NewsUKUK PoliticsEnglandN. IrelandScotlandWalesPM 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.11 hrs agoPoliticsRemove VAT from energy bills for three years, Tories urgeThere has been a renewed focus on energy costs since the outbreak of the war in Iran.6 hrs agoPoliticsGovernment must do more to help detained Brits in UAE, advocacy group saysThe UK Foreign Office says it is giving consular assistance to "a small number of British nationals" that have been detained there after allegedly taking pictures of Iranian attacks. 10 hrs agoMiddle EastCouncils pressed to use universal parking app to cut 'unfair' finesThe National Parking Platform already has 15 councils on board with more in talks to join.1 day agoPoliticsSpirit of Caerphilly by-election could propel Plaid into government, says leaderPlaid Cymru leader launches Senedd election campaign, comparing it to fight to win Caerphilly in October.7 hrs agoWalesWelsh Labour promises NHS will see people within 48 hours in manifestoLeader Eluned Morgan made her pledge as she launched her party's Senedd election manifesto in Swansea.8 hrs agoWalesRussia expels British diplomat over spying allegationsA UK Foreign Office spokesman accuses Russia of an "aggressive and co-ordinated campaign of harassment against British diplomats".12 hrs agoEurope'I was naive,' says minister who quit over Labour Together claimsJosh Simons resigned after facing claims a think tank he used to run commissioned a report into journalists' backgrounds.Defection MP locked out of office loses court caseAndrew Rosindell was locked out of the Conservatives' Romford constituency office in January.Schools do not have enough staff to make SEND reforms work, union warnsThe National Education Union says schools need more funding to be able to make all classrooms inclusive.No evidence of 'family voting' in by-electionAn investigation into alleged "family voting" finds no evidence of intent to influence voting.Cut taxes on energy bills before giving bailouts, Badenoch saysThe Tory leader refuses to rule out direct payments to households if bills spike but says this would come at a cost.Features and analysisWhy the 7 May elections matterBBC's Chris Mason explains what's at stake in the upcoming elections across the UK.Is there an election 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. Council tax bills in England to rise in April - see how yours comparesIt will rise by 4.9% on average across England from next month, new figures show. Chris Mason: How will the UK respond to US court ruling 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.Health, education, tax and more - Has the SNP delivered on its promises at Holyrood?As parties draw up their election manifestos, has the SNP ticked off the goals it set out in 2021?From our Political Editor Chris MasonWill 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?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.Is Angela Rayner making a move to be prime minister?Angela Rayner's speech has reignited speculation that she is preparing to challenge Sir Keir Starmer for the top job.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/ListenWelsh Labour manifesto explained in under 60 secondsBBC Wales political editor Gareth Lewis explains Welsh Labour's pledges for the Senedd election in May. 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?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?NHS, bills and immigration: One constituency's election talking pointsSix weeks from the Holyrood election, the BBC takes the temperature in one central Scotland constituency.Reporter ReadsAs patients struggle to find NHS dentists, Labour has a plan. But will it work?
