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The Financial Times reports that Chancellor Jeremy Hunt plans to use his Autumn Statement, set to be delivered in November, to tackle a sharp rise in the number of people unable to work because of mental health issues. The paper says that, according estimates from the Office for Budget Responsibility, a combination of extra welfare spending and lost tax revenues mean health-related economic inactivity is costing the government £16bn more per year since the start of the pandemic. Planned measures to address the issue include tax breaks and subsidies for workplace health services and changes to encourage GPs to refer people to support schemes instead of signing them off work.

Financial Times Front Page 5th of February 2026

Security officials warn a hostile state’s spacecraft has intercepted European satellite signals, risking exposure of unencrypted command data vital to defence and infrastructure. The UK and allies are pushing rapid encryption upgrades and tighter space monitoring to protect networks.

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Financial Times Front Page 4th of February 2026

Police have opened a criminal inquiry into Lord Mandelson’s dealings with Jeffrey Epstein, examining claims sensitive information was shared while he held government roles. Mandelson has resigned from the Lords. Starmer called the conduct disgraceful and urged full co‑operation.

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Financial Times Front Page 2nd of February 2026

Emails reveal Peter Mandelson advised Jeffrey Epstein that JPMorgan should pressure the UK over the 2009 bankers’ bonus tax, urging contact with the chancellor. He says he sought to protect jobs and investment. Labour is under pressure to address the revelations.

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