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Showing posts from March, 2025

Minister warns of risk from foreign donors

Democracy Minister Rushanara Ali is planning measures to protect against foreign political interference. from BBC News https://ift.tt/0zhL5ay via IFTTT

Could electric drones you can sit in take off?

Skyfly's aircraft promises the flexibility of a helicopter without the cost, noise or emissions. from BBC News https://ift.tt/dey4SAu via IFTTT

The Swedish city fined for missing an environmental target

Gothenburg has to pay a financial penalty if it misses certain annual sustainability goals. from BBC News https://ift.tt/tdlk9oj via IFTTT

UK to host 40 countries for illegal migration summit

The talks, seen as the first of their kind, will aim to increase international co-operation. from BBC News https://ift.tt/DPwvI3y via IFTTT

Government to table law overriding sentencing rules

The new legislation comes in response to a row over how ethnic minority offenders should be sentenced. from BBC News https://ift.tt/w4c08z9 via IFTTT

Morning-after pill to be made free at pharmacies in England

The government hopes the move will end the "unfair postcode lottery" some women face. from BBC News https://ift.tt/ovVamE0 via IFTTT

Has the UK's most loathed protest group really stopped throwing soup?

Just Stop Oil says it will disband but does this mark an end to the chaos caused by its climate protests? from BBC News https://ift.tt/P7CdzDr via IFTTT

Labour councillors resign over Starmer's leadership

The three councillors say they disagree with recent policy choices taken by the Westminster party. from BBC News https://ift.tt/de5JCvn via IFTTT

David Dimbleby: I thought the free market was with us forever - then Trump came along

Why the reign of the free market is facing its biggest ever challenge from BBC News https://ift.tt/t5d3hVW via IFTTT

Men make sacrifices many women don't for top jobs, Farage says

The Reform leader makes the comments on the role of women in the workplace at an event in Westminster. from BBC News https://ift.tt/UJRcjFD via IFTTT

Government to fall short of housing target, figures suggest

The government will not get close to the extra homes needed to hit its housing in England, figures say. from BBC News https://ift.tt/zQ1rbWF via IFTTT

UK not entering trade war with US, says Starmer

The UK is in "intense negotiations" with the US over tariff plans, the prime minister says. from BBC News https://ift.tt/hbFpYaH via IFTTT

Next free speech fine may cost millions, unis told

The regulator has fined the University of Sussex £585,000 for failing to protect free speech on campus. from BBC News https://ift.tt/jmc4G5W via IFTTT

Anxiety over welfare cuts rises among Labour MPs

There is some unease in Labour's ranks over the planned savings to welfare in the Spring Statement. from BBC News https://ift.tt/rJ3giHc via IFTTT

BBC Verify: How did Rachel Reeves make her sums add up?

BBC Verify's Ben Chu looks at how the Chancellor managed to stick to her fiscal rules in the Spring Statement, despite a jump in borrowing costs for the Government. from BBC News https://ift.tt/teXmYug via IFTTT

Local elections 2025: Is there an election in my area?

Find out whether there is an election near you on 1 May using our postcode lookup tool. from BBC News https://ift.tt/WSEPb4G via IFTTT

Government concerns over assisted dying timeline

The Labour MP bringing the bill says she is "disappointed" to be proposing pushing the implementation deadline to 2029. from BBC News https://ift.tt/M51YP0X via IFTTT

Sussex university fined £585k in free speech row

The university is fined by the higher education regulator for failing to uphold freedom of speech. from BBC News https://ift.tt/l3TuPN6 via IFTTT

Reeves to focus on £2bn defence boost in Spring Statement

The chancellor will warn of a "changing world", as she sets out latest plans for the UK economy. from BBC News https://ift.tt/EJeGiYv via IFTTT

Government to drop asylum hotel provider

Stay Belvedere Hotels provides around a quarter of asylum accommodation. from BBC News https://ift.tt/jDVA1y2 via IFTTT

'I could lose £100K despite Woodford redress scheme'

People who lost savings from a collapsed investment fund say a redress scheme has let them down. from BBC News https://ift.tt/t7XEwYG via IFTTT

Peers seek tax rise safeguards for health workers

Lords inflict a series of defeats on plans to raise National Insurance Contributions from13.8% to 15%. from BBC News https://ift.tt/BobzpsC via IFTTT

Faisal Islam: No tax rises and no return to austerity but will it last?

