Biggest cuts since austerity era as Reeves tries to plug budget deficit
- Biggest cuts since austerity era as Reeves tries to plug budget deficit: Chancellor Rachel Reeves plans to announce significant spending cuts in the upcoming spring statement. These cuts are described as the largest since the austerity period. The cuts are aimed at addressing the budget deficit, as tax rises have been ruled out. The cuts could mean 7% reductions for certain departments over the next four years. There are concerns about the impact on public services and the poorest families. There is also information regarding the impact of previous benefit cuts, especially to those with disabilities.
The front page of The Guardian this morning 20/03/2025:
- Greenpeace faces huge bill after legal defeat: Reports on a legal case in North Dakota where Greenpeace has been found liable for defamation and other claims. The case involves protests against the Dakota Access pipeline in 2016 and 2017. Energy Transfer Partners, an oil and gas company, sued Greenpeace for $300m. The jury found for Energy Transfer on most counts.
- Trump and Zelenskyy in ‘positive’ phone call: Details a phone call between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy, described as “positive.” This is the first conversation since a previous “disastrous showdown.” Topics included a partial ceasefire and air defence batteries for Ukraine. There is information regarding the previous encounter between the two leaders, and the US vice-president, JD Vance.
- A large photograph of Ukrainian servicemen returning home after a prisoner exchange between Kyiv and Moscow.