politics
PM launches Labour's local election campaign with focus on cost of living
Keir Starmer says the 7 May elections take place against an “uncertain” backdrop with wars in Ukraine and Iran. Source link
Russia expels British diplomat over spying allegations
A UK Foreign Office spokesman accused Russia of an “aggressive and co-ordinated campaign of harassment against British diplomats”. Source link
Remove VAT from energy bills for three years, Tories urge
There has been a renewed focus on energy costs since the outbreak of the war in Iran. Source link
Welsh Labour pledges income tax freeze at manifesto launch
Leader Eluned Morgan is due to launch her party’s Senedd election manifesto in Swansea. Source link
Councils pressed to use universal parking app to cut 'unfair' fines
The National Parking Platform already has 15 councils on board with more in talks to join. Source link
Cut taxes on energy bills before giving bailouts, Badenoch says
The Tory leader refuses to rule out direct payments to households if bills spike but says this would come at a cost. Source link
Schools do not have enough staff to make SEND reforms work, union warns
The National Education Union says schools need more funding to be able to make all classrooms inclusive. Source link
'I was naive,' says minister who quit over Labour Together claims
Josh Simons resigned after facing claims a think tank he used to run commissioned a report into journalists’ backgrounds. Source link
Offord says he is fit to be first minister after homophobic joke
Malcolm Offord denied being homophobic after apologising for a joke he made about George Michael during a Burns Night speech. Source link
No evidence of 'family voting' in by-election
An investigation into alleged “family voting” finds no evidence of intent to influence voting. Source link