The political space in the UK became very active today as different party leaders reacted to issues around the economy, migration, taxes and public trust. Reform UK’s Zia Yusuf said many business people feel the UK is now “uninvestible”, adding that his party wants net migration reduced to zero while still keeping space for skilled workers. He explained that immigration helped his own family and insisted that Reform has no links to Russia after a former party figure was jailed over a bribery case. Yusuf also said the UK must stop pushing investors away and remove barriers that make it hard to build new homes.
A major discussion also started after a recent ban on Maccabi Tel Aviv fans attending a football match in Birmingham. A review has now been ordered to check how police assess risk in cases like this. Policing minister Sarah Jones said the matter involves sensitive intelligence but added that there is no place for hatred or discrimination in the UK. The decision had raised questions about how safety judgments are made for international sporting events.
In parliament, junior cabinet office minister Josh Simons admitted that trust in government is at an “all-time low”. He said the ministerial code has been strengthened with more transparency on gifts and interests. MPs also questioned the prime minister’s handling of appointments, especially after concerns about connections between political figures and regulators. Simons said the government wants to repair public confidence through openness.
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch strongly criticised Chancellor Rachel Reeves, claiming the upcoming budget will only bring “tax rises”. She said freezing income tax thresholds will push more people into higher tax brackets and called this “terrible” for working families. Badenoch also rejected Reeves’ complaints about being “mansplained” to, saying many ordinary people simply disagree with her tax plans. She added that Labour’s employment reforms will hurt businesses, something Reeves’ team has dismissed.
Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey used the moment to call for a closer relationship with the EU to grow the economy. He said the UK needs a much better trade deal and even a new customs union to help businesses recover. Meanwhile, the Green Party demanded a wealth tax on millionaires and billionaires, higher capital gains tax and free school meals for all children. The Greens said bold steps are needed because life has become “unaffordable” for many families.
Another major issue came from the House of Lords, where two peers, including former Army chief Lord Dannatt, were suspended for offering parliamentary services in return for payment or reward. Both cases involved undercover reporters. Lord Dannatt apologised deeply and said he had learned lessons, while Lord Evans was suspended for offering access and promoting business interests linked to his family. These suspensions added more pressure on parliament to uphold ethical standards.
The government also reacted to peace talks on Ukraine, saying “significant progress” has been made but some issues remain unresolved. The prime minister said peace must be “just and lasting”, and the UK will continue working with allies. Talks in Geneva focused on the US-led 20-step plan for Ukraine, though details are still developing.
Finally, business secretary Peter Kyle admitted the government needs “more urgency” to grow the economy, especially after wealthy individuals like Lakshmi Mittal moved abroad. Number 10 insisted the UK remains attractive for investment and said Wednesday’s budget will focus on building a stronger and more prosperous country. The political debates are expected to intensify as the budget announcement gets closer.