Experts warn that the Chancellor may have little choice but to raise taxes to cover the Shadow Chancellor’s proposal for multi-trillion-pound spending, focusing on bolstering public services and major capital investments.

A new decision means pensioners earning under £35,000 will see expanded winter fuel support, with Labour MPs cautioning that lessons must be learned to avoid similar missteps when reforming disability benefits.

Controversial welfare cuts worth £5bn may be softened to forestall a potential rebellion from up to 170 MPs, with disability claimants possibly gaining a longer grace period for personal independence payments, while Chancellor Rachel Reeves prepares major spending announcements including an extra £30bn for the NHS, £4.5bn for schools, A-level reforms, and a pact with Housing Secretary Angela Rayner to maintain the 1.5 million homes target, as Home Secretary Yvette Cooper continues pressing for a bigger settlement.

A pioneering blood test, reported to have around 85% accuracy in detecting Alzheimer’s at an early stage, could pave the way for earlier treatment and significantly improve outcomes for those living with the condition.