineless’ over handling of racism claims

Paying failed asylum seekers to leave is value for money, says Mahmood Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has said she is willing to consider “a big increase” in payments to failed asylum seekers to persuade them to leave the UK voluntarily. She told the BBC this was often “better value for money for the taxpayer” than… Continue reading Paying failed asylum seekers to leave is value for money, says Mahmood

Russian spy ship on edge of UK waters, defence secretary says A Russian spy ship is on the edge of UK waters north of Scotland and has directed lasers at pilots of surveillance aircraft monitoring its activities, the defence secretary has said. Speaking at a press conference in Downing Street, John Healey said it was… Continue reading Russian spy ship on edge of UK waters, defence secretary says

Minister insists government committed to asylum reforms amid Labour criticism Communities Secretary Steve Reed has said the government is “absolutely committed” to pushing through major asylum reforms, despite a backlash from some Labour MPs. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has announced a series of changes, including forcing refugees to wait 20 years for permanent residency and… Continue reading Minister insists government committed to asylum reforms amid Labour criticism

Mahmood defends overhaul of ‘out of control’ asylum system 6 minutes ago Kate WhannelPolitical reporter Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has defended sweeping changes to the UK’s asylum system, telling MPs the current situation is “out of control and unfair”. Speaking in the House of Commons, Mahmood said: “If we fail to deal with this crisis,… Continue reading Mahmood defends overhaul of ‘out of control’ asylum system

Reeves backs off from proposals to raise income tax rates in Budget 7 minutes ago Chris Mason,Political editor and Kate Whannel,Political reporter House of Commons Chancellor Rachel Reeves has decided against raising income tax rates at the Budget later this month. In recent weeks, Reeves had given strong indications she would increase the tax –… Continue reading Reeves backs off from proposals to raise income tax rates in Budget

Ministers urge PM to sack whoever was behind anonymous briefings 33 minutes ago Chris Mason,Political editor and Kate Whannel,Political reporter House of Commons Sir Keir Starmer is facing calls from senior ministers to sack whoever was behind briefings to the media that the PM is facing a leadership challenge. Energy Secretary Ed Miliband and Health… Continue reading Ministers urge PM to sack whoever was behind anonymous briefings