The Spring Statement is "not a Budget", but the chancellor is facing major tax and spending challenges. from BBC News https://ift.tt/UAND0wn via IFTTT

Reform name candidate for by-election

Sarah Pochin is chosen as Reform UK's candidate for the upcoming by-election in Cheshire. from BBC News https://ift.tt/14YfBNm via IFTTT

Government can be more efficient, says Keir Starmer

The prime minister says he wants to see government departments become more efficient by using AI and technology. from BBC News https://ift.tt/BG0ULMe via IFTTT

Sort 'pothole plague' or lose cash, councils warned

Councils in England will be asked to publish reports on their repairs or miss out on funding, but critics say long-term thinking is needed. from BBC News https://ift.tt/mA5HZfR via IFTTT

Trump envoy dismisses Starmer plan for Ukraine

Steve Witkoff says the UK plans for an international force to support a ceasefire are a "posture". from BBC News https://ift.tt/pnOAdgw via IFTTT

Grassroots anger tests Farage's grip on Reform UK

Disquiet in the ranks of the rapidly growing party might run deeper than leader Nigel Farage is prepared to admit. from BBC News https://ift.tt/XYZF8CH via IFTTT

Civil Service told to slash running costs by 15%

The target is said to be administrative costs - but unions have challenged ministers to be upfront about what areas of work they are prepared to sacrifice as a result. from BBC News https://ift.tt/uApR5D3 via IFTTT

Government considering sending failed asylum seekers to Balkans

Home Office officials have discussed proposals to set up overseas "return hubs" from BBC News https://ift.tt/N3a5jGF via IFTTT

Investigation ordered into power outage that closed Heathrow

Ed Miliband says there are lessons to be learned after outage led to major flight disruption on Friday. from BBC News https://ift.tt/n3k9Tdg via IFTTT

Rachel Reeves: I will not 'tax and spend'

In an interview with the BBC's Laura Kuenssberg, the chancellor opened up on the public finances and how she's finding the job. from BBC News https://ift.tt/jBh5yXt via IFTTT

Scientists at Antarctic base rocked by alleged assault

A spokesperson for the South African government told the BBC there had been an assault at the station. from BBC News https://ift.tt/kfLpsMh via IFTTT

Small electric cars were said to be the future – but SUVs now rule the road

Despite dire predictions of climate breakdown, more Sports Utility Vehicles are being spotted on, and off, the roads. from BBC News https://ift.tt/OogeiNm via IFTTT

Schools and hospitals get £180m solar investment

The government has announced the funding for 200 schools and hospitals apiece across the UK. from BBC News https://ift.tt/L9SyVgp via IFTTT

Putin would breach Ukraine deal if it is not defended, says PM

Military leaders met in London to discuss plans for troops to help guarantee Ukraine's security in any peace deal. from BBC News https://ift.tt/MzOsxdP via IFTTT

Dark Energy experiment challenges Einstein's theory of Universe

New research could force a fundamental rethink of the nature of space and time. from BBC News https://ift.tt/azvqFlS via IFTTT

Drama shines light on 'growing problem' - PM

The drama focuses on the impact of social media and misogynist influencers on some teenage boys. from BBC News https://ift.tt/rZCsDAN via IFTTT

300-year-old Polish beech voted Tree of the Year

The win by Poland’s Heart of the Dalkowskie Hills tree marks Poland’s fourth victory in a row. from BBC News https://ift.tt/iTEvZW5 via IFTTT

Ministers struggle to quell MP concerns over benefit cuts

Ministers have been meeting Labour MPs worried about new restrictions to disability payments. from BBC News https://ift.tt/LfGdmzw via IFTTT

Astronauts Butch and Suni finally back on Earth

Dolphins circled their capsule after it landed off the coast of Florida. from BBC News https://ift.tt/RSIkjqQ via IFTTT

