Reeves will raise £7.5bn by keeping income tax thresholds frozen, ditching a mooted rise in the headline rate to preserve a manifesto pledge. Fiscal drag will move more earners into higher bands and lift bills, with the Treasury saying the measure helps stabilise the public finances.

The BBC apologised to Donald Trump for an edited clip in a Panorama programme, with a personal letter expressing regret. It rejected his $1bn defamation demand, saying there’s no basis for damages and that its legal case is strong. The documentary will not be rebroadcast.

New emails purportedly indicate Donald Trump was aware of Jeffrey Epstein’s misconduct. US lawmakers demand the full release of related messages, pressing the White House for transparency as scrutiny grows over what Trump knew and when.

Downing Street is braced for a possible leadership challenge amid unrest on Labour’s benches. Allies are being shielded and support tallied, with a contest seen likeliest after the Budget or May’s locals. The PM intends to fight on, while ministers urge MPs not to destabilise the government.