NewsNewsUKUK PoliticsEnglandN. IrelandScotlandWalesLIVERemoving winter fuel payments 'makes sense', Starmer tells BBCThe prime minister answered questions from BBC local radio presenters around England.Police to get new powers to tackle anti-social behaviourPersistent offenders could be banned from town centres, while those who breach orders could face prison.1 hr agoPoliticsHancock voices support of early lockdowns to mitigate healthcare staff burnoutThe former health secretary tells the Covid inquiry his "responsibility was to society and, in particular, the most vulnerable".Blair leads tributes to Labour giant John PrescottThe former deputy prime minister, who was major figure in the New Labour project, has died aged 86.21 hrs agoPoliticsPeople told to shop around as energy bills riseSomeone paying by direct debit and using a typical amount of energy will pay £21 more a year from January.2 hrs agoBusinessPolice to get new powers to tackle anti-social behaviourPersistent offenders could be banned from town centres, while those who breach orders could face prison.1 hr agoPoliticsLeasehold reforms set out amid concerns over delaysCampaigners say the overhaul is welcome but will not come fast enough to help existing leaseholds.19 hrs agoUKWinter fuel payments cut make sense, Starmer saysThe PM was repeatedly pressed on why he was targeting pensioners, in a round of BBC local radio interviews.41 mins agoPoliticsHancock voices support of early lockdowns to mitigate healthcare staff burnoutThe former health secretary tells the Covid inquiry his "responsibility was to society and, in particular, the most vulnerable".Seven memorable moments in the life of John Prescott Lord Prescott spent a decade as Tony Blair's deputy and was seen as a custodian of traditional Labour values.21 hrs agoPoliticsEssex Police drops Allison Pearson investigationThe investigation is closed, but there will be a review of the force’s handling of the matter.20 hrs agoEssexPublic sector pay deals help drive up UK borrowingBorrowing was £17.4bn last month, the second highest October figure since monthly records began in 1993.1 day agoBusinessThe Sex Pistol, ex-MP and the fight for live musicThe legendary punk band founder tells how he and an MP found a common interest: keeping music live.22 hrs agoWalesJohn Prescott: Constituents remember former MP John Prescott represented Hull East for 40 years after first being elected in 1970.21 hrs agoHull & East YorkshireFeatures and analysisSteve Rosenberg: After days of escalation, what will Putin do next?BBC Russia editor Steve Rosenberg assesses the Russian leader's next move.6 hrs agoEuropeChris Mason: How Prescott blazed a trail for RaynerAngela Rayner sought inspiration from John Prescott's rise to the near top of the Labour Party and the country.24 hrs agoPoliticsJohn Prescott: Political bruiser who played vital role in Labour comebackAs deputy prime minister for 10 years, he was part of the team that won three successive elections.1 day agoPoliticsStarmer will struggle to keep his ‘smash the gangs’ promise - as I saw firsthandKeir Starmer says it is his personal mission to defeat the people-smuggling gangs2 days agoBBC InDepthChris Mason: What the farmers' protest tells us about their argument with the governmentWhy has the inheritance tax for farmers argument got so noisy, so quickly?3 days agoPolitics