Sri Lanka: cyclone tragedy exposes government failures
The authorities are under intense scrutiny for their handling of Cyclone Ditwah, which has affected more than 1.46 million people across all 25 districts and caused the nation’s worst flooding in two decades.…
North Sea energy: Government allows some new licences
The Government has announced a shift in its North Sea energy policy, allowing limited new oil and gas licences - but only where developments connect to existing fields and infrastructure without further exploration.…
Poland: partnership with IJM to combat human trafficking
Poland is one of the highest-risk areas for trafficking in Europe, with 209,000 people currently trapped in modern slavery and many more vulnerable due to migration and regional conflict. Women and children make…
I have never authorised attacks on ministers, says PM
Keir Starmer has firmly denied authorising anonymous briefings against members of his cabinet after reports suggested some aides believed he could face a leadership challenge from health secretary Wes Streeting. At PMQs, he…
Thousands of NHS staff to lose jobs after deal approved
Thousands of NHS administrative and managerial staff in England are set to lose their jobs after the Treasury approved a deal allowing the health service to overspend this year to fund redundancy costs.…
Two-child benefit cap to be scrapped?
Keir Starmer has given his clearest indication yet that his government intends to scrap the two-child benefit cap, strongly suggesting the change will be included in the forthcoming 26 November Budget. He said…
USA: longest-ever government shutdown finally ends, both sides bruised
The longest US government shutdown in history has ended after 43 tense days, restoring pay for federal workers and reopening critical services. Yet its conclusion has left both political parties bruised. Senate Democrats…
Chancellor lays the ground for a 1970s-style tax increase
Rachel Reeves has indicated she is willing to break Labour’s election pledges by raising income tax for the first time in half a century, prioritising what she called 'the national interest over political…
Starmer refuses to rule out raising income tax in budget
Keir Starmer has fuelled speculation that Labour may raise income tax in the autumn budget after refusing to reaffirm the party’s election pledge not to increase income tax, national insurance or VAT. Questioned…
Migrant sex offender given £500 after threat to disrupt deportation
The Government has confirmed that convicted sex offender Hadush Kebatu, an Ethiopian national mistakenly released from prison, was paid £500 before being deported. Kebatu, jailed for sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl and a…
