Rachel Reeves launches full-throttle attack on Brexit: ‘A chaotic wrong turn that did deep damage!'

Economics expert slams Rachel Reeves's Brexit speech: 'Far from convincing!'

An economics expert has slammed Rachel Reeves's speech at the Bayes Business School earlier this afternoon.

The Chancellor said Brexit was a "chaotic wrong turn" that resulted in "deep damage" to the UK economy. She claimed the impact could have amounted to eight per cent of Britain's GDP.

Julian Jessop, Economics Fellow at the Institute of Economic Affairs said: "The Chancellor's defence of what amounts to EU rule taking is far from convincing.

"She set out three principles, based on the 'national interest'. But these will be for the birds once the UK signs up for dynamic alignment, as we would be stuck with whatever the EU decides.

"It is also odd to insist that the Brexit benefit of regulatory autonomy should be the 'exception, not the norm', straight after admitting that it might be right for sectors which are 'strategically important'.

"Hopefully this exception will apply widely, including to life sciences and the digital economy, as well as to financial services. Otherwise the UK can forget about what Reeves accurately described as 'the immense potential in the industries of the future'.

"But this also begs the question of which sectors are so unimportant that we are happy for them to be run by the EU?"

Ukrainian President dishes out veiled swipe at US for easing sanctions on Russia

Volodymyr Zelensky then condemned the US for easing sanctions on Russia, thanking the UK for not doing the same.

"Even now, [Vladimir Putin] is still being given money as sanctions on his oil are lifted. And of course, I thank you. Thank you that the UK is not doing this. Thank you so much," he said.

The Ukrainian President adds that "aggressors don't end wars because they suddenly want to," but instead: "They stop when they can no longer continue. That's why pressure is crucial.

"I thank you that Britain understands this. Thank you."

He then describes Iran and Russia as "brothers in hatred," warning both regimes are using AI to "kill cheaply over long distances".

'The world has entered a completely new time,' says Volodymyr Zelensky

Volodymyr Zelensky tells MPs the world is entering a "completely new time" when discussing the conflict with Russia.

"The world has entered a completely new time. A time of drones, a time of AI.

"This means the evolution of weapons, the evolution of war and the evolution of crime. No one can predict where this evolution will lead."

He then warns: "We must keep up with it, and even more, we must stay ahead of it."

Ukraine President addresses MPs

Volodymyr Zelensky is currently addressing MPs after meeting with Keir Starmer.

The Ukrainian President said: "Among Ukrainians, trust in the UK is one of the highest compared to our partners, and it is absolutely deserved."

He thanks Britain profusely for their efforts during the war.

Donald Trump unleashes on Keir Starmer again

This afternoon saw another Oval Office meeting with Donald Trump, and yet again he took his opportunity to blast the Prime Minister's lack of action or decisiveness during the US-Israeli offensive in Iran.

The President began complimentary about Keir Starmer, as shown in the video below, but quickly descended into condemning. There are a few quick bullet points below to summarise.

• Sir Keir "does not produce" when asked upon, Mr Trump said.
• The President refused to say he was confident in the PM's abilities, instead diverting that it was "for the people of the UK to have confidence".
• President Trump also blasted Sir Keir's Net Zero policy. He said the UK has "something very few countries in the world have," regarding the North Sea oil. "[The UK] don't use it. You buy your oil from Norway - you know where they get their oil? From the North Sea."
• More on energy; Mr Trump said the wind turbines across the country are "destroying" the "gorgeous" British countryside. Sir Keir's energy policies are described as a "disaster".
• He said he disagrees with the PM on his immigration policies, which are also described as a "disaster". This, along with energy, are "the biggest policies you can have," he said, before adding that Europe itself is a "different place".

WATCH: Donald Trump tells GB News viewers that Keir Starmer 'is a nice man but he doesn't produce' 

'We should seek to end the BBC's bizarre 10-year charter,' Culture Secretary admits

Lisa Nandy has admitted the BBC's "bizarre" 10-year charter should end.

Speaking at the Society of Editors conference in London, the Culture Secretary said: "If the NHS is essential to the health of our people, the BBC is essential to the health of our democracy, and so while the terms, the structures and the funding for the BBC will continue to be negotiated every several years, we should seek to end the bizarre situation where if the charter isn’t agreed in time the BBC ceases to exist.

