Category: UK Politics

Boris Johnson to apologise to Covid Inquiry but say he got big calls right Getty Images By Chris Mason Political editor, BBC News Boris Johnson is expected to apologise to the Covid Inquiry next week and acknowledge the government did not get everything right during the pandemic. But the former PM will argue robustly that… Continue reading Boris Johnson to apologise to Covid Inquiry but say he got big calls right

Covid inquiry: Earlier lockdown could have kept schools open, says Matt Hancock PA Media School closures in January 2021 could have been avoided if ministers had taken action earlier the previous autumn, Matt Hancock has said. The former health secretary told the Covid inquiry that avoiding a lockdown led to tougher measures later on. WhatsApp… Continue reading Covid inquiry: Earlier lockdown could have kept schools open, says Matt Hancock

Former Chancellor Alistair Darling dies aged 70 Getty Images By Sam Francis & Faisal Islam BBC News Alistair Darling, the Labour chancellor who steered the UK through the 2008 financial crisis, has died aged 70, a family spokesperson has said. Following Labour’s landslide 1997 election win, Lord Darling served in cabinet for 13 years under… Continue reading Former Chancellor Alistair Darling dies aged 70

Dominic Raab denies Dominic Cummings made key pandemic decisions UK Covid-19 Inquiry/PA Media By Chas Geiger BBC Politics Dominic Raab has rejected a claim by a former cabinet colleague that many of the key government decisions at the start of the Covid pandemic were taken by Dominic Cummings. Sajid Javid told the Covid inquiry that… Continue reading Dominic Raab denies Dominic Cummings made key pandemic decisions

Sir Elton John to address MPs after HIV testing trials success PA Media By Jack Fenwick & Adam Smith BBC Politics Sir Elton John is heading to Parliament to urge ministers to do more to hit a 2030 target of eliminating new HIV cases in England, the BBC has learned. The rock legend will address… Continue reading Sir Elton John to address MPs after HIV testing trials success

Government spending plans a big risk, says watchdog UK Parliament By Vishala Sri-Pathma Business reporter Spending plans outlined in the chancellor’s Autumn Statement represent “a very big fiscal risk”, according to the UK’s official economic forecaster. Richard Hughes, chair of the Office for Budget Responsibility, told MPs on the Treasury Select Committee that spending plans… Continue reading Government spending plans a big risk, says watchdog

Rishi Sunak agreed migrant deal, Suella Braverman’s allies say Reuters By Chris Mason & Joshua Nevett BBC Politics Prime Minister Rishi Sunak promised to toughen up migration rules under a Tory leadership contest deal with Suella Braverman, the former home secretary’s allies say. The Telegraph newspaper says it has seen a copy of a plan… Continue reading Rishi Sunak agreed migrant deal, Suella Braverman’s allies say

Reform UK denies claim it offered Tory Lee Anderson money to defect Getty Images Reform UK leader Richard Tice has denied claims Conservative deputy chairman Lee Anderson was offered money to defect to the party. The Sunday Times reported Mr Anderson had told Tory activists he had been offered “a lot of money” to join… Continue reading Reform UK denies claim it offered Tory Lee Anderson money to defect

Robert Jenrick pressures No 10 with own plan to cut migration EPA By Chris Mason & Sam Francis Political editor and political reporter, BBC News Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick has drawn up a set of proposals to attempt to cut immigration to the UK. The ideas, which he has shared with No 10, are not… Continue reading Robert Jenrick pressures No 10 with own plan to cut migration

Suella Braverman: Migration pressure is unsustainable Getty Images By Becky Morton Political reporter Suella Braverman has said the pressure on public services from migration is “unsustainable”, after figures estimated record levels last year. The former home secretary said the government must “act now” to cut the numbers coming to the UK. Net migration – the… Continue reading Suella Braverman: Migration pressure is unsustainable