Ministers are weighing dropping Labour’s promise to give 18–24s the full national living wage, amid claims it deters hiring. With about one in six young adults out of work, options include keeping age bands or phasing rises to ease costs for employers; unions argue pay should be equal.

Rachel Reeves has rejected MoD pleas for extra funds, despite warnings of a £28bn equipment shortfall. Military chiefs say capabilities could be pared back without a near-term uplift. The PM faces pressure before the Budget to set a path to 2.5% of GDP on defence.

Nigel Farage named a Reform UK “cabinet” dominated by ex-Tories, including Robert Jenrick, Suella Braverman and Richard Tice. The team outlined tax cuts and reforms affecting worker rights and the NHS. Critics say this would favour the wealthy and risk services; supporters argue it could boost growth.

Essex Police are assessing material from newly released files as they become the fourth UK force to examine claims that a convicted US financier trafficked women to the UK on private flights via Stansted, increasing scrutiny on a senior royal linked in the documents.

Gordon Ramsay says a harsh childhood drove him to be a more attentive father. He reflects on family pressures and admits feeling guilt over his brother’s struggles, noting how their upbringing shaped them in different ways.

With unemployment at 5.2%, Conservatives argue Labour’s job taxes deter hiring and ambition, saying millions want work to pay. They urge tax changes to boost take‑home pay and incentives, framing this as key to growth and fairness.

One in nine homes built in England since 2022 are in areas at significant flood risk, prompting concerns that housing targets are steering development onto vulnerable land. Insurers warn owners may face higher premiums or struggle to get cover, as properties built after 2009 are excluded from Flood Re.

Essex Police are reviewing flight logs and emails tied to Jeffrey Epstein’s aircraft at Stansted’s private terminal amid claims of unlawful trips. Cross-party MPs may launch an inquiry into Andrew’s time as trade envoy after files suggested he shared confidential reports. He could be called to give evidence.

An exiled dissident named as a target by an alleged spy network active in Britain says he takes extreme precautions, fearing poisoning after revelations that a leading opposition figure was killed with a rare toxin. He believes he’s on a hit list and calls for decisive UK action against hostile state operatives.

Ministers scrapped a post-Brexit digital border programme after spending £110m, ending contracts with Deloitte and IBM. Officials said it was not delivering value. Business groups warn the reversal could add red tape and delays, while the government promises a simpler replacement plan.

Internal files suggest the government’s plan to address IPP sentences will fail, leaving at least 520 people still detained without release dates by 2030, 18 years after abolition. The data fuels pressure for resentencing, clearer timelines and improved rehabilitation support.