Rachel Reeves faces claims she is blaming Brexit for economic problems rather than her decisions. Opponents urge her to prioritise growth. She is due to set out plans today, with scrutiny on how they tackle living costs, productivity and the public finances.
Angela Rayner is courting City leaders to calm investors, pledging no lurch to the left. She signals Labour will keep to fiscal rules, maintain a predictable tax and regulatory path, and work with business to spur investment and growth while avoiding market shocks.
World leaders rejected Donald Trump’s call for a military response to Iran, refusing to send warships. Isolated after his threats, he also criticised Starmer and warned NATO allies. The focus shifted to energy security, with most urging diplomacy and restraint over escalation.
Germany and the UK have declined a US request to deploy naval vessels to the Strait of Hormuz, saying it falls outside Nato’s remit. The PM said Britain will not be drawn into a wider confrontation. The US president voiced frustration as partners resist patrols of the vital oil route.
Keir Starmer has declined a request from Donald Trump to deploy Royal Navy warships to the Strait of Hormuz, favouring diplomacy and sanctions while coordinating with allies. Tehran claims it will decide access to the shipping lane; London urges de-escalation and protection of commercial traffic.
The PM has declined a request from President Trump to send Royal Navy ships to a contested strait as part of a joint effort to reopen a vital shipping lane. No 10 says diplomacy should lead. Several European capitals are also reluctant to commit naval assets amid concerns over escalation and trade risk.
Meningitis has led to two deaths, linked to a social event in Canterbury, with 11 others seriously ill. UKHSA has alerted about 30,000 students and staff to watch for symptoms. Those affected include a University of Kent student and a sixth-former.
Ministers are considering deploying minesweeping drones to keep a key oil route open, wary that sending Royal Navy warships at Washington’s request could escalate tensions. The drones would clear suspected mines to protect tankers and maintain energy flows while limiting the UK’s footprint.
Paula Hudgell says plans for a national Child Cruelty Register include a loophole that would exclude people convicted of ABH or GBH. She urges ministers to add violent offenders, rejecting claims this would overburden police and arguing public protection must come first.
India says talks with Tehran secured safe passage for two gas tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, showing diplomacy as the best path to ease shipping risks. The US urged China, the UK and France to provide naval support, while Tehran dismissed claims it was seeking a truce.