Rachel Reeves has defended the Government's U-turn chaos as she announced major "tweaks" to flagship policies announced in the Budget.
Today, the Chancellor confirmed pubs and music venues in England will be given a 15 per cent cut on their business rates bills from April, with no further hikes for an additional two years.
It comes after a major backlash against last year's Autumn Statement, which led to more than a thousand pubs banning Labour MPs from their premises.
Speaking at a pub in south London, Ms Reeves said: "I think it is important to tweak policies to make sure that the right support is going to the right businesses. And I'm not going to apologise for making sure that we are getting the support to those that need it."
But Mel Stride, the Shadow Chancellor, dismissed the announcement, describing it as a "sticking plaster".
Meanwhile, other hospitality businesses, including restaurants, cafes and hotels, will miss out on the Treasury's rescue package.
The first 18 months of Sir Keir Starmer's premiership have seen more than a dozen U-turns, including over winter fuel allowance, welfare cuts and inheritance tax on family farms.
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Rachel Reeves: Reform are just recycled Tories
Rachel Reeves said Reform UK are “just recycled Conservatives” as she pledged Labour would be “campaigning hard” in the Gorton and Denton by-election.
“We’re going to be campaigning hard in the constituency to get a Labour victory," the Chancellor said at a pub in London.
“It’s only Labour that can beat the divisive politics of Reform. And we know that Reform are just recycled Conservatives.
“Their latest recruit was so poor that she was sacked by Liz Truss. So I think that tells you all you need to know about the Reform Party now.
“They are washed-up Conservative politicians who now want to put on a different rosette, but they’re not going to fool people. They’re still the same old Tories that they were before.”
Robert Jenrick, Lee Anderson and Danny Kruger were all first elected as Tory MPs but now represent Nigel Farage’s party.
'Pubs are different,' Rachel Reeves insists as hotels and shops excluded from business rate cuts
Rachel Reeves poured a gin and tonic at a London pub
|GETTY
Rachel Reeves has insisted “pubs are different” when asked why business rates are being slashed by 15 per cent for pubs and music venues but not other businesses.
Speaking at a pub in south-east London after pouring a pint and a gin and tonic, the Chancellor said: “In the budget, we reformed how the business rates system worked, and we put in £4.3billion to support businesses as we start to unwind the pandemic era support, and that’s the right thing to do, because that pandemic support can’t continue forever.
“But we recognise that after the pandemic, valuations of many pubs have increased sharply, and that’s put pressure on pubs.”
Ms Reeves said she understood concerns about hotels and shops, but added: “Pubs are different.
“They are a huge community asset. 7,000 pubs closed under the last Conservative government, and we’ve got to do more to protect our pubs.”
Britain could use oil seized from Russian shadow fleet tankers to fund Ukraine’s war effort
Britain could use oil seized from Russian shadow fleet tankers to fund Ukraine’s war effort, John Healey has suggested.
The Defence Secretary revealed 250 ships have been sanctioned in the last year alone, with Russian oil revenues cut by a quarter in that time.
He told the Defence Committee: “Should we do more on shadow shipping? Yes we should, and I’ve now identified further military options that we can use to target shadow shipping.
“I’m discussing these with Cabinet colleagues. The UK will host a meeting shortly of Jeff nations, the military legal experts that allow us to look at the legal basis on which we can act against shadow shipping and sanctioned ships, and the military options that we might use.
“And this is part of actively stepping up the action on shadow shipping that you’ve seen us do with allies in recent weeks. And it is part of making sure that (Vladimir) Putin is not so easily able to fund his war machine in Ukraine through the sale of sanctioned oil.
“And frankly, I’d want to see any oil revenue that could be raised from seized sanctioned ships recycled and put into Ukraine in order to fight Putin’s invasion.”
John Healey rejects claims Strategic Defence Review was NOT fully costed
Defence Secretary John Healey has rejected reports the Strategic Defence (SDR) review was not fully costed.
It was reported earlier this month Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton warned Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer of a £28billion shortfall in the Ministry of Defence budget.
Asked about the claims by Defence Committee chairman Tan Dhesi, Mr Healey said: “I would just say to you, Mr chairman, and you’ve been around long enough to know not to take at face value what you read in the press."
He added: “The SDR, when it was completed and published, was fully affordable within the financial commitments that we made. That was confirmed, including by the Prime Minister when he published it.
“You will know that there is £6 billion extra in the defence budget this year compared to last year. You will know, this committee above all, that we will be spending, as things are, £270 billion in this Parliament alone.
