Rachel Reeves has rejected MoD pleas for extra funds, despite warnings of a £28bn equipment shortfall. Military chiefs say capabilities could be pared back without a near-term uplift. The PM faces pressure before the Budget to set a path to 2.5% of GDP on defence.
The PM has dropped plans to postpone local elections affecting about 4.6m voters after legal advice warned the move would be unlawful. Ballots will proceed as scheduled, following criticism from councils and campaigners that the proposal risked undermining democratic accountability.
The US is preparing to offer refuge to a man on trial in Britain for burning the Koran, framing it as a free‑speech case. The State Department is in talks to admit him if he loses in court, a move that could strain relations with London and test public‑order laws.
The Electoral Commission says there is no justification for delaying scheduled votes by more than a year, pushing back on moves to postpone local and mayoral contests. Administrative pressures are not a valid reason, it warns, urging ministers to let polls proceed as planned.
Angela Rayner has joined Andy Burnham in pressing the PM for urgent tax relief to protect pubs and hospitality, calling for business rates reform and targeted support to curb closures. The intervention increases pressure on No 10 from Labour’s left ahead of the Budget.
Rachel Reeves signalled readiness for deeper cooperation with the EU, saying she is “up for” closer economic ties, potentially via sectoral deals on trade, security and energy. The shift unsettled Brexit supporters as Labour’s Left pressures the PM to move further on alignment.
Tesco’s boss warned the PM that Britain is sleepwalking into a worklessness crisis that threatens growth. He urged welfare and skills reforms, quicker planning decisions and fewer burdens on employers to boost hiring and productivity, saying long‑term economic inactivity is holding the economy back.
Wes Streeting is accused of plotting to replace the PM after leaked messages with Lord Mandelson criticised the government’s growth strategy. He denies it. No 10 says the PM remains in charge amid Labour infighting and renewed speculation over leadership manoeuvres.
Morgan McSweeney has left No 10 after criticism of his role in the move to appoint Lord Mandelson as UK ambassador to the US. The exit, amid claims of a ‘boys’ club’ and concern over patronage, increases pressure on the PM’s judgement and process, with Labour now set to choose a successor.
Police executed warrants at Lord Mandelson’s London and Wiltshire properties during an inquiry into an alleged leak of government papers to Jeffrey Epstein. Detectives are examining potential misconduct in public office. No arrests have been disclosed.