6 h. ago Government plans to merge benefits could save billions, says think tank

Merging jobseeker’s allowance and employment support allowance could save between £2 billion and £3 billion a year, the IFS has said.

Politics

16 h. ago Government issues update on plans for major new UK laws around buying vapes

The Government is calling for evidence on the flavours, nicotine strength, and appearance of vapes as part of a series of measures to tackle youth vaping

Politics

19 h. ago US ‘undermining global health’ by threatening to strip funding from aid projects that do not fit its political agenda

Trump administration reported to be planning expansion of ‘global gag rule’ to halt any initiatives promoting diversity, equity and inclusionThe Trump administration plans to export its “war on woke” by forcing foreign governments, non-governmental organisations and international bodies to abandon working on diversity, equity and inclusion or face being stripped of US funding.The plans have been called an attack on other nations’ sovereignty and one health organisation warned of “unimaginable effects” including a rise in deaths and violence, as safe clinics for vulnerable groups close. Continue reading...

Politics

21 h. ago EU plans to double steel tariffs poses 'existential threat' to industry in Wales

The Welsh Government said the EU's steel plans are 'extremely concerning'

Events

38 h. ago Irish Government increases spending and scales back planned tax measures

Ministers pledged to ‘secure jobs and stability at a time of global challenge’.

Politics

61 h. ago SNP confirms date for final Budget before 2026 Holyrood election

Shona Robison warned she faced "difficult choices" ahead of announcing the Government's spending plans for next year.

Politics

62 h. ago ICC convicts former Sudan militia leader for war crimes in Darfur

Janjaweed commander Ali Muhammad Ali Abd-al-Rahman, known as Ali Kushayb, found guilty over atrocitiesThe international criminal court has convicted a leader of the Janjaweed militia of playing a leading role in a campaign of atrocities committed in the Sudanese region of Darfur more than 20 years ago.It was the first time the court had convicted a suspect of crimes in Darfur. The court ruled that the atrocities, including mass murders and rapes, were part of a government plan to snuff out a rebellion in the western region of Sudan. Continue reading...

Events

3 d. ago SNP to 'consider' UK Government plans to allow police to restrict protests

The Scottish Government said it had “not yet seen details” of the proposals but would “consider their relevance to Scotland.”

Events

3 d. ago The way we buy and sell homes is set for massive change in the UK

The Government has set out plans for the biggest shake-up to the homebuying system in history, which it claims could slash costs for buyers and cut the time it takes to move

Politics

3 d. ago Tories to set out plans to cut £47bn from government spending

Shadow chancellor Sir Mel Stride will unveil proposals at the Tory party conference.

Economics

3 d. ago Judge blocks national guard deployment to Oregon after legal action by Newsom

California governor says president ‘attacking rule of law’ as Trump-appointed judge rules twice to stop national guard from any state being used in OregonA federal judge has temporarily blocked the Trump administration from deploying any national guard units to Oregon a few hours after the California governor, Gavin Newsom, announced he would sue the president over the planned deployment of his state’s troops.Both states sought the temporary restraining order after the president sent guard members from California to Oregon earlier in the day. On Saturday, the same judge temporarily blocked the administration from deploying Oregon’s national guard troops to Portland. Continue reading...

Events

3 d. ago Civil liberty groups express concern over plan for more anti

Home secretary says police can consider ‘cumulative impact’ of demonstrations as Palestine Action ban opponents vow ‘escalation’Civil liberty groups have expressed concern over government plans to hand police greater powers to restrict protests as organisers of mass demonstrations against the banning of Palestine Action pledged a “major escalation” of their campaign.Shabana Mahmood said on Sunday that repeated large-scale demonstrations over Gaza had caused “considerable fear” for the Jewish community in the wake of a fatal terror attack on a synagogue last week. Continue reading...

Politics

3 d. ago Plans to abolish NHS England 'floundering' amid lack of Government direction, staff say

The closure was expected to lead to the loss of almost 10,000 jobs and save hundreds of millions of pounds a year in admin costs that could be spent on frontline care.

Politics

3 d. ago Ministers to announce significant changes to UK’s planning system

Exclusive: Differences over changes to environmental and legal provisions to prompt economic growth hint at chaos at heart of governmentRachel Reeves is set to announce a round of planning changes before the budget as a way to kickstart Britain’s sluggish economic growth, but ministers are at odds over how radical to be.The chancellor will announce a number of moves designed to make it easier for developers to build houses and infrastructure projects, in the hope that they will fill about £3bn of her estimated £30bn black hole. Continue reading...

Politics

3 d. ago Trump's Department of War gives ultimatum on next place National Guard may be sent

US president Donald Trump could soon be sending National Guard troops into Chicago after seizing control of the Illinois National Guard - the state governor has decried the plans as 'un-American'

Politics

5 d. ago Donald Trump orders Israel to ‘immediately’ stop bombing Gaza as Hamas agrees to free hostages

Palestinian militant group accepts part of US president’s plan but seeks further negotiations on many termsDonald Trump ordered Israel to “immediately” stop bombing Gaza as he welcomed Hamas’s partial acceptance of his ultimatum to end the nearly two-year long war.Hamas has agreed to release all hostages in return for Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails, as well as surrender governing power in the Gaza Strip, in accordance with Trump’s plan. Continue reading...

Politics

5 d. ago Fire still burning at California Chevron refinery following explosion

No injuries reported in El Segundo, site of company’s second-biggest US refinery, which supplies jet fuel for LA airportA fire that broke out at Chevron’s El Segundo refinery that supplies jet fuel for Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) was still burning on Friday morning after an explosion at the plant.The press office of Gavin Newsom, the California governor, had confirmed that the fire erupted on Thursday night on the outskirts of the city, with a county official adding that the flames had been confined to one area. Continue reading...

Events

5 d. ago Victim support group wants urgent talks over 'significant concerns' at Scotland mass prisoner release

Hundreds of prisoners will be released under Scottish Government plans, starting from next month.

Events

6 d. ago FIFA chief Gianni Infantino REFUSES to wade in on Israel football row as World Cup boss insists governing body 'cannot solve political problems' amid calls to kick team out of tournament

European governing body UEFA has also shelved plans to boot Israel out of European competition in the wake of Donald Trump's peace plan, easing pressure on Infantino.

Politics

6 d. ago Construction of major housing development near Welsh beauty spot moves closer

The Welsh Government is calling the planned housing development near Penarth and Cosmeston Lakes the largest net-zero housing development in the UK

Politics