HS2 spent £37m buying properties along a now-axed section of the route, with acquisitions continuing until October. The purchases, on the Birmingham–Manchester/Leeds corridor, have sparked criticism over waste and oversight, prompting fresh scrutiny of the project’s management and accountability.

A poll finds most UK voters favour a new Europe‑focused defence pact, reducing reliance on Washington if Trump returns. 55% back a UK‑EU security alliance without the US, 11% oppose. Supporters cite doubts over future US guarantees, while NATO would still underpin UK defence.

JL Partners polling for The Independent finds 38% of 2024 Labour voters think the party would perform better at the next election if the PM stepped down, versus 13% who expect worse results. 19% favour Andy Burnham as successor, though he is not an MP and cannot currently run.

The PM reversed course, raising the inheritance tax threshold for farm estates to £2.5m after months of protests. The move is set to spare most family farms and ease succession pressures, while reducing expected receipts.