Fiona Hill warns that Putin is manipulating Trump, saying he mocked the US leader and has no interest in peace. Hill, who observed their meetings, says this risks undermining Western security and cohesion and urges firm transatlantic resolve.

Rachel Reeves faces claims she exaggerated a “black hole” to justify £26bn in tax rises, despite the OBR advising there was no deficit and a £4.2bn surplus. Critics, including Kemi Badenoch, are calling for her to be sacked.

IFS says Reeves broke a manifesto pledge with £26bn tax rises and a move on national insurance, claiming growth was deprioritised. The PM rejects that, saying Labour kept its promise and that extra revenue is needed for the NHS, schools and measures to reduce child poverty.

Budget 2025 raises £26bn via 43 tax rises. Threshold freezes pull one in four workers into higher bands. The two-child benefit cap is scrapped, lifting welfare spending by £9bn. Pensions face a salary‑sacrifice cap and a new levy targets homes over £2m. The OBR apologises for a major leak.