“And so the challenge for us, like any organisation, is to make sure that we are directing that investment to the things that matter most. We’re doing it in a way that allows us to control and manage our budgets for the future, because that’s exactly what the taxpayer would would expect of us.”
WATCH: Matthew Goodwin announced to be standing for Gorton and Denton MP
BREAKING: Ex-Labour MP charged with sexual assault
A former Labour MP has been charged with one count of sexual assault relating to an allegation from July 2022.
Conor McGinn, 41, has been charged with one count of sexual assault in connection to an allegation of sexual assault made by a woman in July 2022.
Mr McGinn is the former Labour MP for St Helens North.
He is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Friday, February 27.
Labour announces support package for pubs
The Government have announced a fresh support package for pubs amid mounting backlash over the rising business rates announced in Rachel Reeves's November Budget.
Treasury minister Dan Tomlinson announced to the Commons that every pub in England will get 15 per cent off its new business rates from April. Bills will then be frozen in real terms for a further two years.
Mr Tomlinson said the additional support is expected to be worth £1,650 for the average pub over the next year.
He added three-quarters of pubs will see their bills fall or remain the same next year.
Pubs will also be permitted to stay open until 1.00am or 2.00am during this summers' World Cup for home nations' games due to the time differences with the US, Mexico and Canada, where the tournament is being hosted.
Nigel Farage reacts as Matthew Goodwin unveiled as Reform's Gorton and Denton candidate
Nigel Farage has reacted after Reform UK unveiled Matthew Goodwin as their candidate for the vacant Gorton and Denton seat.
“The Gorton and Denton by-election is a referendum on Keir Starmer and his hopeless government," Mr Farage said.
“A vote for Labour is a vote for Keir Starmer and more of the same uncontrolled mass immigration, broken borders, record high taxes, surging energy bills, and all the rest.
“If you want to get rid of Keir Starmer and change the direction of this country, you need to vote for Reform’s outstanding candidate in Gorton and Denton, Matt Goodwin.”
'This by-election is a referendum on Keir Starmer,' says Matthew Goodwin
Matthew Goodwin has been unveiled by Lee Anderson as Reform's Gorton and Denton candidate.
"This by-election is a referendum on Keir Starmer," Mr Goodwin said at the press conference.
"It's a chance for the hard-working, law-abiding, tax-paying people from this seat to have their say on Keir Starmer, and to make political history."
No other party has announced their candidate for the seat yet, which was vacated by Andrew Gwynne last week.
No10 slams 'complete disaster' Rwanda scheme amid £50m lawsuit
Downing Street have blasted the Conservative's scrapped Rwanda plan as a "complete disaster" after it emerged the African nation is looking to sue the UK.
It is reportedly looking to file a lawsuit valued at £50million after Labour scrapped the scheme almost immediately after coming into office in summer 2024.
The Prime Minister's official spokesman said: "The Rwanda scheme was a complete disaster. It wasted £700m of taxpayer cash to return just four volunteers.
"We will robustly defend our position to protect British taxpayers, and we're getting on with the job of focusing on effective ways to stamp out illegal migration, not costly gimmicks."
WATCH: Keir Starmer meet survivor Mala Tribic on Holocaust Memorial Day
Pub business rates package to be announced this afternoon, minister confirms
A new package to support business rates will be announced this afternoon, a Treasury minister has confirmed.
Dan Tomlinson told the Commons that the package will include "a particular focus on pubs".
Rachel Reeves is understood to be preparing a bailout package for pubs as the industry sounds the alarm over bankruptcies due to rising business rates, with dozens of pubs leaving the high street.
Mr Tomlinson also hinted at some support for hotels, telling MPs: "We do recognise there are concerns as to how hotels are valued for business rates and that will be one of the items I will be talking about in the statement later today".
Andy Burnham rejects claims he was told 'in no uncertain terms' he would be blocked by NEC
Andy Burnham has responded to claims that he would was informed "in no uncertain terms" that he would fail in his bid to stand for the vacant seat in Gorton and Denton.
ITV's Robert Peston said he was told by "sources close to the PM" the Mayor of Greater Manchester was well aware he would would be repulsed by Labour's National Executive Committee.
"He chose to do so, they say, knowing the outcome in advance," Mr Preston wrote on X.
"They therefore interpret his application as an explicit attempt to destabilise Starmer and sow dissent, rather than - which he claims - see off the threat from Reform."
The post prompted a short but sharp response from Mr Burnham, who said: "This is simply untrue."
Chairman of Suella Braverman's local Conservative association says Reform defection is 'hugely disappointing'
The chairman of Suella Braverman's local Conservative association has said her defection to Reform UK on Monday is "hugely disappointing".
