Jim Gamble has withdrawn from chairing the grooming gang inquiry, calling the appointment process “toxic” and shaped by vested interests. Several survivors on a panel also quit, alleging they were misled. A key group seeks a meeting with the PM to reset the inquiry’s scope and leadership.
Senior Labour figures urge the Chancellor to raise income tax to plug the fiscal gap, potentially netting about £22bn and breaking a manifesto pledge. No10 says its promise on taxes for “working people” stands. Alternatives like freezing thresholds are branded weak as Budget decisions near.
Law and accountancy groups are pushing back against potential changes to partnership taxation, as the chancellor weighs scrapping the NI exemption on partners to help close a £50bn gap. Firms warn of higher costs and a brain drain; the Treasury says it will not comment on Budget speculation.
An asylum seeker returned to the UK by small boat after being sent to France under the PM’s migration pilot, having left accommodation there. Border Force identified him on arrival. The incident raises scrutiny of the scheme’s enforcement and its impact on Channel crossings.
Labour’s “one in, one out” migration plan is under strain after a person deported to France reportedly returned by small boat. Channel arrivals this year have already exceeded last year’s total, while only 42 people have been sent back since July. The PM faces fresh criticism.
Reeves plans to raise about £2bn in the Budget by tightening taxes on professionals in partnerships, especially LLPs, aligning National Insurance with employees and closing loopholes. A mansion tax on high‑value homes is also floated. Supporters cite fiscal repair; critics warn of higher bills for GPs and lawyers.
The PM welcomed Pride of Britain winners to No10, praising their bravery and service and saying their achievements show the country isn’t broken. During the visit, 12-year-old Luke Mortimer said he’d like to be Deputy PM, as honourees toured the building and met staff.
At the Covid inquiry, the ex‑PM said he was extremely angry with the then education secretary over the A‑level grading controversy that forced a U‑turn. He called the episode a serious failure and explained the reversal to restore fairness for students.
Following the killing of 16-year-old Sasha Marsden, her sister is urging MPs to scrap the 28‑day limit for challenging unduly lenient sentences, arguing justice shouldn’t be time‑barred. The man convicted of her death could be eligible for release in 2048.
Working-age benefits will rise about 4% next year, tied to September inflation and likely below the state pension uplift. The Treasury faces a squeeze from high borrowing costs and uprating pressures, as the Bank of England warns of a possible credit crunch. Reeves says Brexit is hurting growth more than forecast.