A YouGov poll days before the Budget finds 0% of respondents say the economy is in a “very good” state under Labour, with only 4% calling it “fairly good”. Most judge conditions bad. The results intensify pressure on the Chancellor ahead of next week’s fiscal plans.
Defence Secretary John Healey warned a foreign surveillance ship operating close to UK waters after its crew allegedly directed lasers at RAF pilots. He said the Navy and RAF stand ready to intervene to safeguard aircrews and infrastructure in the North Sea.
A foreign surveillance ship allegedly aimed lasers at RAF pilots over the North Sea, prompting condemnation from the defence secretary. A Royal Navy frigate shadowed the vessel in UK waters as ministers consider steps to safeguard aircrews and undersea infrastructure.
The PM urged Nigel Farage to address allegations of racist conduct, including claims of antisemitism from earlier in his life. Calling them “disturbing”, he said Farage should explain himself. Farage’s team disputes the accounts, says he recalls little, and indicates he will respond.
An Olympic swimmer and his fiancée criticised relatives for promoting false claims about them ahead of their wedding, calling the situation deeply hurtful. They say the misinformation has strained family relations but insist their plans remain on track.
Allies of Donald Trump are exploring a ‘cash‑for‑land’ plan: leasing contested eastern regions for 100 years and giving a local language official status, in exchange for security guarantees. UK and European officials reject it as rewarding aggression and weakening the rules‑based order.
Analysis based on government forecasts says scrapping the state pension triple lock would cut incomes for up to 26m people, with millions facing a sharp fall at retirement and a rise in pensioner poverty. The policy currently uprates by the highest of inflation, earnings or 2.5%.
Ministers plan a funding overhaul letting councils in London and the South East raise council tax by about 10%, above the usual cap, to cover lost grants. Funds would be shifted to higher‑need areas in the North and Midlands, with cities like Manchester and Wolverhampton expected to benefit.
A Harley Street fertility clinic has suffered a breach by a foreign state‑linked ransomware gang, stealing sensitive records for thousands of patients, including some treated via the NHS. The group is threatening to publish the data. The clinic is notifying clients and working with cyber specialists.
UK investors have withdrawn £26bn from FTSE 100 shares this year, even as the index beats US and European markets. Caution over the Budget, a shift to cash and bonds, and tax concerns are cited. Foreign buyers seeking value and diversification are driving the rally in large UK stocks.
The defence secretary issued a warning after a foreign ‘research’ vessel allegedly directed lasers at RAF jets while being monitored off Scotland. The Royal Navy is tracking the ship; ministers say it risks undersea infrastructure and allies. The UK says it is ready to respond.