Rachel Reeves warned 50,000 Britons to flee country each year under Labour

'Labour have no clue how to raise defence spending,' say Lib Dems

The Lib Dems said today's Spring Statement made it "abundantly clear" Labour have "no clue how to raise defence spending".

James MacCleary, the party's defence spokesman, said: "Today's spring statement has made it abundantly clear that this Labour government have no clue on how to raise defence spending beyond 2.5 per cent.

"With continuing threats from an imperial Putin, and a new conflict in the Middle East at the hands of Trump and Netanyahu, the UK is far from being war-ready.

"The government must urgently commit to reaching 3 per cent of GDP for defence spending by 2030 and start with the Liberal Democrat proposals for a £20billion defence bond programme.

"This would provide a crucial and urgent injection of cash into our Armed Forces, and generate growth through R&D investment."

Zia Yusuf issues migration warning on GB News after shredding Rachel Reeves's Spring Statement

Zia Yusuf has issued a major migration warning on GB News after taking aim at Rachel Reeves's Spring Statement this afternoon.

After the Chancellor delivered her statement to MPs, the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) published a set of economic figures – all of which were finalised ahead of the US-Israeli war on Iran.

Regarding migration, the budget watchdog slashed its estimate by 60,000 a year – which Mr Yusuf told GB News sounded like "good news".

Annual net migration is forecast to hit 235,000 over the period, dropping slightly from 295,000.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE.

Christopher Hope says Donald Trump comments are 'damaging' for PM

GB News's Christopher Hope has branded Donald Trump's comments on Keir Starmer as "damaging" for the Prime Minister.

The US President said "this is not Winston Churchill that we’re dealing with", adding: "the UK has been very, very unco-operative with that stupid island that they have".

In response, Labour MP Toby Perkins told GB News: "Well, it's not Franklin Roosevelt that we're dealing with either.

"I think the reality is that at least I made clear he wasn't convinced about the legality of the original offensive action. And for that reason, Britain weren't going to be getting involved and Britain weren't going to be allowing our bases to be used."

'This is not Winston Churchill,' jibes Donald Trump

Donald Trump is speaking to the media in the Oval Office at the moment, where he has yet again expressed his frustrations with the UK Government and, more specifically, Keir Starmer.

The US President said he is "not happy" with the UK and that "this is not Winston Churchill that we’re dealing with".

Seemingly referring to Diego Garcia on the Chagos Islands, the President said: “That island… It’s taken three, four days for us to work out where we can land there, it would have been much more convenient landing there as opposed to flying many extra hours, so we are very surprised."

He continued: "I will say the UK has been very, very unco-operative with that stupid island that they have, that they gave away and took a 100-year lease; having to do with, perhaps, indigenous people claiming the island that never even saw the island before. What’s that all about?"

He later said the UK's energy and immigration policies as "horrible".

Former Labour MP calls on Keir Starmer to resign

A former Labour MP has called on Keir Starmer to resign "on the basis of his own record as reflected consistently in his personal opinion ratings".

Lord David Owen, a former Foreign Secretary, told the Press Association: "I believe that Prime Minister Starmer’s refusal to join the great bulk of countries in the world, even some in Europe, is wrong."

He added: "I have been directly guided by international lawyers as minister for Royal Navy in 1968-70 and in the UK Foreign Office from 1976-79 and minister for Europe and then foreign secretary. Also European international lawyers who advised me when I was for three years the European negotiator in the wars involving the former Yugoslavia even though Britain was not in the EU.

"As yet I have not heard any of them raising their voices along the lines that guide Starmer and Hermer. It is also past the time that our present Prime Minister resigned on the basis of his own record as reflected consistently in his personal opinion ratings."

WATCH IN FULL: Sir Mel Stride speaks to GB News on Rachel Reeves's Spring Statement after fiery Commons statement

Keir Starmer confirms UK will deploy HMS Dragon and 'helicopters with  counter drone capabilities' in Cyprus

Sir Keir Starmer has confirmed the UK will deploy HMS Dragon and "helicopters with counter-drone capabilities" in Cyprus.

