Benefits rise 6.2% this week as part of a package to ease the cost‑of‑living squeeze. MPs, including ministers, will get a £3,300 adjustment, and peers’ allowances rise. Labour will also remove the two‑child benefit cap, with some families gaining thousands, sparking debate over fairness to workers.

Asda chairman Allan Leighton accuses ministers of having “zero credibility” on fuel prices after claims of profiteering. With petrol above £1.50 a litre, he rejects the charge, citing taxes and wholesale costs, and warns regional tensions could tighten supply.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves faces claims from business figures and opponents that the Treasury is benefiting most from high pump prices via duty, VAT and green levies, after she criticised retailers. Supporters say measures tackle unfair pricing; critics urge tax cuts to ease costs.

A teenager, influenced by misogynistic online content, killed his mother after seeking guidance from an AI chatbot. The case has raised concerns over safeguarding, the risks of unfiltered AI systems, and has prompted renewed calls for tighter online safety rules and oversight.