Don’t be fooled by recent good news, the UK economy is still in a precarious state

Labour MPs may clamour for bolder spending, but – like their Tory and Reform counterparts – they ask for the unaffordable

Brighter UK economy gives Reeves a springboard for March statement

Record public finances accompany stronger retail sales and business activity but some analysts express caution

How to win friends and influencers: Labour’s new social media strategy is a step into the future

There was a backlash when No 10 invited online content creators inside its doors. But in a fast-changing media landscape, this solves two problems at once, says deputy Opinion editor Kirsty Major

Art and antiques help lift retail sales in Great Britain to biggest monthly rise since 2024

January increase of 1.8% beats forecasts and was also driven by shoppers snapping up jewellery online

UK reports record-breaking budget surplus of £30.4bn in surprise boost for Rachel Reeves

Largest January total since records began in 1993 is sharp reversal from December’s £11.6bn deficit

UK manufacturing still beset by low orders and price pressure, says CBI

Industrial trends survey shows firms are expecting to raise prices, with order books well below average

‘Made in Europe’ EU industrial strategy could hit supply chains, UK minister warns

Nick Thomas-Symonds says move could also create unnecessary UK-EU trade barriers and increase costs

UK politics: Starmer says Reform’s pledge to restore two-child benefit cap in full is ‘shameful’ – as it happened

Reform UK’s Robert Jenrick has announced party’s plans to cut welfare spending

Boss of BAE Systems urges ministers to publish delayed military spending plan

CEO of UK’s biggest defence company says delay is holding back industry investment as BAE posts record sales

Training more Britons may not cut net migration or plug skills shortages, study finds

Local workers can be difficult to attract because of poor pay and conditions, say researchers

Britain ‘needs to go faster’ on defence spending, Starmer says

PM says ‘we need to step up’ but sources clarify that is unlikely to mean spending 3% of GDP before next election

When Starmer picks up G20 baton he has vital chance to act on aid and debt relief

Reclaiming Labour’s internationalist heart could also stop disillusioned voters drifting towards Lib Dems and Greens

UK migration could be negative this year – how will that hit the economy?

Universities, builders and health trusts are feeling the squeeze, as thinktank says effect of zero net migration could be similar to Brexit

Reeves appoints higher pay advocate to fight skills shortages as chief economic adviser

Labour market expert Prof Brian Bell has called for better pay and conditions in key sectors, particularly social care

Left or right, Keir? Labour factions jostle for influence in post-McSweeney No 10

Soft left senses chance to push Starmer into progressive pivot, but leftward turn would be fiercely resisted by some