The Prime Minister confirmed in a social media post: “The UK is fully committed to the security of Cyprus and British military personnel based there.

“We’re continuing our defensive operations and I’ve just spoken with the President of Cyprus to let him know that we are sending helicopters with counter-drone capabilities and HMS Dragon is to be deployed to the region.

“We will always act in the interest of the UK and our allies.”

READ THE LATEST ON IRAN THROUGH ON OUR DEDICATED LIVE BLOG HERE.

Jeremy Corbyn condemns Rachel Reeves's 'very sad' Spring Statement 

Your Party co-leader Jeremy Corbyn has branded Rachel Reeves's Spring Statement as a "non-event" and "very sad" for Labour.

The Your Party leader said: "By June, when the next round of gas price increases come in for consumers, the government will have to come in with its support system to prevent them from getting too high.

"The £21billion headroom that Rachel Reeves claims she has will be gone."

The former Labour leader called for rent controls, an increase to the living wage, the introduction of a new rate of high-tier taxation, and warned many graduates have little hope of paying back their student debts in full.

"At some point, the Government is going to have to face the reality that some of those debts are never going to be paid," he added.

Pub landlord takes aim at Rachel Reeves for Spring Statement as 36 pubs close in just ONE day

Rachel Reeves's Spring Statement has been dismantled by a UK landlord, following her claims that the Labour Government is providing "growth and stability".

Speaking to GB News, the owner of Old Thatch pub in Wimborne, Dorset, declared that the Chancellor's claims are "beyond him".

Stressing that more than 30 pubs were forced to close in just one day on Monday, Mr Lennox took issue with Ms Reeves's suggestion that "everything is fine" in her statement.

He stated: "Against a backdrop of when you've just lost 36 pubs yesterday, 500 jobs, to say that everything's fine and to say that the budget is going the right way and everything they're doing is correct, it's just beyond me, really.

"So we didn't expect them to do anything, and we're going to keep on pushing."

READ THE FULL STORY HERE.

Taxpayers' Alliance says Rachel Reeves is making a 'sick joke'

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has been accused of making a "sick joke" by claiming she has restored economic stability.

John O’Connell, Chief Executive of the Taxpayers' Alliance, said: "Try talking about pathetic growth to the publicans, mechanics, hairdressers and entrepreneurs who keep this country going.

"To the families struggling to put meals on the table for their children because their pay packets are so meagre, thanks to politicians and bureaucrats handing out their cash to people who refuse to work and many who have no right to be here.

"For what? Everyone with a pair of eyes can see the services and infrastructure they pay for are crumbling before their eyes, and yet the chancellor has the cheek to tell them it's all going marvellously.

"Enough's enough, this country needs politicians who will put families and businesses first, and that means cutting spending and handing it back to taxpayers through big tax cuts."

Kemi Badenoch says she is 'worried' about the future of the UK-US relationship

Kemi Badenoch has said she is "very worried" about the future of the relationship between the UK and the US.

The Conservative leader added: "President Trump is saying that our Prime Minister was delaying things, and the special relationship is not what it is. I am very worried about that.

"Our relationship with the United States goes beyond any individual president. Our relationship with the United States is long standing. They are our closest military ally.

"We cooperate with them on security and security that keeps the British safe. That is something that we must not underestimate.

"I am worried that Keir Starmer, despite all of the stuff that he has done, is not actually thinking about how we maintain that relationship, especially when it comes to defence and security."

Rachel Reeves is 'living in La La Land', says Robert Jenrick

Robert Jenrick has accused Rachel Reeves of living in "La La Land" after she delivered her Spring Statement.

Responding to the Spring Statement, Reform’s Treasury spokesman said: "People are struggling under rising bills and taxes and she has the temerity to boast her plan is working.

"Reeves didn’t have a single policy to fix things. Nothing to boost growth, which was downgraded again today. Nothing to defuse the benefits bomb.

