Keir Starmer stung by fresh Labour revolt as MPs break ranks over flagship reform

Donald Trump says 'I can do whatever I want' as President imposes 10% global tariffs despite Supreme Court ruling

President Donald Trump has declared "I can do whatever I want" despite today's Supreme Court ruling and confirmed a new global 10 per cent tariff.

This afternoon, the majority of the Trump administration's tariffs levied on imports coming into the United States were struck down in a six-to-three ruling.

The White House had invoked the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose these "reciprocal tariffs", however, the majority of judges determined this move exceeded his authority.

In reaction to the Court's ruling, President Trump described the decision as a "disgrace" and said he was "ashamed" at the justices who ruled against the administration.

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Keir Starmer lines up move to axe Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from line of succession

The Government is considering introducing legislation to remove Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from the line of royal succession, a UK official said on Friday.

The move, which would prevent Mr Mountbatten-Windsor from ever becoming King, would come after the current police investigation has concluded.

Any changes to the line of succession would require consultation and agreement with other countries where King Charles is head of state.

This update has come from a UK official who asked not to be identified.

Follow the story here.

'It's not what Ronald Reagan would have done' - Kemi Badenoch welcomes overturning of President Trump's tariffs

Kemi Badenoch said she was “thrilled” by the Supreme Court of the United States decision to overturn Donald Trump’s so-called “reciprocal” tariffs.

Speaking during a visit to Scotland, Badenoch said: “I’m thrilled. I speak as a former UK trade secretary for two years - I signed lots of deals."

She criticised Trump’s policy directly, saying: “When Donald Trump put up those tariffs, I said this is not the Republican way, it’s not what Ronald Reagan would have done.”

The leader of the opposition warned that protectionism harms everyone, adding: “Tariffs are expensive for both sides. The consumer in the US pays more, as does the supplier in the UK or in other countries.”

Turning fire on Labour, Mrs Badenoch said the UK should have pursued “a comprehensive free trade agreement” with Washington.

She attacked Sir Keir Starmer for agreeing to “the tiny tariff deal, which left tariffs higher than they were when he came in".

The Government expects 'privileged trading position' to carry on with US after President Trump's tariff agenda overturned

The UK Government anticipates its “privileged trading position with the US to continue”, after the Supreme Court in Washington overturned President Trump’s tariffs agenda today.

A Government spokesman said: “This is a matter for the US to determine but we will continue to support UK businesses as further details are announced.

“The UK enjoys the lowest reciprocal tariffs globally, and under any scenario we expect our privileged trading position with the US to continue.

“We will work with the Administration to understand how the ruling will affect tariffs for the UK and the rest of the world.”

Read more on the matter here.

'He doesn't know what he's doing' - Kemi Badenoch's fresh attack on Prime Minister 

Kemi Badenoch, leader of the opposition, made a fresh attack about the Prime Minister whilst speaking to GB News.

She was asked about the unfolding situation in the Chagos Islands, describing it as a "terrible deal" which was not "in the national interest".

Whilst Mrs Badenoch did not directly answer whether she supports Misley Mandarin, the Chagos Island's First Minister, who just won a legal battle against an eviction notice issued by the UK Government, she said Sir Keir Starmer has made the deal "without proper consultation, without understanding the significance of that strategic military base".

She said: "The Prime Minister is in a huge mess right now, he doesn't know what he's doing".

Tory Government would split dual-role of Scotland’s top law officer, says Badenoch

The announcement comes after criticism levelled at the Lord Advocate for informing the First Minister of the charges against former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell weeks before they were made public.

The Lord Advocate currently serves as the head of prosecutions in Scotland, as well as the Government’s chief legal adviser, being appointed by the First Minister.

Addressing the Scottish Tory conference in Edinburgh on Friday, Ms Badenoch said: “It is an absurd state of affairs that the Lord Advocate is currently in charge of an organisation prosecuting a case against a senior SNP figure whilst being in the SNP Government’s cabinet.

“So today, I can announce that the Conservatives would end this conflict of interest and split the Lord Advocate’s role so that this never happens again".

