The Latest Breaking News from Rachel Reeves

Tax rises ‘feel inevitable’ after jump in Government borrowing

The Office for National Statistics said public sector net borrowing rose to £20.2 billion, its fourth-highest April figure on record.

Evening Standard · May 22, 2025

Angela Rayner wanted migrant benefits cut in latest pushback against Reeves, leaked memo suggests

The leak appears to be the latest in a briefing campaign against the deputy prime minister, who has pushed back on Labour’s economic policies

The Independent UK · May 22, 2025

Jump in UK borrowing shows Rachel Reeves needs to relax her strict budget rules

As pressure grows on chancellor to rethink constraints she imposed on herself, No 10 adds to her problems

The Guardian - UK · May 22, 2025

Thursday briefing: Labour U-turns on winter fuel cuts – but is the political damage already done?

In today’s newsletter: After weeks of denial, Keir Starmer has announced plans to widen eligibility, but ​with criticism from both opponents and Labour MPs, the government’s handling of cost-of-living policies faces renewed scrutiny

The Guardian - UK · May 22, 2025

Winter fuel payment cuts were a panic measure finally put right

THE INDEPENDENT VIEW: Editorial: The move inadvertently caused maximum political damage to Labour – now, Keir Starmer’s surprise U-turn is an encouraging sign his administration has learnt from its mistakes

The Independent UK · May 21, 2025

Stormont Communities Minister calls for full restoration of winter fuel payment

Gordon Lyons welcomed the statement by Sir Keir Starmer on Wednesday but said it did not go far enough.

The Independent UK · May 21, 2025

Continuing to seek Chinese investment in the UK comes at a heavy political price

One major consequence of the UK government’s resistance to rejoining the European single market is that it is forced to go around the world seeking trade deals and investment.

The Conversation · May 21, 2025

Rachel Reeves’s interview disrupted by on-air audio glitch as Chancellor’s voice turns high pitched

A Rachel Reeves interview was stopped mid-air due to a technical glitch that resulted in her voice sounding extremely high pitched.

The Independent UK · May 21, 2025

Starmer U-turns on winter fuel payment cuts – but millions could still miss out this winter

PM forced to announce huge policy reversal to see off threat of revolt by Labour MPs – with pledge to make more pensioners eligible for cash to pay cold weather energy bills

The Independent UK · May 21, 2025

Voices: Angela Rayner’s soak-the-rich tax plans show what a smart operator she is

COMMENT: Once again, the deputy prime minister has proved that it is she – and not Keir Starmer – who is the force to be reckoned with in Labour, says John Rentoul

The Independent UK · May 21, 2025