40 h. 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

56 h. ago Voices: Has Rachel Reeves got the balance right in her first spending review? Join The Independent Debate

Rachel Reeves’ first multi-year spending review as chancellor delivers major investment pledges in health, housing and infrastructure, but critics have raised questions and warn that ‘sharp trade-offs are unavoidable’

Economics

58 h. ago Rachel Reeves spending review 2025 LIVE as Chancellor makes major announcements

Key projects in Greater Manchester are expected to benefit from funding

Politics

3 d. ago London to lose out on major local growth funding in Spending Review

London to lose out on major local growth funding in Spending Review  MSN

Economics

3 d. ago Rachel Reeves' Spending Review major predictions on what will and won't be in it

Chancellor Rachel Reeves will on Wednesday announce her major Spending Review, setting out government budgets for future years - here's everything you need to know

Politics

6 d. ago State Pension's future under review amid major retirement shake

The State Pension is facing a dramatic overhaul under a Government shake-up of retirement rules. The changes could see millions of future retirees having to wait longer to claim and receiving different levels of payment.

Politics

9 d. ago Rachel Reeves speech LIVE: Chancellor to reveal £15bn boost for the North

Rachel Reeves will announce £15.6billion of funding for transport projects in the North and the Midlands in a major speech ahead of her spending review

Economics

1 week ago Watch: Furious Lindsay Hoyle scolds Keir Starmer over defence review ‘leaks’

Sir Lindsay Hoyle accused the government of committing a “blatant breach” of the ministerial code over how it released details of a major defence review on Monday, 2 June.

Politics

1 week ago Not providing public cash for arms ‘student union politics’, says Healey

The comments come ahead of the Prime Minister announcing the outcome of a major defence review during a visit to Scotland.

Politics

2 w. ago What Rachel Reeves’ pensions revamp means for your retirement pot

There will be economic benefits to grouping pension pools together - but more risky investment opportunities do not provide future guarantees

Politics

3 w. ago Labour 'determined to follow in footsteps of Blair and Brown' on child poverty, Liz Kendall says

The Work and Pensions Secretary refused to be drawn on the future of the two-child benefit limit - but said reducing child povety was a 'top priority' in an interview with The Mirror

Society

3 w. ago What does the sentencing review mean for prisons as chemical castration considered for sex offenders

Former Tory justice secretary David Gauke has called for overhaul of justice system in major sentencing review

Events

3 w. ago Scientists pinpoint the two diets that could help relieve depression and anxiety

A major review of 25 studies by researchers at Bond University in Queensland, Australia found that two diets may help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Events

3 w. ago Criminals face disruptive new punishments in plans for sentencing overhaul

A major sentencing review, due to be published this week, will recommend judges tailor punishments depending on the specific criminal’s life and what will be most disruptive

Events

3 w. ago Inside prisons crisis as Keir Starmer told to 'hold his nerve' on unpopular decision

Prime Minister Keir Starmer will soon face tough choices as his major sentencing review is expected to demand a complete overhaul of the prisons system

Events

last month ITV soap boss retires after 27 years as Corrie and Emmerdale undergo major shake

ITV has announced that John Whiston is stepping down from his role as Managing Director of Continuing Drama and Head of ITV in the North after 27 years with the company

Politics

last month Cycling in Dumfries and Galloway experiences 'transformative' 12 months

South of Scotland Cycling Partnership’s review of 2024 has revealed a number of highlights, including major events in Gatehouse and Ae.

Politics