"The truth is, we would not accept this for the NHS, and we should not accept it for the BBC.

"This is about protecting the BBC and everything that it represents for the long term, for all of us."

'The chancellor is utterly deluded and gaslighting the public,' says the Tories

The Tories have responded after Rachel Reeves's Brexit bashing earlier this afternoon.

The Chancellor claimed Brexit could be impacted UK GDP by up to eight per cent, adding it was a "chaotic wrong turn" that has done "deep damage" to Britain.

Mel Stride, the Shadow Chancellor, is having none of it. He said: "Rachel Reeves wants to blame everybody else but herself for her dreadful management of the economy.

"After £66billion in tax rises, growth has stalled, business confidence has collapsed, inflation is higher and unemployment is rising.

"But instead of owning the damage she's done, Reeves is dragging us back into the old Brexit arguments.

"The chancellor is utterly deluded and gaslighting the public to cover her own failures."

Nato General Secretary arrives at Downing Street

Nato General Secretary Mark Rutte has arrived at No10 for talks with Keir Starmer.

Earlier this afternoon, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made the same trip down the famous street and shook hands with the PM.

The talks are believed to centre around Euro-Atlantic security and efforts to secure a lasting peace in Ukraine.

Yvette Cooper confirms an extra £10million in support for Lebanon

Yvette Cooper has announced a further £10million of support for Lebanon after Israel’s bombing campaign against Hezbollah.

The Foreign Secretary said: "I am extremely concerned the country is on the precipice of a widening conflict that risks disastrous humanitarian consequences.

"This scale of humanitarian displacement is unacceptable and risk devastating consequences. So this weekend, I announced the UK would provide an additional £5million of essential humanitarian aid.

"Today, I can announce a further £10m of humanitarian support to provide emergency medical care, shelter and other life saving assistance in Lebanon and the region to prevent further displacement and instability that would risk escalating the regional problems with wider impact on other countries beyond the region too."

Green Party demands Keir Starmer banish US troops from UK military bases

The Green Party's leader in the Commons Ellie Chowns has called on Sir Keir Starmer to withdraw permission for the US to use UK military bases for the ongoing war in Iran.

She said: "Following strikes on Iran, Israel has expanded their ground campaign in Lebanon, displacing a million people throughout the country and seemingly preparing for prolonged occupation of southern Lebanon.

"The Green Party calls on the UK Government to make clear to Trump and Netanyahu the UK will not accept breaches of international law, to withdraw permission for the US to use UK military bases, and to refuse any further complicity in this illegal war."

President Volodymyr Zelensky arrives at Downing Street

President Volodymyr Zelensky has arrived at Downing Street for talks with Sir Keir Starmer.

The two leaders are expected to agree on an expanded declaration aimed at joint production and supply of drones and other military technologies

Britain and Ukraine will also look at opportunities for increased defence industrial and technological cooperation with other countries, the statement added.

Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte is also expected to visit London for talks with Sir Keir and President Zelensky on Euro-Atlantic security and efforts to secure a lasting peace in Ukraine.

Lib Dem health spokeswoman says parties have a 'moral duty' to support science

The Liberal Democrat health spokeswoman said parties have a "moral duty to support science over conspiracy theories".

Alison Bennett, MP for Mid Sussex, told the Commons: "It is deeply regrettable that certain parties have not been responsible in this respect in recent months".

Health Secretary Wes Streeting responded: There is also a real risk of return to those Victorian conditions because of that misinformation, anti-science, irresponsible political positioning, that we see in certain corners of even this house.

"So I really hope that politicians in particular will think carefully and responsibly about our shared duty to the public to help people be protected."

Rachel Reeves announces £2.5billion investment in AI to boost UK economy

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has unveiled a landmark £2.5billion funding package for artificial intelligence and quantum technologies, setting out the Government's ambition for Britain to outpace all other G7 nations in AI adoption.

The announcement, made alongside Technology Secretary Liz Kendall at the National Quantum Computing Centre in Oxford, represents the largest investment of its kind in UK history.

