4 h. ago Clock is ticking for 'Lettuce 2.0' Rachel Reeves after economy shrunk in January

Rachel Reeves' economic growth plans are at risk following confirmation that GDP contracted by 0.1%, after most economists predicted a 0.1% growth

Politics

5 h. ago ‘We need to get a grip’: Rachel Reeves defends welfare cuts after cabinet criticism

Under-pressure Labour chancellor insists the current benefits system is ‘not working for anyone’

Politics

7 h. ago Decision to cut winter fuel payment ‘complied with Equality Act’, court told

Attorney General Andrew Webster said there is ‘no general common law duty to consult residents who may be affected by such a law’.

Events

11 h. ago HUGO DUNCAN: The chickens are coming home to roost as Rachel Reeves blames world events for Britain's economic woes

The latest decline in the UK economy - output fell 0.1 per cent in January - is the result of the Chancellor's disastrous anti-business growth-sapping Budget, writes HUGO DUNCAN.

Economics

11 h. ago Rachel Reeves refuses to deny reports two child benefit cap could be eased for under fives

The UK Government is expected to announce plans to cut spending on disability and sickness benefits, but reports have also suggested Ministers could partially scrap the two child cap.

Politics

11 h. ago What is a recession? UK sees 0.1% fall in GDP ahead of Rachel Reeves' spring statement

Recession fears loom as the UK economy unexpectedly shrank at the beginning of the year

Politics

12 h. ago Broken benefits system must be brought under control, insists Chancellor Rachel Reeves

Ministers hope to reduce the number of working-age people claiming benefits, but some Labour MPs are concerned plans will harm vulnerable people

Politics

13 h. ago Rachel Reeves: I strongly disagree with SNP position on Trident nuclear deterrent

The Chancellor said the world ‘has changed before our eyes’

Events

13 h. ago Shrinking economy offers unhelpful backdrop for Rachel Reeves’s growth push

GDP goes in wrong direction as chancellor puts final touches to fiscal plansUK economy shrinks unexpectedly in blow to ReevesFor a government that has made growth its overriding mission, the 0.1% decline in GDP in January signalled by the Office for National Statistics will be depressing news.As Rachel Reeves prepares to announce her spring statement on 26 March, the economy appears to be going in the wrong direction – underlining the fact that the Office for Budget Responsibility is likely to have presented her with notably weaker forecasts than in October. Continue reading...

Politics

13 h. ago Chancellor ‘determined to turn around’ economy amid surprise fall in GDP

Figures revealed a surprise contraction in the economy in January, in a blow to Rachel Reeves ahead of her spring statement.

Politics

13 h. ago Ministers must get a grip of broken benefits system, Rachel Reeves insists

Labour MPs are worried about the impact of expected cuts to the welfare budget.

Politics

13 h. ago Rachel Reeves says Labour MUST 'get a grip' on spiralling benefits bill as 'half the Cabinet' line up against plan for £5bn cuts amid revolt by Labour MPs

Chancellor Rachel Reeves voiced defiance despite half of Keir Starmer's top team apparently voicing alarm at the welfare proposals at their weekly meeting on Tuesday.

Economics

14 h. ago Is the UK on the brink of a recession? This business bulletin explains why that might be the case

Watch the biggest business stories making the headlines today - in less than two minutes.

Economics

15 h. ago Body blow for Rachel Reeves after GDP fell 0.1% in January with worse to come from Budget tax raid and Trump's tariffs

GDP fell 0.1 per cent in January as production plunged despite the Chancellor's high-profile push for growth.

Economics

15 h. ago UK economy unexpectedly shrank by 0.1% in January in blow to Rachel Reeves

The slowdown in January piles further pressure on Rachel Reeves and Sir Keir Starmer ahead off this month’s spring statement

Politics

15 h. ago Body blow for Rachel Reeves after GDP fell 0.1% in January with fears of worse to come from Budget tax raid and Trump's tariffs

GDP fell 0.1 per cent in January as production plunged despite the Chancellor's high-profile push for growth.

Economics

16 h. ago Rachel Reeves unveils £2bn boost for UK defence sector amid 'new era of security'

Chancellor in Scotland to announce move aimed at “strengthening our national defence, kickstarting economic growth and delivering the stability we need to keep us safe”

Economics

18 h. ago Rachel Reeves to visit Scotland today to announce £2bn defence boost

The Chancellor is visiting a defence company in Fife as she announces an increase to UK Export Finance's Direct Lending capacity for defence.

Economics

22 h. ago Rachel Reeves says increase in lending capacity will help UK defence sector

The Chancellor said the move came on top of increased defence spending by the Government.

Politics

22 h. ago Rachel Reeves knew winter fuel payment cut would plunge 150,000 OAPs into poverty, court hears

The decision to cut the winter fuel payment was made in the full knowledge that 150,000 pensioners would be plunged into poverty, a court was told yesterday.

Events