UK politics live: Rachel Reeves to defend Budget to CBI after stark warning over tax rises

Angela Rayner will announce plans for new mega-councils in a white paper on English devolution, asking councils to merge to facilitate Labour's goal of building 1.5 million homes in five years. These "strategic authorities" aim to streamline decision-making and give regions a stronger voice, but may face backlash from critics concerned about loss of local control over planning. Around 20 to 30 new authorities are expected to be created, resulting in the consolidation of approximately...

Allies of Kemi Badenoch are urging people to scrutinize the record of Nigerian VP Kashim Shettima, who criticized her for denigrating her country of origin, while praising Rishi Sunak. Badenoch's supporters argue that Shettima's tenure as governor during the Boko Haram kidnapping of 276 girls in 2014 reflects Nigeria's failings in addressing such issues, highlighting his delayed response and failure to secure the girls' release. Full Article

The UK foreign secretary David Lammy has opened diplomatic contact with Syrian rebels who ousted Bashar al-Assad’s regime, while reiterating that Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) remains a proscribed terrorist organization in the UK. He announced a £50 million humanitarian aid package for vulnerable Syrians, emphasizing the importance of a representative government, securing chemical weapons stockpiles, and ending violence. The aid will be distributed through UN and NGO agencies to Syrians in the country and refugees...

Your support helps The Independent to cover important stories, from reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, with on-the-ground reporting and investigative work. Donations enable journalists to provide unbiased coverage and reach both sides of the story, ensuring quality journalism is accessible to all. Yvette Cooper has not set a deadline for reducing dangerous small boat crossings in the Channel, with 34,880 arrivals so far this year, up 20% from last year, but down...

Rachel Reeves' Budget measures are projected to devastate care providers, leading to vulnerable disabled and elderly individuals not receiving care next year. The rise in national insurance, minimum wage, and living wage could bankrupt local authorities and threaten the future of care companies, as warned by the Homecare Association. Industry analysts report a growing gap in profits between providers serving privately paying customers and those dependent on state or NHS funding, potentially resulting in a...

The European Union will not lift sanctions on Syria until the new government ensures minority rights and women's rights are protected and rejects religious extremism, according to EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas. The EU is cautious about providing additional financial aid to Syria, emphasizing the need for accountability for crimes committed under Assad's regime. Kallas highlights the importance of ensuring justice and accountability for Assad's actions to pave the way for a stable and...