59 m. ago Rachel Reeves seized her moment – whatever the future brings, Labour’s economic course is now set | Martin Kettle

The chancellor is no mere technocrat: her spending review revealed a visceral commitment to social and economic mobilityThe consensus has long been that the 2025 spending review would be a defining moment for Keir Starmer’s government. For once, the consensus proved spot-on. The government’s main priorities were set out on Wednesday in a blizzard of Commons announcements from Rachel Reeves, some economically substantive, others more for show. The upshot is that the shape of the British state, as Labour intends it, is now decided until the eve of the next election.There are further crossroads still to come, some of them major, as the years covered by the review unroll. Taxes are likely to rise, probably as soon as the autumn budget, to pay for Reeves’s big ticket boosts on Wednesday for defence, health and housing. Council tax could rise too, with possibly dramatic results. The review’s emphasis on capital spending means current spending could be squeezed again, perhaps heralding pay...

Economics

59 m. ago Air fryer chef's roast potato recipe with a simple rule for crispy results

Roast potatoes are an essential part of any Sunday roast, but they can be tricky to get right. A top chef has shared his simple air fryer recipe that promises perfect roasties every time

Society

1 hour ago ‘Prison was the first place we felt sisterhood’: six women return to the ruins of Holloway

In an astonishing new documentary, former inmates go back to the cells that once held them – and reflect on what led them there in the first place. The result is a powerful indictment of our justice systemThe directors of Holloway use a simple but powerful visual device to demonstrate how badly the British prison system is failing the women it incarcerates. Towards the end of their eponynmous documentary, six former inmates are invited to play a version of Grandmother’s Footsteps in the chapel of the deserted ex-prison, where they have been filming for five days.They begin lined up against the wall and a voice tells them: “Step forward if you grew up in a chaotic household.” All six women step forward, before being instructed: “Step forward if you experienced domestic violence growing up.” Again, they move ahead in unison. “Step forward if somebody in your household has experienced drug use. Step forward if you grew up in a household where there wasn’t very much money. Step forward ...

Events

1 hour ago UK weather: Exact time thunderstorms end as three Met Office warnings issued

Thunderstorms are set to drench millions of Brits this week with three Met Office warnings issued - half a month's rain in the space of a few hours is on the cards

Events

1 hour ago 'Most hated city in Europe' where Brits love to go on holiday

Benidorm is one of Europe's most popular holiday destinations, welcoming some 800,000 British tourists a year - but that doesn't mean it's not also one of the most controversial

Politics

2 h. ago Fake videos and AI chatbots drive disinformation about LA protests

As protests against Trump’s immigration raids spread across the country, machine-generated deepfakes spread by partisan outrage merchants are pouring fuel on the fire

Events

2 h. ago These are the 7 countries offering Brits cash, homes and baby bonuses to move there

The world is becoming more connected, and countries are offering incentives to new residents - from cash to free housing and even baby bonuses. Here are the best deals.

Politics

2 h. ago Weather maps show UK could face hottest day of year so far with temperatures above Ibiza

The UK Health Security Agency has issued its first yellow heat-health alert of the year, running from 9pm Thursday to 8am Sunday, as Brits brace for the hottest day of the year so far

Politics

2 h. ago Jeremy Clarkson slammed by pub punters over '100% British' claim

The Farmer's Dog in Oxfordshire has been inundated with reservations since the controversial presenter's hit series Clarkson's Farm returned to screens earlier this month

Politics

2 h. ago Martin Lewis MSE names 5 major banks paying bonus over £175 including Nationwide

Martin Lewis' MSE website has revealed how cash-strapped Brits can earn up to £200 for simply opening a new bank account, as five major lenders continue to offer lucrative incentives

Economics

3 h. ago Major Spanish city where curfew rules are in place and what it means for Brits

In a huge blow to sun-worshipping Brits, a huge Spanish city has unveiled a strict curfew impacting bars, nightclubs, and restaurants - following noise complaints from fed-up locals

Politics

5 h. ago ANDREW NEIL: Starmer's claim to be 'investing in Britain's renewal' is delusional drivel in a class of its own

'Our first job was to stabilise the economy and public finances,' Keir Starmer tweeted yesterday morning, a few hours before Rachel Reeves delivered Labour's spending plans.

Politics

5 h. ago UK issues unusual 'rising tensions' warning as US orders diplomatic evacuations

The Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), a British maritime security agency, has taken measures following Donald Trump's move to issue evacuation orders for non-essential personnel

Events

6 h. ago Don't forget who real enemy is, U.S. warns Lammy over sanctions of two Israeli ministers over 'egregious abuses' of human rights in Gaza

The White House has criticised Britain's decision to sanction two Israeli ministers over 'egregious abuses' of human rights in Gaza.

Events

6 h. ago The betrayal of Gibraltar: Anger at Starmer's 'surrender deal' with EU that hands Spain control over territory's border

The agreement means Britons travelling to the peninsula could be refused entry by Spanish guards enforcing the EU rules - despite it being a British Overseas Territory.

Economics

6 h. ago Police come under attack during third night of disorder in Ballymena

Elsewhere, a leisure centre in Larne was set on fire.

Events

6 h. ago Dave Ryding, Britain’s most successful Alpine skier, to retire at end of 2025

The 38-year-old was the first Briton and oldest man to win an Alpine skiing World Cup with his historic victory in Kitzbuhel in 2022

Politics

6 h. ago Stormzy to star in first project from new Merky Films venture

Brit Award-winning rapper and entrepreneur says film ‘Big Man’, directed by Oscar winner Aneil Karia, is about ‘the joy, spirit and fearless energy of youth’

Events

7 h. ago Britney Spears' friends make morbid prediction about looming 'last straw' for troubled star... as son, 18, flaunts latest eyewatering gift

Britney Spear's relationship with her son Jayden has left those close to her worried over his intentions, as the singer continues to shower the teen with gifts.

Events

7 h. ago A reckless splurge we (and our children) will be paying off for years: Voters brace for tax hikes as Rachel Reeves embarks on unprecedented spending spree

In a return to Labour's tax-and-spend approach, the Chancellor set out plans to 'invest' a staggering £4 trillion to fund 'the renewal of Britain'.

Economics