6 h. ago Can Labour survive its identity crisis? Ask chief political commentator John Rentoul anything

The Independent’s chief political commentator, John Rentoul, is here to answer your questions as Labour grapples with a welfare reform crisis, mounting pressure on Keir Starmer’s leadership, and growing doubts over Rachel Reeves’s position

Events

7 h. ago Rachel Reeves: Keir Starmer to give press conference after Chancellor seen crying

Keir Starmer will give a speech on the future of the NHS hours after facing questions about Rachel Reeves' future following her tears in the Commons at PMQs

Politics

17 h. ago Starmer moves to bolster Reeves after tearful Commons episode fuels bonds slump

Prime minister says he ‘in lockstep’ with chancellor who will be in the position for a ‘very long time to come’

Politics

20 h. ago UK bonds slump on doubts over Rachel Reeves’ future after tearful PMQs

Chancellor visibly upset as Keir Starmer declines to say she will remain in her post

Politics

20 h. ago UK bonds slump on doubts over Reeves’ future after tearful episode in Commons

Chancellor visibly upset as Keir Starmer declines to say she will remain in her post

Politics

25 h. ago UK bonds slump on doubts over Reeves’ future after tearful PMQs

Chancellor visibly upset as prime minister declines to say she will remain in her post

Politics

2 w. ago Emi Martinez 'green lights Man Utd transfer' as Aston Villa star eyes Old Trafford move

Manchester United continue to eye Emiliano Martinez and have opened talks with the Aston Villa goalkeeper, who faces an uncertain future after a tearful end to the season

Politics

3 w. ago Experts cast doubt on Reeves' plan to make her sums add up by saving billions through 'technical efficiency gains', slashing admin spending and clamping down on tax

The Treasury said it planned to make more use of artificial intelligence, reforming the workforce - including through job cuts - and selling off its London property portfolio.

Economics

3 w. ago The Guardian view on child poverty: free school meals are a help, but not a panacea | Editorial

Giving lunch to more pupils is a good move – but poor nutrition points to deeper problems that ministers must faceIt was Ellen Wilkinson, education minister in the Attlee government, who announced in 1946 that free school dinners would be introduced, along with free school milk, at the same time as child benefit. No doubt Rachel Reeves, who has a picture of Wilkinson on the wall of her office, is aware of this – and also that the Treasury subsequently decided the policy was unaffordable. The meals were subsidised instead.Despite these initial charges, and later price rises, poorer children did gain, and keep, an entitlement to free school meals. The announcement last week that this is being extended in England to all those whose parents or carers claim universal credit – rather than restricted to families with incomes lower than £7,400 – should be welcomed by all objectors to child poverty. Being assured of a hot lunch in the middle of the school day makes pupils’ lives be...

Politics