The Home Office has declined to reveal how many failed asylum seeker families have accepted a new government offer of up to £40,000 to leave the UK voluntarily. The pilot scheme allows families with no legal right to remain in Britain to receive £10,000 per person, for up to four family members, if they agree to return to their home countries. Around 150 families were initially invited to apply and were given a short deadline to accept the offer. Officials say the initiative could expand to thousands more families if deemed successful. The Government argues the scheme could save taxpayers money, as supporting a family of failed asylum seekers currently costs an estimated £158,000 per year. Critics have questioned why people from countries considered safe need financial incentives to leave. The policy comes amid continued debate about migration, following the cancellation of the previous Rwanda relocation plan and ongoing small-boat crossings across the Channel, which remain a significant political and social issue.

Newly released government documents show that Keir Starmer was warned about potential 'reputational risks' before appointing Peter Mandelson as the UK’s ambassador to the USA. The detailed files record the vetting process and concerns raised about Mandelson’s past association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Officials noted that Mandelson had maintained contact with Epstein after his 2008 conviction and had reportedly stayed at Epstein’s residence in 2009 while serving as business secretary. The documents also revealed that advisers questioned the speed of the appointment. Mandelson later lost the role after further details about his links to Epstein emerged. He is also under police investigation over allegations that government trade information may have been shared with Epstein during the 2008 financial crisis. When removed from the post, Mandelson received a £75,000 severance payment. Government ministers say lessons have now been learned to strengthen future appointment processes. See

Haiti continues to face severe insecurity as armed gangs control large areas of the capital, Port-au-Prince. In efforts to confront the violence, Haitian security forces, supported by private contractors, have used quadcopter drones carrying explosives in anti-gang operations since March last year. According to a report by Human Rights Watch (HRW), these strikes have killed at least 1,243 people (including sixty civilians) and injured 738. Many of the attacks have occurred in densely populated neighbourhoods, raising serious concerns about civilian casualties. One strike reportedly killed nine people, including three children, and injured several others. Residents describe the devastating impact on families living in gang-controlled areas. HRW and UN officials have warned that some strikes appear disproportionate and may violate international law. The UN has also indicated that there are currently no clear signs that these incidents are being formally investigated.

Shabana Mahmood has announced sweeping changes to the asylum system aimed at tightening immigration controls and reducing taxpayer-funded support for those who break the rules. She will outline the reforms as part of a wider overhaul intended to curb illegal migration and restore public confidence in border policies. Under the new measures, asylum seekers who work illegally, commit crimes, or are able to support themselves financially will lose access to government-funded accommodation and financial assistance. The changes, expected to take effect in June, will replace the previous legal duty to provide support with a more conditional approach. Mahmood says the reforms are designed to create a system that is both firm and compassionate, ensuring help is directed toward those with legitimate claims while discouraging abuse. The Government also plans regular reviews of refugee status and further measures to reduce reliance on hotel accommodation for migrants. Critics argue that the proposals may unfairly target vulnerable people, but ministers say stronger control is essential for maintaining public trust.

Parents in England may soon face limits on choosing special schools for their children under sweeping reforms to special educational needs and disabilities provision. The white paper proposes that councils provide families with a shortlist of suitable placements, considering parental preference alongside value for money and the needs of all children in the area. Ministers say the changes aim to place more pupils closer to home, reducing long travel times and rising transport costs (now up to £3.4 billion a year). £4 billion has been pledged to expand specialist places within mainstream schools and reduce reliance on expensive independent providers. Private placements can cost more than twice as much as state-sector options, adding pressure to local authority budgets. While parents will retain the right to appeal decisions, tribunals will no longer be able to name a specific school. Broader reforms also include reviewing the future use of care plans.

An investigation has alleged that the Nigerian government paid a substantial ransom to secure the release of up to 230 children and staff abducted from a Catholic boarding school in November. The pupils were taken from St Mary’s in Niger state during a mass kidnapping by Boko Haram. Intelligence sources told AFP that millions of dollars were delivered by helicopter to militants in northeastern Borno state after negotiations reportedly led by national security adviser Nuhu Ribadu. Two Boko Haram commanders were also said to have been freed. Officials publicly denied paying any ransom, insisting that government agents do not negotiate with kidnappers. The Islamist insurgent group, active since 2009, has carried out widespread violence and abductions across northern Nigeria. Reports suggest the children were released in stages after confirmation that the payment had been received.

Labour MPs have warned that Keir Starmer’s leadership is under serious threat following intense backlash over the appointment of Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the USA. Fury erupted after Starmer admitted he was aware of Mandelson’s past friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein before approving the appointment. A Commons debate nearly ended in government defeat, narrowly avoided through a last-minute amendment forcing the future release of documents relating to Mandelson’s vetting and appointment. Several Labour MPs described a collapse of trust, with some openly questioning whether they could support Starmer in a confidence vote. The mood, described as 'dark' and 'terminal’, has unsettled even long-standing loyalists. MPs warned that once withheld documents are released - currently delayed by a Metropolitan Police investigation - a leadership challenge could follow. Though Starmer has pledged transparency and announced plans to strip Mandelson of honours, and ministers insist he acted in good faith, many MPs fear lasting damage to the government’s credibility and moral authority.

Keir Starmer has concluded a landmark bilateral meeting with Chinese president Xi Jinping in Beijing, marking the first visit by a British prime minister to China in eight years. The talks, held at the Great Hall of the People, signal a renewed phase of engagement between the UK and China at a time of global economic fragility and geopolitical tension. Starmer described China as a vital global player and spoke of the need for a more mature and sophisticated relationship, while President Xi emphasised long-term partnership and the importance of rising above differences. Discussions covered trade, services, education, healthcare, artificial intelligence, climate change and irregular migration. A series of cooperation agreements were signed, including progress towards visa-free travel for short-term UK visitors and a feasibility study on trade in services. While human rights concerns remain sensitive, the Government argues that constructive engagement, rather than isolation, offers the best route to economic growth, international stability and influence on the global stage.

The Government has launched a £15 billion Warm Homes Plan aimed at expanding solar power, heat pumps, and other green technologies across households over the next five years. The scheme seeks to triple the number of homes with solar panels while increasing uptake of low-carbon heating. It includes a mix of grants and low or zero-interest loans, available regardless of household income. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme will be extended until 2029/30, offering grants of up to £7,500 for air-source heat pumps. An additional £600 million has been allocated to fully fund solar panels and battery storage for low-income households. It is estimated that combining solar, battery storage, and heat pumps could save an average household up to £1,300 a year. The plan is also expected to boost demand for skilled installers, creating opportunities for green-tech businesses and workforce training. Ministers say the programme supports decarbonisation, energy security, and cost-of-living relief, though experts stress the importance of improving insulation alongside new technologies.

MPs are debating plans to remove the immunity provision from legislation addressing unresolved crimes from the Northern Ireland Troubles. The Government is seeking approval for an order to overturn elements of the previous Legacy Act, including a scheme that would have granted immunity from prosecution to individuals involved in Troubles-related offences in exchange for cooperation with a truth recovery body. That scheme was ruled unlawful and never implemented. Northern Ireland secretary Hilary Benn said the changes are necessary to restore trust among victims’ families and communities who strongly oppose immunity for those responsible for violence and murder. The order would also lift restrictions on bringing new civil claims, reinstating the right of families to seek justice through the courts. In response to concerns among veterans’ groups that this could expose former members of the armed forces to repeated or unfair legal action, the Government intends to introduce safeguards for veterans, including limits on reinvestigation, health protections, anonymity provisions, and alternative ways of giving evidence.