80 m. ago Tory defectors ‘were never Conservatives to begin with’, Badenoch claims

Sir Jake Berry is the latest in a string of Tory defectors to have joined Reform UK.

Politics

22 h. ago UK and France agree pilot ‘one in, one out’ returns scheme designed to curb migrant boat crossings – UK politics live

British and French leaders hold press conference to announce details of agreement on Channel asylum crossingsSky News is now broadcasting remarks from Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron at their summit in Downing Street.Starmer says the situation in the Channel cannot go on as it is now.We all agree the situation in the channel cannot go on as it is. So we’re bringing new tactics into play and a new level of intent to tackle illegal migration and break the business model of the criminal gangs.In uncertain times, we achieve more by strengthening our relationship with our allies, so that is what today is all about working together on the priorities that we share as two nations.For us, it’s about delivering the changes that the British people want to see, and we will agree the situation in the Channel cannot go on as it is. So we’re bringing new tactics into play and a new level of intent to tackle illegal migration and break the business model of the criminal gangs An estimated 7.36 mil...

Politics

22 h. ago Tories plunged into chaos by fresh defection amid Kemi Badenoch 'banana republics' jibe

Kemi Badenoch has hit back at defectors like Sir Jake Berry, who dramatically quit to join Nigel Farage's party, accusing them of behaving 'like they do in banana republics'

Events

24 h. ago Kemi Badenoch says people with anxiety and mild depression should not get benefits as she demands 'a line in the sand' to cut 'immoral' welfare costs

The Conservative leader lashed out the UK's welfare dependency today as she outlined proposals to cut billions from the bill and get people back into work.

Economics

25 h. ago Jake Berry’s defection to Reform leaves only one question for Badenoch – ‘who is leaving next?’

This latest blow for the Tories is significant because it shows that professional politicians, not just angry ideologues, are now willing to follow Nigel Farage, writes political editor David Maddox

Politics

25 h. ago Badenoch dismisses Jake Berry as ‘banana republic’ opportunist after his defection to Reform – UK politics live

Tory leader brushes off suggestion that defections to Reform reflect badly on her leadershipSky News is now broadcasting remarks from Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron at their summit in Downing Street.Starmer says the situation in the Channel cannot go on as it is now.We all agree the situation in the channel cannot go on as it is. So we’re bringing new tactics into play and a new level of intent to tackle illegal migration and break the business model of the criminal gangs.In uncertain times, we achieve more by strengthening our relationship with our allies, so that is what today is all about working together on the priorities that we share as two nations.For us, it’s about delivering the changes that the British people want to see, and we will agree the situation in the Channel cannot go on as it is. So we’re bringing new tactics into play and a new level of intent to tackle illegal migration and break the business model of the criminal gangs An estimated 7.36 million treatments w...

Politics

25 h. ago Kemi Badenoch attacks ‘banana republic’ defectors as former Tory chairman Jake Berry latest to join Reform

Former Conservative chairman Sir Jake has become the latest Tory to join Nigel Farage’s party

Politics

25 h. ago Kemi Badenoch says 'banana republic' Tories toying with defecting to Reform are welcome to 'jump ship' after ex

She lashed out at 'banana republic' politicians trying to save their careers after Sir Jake Berry, the former Conservative Party chairman, became the latest ex-MP to join Reform.

Politics

25 h. ago Badenoch attacks ‘banana republic’ defectors after another Tory joins Reform

Former Conservative chairman Sir Jake Berry became the latest Tory to join Nigel Farage’s party.

Events

26 h. ago Badenoch dismisses claim defections to Reform reflect badly on her and says Farage like ‘Corbyn with a pint’ – UK politics live

Tory leader says people are welcome to join other parties if they want higher taxes and attacks Reform UK leaderSky News is now broadcasting remarks from Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron at their summit in Downing Street.Starmer says the situation in the Channel cannot go on as it is now.We all agree the situation in the channel cannot go on as it is. So we’re bringing new tactics into play and a new level of intent to tackle illegal migration and break the business model of the criminal gangs.In uncertain times, we achieve more by strengthening our relationship with our allies, so that is what today is all about working together on the priorities that we share as two nations.For us, it’s about delivering the changes that the British people want to see, and we will agree the situation in the Channel cannot go on as it is. So we’re bringing new tactics into play and a new level of intent to tackle illegal migration and break the business model of the criminal gangs An estimated 7.36 ...

Politics

26 h. ago Jake Berry’s defection to Reform leaves only one question for Badenoch

Tory leader makes another speech at the wrong time on the wrong subject under the circumstances, with the overnight defection of Sir Jake Berry a significant blow for the party, writes Political Editor David Maddox

Politics

26 h. ago Reform UK supports ‘one in, one out’ among its ranks, Commons leader claims

Since last year’s election, Reform has lost two MPs from among its ranks but gained Runcorn and Helsby in a by-election.

Politics

28 h. ago Macron suggests EU needs to be involved in finding solutions to illegal migration – UK politics live

Emmanuel Macron says there is a need to tackle small boats with ‘common resolve’, and to restrict the entry points into EuropeSky News is now broadcasting remarks from Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron at their summit in Downing Street.Starmer says the situation in the Channel cannot go on as it is now.We all agree the situation in the channel cannot go on as it is. So we’re bringing new tactics into play and a new level of intent to tackle illegal migration and break the business model of the criminal gangs.In uncertain times, we achieve more by strengthening our relationship with our allies, so that is what today is all about working together on the priorities that we share as two nations.For us, it’s about delivering the changes that the British people want to see, and we will agree the situation in the Channel cannot go on as it is. So we’re bringing new tactics into play and a new level of intent to tackle illegal migration and break the business model of the criminal gangs An e...

Politics

41 h. ago Former Tory chairman defects to Nigel Farage’s Reform UK in blow to Kemi Badenoch

Sir Jake Berry, who was chairman of the Tories under Liz Truss and a staunch Boris Johnson ally has defected to Nigel Farage’s Reform UK

Politics

41 h. ago Kemi Badenoch to call for tougher restrictions on benefits to cut welfare bill

“It is not fair to spend £1 billion a month on benefits for foreign nationals and on handing out taxpayer-funded cars for conditions like constipation.”

Economics

41 h. ago Former Tory chairman Sir Jake Berry defects to Nigel Farage's Reform UK

Former Conservative Party Chairman Sir Jake Berry has defected to Nigel Farage's Reform UK, delivering a hammer blow to his old party as they continue to struggle in the polls

Politics

46 h. ago Starmer and Macron agree that ‘new deterrent’ needed to stop small boats, No 10 says – UK politics live

Starmer and Macron are due to attend a more formal summit tomorrowThe BMA strike decision must be a tempting topic for Kemi Badenoch at PMQs, which is starting very soon. The Conservatives have repeatedly criticised the government for the way they swiftly settled public sector pay disputes when they took office; they argue that Labour was too generous to the unions, thereby encouraging them to threaten further strikes.Here is the list of MPs down to ask a question.Streeting says he is “disappointed” by the proposed strike, and he insists resident doctors have had a relatively good outcome on pay. He says:I remain disappointed that despite all that we have been able to achieve in this last year, and that the majority of resident doctors in the BMA did not vote to strike, the BMA is continuing to threaten strike action.I accepted the DDRB’s recommendation for resident doctors, awarding an average pay rise of 5.4%, the highest across the public sector. Accepting this above inflation re...

Politics

50 h. ago Starmer says UK ‘can’t just tax our way to growth’ as he brushes off call for wealth tax – UK politics live

UK prime minister will have talks with Emmanuel Macron later todayThe BMA strike decision must be a tempting topic for Kemi Badenoch at PMQs, which is starting very soon. The Conservatives have repeatedly criticised the government for the way they swiftly settled public sector pay disputes when they took office; they argue that Labour was too generous to the unions, thereby encouraging them to threaten further strikes.Here is the list of MPs down to ask a question.Streeting says he is “disappointed” by the proposed strike, and he insists resident doctors have had a relatively good outcome on pay. He says:I remain disappointed that despite all that we have been able to achieve in this last year, and that the majority of resident doctors in the BMA did not vote to strike, the BMA is continuing to threaten strike action.I accepted the DDRB’s recommendation for resident doctors, awarding an average pay rise of 5.4%, the highest across the public sector. Accepting this above inflation re...

Politics

51 h. ago PMQs live: Starmer faces Badenoch ahead of meeting with Macron

UK prime minister facing Kemi Badenoch in the Commons before talks with French presidentThe BMA strike decision must be a tempting topic for Kemi Badenoch at PMQs, which is starting very soon. The Conservatives have repeatedly criticised the government for the way they swiftly settled public sector pay disputes when they took office; they argue that Labour was too generous to the unions, thereby encouraging them to threaten further strikes.Here is the list of MPs down to ask a question.Streeting says he is “disappointed” by the proposed strike, and he insists resident doctors have had a relatively good outcome on pay. He says:I remain disappointed that despite all that we have been able to achieve in this last year, and that the majority of resident doctors in the BMA did not vote to strike, the BMA is continuing to threaten strike action.I accepted the DDRB’s recommendation for resident doctors, awarding an average pay rise of 5.4%, the highest across the public sector. Accepting t...

Politics

68 h. ago Kneecap fans at Glasgow gig rally around trio after festival slot cancelled

The three members of Kneecap arrived at the O2 Academy in Glasgow on Tuesday evening.

Politics