5 h. ago African diplomats urge UK government to back bill to speed up debt restructurings

Exclusive: Countries are struggling to manage expensive loans, with much of debt transacted through LondonDiplomats from eight southern and east African countries have signed a letter calling on the UK government to support a private member’s bill that aims to speed up debt restructurings, after economic crises meant countries were unable to pay back loans.Poor countries’ economies have been hit by a series of global events in recent years, including the coronavirus pandemic, which reduced growth; the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which sent inflation soaring; and raised US interest rates, which have pushed up the cost of international loans to often unaffordable levels. Continue reading...

Politics

10 h. ago Scottish Government urges DWP to abandon proposed welfare reforms due to start next year

The Scottish Government has written to Work and Pensions Liz Kendall calling for ‘damaging social security welfare reforms’ to be scrapped immediately.

Politics

14 h. ago John Swinney urged to 'seize opportunity' and kickstart economy by ramping up housebuilding

The First Minister has been urged to prioritise investment in infrastructure in his programme for government next month.

Politics

4 d. ago UK Government urged to end PIP reassessments for people with lifelong health conditions

Proposed changes to health and disability benefits will start from November 2026.

Politics

6 d. ago Coroner urges government to act after man drowns at open water swimming event

Joel Ineson, 55, suffered a cardiac episode before drowning at a supervised session in a Sunderland park.

Politics

8 d. ago Shopkeepers urge Government to meet them before a planned vaping and smoking crackdown shuts them for good

Signed by 24 shopkeepers, the joint public appeal urges policymakers to consider the consequences of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill.

Politics

1 week ago Government issues 'urgent' warning to check medication after MHRA alert

It comes after the manufacturer reported a misprint on the medication

Events

1 week ago SNP Government demands urgent meeting with Westminster following Supreme Court gender ruling

Scotland’s Social Justice Secretary plans to make a statement at the Scottish Parliament on Wednesday’s judgment next week.

Politics

1 week ago Scottish ministers want urgent meeting with UK Government on gender ruling

Scotland’s Social Justice Secretary plans to make a statement on the judgment at the Scottish Parliament next week.

Politics

1 week ago Scottish Government requests urgent meeting as pressure mounts over self

Several opposition parties are demanding the Scottish Government urgently gives clarity on its single-sex spaces guidance.

Politics

1 week ago Huge blow for trans rights as Supreme Court says: you are not women

The government has been urged to ‘stand firmly behind the LGBT+ community’ in the wake of the landmark ruling

Events

1 week ago Lib Dems urge ministers to suspend China visit after MP blocked from Hong Kong

Sir Ed Davey has written to Foreign Secretary David Lammy, urging the Government to take steps in retaliation for Wera Hobhouse’s deportation.

Politics

1 week ago Elizabeth line boss urges Government to give staff greater protection from passenger assaults

Petition launched after fatal attack on Jorge Ortega at Ilford station

Politics

1 week ago Bates urges Horizon victims to take Government to court over redress delays

The lead campaigner told subpostmasters it would ‘probably be the quickest way to ensure fairness for all’.

Events

1 week ago Alan Bates urges Post Office victims to take major action against government to get justice

Campaigning hero Alan Bates has urged victims of the Post Office Horizon IT scandal to take the government to court over compensation delays in a leaked email

Politics

1 week ago Labour awards contract for asylum barges and hotels despite pledge to end their use

Exclusive: Critics urge the government to confirm that they would not restore the ‘inhumane use of barges to house people seeking asylum’

Events

1 week ago Indonesia dismisses report Russia seeking to base aircraft in country as ‘simply not true’, Australia says

Australian defence minister Richard Marles says he has spoken to Indonesian counterpart about report Moscow filed official request over military aircraftIndonesia’s defence minister has said reports Russia is seeking to base military aircraft in the country “are simply not true”, according to the Australian government, after Canberra made urgent calls to Jakarta.The report from defence and security news website Janes said Moscow had filed an official request with Jakarta for permission for Russian aerospace forces (VKS) aircraft, including several long-range aircraft, to be based at a facility in Biak. Continue reading...

Politics

1 week ago New update on calls to scrap proposed DWP changes to benefits for disabled people

More than 10,000 people have signed an online petition urging the UK Government to halt welfare reforms.

Politics

2 w. ago Hundreds of former Mossad operatives criticise Israel’s return to war in Gaza

Over 250 former intelligence agency figures back letter urging prioritising return of hostages held in GazaHundreds of former operatives from Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency have criticised the return to war in Gaza amid growing frustration over the failure to bring home the remaining hostages held by Hamas.A group of more than 250 former Mossad figures – including three ex-chiefs – gave their backing to a letter first signed by air force veterans and reservists that urged the Israeli government to prioritise bringing back the hostages over fighting Hamas in Gaza. Continue reading...

Politics

2 w. ago Octopus postcode electricity plan could lead to higher bills in key part of UK

The energy giant is urging the government to introduce regional tariffs based on local supply and demand - a move that could see electricity costs rise in the South East

Science