Plaid Cymru and SNP discuss forming ‘progressive alliance’ Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth and SNP leader John Swinney have held talks to develop a “progressive alliance” between their pro-independence parties. Scottish first minister Swinney vowed to worked with the Welsh nationalist party to show their respective nations there is a “positive alternative to Westminster’s… Continue reading Plaid Cymru and SNP discuss forming ‘progressive alliance’

Starmer rules out investigation after Reeves admits rental rules ‘mistake’ 32 minutes ago Harry Farley,political correspondent, and Sam Francis,political reporter Reuters Sir Keir Starmer has dismissed calls for an investigation into Chancellor Rachel Reeves after she apologised for breaking housing rules when renting out her family home. In a letter to the prime minister, Reeves… Continue reading Starmer rules out investigation after Reeves admits rental rules ‘mistake’

Home Office has struggled to deal with crises, says Mahmood The Home Office has failed to meet the challenge of “crises” it has faced over several years and is “not yet fit for purpose”, the home secretary has told the BBC. Shabana Mahmood acknowledged that the department, which she was put in charge of last… Continue reading Home Office has struggled to deal with crises, says Mahmood

Migrant sex offender released due to human error, Lammy tells MPs An independent investigation has been launched after a migrant sex offender was mistakenly released from prison in what appears be “human error”, Justice Secretary David Lammy has said. In a statement to the House of Commons, Lammy said the inquiry will seek to “fully… Continue reading Migrant sex offender released due to human error, Lammy tells MPs

Home Office squandered billions on asylum hotels, MPs say The Home Office has “squandered” billions of pounds of taxpayers’ money on asylum accommodation, according to a report by a committee of MPs. The Home Affairs Committee said “flawed contracts” and “incompetent delivery” left the department unable to cope with a surge in demand and it… Continue reading Home Office squandered billions on asylum hotels, MPs say

Reeves refuses to rule out income tax rises in Budget 2 hours ago Sam FrancisPolitical reporter PA Media Chancellor Rachel Reeves has refused to rule out an income tax rise in next month’s Budget, amid speculation she is considering breaking a key Labour election pledge. Asked about reports, first published in The Guardian newspaper, that… Continue reading Reeves refuses to rule out income tax rises in Budget

Chris Mason: Extraordinary Caerphilly by-election humbles Westminster’s big beasts 48 minutes ago Chris MasonPolitical editor PA Media Amid the blizzard of nocturnal numbers any by-election generates, three stand out in Caerphilly this morning. Labour, so long the victor of so many a south Wales political contest, humbled, pummelled, crushed – attracting just 11% of voters.… Continue reading Chris Mason: Extraordinary Caerphilly by-election humbles Westminster’s big beasts