The Independent - March 27, 2025

In this issue

March 27, 2025

Reeves targets poorest in society, say backbenchers

Rachel Reeves is facing a backlash from Labour MPs after the government's own impact assessment revealed that benefit cuts will push 250,000 more people, including 50,000 children, into poverty.

4 mins

Growing pains: lowdown on a brutal spring statement

From benefit cuts to tax crackdowns, Archie Mitchell looks at the chancellor's prescription for a flatlining economy

4 mins

Battle tank Reeves crushes Tories, but not her own side

There's something of a battle tank about Rachel Reeves, so it was no surprise that she started her big day by posting a picture of herself posing by an actual armoured car and flanked by soldiers in khaki.

3 mins

Harry accused of 'playing the victim' in charity row

The chair of a charity in Africa set up by Prince Harry has appeared to criticise the royal for \"playing the victim card\" after he quit as patron amid a boardroom battle.

4 mins

University fined more than £580k in free speech probe

The University of Sussex has been fined £585,000 after an investigation found it had failed to uphold freedom of speech.

2 mins

Child watched 'concerning' TikToks in lead-up to death

A 13-year-old girl posted on TikTok that she didn't think she would live beyond the age of 14 just months before she died, a coroner has heard.

2 mins

Reform published my Lowe report too early, claims KC

A furious row has broken out over the publishing of a report that found ex-Reform MP Rupert Lowe harassed two women who worked in his office.

2 mins

Farage settles with NatWest over account closure row

Nigel Farage has agreed to settle his debanking dispute with NatWest nearly two years after a row over the closure of his accounts, which culminated in the resignation of the lending giant's chief executive.

1 min

Most fertility patients buy unnecessary treatments

Expensive 'add-ons' used by 40,000 a year, report finds

3 mins

Human receives pig's liver in pioneering transplant

Chinese scientists have successfully transplanted a pig's liver into a human recipient, in a world first.

2 mins

'Single timetable' European rail network plans revealed

Plans to connect 39 European stations by a high-speed rail network have been revealed, with lines linking the UK, Ukraine, Turkey and Portugal.

3 mins

'If I fight, at least I have some control over my fate'

In the world's largest refugee camp, Rohingya rebels talk to Shweta Sharma about their battle to take Myanmar back

8 mins

Putin is making a mockery of ceasefire talks, says Kyiv

It is harder to deal with Vladimir Putin than a gangster and he cannot be trusted to uphold any ceasefire, Ukrainian officials have said. They also accused the Russian leader of making a mockery of Donald Trump's efforts for a peace deal.

3 mins

Trump implements 25% tariffs on vehicle imports

Donald Trump has announced 25 per cent tariffs on all motor vehicle imports to the United States. During a press conference in the Oval Office last night, the US president announced that cars and light trucks imported into the US would be subject to the levy in the latest escalation of his far-reaching trade war.

2 mins

Oscar-winning Palestinian director feared for his life during West Bank attack

An Oscar-winning Palestinian director attacked in the occupied West Bank says he was held overnight in jail by Israeli soldiers who mocked his award between beatings.

2 mins

Dozens dead as 'worst ever' wildfires strike South Korea

At least 24 people have been killed and 26 have been injured as South Korea battles the most destructive wildfires in its history.

2 mins

The chancellor can dress it up... but this is austerity 2.0

In her spring statement, Rachel Reeves played a bad hand as well as anyone could have. She pinned the blame for a rethink only four months after her Budget on \"increased global uncertainty\" and \"a world that is changing before our eyes\". That is code for Donald Trump's tariffs and his forcing of Europe to spend more on defence.

3 mins

Black Sea ceasefire is a con job with Zelensky the 'mark'

Many observers are dismissing the Black Sea ceasefire mediated by the Americans as an insignificant step that shows how far from peace Russia and Ukraine still are. But from the Kremlin's point of view, what seems technical actually has strategic advantages.

2 mins

Kelly sparks spectacular second-half for Gunners

Arsenal win 3-2 on aggregate

4 mins

Kane and co energised by Tuchel's tactical insights

On Tuesday morning, Thomas Tuchel and his staff went through the debrief of his first England camp. They are already thinking about the June squad, but the feeling has so far been \"very positive\".

4 mins

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