58 minutes ago UK politics live: Reeves urged to call urgent meeting with banks as economy decline prompts austerity fears

The pound is under further pressure as Government borrowing costs continued to push to multi-decade highs

Politics

2 hours ago Panic for Brits as Spain confirms new law crushing the dreams of tourists

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that non-resident citizens from countries outside the European Union, including the UK, would face a big tax bill if they wanted to buy a home in the country

Society

1 hour ago Spain moves to STOP Brits from buying homes in the country as it announces huge new financial penalty they'll be hit with

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez today announced a new package of 12 measures that the government hopes will win over locals furious with the lack of homes available

Economics

74 minutes ago Starmer has ‘full confidence’ in Reeves despite pressure on UK chancellor

Prime minister says she is doing a ‘fantastic job’ but declines to promise she will be in post at the next election

Events

66 minutes ago Office working ‘the one thing that driving examiners can’t do’, says minister

Concerns have been raised about driving test waiting times.

Politics

4 hours ago Former justice secretary Jack Straw says right to choose jury trial lets defendants ‘game’ courts

The Labour grandee called for the government to scrap the right to a jury trial for ‘either way’ mid-level offences amid soaring court backlogs

Society

4 hours ago Nigel Farage's nine jobs revealed: Reform UK leader reports £571,000 on top of MP's salary

'Nine Jobs Nigel' has earned £571,585 from side hustles, far outstripping his salary as the MP for Clacton. So what has been keeping him busy?

Economics

2 hours ago Angela Rayner warned new workers’ rights plan could prompt ‘ugly rush’ to sack staff

Labour chancellor Rachel Reeves also accused of undermining business confidence and trust with surprise national insurance hike in the Budget

Events

1 hour ago Starmer vows to work with Musk on AI growth after billionaire’s criticism of government

Sir Keir Starmer vowed that the UK government will work with anyone in the AI sector, including Elon Musk — even after the billionaire's criticism of Labour.

Politics

16 hours ago Right to a trial by jury should be scrapped for thousands of offences, Labour grandee and former justice secretary Jack Straw says

Former Justice Secretary Jack Straw claimed it was a 'ridiculous anomaly' that some defendants can demand their cases be heard in crown courts rather than more quickly in front of magistrates.

Society

5 hours ago Starmer AI speech LIVE: PM claims £14bn tech plan can ‘save lives’ and make UK an ‘AI superpower’

The pound is under further pressure as Government borrowing costs continued to push to multi-decade highs

Economics

3 hours ago O’Neill warns of disruptive effect on trade of triggering Stormont Brake

The Northern Ireland First Minister said the DUP had moved to use the mechanism last month without informing her or her colleagues of their intention.

Events

2 hours ago Fresh summit on youth violence hailed 'step in right direction' by campaigners

First Minister John Swinney hosted the emergency event at St Andrew's House in Edinburgh on Monday.

Politics

23 hours ago Grieving mum of student murdered by sex offender demands law change to 'save women's lives'

Lisa Squire, whose daughter was murdered by a prolific sex offender, is pleading with ministers to learn the lessons of Libby's death so her daughter’s memory can be ‘honoured’

Society

6 hours ago Post Office sees record £1bn in cash withdrawn in a single month for first time ever

On Christmas Day itself, more than £3.7 million in cash was withdrawn or deposited over the counter at 1,300 Post Office branches that were open.

Economics

3 hours ago Vance says Trump supporters who ‘committed violence’ during Capitol attack shouldn’t be pardoned

Incoming vice-president makes comments on Fox News, but later says pardons still remain a possibility for some peopleDonald Trump supporters who carried out violence during the US Capitol attack in early January 2021 should not be pardoned by him after he begins his second presidency, JD Vance said Sunday.The incoming vice-president’s remarks on Fox News Sunday with host Shannon Bream slightly deviated from a prior promise by Trump to consider pardoning even those who acknowledged assaulting police officers, saying “a very corrupt system” left them with “no choice”. Continue reading...

Events

2 hours ago Union ballots teachers in sixth form colleges for industrial action over pay

Members have been offered a ‘divisive’ pay offer and such ‘unfairness’ should not be accepted, the NASUWT leader said.

Politics

6 hours ago UK says 'good progress' being made on Chagos deal despite backlash at claims Labour will pay Mauritius nearly £9BILLION

A joint statement said 'further productive discussions' had been held on reaching an agreement 'in both sides' interests'.

Economics

4 hours ago Met Police officer to keep job after ‘unlawful’ drugs search on black Buckingham Palace colleague

PC Shaun Matthew had no grounds for suspecting Gary Williams who was cycling home from work during the King’s Coronation

Events

2 hours ago Alex Salmond hailed as 'Alex Ferguson of Scottish politics' as senior SNP figures face backlash

Professor James Mitchell described the former first minister as "confrontational" but "who got results".