"Nothing to bring back well-paid jobs, even as unemployment is now set to reach a 10-year high. She’s out of ideas and authority."

New ministerial roles confirmed after double departure

The King has confirmed three new ministerial roles after the departure of Josh Simons and Ashley Dalton from Government.

Sharon Hodgson, MP for Washington and Gateshead South, will become the new Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in the Department for Health and Social Care.

James Frith, MP for Bury North, has been confirmed as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and Parliamentary Secretary in the Cabinet Office.

Meanwhile, Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent is the new Parliamentary Secretary in the Cabinet Office, alongside her current role as the Baroness-in-Waiting (Government Whip).

Union boss accuses Rachel Reeves of 'squandering a golden opportunity'

Rachel Reeves “squandered a golden opportunity” to revive Labour’s fortunes at the spring statement, the Fire Brigades Union has warned.

FBU General Secretary Steve Wright said: "Rachel Reeves should have announced a wealth tax to kill off austerity.

"The failure to do that means the threat of fire station closures, cuts to jobs, and continued real-terms pay cuts for firefighters, will carry on.

"These 'cuts cost lives' and the Spring Statement has let down firefighters and other workers in our frontline services. The failure to increase the national minimum wage to £15 per hour for all workers is also hugely disappointing."

He added: "There could also be severe consequences for the Chancellor and Prime Minister, who have failed to learn the lessons of defeat in the Gorton and Denton by-election result.

"The Spring Statement will be seen as a wasted opportunity to change direction ahead of May’s elections.

"It’s now that much more likely that Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves will be ousted from Downing Street soon after."

Daisy Cooper calls on Labour to move closer to EU

The Liberal Democrat's deputy leader and Treasury spokeswoman Daisy Cooper has called on Rachel Reeves to forge closer ties to Europe, adding the cost of living crisis was "pushing people and businesses to the brink."

Ms Cooper said: "Growth has flatlined. Youth unemployment is up. The cost of living crisis is pushing people and businesses to the brink.

"We are pleading with the Chancellor. Please, for the sake of our country, put a laser-like focus on getting a better trade and defence deal with Europe so we can protect our country, get Britain growing again and end the cost of living crisis."

Rachel Reeves insists growth will 'benefit everybody, not just a small few'

Responding to a query from the Chair of the Treasury Select Committee Dame Meg Hillier, Rachel Reeves said growth would "benefit everybody, not just a small few."

Dame Meg said: "I welcome today’s forecast partly because there’s been so little speculation along the way, which I’m sure the Chancellor, the markets and the public and businesses welcome.

"That’s the stability and confidence that we need to see."

Ms Reeves said: “The biggest change that we can make is ensuring that growth takes place in all parts of the country, rather than just a few people in a few parts of Britain.

Rachel Reeves says the Conservatives have the 'wrong plan'

Responding to Sir Mel Stride's criticism of the Spring Statement, Rachel Reeves has said the Conservatives will bring back austerity as she said the Tories have the "wrong plan."

The Chancellor said: "Today’s performance is yet another reminder of how irrelevant the Conservative Party now is...[They] have been wrong about the economy time and time again.

"The choice is clear. Investment with Labour or austerity with the Conservatives. Stability with Labour or more chaos with the Conservatives.

"Wrong leader, wrong choices, wrong plan, only Labour has the right plan with for the economy."

Sir Mel Stride leads chants of 'up' in takedown of Spring Statement

Sir Mel Stride lead chants of "Up!" among Conservative backbenchers.

The Shadow Chancellor said: "Her message today is that her so-called plan is working. But what is the reality? Inflation, up! Borrowing, up! Spending, up! Tax, up! Welfare, up! Unemployment, up!

"All of this speaks to the weakness and chaos of this Government. Is it any wonder that her so-called plan is not working?

"We have some of the highest energy costs in the world and yet she doubles down on net zero."

Sir Mel Stride calls on Rachel Reeves to resign as Chancellor

The Shadow Chancellor has called on Rachel Reeves to resign.

