New figures show net migration down to 204,000, a sharp fall on last year. The PM welcomed the shift, with fewer arrivals for study and work after visa changes. However, asylum applications have reached a record and small‑boat arrivals are up. Ministers signal further tightening.

Rachel Reeves set out Budget 2025 with about £20bn in extra tax. Threshold freezes continue, a levy hits high‑value homes, and reliefs on savings and shares are tightened. Some investment incentives remain. The OBR says the tax burden will reach a record level, squeezing household incomes.

The chancellor sets out a Budget to plug a £35bn gap, lifting duties on alcohol and sugar and adding charges affecting nights away and takeaway coffee, meaning many will pay more. She also confirms a wage rise and a £15bn welfare boost, urging Labour MPs to back plans to balance the books.

Over 1,000 people have been safeguarded through new Domestic Abuse Protection Orders, which let courts swiftly impose restrictions on suspected abusers. The minister said early intervention is working and urged continued reporting and robust support services for victims.