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The global ransomware threat is expected to increase over the next two years due to Artificial Intelligence (AI), warns the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC).
AI is already being used in malicious cyber activity and will almost certainly increase the volume and impact of cyber attacks, according to the new term of AI on the cyber threat assessment, published by NCSC.
The NCSC report highlights that by reducing the entry barriers for inexperienced cybercriminals, hackers-for-hire, and hacktivists, AI empowers less skilled threat actors to conduct more efficient access and information-gathering operations.
This heightened accessibility, coupled with AI’s ability to enhance victim targeting, is anticipated to escalate the global ransomware threat over the next two years.
Ransomware remains the predominant cyber threat confronting organisations and businesses in the UK, prompting cybercriminals to adjust their business strategies for increased efficiency and profit maximisation.
In response to this enhanced threat, the Government has committed £2.6 billion through its Cyber Security Strategy to enhance the resilience of the UK. Both the NCSC and private industry have already embraced the application of AI to bolster cyber security resilience, focusing on advanced threat detection and security-by-design.
Cyber expert Suid Adeyanju, CEO, Riversafe commented: “Cybercriminals are persistently exploiting ransomware and powered by AI advancements these attacks pose a detrimental risk to businesses that aren’t sufficiently prepared. In response to these escalating attacks, organisations must increase their threat intelligence, adopting a comprehensive strategy that blends advanced technologies and heightened observability. Furthermore, it is imperative to prioritise thorough training programmes for all staff on the dangers posed by cyber threats. As the surge in cyber-attacks shows no sign of slowing down, taking measures to secure data and mitigate risks should be a top priority for businesses.”
At the UK-hosted AI Safety Summit in November at Bletchley Park, The Bletchley Declaration was endorsed. It introduced a pioneering global initiative to address the risks associated with cutting-edge AI and promote its secure and responsible advancement.
The AI sector in the UK, currently employing 50,000 individuals and contributing £3.7 billion to the economy, reflects the government’s commitment to fostering the evolution of the national economy and job market in alignment with technology, as outlined in the Prime Minister’s five key priorities.
Cybersecurity expert Andy Ward, VP International for Absolute Software, commented: “The heightened risk of cyber-attacks, amplified by evolving AI-powered threats, makes vulnerable security systems a prime target for cyber attackers. Ransomware threats do not discriminate across any person or sector, posing a significant global concern, especially when combined with AI.”
“Due to the severe damage that ransomware threats can cause, organisations must adopt a comprehensive cybersecurity approach with proactive and responsive measures. This involves assessing current cyber defences, integrating resilient Zero Trust models for user authentication, and establishing robust response protocols. It is crucial to combine preventive strategies with resilient technology to promptly recover and repair compromised devices in the aftermath of a breach, thereby ensuring readiness against cyber threats.”
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Urgent call for cyber defence as AI-Driven Ransomware attacks surge, warns NCSC

Scotland’s salmon sector – the UK’s biggest food export – has expressed frustration over ongoing red tape which has now cost an estimated £12 million extra since Brexit.
While international demand remains incredibly high for the premium fish grown off Scotland’s west coast and islands, measures to smooth trade flow and open new markets remain “painfully slow” ahead of next week’s fourth anniversary of leaving the EU.
Salmon Scotland, the trade body which represents the sector worth £766 million-a-year to the UK economy, has been working with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) to get more traction on market access and procedures.
But chief executive Tavish Scott will today raise the need for swifter government-wide action with the Scotland Office, where ministers have actively and enthusiastically supported the sector’s sustainable growth.
One of the measures causing red tape for salmon farming companies is the lack of new eCertification for export health certificates (EHCs), and issues with the current outdated system.
Salmon producers are willing to work with the UK Government to put in place any measures that make it easier to export their product to Europe, and have already piloted a successful electronic EHC system which shows what can be achieved.
Salmon Scotland has previously estimated that post-Brexit paperwork costs salmon farming companies in Scotland an extra £3 million a year since the UK formally left the EU on January 31, 2020.
With salmon increasingly popular in traditionally smaller European markets such as the Netherlands and Spain, and soaring in demand in Asia, smoother trade flow and new markets would open up the possibility of more investment in the Scottish economy and more high-skilled Scottish jobs.
The export market alone involves annual salmon sales of around £600 million-a-year.
Farm-raised salmon directly employs 2,500 people in Scotland and a further 10,000 jobs are dependent on the sector.
