Rachel Reeves says Wednesday’s Budget will focus on easing the cost‑of‑living squeeze, prioritising support for working families. She plans measures to cut NHS waiting lists and lower the national debt, arguing stability and growth should underpin decisions.
Defence chiefs are reviewing whether RAF pilots and aircrew may use weight‑loss drugs as obesity rises. Aviation medics warn side‑effects could compromise safety and erode strict fitness rules, notably ejection‑seat limits. These medicines are currently not approved for aircrew.
The PM urged a senior royal to cooperate with a US inquiry into a convicted financier’s misconduct, after a deadline was missed. Labour backed cooperation, saying anyone with relevant information should be prepared to share it with investigators.
Zack Polanski outlines a Green vision: quit Nato, raise taxes on wealth to fund services and green investment, and adopt a welcoming stance on migration. He argues this agenda would reset Britain’s economy, fairness and climate goals.
The PM endorses funding for a 24-hour SafeCall service for missing young people, as donations top £75,000. The plan would expand support for about 70,000 children reported missing each year, providing confidential advice, safeguarding and family assistance.
The PM urged Nigel Farage to purge Reform of any ties to a hostile foreign state after disclosures that a former party figure received payments to promote that state. Starmer criticised Farage’s leadership and demanded action; Farage denies wrongdoing and says he will investigate.
Leaked internal polling suggests the Conservatives could be reduced to about 14 seats at the next election, with Reform surging. The findings, circulated in CCHQ, are described as an existential threat to the party and intensify pressure on its strategy and leadership.
Washington is urging a European partner to accept a land‑for‑peace deal, warning support could be cut within days. The PM and European allies push back, arguing forced territorial concessions and defence cuts would reward aggression, weaken deterrence and erode sovereignty.
Donald Trump has set a Thursday deadline for Volodymyr Zelensky to accept a 28-point peace plan or risk losing US support. Reported terms include territorial concessions, a smaller military and mineral quotas for Washington. Allies warn it would undermine sovereignty and reward aggression.
Ex-Reform figure Nathan Gill has been jailed for 10 years for accepting £40,000 in bribes from a foreign tycoon to deliver favourable speeches. An ally of Nigel Farage, he is under scrutiny as the PM urges Reform to investigate any further links and ensure transparency.