Chris Mason: Flurry of worry over benefit changes

It could be some time before people know how they may be affected by the government's benefits overhaul. from BBC News https://ift.tt/8Kqu4y7 via IFTTT

Lammy says Israel international law remarks 'could have been clearer'

The foreign secretary had twice told MPs Israel's aid blockade into Gaza was a "breach" of international law. from BBC News https://ift.tt/T3nB0Wu via IFTTT

Under-22s to be excluded from incapacity benefits

The move comes as part of an overhaul of the welfare system as the UK's benefits bill rises. from BBC News https://ift.tt/DlYwuS7 via IFTTT

Crackdown on government cards to cut 'wasteful' spending

Purchases include £2,500 spent at a women's shoe shop in Barbados and £1,200 on luxury coffee pods. from BBC News https://ift.tt/kbHsu8D via IFTTT

What are PIP disability payments and why could they change?

The Personal Independence Payment is a benefit that helps cover the extra costs of long-term health conditions. from BBC News https://ift.tt/VsxuFaX via IFTTT

Scientists at Antarctic base rocked by alleged assault

A spokesperson for the South African government told the BBC there had been an assault at the station. from BBC News https://ift.tt/ij8huJF via IFTTT

Nearly 42,000 UK asylum seekers waiting on appeal

Refugee Council said the number increased by five times in two years and those appealing still require accommodation. from BBC News https://ift.tt/RygNzfS via IFTTT

Michael Gove denies trying to circumvent Dyson ventilator checks

Former cabinet minister says it would be ludicrous to suggest he tried to shortcut safety checks in the pandemic. from BBC News https://ift.tt/1pk7eB4 via IFTTT

Lab-grown food could be sold in UK within two years

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is looking at how it can speed up the approval process for lab-grown foods. from BBC News https://ift.tt/Foi3Pgu via IFTTT

Conservatives push for ban on phones in schools

Opposition says it will attempt to amend a Labour government bill to include the ban. from BBC News https://ift.tt/WSwikN9 via IFTTT

Streeting admits 'risk of disruption' in NHS overhaul

The health secretary defends scrapping NHS England but admits the reform will being challenges. from BBC News https://ift.tt/nheWEHT via IFTTT

Could Starmer be in for a benefits rebellion as tribes clash in his own party?

Labour may have ditched its factional in-fighting - but deep welfare cuts could reignite tensions. from BBC News https://ift.tt/Zg1vdlq via IFTTT

In pictures: Stargazers marvel at 'blood moon' amid lunar eclipse

Early-rising UK stargazers woke up to a "blood Moon" lunar eclipse early on Friday. from BBC News https://ift.tt/OAEMtWu via IFTTT

SpaceX rocket launches as Butch and Suni prepare return

The pair are due to begin their long delayed journey back to Earth two days after the new crew arrive. from BBC News https://ift.tt/RGA091w via IFTTT

Charities accuse Starmer of misleading spider claims

Charities say rare spiders did not block "an entire new town", as the prime minister suggested. from BBC News https://ift.tt/3zg9BaK via IFTTT

Does cutting benefits work?

The government is to set out details of how it will save billions of pounds from the working welfare bill. from BBC News https://ift.tt/QquLXJs via IFTTT

Labour picks candidate to replace shamed Amesbury

Cheshire councillor Karen Shore hopes to retain the seat which Labour won at the general election. from BBC News https://ift.tt/XJntF9K via IFTTT

Sentencing body to review 'two-tier' justice objections

New guidance issued to judges created a stand-off between the independent Sentencing Council and MoJ. from BBC News https://ift.tt/kSm1YnB via IFTTT

Mone accuses Covid inquiry of 'cover-up'

She says husband Doug Barrowman and her are targets of a "politically motivated witch hunt". from BBC News https://ift.tt/ZeATP5t via IFTTT

Could PM's regulation shake-up mean a 'bonfire of the quangos'?