Tavish Scott, chief executive of Salmon Scotland, said: “Four years on since Brexit, our farmers continue to face excessive red tape, while progress at smoothing trade flow and opening new markets remains painfully slow.
“Defra ministers need to urgently prioritise the UK’s largest food export, and I will be enlisting further support from other parts of government.
“International demand for Scottish salmon, rightly considered the best in the world, is incredibly high – and with less bureaucracy we could further grow exports.“This in turn would generate millions of pounds for the Scottish and UK economies.”
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Salmon sector expresses frustration with export red tape costing £12M extra post Brexit

The UK government borrowed £5 billion less than expected by the Office for Budget Responsibility in the year so far to December, raising the chances of the chancellor cutting taxes at the budget on March 6.
The government borrowed £119.1 billion in the nine months to December, according to the Office for National Statistics, lower than the £124.1 billion projected by the OBR at the autumn statement in November.
In December alone, borrowing hit £7.8 billion, much lower than the £11 billion forecast by City analysts and the weakest amount in five years.
Smaller-than-expected government spending of £86.1 billion last month narrowed the deficit, which is the difference between what a government spends and what it generates in tax revenues. Debt interest spending also fell sharply to £4 billion, down by £14.1 billion compared with December 2022, reflecting lower inflation and market interest rate expectations.
Laura Trott, chief secretary to the Treasury, said government support to cushion the cost of living was necessary, but added that “it is right that we pay back these debts so future generations are not left to pick up the tab”.
Government tax revenues have surged over the past year as a result of the decision by the chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, and the prime minister, Rishi Sunak, to freeze a range of tax thresholds amid a period of record wage inflation, a process known as a “fiscal drag”. A rise in the rate of corporation tax to 25 per cent has also lifted tax revenues from the private sector.
Hunt is anticipated to have between £15 billion and £20 billion to spend at the next budget, which could be the final fiscal event before a likely autumn general election.
Since the OBR’s latest forecasts in November, which accompanied the autumn statement, inflation has fallen much faster than anticipated, down to 4 per cent in December. As a result, financial markets have priced in several interest rate cuts by the Bank of England over the next 12 months.
In November, Hunt cut national insurance by 2p and made the 100 per cent capital spending allowance permanent at a cost of £20 billion. He is considering lowering income tax, national insurance contributions or inheritance tax at the next budget.
Mounting expectations for interest rate cuts have put downward pressure on yields in government bond markets, relieving the burden on the public finances from the UK’s debt stock.
Under the UK’s current fiscal rules, the chancellor is required to ensure debt as a share of gross domestic product is falling and annual borrowing is capped at 3 per cent of output in five years. Hunt is projected to have an additional £15 billion to £20 billion of headroom against this measure as a result of lower market rate expectations, weaker inflation and stronger growth.
Britain’s debt stock as a share of GDP is still high by historical standards at 97.7 per cent, the highest since the 1960s.
The public finances are much more exposed to changes in official interest rates as a result of the Bank of England compensating commercial banks’ deposits in full at the UK base rate level, which currently stands at a 15-year high of 5.25 per cent.
Andrew Bailey, the governor of the Bank of England, and the monetary policy committee are forecast to leave the base rate unchanged next Thursday and upgrade their projections for the UK economy over the coming years.
Ruth Gregory, deputy chief UK Economist at Capital Economics, said: “December’s better-than-expected public finances figures brought some cheer for the chancellor … and will give him a bit more wiggle room for a big pre-election splash in the spring budget.”
She said he could launch several “crowd-pleasing measures, such as a 1p cut to income tax (costing £6.9 billion a year), while still maintaining fiscally prudent appearances”.
Samuel Tombs, chief UK economist at Pantheon Macroeconomics, said “falling interest payments create scope for tax cuts which the gilt market can tolerate”. However, Michal Stelmach, senior economist at KPMG UK, cautioned that the “fiscal outlook is riddled with uncertainty”.
Substantial tax cuts would, in theory, boost demand in the UK economy by raising households’ take home pay. As a result, there is a risk that they prompt the Bank of England to delay interest rate cuts this year.
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Lower government provides Hunt room in spring budget for tax cuts

The discretionary spending power of households across all parts of Britain has increased for the first time in two years.
Wage growth and easing inflation left families with more money to spend on treats in the final quarter of 2023, according to the latest Asda Income Tracker.
