David Hughes
UK
Universal theme park set to open an hour from London in 2031
Some 8.5 million visitors are expected to visit the resort, on the site of a former brickworks near Bedford, in its first year
By David Hughes
9 Apr 2025
Politics
Trump picks Apprentice producer to be special envoy to UK
US President-elect Donald Trump said Mark Burnett ‘will work to enhance diplomatic relations’.
By David Hughes
21 Dec 2024
Politics
Patel accuses Starmer of ‘desperate’ approach to China ties
Shadow foreign secretary Dame Priti Patel said China had been behind ‘all sorts of incursions in our country’.
By David Hughes
21 Dec 2024
Politics
Death toll rises following ‘atrocious attack’ on German Christmas market
At least five people were killed when a BMW ploughed into customers at the busy festive market in Magdeburg.
By David Hughes
21 Dec 2024
Politics
Starmer defends farm tax in face of questions from senior MPs
Sir Keir Starmer was questioned about the impact of the inheritance tax change during a Liaison Committee appearance.
By David Hughes
19 Dec 2024
Politics
Starmer backs changes to nature protection rules to boost building
Sir Keir Starmer said some of the measures imposed to protect nature ‘don’t make a lot of sense’.
By David Hughes
19 Dec 2024
Politics
Starmer warns it will ‘take some time’ to feel the benefits of economic reforms
Sir Keir Starmer said reforms were needed to drive economic growth and boost living standards.
By David Hughes
19 Dec 2024
Politics
Farage warns ministers of ‘very deep disquiet’ in Trump camp over Chagos deal
The Government insisted the deal to give up sovereignty over the Chagos Islands but lease back the Diego Garcia base was backed by the US.
By David Hughes
18 Dec 2024
Politics
Keir Starmer defends record after bruising time in No 10
The Prime Minister said he was determined to deliver benefits for working people.
By David Hughes
18 Dec 2024
Business News
Reeves says Government taking ‘pragmatic’ approach to relationship with China
Rachel Reeves said national security came first but it was in the UK’s interests to trade with China.
By David Hughes
18 Dec 2024
Politics
Mauritius PM rejects Starmer's draft Chagos sovereignty deal
Navin Ramgoolam said the deal agreed between the UK and his predecessor would not produce the benefits his country should expect
By David Hughes
17 Dec 2024
Politics
New counter-terrorism orders for youths could restrict online activity
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said new powers were needed to deal with youngsters at risk of being drawn into terrorism.
By David Hughes
17 Dec 2024
Politics
Formula used to calculate police funding is an anachronism, watchdog chief says
Chief Inspector of Constabulary Andy Cooke said forces such as Cleveland, Merseyside, Greater Manchester, and West Midlands lose out.
By David Hughes
17 Dec 2024
Politics
Council tax to rise to fund increase in police budgets
Policing minister Dame Diana Johnson said the funding settlement struck the right balance between funding the police and protecting taxpayers.
By David Hughes
17 Dec 2024
Business News
MoD strikes £6 billion deal to buy back more than 36,000 military homes
Defence Secretary John Healey said it was a ‘decisive break’ with the failed privatisation process.
By David Hughes
17 Dec 2024
Politics
Lammy sends UK officials to Damascus for talks on Syria’s future
Foreign Secretary says the delegation would hold talks with the Syrian authorities following the fall of Bashar Assad’s regime
By David Hughes
16 Dec 2024Politics
Alleged Chinese spy denies claims and criticises ‘political climate’
Yang Tengbo said it was ‘entirely untrue’ to describe him as a spy.
By David Hughes
16 Dec 2024
Politics
Starmer defends China policy despite concerns over challenge posed by Beijing
The case of the alleged spy known as H6 has put the UK’s relationship with China back in the spotlight.
By David Hughes
16 Dec 2024
Politics
Civil Service chief tells officials to ‘relish opportunities’ of Starmer reforms
In an address to the civil service, new Cabinet Secretary Sir Chris Wormald said officials would have to change the way they work.
By David Hughes
16 Dec 2024
Politics
Concerns at Westminster that Chinese spy suspect able to ‘slip through the net’
Critics of the Beijing government warned that the activities of the suspect known as H6 were the ‘tip of the iceberg’.
By David Hughes
16 Dec 2024
Politics
Cabinet Office to cut 400 roles to create ‘smaller, more effective’ department
The voluntary job losses are intended to create a ‘clearer structure’ for the Cabinet Office, which sits at the heart of government.
By David Hughes
12 Dec 2024