Lucy Powell challenged Rachel Reeves’s tax plans, warning against an income tax rise to plug a £30bn fiscal gap. She urged sticking to manifesto pledges and delivering a “budget of fairness” that leaves people better off, while Reeves is making the case for tax rises to fund public services.

The PM faces mounting pressure after two more prisoners were mistakenly freed despite new jail checks. MPs demanded answers in the Commons as police work to trace those released and officials urgently review release procedures, intensifying scrutiny of the government’s handling of prisons.

Health secretary Wes Streeting says the NHS is bearing the brunt of rising, ugly racism, with staff and patients facing discrimination and abuse. He urges zero‑tolerance, better reporting and protection for workers, insisting this behaviour must be confronted.

Rachel Reeves will set out a tax-raising Budget, warning of tough choices amid a widening fiscal gap. She may drop the pledge not to raise income tax, VAT or national insurance, citing weaker forecasts and higher debt costs, while promising to protect services and prioritise growth.