An investigation finds thousands of NHS laboratory staff exposed to unsafe formaldehyde levels, a cancer-linked chemical, with cases of severe asthma and long-term illness forcing some to leave work. Regulators’ limits were breached. Experts call for urgent safeguards, monitoring and accountability.
Sarah Everard’s mother says she remains tormented as the Angiolini inquiry warns police vetting reforms remain incomplete. It found applicants with relevant convictions weren’t consistently barred and urged urgent action to stop dangerous individuals entering the service.
The PM insisted no one was misled about a Budget shortfall, defending the chancellor against claims she failed to disclose OBR data showing stronger tax receipts before announcing £26bn of rises. He said the fiscal plan remains credible.
The PM defends Chancellor Rachel Reeves after claims she misled on the public finances to justify £26bn tax rises. Reeves denies dishonesty. He argues her plans deliver stability and build fiscal headroom to protect the economy from future shocks.
Fiona Hill warns that Putin is manipulating Trump, saying he mocked the US leader and has no interest in peace. Hill, who observed their meetings, says this risks undermining Western security and cohesion and urges firm transatlantic resolve.
Rachel Reeves faces claims she exaggerated a “black hole” to justify £26bn in tax rises, despite the OBR advising there was no deficit and a £4.2bn surplus. Critics, including Kemi Badenoch, are calling for her to be sacked.
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.