Tilda Martin
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matildamartin.bsky.social
Tilda Martin
@matildamartin.bsky.social
Political Reporter @PoliticsHome 🖊️ about education (and a few other things)

📧[email protected](she/her) | prev Senior Reporter @tes
Reposted by Tilda Martin
The Budget on Wednesday was relatively well received by two audiences: the markets and the Parliamentary Labour Party. But now Labour MPs nervously await for verdict of a third audience: the voters

writes PolHome Editor @adampayne26.bsky.social
The Budget Buys Starmer and Reeves Some Time
The Budget was relatively well received by two audiences: the markets and the Parliamentary Labour Party. But now Labour MPs nervously wait to see ...
www.politicshome.com
November 27, 2025 at 12:55 PM
Even Labour MPs who felt that the day was a relative success admit they are worried about the electorate.

“I’m going to be keeping a close eye on the polls"

Analysis from @adampayne26.bsky.social + snippets from me, @zoecrowther.bsky.social & Harriet Symonds

www.politicshome.com/news/article...
The Budget Buys Starmer and Reeves Some Time
The Budget was relatively well received by two audiences: the markets and the Parliamentary Labour Party. But now Labour MPs nervously wait to see ...
www.politicshome.com
November 27, 2025 at 12:55 PM
Reposted by Tilda Martin
Teacher strikes next year are "inevitable" after the Budget failed to address their pay, a union leader has warned

The National Education Union's Daniel Kebede told @matildamartin.bsky.social that schools face an unresolved "full-blown funding crisis" which the government has failed to fix
Teacher Strikes in 2026 'Inevitable' After Budget, Warns Union Leader
The leader of the largest education union has told PoliticsHome that industrial action next year is inevitable unless schools are given more fundin...
www.politicshome.com
November 26, 2025 at 4:49 PM
🚨The leader of the largest education union NEU @danielkebedeneu.bsky.social tells @politicshome.bsky.social that industrial action next year is inevitable unless schools are given more funding

www.politicshome.com/news/article...
Teacher Strikes in 2026 'Inevitable' After Budget, Warns Union Leader
The leader of the largest education union has told PoliticsHome that industrial action next year is inevitable unless schools are given more fundin...
www.politicshome.com
November 26, 2025 at 4:48 PM
Looks like this is all the info we'll be getting on SEND today...local government financial settlement coming in early December (ish)
November 26, 2025 at 2:02 PM
Budget docs reveal that the new international student levy will be ***£925 per student per year of study*** starting in August 2028 academic year 2028-29

A win for Treasury that wanted to opt for this option (and for research universities who will see a smaller impact)
We knew it was coming, but introduction of the controversial international student levy definitely confirmed by OBR, we await more details on what this will look like...

@politicshome.bsky.social previously revealed govt tussle between 6% or a £1000 flat fee

www.politicshome.com/news/article...
November 26, 2025 at 1:54 PM
The Government has announced that all SEND spending from 2028-29 will be absorbed within existing government budgets, though it has not specified how this will be achieved...

@samfr.bsky.social says, "it means a significant change to EHCP eligibility, or it's not remotely affordable"
November 26, 2025 at 1:49 PM
An interesting development below👇
OBR documents (somehow!) published ahead of the Budget announcement say all SEND provision costs are to fall within DfE spending limits by 2028-29 and warn that if this is fully funded within the core schools budget, this implies a 1.7 per cent fall in mainstream school spending per pupil.
November 26, 2025 at 12:44 PM
We knew it was coming, but introduction of the controversial international student levy definitely confirmed by OBR, we await more details on what this will look like...

@politicshome.bsky.social previously revealed govt tussle between 6% or a £1000 flat fee

www.politicshome.com/news/article...
November 26, 2025 at 12:44 PM
OBR early publication (!!!) reveals two-child benefit cap scrapped from April 2026

-costing £3bn by 2029-30
-government estimates that this measure will reduce child poverty by 450,000 by 2029-30

www.politicshome.com/news/article...
The Two Child Benefit Cap Will Be Scrapped From 2026
The government will scrap the two-child benefit cap from April 2026, costing £3bn by 2029-30, it has been revealed.
www.politicshome.com
November 26, 2025 at 12:39 PM
Matt Wrack speaks to @politicshome.bsky.social

💥Starmer’s leadership poses an existential threat to the Labour Party
💥Going on strike is "inevitably in the air" but struggles of union need to be addressed
💥Reform’s threat to unions

www.politicshome.com/news/article...
Labour Might Not Survive Under Keir Starmer, Warns Veteran Union Boss
The head of a teaching union who has spent more than two decades at the forefront of the trade union movement has said Keir Starmer’s leadership po...
www.politicshome.com
November 24, 2025 at 11:29 AM
Reposted by Tilda Martin
What is Reform-curious voters' biggest hesitation?

The party's lack of governing experience

That's according to new @thinksinsight.bsky.social research shared exclusively with PolHome this weekend

Reform as a "risk" to the country, and a single-issue party (immigration), are also concerns
Reform Curious Voters Worry That The Party Lacks Experience
Voters who are thinking about backing Reform UK at the next general election are concerned that the party lacks experience of government.
www.politicshome.com
November 22, 2025 at 9:17 AM
As John Healey once again draws attention to the Russian Yantar ship, my interview with the head of the Royal Navy (in which he discusses the Russian threat) feels worth resharing

His claim that the UK is not afraid to call out Russia also rings true

www.politicshome.com/news/article...
First Sea Lord: The UK Is Not Afraid Of Calling Out Russian Sabotage
As the Russian threat to UK security grows, General Sir Gwyn Jenkins – the first Royal Marine to be appointed First Sea Lord – talks to Matilda Mar...
www.politicshome.com
November 19, 2025 at 7:35 PM
Today, a report by the Defence Select Committee concludes the UK lacks a plan to defend itself in an attack

