Bridget Phillipson receives no deputy leader nominations - as Unite accused of process 'stitch up'

Today's headlines focus on Labour's potential shift towards a tax increase in light of the upcoming Budget, alongside discussions surrounding Trump's 20-point peace plan for Gaza. This is significant as it reflects the evolving political landscape and the challenges both parties face in addressing economic and international issues.

In his closing speech at the conference, Sir Keir Starmer emphasized that Britain is at a crucial juncture, positioning the Labour Party against the Reform Party. This moment is significant as it highlights the contrasting visions for the country's future and sets the stage for upcoming political battles.

Shabana Mahmood, the Home Secretary, has made strong accusations against Nigel Farage, labeling his political tactics as 'worse than racist' due to their dog-whistle nature. This statement comes in light of recent racial abuse faced by her family, highlighting the ongoing issues of racism and discrimination in the UK. Mahmood's remarks at a Labour conference fringe event underscore the urgent need for political leaders to address and combat such harmful rhetoric, making this a significant moment in the discourse around race and politics.

Labour MP Jo White is advocating for the installation of solar panels on pensioner homes as a way to demonstrate the tangible benefits of Labour's climate policies. This initiative aims to counter the influence of the Reform party by showing voters how climate action can directly improve their lives. It's an important step in making climate policies relatable and beneficial for everyday citizens.

Ed Miliband, the energy secretary, has called on Labour to combat a global network of rightwing billionaires who are undermining net zero initiatives for their own interests. He criticized the Conservatives and Reform UK for bringing a 'culture war' against clean energy and emphasized that accelerating the green transition is crucial for winning public support. This fight is significant as it highlights the importance of clean energy jobs, with a target of creating 400,000 new positions, which could reshape the economy and contribute to a sustainable future.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting has urged the British Medical Association (BMA) to take a definitive stance between the Reform party and Labour regarding their ongoing pay dispute. This call to action highlights the tensions within the healthcare sector and the need for clarity as negotiations continue, impacting both doctors and patients.

Sadiq Khan has expressed serious concerns about the Labour party's current standing, likening it to being '2-0 down' in a football match. He emphasizes that the upcoming budget will be a crucial moment for the party's future, highlighting the urgency for Labour to turn things around. This situation matters because it reflects the challenges the party faces in regaining public support and effectively addressing pressing issues.

Labour is set to reintroduce maintenance grants for students from low-income backgrounds enrolling in priority courses that align with the government's industrial strategy. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson emphasized that these means-tested grants will target those who need financial support the most, and they will be funded through a new international student levy. This initiative is significant as it aims to alleviate financial burdens for students and encourage enrollment in essential fields, ultimately benefiting the economy.

Senior Labour MP and economist Rachel Reeves has urged the Chancellor to eliminate the two-child benefit cap, arguing that it makes economic sense. This move could provide much-needed financial support to families, helping to alleviate child poverty and stimulate the economy. By removing this cap, the government would not only support struggling households but also invest in the future of the nation, making it a significant step towards a more equitable society.

A recent poll conducted for Sky News indicates that nearly two-thirds of Labour members prefer Andy Burnham over Sir Keir Starmer as their leader. This finding is significant as it highlights a potential shift in leadership dynamics within the Labour Party, suggesting that Burnham's popularity could influence future party strategies and decisions.

Labour is set to consult on the use of live facial recognition technology before its broader implementation across England. This move comes from the new policing minister, who emphasized the need to establish clear parameters for its deployment. This consultation is significant as it reflects the party's cautious approach to balancing technological advancements in policing with public concerns about privacy and civil liberties.

At the Labour conference in Liverpool, discussions are heating up around the growing influence of Nigel Farage's Reform party and the aspirations of Andy Burnham. This is significant as it highlights the challenges Labour faces in maintaining its voter base amidst rising competition, prompting leaders to strategize on how to address these emerging threats.

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has decided to maintain the interest rate at 3.6%, with Governor Michele Bullock indicating that the effects of previous rate cuts are still unfolding. This decision is significant as it reflects the RBA's cautious approach in navigating economic challenges, ensuring that the impact of earlier monetary policies is fully assessed before making further changes. The ongoing dialogue around corporate accountability, particularly with Optus, adds another layer of complexity to the economic landscape, highlighting the need for transparency and responsiveness in the telecommunications sector.

After a troubling series of triple-zero outages, Minister Anika Wells has met with Optus and its parent company Singtel, emphasizing that the Optus CEO has significant work ahead to regain public trust in emergency services. This situation is critical as it directly impacts the safety and confidence of Australians relying on emergency calls, prompting calls for an external review to ensure accountability and improvements in service reliability.

In a surprising move, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has called hundreds of military commanders to a secretive meeting at Quantico, where President Donald Trump is also expected to speak. The Pentagon has not provided an official reason for this gathering, leading to various speculations about its significance and objectives. This meeting could potentially influence military strategies and decisions, making it a noteworthy event in the current political landscape.

South Korea has raised its national cyber threat level to 'caution' following a significant fire at a government datacentre that disrupted critical digital infrastructure. This incident has sparked fears that hackers might exploit the ensuing chaos to launch cyberattacks. The urgency to restore government systems is paramount, as the intelligence agency works to safeguard against potential threats. This situation highlights the vulnerabilities in digital security and the importance of robust measures to protect essential services.

A federal class action has been filed against Australia's community development program, which is accused of racial discrimination. The program mandates that participants in remote areas, predominantly Indigenous Australians, work more hours than those in urban settings. This disparity highlights systemic inequalities and raises concerns about fairness in government policies. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for how such programs are structured and implemented in the future.

Vice President Vance has pointed fingers at Congressional Democrats for the impending government shutdown, following unsuccessful negotiations with President Trump. This situation is significant as it highlights the ongoing partisan divide in Congress, which could lead to disruptions in government services and impact millions of Americans.