'Renewal is well underway' for Tory party, says leader Kemi Badenoch

Leader of the Conservative Party, Kemi Badenoch, addressed the Tory Party's status in Scotland today whilst speaking to Tory activists in Edinburgh today.

The leader echoed the feelings of her colleagues Andrew Bowie and Russell Findlay - restoring the Conservative Party to "know what it stands for".

She said: "There is only one group of people standing up for the Scottish economy, for the future of the United Kingdom, and for common sense in the Scottish Parliament, and that is Russell and his team of MSP's.

"We're going to renew this great party, and that renewal is underway. Under my leadership, we are building a new Conservative party, a party fit for the 2030s, underpinned by our timeless Conservative principles".

Pressure on Parliament to revoke Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's line of succession to throne

New YouGov polling finds that four in five Britons (82 per cent) say Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor should be removed from the royal line of succession.

Against this, a mere six per cent think he should not, while 12%per cent say they don’t know.

The disgraced royal was arrested on Thursday on suspicion of misconduct in public office, in connection with links to prolific paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is currently eight in line to the throne, despite having had his royal status and titles 'Prince' and 'Duke of York' revoked In October 2025.

With 82 per cent of Britons voting against the former prince's right to remain in succession of the throne, pressure is brewing on parliament to act.

The UK Parliament has the power to change the line of succession through legislation, a power it has used historically to determine the inheritance of the throne.

The Succession to the Crown Act 2013 is a key example, which ended male primogeniture and removed restrictions on marrying Catholics.

Any changes require a formal act of Parliament - a complex process, especially as it requires agreement across all 16 Commonwealth realms where the monarch is head of state.

Lord Mandelson helped secure Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's UK trade envoy job against King's wishes

Lord Mandelson helped secure Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's job as the UK's trade envoy against King Charles's wishes.

The monarch, who was then the Prince of Wales, worried whether his younger brother could take on the position.

However, Queen Elizabeth II overruled Charles with Lord Mandelson's backing, who said Andrew was "well qualified" for the role.

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Tories no longer 'all things to all people', says shadow Scottish secretary

The Conservatives have “stopped being all things to all people”, the party’s shadow Scottish secretary has said.

Andrew Bowie, speaking to Tory activists ahead of the Holyrood election in May, said the party knows what it stands for under UK leader Kemi Badenoch.

“We make no apologies for not anymore being all things to all people,” he told the Scottish Tory conference in Edinburgh on Friday.

“We are Conservatives and we should never apologise for that. For the first time in far too long, people now know what we are for - they know who we are for.

“We are for the hard-working, aspirational Scot who’s proud of his family, his community and his country - and just wants to see it do better.

“Who worries for his family’s future, who looks around his towns and villages, whose high street is empty and pub is closed.

“Who sees his country, our great country, belittled and driven down by a Labour Government in London and an SNP Government in Edinburgh who seek to divide, not unite - who don’t want Great Britain to succeed.”

Never fall for '14 years of failure' rhetoric, says Tory chairman

The chairman of the Conservative Party has urged activists to “never fall” for accusations they presided over “14 years of failure”.

Kevin Hollinrake addressed the party’s final conference before the Holyrood election in May, seeking to fight back against criticism of the party's time in government between 2010 and 2024.

Opposition parties have often sought to attack the Tories for their time in office, especially the leadership chaos of the final few years.

Speaking at the Scottish Conservative conference in Edinburgh, Mr Hollinrake said: “Let us be clear, this election in May is absolutely crucial for the future of Scotland and for the future of the United Kingdom.

“Time and time again, it is our party that has turned this country around - never fall for this 14 years of failure nonsense.

“Yes, of course we made mistakes, but who was it that balanced the book on day-to-day spending after the financial crisis where we had a larger deficit than Greece’s - an economy in deep recession?

“Who was it who oversaw the jobs miracle that cut joblessness by 1.2 million? That cut workless households by hundreds of thousands? That made education reforms that led to soaring standards? That cut street crime by 50 per cent? That helped to keep hundreds of thousands of businesses afloat and millions of people in work during Covid? And that kept Jeremy Corbyn out of Number 10 Downing Street.

