Could Reeves break a 50-year taboo by raising income tax in her Budget?

The chancellor is considering breaking a long-standing taboo on income tax, believing that voters might accept a broken promise if it leads to significant investment. This move echoes past efforts, like those of Denis Healey in 1975, aimed at addressing economic crises.

MPs are pressing HMRC for explanations regarding a significant error that led to the freezing of child benefit payments for 23,500 families, wrongly flagged as fraud cases. This situation raises serious concerns about the accuracy of data handling and the impact on families who rely on these benefits. The inquiry, led by Labour MP Meg Hillier, seeks accountability and clarity on the decisions made, emphasizing the need for transparency and potential compensation for those affected.

In a recent pre-Budget speech, Chancellor Reeves indicated that she would not rule out potential tax increases, stating that she will make 'necessary choices.' This statement is significant as it sets the tone for the upcoming budget and raises questions about the government's fiscal strategy, especially in light of current economic challenges.

Top lawyers in the UK are raising alarms over a concerning trend in political rhetoric that targets migrants, particularly after a Conservative MP hinted at deporting legally settled families. This 'race to the bottom' in political discourse is creating fear among minority ethnic Britons, highlighting the urgent need for a change in how politicians discuss immigration. The implications of such threats could lead to increased division and anxiety within communities, making it crucial for leaders to foster a more inclusive dialogue.

A new proposal in the UK aims to criminalize protests outside the homes of Members of Parliament, potentially leading to six months in prison for demonstrators. This move raises significant concerns about the right to protest and freedom of expression, as it could deter citizens from voicing their opinions on political issues. The implications of such a law could stifle democratic engagement and set a troubling precedent for civil liberties in the country.

A British teenager will remain in Ghana until at least the end of his GCSE exams, following a ruling by a London high court. His parents took him to Ghana, concerned about his exposure to gang culture in the UK, and left him there while returning home. The boy sought a court order to return to the UK, but the judge decided it was in his best interest to stay in Ghana for now. This case highlights the ongoing concerns about youth safety and the impact of gang culture in the UK.

George Weston, the CEO of ABF, which owns Primark, is urging Chancellor Rachel Reeves to refrain from imposing tax increases on consumers in her upcoming budget. He argues that last year's tax-heavy budget negatively impacted shoppers and suggests that the wealthy should bear the tax burden instead. This is significant as it highlights the ongoing debate about fiscal policy and its effects on everyday consumers, especially in the context of rising living costs.

Champagne, known for his personable approach, is stepping into the spotlight as he promotes Carney's first budget to Canadians. His gregarious nature and preference for face-to-face interactions over digital communication make him a relatable figure in politics. This matters because effective communication can significantly influence public perception and support for government initiatives.

In a significant development, Hamas has handed over the remains of a deceased hostage to the Red Cross in Gaza, as reported by Israel's military. This transfer marks another step following the ceasefire that took effect last month.

Catch the latest updates from the Champions League matches featuring Tottenham against Copenhagen and PSG facing Bayern Munich. Stay tuned for live scores and exciting moments as the games unfold.

The Champions League match between Slavia Prague and Arsenal is underway, with updates coming in as the game progresses. Early moments saw Mbodji attempt a long-range shot that missed the target. Stay tuned for live scores and more updates.

In the lead-up to the 2025 US elections, mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani stands firm against President Trump's derogatory remarks, asserting that he won't be intimidated. This comes as voters in New York City, New Jersey, Virginia, and California head to the polls, highlighting the significance of these elections.

Liverpool is set to face Real Madrid in the Champions League with an 8pm GMT kick-off. Fans can follow live updates and scores as the match unfolds.

Donald Trump Jr. has criticized the BBC, calling it 'fake news' after the Telegraph reported that the network edited a video of his father's speech in a misleading way.