IFS says Reeves broke a manifesto pledge with £26bn tax rises and a move on national insurance, claiming growth was deprioritised. The PM rejects that, saying Labour kept its promise and that extra revenue is needed for the NHS, schools and measures to reduce child poverty.
Budget 2025 raises £26bn via 43 tax rises. Threshold freezes pull one in four workers into higher bands. The two-child benefit cap is scrapped, lifting welfare spending by £9bn. Pensions face a salary‑sacrifice cap and a new levy targets homes over £2m. The OBR apologises for a major leak.
Washington and a European ally say they’ve agreed the core of a new diplomatic framework after Geneva talks. The ally’s leader is ready to proceed with a European plan, and a former US president says a deal is “very close”. Sensitive issues remain and the other side’s stance is uncertain.
Ahead of tomorrow’s Budget, reports indicate the OBR will cut growth forecasts for 2026 and each year to 2029. A minister has called it a “growth emergency”, while party figures urge a credible plan to restore voter trust and spur investment.
Business groups led by the CBI warn the chancellor that a “death by a thousand taxes” approach will harm growth, criticising her U‑turn on income tax. They call for stability and bold choices ahead of Wednesday’s Budget, as Reeves is expected to lift the two‑child cap.
The PM endorses funding for a 24-hour SafeCall service for missing young people, as donations top £75,000. The plan would expand support for about 70,000 children reported missing each year, providing confidential advice, safeguarding and family assistance.
Washington has told Volodymyr Zelensky to accept a US‑brokered peace plan by Thursday or risk losing intelligence and arms support. The 28‑point proposal is said to demand neutrality and territorial concessions. Zelensky says he faces a choice between preserving dignity and losing a key ally.
A public inquiry concludes the pandemic response under Boris Johnson was chaotic and toxic, with delays and indecision causing an estimated 23,000 avoidable deaths. It says the PM failed to grasp urgency, advisers sowed mistrust, and dissenting voices—particularly women—were often ignored.
The defence secretary issued a warning after a foreign ‘research’ vessel allegedly directed lasers at RAF jets while being monitored off Scotland. The Royal Navy is tracking the ship; ministers say it risks undersea infrastructure and allies. The UK says it is ready to respond.
MI5 warned MPs that suspected Chinese agents posed as recruiters on LinkedIn to target Westminster staff. Two alleged operatives were linked to a state security ministry. Ministers vowed to resist covert interference, while China’s embassy in London rejected the claims as false.