Post-budget polling makes grim reading for Labour

Sarah Everard's mother has expressed deep anguish over her daughter's final hours as a report into women's safety has been released, revealing systemic failures in police responses to sexual offences. The report highlights the ongoing impact of Everard's murder on public safety and trust in law enforcement.

Robin Smith, the former England cricketer, has passed away at the age of 62, prompting heartfelt tributes from his family who described him as 'brave and dashing.' Smith was celebrated for his remarkable batting skills, having scored over 4,000 Test runs during his career in the late 1980s and 90s.

Ofsted has issued a warning that children's home providers are prioritizing profit over the needs of vulnerable children, raising concerns about the quality of care being provided. The report highlights systemic issues within the sector that could jeopardize the welfare of children in these homes.

The OECD has cautioned that Chancellor Rachel Reeves' strategy of higher taxes and spending restraint will hinder consumer expenditure in the UK, despite forecasts indicating that the UK economy will grow faster than France, Germany, and Italy next year. This fiscal consolidation is expected to limit household disposable income and slow consumption.

More than 1,200 people have died and hundreds are missing due to catastrophic floods across South and Southeast Asia, prompting urgent rescue and recovery efforts in the affected regions. The floods have caused widespread destruction, displacing thousands and overwhelming local emergency services.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that Labour's economic plan will take years to fully implement, following a challenging response to the recent budget announcement which included £26 billion in tax increases. Starmer defended Chancellor Rachel Reeves' decisions amidst criticism from political opponents regarding the budget's impact on the cost of living crisis.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer is attempting to shift the narrative surrounding the recent budget, which has faced scrutiny from the Conservatives regarding Chancellor Rachel Reeves' ethics. The Tories have accused Reeves of dishonesty regarding her tax policies, particularly a £26 billion tax increase aimed at addressing the UK's cost of living crisis.

Biker romance film Pillion has been awarded the top prize at the British Independent Film Awards, highlighting its success in the independent film sector.