Ahead of the Budget, the PM faces unrest among Labour MPs and a faltering whipping operation as demands grow for stronger cost‑of‑living help. Options floated include easing the housing allowance cap. Andy Burnham urges wider support, while the PM dismisses talk about his position.
Labour donor Lord Alli removed a family from a property he owns and subsequently increased the monthly rent by £1,000, an action that would be prohibited next year under proposed legislation from his own party.
Reform has surged to a 15-point lead over Labour in a new poll, with Farage aiming for government as trust in his party rises on issues such as immigration.
Pollsters warn that voters are hardening their stance on migration as protests over asylum seekers housed in hotels spread across the UK, prompting councils and the Home Office to press for an orderly wind-down of the facilities.
A poll shows 69% of adults expect the state pension age to rise to at least 69, with most resigned to working well into their seventies and only a small minority willing to abandon the triple lock, signalling a fierce political battle over future retirement funding.
The UK, working with France and Germany, will deploy RAF A400M aircraft to parachute hundreds of tonnes of ready meals, rice, tinned goods and flour into Gaza to relieve acute civilian hunger, while urging Israel to lift access restrictions and heed international humanitarian obligations amid mounting global alarm.
Fuel duty will remain frozen as the Chancellor opts to shield households from higher motoring costs rather than raise this key tax, despite economists’ calls for an increase to ease the fiscal shortfall, with Treasury officials arguing the continued freeze supports struggling families while ministers seek alternative revenue and growth-boosting measures.
Labour MPs, citing concerns over children’s welfare, are pushing the PM to scrap the two-child benefit cap, while government sources caution that budgetary constraints remain a priority.
Supermarkets may soon be required to prioritise fresh produce over junk food, as a new plan calls for measures like shifting store layouts and online shopping options to encourage healthier diets, with the aim of reducing sugar and alcohol consumption and placing more emphasis on prevention in the NHS.
Tehran threatens retaliation after reported strikes and assassinations, while Israel urges residents to seek shelter and the UK reaffirms support for its ally’s right to defend itself.