13 h. ago Chancellor says she ‘can’t leave welfare untouched’ this parliament as budget looms

Rachel Reeves understood to be eyeing cuts to Motability scheme as she tries to plug hole in country’s financesRachel Reeves has said she “can’t leave welfare untouched” this parliament, with the Treasury understood to be considering axing up to £1bn in tax breaks for a scheme providing cars for disabled people.The chancellor set out her thinking on welfare before next month’s budget in an interview, having previously said she would need to make cuts and raise taxes. Continue reading...

Politics

16 h. ago Rachel Reeves warns Labour MPs she's ready for a fresh battle over welfare

The Chancellor told her party they 'can't leave welfare untouched', adding: 'We can't get to the end of this Parliamentary session and I've done nothing, basically.'

Events

52 h. ago French Socialist party to fight for wealth tax as it seeks to capitalise on crisis

Party has promised to stand back as weakened prime minister prepares for crucial no-confidence voteThe French Socialist party says it will fight to introduce a flagship wealth tax to raise revenue by targeting France’s richest people, as the divided parliament prepares to begin debating next year’s budget.Boris Vallaud, the head of the Socialist party grouping in parliament, said on Wednesday that taxing very high-wealth individuals in France was “one of our principal battles and we’re going to put all our energy into it”. Continue reading...

Economics

8 d. ago New French PM to be named by Friday as Macron resists pressure to call snap elections

Government spokesperson says it may be ‘last chance’ for politicians to regain credibility and cut risk of far right taking powerEmmanuel Macron will name a new prime minister by Friday evening, his office has said, hinting at the French president’s hopes that a sixth prime minister in less than two years will manage to steer a budget through the country’s deeply fragmented parliament.“This might be the last chance,” government spokesperson Aurore Bergé told RTL radio on Thursday. “I believe this is the last chance for politicians to regain credibility ... all of this is only strengthening the chances and capabilities of the far right to take power.” Continue reading...

Politics

2 w. ago Supporting Reform’s ‘racist policy’ does not make voters racist, says Rachel Reeves – UK politics live

Chancellor backs Keir Starmer’s statement that policy to end indefinite leave to remain is racist, but says many Reform supporters would be ‘horrified’ by itIn her Today interview Rachel Reeves was asked about a FT report saying she will urge business leaders to highlight the risks of a Reform UK government in her speech later.The FT say Reeves will tell the Labour conference.Who is standing up for Britain’s stability. A Labour government that is resolute in cutting interest rates and borrowing or a Reform party that cheered on Liz Truss’ mini-budget?Who is standing up for Britain’s businesses? A Labour government that is forging a closer relationship with our nearest trading partners or a Reform party that talks Britain down and is hungry to cut us off from the world? Continue reading...

Politics

3 w. ago Budget anxieties grow at Welsh Parliament as FM appeals for support

When passing its last budget in March, the Welsh Labour government needed the help of an opposition member to get it through by a tight margin.

Politics