Rachel Reeves signalled she may drop the pledge not to raise income tax, citing rising debt costs. She told MPs the “broadest shoulders” should pay more, preparing ground for Budget moves likely to target higher earners and reliefs to help stabilise the public finances.
Rachel Reeves signalled broad tax rises to repair the public finances, saying we will all have to do our bit. Ahead of the Budget she is weighing measures likened to 1970s levels, implying higher bills for middle earners. Business groups warn on growth; she argues stability requires it.
The government plans an education overhaul: fewer exams, simpler primary assessments and a revised curriculum with greater emphasis on diversity and climate change. Ministers argue this updates learning; opponents say it risks lowering standards and undoing earlier reforms.
Rachel Reeves signalled a possible basic-rate income tax rise in the Budget, the first since 1975, to raise up to £30bn. In a pre-Budget speech she said everyone will need to contribute and declined to renew Labour’s pledge not to raise income tax, NI or VAT. Economists suggest a 2p increase.
A dossier by a former senior BBC figure alleges systemic impartiality failings and double standards, prompting calls for resignations and stricter oversight. Pressure mounts on DG Tim Davie to respond. The BBC rejects claims of bias, insisting due impartiality remains central to its coverage.
After signalling possible tax rises in the upcoming Budget, the Chancellor faces calls from unions to prioritise taxes on the wealthy and protect ordinary workers. They argue fairness means those with the broadest shoulders contributing more to help repair the public finances.
Kemi Badenoch criticised the Chancellor, saying she is blaming others for economic problems and has failed to rule out tax rises. She warned time is running out, with increases such as up to 2p on income tax still possible after what she called a Budget tax raid.
Rachel Reeves issued a rare pre‑Budget statement, signalling tax rises to repair the public finances. She cited pressures from past policy and the pandemic. Critics say the plan will hit households and growth; supporters argue it’s needed for stability.
Health secretary Wes Streeting says the NHS is bearing the brunt of rising, ugly racism, with staff and patients facing discrimination and abuse. He urges zero‑tolerance, better reporting and protection for workers, insisting this behaviour must be confronted.
Rail worker Samir Zitouni was seriously injured after stepping in to protect passengers during an incident at Peterborough station. His family say he has always been a hero. He remains in a critical condition in hospital as colleagues and the operator praise his courage and pledge support.