Sir Mel Stride said: "The Chancellor's credibility has gone. The Prime Minister's Chief of Staff has gone. His Cabinet Secretary has gone. But somehow the Chancellor hangs on.

"Through the chaotic fog, Mr Speaker, the drums are drawing ever closer. The British people deserve so much better.

"For the hardworking people in our country crushed by taxes, for those denied employment, for the farmers and family business owners who have suffered in fear for so long.

"For every hollowed out high street, for every young person robbed of their future, for the generations yet to come. We say go."

Sir Mel Stride blasts Rachel Reeves as 'a fiscal twister'

The Shadow Chancellor said Rachel Reeves is like a "fiscal twister" as he responded to her Spring Statement.

Sir Mel Stride said: "Is that it? What utter complacency. She is a Chancellor in denial.

"She speaks of stability, what planet is the right honourable lady on?

"Round and round and round. She is like a fiscal twister ripping up everything in its path...she is weak Mr Speaker.

"She has nothing to say to us today. This is not a Spring Statement. This is a Surrender Statement."

Rachel Reeves slams Reform UK as 'the Tory Tribute act'

Rachel Reeves has slammed Reform UK MPs as the "Tory tribute act".

The Chancellor said: "They may have changes the colour of their rosettes but the people will not forget they are the exact same people who wrecked our public services.

"The same people, the same policies and the same disastrous outcomes for working people."

Rachel Reeves takes aim at Conservatives and Nigel Farage

Rachel Reeves has slammed the Conservatives as she made a joke about Nigel Farage's attendance record in Parliament.

Listing out her grievances with the previous Conservative Government, she said: "Austerity, that cut off investment, Brexit which cut us off from our closest trading partners. And Liz Truss's disastrous mini budget cheered on the Leader of the Opposition and the honourable member for Clacton [Nigel Farage], oh he's not here today.

A heckle of "He's never here" could be heard from the Labour backbenches.

The Chancellor continued: "Mr Speaker Five Prime Ministers, seven chancellors, 11 plans for growth and at the end of it all, they are the only Parliament on record where living standards were worse at the end when they were at the start.

"A £22 billion black hole in their finances. That is their legacy."

GDP downgraded by OBR in assessment of Rachel Reeves's fiscal plans

The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) has downgraded gross domestic product (GDP) growth to 1.1 per cent, down from a 1.4 per cent projection, in a blow to Chancellor Rachel Reeves's plan to revitialise the British economy.

As well as this, the UK's fiscal watchdog has pojected UK public sector borrowing is projected to ease, and inflation will fall to in 2026.

Furthermore, the OBR forecasts GDP growth will jump to 1.6 per cent in 2027, up from last year's forecasts, and remain at this level the following year.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE.

Rachel Reeves says it is 'only Labour' who has the right plan for the country

The Chancellor has said it is "only Labour" who has the right plan for the country.

Rachel Reeves said: "Progress opposed by the Conservatives, opposed by Reform, opposed by the Liberal Democrats, opposed by the Green Party.

"It is Labour and only Labour that has the right plan for our country.

"Our plan for growth is grounded in a profund rejection of the failed economic dogmas of the past

"The trickle down, trickle out thinking that produced ever diminishing returns for working people is not working.

"I know that an economy cannot be working if it is only delivering for a few people in a few places."

Rachel Reeves slams Tories for letting inflation 'skyrocket'

Rachel Reeves has said the Conservatives let inflation "skyrocket" as she took aim at the previous Government.

The Chancellor told the Commons: "The previous government let inflation skyrocket to over 11 per cent, stoked interest rates to 15-year highs and delivered the first Parliament on record where people were poorer at the end than they were at the start.

"In the current global context, with the risk that rising energy prices will put upward pressure on inflation, the action that I have taken is even more crucial to keeping inflation low and stable, and the best way to support family incomes and reduce pressures on the cost of living."

Rachel Reeves says Labour's plan is the 'right one'

Rachel Reeves said Labour's economic plan is "the right one."

