Browsing: Politics

The UK government had been holding out hope for a “UK-US economic prosperity deal” that would protect British exports from the tariffs

Cliff Notes Finnish President Alexander Stubb advocates for a complete ceasefire in Ukraine on 20 April, marking a deadline linked to Easter and Donald Trump’s…

France’s Marine Le Pen found guilty of misappropriating European funds to finance her far-right party.

Much of Monday’s headlines – in print and online – is dominated by the latest happenings in the Trump administration. As it has been since he took office, there are multiple stories about the US president, his team and what they are doing every day. 

One of the Trump-focused stories today looks at the president issuing a threat of more tariffs if Moscow does not agree to a peace deal in a month.

Marine Le Pen faces a ruling on alleged misuse of €3 million in EU funds, with prosecutors seeking a five-year ban from public office if convicted.

Syria’s interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa has established a new transitional Cabinet, marking a significant milestone in rebuilding the country after the civil war and the removal of Bashar Assad in December 2024.

France’s Ministry of Foreign Trade has condemned US interference in its firms’ diversity policies as “unacceptable,” following a letter from the US embassy warning against diversity programs.

Cliff Notes Sir Keir Starmer will address a summit in London focused on illegal migration, urging nations to collaborate against people-smuggling networks akin to international…

President Trump threatened potential secondary tariffs of 25% on Russian oil if a deal to halt the Ukraine conflict is not reached.

JD Vance’s appointment as finance chair of the Republican National Committee positions him as a strong contender for the 2028 presidential nomination, according to former RNC Chair Ronna McDaniel.

Sir Keir Starmer and Donald Trump held discussions about ongoing negotiations for a UK-US economic prosperity deal, with plans to expedite talks this week.

Cliff Notes – Two-tier justice The UK government intends to amend laws enabling it to override Sentencing Council guidelines amid accusations of “two-tier justice” related…

Cliff Notes The UK government is exploring partnerships with other countries, including Italy, to establish arrangements similar to Italy’s deal with Albania for processing asylum…

The Sentencing Council has maintained its guidance stating that pre-sentence reports should “normally be considered necessary” for offenders from ethnic, cultural, or faith minorities, despite calls for change from Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood.

Chancellor rejects poverty fears – Chancellor Rachel Reeves has rejected claims that her welfare strategy will push children and families into poverty. It comes after analysis has started on her Spring Statement – and what it means for both the poorest and wealthiest in Britain.

Dame Harriet Harman suggests that government whips may be overestimating the number of Labour MPs rebelling against welfare cuts as a tactic for “expectation management”.

A federal judge has temporarily blocked President Trump’s ban on transgender military personnel, citing potential “irreparable harm” to service members.

Cliff Notes – US revoked around 300 visas in crackdown on students — Rubio US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the Trump administration…

Pat McFadden, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, acknowledges Donald Trump’s significant role in altering the global security landscape, particularly since the war in Ukraine began.

Emmanuel Macron’s proposal for a “reassurance force” to support Ukraine lacks unanimous support among European allies, with only some nations willing to participate.

Happy Thursday! Today’s newspaper front pages are, unsurprisingly, dominated by yesterday’s Spring Statement. It’s a tough read for the chancellor this morning as the newspapers round on her plans with accusations that her time will soon be up as chancellor, that she’s returning Britain to austerity and that the poor will be hit the hardest – when it should be the wealthy taxed. 

Economic growth in doubt – Rachel Reeves’ Spring Statement, several newspapers highlight the OBR’s warning that the Chancellor’s plans for economic growth could be wiped out by the global trade war as Donald Trump continues to issue further tariff threats.

The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) has halved the 2025 economic growth forecast to 1%, down from 2%. Despite these austerity measures, the tax burden is projected to reach a record 37.7% of the GDP by 2027-28.

Recent welfare cuts are projected to push tens of thousands of children into poverty, disproportionately affecting low-income families and those with disabilities.

Spring Statement 2025 reaction – Thursday’s headlines are reacting to yesterday’s Spring Statement delivered by the chancellor. 

Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced significant measures to address the UK’s economic challenges. Key points include a £14 billion plan involving cuts to welfare payments (£4.8 billion) and departmental spending (£3.6 billion) to fix public finances. The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) has halved the 2025 economic growth forecast to 1%, down from 2%. Despite these austerity measures, the tax burden is projected to reach a record 37.7% of the GDP by 2027-28. Additionally, a £3.25 billion Transformation Fund was introduced to drive efficiencies across government departments.

Following the chancellor’s update on the economy, Donald Trump announced new import taxes of 25% on cars and car parts coming into America in a move that threatened to widen the global trade war.

Zelensky urges US and allies to stand strong against Russia – defiant that Russia is the evil empire. He acknowledged the bipartisan support within the US for Ukraine but cautioned against the influence of Russian narratives on American officials that could undermine their stance.