After paying bills and essentials, the average UK household had a disposable income of £224 per week in the fourth quarter, the highest since the start of 2022.
The tracker, independently compiled by the Centre for Economics and Business Research, found that London continued to have the strongest disposable income, with the average household in the capital seeing an increase of 10.1 per cent to £301 per week across the quarter. Wales recorded the weakest increase in disposable income, at 4.6 per cent to £178, mainly because of weak earnings growth.
Despite the overall improvements, disposable income is down from before the pandemic. Compared with the peak of £246 in the first quarter of 2021, UK-wide discretionary income has fallen by 9.1 per cent.
However, a leading forecaster has predicted that household income is likely to improve further this year as interest rate cuts are expected to lead to a fall in borrowing costs.
The EY Item Club, which is closely followed because it uses the Treasury’s model of the economy, said the inflation rate was expected to average about 2.4 per cent this year, lower than the 2.8 per cent it previously predicted in its autumn forecast.
The positive forecast for inflation is anticipated to lead to a “significant” reduction in the bank rate for 2024. It is now predicting rates to fall from 5.25 per cent currently to 4 per cent over the year ahead, with the first cut coming as soon as May.
The EY Item Club said the year ahead was set to see a “turning point” for Britain’s stagnating economy thanks to falling inflation, interest rate cuts and tax reductions. It has upgraded its outlook for UK growth in 2024, to 0.9 per cent from the 0.7 per cent it previously pencilled in last October.
Growth is expected to step up again in 2025, with an expected increase in gross domestic product of 1.8 per cent compared with the 1.7 per cent previously predicted.
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Household disposable income across the whole of the UK at highest in two years

Heather Mills has struck a £1m rescue deal for her vegan food business after accusing the “gaslighting” meat industry of triggering a decline in sales.
VBites has been bought out of administration a month after its collapse, with Ms Mills vying to rebuild the business after fending off five rival bidders.
The company was pushed to the brink after it was hit by soaring costs and shoppers trading down to cheaper vegan alternatives, according to a report from administrators at Interpath.
VBites had debts totalling more than £8.3m at the time of its collapse, having racked up losses of £3.1m in the year to March 2023.
Despite the rescue deal covering the company’s assets, including factories in County Durham and Northamptonshire, it did not protect VBites’ remaining 64 staff who were made redundant.
However, Ms Mills has since vowed to rehire 40 workers.
In comments made on social media, Ms Mills said VBites was forced into administration “unnecessarily” with just three days’ notice.
She added: “This is why I have chosen to resurrect the company myself, at great personal expense, and take control of the operations, personally moving back to the North East to ensure we are still able to make a positive contribution to the future of our global food economy.”
VBites was founded in 1993, manufacturing a range of plant-based products including sausages, burgers and fish fingers. It previously served as a supplier for McDonald’s.
Ms Mills lashed out at “corporate greed and poor management” when the business collapsed in December, while also criticising celebrity campaigns promoting dairy products and the meat industry.
She said: “Many of the campaigns we are seeing such as the ‘Got milk’ campaign by the dairy industry, joking about plant milk, insulting lactose intolerant people as well as ethical environmental animal lovers, are well-funded gaslighting initiatives that detract from the facts and sow the seeds of doubt in consumers who deserve to know the truth.
“The plant-based industry needs to take a lead from the dairy industry in unifying its voice but as a force for good and promotion of the facts – as opposed to a litany of lies and misinformation.”
Ms Mills first experimented with a vegan diet as an alternative therapy to traditional medicine and has said that removing animal products from her diet helped her recover from the 1993 traffic accident that caused the loss of her left leg.
VBites was just one of several vegan food businesses that encountered difficulties last year amid a slowdown in demand for plant-based alternatives.
Meatless Farm collapsed in June and was bought by a rival vegan company VFC. Yorkshire sausage company Heck was also forced to slash its range of vegan sausages from 15 products down to two last year after demand waned.
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Heather Mills rescues vegan food empire after blaming meat industry for collapse

In today’s fast-paced business world, SMEs face numerous challenges in their quest for growth and success.
As we step into 2024, it’s more important than ever for these businesses to master the art of business growth. The strategies that worked in the past may no longer be effective, and new approaches are needed to thrive in the ever-evolving market.
This article delves deep into the essential strategies that SMEs should adopt to conquer the challenges and unlock their potential for growth in 2024. From leveraging digital marketing to harnessing the power of data analytics, we explore the key tactics that can make a tangible difference. By embracing innovation, fostering a customer-centric mindset, and developing robust partnerships, SMEs can position themselves as competitive players in their industry.
