Category: UK Politics

UK economy made stronger recovery during Covid Getty Images By Karen Hoggan & Faisal Islam BBC business report and economics editor The UK economy made a stronger recovery during Covid at the end of 2021 than previously estimated, according to sharply revised official figures. Data has now revealed that the economy was 0.6% bigger in… Continue reading UK economy made stronger recovery during Covid

Grant Shapps replaces Ben Wallace as defence secretary PA Media By Sam Francis Political reporter, BBC News Grant Shapps has pledged to “continue to UK’s support for Ukraine” as he takes over as defence secretary from Ben Wallace. It is Mr Shapps’ fifth cabinet job in less than a year, including roles as energy secretary,… Continue reading Grant Shapps replaces Ben Wallace as defence secretary

Disengaging with China not credible, says James Cleverly This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. By Stephen McDonell in Beijing & Kate Whannel & Damian Grammaticas in London BBC News Foreign Secretary James Cleverly has defended talks with Chinese officials in Beijing, telling the… Continue reading Disengaging with China not credible, says James Cleverly

Ministers propose scrapping pollution rules to build more homes UK Government By Ione Wells & Sam Francis BBC Politics EU-era water pollution restrictions for housing developments are to be scrapped in a bid to build more homes, the government has announced. Up to 100,000 new homes could be built by 2030 if rules around building… Continue reading Ministers propose scrapping pollution rules to build more homes

Nadine Dorries resigns: Labour and Lib Dems gear up for by-election battle PA Media By Thomas Mackintosh BBC News Labour and the Liberal Democrats are vying to snap up Nadine Dorries’ seat in a by-election this autumn, triggered after she quit on Saturday. The two parties ruled out any election pact as they look to… Continue reading Nadine Dorries resigns: Labour and Lib Dems gear up for by-election battle

Nadine Dorries resigns: Conservative MP attacks PM as she quits Commons Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire By Suzanne Leigh BBC News Nadine Dorries has resigned from the Commons, more than two months after pledging to go “with immediate effect”. She launched a blistering attack on Rishi Sunak in her resignation statement, telling the prime minister “history will… Continue reading Nadine Dorries resigns: Conservative MP attacks PM as she quits Commons

Rishi Sunak says pressure on the asylum system is unsustainable Reuters By Andre Rhoden-Paul BBC News Rishi Sunak has warned the UK’s asylum system is facing unsustainable pressure after the cost almost doubled in a year to nearly £4bn. The prime minister, who has made stopping small boats one of his top five priorities, said… Continue reading Rishi Sunak says pressure on the asylum system is unsustainable

Asylum backlog rises to record high – figures Getty Images By James Gregory & Mark Easton, home editor BBC News The number of people in the UK waiting for a decision on their asylum claims has risen to a record high, latest Home Office figures show. More than 175,000 people were waiting for a decision… Continue reading Asylum backlog rises to record high – figures

UK-India trade talks enter ‘final, trickier’ stage – government sources PA Media By Ione Wells Political correspondent UK trade talks with India are reaching their “final but trickier” stages, according to government sources. Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch is visiting India for a meeting of G20 trade ministers this week. There has been speculation about whether… Continue reading UK-India trade talks enter ‘final, trickier’ stage – government sources

Public borrowing below forecasts despite July rise Getty Images Government borrowing was lower than expected last month, adding to speculation about possible tax cuts later this year. Borrowing – the difference between spending and tax income – was £4.3bn in July, official figures show, below analysts’ forecasts of about £5bn. The figure was helped by… Continue reading Public borrowing below forecasts despite July rise