The Independent - March 21, 2025

In this issue

March 21, 2025

'Nuclear plants belong to the people of Ukraine'

Zelensky rejects Trump takeover of country’s energy but discusses US investment in Russian-held Zaporizhzhia

4 mins

Zelensky is mastering the art of dealing with Trump

Seizing the opportunity to drive a wedge between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, Ukraine’s president has moved swiftly to usher the American president back towards his corner.

3 mins

End tsunami of sick notes, urges Duncan Smith as he criticises Labour reforms

Labour’s plans to cut the welfare bill do not go nearly far enough, the former minister who brought in the biggest reform of benefits since the 1940s has warned.

3 mins

Sturgeon cleared in police probe into SNP's finances

But estranged husband in court for embezzlement charges

2 mins

Chancellor's spending cuts plan sparks austerity fears

There are growing fears that Britain will be plunged back into austerity, as Rachel Reeves prepares to unveil a swathe of spending cuts at next week’s mini-Budget.

3 mins

Is Britain about to enter another round of austerity?

There are ever more signs that the chancellor, Rachel Reeves, will use her spring statement next week to introduce further public spending cuts, augmenting fears that the country could be on the verge of a new age of austerity. How has the growth agenda morphed so soon into something akin to its opposite?

3 mins

Hottest day of year as South hits 20C on spring equinox

Britain is enjoying its hottest day of the year so far as temperatures exceeded 20C on the spring equinox.

2 mins

British tourist deported by US in chains after visa error

Travellers to the United States are being warned to doublecheck their visas after a British tourist was unceremoniously deported from the country.

4 mins

New drug could reduce risk of early-onset Alzheimer's

An experimental drug appears to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s in people destined” to develop the disease in middle age.

3 mins

War between foxhunters and saboteurs turns hi-tech

‘Attack drone’ use increases by both sides s during clashes

3 mins

William in Estonia to visit British troops on front line

The prince meets with country’s president Alar Karis before travelling to visit Nato forces guarding the Russian border

2 mins

Baby pulled from rubble as Gaza devastated by strikes

Rescuers have pulled a 25-day-old baby girl alive from the rubble of her home in Gaza’s Khan Younis after an airstrike killed her parents and brother.

2 mins

Trump signs order to break apart education department

President Donald Trump yesterday signed an order aimed at “eliminating” the Department of Education, delivering a longanticipated political win for conservatives who’ve pushed to privatise education.

4 mins

Political survival is the only impetus for Netanyahu's war

Do not be fooled to believe the resumption of the war in Gaza has any military justifications, or is intended to produce a better long-term agreement. It is a personal, politically motivated adventure by Benjamin Netanyahu and meant to advance personal political goals.

3 mins

Labour's welfare 'reforms" don't go nearly far enough

When I resigned from David Cameron’s government as the secretary of state for work and pensions in 2016, welfare stood at 61.6bn. By the end of this parliament, it is projected to be 108.7bn. Sickness benefit alone, which was 19bn back then, is set to rise to 32bn. So it is with disability benefit, which is set to rise from 11bn to some 31bn. To govern is to choose. Against the backdrop of an increasingly unsafe world, the need to invest significantly more in defence and a flatlining economy, further reform of welfare is a necessity.

2 mins

Here's why it is a good thing that AI decides your next job

By now, you’ve heard the horror stories. AI that’s racist, sexist, or both. Screening tools ranking white men’s resumés higher, language models reinforcing gender stereotypes, and artificial intelligence that seems to have a homophobic bias.

3 mins

Unlike Reform, Labour is driven by British values

I grew up in a family built on British values, on service, duty and hard work. My grandfather hunted Nazi U-boats before becoming a Colman’s Mustard salesman. My father dedicated his career to policing, while my mother cared for the vulnerable, ensuring dignity and respect for those in need.

3 mins

Bank holds interest rates at 4.5% as inflation rises again

Interest rates have been held at 4.5 per cent by the Bank of England during mounting global uncertainty and growing trade tensions sparked by Donald Trump.

5 mins

Tuchel's grand plan and why England need him

As the new manager prepares for his first match in charge at Wembley, Miguel Delaney sees someone fired up for future

5 mins

McTominay penalty saves Scotland in close first-leg

Scott McTominay scored the only goal of the game as Scotland survived a second-half barrage from Greece in their Nations League play-off in Athens.

2 mins

Rock-and-roll Jordan had a flamboyance that captivated the Formula One paddock

Former team owner passed away yesterday after cancer battle

5 mins

Why fans should brace for a Maga World Cup' next year

Gianni Infantino is having his dignity’ questioned, explains chief football writer Miguel Delaney, as the Fifa president cosies up to Donald Trump ahead of the 2026 tournament

6 mins

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