Starmer signals a shift to a softer Brexit, seeking closer ties to the EU single market to boost trade while ruling out a return to free movement. Economists question whether it will lift growth. Labour rivals press for deeper alignment amid talk of a post–May challenge.

No 10 accuses Labour MPs of fuelling market jitters after a U-turn on income tax, saying UK borrowing costs rose as investors balked at resistance to welfare cuts. The Chancellor will instead freeze thresholds, drawing more workers into higher bills through fiscal drag.

Israel has rebuked Westminster’s pledge to recognise a Palestinian state despite the PM’s insistence that it is the only way to revive the two-state solution, as ministers ready tougher sanctions on Hamas under pressure from bereaved British families and Western allies.

MPs and economists argue the state pension triple lock is fiscally unsustainable, yet Starmer and Reeves pledge to uphold it amid concerns that abandoning the commitment would damage Labour’s credibility.