The funding aims to anchor the world's most promising AI and quantum firms in Britain, ensuring they establish, expand, and thrive domestically. Britain already holds a leading position in Europe for both talent and investment in these sectors.

Our Money Reporter Patrick O'Donnell has the full story here.

Rachel Reeves says there will be a 'deeper relationship with the EU'

Rachel Reeves has announced a "deeper relationship" with the European Union.

Delivering the annual Mais Lecture in The City of London, the Chancellor said: "In this changing world, Britain is not powerless.

"We can shape our own future. Our method is stability, investment and reform, through an active and strategic state.

"Today, I am making three big choices on the greatest growth opportunities for Britain in the decade to come: growth in every part of Britain, AI and innovation, and a deeper relationship with the EU.

"Our plan is clear. To build for growth, to champion innovation, and to make Britain the place where the industries of the future are created."

Reform's Warwickshire County Council leader survives no confidence call by ONE vote

Reform UK's leader on Warwickshire County Council has survived a motion of no confidence by one vote.

Green Party councillors suggested George Finch had "abused the office of leader" and had tabled the notion to the council.

Twenty six councillors voted for the motion and 27 against, with two councillors abstained from voting.

Councillor Finch, who became the youngest council leader in the UK at 19, said move by the Greens to remove him was a "political stunt".

Green Party leader in Warwickshire Jonathan Chilvers said: "This motion is about actions and behaviour. Politics is about rough and tumble...but it's also about kindness and treating people as human beings.

"He asked us to judge him on his actions as leader, and his actions have fallen short."

Wes Streeting confirms targeted vaccine rollout programme to start at University of Kent

The Health Secretary said: "From 2015 the menB vaccine has been available on the NHS as part of routine childhood immunisations, but clearly mostly students would not be vaccinated.

"Given the severity of the situation, I can confirm to the House that we will begin a targeted vaccination programme for students living in halls of residence at the University of Kent in Canterbury, which will begin in the coming days."

READ THE FULL STORY HERE.

Wes Streeting says UKHSA was first notified last Friday

Wes Streeting said the Health Agency was notified about the first case on Friday, March 13.

A day later, on Saturday, the agency was in touch with the University of Kent to ensure they had the necessary support.

On the same day, it was contacted by the French authorities, who "alerted UKHSA to a second confirmed case in France from an individual who had attended the University of Kent".

That evening, hospitals in Kent reported that several young people were presenting with symptoms suggestive of meningitis.

Mr Streeting told the Commons all those traced were offered precautionary antibiotics, with 700 doses administered so far.

Wes Streeting says meningitis strain is 'uncommon, serious and potentially lethal'

The Health Secretary said the current strain of meningitis linked to the outbreak in Kent is "uncommon, serious and potentially lethal."

He added: "It does not spread very easily, [only through] a long period of close contact."

Mr Streeting added anyone who was at Club Chemistry nightclub on March 5, 6 or 7 should attend a treatment centre, with four centres open in the city centre today.

Wes Streeting says it is 'paramount we stick to the facts' as he provides meningitis update

The Health Secretary Wes Streeting has said it is "paramount we stick to the facts" as he offered the Commons update into the meningitis outbreak in Kent.

He confirmed the majority of the cases were linked to the Club Chemistry nightclub in Canterbury.

Mr Streeting added the figures would now be updated on a daily basis.

The Health Secretary confirmed a targeted vaccination programme for students living in halls at the University of Kent in Canterbury would begin shortly.

Kemi Badenoch claims Donald Trump's attack on Keir Starmer was 'childish'

Donald Trump’s attack on the Prime Minister was "childish", Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has said.

Mrs Badenoch said a spat between the leader of the US and the UK was "unseemly" and that "people need to grow up."

The Tory leader said: "I’m Keir Starmer’s biggest critic. He’s done a lot of things wrong, but I think the words that were coming out of the White House were wrong.

"It’s very childish, this war of words and these spats.

"They might think that they’re entertaining, but I think the western alliance being involved in a public spat at a time when there’s war in Ukraine, (Volodymyr) Zelensky in the country, there’s a war in Iran.

"It’s just unseemly. I think people need to grow up."

