21 h. ago Trump confirms ‘full and comprehensive’ trade deal with UK – US politics live

US president hails ‘first announcement’ of trade agreement and says ‘many other deals to follow’Downing Street said the British prime minister Keir Starmer would make a statement on trade talks with the US on Thursday.The agreement is likely to focus on lowering US tariffs on specific products, such as British steel, aluminium and cars.The prime minister will always act in Britain’s national interest – for workers, for business, for families.The United States is an indispensable ally for both our economic and national security.The agreement with the United Kingdom is a full and comprehensive one that will cement the relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom for many years to come.Because of our long time history and allegiance together, it is a great honor to have the United Kingdom as our FIRST announcement. Continue reading...

Politics

22 h. ago Donald Trump trade deal sparks huge fears for Brits ahead of major announcement today

US President Donald Trump is with the UK in a press conference at around 3pm today - while Prime Minister Keir Starmer is also set to give an update to the British public

Politics

22 h. ago Starmer promises ‘defence dividend’ through hike in military spending

The Prime Minister said the increase in spending to 2.5% of GDP will boost the economy and be felt in the pockets of workers.

Events

39 h. ago DAN HODGES: Tripling down on rape gangs and inviting even more Indians over to take our jobs. The British people are sick of Keir Starmer

So now we know. Keir Starmer's response to the drubbing he and his party received in Thursday's local elections will not be a reverse on winter fuel. Or a clear response to spiralling immigration.

Events

7 d. ago British public does not want AI to replace doctors, poll finds

More than four in 10 people are also unaware of how the technology is being used in healthcare, a report by the Royal College of Radiologists found.

Politics

7 d. ago Trump’s bid to host golf tournament in Britain could violate constitution, experts warn

British government’s push for tournament to be at Trump-owned venue in Scotland is likely to seek favor with USThe British government’s attempts to curry favor with Donald Trump by nudging golf executives to host one of the world’s most prestigious golf tournaments at a Scottish venue owned by the US president could ultimately lead to a violation of the US constitution, ethics experts have warned.The Guardian reported this week that officials in British prime minister Keir Starmer’s government have asked senior executives at R&A, which organizes the Open championship, whether they would host the golf championship at the Turnberry golf resort in 2028. Continue reading...

Events

7 d. ago Trump’s bid to host golf tournament in Britain could violate US constitution, experts warn

British government’s push for tournament to be at Trump-owned venue in Scotland is likely to seek favor with USThe British government’s attempts to curry favor with Donald Trump by nudging golf executives to host one of the world’s most prestigious golf tournaments at a Scottish venue owned by the US president could ultimately lead to a violation of the US constitution, ethics experts have warned.The Guardian reported this week that officials in British prime minister Keir Starmer’s government have asked senior executives at R&A, which organizes the Open championship, whether they would host the golf championship at the Turnberry golf resort in 2028. Continue reading...

Events

1 week ago Wife of British man detained in Dubai calls on PM to act to secure his release

Heather Cornelius delivered a letter to 10 Downing Street on Monday, the day after her husband Ryan Cornelius’s 71st birthday.

Politics

2 w. ago William and PM’s attendance at Pope’s funeral shows ‘respect for Catholic faith’

Sir Keir Starmer will be there on behalf of the British Government while the Prince of Wales will represent the King.

Culture

2 w. ago Donald Trump will meet with 'his friend' the King at Windsor Castle to fix arrangements for 'unprecedented' second State visit

Sir Keir Starmer urged Donald Trump to drop his tariffs on British exports yesterday after the US President warned he could keep 'substantial' levies in place.

Politics

3 w. ago British biologist joins Trump, PM and Hollywood stars on Time influence list

The list was introduced to spotlight the most influential people in the world to help readers understand ‘the forces shaping our lives’.

Politics

3 w. ago ‘How dare the US attack the UK’s free speech’ Independent readers call out trade deal demands

Our community share their views on the US trade deal ultimatum, from outrage at ‘JD Vance’s demand to scrap LGBT+ protections’ to calls for Keir Starmer to ‘defend British laws, not bow to US pressure’

Economics

3 w. ago Raw materials to keep British Steel plant operating reach the UK

The U_K_ government says that it has bought enough raw materials to keep Britain’s last steelmaking blast furnaces operating for the “coming weeks.”

Politics

3 w. ago Grangemouth blame game intensifies as SNP and Labour trade blows over refinery closure

Petroineos rubbished John Swinney's sudden decision to back full nationalisation of the refinery on the Forth, after Keir Starmer earlier stepped in to save British Steel.

Politics

3 w. ago Keir Starmer makes British Steel prediction and responds to 'deliberate sabotage' claim

No10 has said it is 'confident' that vital materials will arrive on time to save two furnaces at the British Steel plant in Scunthorpe in a race against time to keep it open

Politics

3 w. ago Keir Starmer 'saved British Steel to stave off Reform challenge in Labour heartlands'

The government used a rare Saturday sitting of Parliament yesterday to push through emergency legislation effectively taking control of the industry.

Politics

3 w. ago British Steel latest: Parliament approves bill to save plant after workers block Chinese executives from site

MPs and Lords vote in favour of Starmer's plan to take control of British Steel after Chinese owners wanted hundreds of millions

Economics

3 w. ago Parliament approves British Steel bill as sources say owners blocked from entering Scunthorpe plant – live

The Steel Industry (Special Measures) has now passed through the House of Lords and is awaiting royal assentIt’s been a busy morning for Sarah Jones, who is now on BBC Breakfast.Asked whether the government had received any private offers for the company’s Scunthorpe plant, Sarah Jones said:There is not at the moment, to answer your question, a private company that is there willing to invest at this point.When we came into government, there was a deal on the table with Tata Steel in Port Talbot.We negotiated in 10 weeks a much better deal, but there was a private company willing to invest, who are now investing.We are hoping that the company will co-operate with what we are asking them to do, we hope that we will give them a notice and they will continue.If they do not, we will step in. Now the company will be liable for any costs that we incur, and we will seek to get that money back.We have the £2.5 billion fund for steel which we had in our manifesto, that we will use if necessar...

Politics

3 w. ago Ministers accuse British Steel’s Chinese owner of trying to ‘irrevocably’ shut down blast furnaces

Labour prime minister has warned the UK’s ‘economic and national security’ at risk if Scunthorpe plant closes

Politics

3 w. ago MPs approve British Steel bill after Chinese owners’ ‘excessive’ demands – live

Bill now proceeds to the House of Lords for debate and passageIt’s been a busy morning for Sarah Jones, who is now on BBC Breakfast.Asked whether the government had received any private offers for the company’s Scunthorpe plant, Sarah Jones said:There is not at the moment, to answer your question, a private company that is there willing to invest at this point.When we came into government, there was a deal on the table with Tata Steel in Port Talbot.We negotiated in 10 weeks a much better deal, but there was a private company willing to invest, who are now investing.We are hoping that the company will co-operate with what we are asking them to do, we hope that we will give them a notice and they will continue.If they do not, we will step in. Now the company will be liable for any costs that we incur, and we will seek to get that money back.We have the £2.5 billion fund for steel which we had in our manifesto, that we will use if necessary, so there will be no extra costs to the Exch...

Politics