4 h. ago There is a thriving shadow economy in Britain – but migrants are not to blame | Emily Kenway

While Labour is desperately trying to mimic Reform’s line on the cash economy, the blame lies solidly with ordinary people feeling the pinchAccording to politicians across all parties, something called the “hidden economy” – the shadowy nethers of the labour market, in which work goes unregulated and undeclared to the authorities – is a “menace”, full of migrants whose illegal working “undercuts British workers”, and even a threat to our national security. MPs have been so worried about asylum seekers delivering their Friday night pizza that they’ve spent parliamentary time discussing Deliveroo et al’s business models. In response, the government has repeatedly reassured us, in the somewhat Mills & Boon-style phrasing of Yvette Cooper, when she was home secretary, that it’s “surging enforcement” to tackle the problem.Solutions suggested include Keir Starmer’s digital ID cards, requirements for increased “right to work” checks, and new data-sharing agreements in which the Home Of...

Events

4 h. ago Reeves refuses to say she will stick to manifesto pledge on tax rises and insists she must face world ‘as it is’ – UK politics live

Chancellor says she is focused on priorities for British people in pre-budget speech laying ground for expected tax risesBusiness live: UK borrowing costs fall and pound hits six-month lowReeves says welfare needs to be reformed.There is nothing progressive about refusing to reform a system that is leaving one in eight young people out of education, or employment. I put our public finances back on a firm footing, provided an urgent cash injection into a faltering public services and began rebuilding our economy.But since that budget, the world has thrown even more challenges our way. Continue reading...

Politics

5 h. ago Reeves says UK has suffered ‘years of economic mismanagement’ in speech preparing ground for tax rises – politics live

Chancellor says she is focused on priorities for British people and previous governments have limited UK’s potentialReeves says welfare needs to be reformed.There is nothing progressive about refusing to reform a system that is leaving one in eight young people out of education, or employment. I put our public finances back on a firm footing, provided an urgent cash injection into a faltering public services and began rebuilding our economy.But since that budget, the world has thrown even more challenges our way. Continue reading...

Economics

6 h. ago Chancellor Rachel Reeves to address the nation this morning as Budget looms

The Chancellor is expected to vow to 'make the choices necessary' as she grapples with a supposed £20billion to £30billion blackhole in the public finances this autumn

Politics

11 h. ago William to announce new project to help people defending the Amazon

The new initiative aims to build on a ranger insurance package the Prince of Wales announced last year.

Politics

14 h. ago Reeves to promise ‘fairness’ in Budget as income tax hike speculation mounts

No 10 repeatedly refused to say whether Labour’s manifesto pledge not to raise income tax still stands.

Economics

15 h. ago Starmer was briefed on Mandelson’s links to Epstein before US ambassador appointment, MPs told

Lord Mandelson was sacked as UK ambassador to the US due to his connection to the paedophile financier

Politics

18 h. ago Sir Keir Starmer warns of ‘tough but fair’ decisions in Budget

The Prime Minister said ‘hard and serious’ choices were needed to fix Britain’s financial woes.

Events

19 h. ago State failed Hillsborough victims and families, PM says as he brings in Bill

The Prime Minister says victims were failed to an ‘almost inhuman level’ as he introduces a law that will force a duty of candour after disasters.

Events

19 h. ago Hillsborough Bill will be 'legacy of justice' for 97 victims says Keir Starmer

Keir Starmer told families affected by the Hillsborough disaster and cover-up that the long-awaited Bill in their honour would not be watered down

Events

20 h. ago MPs press for details given to the PM before show of confidence in Mandelson

The Cabinet Secretary was pushed on why Sir Keir Starner was not initially made aware of emails relating to Jeffrey Epstein

Politics

24 h. ago Longest gap in Channel crossings by migrants so far this year

Bad weather is likely to have played a role in stopping people attempting to reach the English coast.

Events

26 h. ago New body to run military housing after MoD ‘failed’ personnel, Healey says

The Defence Housing Service will take over management of service accommodation after years of complaints about poor quality homes.

Events

39 h. ago No watering down of Hillsborough Law, says Lammy ahead of first debate

The Bill, which aims to place a duty of candour on public officials, has been hailed as ‘landmark legislation’.

Politics

45 h. ago Leaving the ECHR won’t stop the boats, 300 organisations warn in rallying cry to defend human rights

Prime minister Keir Starmer urged to make positive case for ECHR after Kemi Badenoch pledged a Tory government would leave the treaty

Events

48 h. ago Head of UK’s largest union says she doesn’t know if Starmer will remain Labour leader after May

Prime minister facing disastrous elections in Scotland, Wales and England next year as his party trails Nigel Farage’s Reform UK in the polls

Politics

52 h. ago Mass stabbings on train that left nine fighting for life was ‘isolated incident’

The Defence Secretary said the public would be updated on whether the incident was a terror attack as soon as the information was available.

Politics

52 h. ago Stonewalling Starmer WON'T reopen probe into Rachel Reeves' illegal lettings scandal despite revelation Chancellor was warned by TWO estate agents that she DID need a licence

Keir Starmer still believes no further action is needed even though it has emerged the Chancellor was warned she needed a licence by a second firm of estate agents.

Events

63 h. ago Two arrested as ‘man with large knife’ seen after mass stabbing on train

Armed police attended the scene at Huntingdon Station on Saturday evening.

Events

63 h. ago Keir Starmer issues statement after 'appalling' Huntingdon train stabbings

Sir Keir Starmer described the incident as "appalling" and issued a message of "thanks" to the emergency services

Politics