New polling suggests Andy Burnham would have won Gorton & Denton by-election

Polling has suggested Andy Burnham would have won the Gorton & Denton by-election had he been the Labour candidate.

The Labour mayor of Greater Manchester was snubbed by the Labour Party’s ruling body as its candidate for the contest, which was eventually won by Green Party candidate Hannah Spencer.

According to the Survation poll for the New Statesman, nearly three in ten Green voters say they would have switched to Mr Burnham.

More than a third say they would have been unsure how to vote or might not have voted at all, with 14 per cent of those who backed Reform say they would have voted for the Greater Manchester Mayor.

Reform launches competition to pay energy bills for a year

Reform UK has launched a competition that will see the party pay voters’ energy bills for a year.

Robert Jenrick, the party’s Treasury spokesman, said the public could sign up to the competition at a website where Reform had also set out its plans to cut energy bills.

He told a press conference: "If you give us your details on that website, in the next week or two, we’re going to draw one of those names, and Nigel [Farage] is going to come to your house and he’s going to pay your energy bills and those of everyone who lives on your street for an entire year.

"So if that sounds good, then go to our website, enter our draw, spread the word, pass it to your friends and your neighbours and your colleagues on Facebook, on Twitter, and know this today.

"Reform can only cut the energy bills of one street in this country, but a Reform government will cut the energy bills of every single street in every part of our country."

WATCH: Shadow Transport Minister Greg Smith says UK roads are 'like the surface of the moon'

Keir Starmer outlasts Rishi Sunak as Prime Minister

As of today, Sir Keir Starmer has officially outlasted Rishi Sunak as Prime Minister.

Sir Keir has been Prime Minister for one year and 255 days, making him the 44th longest serving Prime Minister, behind Sir Anthony Eden on one year and 279 days.

Wes Streeting will address Meningitis outbreak in Commons later today

The Health Secretary Wes Streeting will give a statement in the House of Commons at around 12.30pm on the meningitis outbreak in Kent.

Hundreds of people who visited Club Chemistry in Canterbury on March 5, 6 or 7 were told to come forward for preventative antibiotic treatment as a "precautionary measure".

The UKHSA said on Monday evening that it was continuing to investigate the outbreak of meningitis, with 13 cases notified since March 13, including two deaths.

A Year 13 pupil in Faversham named locally as Juliette Kenny and a student at the University of Kent have died in the outbreak, with others treated in hospital. It is understood some people were put in an induced coma.

Louise Jones-Roberts, the owner of Club Chemistry, told reporters that more than 2,000 people would have visited the venue over the three dates.

Nigel Farage has said Britain has been 'humiliated' on the world stage

Nigel Farage has said Britain has been "humiliated" on the world stage following Labour's response to the war in Iran.

The Reform leader said: "When it comes to aiding the Americans in freeing the Strait of Hormuz in many ways we ought to. It is in our national interest to keep the oil flowing.

"But we can't, we haven't got the assets.

"The first lesson is we have denuded the Royal Navy and our forces to such an extent that, frankly, we have been humiliated on the world stage."

Richard Tice says it is Britain's 'patriotic duty' to use Britain's 'energy treasure offshore and onshore'

Reform's former leader and Business spokesman Richard Tice is up now.

The Boston and Skegness MP said: "It is our patriotic duty to use our own energy treasure offshore and onshore for ourselves, our children and our grandchildren.

"The only person who still thinks it is a good idea to go down the route of not exploring our own energy is Red Ed Miliband."

Reform UK pledges to scrap VAT and green levies

Reform UK has vowed to scrap VAT and green levies on household energy bills.

The party’s Treasury spokesman Robert Jenrick said this would save the average household "at least £200 off their energy bill", as he announced the policy at a central London press conference.

Scrapping the five per cent VAT levied on on energy bills would cut a family’s energy bill by around £85 a year, while axing the renewables obligation and carbon price support tax would save another £115, Reform claimed.

The measures would be funded by a 7.5 per cent reduction in the budgets of unprotected arm’s length bodies, known as quangos, which Reform said would save £2.5billion per year in 2029/30.

