Reeves cuts food tariffs and bus fares for children to address cost of living
Shoppers could save on the cost of biscuits and chocolate as part of a package of measures being set out by Rachel Reeves to ease the impact of the Iran war.
The Government is cutting import tariffs on more than 100 types of product in a move that is expected to save consumers more than £150 million a year.
The Chancellor also set out a “Great British Summer Savings” scheme, including free bus travel for children in England during the school holidays in August.
The free bus travel scheme will allow every child aged five to 15 in England to travel on participating local routes.
The Chancellor is committing more than £100 million to fund the free fares scheme and to support bus services facing increased costs.
Ms Reeves said: “My number one priority is protecting households from rising costs.
“This summer I want every family to be able to enjoy themselves, that’s why we’re launching the Great British Summer Savings Scheme, and why we’re helping kids with free bus travel throughout August.”
But the government is not expected to announce immediate help with rising energy bills.
(PA)
Alex Croft20 May 2026 22:51
Burnham ‘backs Mahmood over migration crackdown’ ahead of by-election race with Reform UK
Andy Burnham is backing Shabana Mahmood’s stringent efforts to crack down on immigration, his allies say – in an effort to win votes from Reform UK supporters.
The mayor of Greater Manchester reportedly wants to “reframe” the home secretary’s changes but backs her attempts to limit legal and illegal migration, according to sources in his team.
Next month’s by-election in Makerfield is expected to be a close contest between Mr Burnham and Reform UK, which made recent council gains in local elections.
Reform has previously dubbed him “open-borders Andy” but those close to his campaign have told The Guardian he will not want to dilute the government’s curbs on migration.
Home Office reforms to migration rules under Ms Mahmood include ending the right to permanent refugee status and new settlement rules for people who have come to the UK since 2021.
Alex Croft20 May 2026 22:47
Streeting likely to ditch leadership bid if Burnham wins Makerfield by-election – report
Wes Streeting is likely to give up his ambition to become Labour leader if Andy Burnham wins the Makerfield by-election, according to a report in The Times.
The former health secretary’s senior allies have said there is a growing feeling that “no one can beat Andy” if the mayor of Manchester, who is widely believed to be planning a leadership challenge against Sir Keir Starmer, finds his way back to parliament.
But another source close to Mr Streeting said this suggestions were “rubbish” and that he would stand in any leadership race.
Earlier, he warned Sir Keir during his resignation speech in the Commons that his government is losing the fight against nationalism, and that it risks “handing the keys of No 10” to Nigel Farage and Reform UK unless it changes course.
Mr Streeting said he had “no regrets” and “rebellious hope” after quitting the government last week and calling on Sir Keir to stand down.
Alex Croft20 May 2026 22:45
Cheaper food and free bus rides for children in Reeves’ cost-of-living plan
Shoppers could save on the cost of biscuits and chocolate as part of a package of measures being set out by Rachel Reeves to ease the impact of the Iran war.
The Government is cutting import tariffs on more than 100 types of product in a move expected to save consumers more than £150m a year.
The Chancellor also set out a “Great British Summer Savings” scheme, including free bus travel for children in England during the school holidays in August.
In the Commons on Thursday, Ms Reeves will give details of policies to tackle the cost-of-living squeeze triggered by Donald Trump’s war in the Middle East – but is not expected to announce immediate help with rising energy bills.
Ms Reeves may set out more details of her contingency planning but she is expected to wait until September before finalising any package of targeted support for households over the winter months, when more energy is used.
The full list of products with lower tariffs will be published next week but is expected to include biscuits, chocolate, dried fruit and nuts.
(Reuters)
Jane Dalton20 May 2026 22:44
Streeting warns Labour must change course or risk Reform victory
Jane Dalton20 May 2026 21:40
Watch: Starmer under fire as UK quietly eases sanctions on Russian oilStarmer under fire after UK quietly eases strict sanctions on Russian oil
Jane Dalton20 May 2026 20:45
Activists urge ministers to ban hen cages
Activists placed giant symbolic keys beside statues of former prime ministers in Parliament Square, urging ministers to “unlock” cages for millions of hens across the UK.
A person in a chicken costume held up a key image beside Winston Churchill, David Lloyd-George and Benjamin Disraeli.
The activists say the government should introduce a nationwide ban on cages for the UK’s 6 million laying hens.
They were supported by former shadow chancellor John McDonnell, Adrian Ramsay, former co-leader of the Green Party, and Gorton and Denton by-election winner Hannah Spencer.
(The Humane League UK)
Former Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell (Humane League UK)
Hannah Spencer with campaigners (Humane League UK)
Jane Dalton20 May 2026 20:15
Analysis: Why Reform couldn’t care less about candidates’ controversial views
Jane Dalton20 May 2026 20:00
Reeves hits back at Reform-backing heckler
Chancellor Rachel Reeves hit back at a heckler who shouted at her while she tried to answer questions from the media, telling him: “I love our country, and one of the things about our country is good manners.”
She was interrupted by the man during the broadcast interview at a petrol station in Leeds, who told her the government was “ruining the country” and said “get Keir Starmer out”.
The heckler appeared to be a Reform UK supporter as he shouted: “Nigel Farage. Go on Nigel.”
As he drove his truck, which had two St George’s flags on the roof, out of the station, he said out of the window: “I’ve got British flags on. Am I going to get arrested? We’ve got English flags on here, Rachel, am I going to get arrested? Look at Rachel Reeves there, with a smile on her face.”
Ms Reeves then told him: “I love our country. I love our country, and one of the things about our country is good manners. Not very British.”
(PA)
Chancellor Rachel Reeves said ‘we’ll continue to keep a close eye on what is happening to petrol prices’ (Jacob King/PA) (PA Wire)
Jane Dalton20 May 2026 19:20
Fit note system faces ‘radical reform’
The government says pilot schemes to overhaul the fit note system are the first step of “radical reform”, with patients, healthcare staff and employers providing input ahead of legislation being brought forward for changes to the “broken system”.
Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden said: “Fit notes are too often a dead end – a piece of paper that tells people they can’t work but does nothing to help them get better.
“We’re changing that. By bringing employers, the NHS, and patients together we can help people recover faster, stay connected to their jobs, and get the economy firing on all cylinders.
“That’s what these pilots are about, and that’s what this Government is committed to – fixing what is broken.”
Care minister Stephen Kinnock said NHS staff had repeatedly highlighted that the current fit note system is not working for patients or clinicians who sign them off.
He said: “These pilots mark the beginning of the end for that broken system, giving people personalised support to get back into work and freeing up GPs from unnecessary admin so they can focus on what they do best: caring for their patients.
Jane Dalton20 May 2026 19:00