Reeves hints at priority as she says ‘trading relationship with Europe arguably more important’ than US – UK politics live

Chancellor said she understood the focus on possible deal with US, but added the EU remained ‘our nearest neighbours and trading partners’

Tech companies and individual executives face being collectively fined up to £70,000 each time a post relating to knife crime is not removed for their sites, PA Media reports. PA says:

The government has expanded a previously announced plan to fine individual tech bosses £10,000 when their platform fails to remove content linked to knife crime, and will now issue additional fines of up to £60,000 to a company itself each time it fails to remove individual posts.

The Home Office said the sanctions are part of plans to combat content that advertises illegal knives and other offensive weapons to young people, as well as glorifying or inciting violence.

Reform have lower levels of female candidates (less than a quarter) than the Conservatives (not quite 30%). The Greens and Labour are at over 40% overall and LibDems, Others/Indys and local parties hitting the 30-33% mark.

The introduction of widespread Reform candidates, and particularly if they win, has widened the gender gap. Continue reading...