Guardian UK Politics
Rachel Reeves reveals push for fiscal devolution to English regions, says Brexit caused damage, and admits student loan system is ‘broken’ – as it happened
Rachel Reeves used her Mais lecture at Bayes Business School to deliver a wide-ranging economic address, warning that Brexit may have cost the UK as much as 8% of GDP while calling for greater fiscal devolution to English regions and an AI-driven growth push. The Chancellor also acknowledged the student loan system is "broken," signaling potential reform ahead. Her remarks land against a troubling economic backdrop, with individual insolvencies in England and Wales surging 18% year-on-year to 11,609 in February.
Read article →Guardian UK Politics
Zelenskyy to address MPs and peers as Starmer tells him that Iran war won’t distract him from Ukraine – UK politics live
Zelenskyy is set to address British MPs and peers in the Houses of Parliament as Prime Minister Starmer reaffirms that tensions with Iran will not divert UK attention from supporting Ukraine. The visit underscores Britain's continued diplomatic commitment to Kyiv amid competing geopolitical pressures. Meanwhile, Reform UK's Nigel Farage is making headlines of his own, launching a cost-of-living-themed lottery under the domain nigelcutmybills.com.
Read article →Guardian UK Politics
Rachel Reeves pushing ‘generational opportunity’ for fiscal devolution to English regions, and admits student loan system is ‘broken’ – business live
Rising personal insolvencies are casting a shadow over Rachel Reeves' ambitious economic agenda, with 11,609 individuals in England and Wales declared insolvent in February — up 18% year-on-year. The Chancellor used her Mais lecture to argue for sweeping fiscal devolution to English regions and acknowledged the student loan system is "broken," while conceding Brexit may have stripped 8% from UK GDP. The twin pressures of household financial distress and long-term structural economic damage are framing the political stakes around Reeves' reform push.
Read article →BBC Politics
Trump 'not happy' with UK response to Iran conflict
President Trump has expressed dissatisfaction with the UK's response to escalating tensions involving Iran, signaling a potential rift between the two allies on Middle East strategy. The friction comes after Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced Britain is coordinating with partners on measures to safeguard the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil supplies. The disagreement raises questions about transatlantic unity at a moment when a coordinated Western response may be most needed.
Read article →Guardian UK Politics
Iran war cannot be ’windfall’ for Putin, says Starmer, as Zelenskyy arrives in UK
Keir Starmer is hosting Volodymyr Zelenskyy in London as the UK prime minister warns that Western military action against Iran must not distract from holding Russia accountable in Ukraine. Starmer's remarks signal concern that a widening Middle East conflict could reduce pressure on Moscow and shift global attention away from the war. The visit coincides with a government deadline for Roman Abramovich to release proceeds from his £2.5 billion Chelsea FC sale to Ukrainian war victims.
Read article →Get this delivered every morning
Join thousands of readers who get the world's most important stories, curated daily.
Start reading free →