Understanding the Current Business Landscape
The first step to mastering the art of business growth in 2024 is understanding the current business landscape. The world is rapidly changing, and SMEs must keep up with the latest trends and developments to stay relevant. One of the key factors shaping the business landscape is the advancement of technology. From artificial intelligence to blockchain, emerging technologies are disrupting industries and creating new opportunities for growth.
Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the digital transformation across industries. SMEs need to adapt to the new normal and embrace digital solutions to thrive in the post-pandemic era. This means investing in digital infrastructure, leveraging cloud computing, and adopting remote work practices. By embracing technology, SMEs can streamline their operations, improve efficiency, and tap into new markets.
Furthermore, globalization has opened up new doors for SMEs. With the rise of e-commerce and cross-border trade, businesses can now reach customers all over the world. However, this also means facing increased competition from both local and international players. To succeed in this globalized market, SMEs need to differentiate themselves by offering unique value propositions, delivering exceptional customer experiences, and building strong brand identities.
Identifying Growth Opportunities for SMEs
To master the art of business growth, SMEs must identify and capitalize on growth opportunities in their industry. This requires a deep understanding of market dynamics, customer needs, and emerging trends. Conducting market research and analysis can provide valuable insights into untapped market segments, unmet customer needs, and potential areas for innovation.
One growth opportunity that SMEs should consider is diversification. By expanding their product or service offerings, businesses can reach new customer segments and increase revenue streams. This could involve developing new products, entering new markets, or targeting different customer demographics. However, it’s important for SMEs to carefully assess the feasibility and profitability of diversification strategies to avoid spreading resources too thin.
Another growth opportunity lies in strategic partnerships and collaborations. By forming alliances with complementary businesses, SMEs can leverage each other’s strengths, share resources, and tap into new markets. This could involve partnering with suppliers, distributors, or even competitors to create win-win situations. Strategic partnerships can also provide access to new technologies, expertise, and distribution channels, enabling SMEs to scale their operations more effectively.
Lastly, SMEs should consider the potential of international expansion. With the rise of e-commerce and globalization, businesses can now expand their reach beyond national borders. This could involve setting up international offices, establishing distribution networks, or entering into joint ventures with local partners. However, international expansion comes with its own set of challenges, such as cultural differences, regulatory compliance, and logistical complexities. SMEs must carefully evaluate the risks and rewards before embarking on this growth strategy.
Developing a Growth Strategy for Your SME
Once growth opportunities have been identified, SMEs need to develop a comprehensive growth strategy. This involves setting clear goals, defining actionable steps, and allocating resources effectively. A growth strategy should be aligned with the overall vision and values of the business, and it should take into consideration the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats facing the SME.
One key aspect of a growth strategy is setting measurable goals. These goals should be specific, achievable, and time-bound. For example, an SME might aim to increase revenue by 20% within the next year or expand its customer base by acquiring 100 new clients. By setting clear goals, SMEs can track their progress and make adjustments as needed.
Another important element of a growth strategy is identifying the key drivers of growth. These drivers could be factors such as innovation, operational efficiency, customer satisfaction, or market expansion. By focusing on these drivers, SMEs can prioritize their efforts and allocate resources accordingly. For example, if innovation is a key driver, the SME might invest in research and development, hire creative talent, or collaborate with external innovation hubs.
Furthermore, a growth strategy should include a detailed action plan. This plan outlines the specific steps that need to be taken to achieve the defined goals. It should include timelines, responsibilities, and key performance indicators to track progress. By breaking down the growth journey into actionable steps, SMEs can ensure that they stay on track and make steady progress towards their goals.
Leveraging Digital Marketing for Business Growth
In the digital age, effective marketing is crucial for business growth. SMEs must leverage digital marketing strategies to reach and engage their target audience. Digital marketing encompasses a wide range of tactics, including search engine optimization (SEO), social media marketing, content marketing, email marketing, and paid advertising.
First and foremost, SMEs should focus on optimizing their online presence for search engines. This involves conducting keyword research, optimizing website content, and building high-quality backlinks. By improving their search engine rankings, SMEs can increase their visibility and attract more organic traffic to their website.
