British journalist, broadcaster and comedian. Presents an afternoon politics show on BBC Radio 5 Live and Newsnight on Fridays.
A government-backed list of household emergency essentials has been published, emphasising three days of water and non-perishable food, with ministers warning that the UK faces increasingly likely weather shocks and cyber threats. Prime minister and cabinet ministers are encouraging residents to prepare, while some officials admit they have not fully stockpiled themselves.
The Labour MP for Ashton-under-Lyne has been reappointed as housing secretary after a tax dispute and severance payout. HMRC has cleared her of wrongdoing, and Conservatives are pressing for the money to be repaid. In a BBC Radio 5 Live interview, she confirms the payment was made when she left office and says she intends to deliver in government again.
Labour has signalled a review of Plan 2 student loans, including the earnings threshold and the interest rate, as debate grows over how much graduates repay.
The government has given English mayors the power to charge an overnight visitor levy as a percentage of accommodation costs with no statutory upper limit. Industry groups and major hotel chains have warned the uncapped power will push up prices, reduce demand and cost jobs; mayors argue revenue will fund local services and infrastructure from 2028.