“One thing that 19 years of SNP rule shows you - we may not be perfect, but we’re an awful lot better than the alternatives".

The UK and US have a 'long deep security partnership', says Home Secretary amid air base access refusal

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper was asked this morning about whether the UK is indeed blocking the US from being able to plan attacks on Iran from British bases by ITV News.

The foreign secretary replied: "The UK and the US have a long deep security partnership.

"We work immensely closely, and on the issue of Iran that is why we're supporting the US talks taking place with Iran because frankly the Iranian regime has continued to pose a security threat and has continued to pursue nuclear weapons, and that is why we've supported sanctions, and also to increase diplomatic and economic pressure on the regime.

"That's what we believe is the right thing to do."

New air defence weapons to be developed with European allies, says defence minister

New air defence weapons will be developed by Britain and its European allies “to strengthen Nato’s shield and keep our people safe”, a defence minister said.

The new multinational scheme aims to counter drone and missile threats with a new surface-to-air weapon, inspired by those used in Ukraine.

Defence minister Luke Pollard said the project shows “European nations are ready to deter, defend and if necessary, fight, together”.

The low-cost air defence systems, such as autonomous drones or missiles, are expected be delivered by 2027.

Britain – alongside France, Germany, Italy and Poland – launched the Low-Cost Effectors and Autonomous Platforms (Leap) initiative at the European Group of Five meeting on Friday in Krakow.

It will draw proposals from major defence manufacturers and small and medium-sized enterprises, the Ministry of Defence said.

Mr Pollard said: “European security is at a pivotal moment. The UK and our E5 partners are stepping up - investing together in the next generation of air defence and autonomous systems to strengthen Nato’s shield and keep our people safe.

“From innovation in our defence industries to our ironclad commitment to Ukraine, we’re showing that European nations are ready to deter, defend and if necessary, fight, together.

“I’m proud of UK leadership on European security - building partnerships, developing capability and standing with Ukraine to protect our shared security".

Conservatives flag youth unemployment and high taxes amid 'record high' borrowing surplus

The Conservatives have hit out at the government over its record of borrowing, high youth unemployment and taxes.

It follows Treasury ministers receiving the news of the government recording its highest ever borrowing surplus since records began.

But the Tories are keen to point out that Labour does not "have the serious answers to stabilise the public finances".

Reacting to today's figures, Sir Mel Stride said: "Labour have borrowed £112.1bn so far this year - the fifth-highest borrowing on record. Record high taxes and irresponsible spending have weakened the economy.

"With youth unemployment now higher than in Europe, inflation above target and the economy stagnant, Wes Streeting is right: Labour have 'no growth strategy'."

That last remark is about a comment made by the health secretary to then US ambassador Lord Mandelson, which he shared with Sky News earlier this month. Streeting has since walked back on that comment.

But the Tory shadow chancellor continued: "Neither Labour nor Reform have the serious answers to stabilise the public finances - only the Conservatives have a leader with a backbone, the plan and the team to get Britain working again."

Keir Starmer 'must go if Chagos surrender deal destroys alliance with Donald Trump's America', Nigel Farage says

Sir Keir Starmer "must go" if the Chagos deal "destroys" the UK's special relationship with the US, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has claimed.

The special relationship appeared to reach an even lower ebb yesterday after it was revealed that Donald Trump had lashed out at the Prime Minister's Chagos deal over the UK blocking the US from launching air strikes against Iran.

It is understood that the UK refused to allow the US to conduct strikes against Iran from a British base on Diego Garcia and another military base in Gloucestershire.

Mr Farage responded by suggesting Sir Keir should be booted out of No10 if his £35billion handover deal risks damaging the special relationship.

The Reform UK leader said: "If Keir Starmer’s real obsession with getting rid of the Chagos Islands is to destroy our strong defence relationship with America, then his Government must go."

