Rachel Reeves set out Budget 2025 with about £20bn in extra tax. Threshold freezes continue, a levy hits high‑value homes, and reliefs on savings and shares are tightened. Some investment incentives remain. The OBR says the tax burden will reach a record level, squeezing household incomes.
The chancellor sets out a Budget to plug a £35bn gap, lifting duties on alcohol and sugar and adding charges affecting nights away and takeaway coffee, meaning many will pay more. She also confirms a wage rise and a £15bn welfare boost, urging Labour MPs to back plans to balance the books.
Over 1,000 people have been safeguarded through new Domestic Abuse Protection Orders, which let courts swiftly impose restrictions on suspected abusers. The minister said early intervention is working and urged continued reporting and robust support services for victims.
Critics say Reeves has stalled the economy by drip‑feeding possible tax and spending moves, creating uncertainty that’s frozen hiring and investment and kept growth flat. The chancellor argues consultation is essential as she finalises plans.
An official inquiry into the Covid response criticises the former PM for a disorganised operation and flawed decisions, citing delayed restrictions, poor preparedness and failures in care settings. It says governments across the UK acted too late and that up to 23,000 deaths were avoidable.
A Harley Street fertility clinic has suffered a breach by a foreign state‑linked ransomware gang, stealing sensitive records for thousands of patients, including some treated via the NHS. The group is threatening to publish the data. The clinic is notifying clients and working with cyber specialists.
Google chief Sundar Pichai cautioned against blind trust in A.I., saying current systems are error‑prone and require sceptical use. He called for responsible rollout and stronger safeguards, warning that a burst hype bubble could harm consumers and the wider economy.
Ministers unveiled sweeping asylum reforms to tighten eligibility, speed decisions and cut costs. The plans triggered a Labour backbench rebellion, testing the PM’s authority as critics warn of severe consequences and potential legal challenges.
The home secretary unveils sweeping migration reforms: tougher action to deter small‑boat crossings, faster asylum decisions and removals, stricter age checks and new accommodation plans. Labour faces an internal split, while the opposition dismisses the package as a gimmick.
Ministers say the UK–France asylum-swap scheme is delivering: 113 people have been returned to France and 84 accepted from there since September. The Home Sec hails a milestone aimed at deterring Channel crossings and speeding removals, though arrivals remain high.