Social media marketing is another powerful tool for business growth. SMEs should identify the social media platforms where their target audience spends the most time and create a presence there. By consistently sharing valuable content, engaging with followers, and running targeted ad campaigns, SMEs can build brand awareness, generate leads, and drive conversions.
Content marketing is also essential for SMEs. By creating and sharing valuable, relevant, and informative content, businesses can position themselves as thought leaders and build trust with their audience. Content marketing can take various forms, including blog articles, videos, podcasts, infographics, and ebooks. SMEs should develop a content strategy that aligns with their target audience’s interests and needs.
Email marketing remains one of the most effective channels for customer acquisition and retention. SMEs should build an email list of subscribers who have expressed interest in their products or services. By sending personalized and targeted emails, SMEs can nurture leads, promote new offerings, and drive repeat purchases.
Lastly, paid advertising can provide an immediate boost to business growth. SMEs can run targeted ads on search engines, social media platforms, or other relevant websites. By carefully selecting keywords, demographics, and interests, SMEs can ensure that their ads reach the right audience at the right time. Paid advertising can be a cost-effective way to drive traffic, generate leads, and increase conversions.
Implementing Effective Sales and Marketing Strategies
In addition to digital marketing, SMEs must implement effective sales and marketing strategies to drive business growth. These strategies should be customer-focused, data-driven, and aligned with the overall growth strategy of the business.
One key aspect of successful sales and marketing strategies is understanding the customer journey. SMEs should map out the various touchpoints that a customer goes through when interacting with the business, from initial awareness to final purchase. By understanding these touchpoints, SMEs can identify opportunities for improvement, optimize conversion rates, and deliver exceptional customer experiences.
Moreover, SMEs should invest in data analytics to gain insights into customer behavior and preferences. By analyzing data from various sources, such as website traffic, social media engagement, and sales transactions, SMEs can make informed decisions and tailor their sales and marketing efforts to meet customer needs. Data analytics can also help identify trends, predict customer behavior, and identify new growth opportunities.
Another important element of effective sales and marketing strategies is building strong relationships with customers. SMEs should prioritize customer retention and loyalty by providing excellent customer service, personalized experiences, and ongoing support. By focusing on customer satisfaction, SMEs can generate positive word-of-mouth, repeat business, and long-term customer loyalty.
Furthermore, SMEs should consider implementing referral programs to incentivize existing customers to refer new customers. Referral programs can be a cost-effective way to acquire new customers and tap into the power of word-of-mouth marketing. By offering incentives, such as discounts, exclusive access, or rewards, SMEs can motivate their loyal customers to become brand ambassadors.
Streamlining Operations for Improved Efficiency
To support business growth, SMEs must streamline their operations and improve efficiency. By eliminating inefficiencies, reducing costs, and optimizing processes, SMEs can free up resources to invest in growth initiatives.
One effective approach to streamlining operations is implementing lean methodologies. Lean principles focus on eliminating waste and maximizing value for the customer. SMEs can apply lean principles to various aspects of their operations, such as inventory management, production processes, and supply chain logistics. By identifying and eliminating non-value-added activities, SMEs can improve productivity and reduce costs.
Moreover, SMEs should invest in technology solutions to automate manual tasks and streamline workflows. This could involve implementing enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, customer relationship management (CRM) software, or project management tools. By leveraging technology, SMEs can improve accuracy, speed up processes, and enhance collaboration among team members.
Additionally, SMEs should regularly assess and optimize their supply chain management. This involves evaluating suppliers, negotiating contracts, and monitoring performance. By partnering with reliable suppliers and optimizing logistics, SMEs can ensure a smooth flow of materials and reduce lead times. This, in turn, can improve customer satisfaction, minimize stockouts, and increase operational efficiency.
Lastly, SMEs should foster a culture of continuous improvement within their organization. This involves encouraging employees to identify areas for improvement, experiment with new ideas, and learn from failures. By embracing a growth mindset and promoting a culture of innovation, SMEs can stay ahead of the competition and adapt to changing market conditions.
Investing in Talent and Employee Development
To fuel business growth, SMEs must invest in talent acquisition and employee development. Building a high-performing team is crucial for driving innovation, delivering exceptional customer experiences, and executing growth strategies.
When it comes to talent acquisition, SMEs should focus on attracting top talent that aligns with the company’s values and culture. This involves clearly defining job roles and responsibilities, conducting thorough interviews, and assessing candidates based on their skills, experience, and cultural fit. SMEs should also consider offering competitive compensation packages and opportunities for career growth to attract and retain top talent.