Manuel Martins, chairman of Fareham and Waterlooville Conservative Association, said: "Because of assurances and recent reassurances, Suella Braverman’s defection to the Reform UK party came as both a surprise and a huge disappointment.
"Suella has worked hard and diligently as a Conservative MP on behalf of her constituency and especially, as far as I am concerned, for Fareham and Waterlooville Conservative Association.
"It was hoped that with her politics firmly anchored in the ethos of conservatism she would form part of the fulcrum around which the party could rejuvenate.
"She held conservative values that a wide spectrum of our constituents and members so value.
"The local Conservative Party members and councillors will continue working together focusing on issues that impact on local residents and fighting the upcoming local elections."
Angela Rayner mocks Reform's Lee Anderson for X blunder
Former Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has mocked Reform UK's Lee Anderson after a blunder on his X account.
The Reform Chief Whip shared photos of himself along with activists at Stanley House Function Rooms ahead of the Gorton & Denton vote.
"A cold but productive day in what will be a hotly contested seat," Mr Anderson wrote.
Speaking to The Mirror, Mrs Rayner revealed that the photos were actually mistakenly taken in her constituency, the neighbouring Ashton-Under-Lyme, instead.
"Farage's Reform can't even find the Gorton and Denton constituency on a map," she told the paper. "Perhaps it's because they're too busy filling their party full of former Tories who failed the country.
"Local residents in Gorton and Denton deserve a local MP who is focussed on delivering on local residents' priorities like tackling the cost of living.
"That's what Labour will be speaking to voters about every day on streets across Gorton and Denton while Farage gets round to finally learning how to use Google maps and actually work out where they live."
Liberal Democrats welcome ground rent caps but demand further action on 'absurd' system
The Liberal Democrats have welcomed the Government's announcement that ground rents for leaseholders in England and Wales will be limited to £250 a year.
Liberal Democrat housing spokesman Gideon Amos said: "This news will come as a relief for thousands of leaseholders who have had their finances wrecked by spiralling ground rents."
However, Sir Ed Davey's party then called on Labour to abolish the "absurd" system for good.
"But the government cannot call this job done. Liberal Democrats demand an end to the absurd, feudal system of leasehold for good," Mr Amos added.
"People are being fleeced by a system that restricts their rights in a way that is indefensible in the 21st century."
Steve Reed dismisses claim that Starmer's China trip hinged on approving super embassy
Housing Secretary Steve Reed has denied that the Prime Minister’s trip to China was dependent on approval for its new London super embassy, describing the charge as “scaremongering”.
He told GB News: “Not at all. In fact, the UK is looking to build a new UK Embassy in Beijing. If you have relations with a foreign country, then we have an embassy in their capital. They have an embassy in our capital.
“Now, of course, I've heard, I think it's scaremongering, to be honest, about the Chinese Embassy in London. Of course, we need to be alive to the security risks. That's why we have security services. But they have made very, very clear it is better for you…to have the Chinese Embassy in one location than seven different locations, which is how it is currently.
“The security services expressed no unreasonable concerns about relocating the Chinese in one embassy. In fact, they think it's better than seven different sites, and I think that piece of information doesn't get across often enough.”
Asked if Starmer was prioritising a possible trade deal over national security, he said: “Absolutely not. We are very alive to the security risks of China and the Chinese, and that's why the government's invested an extra £170million in cyber security so that we can protect British businesses, British government from any attempt to eavesdrop by the Chinese.
“But as I said earlier on, the security services say that we can keep an eye on China better if their embassy is in one location, rather than seven different locations, as at the moment. You can understand that because you have to monitor seven different places, that's a lot more effort by the security services than knowing that they're in one place.
“Now, having said that, always eyes wide open when it comes to national security, but China's also the second biggest economy on the planet, 370,000 British jobs depend on it. We're not going to throw those people on the scrapheap and tell them they can't have a job anymore.
“We have to trade with China, but we do it eyes wide open. National security is always paramount, as it should be.“
Richard Tice blasts 'Kowtow Keir' amid Chinese phone hacking reports
Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice has blasted the Prime Minister on social media this morning.
"Kowtow Keir bows to Beijing bullies Chinese Communist regime spy on No 10, MPs, & steal corporate patents," he wrote on X.
"So serious questions grow about influence of communists in socialist Labour Party China is national security threat, yet Labour suck up to them."
The tweet comes as reports emerged this morning that Chinese state-sponsored hackers infiltrated the phones of senior Downing Street officials over several years.
The espionage campaign is believed to have compromised close advisers to three successive prime ministers between 2021 and 2024.
