-
As Labour prepares for its first budget on October 30, concerns grow over the potential revenue from proposed tax changes targeting non-domiciled individuals. The party aims to address a £39.8 billion tax gap while facing criticism over cuts to winter fuel payments for pensioners. The political landscape intensifies ahead of the budget.
-
New government data reveals a record 117,350 households in temporary accommodation in England, with a significant rise in families with children. Scotland also reports over 30,000 open homelessness cases, highlighting a nationwide housing emergency. Experts call for urgent government action to address the crisis and increase affordable housing supply.
-
As the Conservative Party's annual conference concludes, candidates Kemi Badenoch, James Cleverly, and Robert Jenrick vie for leadership. Cleverly gains momentum with a call for a more relatable party, while Badenoch's speech resonates with members. The outcome of the contest will shape the party's future direction following a significant electoral defeat.
-
Local authorities in England and Scotland are grappling with significant funding shortfalls, projected to reach £54 billion by 2030. Rising costs in social care and education are forcing councils to cut essential services, risking insolvency for many. Urgent government intervention is needed to prevent further deterioration of local services.
-
As the Conservative Party conference unfolds, frontrunners Kemi Badenoch and Robert Jenrick face scrutiny over their policies and past statements. With the leadership contest set to conclude on November 2, candidates are vying for support from MPs and party members amid a backdrop of significant electoral defeat and calls for a shift in strategy.
-
The UK government has announced a £21.7 billion investment in two carbon capture clusters in Teesside and Merseyside, aiming to create 4,000 jobs and attract £8 billion in private investment over the next 25 years. This initiative is part of the country's strategy to meet climate goals while addressing economic challenges.
-
A report by the Resolution Foundation reveals that 7.7 million UK households face fuel stress, needing to spend over 10% of their income on heating. The report suggests expanding cold weather payments to alleviate the impact of rising energy bills, particularly for families with children and low-income households.
-
UK universities are advocating for a 13.5% rise in tuition fees over five years, alongside a new funding model to support disadvantaged students. This proposal aims to stabilize university finances amid rising costs and declining international student numbers, as outlined in a recent blueprint by Universities UK.
-
Tesla reported a 6% increase in vehicle deliveries for Q3 2024, reaching 463,000 units. This rebound follows a challenging first half of the year and is attributed to lower financing rates and competitive pricing. However, the company faces stiff competition and market challenges, particularly in Europe and China.
-
New figures reveal that NHS A&E waiting times in Scotland reached their worst levels for August, with only 69.4% of patients seen within the four-hour target. Meanwhile, the UK asylum backlog remains significant, with Home Secretary Yvette Cooper acknowledging it may take three years to resolve.
-
As Labour prepares for its first budget on October 30, Chancellor Rachel Reeves faces a £16 billion financial deficit inherited from the Conservatives. The government is considering tax increases, spending cuts, and potential borrowing to address the fiscal challenges while aiming to promote growth and investment.
-
The UK government has suspended 30 arms export licenses to Israel, citing concerns over potential violations of international humanitarian law amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. This decision has sparked significant backlash from Israeli officials and political figures in the UK, highlighting the complexities of arms sales in conflict zones.
-
As tensions escalate in Lebanon, Western leaders are advocating for a temporary ceasefire along the border as Israeli troops prepare for a ground offensive against Hezbollah. This comes amid urgent diplomatic efforts from the US, UK, EU, and Arab nations to prevent further conflict.
-
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced a comprehensive 10-year plan to reform the NHS, emphasizing the need for significant changes to address long waiting lists and improve community health services. This follows a critical report by Lord Darzi, highlighting the NHS's urgent need for reform amid rising healthcare demands and preventable diseases.
-
Recent regulatory changes in the US and UK are reshaping banking capital requirements. The Federal Reserve has revised its Basel III endgame proposal, easing capital requirements for large banks. Meanwhile, the Bank of England has also reduced capital buffer expectations, aiming to bolster economic growth while maintaining financial stability.
-
Labour's new government, led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, is facing significant backlash from trade unions over proposed cuts to winter fuel payments for pensioners. Union leaders express concerns about austerity measures and the impact on vulnerable populations, as the government emphasizes the need for tough economic decisions amid a £22 billion fiscal shortfall.