Once talent is onboarded, SMEs should provide ongoing training and development opportunities. This could involve organizing internal workshops, enrolling employees in external courses, or providing mentorship programs. By investing in employee development, SMEs can enhance skills, foster creativity, and promote a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
Furthermore, SMEs should create a positive and inclusive work environment. This involves fostering a culture of open communication, collaboration, and mutual respect. SMEs should encourage employees to share their ideas, provide feedback, and contribute to decision-making processes. By fostering a supportive work environment, SMEs can boost employee morale, improve retention rates, and attract top talent.
Lastly, SMEs should consider implementing performance management systems to track employee performance, provide feedback, and set goals. This can help align individual objectives with the overall growth strategy of the business and ensure that employees are accountable for their contributions. Performance management systems can also provide valuable insights into employee strengths, weaknesses, and training needs.
Building Strong Customer Relationships for Sustainable Growth
At the heart of business growth is building strong and lasting customer relationships. SMEs must prioritize customer satisfaction, engagement, and loyalty to drive sustainable growth and differentiate themselves from the competition.
One key aspect of building strong customer relationships is delivering exceptional customer service. SMEs should strive to exceed customer expectations at every touchpoint, from pre-sales inquiries to post-purchase support. This involves providing timely responses, resolving issues promptly, and going the extra mile to delight customers. By delivering outstanding customer service, SMEs can generate positive word-of-mouth, foster customer loyalty, and attract new customers through referrals.
Moreover, SMEs should actively engage with their customers through various channels, such as social media, email marketing, and customer feedback surveys. By listening to customer feedback, SMEs can gain valuable insights into their needs, preferences, and pain points. This feedback can then be used to improve products, services, and overall customer experiences. SMEs should also proactively seek feedback through customer satisfaction surveys, focus groups, or one-on-one interviews to ensure continuous improvement.
Another effective strategy for building strong customer relationships is personalization. SMEs should strive to understand their customers on an individual level and tailor their offerings accordingly. This could involve segmenting customers based on demographics, purchase history, or preferences and delivering personalized recommendations, offers, or experiences. By personalizing interactions with customers, SMEs can create a sense of loyalty and make customers feel valued and appreciated.
Furthermore, SMEs should consider implementing customer loyalty programs to reward and incentivize repeat business. Loyalty programs can take various forms, such as point-based systems, tiered memberships, or exclusive perks. By offering rewards, discounts, or exclusive access to loyal customers, SMEs can encourage repeat purchases, increase customer lifetime value, and foster long-term loyalty.
As SMEs navigate the dynamic business landscape of 2024, mastering the art of business growth is essential for success. By understanding the current business landscape, identifying growth opportunities, and developing a comprehensive growth strategy, SMEs can position themselves for success. Leveraging digital marketing, implementing effective sales and marketing strategies, streamlining operations, investing in talent and employee development, and building strong customer relationships are all key elements in the journey towards business growth.
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Mastering the Art of Business Growth: Essential Strategies for SMEs in 2024

The House of Lords has voted for a motion to delay ratifying the Government’s new treaty with Rwanda.
While the motion is not binding on the Government, support for it provides an indication of the uphill battle the Government faces over the next two months to get Rishi Sunak’s deportation plan through the Lords.
Some 214 Lords voted content in support of the motion, with a further 171 opposed.
The vote is unprecedented and seeks to delay the treaty with Kigali that paves the way for Mr Sunak’s scheme.
Lord Sharpe of Estom, a Home Office minister, said it was “critical to the Government’s plan to establish an effective deterrent to dangerous crossings, and to stop the boats”, before being laughed at by other peers as he began to recap “what this policy sets out to achieve”.
Criticism was led by Lord Goldsmith, a Labour peer and former attorney general who tabled the motion, but also extended to a bishop and even some Tory figures cast doubt on whether the policy would work in practice.
Britain’s drawn out departure from the European Union saw parliamentary ‘ping pong’ between the Commons and the Lords.
Tonight’s result, which followed peers laughing at a Home Office minister who said he looked forward to their support, shows the scale of the challenge facing the Government in getting the legislation through the upper chamber.
Sunak and his ministers have insisted the Rwanda treaty and subsequent legislation are vital in order to stop the boats. In the wake of the outcome this evening, it is no wonder the Prime Minister has already called on the Lords to “do the right thing” by the public on migration – as it looks like they may need some convincing.