Labour MPs revolt against blocking Andy Burnham as PM warned decision is 'real gift' for Reform UK
Around 50 Labour MPs have signed a letter objecting to the decision to block Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham from standing in the upcoming Gorton & Denton by-election.
The letter, which has been sent to Sir Keir Starmer, warns the decision is a "real gift" to Reform UK.
It also suggested there was "no legitimate reason" to block Burnham and asked for Labour's ruling National Executive Committee (NEC) to "re-evaluate".
However, Sir Keir has defended the decision to block the Greater Manchester Mayor from seeking a return to Westminster.
"Resources, whether that's money or people, need to be focused on the elections that we must have, not elections that we don't have to have," the Prime Minister said earlier.
"And that was the basis of the NEC decision."
'I've got a five-year mandate!' PM dismisses leadership rivals ahead of China trip
Sir Keir Starmer has dismissed the threat posed by his Labour leadership rivals ahead of his trip to China.
Speaking to Bloomberg, the Prime Minister said: “I’ve got a five-year mandate,” Starmer says in an interview with Bloomberg when asked if he’d stand in any leadership contest.
“It’s a considerable mandate. I intend to deliver on that.”
Reform UK to unveil Gorton by-election candidate at 2pm
Reform UK's Chief Whip Lee Anderson will unveil the party's by-election candidate in Gorton & Denton at 2pm today.
Following a frenzy around Andy Burnham's candidacy, Reform UK is expected to announce a "big name" to contest the Greater Manchester seat.
There had been speculation that Reform UK's policy chief Zia Yusuf was eyeing up the seat.
Mauritius could prohibit storage of nuclear weapons on Chagos Islands after Labour surrender
Mauritius could ban the US from having nuclear-capable weapons and vehicles on the Chagos Islands if Labour's surrender deal goes ahead.
The country previously signed onto the African nuclear weapon-free zone treaty, which prevents the "stockpiling, acquisition, testing, possession, control or stationing of nuclear weapons".
If the ban were to be lifted, it would require all 50 signatories to approve, which could take years to negotiate.
On Monday, the Conservatives said the deal "would expressly prohibit" Mauritius from allowing the US to have "any nuclear explosive device at the Diego Garcia military base".
WATCH IN FULL: 'Enormously concerned' Andrew Griffith speaks to GB News
Muslim voting group backs Greens to stop Nigel Farage as Keir Starmer braces for bruising by-election defeat
Sir Keir Starmer is bracing for a bruising defeat in the upcoming Gorton & Denton by-election after a key Muslim voting group endorsed the Green Party.
The Muslim Vote, which helped propel Shockat Adam, Adnan Hussain, Ayoub Khan and Iqbal Mohammed into Parliament, last night confirmed it would be urging voters to support Zack Polanski’s candidate.
“Muslim voters, alongside many others in the constituency, will play a decisive role in this by-election,” the campaign group told PoliticsHome.
“This moment must result in the defeat of both Labour and Reform through unity behind a single, credible candidate.
“On this occasion, we believe the Green Party offers the strongest opportunity to win, and we urge them to work swiftly with local communities, while calling on all other progressive and independent alternatives to stand aside to give the best chance of delivering a clear break from politics as usual and putting the community first.”
Gorton & Denton, which is the UK’s 23rd most Muslim constituency with 30 per cent of electors identifying as followers of Islam, now looks poised to deal Sir Keir a bloody nose less than 12 months after Labour lost Runcorn & Helsby to Reform UK.
WATCH: 'This Holocaust Memorial Day is more important than ever' says Sajid Javid
Left-wing coalition could gain power in Britain if Reform and Conservatives cannot work together, new poll suggests
A coalition of left wing parties could keep Reform UK out of power if they do not strike a deal with the Conservatives, a new poll has revealed.
Recent YouGov polling had the top five parties, Labour, Conservatives, Reform, Greens and Liberal Democrats, separated by just 10 points after Reform (24 per cent) failed to get a boost from the defection of three high-profile Tories.
Whether yesterday's announcement of the defection of Suella Braverman will have an impact is yet to be seen.
However, a coalition slapped together by Labour on 19 per cent, Sir Ed Davey's Liberal Democrats on 14 per cent and Zack Polanski's Green Party on 17 per cent would have the backing of half of the electorate.
Andrew Griffith condemns ‘wrong’ Tory response to Suella Braverman defection
Shadow Business Secretary Andrew Griffith has condemned the Tories' response to Suella Braverman's defection to Reform UK.
The initial response from the Tory Party made reference to Mrs Braverman’s mental health and was later retracted.
