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.
Labour is split over plans to harden the asylum system. MPs attack the home secretary’s package—family removals, faster returns and cash incentives for voluntary departures—as needlessly harsh and divisive, arguing it betrays party values. The leadership says it aims to deter dangerous journeys.
Rachel Reeves abruptly dropped plans to raise income tax rates after days of signalling hikes, triggering market jitters and higher government borrowing costs. Critics say No 10 forced the reversal to protect the PM amid party unrest, while Treasury sources argue improving data justified the change.
MPs say the MoD’s mishandling of personal data left Afghans who worked with UK forces exposed, with inadequate controls despite earlier breaches. A Commons committee warns the failure to learn lessons means a repeat is possible, leaving thousands still at risk while seeking sanctuary in Britain.
Emails released by opponents claim a former US president spent hours with an accuser at his home, citing correspondence involving a convicted offender and an associate. Officials reject the narrative as false; the exchanges date from 2011–2019.