Rachel Reeves will warn of tough tax decisions ahead of the 26 Nov Budget, signalling possible increases to plug a bigger‑than‑expected hole in the public finances. The move raises questions over her earlier vow not to return with higher taxes or extra borrowing.
A man injured 11 people during a 14‑minute attack on the 6.25 from Doncaster to London. The driver diverted to an unscheduled stop at Huntingdon, where police detained a suspect. Passengers praised staff for swift action; enquiries into motive and rail security are under way.
William and Kate urged a clean break from Prince Andrew, backing the King to remove his roles and Windsor base to safeguard the monarchy’s future. Palace aides weighed legal and constitutional risks and his wellbeing as further steps to strip remaining privileges were considered.
The King has removed Andrew’s “Prince” style and ordered him to leave Royal Lodge, citing reputational damage from his links to the Epstein case. The move signals stricter royal standards and leaves his future role, public funding and housing uncertain.
Rachel Reeves faces scrutiny after renting out her Dulwich home without the required licence since moving into No 11. She has referred herself to the independent ethics adviser and informed the PM. The tenancy reportedly brings in about £3,000 a month while checks proceed.
Police are questioning a 22-year-old who arrived in a lorry five years ago and later received asylum and indefinite leave, after a 49-year-old dog walker was killed in a suburban street. A teenager was also hurt. Officers called the incident senseless and appealed for witnesses.
Ministers are weighing a mansion tax for the Budget, with the Housing Secretary refusing to rule it out. Plans reportedly involve a 1% annual levy on the portion of high‑value homes above a set threshold, prompting warnings from agents and economists about market disruption.
An MPs’ report says the Home Office mismanaged asylum accommodation, overspending billions on hotels and enabling contractors to earn excessive margins through weak oversight and poor contracts. It urges urgent reform, tighter procurement, value‑for‑money controls, and quicker moves to alternative housing.
Police launched a manhunt after prison staff mistakenly freed a high‑risk offender convicted of assault, who should have been moved to immigration custody. Last seen on a train from Chelmsford to London, he remains at large. The error has triggered scrutiny of the government’s handling of detention transfers.
A veteran known as Soldier F was acquitted over Bloody Sunday after a Belfast judge found key witnesses unreliable. Veterans’ groups urged Labour to halt historic prosecutions, saying cases are unfair decades on, while opponents pressed for further investigations into Troubles-era actions.