Nigel Farage told Reform donors he expects an arrangement with the Tories before the next election, possibly a merger or pact to avoid splitting the vote. Citing the fall‑out from 2019, he said past dealings will shape any terms. With an outright Reform win seen unlikely, a tie‑up could increase leverage over policy and seats.

OBR chair Richard Hughes has quit after a review concluded a Budget leak resulted from failings in the watchdog’s leadership, with a similar error at the Spring Statement. The episode heightens tension with the Treasury as ministers consider tightening OBR protocols.

Nato leaders are weighing a tougher strategy against hybrid threats, with the UK backing a shift from reactive defence to proactive disruption. Priorities include safeguarding subsea cables, strengthening cyber resilience, and tightening coordination with US and European partners.

Ministers have softened the worker-rights plan after business pressure. Day-one protection against unfair dismissal is dropped, and curbs on zero-hours and fire-and-rehire will be looser. Employers hail a compromise; unions say Labour has diluted its pledge.