Back in March as the UK prepared to ramp up its support of Ukraine, former ministers & defence figures revealed this exact fear @politicshome.bsky.social

www.politicshome.com/news/article...
UK Would Struggle To Protect Itself From Attack, Say Defence Figures
The UK is not currently capable of defending itself from attack, defence figures including former ministers have told PoliticsHome.
www.politicshome.com
November 19, 2025 at 9:11 AM
The PM must “urgently get a grip” if Labour is to deliver real improvements to public services before the next election, according to @instituteforgovernment.org.uk

On adult social care, IfG claims decisions made under Labour have “exacerbated challenges”

www.politicshome.com/news/article...
Keir Starmer Is To Blame For Failing Public Services, Says Think Tank
The Prime Minister must “urgently get a grip” if Labour is to deliver real improvements to public services before the next election, according to a...
www.politicshome.com
November 19, 2025 at 9:06 AM
Reposted by Tilda Martin
The government is set to publish the Men's Health Strategy on Wednesday

@politicshome.bsky.social understands it is expected to include new measures to tackle gambling-related harms, as pressure grows for ministers to treat gambling addiction as a major public health threat
Men’s Health Strategy Expected To Include New Measures On Gambling Addiction
The government’s Men’s Health Strategy is expected to include new measures to tackle gambling-related harm, as pressure grows for ministers to trea...
www.politicshome.com
November 17, 2025 at 9:59 PM
Reposted by Tilda Martin
Kensington and Chelsea Council is investigating whether Lord Mandelson committed an offence when he publicly urinated in the street last week, @zoecrowther.bsky.social exclusively reports

"We're proud of our borough's clean streets... it is unacceptable for anyone to treat them as a urinal"
Kensington Council Investigating Peter Mandelson For Urinating In The Street
Exclusive: Kensington and Chelsea Council is investigating whether Lord Peter Mandelson committed an offence when he publicly urinated in the stree...
www.politicshome.com
November 17, 2025 at 9:25 PM
Reposted by Tilda Martin
The government’s new Men’s Health Strategy, set to be published on Wednesday, is expected to include new measures to tackle gambling-related harm, PolHome understands

@zoecrowther.bsky.social reports
Men’s Health Strategy Expected To Include New Measures On Gambling Addiction
The government’s Men’s Health Strategy is expected to include new measures to tackle gambling-related harm, as pressure grows for ministers to trea...
www.politicshome.com
November 17, 2025 at 9:06 PM
Reposted by Tilda Martin
As all eyes are fixed on the House of Commons as the government sets out its immigration reforms, @politicshome.bsky.social can reveal that the government has delayed consulting with the public on the development of digital ID plans until the new year

www.politicshome.com/news/article...
Public Consultation On Digital ID Delayed Until 2026
Exclusive: The government has delayed consulting with the public on the development of digital ID plans until the new year, PoliticsHome understand...
www.politicshome.com
November 17, 2025 at 7:51 PM
Reposted by Tilda Martin
A public consultation on digital ID has been delayed until the new year, PolHome understands

The government had planned to launch the consultation "later this year"

It comes amid criticism of how the policy has been sold to the public so far

@matildamartin.bsky.social reports
Public Consultation On Digital ID Delayed Until 2026
Exclusive: The government has delayed consulting with the public on the development of digital ID plans until the new year, PoliticsHome understand...
www.politicshome.com
November 17, 2025 at 7:49 PM
Reposted by Tilda Martin
EXC: Kensington and Chelsea Council is investigating whether Lord Peter Mandelson committed an offence when he publicly urinated in the street last week
Kensington Council Investigating Peter Mandelson For Urinating In The Street
Exclusive: Kensington and Chelsea Council is investigating whether Lord Peter Mandelson committed an offence when he publicly urinated in the stree...
www.politicshome.com
November 17, 2025 at 9:31 PM
The Home Secretary seeks to face down Labour MPs who have accused govt of going too far in its new immigration reforms

PoliticsHome understands that the Home Office will be offering drop-in sessions for MPs in coming weeks to discuss the proposals in more detail
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
Shabana Mahmood Warns Hatred Will Grow If Labour Doesn't Deal With Illegal Immigration
Shabana Mahmood has warned that 'hatred' will rise across the country unless the government tackles illegal immigration.
www.politicshome.com
November 17, 2025 at 8:36 PM
As all eyes are fixed on the House of Commons as the government sets out its immigration reforms, @politicshome.bsky.social can reveal that the government has delayed consulting with the public on the development of digital ID plans until the new year

www.politicshome.com/news/article...
Public Consultation On Digital ID Delayed Until 2026
Exclusive: The government has delayed consulting with the public on the development of digital ID plans until the new year, PoliticsHome understand...
www.politicshome.com
November 17, 2025 at 7:51 PM
As opposition to immigration reform plans ramps up, one MP tells me:

“Backlash will be contained. Unlike PIP cuts, people actually want controls on immigration.”

“Either we do this, or the British people will replace us with someone who will go much further.”
November 17, 2025 at 5:15 PM
Very much enjoyed this dive into what exactly has gone on inside the Reform party in Cornwall since the council elections in May

While Reform UK saw huge success 6 months ago, it now no longer holds the highest number of seats in the authority

www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
When reality bites: the rapid rise and chaotic fall of Reform UK in Cornwall
Resignations, suspensions and infighting lead to party losing crown of highest number of seats in the county
www.theguardian.com
November 17, 2025 at 11:06 AM