READ THE FULL STORY HERE

UK economy records biggest ever budget surplus after Rachel Reeves rakes in billions more than expected on capital gains tax

New figures have revealed that the UK had a record high government borrowing surplus last month.

The Office for National Statistics data states that there was a public sector net borrowing surplus of £30.4bn in January - the highest government borrowing surplus since records began more than three decades ago.

Put simply, a borrowing surplus is where the government receives more in tax than it spends on things such as public services and interest payments on existing borrowing.

This allows it to pay down the existing national debt, which has ballooned in recent years.

Reacting to the figures, James Murray, chief secretary to the Treasury, said: "We have the right plan to build a stronger, more secure economy."

"We have doubled our headroom, we are bringing inflation down, we are making sure that taxpayers' money is spent wisely, and borrowing this year is forecast to be the lowest since before the pandemic".

READ FULL STORY HERE

'They've got no understanding' - Chagossian lawyer slams Labour Government for lack of consultation

James Tumbridge, lawyer representing Chagossians, slammed the Government for a lack of consultation with desperate Chagossians wishing to return home.

He said: "They genuinely took a huge risk, to take a boat to get back to their homeland because they were so desperate to go there and prove they want to go there.

"People have been pushing in the Labour party that they don't really want to go back, and there's nobody on the island so it doesn't matter - the fact you've got these people willing to take that personal risk shows how much they want it.

Mr Tumbridge has been trying to get the Chagossians a permit to visit the island since last October, and is helming a judicial review into why they were never consulted on the Chagos developments.

He added: "The Labour manifesto promised to recognise the British territories, and that self determination was at the centre.

He claimed the ongoing judicial reveal saw the Government admit no attempt to consult the Chagossians on their desires for the territory.

"They've got no understanding of what people want, as they refuse to consult them," he added.

Keir Starmer's new Cabinet Secretary made staff join non-binary book club during performance review

Britain's newly appointed Cabinet Secretary instructed a civil servant to participate in a "gender non-conforming book club" during her leadership of the Department for International Trade, it has been revealed.

Dame Antonia Romeo became the first female to hold the post in the role's 110-year history after Sir Keir Starmer announced his decision on Thursday.

She has faced multiple bullying allegations earlier in her career, though the Prime Minister is said to be impressed by her ability to "get things done", leading to her appointment following Sir Chris Wormald's departure last week.

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Scottish First Minister accused of ‘faux outrage’ over Lord Advocate criticism 

The Scottish First Minister’s anger over criticism of the Lord Advocate has been branded “faux outrage” by the leader of the Scottish Tories, Anas Sarwar.

First Minister’s Questions became heated on Thursday as John Swinney backed his top law officer as Russell Findlay accused her of “corruption”.

The attack came after it was revealed Dorothy Bain KC had informed the First Minister on January 19 that former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell - Nicola Sturgeon’s estranged husband - had been charged with embezzling almost £460,000 from the party.

That was weeks before the indictment was made public.

Speaking on BBC Radio Scotland on Friday ahead of his party’s conference in Edinburgh, Mr Findlay said: “It’s absolutely stinking and I think John Swinney’s faux outrage is a desperate attempt to detract and distract from the real issues about this sorry mess".

Anas Sarwar added: “The whole sorry mess stinks of corruption - it’s not normal what happened and it’s not right what happened.

“This Lord Advocate said she had recused herself from the entire process, yet a newspaper discovers that she’s been emailing John Swinney a private briefing with sensitive details of the case involving Nicola Sturgeon.

“This information was political advantageous to the SNP Government.”

The Lord Advocate, who appeared to answer an urgent question on the issue in Holyrood this week, said she “roundly rejects” any allegations of corruption, while the First Minister said he has “absolute confidence” in the law officer.

Andrew Bowie slams Government's refusal of base access to US as 'gross dereliction of duty'

The Shadow Secretary of State for Scotland, Andrew Bowie, has called the Government's decision to deny US access to military bases amid the conflict with Iran a "gross dereliction of duty".

He said: "This was absolutely wrong, and we're completely disagreeing with the Government on this".

