An OBR productivity downgrade has opened a £20bn gap, leaving Rachel Reeves to choose between higher income tax or spending cuts in the 26 Nov Budget. Economists, including the IFS, argue that multiple smaller tax rises to protect a pledge would cause unnecessary economic damage.
Category 5 Hurricane Melissa, with winds near 185mph, is bearing down on Jamaica. Authorities urged evacuations from coastal and low‑lying areas, opened shelters and shut airports and schools. Forecasters warn of life‑threatening storm surge, flooding and landslides as the system nears landfall.
Microsoft’s value topped $4tn after OpenAI completed a restructuring designed to unlock new funding and simplify governance. Investors expect the tighter partnership to accelerate AI product rollout and cloud demand. Microsoft now joins Apple and Nvidia in the $4tn club.
King Charles honoured veterans harmed by the former ban on LGBT personnel in the armed forces, acknowledging injustice and sacrifice. The gesture supports ongoing measures to return medals, correct records and restore honour to those unfairly dismissed.
Bereaved COVID families criticise a £10m Florida flat bought by a firm linked to Baroness Michelle Mone’s husband. The disclosure comes as the government seeks £122m from PPE Medpro, also linked to him, over unusable PPE supplied to the NHS, which relatives call insensitive.
Ministers will shift small-boat arrivals from hotels to adapted military barracks, with two sites opening next month in Scotland and southern England. The plan aims to end hotel use within a year, reduce costs and speed decisions, with essential services provided on site.
Ministers are weighing a mansion tax for the Budget, with the Housing Secretary refusing to rule it out. Plans reportedly involve a 1% annual levy on the portion of high‑value homes above a set threshold, prompting warnings from agents and economists about market disruption.
Only one Premier League fixture is scheduled for 26 December, sharply reducing the traditional Boxing Day programme. The move has prompted frustration among supporters who expected a fuller slate over the festive period, raising questions about fixture planning and the balance between rest, travel and broadcasting.
NHS to introduce same-day assessment for suspected prostate cancer, using AI to read MRI scans in seconds. The move aims to cut waits, reduce unnecessary biopsies and speed up treatment decisions, with clinics providing results and next steps on the day.
Ministers are urged not to scapegoat prison staff after the mistaken release of an offender. The chief inspector and union cite systemic failings, calling a manager’s suspension unjust. The justice secretary has ordered an inquiry and promised reforms to release procedures.