The PM will pledge to slash the costs of regulation with an "active government" in a speech later. from BBC News https://ift.tt/K8ZVg2p via IFTTT

MPs scrap judge sign-off in assisted dying bill

Activists suggest replacing judges with a three-person panel featuring a senior legal figure. from BBC News https://ift.tt/lVGsdj8 via IFTTT

Disabled people must have a say in rail reforms, MP says

The transport committee chair urged the government "not to forget about disabled people" ahead of nationalisation. from BBC News https://ift.tt/Bpv9r58 via IFTTT

Disability benefit cuts test loyalty of Labour MPs

Some are worried about the possibility of freezing payments for people with long-term conditions. from BBC News https://ift.tt/mo5b4YH via IFTTT

Scientists discover new part of the immune system

New part of the immune system - hidden inside our bodies - could be used to make new antibiotics. from BBC News https://ift.tt/rTQmKVR via IFTTT

'Worrying' number of teens lose disability benefits

More than 124,000 young people have had claims for adult disability benefits refused, the BBC finds. from BBC News https://ift.tt/UdFhVZt via IFTTT

Ministers scrap green heating plans for new homes

Acting net-zero secretary Gillian Martin told MSPs the legislation, drafted by the Scottish Greens, would "make people poorer." from BBC News https://ift.tt/kQXKlfO via IFTTT

Government backs paid miscarriage bereavement leave

A group of MPs want workers to get the right to leave if they suffer a miscarriage before 24 weeks. from BBC News https://ift.tt/Qa07Y8q via IFTTT

Plan to make it easier for councils to seize land for housing

The measure is part of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, which is being introduced in Parliament later. from BBC News https://ift.tt/bWQCtdL via IFTTT

Former MP decides to stand as independent

Ex-MP Ruth George says hundreds wanted her to stand as an independent candidate for Whaley Bridge. from BBC News https://ift.tt/QLwhKV9 via IFTTT

Sentencing body defends changes after 'two-tier' row

New guidance on sentencing offenders from ethnic monitories and other backgrounds is set to start in April. from BBC News https://ift.tt/duKxqOJ via IFTTT

Former Bristol MP takes seat in House of Lords

A former Bristol MP and shadow minister takes her seat in the House of Lords. from BBC News https://ift.tt/4EKBybu via IFTTT

Man charged after climbing Big Ben's Elizabeth Tower

Daniel Day, 29, has been charged with causing a public nuisance and trespassing on a protected site. from BBC News https://ift.tt/noqiP9j via IFTTT

Woolly mice designed to engineer mammoth-like elephants

Experiments on mice could see hairy, genetically modified elephants living in the Arctic, a US company claims. from BBC News https://ift.tt/DQXUxHN via IFTTT

Lawyer probing Reform UK row contradicts suspended MP

Comments attributed to the senior lawyer by the Great Yarmouth MP in his defence have been denied by her. from BBC News https://ift.tt/czi9N2k via IFTTT

Farage defends suspending MP and criticises 'infighting'

The Reform UK leader acknowledges the row has "dented" the "sense of unity" in his party. from BBC News https://ift.tt/51P3zG9 via IFTTT

Tory call to ban use of rights act to stop deportations

Kemi Badenoch previously criticised how some foreign criminals and illegal migrants were using the act. from BBC News https://ift.tt/0miAMoa via IFTTT

Poor performing civil servants to be incentivised to leave jobs in new plans

Pat McFadden said the civil service's "state is not match-fit to rise to the moment". from BBC News https://ift.tt/xynB9fI via IFTTT

Labour ministers yet to hold talks over Abramovich funds

Funds worth £2.5bn - meant to help Ukrainians - remain frozen in a UK bank account over a row about how to use them. from BBC News https://ift.tt/eASLiGB via IFTTT

Reform UK refers MP Rupert Lowe to police

The party alleges the Great Yarmouth MP made "threats of physical violence" against its party chair. from BBC News https://ift.tt/v9toy64 via IFTTT

US lost a fifth of its butterflies within two decades

However the researchers say butterflies may be able to recover if urgent conservation measures are taken. from BBC News https://ift.tt/lXaeGNY via IFTTT

