Shabana Mahmood will unveil Denmark‑style asylum reforms to deter unfounded claims and accelerate removals. Plans aim to cut incentives to travel, speed decisions and appeals, and widen returns agreements. Ministers say the shake‑up tackles record caseloads and rising costs.
Cabinet ministers urged the PM to dismiss chief of staff Morgan McSweeney after No 10 briefings allegedly accused Health Secretary Wes Streeting of plotting against him. McSweeney denies involvement. The row has exposed deep Labour infighting, with calls for an inquiry and for the party to restore discipline.
Over four million people now receive universal credit without being required to look for work, about one million more than a year ago. Ministers cite transfers from legacy benefits and rising ill‑health. The surge is pressuring the welfare bill and is expected to spur reforms to boost employment.
Donald Trump threatens a $1bn defamation claim against the BBC unless it apologises by a deadline and retracts what he says are false statements. His lawyers allege a programme misrepresented his remarks with edited footage. The corporation says it is considering the letter.
Tim Davie resigned as BBC director-general, and head of news Deborah Turness also quit, after criticism of coverage and a misleading edit of a speech by President Trump. The BBC apologised, ordered an independent review, and begun the process to appoint successors.
Rachel Reeves plans to curb tax advantages of salary sacrifice pension contributions in the budget, aiming to raise about £2bn. The change would reduce NI perks for staff and employers, trimming take-home pay and pension growth, while keeping the 25% tax‑free lump sum.
Rachel Reeves has asked the OBR to model income tax rises to help repair the public finances ahead of her fiscal plan. Options include adjustments to rates and thresholds. The Bank of England says uncertainty over possible rises is already weighing on growth.
Ministers face scrutiny after an individual accused of misconduct, a foreign national due for removal, was mistakenly released and spent six days in the community before the error was found. The justice secretary gave incorrect details in Parliament, while David Lammy did not deliver a prepared statement.
Rachel Reeves signalled broad tax rises to repair the public finances, saying we will all have to do our bit. Ahead of the Budget she is weighing measures likened to 1970s levels, implying higher bills for middle earners. Business groups warn on growth; she argues stability requires it.
Police are under scrutiny after missing a chance to detain a man a day before a serious incident on a London‑bound train near Huntingdon. The 32‑year‑old faces multiple attempted murder charges and is linked to other reports. A review has been launched into officers’ response and call handling.