There are proposals under consideration to restrict the value of gifts that can be passed down to family members before death, potentially broadening the scope of inheritance tax and impacting families’ ability to manage their estates.
Volodymyr Zelensky has signalled that Kyiv may contemplate limited territorial concessions if this secures robust Western security guarantees, accelerated NATO accession and reconstruction aid, a shift presented ahead of a planned Alaska summit between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin and regarded in London and Washington as a pragmatic attempt to halt Moscow’s ongoing aggression.
Official figures show the total cost of the Chagos handover is £30 billion—ten times higher than the PM previously stated—with criticism focusing on the lack of government transparency over the true financial impact.
Police have advised a shopkeeper not to refer to thieves in derogatory terms, sparking criticism from several quarters who argue this reflects excessive sensitivity and could undermine efforts to address retail crime.
Labour’s homelessness spokesperson has resigned after it emerged she evicted tenants before raising the rent on her London flat, provoking accusations of double standards and casting doubt on the party’s stance on renters’ rights.
Keir Starmer’s commitment not to raise VAT, income tax or National Insurance has been called into question, as he would not rule out increases to address a £50bn fiscal shortfall.
Economists warn the Chancellor faces a £50 billion fiscal shortfall and must consider immediate tax rises, arguing that weaker growth, rising debt costs and lower revenues risk breaching borrowing rules and squeezing public services.
Wealthy parents in the UK are pre-emptively paying £500 million in private school fees to avoid an anticipated VAT increase, potentially undermining Labour’s planned tax strategy.
The former US president reportedly defied longstanding Pentagon protocols by sending nuclear submarines towards Russian territory, raising significant international safety concerns and drawing criticism from defence experts and allies.
