politics
New Birmingham-Manchester rail link planned
Previous plans for a high-speed rail line between the cities were scrapped by Rishi Sunak’s government. Source link
I'm not racist, says Reform MS who used Chinese slur
Laura Anne Jones apologised for using the slur, saying it was a term “used for a takeaway” when she was a child. Source link
Cover-up law delayed after concerns it will not apply fully to MI5
The law would create a new legal duty on public bodies to tell the truth during investigations. Source link
Stop saying we can't make things work, Streeting urges Labour
The health secretary warns a growing “excuses culture” is damaging Labour in a speech to a think tank. Source link
Lib Dems set out plan to end 12-hour A&E waits
Party leader Ed Davey calls for £1.5bn to be spent on ending a “deadly corridor crisis” in the NHS. Source link
Minister will not be drawn on police chief future
An independent report into the decision to ban Maccabi Tel Aviv fans is expected this week. Source link
Lying ban for politicians in Wales prompts free speech fears
A report says the proposed bill, to be debated on Tuesday, would be “extraordinary as drafted”. Source link
Tax and spending plans to be revealed in Scottish Budget
Finance Secretary Shona Robison will announce the government’s draft plans in a speech at Holyrood Source link
MP's school visit cancelled over pro-Palestine protests
Damien Egan, Labour MP for Bristol North East and vice chair of Labour Friends of Israel, cancelled the appearance. Source link
Mandelson apologises for continuing Epstein friendship
The former ambassador apologises “unequivocally” for maintaining links with Epstein after 2008 conviction Source link