Westminster’s top books of 2024

Rachel Reeves faces challenges in 2025 as the chancellor prepares for a spending review amidst stagnant economic growth, according to Carl Emmerson of the Institute for Fiscal Studies. The government plans to implement efficiency savings of 5% in departmental budgets following two consecutive months of GDP contraction and revised growth forecasts for the coming year. With lower growth predictions and potential financial strain, the upcoming spending review is expected to be a significant test for...

Tory leader Kemi Badenoch has accused Nigel Farage of “fakery” over Reform UK's membership claims, stating the counter was “coded to tick up automatically”. Mr. Farage offered to have membership numbers audited if the Conservatives did the same. The dispute arose after Reform UK's counter surpassed the Conservative Party's declared figure, with Mr. Farage declaring the party as the “real opposition” on Twitter. Full Article

Slovak leader Fico met with Putin to discuss extending Russian gas deliveries to Bratislava amid Kyiv's refusal, later mentioning talks on Ukraine's military situation. Opposition leader Šimečka criticized Fico, urging him to push Putin to end the war for peace talks. Zelenskyy questioned Fico's relationship with Moscow and accused him of avoiding public scrutiny post-meeting with Putin. Full Article

Sean Turnell described his more than 20 months as a prisoner in Myanmar as horrific, from sharing a concrete cell with rats and tarantulas to being chained to a steel chair in a windowless box. The prison cells varied from rudimentary to terrible, with some being exposed to the elements and infested with insects and rodents. Turnell found solace in his imagination and limited exercise while enduring the harsh conditions of his confinement. Full Article

Your support helps The Independent cover critical stories from reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, with investigations like Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC and documentaries like 'The A Word'. Donations enable on-the-ground reporting, ensuring quality journalism accessible to all. The cultural sector in the UK faces closures and financial challenges, with one in five venues needing at least £5m to survive, and 40% at risk of closure without significant investment, impacting theatres, museums, and...

Charities have welcomed the government's pledge of £15m towards delivering surplus food to those in need, potentially saving 60 million meals. The funding, originally promised by Rishi Sunak in February 2024, was confirmed by the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs, benefiting organizations like the Felix Project and FareShare. Charlotte Hill of the Felix Project emphasized the importance of reducing food waste and helping those facing food insecurity, highlighting the impact of the funding...