Politics

This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. By Paul Seddon Politics reporter Rishi Sunak has refused to say whether Tory MPs accused of undermining the Commons Partygate inquiry into Boris Johnson should apologise. The Privileges Committee said last week that the MPs, including Nadine

Reuters By Ione Wells, Political correspondent, & Paul Seddon BBC News The government has been urged to rethink its plans to fine public bodies which initiate boycotts against Israel. The proposals received initial backing but have been met with criticism from both Conservative and Labour MPs. Communities Secretary Michael Gove said the bill would guarantee

This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. By Nadeem Shad & Helen Catt BBC News A Labour government would give £2,400 to teachers in the very early stages of their career in England to try to stop them leaving the profession. The party says

Reuters By Faisal Islam BBC Newsnight The government’s deal to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda risks “downgrading” UK foreign policy, a former cabinet minister has said. A final report by a United Nations Group of Experts, published earlier this month, concluded that the Rwandans were supporting the M23 rebel group which is active in the

Getty Images By Becky Morton Political reporter Lord Zac Goldsmith has hit back at Rishi Sunak’s claim he refused to apologise for criticising a Commons investigation into Boris Johnson. The Tory peer earlier resigned as a minister with a scathing attack on Mr Sunak’s climate change “apathy”. Mr Sunak said Lord Goldsmith had quit after

Getty Images By Nick Triggle Health correspondent There will be a major expansion in training places for health staff in England, under a “historic” 15-year plan to fill NHS staffing shortages. It includes more university places for medical and nursing students and a greater emphasis on apprenticeships with the first ever scheme for doctors. A

By Becky Morton Political reporter Tory London mayoral hopeful Daniel Korski has pulled out of the contest, after being accused of groping by novelist and TV producer Daisy Goodwin. Mr Korski said he “categorically” denied the allegation against him. But he said he was withdrawing from the race because the pressure on his family and

This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. By Jim Reed and Michelle Roberts BBC News Ex-health secretary Matt Hancock has criticised the UK’s pandemic planning ahead of Covid, saying it was too focused on dealing with deaths rather than averting them. He told the

By Oliver Smith & Simon Jack BBC News The UK is at risk of being “starved” of North Sea energy leaving it reliant on imports, a major oil and gas producer has told the BBC. Ithaca Energy said Labour’s pledge to ban new oil and gas exploration in the North Sea and current taxation policy

Downing Street By Michael Sheils McNamee and Nick Triggle BBC News The NHS is set to undergo the “largest expansion in training and workforce” in its history, Rishi Sunak has said. Speaking to the BBC, the prime minister said the plans would reduce “reliance on foreign-trained healthcare professionals”. It comes at a time of record-high

PA Media By Sean Seddon BBC News Baroness Margaret McDonagh, the first female general secretary of the Labour Party, has died aged 61. She was a key figure in the party under Sir Tony Blair’s leadership, and played a central role in both the 1997 and 2001 general election victories. She was diagnosed with brain

PA Media By Chas Geiger BBC News Pollution rules are a major obstacle to the government’s aim of 300,000 new homes a year, a minister has said. Wastewater and sewage from new homes and construction sites raise levels of nutrients like nitrates and phosphates, which harm water quality and wildlife. Baroness Scott of Bybrook said

Reuters By Ione Wells Political correspondent “Halving inflation this year” is one of the prime minister’s top five priorities. It’s currently stuck at 8.7%. When Rishi Sunak is asked how he’ll meet his goal, he points to raising interest rates. Something the Bank of England, not the government, controls. The truth is there are some

Reuters By Chris Mason Political editor, BBC News “It’s on me personally” if inflation isn’t halved this year, Rishi Sunak said earlier this month. No 10 has now described the promise as an “ambitious target” which they “remain committed to”. The economic and political consequences of inflation that is both high and seemingly wedged high

This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. By Michael Race Business reporter, BBC News The government has ruled out introducing major financial support to mortgage holders over fears it would drive the cost of living higher. Chancellor Jeremy Hunt said offering mortgage relief schemes

This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. By Becky Morton Political reporter MPs have backed a report that found Boris Johnson deliberately misled MPs over lockdown parties at Downing Street. The Commons voted overwhelmingly in support of the report, by 354 to seven. The