UK politics: Kemi Badenoch criticised by Nigerian vice president for ‘denigrating’ his country – as it happened

Kashim Shettima said Nigerians are proud of Badenoch’s achievements, despite her denigrating the country where she was brought up

Keir Starmer says Saudi Arabia trip fulfils ‘number one mission’ to grow UK economy

PM defends ties between two countries and says he will be able to raise concerns about Saudi government’s human rights record

UK job vacancies fall at fastest rate since pandemic as business confidence slumps

Blow to Labour growth hopes as poll finds demand for staff falling at ‘sharp and accelerated pace’, particularly in permanent roles

Reeves to pledge closer EU ties in pivot from post-Brexit ‘division and chaos’

First speech by UK chancellor to eurozone finance ministers since 2020 will promise ‘business-like’ approach to relations

What determines whether a PM will sink or swim? Look to their chancellor

In such a crucial double act, Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves must be on the same page over the EU

Starmer to meet Saudi crown prince in push for infrastructure cash

Wooing of Mohammed bin Salman controversial because of human rights concerns

Mexico announces record drug seizure one week after Trump threatens tariffs

Soldiers and marines discover drugs in Sinaloa, while separately authorities arrest more than 5,200 migrants

South Western Railway to become first train operator nationalised under Labour

As part of a comprehensive programme of renationalisation, the service will come under public ownership in May

Tell us about the purchases you plan on making ahead of Trump’s proposed tariffs

We would like to hear about the products you may buy ahead of higher tariffs on certain goods

Trump’s tariff threat sets stage for bitter global trade war

Trump intends to hit Canada, Mexico and China with tariffs, which experts say will risk retaliation and a damaging economic war

Ignore the online CV truthers. If anything, Rachel Reeves is overqualified to be UK chancellor

Gordon Brown and George Osborne studied history, but neither faced the questions of suitability levelled at the first woman in the job, says Guardian columnist Gaby Hinsliff

Premier League and Channel 4 to train teenagers in Labour’s £45m work drive

Ministers to announce sweeping changes to welfare and out-of-work support, aiming to get people off benefits

‘We had no alternative’: Reeves defends her budget to the CBI

Chancellor tells business leaders she stands by tax rises and points to Labour’s pro-growth policies

Labour could be knocked off course as it sticks to £40bn mission

The government’s pact with voters relies on it delivering on its promise of growth but the early omens are unsettling

Liz Kendall says young people who won’t take up work will lose benefits

Work and pensions secretary says she will transform opportunities as Starmer bemoans ‘bulging benefits bill’