Robert Jenrick confirms first Reform budget would scrap VAT on domestic energy bills

Reform's treasury spokesman Robert Jenrick said: "We have got to make sure we put as much pressure on this failing government now.

"A Reform Government can fix this, can bring down your bills, can bring back good jobs to this country and can set us on a better path for the future.

"We will get rid of the heating tax, VAT on domestic energy bills will be gone."

Robert Jenrick says 'enough is enough' as he outlines energy bills plan

Reform UK's Treasury spokesman Robert Jenrick is up for the latest press conference from the party.

The Newark MP said; "It's frankly outrageous that we live in a country where people are finding life so tough and yet Rachel Reeves is continuing to load people's energy bills with taxes.

"Enough is enough. People are sick of this."

Energy industry urges Government to help with bills amid Iran war volatility

The Government should "immediately" step up efforts to ensure the most vulnerable households receive help with energy bills amid predictions of a £250 hike as a result of the conflict in the Middle East, the industry has said.

Energy UK said latest projections from suppliers suggested customers could face an increase of as much as £250 on their annual bill as the United States and Israel continue to bomb Iran, although it added it was too early to be sure of the impact.

Analysts at Cornwall Insight have forecast that household energy bills could rise by more than 10 per cent from July, following sharp increases in wholesale gas prices.

Its latest forecast predicts that Ofgem’s price cap for July to September will surge to £1,827 a year from the current £1,641 for a typical dual fuel household.

However, it said the final price cap figure would be based on average wholesale prices over a three-month period, meaning that it would depend on how long gas prices stayed elevated and how long the period of volatility continued.

British Medical Association staff to strike in row over pay

Staff from the British Medical Association (BMA) are to stage a two-day strike in a row over pay.

Members of the union have staged numerous strikes over recent years, including walkouts by resident doctors.

Now hundreds of staff members at the doctors’ union are to stage their own 48-hour strike over pay erosion, the GMB union said.

The walkout will take place on Friday 27 and Saturday March 28 after staff voted "overwhelmingly" in favour of strike action, GMB said.

It said that there was an 80 per cent turnout with 96 per cent in favour of strike action.

GMB said that staff at the union have "suffered pay erosion" of nearly 17 per cent since 2012 due to below-inflation pay awards.

Emily Thornberry backs plans to delay King's state visit to the US

Dame Emily Thornberry has said she believes it would be safer to delay the King’s state visit to the US, which is reportedly scheduled for next month, because of the ongoing war in the Middle East.

The visit has yet to be officially announced but Charles and Camilla are expected to visit Washington DC and New York in April to mark the 250th anniversary of American independence.

Speaking to the BBC, Dame Emily said there was a risk Charles and Camilla may be left feeling "embarrassed" due to the current crisis.

She said: "If it was to go ahead, it would go ahead against a backdrop of a war and that, I think, is quite difficult, and the last thing that we want to do is to have their Majesties embarrassed."

Treasury Secretary issues update on meningitis outbreak 

A Treasury minister has issued an update on the meningitis outbreak in Kent.

Dan Tomlinson told GB News: "It is of course very concerning and my heart goes out to the families and friends of the two young people who have sadly lost their lives because of this outbreak.

"At the moment there are 11 other cases. The Government is working very hard on this.

"Students in Kent and those who have been to the particular bar should be coming forward to get treatment and the antibiotics that they need.

"The Government will monitor this really closely. Any action we need to take to protect people, we will take."

When pressed about why there was a delay in getting information out to the public, he said: "We have to be as swift as possible and it is important to get it right. We are acting quickly to make the antibiotics available.

"This will be top of the Health Secretary's list today to make sure information and support is there for people."

Labour minister warns Reform's immigration plans would lead to trade war with EU

A Labour minister has warned Nigel Farage's plans to take welfare support away from EU settled citizens under a Reform-led Government would lead to "some sort of trade war"with Brussels.

Nick Thomas-Symonds told The Independent: "Frankly, with that, we probably would end up with us in some sort of trade war with the EU. That really isn’t what we need.

"Think, as well, of the progress we’ve been making recently, working constructively with the EU on the ‘Made in Europe’ agenda, to try to make sure there’s no additional trade barriers being erected.

"Nigel Farage would put all that at risk."