Politics

7 hours ago Markets pummel UK AGAIN as businesses blame Labour: Ministers warned of 'ruthless' spending curbs as borrowing costs rise and Pound slides against dollar

The government's borrowing costs rose further in early trading, while the Pound lost more ground against the dollar.

Economics

5 hours ago Nicola Sturgeon ends her marriage to husband Peter Murrell as former SNP power couple continue to await results of police probe into party's finances

In a post on Instagram, the former first minister of Scotland said: 'With a heavy heart I am confirming that Peter and I have decided to end our marriage.'

Events

2 hours ago UK politics live: Starmer backs Reeves over economy as he launches plan to make Britain ‘AI superpower’

The pound is under further pressure as Government borrowing costs continued to push to multi-decade highs

Politics

9 hours ago Treasury using AI to reply to taxpayers’ emails as Starmer vows to ‘mainline technology into veins’ of UK

Prime minister has vowed to use AI to ‘drive incredible change in our country’

Economics

6 hours ago Former Andy Burnham spin doctor hired by Anas Sarwar to help bolster Scottish Labour

Ross MacRae joins Labour at a crucial moment for the Scottish party.

Events

2 hours ago Who is Nicola Sturgeon's husband Peter Murrell? Meet the former SNP chief charged with embezzlement during party funds probe

Peter Murrell is best known for being the husband of former Scottish National Party (SNP) leader Nicola Sturgeon, but who is the man behind Scotland's first ever female first minister?

Politics

17 hours ago Post Office sees record of more than £1bn in cash withdrawals in December

On Christmas Day itself, more than £3.7 million in cash was withdrawn or deposited over the counter at 1,300 Post Office branches that were open.

Economics

6 hours ago Rayner warned of ‘ugly rush’ to sack staff ahead of new workers’ rights plan

Labour chancellor Rachel Reeves also accused of undermining business confidence and trust with surprise national insurance hike in the Budget

Events

3 hours ago Former Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon confirms her 'marriage is over'

In a shocking statement the former first minister confirmed that she and her husband Peter Murrell intend to end their marriage

Politics

28 hours ago 'We're with you': Supermarket giant Morrisons backs farmers' protests against Labour's inheritance tax raid in fresh blow for Rachel Reeves

In a video posted on social media, the grocery chain told Britain's farmers it shared their concerns about the impact of Labour's action, adding: 'We're with you.'

Economics

6 hours ago Israel and Hamas peace deal breakthrough is announced as US rushes to reach agreement after Trump warned 'all hell will break loose' if hostages are not freed before he returns to office

Israel's foreign minister assured today that Israel wanted the deal, suggesting it was up to Hamas to agree. Both sides have accused each other of stalling

Events

3 hours ago Britain's leader unveils AI strategy, including vow to rip up red tape hindering AI projects

The British government has pledged to rip up the red tape hindering construction of data centers that underpin artificial intelligence while promoting its “pro-innovation” approach to regulating the technology

Politics

29 hours ago Chinese investment of £600 million in UK ‘a start’, says Cabinet minister

Science Secretary Peter Kyle said the Chancellor has returned from China with ‘solid commitments for investment’.

Economics

7 hours ago Germany's AfD vows 'total closure of borders for 100 days' and 'remigration' that would see mass deportation of immigrants if the party is successful in forthcoming election

Weidel, the co-leader of the AfD, announced the party's election manifesto, endorsing a policy 'remigration' for migrants, at a rally in Riesa on Saturday

Events

3 hours ago Israeli foreign minister reports progress in Gaza ceasefire and hostage talks

Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy attends Qatar talks amid reports of breakthrough in negotiationsIsrael’s foreign minister has described progress in talks for a Gaza ceasefire and the release of Israeli hostages amid intensifying indirect negotiations in Qatar attended by Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy.Gideon Saar, speaking at a joint press conference with his Danish counterpart, Lars Løkke Rasmussen, said Israel was working hard to reach a deal. Continue reading...

Politics

31 hours ago Rachel Reeves 'making Britain a laughing stock' on China trip as she returns with 'puny' £600m investment deal

The Tories said the Chancellor had 'come back with next to nothing' from her trip to Beijing, which she ploughed ahead with despite fresh alarm at her economic plans.

Economics

8 hours ago Coroner fears of future deaths in prison went unanswered by government officials

Reports into prison deaths which warned of future dangers went unanswered in 2024

Events

3 hours ago UK will be ‘AI superpower’, says Starmer as he unveils plans to boost growth

The Prime Minister said the changes would help revolutionise creaking public services and turn around Britain’s economy.