The Chancellor told the Commons: "I am in no doubt about Britain’s ability to navigate the challenges we face.

"The plan that I have been driving forward since the election is the right one, stability in our public finances, investment in our infrastructure and reform to Britain’s economy."

Rachel Reeves says Labour has committed to a single major fiscal event every year

Rachel Reeves has confirmed major policy announcements will be limited to the Budget.

She told the Commons: "Stability is the single most important precondition for economic growth.

"That is why we have committed to a single major fiscal event a year

"Limiting major policy changes to the budget and giving businesses and households the certainty they need."

Rachel Reeves delivers Spring Statement

The Chancellor has started delivering her Spring Statement to the House of Commons.

Ms Reeves told MPs: "This Government has the right economic plan for our country… in a world that has become yet more uncertain.

"Stability in the public finances, investment in infrastructure and reform to our economy.

"Building growth not on the contribution of a few people or a few parts of the country, but in every part of Britain with a state that doesn’t stand back, but steps up."

Rachel Reeves leaves 11 Downing Street ahead of Spring Statement

Rachel Reeves has left Downing Street ahead of delivering her Spring Statement.

We'll bring you all the updates as she starts speaking from 12.30pm.

Borrowing costs SURGE as Bank of England interest rate cut plans 'disrupted' ahead of Spring Statement

Odds on the Bank of Scotland cutting interest rates this month have plummeted as borrowing costs surge in response to the US and Israel's military strike against Israel.

This comes as a blow to Chancellor Rachel Reeves ahead of her Spring Statement this afternoon, as well as millions of households across the UK who are likely to face a cost of living hit.

Investors are pricing in a prolonged conflict in the Middle East following the Islamic Republic's decision to close the Strait of Hormuz, the shipping route that transports 20 per cent of the world's oil exports.

Our City and Finance Reporter Patrick O'Donnell has the full story here.

Labour could slap Pakistan with visa ban for failing to take back asylum seekers as just 4% were returned last year

The Home Secretary has threatened Pakistan with a UK visa ban as figures show just four per cent of failed Pakistani asylum seekers were returned last year.

There were 10,638 asylum claims from Pakistanis last year, double their rate of 2023, and more than other nations such as Eritrea (8,948), Iran (7,419) and Afghanistan (6,462).

As one of the most likely groups to have lodged claims for protection in the UK, many entered the country with temporary visitor, work or student visas, then switching to claim asylum in an attempt to secure permanent residency in the UK.

Our reporter Ollie Partridge has the full story here.

Liberal Democrats call on Labour to scrap planned fuel duty hike

The Liberal Democrats have demanded Rachel Reeves scrap the planned fuel duty hike amid the US and Israel's ongoing war in Iran.

The party's Treasury spokeswoman Daisy Cooper said: "This Spring Statement comes at a critical time for our national and economic security.

"Trump’s illegal actions in Iran will be felt in people’s pockets here with the cost of fuel and food set to rise.

"Rachel Reeves should scrap the Government’s planned fuel duty hike to soften the blow of soaring petrol prices.

"The Government must also urgently secure a better trade and defence deal with the EU to tackle the cost of living, get Britain growing again, and protect our country."

Keir Starmer accused of 'backing the Iranian regime over Donald Trump' by Tory frontbencher: 'Disgraceful!'

Chris Philp has launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer over his refusal to permit American forces to utilise British military bases, amid the ongoing conflict with Iran.

Speaking to GB News, the Shadow Home Secretary branded the decision "deeply harmful" to the nation's interests and a "disgrace".

"Once again, Keir Starmer has revealed himself to be a weak lawyer and not a leader," he declared.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE.

Ministers leave pre-Spring Statement Cabinet meeting

Ministers are now leaving Downing Street following a Cabinet meeting.

Our Political Editor Chris Hope asked the Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood if the special relationship between the UK and US is "under threat".

She did not respond.

