NewsUKUK PoliticsEnglandN. IrelandScotlandWalesChris Mason: Iran war means government's vicious circles tighten and darkenA subdued economy makes trade-offs and choices over public spending more difficult, Chris Mason writes.7 mins agoMiddle EastUK faces biggest hit to growth from Iran war of major economies, IMF saysThe financial body cuts its growth forecast for the UK and warns the war threatens to throw the global economy "off course".12 hrs agoBusinessGreens pledge to transform Scotland at manifesto launchCo-leaders Ross Greer and Gillian Mackay have vowed free bus travel for all, as well as plans to expand funded childcare.18 hrs agoScotland PoliticsWelsh Lib Dems vow to block independence after Senedd electionWelsh Liberal Democrat leader Jane Dodds launched her party's manifesto for the Senedd election on Tuesday.16 hrs agoWalesPalantir defends its record as MPs demand more scrutiny of data useNHS guidance that all hospitals should be using Palantir software from this month has sparked a backlash.11 hrs agoFormer Nato chief warns UK's national security 'in peril'Lord George Robertson, a former Labour defence secretary, will use a speech to accuse "non-military experts in the Treasury" of "vandalism".9 hrs agoPoliticsNumber of asylum hotels falls to 185 after 11 closeThe government says the fall is partly due to housing people in alternative sites such as military barracks.11 hrs agoEnglandSingle-sex space guidance for organisations to be published after May electionsEqualities minister Bridget Phillipson says election rules mean a new draft cannot be published until next month.Lib Dems call for GP guarantee on new housing developmentsA new law would require developers to fund, build, or expand existing GP surgeries, the party says.Chris Mason: How Lammy and Vance's unlikely friendship is being leveragedTheir relations remain warm just as those between their leaders seems decidedly chilly, Chris Mason writes.Trump threat to Iranian civilians 'wrong', Starmer saysThe PM condemns the US president's threat that a "whole civilisation" would die unless Iran agreed to end the war.Chagos deal paused over Trump opposition, minister confirmsLegislation ratifying the agreement will not progress this parliamentary term due to a stand-off with the White House.Features and analysisIs the Trump-Starmer bromance over?The disintegration of the pair's friendship has benefits - and the PM is getting steadily more comfortable at taking advantage.Messy and unpredictable: What I learned from election tour of the UKBBC Radio 5 Live's Matt Chorley talks to voters in England, Scotland and Wales to get the real story on May's elections.Who can I vote for in my area?Elections are taking place across the country in May. Use our postcode lookup to find out if there are elections where you live and who you can vote for. Comedians tell ministers lack of funding is no laughing matterCulture Minister Ian Murray has agreed to work with the comedy industry to boost support after talks.Marmalades may need to be relabelled under post-Brexit food dealThe breakfast favourite will be legally renamed when Britain aligns with new EU labelling rules.From our Political Editor Chris MasonChris Mason: Iran war means government's vicious circles tighten and darkenA subdued economy makes trade-offs and choices over public spending more difficult, Chris Mason writes.Chris Mason: How Lammy and Vance's unlikely friendship is being leveragedTheir relations remain warm just as those between their leaders seems decidedly chilly, Chris Mason writes.Will the UK ban social media for under 16s? As a US trial finds Meta and Google intentionally built addictive social media platforms, will the UK change its rules?How will the UK respond to US court verdict on social media?Will the decision of a Los Angeles jury have an impact on the UK government as it considers potential future regulations on social media, writes the BBC's political editor.Reeves to set out principles on who might get energy bills support - and who won'tThe chancellor must react in real time to the economic shock of the war in Iran, writes the BBC's political editor.BBC InDepthAs Starmer faces war overseas, his party can't find peace at homeBritish politicians tend to stick together during dangerous moments abroad. In 2026? Not so much.Why Europe's leaders have struggled to speak as one on IranEuropean nations say they want to work better together but have differing prioritiesOne giant boys' club? Why Westminster can still feel like a man's worldThe decision to appoint Peter Mandelson has prompted soul searching about women’s role in government, writes Laura Kuenssberg.Why China views the UK visit as part of something biggerSir Keir Starmer is one of a number of world leaders heading to BeijingLabour wants to shake up the police - but will that solve 'everyday crime epidemic'?The home secretary is promising the biggest policing reform in centuries, but she faces a fight, writes Laura Kuenssberg.Watch/ListenWatch: Legal adviser helps undercover reporter pretend to be gay for asylum claimA BBC reporter goes undercover and speaks to an adviser encouraging migrants to cheat the asylum system.The Lib Dem manifesto in 60 secondsBBC Wales' Gareth Lewis outlines the key details from the Welsh Lib Dem Senedd election manifesto.Plaid Cymru's manifesto explained in a minute Gareth Lewis explains the key headlines from Plaid Cymru's manifesto for the 2026 Senedd election.Wales Green Party manifesto explained in a minutePolitical Editor Gareth Lewis breaks down promises to freeze rent caps, build 60,000 social homes and improve childcare in 60 seconds.Welsh Labour manifesto explained in under 60 secondsBBC Wales political editor Gareth Lewis explains Welsh Labour's pledges for the Senedd election in May.
