‘Painful’ Budget ahead, Keir Starmer warns in gloomy No10 speech August 27, 2024 Sir Keir Starmer has warned Brits to expect a “painful” Budget this autumn as he insisted the state of the public finances is “worse than we ever imagined”. The Prime Minister addressed the nation from the No10 Rose Garden as he cautioned voters his government’s first fiscal statement would be “short-term pain for long-term good”. [...]
Labour’s miserable mood music comes with its own risks August 27, 2024 The last time a Labour government replaced an unpopular Tory administration it did so to the sound of Things Can Only Get Better, by D:Ream. Now, 27 years later, Keir Starmer is changing the tune with a warning that “things are going to get worse.” This stark contrast will be set out in a speech [...]
UK minister urges de-escalation after Israel and Hezbollah exchange fire August 25, 2024 A major war in the Middle East is “a real danger”, a cabinet minister has warned following an escalation of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah overnight. Early on Sunday, the Israeli military launched what it described as “pre-emptive” strikes against the militant group in southern Lebanon, saying it had detected plans to attack Israel. Hezbollah, [...]
Social rent increases may not ‘move dial’ on housebuilding, Rachel Reeves warned August 21, 2024 Rachel Reeves’ plans to increase social rent may not “move the dial in a material way” on council housebuilding, a corporate finance firm is warning. The Chancellor will reportedly up social rent by bringing in a decade-long formula to raise housing costs in England boosted by the CPI inflation measure – currently 2.2 per cent [...]
Government borrowing exceeds estimates as public sector spending jumps August 21, 2024 Monthly borrowing figures will be closely watched over the coming months for clues about how much Labour will raise taxes in October's Budget.
London City Airport given go-ahead to expand capacity but more Saturday flying rejected August 20, 2024 London City Airport has been granted permission to significantly expand passenger capacity after an extended spat with Newham Council.
The Notebook: So, when does Labour actually become pro-business? August 20, 2024 The honeymoon is over, Labour needs to start walking the walk when it comes to being pro-business, writes Michael Martins.
Is the UK moving in the wrong direction? Bad news for Keir as 52 per cent of Brits agree August 19, 2024 Some 52 per cent of Brits think the UK is heading in the wrong direction, according to a new poll following the general election. Pollsters at Ipsos found 22 per cent of people thought the situation in Britain was going in the right direction – down three points from a survey the previous month. It [...]
Tata Steel: Ministers pledge £13.5m to protect jobs as ‘all options on the table’ August 15, 2024 The government has pledged £13.5m to help workers amid Tata Steel job losses, as a minister vowed “all options are on the table”. Funding will go to supporting supply chain businesses and workers affected by job losses in connection with the Indian-owned manufacturer changing its production systems. Tata is switching to a greener form of [...]
Workers rights: Ministers meet unions but warned on ‘unintended consequences’ of reform August 15, 2024 Unions and employers have met with the government to discuss new plans for workers rights but it comes as ministers are warned against “unintended consequences” of reforms. Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and business secretary Jonathan Reynolds met unions and businesses on Wednesday to kick-start Labour’s work on employment rights. Rayner hailed the meeting as [...]