"Iran has been a malign influence and a country that has acted against British interest, in that region and around the world for the best part of half a century.

"It's a gross dereliction of duty frankly, and for the Prime Minister of the British Government to decline the use of our bases to our closest military allies, and take action against a country we know has been responsible for the deaths of British citizens - in military uniform and civilians - and has acted against our allies, is a grave departure from the norm.

"It's quite worrying that it seems this Government isn't prepared to take action required against one of the biggest threats to British security.

"Should we have been in Government, we've made it quite clear that we would've allowed the US to carry on."

Parliament has 'really important role' in 'transparency' of monarchy, Lib Dem leader claims

Sir Ed Davey said there should be more “transparency” over how the monarchy operates and “Parliament has a really important role to play”.

Asked about what the nation is experiencing in the wake of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest, the Liberal Democrat leader told BBC Breakfast: “We can’t say too much because of the police investigation, but I think we should have in our minds the survivors, the victims of Epstein, who are having to look at all this reporting and possibly reliving their traumas.

“So it is quite a shocking situation. Let the police do their work".

Sir Ed was asked about suggestions that there should be questions asked in Parliament at some point in the future.

He said: “I think it’s very important that police allowed to do their work. That’s really important, separate from Parliament.

“I think more broadly, going forward, we do need to see more transparency, and Parliament has a really important role to play, and I think we need to, you know, sort of help the monarchy get over this.

"It’s a really important part of our country, and the way that I think will go forward is having more transparency over how they operate".

Chagossians now CANNOT be evicted as vital last-minute intervention hands Keir Starmer crushing blow

A judge has temporarily blocked the Government from removing Chagossians from their homeland after a group arrived there this week.

Justice James Lewis secured the ruling from a plane on Thursday night in a lifeline for the islanders.

"There is no doubt the balance of convenience falls on the side of the claimants," Justice Lewis said. "They are 120 miles from Diego Garcia and pose no threat to national security on the evidence before me."

The injunction will remain for seven days, allowing the Government time to respond.

READ MORE HERE

Foreign Secretary to meet Donald Trump ally over Chagos row

Yvette Cooper is set to hold talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington DC today, as the Foreign Secretary seeks to navigate a fresh diplomatic challenge over the Chagos Islands.

The meeting follows another dramatic shift in the American position on Britain's agreement to transfer sovereignty of the archipelago.

Just one day after Mr Rubio's State Department offered firm support for the deal, President Donald Trump publicly criticised the arrangement.

Ms Cooper will be aiming to restore American backing for the agreement during her discussions with Mr Rubio.

Meanwhile, Defence Minister Luke Pollard is travelling separately for European defence talks.

He is attending an E5 gathering bringing together Poland, Germany, France, Italy and the United Kingdom.

Polish Defence Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz has organised the meeting, with announcements anticipated during the morning.

REVEALED: The real reason behind Donald Trump's Chagos U-turn

Donald Trump lashed out at the Prime Minister's Chagos deal after the UK refused to give permission for the US to use British bases to support potential strikes on Iran.

The US has previously used RAF Fairford, in Gloucestershire, and the UK overseas territory of Diego Garcia, in the Indian Ocean, to carry out strikes in the Middle East region.

A UK Government spokesman said: "As routine, we do not comment on operational matters."

RECAP: Keir Starmer pauses Chagos deal as reason behind Donald Trump's support U-turn revealed

Labour has paused its controversial plan to hand sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius after the UK did not agree to allow the use of British bases to attack Iran.

Sir Keir Starmer has been put under pressure to make his 16th U-turn after President Donald Trump last night rubbished the Prime Minister's Chagos "surrender" deal.

Now, the administration will "pause for thought" on plans to bring legislation underpinning the deal back to the House of Lords, reports Politico.

A senior Government official briefed on the plans and granted anonymity as they are not authorised to speak on the record said there will now be a "rethink."

The UK is yet to give permission for the US to use the bases in the event that the White House orders a strike on Iran, due to concerns that it would be a breach of international law, reports The Times.