Fresh emails reportedly show an account signed “A” at Balmoral asking an associate to find “inappropriate” companions, intensifying scrutiny on a senior royal’s past associations and prompting renewed questions over judgement and accountability.
Ministers have reversed plans to tighten death duties on farms, raising the inheritance tax threshold from £1m to £2.5m. The shift, driven by pressure from farmers and Labour MPs, is intended to stop family holdings being sold to meet bills and will be added to the Finance Bill.
After pressure from Labour backbenchers, the PM revised plans for the family farm inheritance tax, lifting the threshold from £1m to £2.5m and cutting by about half the estates affected. The move follows other reversals, prompting renewed scrutiny of his authority at Westminster.
Newly unsealed US files detail emails between Jeffrey Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell and addresses linked to Andrew, including messages from Balmoral and an alias “The Invisible Man,” discussing introductions to friends. A victim urges a UK investigation into the matter.
A well-known filmmaker and his partner have lodged objections to a proposed 30‑pitch campsite in their village, arguing it would harm local character and increase traffic and noise. The planning application now rests with council officers.
Fresh filings in the Epstein case report that Andrew emailed Ghislaine Maxwell seeking “inappropriate friends”, with messages cited as evidence of a close association. Lawyers say he denies wrongdoing and no charges have been brought. Palace representatives declined to comment.
Ministers have reversed planned inheritance tax changes affecting agricultural land, confirming existing reliefs will remain. The move follows pressure from farmers and MPs over risks to succession and food production. A consultation will consider longer-term reforms.
Ministers raised the tax threshold on inherited farmland to £2.5m after a U-turn, easing bills for estates. Farming groups argue many family holdings remain exposed and are pressing the government to scrap the levy entirely to safeguard succession.
Labour has softened plans for farm inheritance tax, raising the threshold to £2.5m and leaving about 15% of estates liable. The change, expected to cost the Treasury about £130m, follows rural concerns. The NFU welcomed the step as support for family farms.
The PM reversed course, raising the inheritance tax threshold for farm estates to £2.5m after months of protests. The move is set to spare most family farms and ease succession pressures, while reducing expected receipts.