Genetic drive to overeat found in labradors and humans

Scientists have found a genetic cause of many labradors' - and some people's - tendency to overeat. from BBC News https://ift.tt/dyVUzI8 via IFTTT

Labour MPs urge investors to support defence firms

A group of over 100 Labour politicians say ethical investment rules are holding the sector back. from BBC News https://ift.tt/KWfCLpZ via IFTTT

Councils fear shake-up won't improve finances, survey says

There is low support for local government reorganisation among council leaders, a survey suggests. from BBC News https://ift.tt/oZRHUYu via IFTTT

Scientists discover new part of the immune system

New part of the immune system - hidden inside our bodies - could be used to make new antibiotics. from BBC News https://ift.tt/8BaClVU via IFTTT

Wild beaver release approved for England

The decision follows years of trials but some farmers are concerned there could be negative impacts. from BBC News https://ift.tt/SFbZsg9 via IFTTT

More funding for judges to tackle record court delays

The announcement of new support for courts comes as two reports warn the justice system is struggling. from BBC News https://ift.tt/lN08eK9 via IFTTT

Stop the Boats slogan was too stark, says Rishi Sunak

The former prime minister examines his time in Downing Street, with the BBC's Nick Robinson for Political Thinking. from BBC News https://ift.tt/1Usob23 via IFTTT

Treasury earmarks billions in spending cuts

Cuts to areas including welfare will be put to the official forecaster ahead of the Spring Statement. from BBC News https://ift.tt/NC5TnPB via IFTTT

Welsh budget plans approved after Lib Dem deal

Welsh government plans for an extra £600m in NHS spending passes with Lib Dem help. from BBC News https://ift.tt/sNlSMce via IFTTT

Man's brain turned to glass by hot Vesuvius ash cloud

The pea-sized brain was found in the skull of a 20-year-old man killed in the volcanic eruption. from BBC News https://ift.tt/DlRy2Zk via IFTTT

Seven planets to be visible in night sky for last time until 2040

The best chance to see as many as possible will be after sunset on Wednesday and Thursday. from BBC News https://ift.tt/CqDI34j via IFTTT

King's pivotal role in Trump and Ukraine balancing act

King Charles has been a key part of efforts to maintain relationships with Trump and Zelensky. from BBC News https://ift.tt/nj50CaD via IFTTT

Covid inquiry turns to PPE deals and the 'VIP lane'

Four weeks of hearings will look at the purchase of billions of pounds of medical equipment in the pandemic. from BBC News https://ift.tt/yS8GskA via IFTTT

Was Starmer's summit enough to sway Trump?

Europe stepping up is only half of the story and much depends on whether the US is willing to play its part. from BBC News https://ift.tt/CVyLZ6H via IFTTT

Starmer announces £1.6bn missile deal for Ukraine

The PM announced "a number" of allies had signed up to his plan following the Lancaster House summit. from BBC News https://ift.tt/OA4RCVk via IFTTT

UK and France to discuss Ukraine plan with Trump, says PM

Sir Keir Starmer also says he believes the US president wants peace, despite last week's Oval Office row with Ukraine's leader. from BBC News https://ift.tt/HW3M5VY via IFTTT

Starmer dismisses SNP call to axe Trump state visit

The SNP say Donald Trump needs to be a steadfast ally of Ukraine after a fiery exchange with Zelensky on Friday. from BBC News https://ift.tt/N0oRp2A via IFTTT

'They don't belong in the Med': Future of homeless orcas still uncertain

Animal rights campaigners and marine zoo official say Mediterranean is 'too warm' for killer whales. from BBC News https://ift.tt/jAeglE0 via IFTTT

Starmer and Zelensky set to meet at Downing Street

Zelensky has arrived in the UK a day before Sir Keir is set to host a summit of European leaders to discuss an end to the war between Ukraine and Russia from BBC News https://ift.tt/meTDvap via IFTTT

Independent MPs call for change to committee rules

Shockat Adam and Iqbal Mohamed, who were elected in 2024, say they want to participate in the parliamentary system. from BBC News https://ift.tt/eQgBakj via IFTTT