Mr Griffiths told GB News: "It shouldn't be about people's individual characteristics.
“I think it was wrong. The party withdrew that and said it was a mistake."
Following her unveiling as the latest defection to Reform, the Conservatives posted: "The Conservatives did all we could to look after Suella’s mental health, but she was clearly very unhappy."
PM says 'never again' in Holocaust Memorial Day statement
Sir Keir Starmer has made a statement to mark Holocaust Memorial Day.
The Prime Minister said: "The Holocaust stands as one of the darkest stains on humanity: the systematic murder of six million Jews, each one an individual life extinguished by a hatred that sought to erase the entire Jewish people.
"As we mark Holocaust Memorial Day, we confront that truth directly, because remembrance is the first defence against denial, distortion and prejudice.
"Together, we look back and challenge antisemitism wherever it appears. And ensure that ‘never again’ is a promise we uphold, not just a phrase we repeat."
Keir Starmer refuses to ‘choose between’ US or China ahead of Beijing visit
Sir Keir Starmer has refused to "choose between" relations with Washington or Beijing as he prepares to become the first British PM to visit China in eight years.
Speaking to Bloomberg News ahead of the trip, the Prime Minister stressed the commercial opportunities he believes await British companies in the world’s second-largest economy.
“I’m often invited to simply choose between countries. I don’t do that,” Sir Keir said.
The delegation will include dozens of British business leaders, with visits planned to Beijing and Shanghai.
Sir Keir argued that sidelining China altogether would be economically reckless for the country.
He said: “Just sticking your head in the sand and ignoring China, when it’s the second-biggest economy in the world and there are business opportunities, wouldn’t be sensible."
Reform receives poll boost to open up four point lead over Labour as Tories slide
The latest YouGov voting intention poll shows Reform once again rising, after a couple of weeks of stagnation.
Reform UK has seen a small resurgence, boosting its vote share to 25 per cent.
Labour remains in second, rising up to 21 per cent.
Meanwhile, the Tory Party's support dropped to 17 per cent, just one point ahead of the Greens and three per cent above the Liberal Democrats.
BREAKING: Ground rents will be capped at £250 a year for leaseholders, Keir Starmer announces
Ground rents for leaseholders in England and Wales will be limited to £250 a year under wide‑ranging reforms unveiled by the Government.
The plans also include a ban on new leasehold flats and a new right for existing leaseholders to convert to commonhold, aimed at giving homeowners greater control over their buildings.
Announcing the changes in a TikTok video, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he had “spoken to so many people who say this will make a difference to them worth hundreds of pounds,” adding that easing pressure on household budgets remains crucial as the cost of living continues to dominate concerns nationwide.
The measures will be set out in the draft Leasehold and Commonhold Reform Bill, due to be introduced on Tuesday.
Date set for crunch by-election after Andy Burnham warns Keir Starmer risks losing safe seat
The Gorton & Denton by-election will take place on February 26 as Labour searches to find its candidate after snubbing Andy Burnham from returning to Westminster.
Voters will likely go to the polls on the last Thursday of February after a writ was moved in the House of Commons for a by-election.
The by-election has to be held between 21 and 27 working days after the writ was moved.
Gorton & Denton will elect a new MP after ex-Health Minister Andrew Gwynne stepped down over health concerns following his suspension from the Labour Party over the WhatsApp group, Trigger Me Timbers.
READ IN FULL: The Muslim Vote urges thousands of voters in Denton & Gorton to vote Green
"The blocking of Andy Burnham from standing in the upcoming Gorton and Denton by-election is yet another example of a Labour Party fearful of even the most basic democratic challenge. It reflects a leadership more concerned with control than with listening to the communities it claims to represent.
"From failing to address the cost of living crisis, to overseeing deteriorating public services, and presiding over the genocide in Gaza, this Labour Party has drifted far from the promise of change.
"It now offers a politics of continuity that leaves many voters feeling unheard, unrepresented, and deeply disillusioned.
"This by-election comes at a moment when Labour is losing trust and support at a pace comparable to the rise of Reform — not because communities are turning to division, but because they are seeking a credible alternative rooted in fairness, accountability, and real change. Gorton and Denton deserves better than a choice between stagnation and scapegoating.
"Muslim voters, alongside many others in the constituency, will play a decisive role in this by-election.
"This moment must result in the defeat of both Labour and Reform through unity behind a single, credible candidate.
"On this occasion, we believe the Green Party offers the strongest opportunity to win, and we urge them to work swiftly with local communities, while calling on all other progressive and independent alternatives to stand aside to give the best chance of delivering a clear break from politics as usual and putting the community first."
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