Independent

The Independent reports that Mervyn King, former Bank of England governor, advises Chancellor Rachel Reeves to increase national insurance in her upcoming Budget.

The Independent reports that Afghan special forces and their families will be allowed to resettle in the UK after new evidence confirmed their UK payments.

Amidst the first anniversary of the October 7th events, Keir Starmer has pointed to Iran as playing a significant role in the conflict by allegedly providing support to Hamas, which has contributed to ongoing tensions in the Middle East.

The ongoing conflict in Gaza has led to significant loss of life, with over 41,870 Palestinians reported killed and extensive damage to infrastructure, including hospitals and homes, following a year of intense hostilities and violence.

Sixteen new train stations and 250 miles of railway lines are at risk of being scrapped, affecting the North and South West of England, as part of proposed cuts to rail projects.

The Independent reports that Israeli PM Netanyahu has vowed a “significant” response to Iran’s ballistic missile attack.

The Independent reports global alarm as Iran’s missile launch towards Tel Aviv stokes fears of escalating conflict.

The cabinet secretary Simon Case has announced he will step down at the end of the year on health grounds, following reported pressure from senior ministers and amidst controversies surrounding governmental decisions and internal disputes.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has announced that rules on declaring donations and gifts will be tightened following criticism of cabinet ministers for accepting valuable freebies from corporate sponsors and donors.

Keir Starmer has developed a “three pillar” blueprint aimed at rebuilding ties with the EU, focusing on defence, immigration, and trade, with potential agreements on free movement for young people as a key element.