Politics

36 hours ago ‘A welfare state with a budget on the right side of zero’: Iceland’s youngest

Kristrún Frostadóttir, who entered politics just four years ago, speaks to the Observer about feminism, the far right and reopening talks on joining the EUNearly 45 years ago, Iceland made history by producing the world’s first elected female president of a country, setting it on a path to being the global feminist frontrunner it is today.Since then it has had multiple female presidents and prime ministers, but it wasn’t until three weeks ago, when social democrat Kristrún Frostadóttir took office, that the country’s two top positions were both held by women at the same time. It comes after Halla Tómasdóttir became Iceland’s second female president in August. Continue reading...

Economics

8 hours ago Ministers warned of 'ruthless' spending curbs to balance the books amid Labour's market meltdown

Treasury Chief Secretary Darren Jones has written to colleagues laying out the urgent need for efficiencies.

Events

4 hours ago Nicola Sturgeon announces end of marriage to Peter Murrell with ‘heavy heart’

The former Scottish first minister had been married to Mr Murrell, the former chief executive of the SNP, since 2010.

Politics

9 hours ago Man's body is pulled from river as police launch probe into 'unexplained' death

Police officers were called to the River Wensum, near the Novi Sad Friendship Bridge, in Norwich at 4.26am on Saturday.

Events

5 hours ago Disability benefit worth thousands to be slashed by DWP as Labour 'get tough'

The cuts, which could see millions of Brits with disabilities and long-term health conditions lose out, form part of Chancellor Rachel Reeves' plan to decrease Government spending

Politics

11 hours ago Sir Jim Ratcliffe warns of industry 'extinction' as Grangemouth plant closes

Ineos chairman’s plea on energy prices and carbon taxes as ethanol plant shuts down

Events

5 hours ago AI action plan: The key points in the UK’s plan to be a ‘world leader’ in field

The Prime Minister has endorsed the report and said the Government would take forward all 50 recommendations within it.

Politics

11 hours ago LA wildfires show that those who deny climate change are putting us all at risk

With Donald Trump about to become US President, Labour must live up to their promises on climate change

Events

5 hours ago Nicola Sturgeon ends marriage to former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell

Former first minister of Scotland said the couple, who wed in 2010, ‘have been separated for some time now’

Politics

11 hours ago Most violent or sexual offences went unsolved in UK crime hotspots last year

Exclusive: About 89% of such crimes closed without a suspect being caught or charged in the year to June 2024Tory police cuts are only part of the crisis affecting victims of crimeVictims are being “let down time and time again” by police, a minister has said, as almost every violent or sexual offence went unsolved in hundreds of Britain’s crime hotspots last year.Nearly 1.9m violent or sexual crimes in England and Wales were closed without a suspect being caught or charged in the year to June 2024 – about 89% of all offences given an outcome, official figures show. Continue reading...

Events

5 hours ago Starmer AI speech live: PM unveils ‘golden age’ of major reforms as downcast economy bites

The pound is under further pressure as Government borrowing costs continued to push to multi-decade highs

Politics

11 hours ago Most violent or sexual offences went unsolved in crime hotspots in England and Wales last year

Exclusive: About 89% of such crimes closed without a suspect being caught or charged in the year to June 2024Tory police cuts are only part of the crisis affecting victims of crimeVictims are being “let down time and time again” by police, a minister has said, as almost every violent or sexual offence went unsolved in hundreds of crime hotspots last year.Nearly 1.9m violent or sexual crimes in England and Wales were closed without a suspect being caught or charged in the year to June 2024 – about 89% of all offences given an outcome, official figures show. Continue reading...

Events

5 hours ago Nicola Sturgeon announces end of marriage to former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell

Scotland’s former first minister confirmed news in a social media post

Politics

15 hours ago I know the sickening reasons Labour wanted to cover up the rape gang scandals. What I was told when I was Rochdale MP is utterly shocking... and now I'm exposing those politicians: SIMON DANCZUK

Even today, more than a decade after the rape gang scandal first exploded, I still struggle to read the court transcripts from the trials of the perpetrators.

Events

5 hours ago Former first minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon ends marriage to Peter Murrell

Writing on social media, she said the decision had been made ‘with a heavy heart’.

Politics

20 hours ago Private school teachers are being sacked and having their pay cut because of Labour's VAT raid on fees, union warns

The policy is hitting some of the country's most prestigious private schools hard with cost cutting measures implemented to offset the cost of the tax announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves in October

Events

6 hours ago Who is Moira Salmond? The former SNP leader's widow who has spoken out against 'attacks'

Moira Salmond kept a low profile during her husband's political career, but she hit out over the weekend after he was accused of bullying.

Politics

22 hours ago Farmers accuse police of 'bullying' after receiving letters warning them they face prosecution over future Labour inheritance tax raid protests

Holyhead Port, on Anglesey, North Wales, was targeted on November 27 and December 5 by farmers who fear they will no longer be able to pass on family farms.

Events