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.
Nigel Farage faces pressure to probe alleged links between his party and a hostile foreign regime after an ex-associate was jailed over payments. Critics demand transparency to protect UK interests. He also denied claims of racist behaviour at school, saying he was never “hurtful.”
A new poll urges the Chancellor to prioritise the cost of living in the autumn Budget, with most voters backing higher taxes on wealth. Campaigners say targeting the super‑rich would fund help for struggling households; many are willing to accept rises if the richest pay more.
Polling urges Chancellor Rachel Reeves to prioritise the cost of living in the autumn Budget, with 64% backing higher taxes on wealth. Voters say they could accept rises if the richest shoulder them, seeing targeted measures as support for struggling households.
Ex-Reform figure Nathan Gill has been jailed for 10 years for accepting £40,000 in bribes from a foreign tycoon to deliver favourable speeches. An ally of Nigel Farage, he is under scrutiny as the PM urges Reform to investigate any further links and ensure transparency.
An inquiry into the pandemic concluded the government’s early response was too slow and hampered by a toxic culture, with repeated mistakes and breaches of its own rules. It estimated about 23,000 first‑wave deaths were avoidable. The chair, Baroness Hallett, called the failures inexcusable.
Defence Secretary John Healey warned a foreign surveillance ship operating close to UK waters after its crew allegedly directed lasers at RAF pilots. He said the Navy and RAF stand ready to intervene to safeguard aircrews and infrastructure in the North Sea.
A former classmate alleges Nigel Farage used antisemitic and racist taunts at school, claiming he praised a wartime dictator and referenced atrocities. The Reform UK leader denies wrongdoing, and his party says the claims are false and a smear.
The PM says he will lead Labour into the next election, rejecting speculation over his position. He signals a Budget rooted in Labour values to ease the cost-of-living squeeze, with plans for expanded breakfast clubs and a freeze on prescription charges.
Falkland Islands authorities have taken down all plaques bearing Prince Andrew’s name. Once celebrated for his 1982 service and a regular visitor, he has now been removed from public memorials across the territory, marking a clear shift in how he is recognised there.