Police chiefs warn Labour’s justice reforms—reducing use of prison and widening early release—could raise reoffending and saddle forces with an £800m bill for supervision and casework. Ministers say the changes relieve overcrowding and focus resources on the most serious offenders.
No 10 faced backlash after saying a controversial Egyptian dissident linked to posts condemned as antisemitic and anti-British would be welcome in the UK. It defended the PM’s handling of the case as the Home Sec ordered an inquiry into information failures.
The Tory leader urges the government to strip a dual national of British citizenship and deport him after past posts calling for violence and promoting hatred surfaced. She criticises the PM’s welcome of his arrival, arguing the UK should bar those who despise it.
DVLA-registered suppliers are reportedly selling number plates that evade ANPR, with up to one in 15 cars affected. Ministers are warned a regulatory loophole lets criminals and unscrupulous drivers avoid detection, posing a serious security and enforcement risk.
UK retailers face a predicted £1bn shortfall in Boxing Day takings as consumer confidence weakens and fewer people hunt for bargains. Barclays expects about £3.6bn to be spent, down on last year. Critics blame Labour’s tax and economic approach; others cite squeezed household budgets.
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.
Former councillor Philip Young is due in court charged with multiple offences against his ex-wife over 13 years, including assault and administering a substance. Five other men face related charges. The complainant has waived anonymity. The case will first be heard by magistrates.
An investigation alleges a network is smuggling fugitives out of Britain in lorries for about £2,500, advertised on social media with claims of high success and purported help from drivers. The revelations fuel concerns over border security and enforcement gaps.
Retailers report a weak December, blaming the Chancellor’s £30bn Budget tax rises for dampening spending after Black Friday. With households cautious and costs rising, shops warn the golden quarter is faltering and urge the Treasury to rethink rates relief and measures to boost high-street trade.
Ministers plan to let 63 councils postpone May’s local elections, affecting over 10m voters. Supporters cite administrative changes; opponents say it favours Labour-run areas and shields the PM from a key test. In some places, votes could be delayed for up to seven years.