21 h. ago UK could face up to £30bn of tax rises to fund defence spending boost, economist says

Sir Keir Starmer has vowed to boost defence spending to 2.7 per cent of GDP by 2027, as Nato allies push for ‘dramatic increase’

Economics

38 h. ago NATO allies agree huge spending boost as US demands they are 'ready' for Russia

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth demanded GDP members of NATO be 'combat-ready' or risk losing US support amid escalating security concerns over Russia’s aggression

Politics

44 h. ago Angela Rayner sees surge in popularity after she called on Rachel Reeves to bring in tax rises for the wealthy

Angela Rayner has had a huge leap in popularity among Labour members after demanding tax rises.

Economics

53 h. ago Hegseth says Nato allies ‘very close’ to raising defence spending target to 5%

US defence secretary says he expects goal of 5% of GDP in next decade to be agreed this monthThe US defence secretary, Pete Hegseth, said Nato allies were “very close, almost near consensus” to an agreement to significantly raise targets for defence spending to 5% of GDP in the next decade.The Trump administration official indicated he expected the increased target to be agreed at a summit in The Hague later this month – and confirmed that the headline figure was to be split into two parts. Continue reading...

Events

53 h. ago US warns Starmer it is 'important' UK hits new Nato target for spending 3.5% of GDP on defence as Labour struggles to balance the books

Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth delivered the message as he met ministers from the military alliance in Brussels.

Events

55 h. ago Keir Starmer to meet head of Nato amid speculation over spending commitments

Mark Rutte will visit Sheffield Forgemasters with Defence Secretary John Healey, and give a speech at Chatham House.

Politics

56 h. ago Tony Blair think tank urges Rachel Reeves to invest billions and not just ‘balance the books’ in spending review

Britain facing cuts after chancellor doubled down on her manifesto pledge not to raise taxes to fund Labour’s spending plans

Economics

57 h. ago Starmer to meet Nato’s Rutte amid US pressure to spend 5% of GDP on defence – Europe live

US defence secretary Pete Hegseth says there is ‘near consensus’ on funding commitment for Nato member statesUK trade secretary Jonathan Reynolds has also called for reforms of the WTO including changes to the much-criticised dispute resolutions system which can also take years to settle disputes between trading nations.“We do recognise that reforming and repositioning the WTO so that it can respond more effectively to the challenges of today is the only way to safeguard long term stability and growth tomorrow. Continue reading...

Events

64 h. ago Landlords are not an easy target for Rachel Reeves’ tax rises

This is not the time to make the private rented sector market even more difficult for investors, writes David J Alexander

Events

3 d. ago Voices: ‘Raising taxes is political suicide’: Readers tackle uncomfortable truth behind UK’s growth slump

Our community is sharply divided over how Rachel Reeves should fix the country’s finances. While some urged spending cuts over tax rises, others insisted ‘we really can’t afford to support the lifestyles of the mega wealthy’

Politics

3 d. ago UK defence secretary confirms plans for drone deliveries as Ukraine military aid meeting opens – Europe live

John Healey says Europe needs to continue supporting Ukraine ‘for our security today, tomorrow and for future generations’Opening, Nato’s Rutte reiterates the aim of achieving a “durable and lasting peace” in Ukraine as he praises president Trump’s “effort to get there."“Let’s pray that we will get there as soon as possible, but in the meantime, [it’s about] making sure that you have what you need to stay in the fight and to make sure that whenever it ends, Putin will know that he should never, ever again, try to attack Ukraine so again,” he said. Continue reading...

Events

3 d. ago US remains ‘completely committed’ to Nato says secretary general ahead of Ukraine military aid meeting – Europe live

Mark Rutte comments on absence of US defense secretary Pete Hegseth from meeting about defence of UkraineMeanwhile in Cologne, Germany, the biggest evacuation since the second world war is under way after the discovery of three unexploded bombs dropped by allied forces 80 years ago.About 20,000 people are having to leave their homes and businesses, while hotels, a care home for elderly people and a hospital are being evacuated. Three bridges over the Rhine have been closed and rail traffic has been halted or diverted. Continue reading...

Events

3 d. ago US defense secretary skips Ukraine military aid meeting attended by more than 50 other allies – Europe live

Pete Hegseth will not be in attendance when other Nato countries hold meeting about defence of UkraineNato secretary general Mark Rutte has been speaking in Brussels, addressing some of the key issues ahead of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting.Asked about US defense secretary Pete Hegseth’s absence today, he insisted the US remained “completely committed” to Nato and helping Ukraine and that it would be represented at another level. Continue reading...

Events

3 d. ago Labour ‘at war’ over Reeves’ spending review amid fears manifesto pledges will be ditched

Chancellor is facing a push to consider wealth taxes instead of cuts before she publishes her spending review next week

Events

4 d. ago John Healey refuses to rule out tax rises to fund £14bn rearmament drive... as Nato prepares to set even HIGHER target of spending 3.5% of GDP on defence

Defence Secretary John Healey insisted he was '100 per cent confident' that the government will be able to ramp up spending to 3 per cent of GDP.

Economics

4 d. ago Reeves urged to raise taxes and cut public spending as UK growth to stall after Trump tariffs

Labour chancellor under pressure from the OECD ahead of upcoming spending review

Economics

4 d. ago John Healey refuses to rule out tax rises to fund £12bn drive to make Britain 'war

Defence Secretary John Healey insisted he was '100 per cent confident' that the government will be able to ramp up spending to 3 per cent of GDP.

Economics

4 d. ago Defence secretary fails to rule out tax rises to fund defence spending uplift

While John Healey said he is ‘100 per cent confident’ the defence spending uplift would be achieved, he struggled to say how it would be paid for

Economics

4 d. ago Putin threat of biological attack on UK streets: Novichok poisonings in Salisbury were 'wake

The Novichok poisoning in Salisbury were a “wake-up call” to the threat from Vladimir Putin’s Russia of a chemical or biological attack on Britain’s streets, says Defence Secretary John Healey.

Events

4 d. ago Healey insists defence funding will rise to 3% target to meet review aims

Defence Secretary John Healey said he was ‘100% confident’ spending will rise to 3% of gross domestic product.

Events