Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced a pub support package: a 15% cut to business rates from April and relaxed hours for the World Cup opening. Trade groups welcomed relief but warned it falls short of addressing rising costs and ongoing closures in the sector.

Suella Braverman has left the Conservatives to join Reform UK. Nigel Farage welcomed the switch, which could bolster his party’s profile and increase pressure on the Tories. Labour figures criticised the move, saying Reform is drawing disaffected Conservatives before a possible election.

Labour tensions rose after the PM blocked Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham from seeking a Commons return via a by‑election, dashing any near‑term leadership hopes. Burnham backers criticised the decision, while Starmer loyalists said party rules were followed.

After claiming British troops steered clear of the front line in Afghanistan, the PM urged Donald Trump to apologise. Wounded veterans and Prince Harry said the remarks demeaned service members and misrepresented their sacrifice, with cross‑party calls for a retraction.