Washington condemned a BBC‑commissioned lecture by Dutch author Rutger Bregman that sharply criticised Donald Trump, intensifying a row over BBC bias. The President rejected an apology over Panorama and signalled a lawsuit seeking up to $5bn.

Boris Johnson criticised Nick Robinson after the presenter said bias complaints are part of a drive to undermine the BBC. Allies dismissed the claim and signalled fresh scrutiny of the Corporation’s impartiality and the licence fee.

Rachel Reeves faces scrutiny after emails suggest she and her husband were told by two estate agents a licence was needed to let their south London home, despite her claim to the PM she was unaware. The property was reportedly rented at about £3,200 a month before the permit was secured.

The Chancellor is considering an annual levy on high‑value homes in the Budget: 1% of the amount over £2m, equating to about £10,000 a year for a £3m property. Critics say it could distort the housing market and hit older owners; backers argue it would raise revenue from wealthier households.