Plans would reserve jury trials for only the gravest offences, such as murder, manslaughter and serious sexual assault. A new intermediate court, with cases heard by a judge and possibly magistrates, would handle others to reduce Crown Court backlogs, prompting debate on defendants’ rights.
Rachel Reeves says her Autumn Budget will raise pay for millions of low‑paid workers, including a significant increase to the minimum wage, around 8.5%, and steps to ease the cost of living. Further tax and spending plans will prioritise those on lower incomes.
The Chancellor plans to extend the soft drinks industry levy to cover milkshakes and additional sugary beverages, signalling a Budget push on public health and revenue. Supporters cite obesity reduction; critics warn it will raise prices during a squeeze.
The Chancellor’s plan to raise the minimum wage, including an 8.5% rise for 18–20s from April, has drawn warnings from business groups that higher costs could cut entry-level jobs. The row builds ahead of the Budget, with questions over tax changes and the policy’s impact on growth.
The chancellor will present a budget to ease the cost of living and restore fiscal stability. It promises help for households, investment to lift growth and productivity, and disciplined borrowing to reassure markets, billed as a decisive reset for the government’s economic plan.
The chancellor sets out a Budget to plug a £35bn gap, lifting duties on alcohol and sugar and adding charges affecting nights away and takeaway coffee, meaning many will pay more. She also confirms a wage rise and a £15bn welfare boost, urging Labour MPs to back plans to balance the books.
The Justice Secretary plans a courts overhaul that would end jury trials for most offences, reserving them for the gravest cases. Supporters say it will cut delays and costs; critics warn it weakens a core democratic safeguard and risks undermining public confidence in justice.
David Lammy is exploring plans to replace juries with judge-only trials for offences carrying up to five years, keeping juries for the most serious and public-interest cases. The aim is to cut the Crown Court backlog, but critics say it risks miscarriages of justice and weakening victims’ rights.
Rachel Reeves faces a pivotal Budget: expected to scrap the two‑child benefit cap, lifting many from poverty but creating a £3bn bill likely to fall on workers. An 8.5% rise for 18–20s on minimum wage to £10.85 is planned, amid stubborn inflation and hospitality warnings over job creation.
Washington and a European ally say they’ve agreed the core of a new diplomatic framework after Geneva talks. The ally’s leader is ready to proceed with a European plan, and a former US president says a deal is “very close”. Sensitive issues remain and the other side’s stance is uncertain.