UK PM considers broad cuts as MPs receive pay rise

Prime Minister Keir Starmer is considering budget cuts "across the board" ahead of the Chancellor's spring statement scheduled for Wednesday. This comes as Labour MP Rachel Reeves has announced her plan to cut 10,000 civil service jobs. Starmer and former President Donald Trump spoke on Sunday night, focusing on an economic deal. The Prime Minister's spokesman was asked if they discussed Trump envoy Steve Witkoff's recent comments about the UK's plans for Ukraine. Witkoff criticized those plans, calling them "a combination of a posture and a pose" in a recent interview. Starmer has suggested creating a "coalition of the willing" from European and NATO countries to provide troops for Ukraine after a potential ceasefire. Witkoff dismissed this notion and noted that leaders shouldn't always emulate Winston Churchill. Despite the scrutiny surrounding Ukraine discussions, the spokesman emphasized that the main topic was the economic deal between the UK and the US, highlighting ongoing engagement at all levels regarding Ukraine.