Reeves to back £1.7bn extension of London’s Docklands Light Railway

The UK government has announced a freeze on rail fares in England for 2026, marking the first such measure in 30 years. Chancellor Rachel Reeves is set to confirm this decision in her upcoming budget speech, aiming to alleviate the financial burden on commuters and support economic growth amid rising living costs.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves is set to announce a £1.5 billion boost in electric vehicle (EV) subsidies as part of the upcoming budget, which aims to support the purchase of new EVs until 2030. This funding includes £1.3 billion for subsidies and £200 million for charging infrastructure, addressing concerns about a potential pay-per-mile tax that could deter consumers from buying electric cars.

Simon Case, the former head of the civil service, warns that voters may turn away from centrist parties if Chancellor Rachel Reeves fails to address the UK's pressing tax, spending, and debt issues in the upcoming budget. He believes that Labour may have to abandon its manifesto pledge not to raise taxes due to the current financial situation.

Two teenagers have pleaded not guilty to charges related to a cyber attack on London's transport system. The incident has raised concerns about cybersecurity and the vulnerabilities of public transport infrastructure.

Senior MI5 officers expressed confidence in managing espionage risks associated with a proposed Chinese super-embassy in London during a private meeting with Commons Speaker Lindsay Hoyle. The officers indicated they were 'very relaxed' about the embassy's construction at Royal Mint Court, which would cover 20,000 square meters, suggesting a potential green light for the project.

The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) has arrested two men in connection with a suspected £20 million cryptocurrency fraud. The agency conducted raids at two locations in West Yorkshire and London while seeking information regarding £21.4 million invested in a cryptocurrency scheme known as Basis Markets.

Musician Joy Crookes has expressed concern over the rise of far-right politics in the UK and Ireland, describing the current climate as a 'dark time.' She noted that the recent display of national flags during her visits to London and Dublin made her feel unsafe, drawing parallels to the 1970s when the National Front was prominent. Crookes recently performed two sold-out shows at the O2 Academy in Brixton.

Executives from the 20 Premier League clubs are set to meet in London to discuss new financial regulations, including sustainability measures and spend restrictions. These discussions have been ongoing since October 2021, coinciding with the football industry's recovery from the Covid crisis.