Voters split on Labour's response to Iran war

Britons have been split on whether Sir Keir Starmer is dealing with the ongoing war in Iran.

According to the poll by YouGov, 41 per cent of voters think the prime minister has responded badly to the US and Israel's actions against Tehran, versus 37 per cent well.

However, 59 per cent of people who voted for Labour in 2024 think the Prime Minister is handling the crisis well.

Sky News reports that only 11 per cent think the US and Israel's actions against Iran will leave the world a safer place.

Meanwhile, 34 per cent think it will leave the world less safe, and 37 per cent think it would make not much real difference.

Conservative frontbencher says the Government 'needs to get on' response to Meningitis outbreak

Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary Helen Whately has said the Government needs to get a response to the Meningitis outbreak in Kent "fast."

The MP for Faversham and Mid Kent said: "I'm really really concerned. As a Kent MP, the school where one of the pupils has tragically died is in my constituency.

"I'm a parent with a child of my own in Year 13 and I know that year group and the students at the University socialise together in Canterbury.

"We know that this was spreading the weekend before last. It's really important the UK Health Security Agency gets on this fast."

Conservative frontbencher 'really frustrated' with Keir Starmer's response to Iran war

A senior Conservative has said Sir Keir Starmer has shown himself at his "most indecisive worst" over his response to the war in Iran.

Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary Helen Whately told GB News: "I'm really frustrated with Keir Starmer, our Prime Minister.

"We've got a very serious situation and he is showing himself at his weakest and most indecisive worst. He has just been sitting on the fence.

"Kemi Badenoch was clear, we would have allowed the US to use our military bases and we think we should be standing up and defending our own personell and assets in the Middle East."

​Dame Esther Rantzen says peers must 'face the facts' over assisted dying bill

Dame Esther Rantzen has urged peers in the House of Lords to "face the facts" and back assisted dying legislation, saying a "small minority" is trying to sabotage the Bill.

Opponents of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill have been continually accused of trying to "talk out" the Bill as it makes its way through the upper chamber, where it will fail if it does not pass before the current parliamentary session ends in May.

Speaking to the BBC, Dame Esther said: "I’m just begging the House of Lords to face the facts, which is the elected chamber has voted, a majority, for this to go through.

"The majority of the public want and need this Bill."

RECAP: Reform council to vote to declare small boats crisis 'terrorist threat'

Kent County Council's Reform UK administration is set to vote on declaring an "illegal migration emergency" this Thursday, in what is believed to be the first such declaration by a local authority.

The motion, tabled by councillors David Wimble and Jeremy Eustace, argues that the county sits at the frontline of Channel crossings that are placing considerable pressure on local services and finances.

A five-page report accompanying the proposal warns that small boat arrivals are "likely to contain a number of potential terrorist cells, supporting IS and al-Qaeda".

READ THE FULL STORY HERE.

Here's what's happening today in Westminster

Good Morning and Happy St Patrick's Day from all of us on the GB News Politics team. Here's what's happening today in Westminster and beyond.

Sir Keir Starmer will have his weekly cabinet meeting this morning as he rallies his top team with the war in Iran rumbling on.

He'll also be joined in Downing Street by President Volodymyr Zelensky and Nato chief Mark Rutte today to discuss the war in Ukraine and the fallout from Donald Trump's swipe at Sir Keir last night.

President Trump has said he is "not happy" with Downing Street after the Prime Minister said he wanted a "viable" option to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

He said: "I was very surprised with the United Kingdom, because the United Kingdom, two weeks ago, I said, 'Why don’t you send some ships over' and he really didn’t want to do it.

"I said 'You don’t want to do it? We’ve been with you. You’re our oldest ally and we spend a lot of money on Nato and all of these things to protect you'...I think it’s terrible. I was very surprised."

Reform's senior trio of Nigel Farage, Robert Jenrick and Richard Tice will be holding press conference today setting out their economic plans.

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch is in East Surrey with her Shadow Energy Secretary Claire Coutinho while MSPs will decide if assisted dying should be legalized in Scotland when they cast a key vote this evening

Here on GB News, we'll be joined by Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary Helen Whately and Secretary to the Treasury Dan Tomlinson.