-
The UK's national debt is projected to rise to over 270% of GDP by the mid-2070s, driven by an ageing population, climate change costs, and geopolitical tensions. Current debt stands at approximately £2.7 trillion, nearly 100% of GDP, necessitating urgent policy action to avert a fiscal crisis. The government is urged to invest in health reforms to improve productivity and reduce costs.
-
The UK government has voted to limit winter fuel payments to pensioners on specific benefits, affecting over 10 million people. This decision aims to save £1.5 billion amid a £22 billion financial shortfall, raising concerns about the welfare of vulnerable seniors this winter.
-
On September 21, 2024, Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a new initiative featuring 'planning passports' to expedite housing approvals. This plan aims to address the housing crisis by building 1.5 million homes over five years, focusing on urban densification and brownfield development. However, recent data shows planning approvals at a decade low, complicating these goals.
-
Labour leader Keir Starmer is under fire for accepting gifts, including clothing for his wife, from party donor Lord Alli. The controversy has sparked calls for investigations, with critics highlighting potential hypocrisy given Labour's previous stance on political donations. Starmer insists he follows the rules, while the party prepares for a challenging budget ahead.
-
Labour's Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds has announced plans for an Employment Rights Bill aimed at enhancing workers' rights, including a default right to flexible working and protections against unfair dismissal. This comes as Amazon mandates a full return to office work, igniting a debate on workplace culture and productivity.
-
Keir Starmer's approval ratings have dropped to their lowest level since becoming Prime Minister, now at -30. This decline coincides with Labour's first conference in government in 15 years, amid backlash over cuts to winter fuel payments and rising public discontent. Nearly half of voters view Starmer and Labour negatively.
-
As Labour delegates gather in Liverpool for their first conference since winning power, tensions rise over cuts to winter fuel payments for pensioners. Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces criticism from unions, particularly Unite, which is pushing for a vote to reverse the cuts. The conference begins on September 22, 2024.
-
Recent art exhibitions in the UK have ignited debates over artistic expression and public decency. Glenn Ligon's show at the Fitzwilliam Museum explores identity through text and visual art, while a provocative painting by Poppy Baynham in Hay-on-Wye has drawn police attention for alleged obscenity. Both cases highlight tensions between art and societal norms.
-
Angela Rayner, Labour's deputy leader, is under investigation for failing to declare that former MP Sam Tarry stayed with her at a New York flat owned by Lord Alli. Rayner insists she followed the rules, claiming the trip was personal and not related to parliamentary duties. The controversy arises as Labour's conference begins.
-
Keir Starmer's recent visit to Italy to discuss migration strategies with Giorgia Meloni has sparked criticism within the UK. While aiming to reduce illegal crossings, concerns arise over aligning with Meloni's right-wing policies and the implications for Labour's humane migration stance.
-
Chancellor Rachel Reeves addressed the Labour Party conference, emphasizing a commitment to avoid austerity while tackling a £22 billion deficit. She announced plans for public investment and defended controversial cuts to winter fuel payments for pensioners, amidst criticism from opposition and unions. The budget is set for October 30, 2024.
-
Members of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) voted against the 2024-25 pay award, with two-thirds rejecting the deal in a record turnout of 145,000. The decision reflects ongoing dissatisfaction with pay and working conditions, despite a government commitment to reform the NHS.
-
As Labour prepares for its first budget on October 30, Chancellor Rachel Reeves faces significant challenges regarding proposed tax reforms targeting non-domiciled individuals. Concerns arise that these measures may not generate the expected revenue, prompting discussions about potential adjustments to the policy.
-
At the Labour Party conference, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer defended controversial cuts to winter fuel payments for pensioners, emphasizing the need for tough decisions. Critics, including union leaders and charities, have condemned the cuts, arguing they disproportionately affect vulnerable populations. Starmer's speech aimed to reassure party members amid growing dissent.
-
During his first Labour conference speech as Prime Minister, Keir Starmer mistakenly called for the 'return of the sausages' instead of hostages held by Hamas. The slip-up quickly went viral, overshadowing his serious calls for a ceasefire in Gaza and restraint in the Middle East. Starmer later acknowledged the blunder, inviting light-hearted ribbing.
