Category: UK Politics

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

Reeves insists changes to welfare needed as MPs call for flexibility 4 hours ago Iain Watson PA Media Rachel Reeves has insisted on the need to “get a grip” on the welfare bill, saying the system is not working for the taxpayer or recipients. The chancellor’s comments come amid concerns from Labour MPs about the… Continue reading Reeves insists changes to welfare needed as MPs call for flexibility

Chris Mason: Starmer echoes Liz Truss on reform of government It is a comparison neither would likely welcome, but look closely and the arguments of Sir Keir Starmer and Liz Truss about why government doesn’t work well enough are remarkably similar. Neither are the first to grumble about the machinery of government. More than 20… Continue reading Chris Mason: Starmer echoes Liz Truss on reform of government

Starmer pledges to tackle ‘flabby’ state 13 minutes ago Becky Morton Political reporter Getty Images Sir Keir Starmer has pledged to tackle the “overcautious” and “flabby” state to make it more efficient. Writing in the Daily Telegraph ahead of a speech later, the prime minister insisted he was not interested in ideological arguments about whether… Continue reading Starmer pledges to tackle ‘flabby’ state

UK seeks trade deal as Trump metal tariffs take effect 1 hour ago João da Silva and Tom Espiner Business reporters, BBC News Reuters The UK is pushing for a trade deal with the US as tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump on imports of steel and aluminium take effect. The import tax introduction… Continue reading UK seeks trade deal as Trump metal tariffs take effect

Plan to make it easier for councils to seize land for housing Councils are to be given greater powers to seize land, under government plans to boost housebuilding. The measure is part of the flagship Planning and Infrastructure Bill, which is being introduced in Parliament later and aims to speed up building. Housing Minister Matthew… Continue reading Plan to make it easier for councils to seize land for housing

Lawyer probing Reform UK row contradicts MP Lowe 6 hours ago Chris Mason PA Media A senior lawyer appointed by Reform UK to independently investigate allegations against MP Rupert Lowe and his team has denied making comments he says she made. The Great Yarmouth MP was suspended by Reform and referred to the police over… Continue reading Lawyer probing Reform UK row contradicts MP Lowe

Under-performing civil servants could be incentivised to leave jobs Under-performing civil servants could be incentivised to leave their jobs under new government plans, while top staff will have their pay linked to their performance. Cabinet Office minister Pat McFadden said they will “fundamentally reshape” the service as its state is currently not “match-fit” for what… Continue reading Under-performing civil servants could be incentivised to leave jobs

Labour ministers yet to hold talks over Abramovich funds 17 hours ago Joshua Nevett Political reporter Nizaar Kinsella Senior football reporter Getty Images Labour ministers have yet to hold talks with key figures involved in unlocking the £2.5bn promised for Ukraine after Roman Abramovich’s sale of Chelsea football club. Abramovich sold Chelsea in 2022, after… Continue reading Labour ministers yet to hold talks over Abramovich funds

About 20 countries could join Ukraine coalition, UK says About 20 countries are interested in joining a “coalition of the willing” to help Ukraine, according to UK officials. It is not thought every one of the countries, which are largely from Europe and the Commonwealth, would necessarily send troops but some could provide other support.… Continue reading About 20 countries could join Ukraine coalition, UK says