Rachel Reeves to tell MPs Labour has the 'right economic plan'

Labour has the "right economic plan for the country", Rachel Reeves will insist at the spring statement.

The Chancellor is expected to say the economy is "stronger and more secure" as a result of decisions taken by the Government as she addresses the Commons on Tuesday.

Ms Reeves will point to falling inflation and interest rates cuts as successes which have resulted in an easing of living pressures.

But the statement comes just weeks after the Bank of England downgraded its growth rating for the UK economy.

At the start of February, the Bank’s gross domestic product (GDP) forecasts for 2026 were downgraded to 0.9 per cent from 1.2 per cent, and to 1.5 per cent from 1.6 per cent for 2027.

Speaking in Parliament later today, the Chancellor will say: "This Government has the right economic plan for our country...in a world that has become yet more uncertain.

"Stability in the public finances, investment in infrastructure and reform to our economy.

"Building growth not on the contribution of a few people or a few parts of the country, but in every part of Britain with a state that doesn’t stand back, but steps up."

Labour sinks to record low as Greens leapfrog Keir Starmer's party into second place

Labour has sunk into a record low after being leapfrogged by the Greens with Zack Polanski's party just two points behind Reform UK, according to a new poll.

The poll of 2,073 people taken on Sunday and Monday has the Green Party on 21 per cent, up four points since they defeated Nigel Farage's party in the Gorton & Denton by-election.

Reform remains just in the lead on 23 per cent, with Labour slumping down to 16 per cent, down two points on the previous week and its lowest polling score on record.

Reacting to the poll, Mr Polanski said: "Turns out lowering bills, protecting the NHS and rebuilding our public services is really popular.

"This is just the beginning, people are seeing through the attacks and demanding something better. And we're making hope normal again, together."

READ THE FULL STORY HERE

Jeremy Hunt says US-Israel strikes on Iran were 'legal'

Jeremy Hunt has said he believes the offensive strikes on Iran by the US and Israel were legal under international law.

The former Foreign Secretary and Chancellor told Sky News: "I think the curious thing about Keir Starmer's position is that you have left-leaning governments in Australia and Canada that clearly think [the strikes were legal], and they found they were able to come out in full support of Trump's action.

Mr Hunt, the MP for Godalming and Ash, said Tehran had "repeatedly carried attacks on UK interests in the last year So I personally think that the case for self-defence is very justifiable."

Ftse 100 sinks 200 points as oil surges past $80 hours before Rachel Reeves delivers Spring Statement

London’s benchmark index fell sharply on Tuesday as escalating military conflict in the Middle East unsettled global investors and pushed energy prices higher.

The Ftse 100 dropped over 200 points to 10,560, extending losses from the previous session as the United States and Israel’s campaign against Iran entered its fourth day.

Oil markets reacted strongly to the intensifying tensions, with Brent crude climbing above $80 per barrel for the first time since January 2025 amid disruption to key infrastructure in the region.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE.

Senior Government minister rejects claims Labour is 'pandering to Muslim voters'

Darren Jones has rejected President Donald Trump's suggestions the UK’s limited involvement in the Middle East was because Sir Keir Starmer was “pandering to Muslim voters."

It was put to him that President Trump thinks the Government is pandering to Muslim voters in Britain, to which the Cabinet Secretary to the Prime Minister replied: "That’s just, that’s not right.

"The UK will act in the interests of British citizens, regardless of their faith or where they are in the United Kingdom.

“I think the public would rightly say they don’t want to be involved in a wider war in the Middle East, but they would expect us to do whatever we can to defend British citizens."

Israeli President issues stark warning to Keir Starmer over UK's position on Iran: 'Now is the moment of truth!'

The President of Israel has warned Sir Keir Starmer now is the "moment of truth" to determine his position on Iran, following his statement to MPs.

Speaking to GB News, Isaac Herzog declared the Prime Minister's current stance on the conflict sends a "very loud and clear message" to Israel and the United States.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE.

