43 h. ago Trump complains about Epstein files distracting from his agenda as DOJ comes under fire over limited release

Trump dismisses his years-long ties to Epstein as he says pressure to release files ‘deflects’ from his success

Politics

53 h. ago Yet again, released Epstein files raise more questions than answers | Moira Donegan

The documents are disturbing. But they seem largely to reflect information that has already been made publicAfter months of public outcry and pressure from within the Maga coalition, Donald Trump’s justice department released what it called The Epstein Files, with the Trump world’s typical fanfare. A media frenzy ensued. But the “files” that were released by Pam Bondi’s Department of Justice left many observers frustrated and confused. The release was partial and heavily redacted; much of the information had already been made public. Media figures were incensed, and members of Congress pledged to push the Trump administration for more. The episode left Washington watchers frustrated. It fueled speculation that Trump, who had long opposed the release of the documents, had something to hide.That was on 27 February, when a group of 15 rightwing media figures who had taken a special interest in the Epstein case were summoned to the White House and given white binders labeled “The Epstei...

Economics

6 d. ago Democrats release more images from Jeffrey Epstein estate, including photos of writing on woman’s body – live

Latest image drop comes as pressure mounts on Trump’s justice department to release filesFull report – Democrats release new Epstein photosWhat we know so far about the Epstein filesDemocratic lawmakers will release more photographs from evidence gathered from the estate of Jeffrey Epstein if the Department of Justice fails to meet the Friday deadline to disclose investigative documents, Congressman Robert Garcia told CNN yesterday.Speaking to Erin Burnett, Garcia said a petition to the federal court by Ghislaine Maxwell – Epstein’s convicted accomplice - to have her conviction on sex trafficking charges thrown out and to obtain a pardon do not trigger an exemption to the law Congress passed mandating a release of documents by the DoJ. Continue reading...

Politics

6 d. ago G7 calls for Jimmy Lai’s immediate release as pressure mounts on China

Joint statement expresses concern from likes of US, UK, Japan and Germany at ‘deteriorating rights, freedoms and autonomy in Hong Kong’

Events

1 week ago Shoppers forecast to embark on £24.6billion Christmas spending frenzy

Despite the ongoing cost of living crisis and Budget blues, a report predicts many people will splash out more on Christmas this year

Economics

1 week ago ‘It can be brutal’: Gian van Veen learns to fly with the stars after dartitis

Dutch rising star has gone from not knowing ‘how to grip the dart’ to a dark horse for the PDC world championshipIt’s the deciding leg of the European Championship final. Gian van Veen, the 23-year-old from the Netherlands chasing his first major title, has just missed two match darts to win 11-9. Luke Humphries, world No 1 at the time, starts the final leg with a 140.“Oh, you’ve blown it here,” Van Veen replies when asked to describe his internal monologue during that moment in October. “Luke Humphries is not going to crumble under this pressure. Maybe it was a negative thought. But it also released some pressure for me, in a way.” Continue reading...

Politics

2 w. ago Maori rights under threat in New Zealand, warns UN committee

Report also raises alarm over budget cuts to Maori services and moves to minimise role of Treaty of Waitangi in education and governance

Events

3 w. ago Labour warned of fresh economic hit as Brexit accelerates high

‘None’ of the Labour chancellor’s measures will ‘have a material effect’ on growth, Richard Hughes, the chair of the OBR, has said.

Events

3 w. ago OBR chair quits after inquiry into early release of budget document

Richard Hughes takes ‘full responsibility’ for watchdog error as Starmer attempts to secure chancellor’s positionThe chair of the Office for Budget Responsibility has resigned after a damning internal inquiry into the leak that threw Rachel Reeves’s budget into chaos described it as the “worst failure” in the institution’s history.The departure of Richard Hughes, who said he took “full responsibility” for the watchdog’s failure to handle sensitive information, dragged the rolling recriminations over the budget into a fifth day. Continue reading...

Economics

3 w. ago OBR chief resigns after report blames leadership for Budget blunder

A damning report into last week’s Budget leak said the error was the worst failure in the OBR’s 15-year history

Politics

3 w. ago Lying Rachel finds her 'fall guy': OBR chief who exposed Chancellor's lies QUITS over shambolic leak of Budget 

In a letter to the Chancellor and the House of Commons' Treasury Committee on Monday, Mr Hughes said he was taking 'full responsibility' for the embarrassing error.

Politics

3 w. ago OBR chairman resigns after damning report into leak of Reeves’ Budget

The report said the leak was ‘the worst failure in the 15-year history of the OBR’

Politics

3 w. ago OBR chair quits after inquiry into early release of Reeves’s budget

Richard Hughes departs after investigation into how official forecaster accidentally published budget 40 minutes earlyRichard Hughes, the chair of the Office for Budget Responsibility, has quit after the findings of an urgent inquiry by the watchdog into how it inadvertently published Rachel Reeves’s budget 40 minutes early.Hughes wrote to the chancellor and to Meg Hillier, the chair of the Treasury select committee, last week to apologise after the OBR uploaded its documents setting out the details of the budget before Reeves began to speak on Wednesday. Continue reading...

Economics

3 w. ago OBR Budget blunder had happened before, damning report reveals

The report says ‘ultimate responsibility’ rests with the leadership of the OBR, raising major questions for the watchdog’s chair Richard Hughes

Politics

3 w. ago OBR chief on the brink as minister suggests buck for Budget leak stops with him

Treasury minister James Murray told the Commons that the government would be considering the 'serious' findings of a report into the episode.

Politics

3 w. ago OBR report says Budget leak error also led to early Spring Statement access

Probe labels premature publication ‘worst failure’ in fiscal watchdog’s 15-year history

Politics

3 w. ago OBR chief could be forced to quit TODAY as Starmer swipes at 'serious error' after Budget leak and revelations over when it told Treasury there was no hole in public finances

Keir Starmer used a press conference to jibe at the 'significant error' over the Budget leak and question the judgment of the independent body.

Economics

3 w. ago Will Reeves take revenge on OBR chief TODAY? Watchdog's fate hangs in balance with Budget leak report

Chancellor Rachel Reeves is expected to receive a report on the dramatic Budget leak that saw key documents made public nearly two hours early.

Economics

3 w. ago OBR chief in firing line for Budget leak: Reeves will not rule out sacking boss of watchdog that exposed Labour spin

The Chancellor will receive a report tomorrow on the 'serious' error that saw the Office for Budget Responsibility publish its crucial verdict on the Budget before giving her speech on Wednesday.

Economics

3 w. ago More answers on extraordinary OBR Budget leak to be published soon

The investigation into the early release of Budget forecasts will report on Monday, the Chancellor has said

Politics