Budget: the main headlines
Rachel Reeves has delivered her second Budget against a backdrop of weak economic growth, high inflation and tightening household finances. Seeking to raise revenue without triggering an inflation spike, she avoided the previously…
Budget: differing views about how to rescue the economy
Kemi Badenoch has warned that the country risks bankruptcy if Labour raises taxes without reducing welfare spending. She accused Rachel Reeves of planning a ‘stealth tax bombshell’ in the upcoming Budget to fund…
USA: longest-ever government shutdown finally ends, both sides bruised
The longest US government shutdown in history has ended after 43 tense days, restoring pay for federal workers and reopening critical services. Yet its conclusion has left both political parties bruised. Senate Democrats…
Chancellor lays the ground for a 1970s-style tax increase
Rachel Reeves has indicated she is willing to break Labour’s election pledges by raising income tax for the first time in half a century, prioritising what she called 'the national interest over political…
UK economy: encouraging forecast by IMF
The IMF has forecast that the UK will be the second-fastest-growing economy among the G7 nations this year - behind only the USA - despite ongoing global trade tensions. The IMF projects UK…
France: new PM to be named within 48 hours?
Emmanuel Macron is expected to appoint a new prime minister within 48 hours, following the abrupt resignation of Sébastien Lecornu’s government just 14 hours after being named. Lecornu, asked to outline a path…
Reeves set to lift two-child benefit cap in budget?
Rachel Reeves is expected to announce changes to the two-child benefit cap in November’s Budget, amid growing pressure to scrap the policy introduced by George Osborne under Conservative austerity measures. The cap currently…
Trump meets Starmer as £150bn US investment is announced
Donald Trump has met Keir Starmer at Chequers during his second state visit to the UK, following the announcement of £150 billion in American investment. The funds, pledged by major firms including Blackstone,…
USA: Federal Reserve governor threatens to sue Trump for unfair dismissal
The conflict between Federal Reserve governor Lisa Cook and Donald Trump represents a profound clash over institutional independence and executive authority. Trump says he has dismissed Cook, alleging mortgage fraud, but her attorney…
Rachel Reeves' 'mansion tax' plan
Reports suggest Chancellor Rachel Reeves may extend capital gains tax (CGT) to primary residences above a set threshold, sparking debate over a potential 'mansion tax’. Currently, homeowners pay no CGT when selling their…
