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.

Reeves unveiled a tax-raising Budget: the freeze on personal thresholds is extended, salary sacrifice schemes will be capped, and higher earners and companies will pay more to fund expanded welfare and services. An accidental OBR leak pre-empted the plan. Markets liked the bigger fiscal buffer.