-
In his first speech as Prime Minister at the Labour conference, Keir Starmer addressed the public's exhaustion with politics and the economic challenges ahead. He emphasized the need for tough decisions while promising a brighter future, despite facing criticism over his government's early decisions and declining approval ratings. The speech aimed to balance realism with hope for change.
-
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell indicated that interest rates may continue to decrease as inflation approaches target levels. Following a significant half-point cut earlier this month, Powell emphasized a cautious approach, noting the economy's solid condition while acknowledging potential risks. The Fed aims for a neutral rate that neither stimulates nor restricts economic growth.
-
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced new legislation aimed at tackling welfare fraud and supporting individuals returning to work. The proposed Fraud, Error and Debt Bill could save taxpayers £1.6 billion over five years, but faces criticism from privacy advocates concerned about mass surveillance of bank accounts.
-
The OECD has upgraded the UK's GDP growth forecast for 2024 to 1.1%, surpassing several G7 nations. This follows a recovery from a mild recession in late 2023, although inflation remains the highest in the group at 2.7%. Chancellor Rachel Reeves emphasizes the need for continued economic reforms.
-
Inflation in the eurozone fell to 1.8% in September, down from 2.2% in August, prompting speculation about potential interest rate cuts by the European Central Bank (ECB). With economic growth sluggish, markets now anticipate a rate cut at the ECB's upcoming meeting on October 17.
-
The OECD has upgraded the UK's economic growth forecast for 2024 to 1.1%, a significant increase from 0.4% in May. Chancellor Rachel Reeves welcomed the news, emphasizing the need for further reforms ahead of the upcoming Budget on October 30. However, inflation remains a concern, projected at 2.7% this year.
-
In his first conference speech as Prime Minister, Keir Starmer emphasized the need for government intervention in various sectors, including immigration and public services. He warned of tough choices ahead, including tax increases and new infrastructure projects, while attempting to reclaim the 'take back control' slogan from Brexit for Labour's agenda.
-
The UK government is reviving a controversial bill aimed at tackling welfare fraud by requiring banks to share data on benefit claimants. Critics warn this could lead to mass surveillance and privacy violations, particularly affecting vulnerable populations. The bill aims to recover £1.6 billion over five years but raises significant ethical concerns.
-
Since Labour's election victory in July, Prime Minister Keir Starmer's government has faced criticism for its economic messaging and reliance on Chancellor Rachel Reeves. Concerns are growing over the impact of their approach on public confidence and the NHS, as the government prepares for a crucial budget announcement in October.
-
Blackstone plans to invest £10 billion in a new AI data centre in Blyth, Northumberland, creating 4,000 jobs. The project, announced by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, aims to bolster the UK's economy and attract foreign investment. Blackstone will also contribute £110 million for local skills training and infrastructure improvements.
-
Following a tumultuous Labour Party conference, Prime Minister Keir Starmer is under pressure to address internal dissent over unpopular policies, particularly cuts to winter fuel payments. Calls for a reshuffle in his team are growing, especially after MP Rosie Duffield's resignation from the Labour whip, highlighting ongoing tensions within the party.
-
As the Labour Party pledges to reform business rates, industry leaders warn that thousands of shops and pubs could close if immediate relief isn't provided. The current rates relief scheme is set to expire in March, risking a £2.7 billion tax burden on struggling businesses.
-
The UK's GDP growth for Q2 2024 has been revised down from 0.6% to 0.5%, indicating a slower recovery from recession. Despite this, GDP for 2023 is now estimated to have increased by 0.3%. The economy faces challenges, including stagnant growth in recent months and rising household savings.
-
Rosie Duffield, MP for Canterbury, has resigned from the Labour Party, citing discontent with Prime Minister Keir Starmer's policies. In a scathing letter, she criticized his acceptance of gifts and decisions affecting pensioners and children in poverty. Duffield will now sit as an independent MP.
-
The UK Chancellor's cuts to winter fuel payments for pensioners have raised concerns about financial impacts, with a surge in pension credit claims undermining projected savings. The Labour government faces backlash as it attempts to address a £22 billion deficit inherited from the previous administration.