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House of Lords votes to delay Sunak’s Rwanda deportation plans

The Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, has given a strong hint that he wants to cut taxes in the spring Budget.
Mr Hunt said that countries with lower taxes have more “dynamic, faster growing economies”.
In the Autumn Statement, the chancellor reduced national insurance for workers by 2% and announced tax relief for businesses.
If inflation falls, followed by lower interest rates, Mr Hunt may consider he has scope for further tax cuts.
Mr Hunt was speaking during his visit to the World Economic Forum, in Davos, Switzerland, where he is hoping to lure more investment to Britain.
He said the “direction of travel” indicates that economies growing faster than the UK, in North America and Asia tend to have lower taxes.
“I believe fundamentally that low-tax economies are more dynamic, more competitive and generate more money for public services like the NHS,” he added.
Mr Hunt did not offer any further detail on the scale of potential future tax cuts, as the government awaits a forecast from the Office for Budget Responsibility.
However, it is widely expected that the chancellor will focus on income tax in the Budget on 6 March.
Currently, the overall tax burden is on course to rise to the highest level for decades as households are pushed into higher income tax brackets as a result of tax thresholds remaining at the same level for more than two years.
Usually tax thresholds rise in line with inflation, the rate at which prices increase,but the government has kept them at the same level since 2021 and they will remain frozen until 2028.
Liberal Democrat Treasury spokesperson Sarah Olney MP said: “People have been left poorer by years of economic mismanagement under this government, and none of Jeremy Hunt’s vague promises can change that fact.
“We urgently need to boost investment in skills and the NHS to get people back into work and the economy growing again.”
While it is hoped that inflation will fall as the year goes on, it unexpectedly ticked up to 4% in December from 3.9% in November.
The chancellor said he was “confident” that inflation will continue to fall and that prices were “heading in the right direction”.
He said on Thursday: “I think it’s coming down. I think it will continue to fall.”
Lower inflation could help to pave the way for faster interest rate cuts by the Bank of England, as well as reducing the government’s huge debt interest bill.
In a bid to curb inflation, the Bank of England has held interest rates at 5.25% at its last three meetings, but rates are expected to be cut this later this year.
Lower debt interest payments alone could strengthen the chancellor’s hand in cutting taxes to the tune of almost £15bn.
However, the UK still remains at risk of recession, after official growth figures showed the UK economy shrank between July and September. A recession is usually defined as when the economy contracts for two three-month periods – or quarters – in a row.
While Mr Hunt insisted that it was “too early to know the extent to which we’ll be able to cut taxes”, he said the rapid fall in inflation was a sign that Britain’s economic prospects are improving.
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Hunt hints further tax cuts could be announced in spring budget

A cross-party group of MPs have slammed HMRC over its tactics and approach to enforcing the Loan Charge and said it drew “frightening” parallels with the Post Office Horizon scandal.
The Loan Charge was introduced to recover taxes from workers who operated arrangements that paid income often in the form of loans, which advertised themselves as compliant, claiming very little or no tax was due on them. These arrangements have since been deemed tax avoidance schemes, and HMRC has aggressively pursued tens of thousands of contractors who operated this way for taxes on income earned – dating back as far as 1999.
With ten suicides linked to the policy, calls for justice over the Loan Charge have swiftly followed the government’s promises to exonerate victims of the Post Office Horizon scandal. During the debate, MPs from across the board called for greater transparency at HMRC, greater regulation to protect workers, and an end to the charge.
Commenting on the debate, Seb Maley, CEO of Qdos – a tax insurance provider and IR35 specialist – said: “MPs from across the board are right to draw comparisons between the Horizon and Loan Charge scandals. There’s a gross injustice here, and there are questions over the way HMRC has conducted itself – acting, as others have highlighted, as judge, jury and executioner.
“And of course, there’s the irony that IR35 and IR35 reform have been major catalysts for these sorts of arrangements. Many contractors were only caught up in the Loan Charge because they were advised at the time that these arrangements were compliant. But rather than holding the promoters of these schemes to account, HMRC has pursued the victims.
“The retrospective nature of the Loan Charge and HMRC’s conduct has rightly attracted criticism across the political spectrum. But until the government gets serious about tackling the promoters of tax avoidance, it’s unlikely that the victims of the Loan Charge will see justice.”
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HMRC slammed in Parliament for Loan Charge and its “frightening” parallels with Horizon scandal