The Week In Brief: 23/03/2025

From Heathrow’s blackout chaos to Westminster's budget brawls, it’s been a week of power struggles— here’s your quick roundup of the top political stories.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves Pledges No Tax Increases in Spring Statement

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has committed to avoiding tax hikes in the forthcoming Spring Statement, opting instead to reduce government spending. Her strategy includes training 60,000 new workers for the construction industry to stimulate a housing boom and implementing welfare reforms aimed at cutting £5 billion from sickness benefits to encourage employment.

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UK Government Considers 'Return Hubs' for Failed Asylum Seekers

Reports indicate that the UK government is considering establishing "return hubs" for failed asylum seekers in the Balkans. Labour's approach is anticipated to be significantly different from the former Conservative government's Rwanda policy, which sought to deport all migrants who entered the UK illegally, regardless of the validity of their asylum claims.

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Chancellor Rachel Reeves Plans to Reduce Government Running Costs

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has confirmed plans to reduce government running costs by 15% by the end of the decade, reflecting ongoing efforts to improve fiscal responsibility.

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Peter Murrell Charged with Embezzlement of SNP funds; Nicola Sturgeon Cleared

Former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell appeared in Edinburgh Sheriff Court charged with embezzlement, while his estranged wife, former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, was informed she would face no further action in the investigation into SNP finances.

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Conservative Party Launches Local Election Campaign

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch launched the party's local election campaign at an event in Buckinghamshire, setting the stage for upcoming local elections in May.

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