Senior Labour minister defends Keir Starmer's stance on Iran

The UK will take decisions based on "legality and British interests", a senior minister has insisted after Donald Trump launched another broadside against Sir Keir Starmer over the Middle East war.

Asked whether he accepted the US was frustrated, the Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister Darren Jones told Sky News: "Well I’ve seen the president’s words but that doesn’t really negate the fact that we make decisions, as I say, on the basis of legality and British interest.

"We were content to offer bases at Diego Garcia and RAF Fairford, because evidently, the operations the Americans will run from those airfields will reduce the risk to British citizens and British assets in the region and that’s why we agreed to the request to use those bases on that basis alone.

"But the Prime Minister is very clear that we were not involved in that first strike and we’re not kind of going to war with Iran or getting involved in a wider set of activities."

Chris Philp calls IRGC a band of 'dangerous thugs'

Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp has called for the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to be proscribed as a terrorist group.

He told GB News: "In my view we should definitely ban the group. They are a band of dangerous thugs who control Iran on behalf of the Ayatollahs.

"They also export terrorism around the world. They support groups like Hamas and Hezbollah."

Keir Starmer declared 'unfit to be Prime Minister' by Robert Jenrick as he swipes at 'weak' Iran stance

Sir Keir Starmer has been branded "unfit" to be Prime Minister by Robert Jenrick in a scathing attack on his approach to the Middle East conflict.

Speaking to GB News, Reform UK's Treasury spokesman criticised the Labour leader for "not wanting to take action" alongside our allies, including the US and President Donald Trump.

Addressing MPs on Monday, Sir Keir affirmed the UK would "not be joining" the US in their strikes against Iran.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE.

Grocery inflation hits 4.3% as households face renewed cost of living pressure

Grocery inflation has accelerated again, placing renewed strain on household budgets as food price rises picked up in February.

Figures from Worldpanel by Numerator show that grocery price inflation reached 4.3 per cent in February, up from four per cent in January.

The increase follows four consecutive months during which shoppers had experienced easing price pressures at the tills.

Our Money Reporter Joe Sledge has the full story here.

Labour MPs call for ban for pro-Iranian regime protests

Labour MPs and have called for an annual march linked to the Iranian regime to be banned.

The Al Quds demonstration, held in London each year during Ramadan, has prompted repeated clashes over the years between protesters and police.

The Al Quds march will take place on March 15 and is organised by the Islamic Human Rights Commission.

Labour MP for Hemel Hempstead David Taylor told The Times: "The police must stop this march from going ahead.

"We cannot allow hundreds of supporters of Iran’s hardline regime to march through London calling for strikes on Israel and death to the West.

"The march is organised by a charity with a history of support for the ayatollahs and Islamist terrorism.

"In the past we have seen open support for terrorist organisations at these demonstrations. These are people who clearly hate Britain. Why should we be OK with them marching on our streets?"

Here's whats happening today...

Good morning and happy Spring Statement day from the GB News Politics team. Here's what's happening today in Westminster and beyond...

Rachel Reeves will deliver her Spring Statement this afternoon, with Treasury and Cabinet officials insisting overnight there wouldn’t be major news from the Chancellor today.

The Chancellor will speak in the Commons at 12.30pm, with the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) publishing its economic and fiscal outlook at 12.50pm, after she finishes speaking.

Shadow Chancellor Mel Stride will respond for the Tories, and Reform’s Treasury spokesman Robert Jenrick hoping to get in a dig at the Chancellor.

Our Money team is primed and ready to comb through the figures and we'll bring you all the insight and analysis here on GB News.

Elsewhere, a new poll has the Green Party polling above Labour as Zack Polanski's party continue to surge following Hannah Spencer's victory over Reform at last week's Gorton & Denton by-election.

Overnight, Mr Polanski has hit back at critics of the Green Deputy Leader who attended a pro-Iran protest over the weekend.

Mothin Ali, a councillor in Leeds, has also accused critics of "pure racism" for condemning his appearance at the protest. Our reporter Peter Stevens has the story.

Here on GB News, we'll be joined by Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp.