The US is preparing to offer refuge to a man on trial in Britain for burning the Koran, framing it as a free‑speech case. The State Department is in talks to admit him if he loses in court, a move that could strain relations with London and test public‑order laws.

The Electoral Commission says there is no justification for delaying scheduled votes by more than a year, pushing back on moves to postpone local and mayoral contests. Administrative pressures are not a valid reason, it warns, urging ministers to let polls proceed as planned.

Angela Rayner has joined Andy Burnham in pressing the PM for urgent tax relief to protect pubs and hospitality, calling for business rates reform and targeted support to curb closures. The intervention increases pressure on No 10 from Labour’s left ahead of the Budget.

Rachel Reeves signalled readiness for deeper cooperation with the EU, saying she is “up for” closer economic ties, potentially via sectoral deals on trade, security and energy. The shift unsettled Brexit supporters as Labour’s Left pressures the PM to move further on alignment.