Borrowing surges by more than expected in blow to Chancellor amid Iran war woes The ONS said borrowing was £4.9 billion higher than a year earlier at £24.3 billion last month. Evening Standard · May 22
High hopes dashed: UK cost-of-living woes snare PM Starmer Britons are unhappy with Prime Minister Keir Starmer's government. Cost of living worries are high. Economic problems persist since 2008. Recent global conflicts have worsened inflation. Food and fuel prices have increased significantly. Government measures aim to ease the burden. Slow productivity growth is a long-term challenge. Voters may lack… The Economic Times · May 22
UK bond yields set for biggest weekly drop since 2024; retail sales fall as drivers cut back on fuel - as it happened Rolling coverage of the latest economic and financial news The Guardian - UK · May 22
VAT cut announced for UK summer attractions as Reeves unveils cost-of-living package In a move to bring relief to families this summer, Chancellor Rachel Reeves has rolled out an unexpected VAT reduction on seasonal attractions, drastically lowering it from 20% to a mere 5%. This initiative, dubbed 'Great British Summer Savings,' is designed to encourage families to indulge in more recreational activities. The Times of India · May 21
Bulletin PM briefing: Reeves slashes prices for families and Andrew trade papers revealed Five things Rachel Reeves has announced as VAT is cut for families. Documents reveal details of Andrew’s trade envoy appointment – including late Queen’s involvement. NHS sacks 11 staff who accessed Nottingham attack victims’ medical records. UK net migration falls sharply but half of Brits think otherwise. Police make five… The Independent UK · May 21
Starmer to help campaign for Andy Burnham at Makerfield by-election amid leadership challenge bid The Prime Minister said he wanted the ‘whole Labour movement’ to be involved in the vital by-election The Independent UK · May 21
There is only one way Labour can win the North Sea oil and gas debate ANALYSIS: Proponents of keeping North Sea oil and gas in the ground are repeatedly focusing on energy security and economic arguments. But it is only by making the climate argument that they will actually win the debate, explains Nick Ferris The Independent UK · May 21
Manchester messiah Burnham anointed to fix Westminster politics King of the north searches for the hero inside himself to an Oasis backing track to change politics for the better The Guardian - UK · May 21
Why health experts have hit out at Rachel Reeves’ food price cuts IN FULL The Independent UK · May 21
Reeves targets oil and gas profits with plans to close tax loophole The Chancellor hopes reforms to taxation of overseas activities will bring in ‘hundreds of millions of pounds’. Evening Standard · May 21
What’s included in Reeves’ cost of living plan, what isn’t, and who will really benefit? NEWS ANALYSIS: Political editor David Maddox looks at a cost of living announcement by the chancellor which appeared to reflect a political obsession with plumbers and was missing major items The Independent UK · May 21
'Drop in the ocean': Rachel Reeves mocked over flagship cost of living pledge RACHEL Reeves’s flagship cost-of-living support measure has been derided as a “drop in the ocean”. The National (Scotland) · May 21
UK offers cheaper chocolate and tickets to the zoo in bid to ease cost of living squeeze The British government is offering cheaper chocolate and discounted theme park entry to ease the cost-of-living squeeze triggered by the Iran war AAP · May 21
What are the Chancellor's new cost of living measures set to boost London days out this summer? Announcing the ‘Great British Summer Savings scheme’, Rachel Reeves said it was important families are ‘able to enjoy time together without worrying about the next bill’ Evening Standard · May 21
The National (Scotland) · May 21 Rachel Reeves told off in front of Parliament for announcing policy on TikTok TIKTOK should not be the first place to hear about new Government policy, the Chancellor was warned as she made a statement on cost-of-living…
Evening Standard · May 21 Swinney keen for ‘co-operation’ with UK Government to cut cost of weekly shop The Scottish First Minister also said he will be taking forward plans for a price cap on a limited number of items.
The Guardian - UK · May 21 Reeves cuts VAT on summer days out to 5% as part of cost of living support Chancellor says she will raise tax on global oil firms to help meet costs of plans and confirms delay to fuel duty increases
The Independent UK · May 21 Rachel Reeves increases mileage rate for drivers using cars for work Unions have welcomed the announcement, with many campaigning for years for the rate to be increased
Evening Standard · May 21 VAT slashed to 5% on summer attractions in Chancellor’s cost-of-living plan Rachel Reeves said the cut would apply to ticket prices for fairs, theme parks, zoos and museums across the UK from June 25 to September 1.
The Independent UK · May 21 VAT slashed to 5% on summer attractions in chancellor’s cost of living plan Reeves avoids announcing any immediate help with energy bills, despite soaring oil prices triggered by the Iran war
The Guardian - UK · May 21 Rachel Reeves tells foul-mouthed Reform UK heckler good manners matter Chancellor wins support from Conservative Mel Stride, while Nigel Farage says he would ‘like to buy man a pint’
The Independent UK · May 21 Rachel Reeves to cut food and travel costs – what will be announced IN FULL
The Guardian - UK · May 21 Starmer says he will campaign for Burnham in Makerfield byelection – as it happened Prime minister tells reporters he would campaign personally in the contest
The Times of India · May 21 Children across England to get free bus travel this August under £100 million Government Scheme Millions of children aged five to 15 in England will receive free local bus travel throughout August as part of a government initiative to ease the cost of living. This "Great British Summer Savings" package aims to help families with rising expenses during the school holidays, potentially saving households significant…