Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves has announced plans to raise National Insurance contributions for businesses, aiming to close a £9 billion gap in NHS funding and bolster healthcare services.

Labour leader Keir Starmer intervened in a cabinet disagreement to ensure the smooth continuation of an important global summit, expressing full confidence in Minister Pat McFadden amid tensions over the ferry operator P&O.

The UK government’s plan to impose a 20% VAT on private school fees from January 2024 faces growing criticism due to potential delays, with concerns raised by unions, tax experts, and school leaders about its impact on school admissions and teacher pay, as well as the Treasury’s refusal to confirm the start date.

Keir Starmer pledges to defend public services from further austerity measures and protect working people as he seeks to unite Labour ahead of its annual conference.