Budget Leaks and Legal Troubles Dominate Headlines: Reeves Announces Tax Rises; Hong Kong Fire Tragedy Claims 13 Lives
Reeves Announces £26bn of Tax Rises Following Budget Leak
Sky News reports that Chancellor Jeremy Hunt’s successor, Kwasi Kwarteng, will unveil a £26 billion package of tax increases in today’s budget. The announcement comes after leaked documents revealed the chancellor’s plans to boost revenue through higher income taxes and corporation tax hikes.
- Reeves to announce £26bn of tax rises after budget leak — Sky News
- Reeves announces £26bn of tax rises after budget leak — Sky News
- Reeves acknowledges voters’ anger ahead of raft of tax hikes in budget today — Sky News
- Raft of tax hikes expected in budget today – here’s what we know — Sky News
Deadly Fire in Hong Kong Tower Blocks Leaves at Least 13 Dead
A devastating fire has engulfed multiple high-rise apartment blocks in Hong Kong, resulting in at least 13 confirmed deaths and dozens more potentially trapped. Emergency services are battling the blaze as residents flee to safety amidst the chaotic scene.
- At least 13 dead as fire engulfs Hong Kong tower blocks — BBC News
- At least four dead as fire engulfs Hong Kong tower blocks — BBC News
- At least 17 dead after landslides and flash floods in Sumatra, Indonesia — Sky News
- Deadly fire engulfs Hong Kong apartment blocks — BBC News
- At least 13 people dead and unknown number trapped after huge fire engulfs Hong Kong high-rise — Sky News
- At least 13 people dead and more trapped after fire engulfs Hong Kong high-rises — Sky News
Paul Doyle Pleads Guilty to Involvement in Liverpool FC Trophy Parade Incident
Former Liverpool player Paul Doyle has pleaded guilty to charges stemming from a parade where he allegedly drove his car into fans, injuring over 130 people. The incident occurred during a trophy ceremony at Anfield stadium, with Doyle tearfully admitting responsibility and expressing remorse for the injuries sustained.
- Paul Doyle pleads guilty to Liverpool parade charges — BBC News
- Paul Doyle in tears as he admits driving into fans at Liverpool FC trophy parade — Sky News
- Paul Doyle pleads guilty to Liverpool parade crash that injured more than 130 — BBC News
Teenagers Challenge Australia’s Social Media Ban in Court
Teenagers have filed a High Court challenge to overturn Australia’s ban on social media for children, arguing it infringes on their rights and freedoms.
- Teenagers ask judges to block Australia’s ban on social media for children — Sky News
- Teenagers launch legal challenge over Australia’s ban on social media for children — Sky News
- Teens launch High Court challenge to Australia’s social media ban — BBC News
Chicago Man Accused of Setting Train Passenger on Fire Had 72 Prior Arrests
A Chicago man, who was accused of setting a train passenger ablaze and had accumulated 72 prior arrests in the city’s history of violent crimes, is labeled by the White House as ‘a career criminal’.
- Chicago suspect who set woman on fire a ‘career criminal’, White House says — BBC News
- Chicago man accused of setting train passenger on fire had 72 prior arrests — BBC News
‘Mind-blowing’ OBR Budget details revealed early by BBC correspondents
BBC correspondents react to the unexpected release of the Office for Budget Responsibility’s detailed budget documents ahead of schedule.
- Watch: ‘Mind-blowing’ – BBC correspondents react as OBR releases Budget details early — BBC News
- Watch: Moment researcher finds rare flower after 13-year search — BBC News
Trump’s Envoy to Discuss Ukraine Peace Plan with Russia at Kremlin Next Week
The US envoy for Ukraine peace talks is set to meet Russian officials next week in an effort to advance discussions on ending the conflict. Earlier this month, leaked audio reportedly showed the envoy coaching Russian diplomats on how to respond during negotiations. President Trump has defended his envoy against criticisms that the mission lacks credibility.
- Trump defends Witkoff after leak appears to show envoy coaching Russia — BBC News
- Trump’s envoy to have Ukraine peace plan talks at Kremlin next week — BBC News
Cash ISA Limit Cut: New Restrictions Apply for Most, Exception for Over-65s
The Cash ISA limit in the UK has been reduced by £8,000, impacting most savers. However, individuals over 65 continue to enjoy the previous higher allowance.
- Cash ISA limit has been slashed by £8,000 – except for over 65s — Sky News
- Cash ISA limit has been slashed – but some people are exempt — Sky News
Maduro brandishes sword and vows to defy US attempts to overthrow government
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, wielding a sword during a speech in Caracas, vowed to resist any attempt by the United States to overthrow his government. The gesture comes amid heightened tensions between Venezuela and the US, following recent sanctions imposed on Maduro’s administration.
- Maduro brandishes sword and vows to defy any US attempt to overthrow his government — Sky News
- Defiant Maduro wields sword as he sends message to US — Sky News
Ukraine and US Reach Agreement on Peace Plan, Trump Envoy to Meet Putin
Ukraine says ‘understanding’ reached with the United States on a peace plan, amid reports that a special envoy from former President Donald Trump will meet Russian President Vladimir Putin.
- Ukraine says ‘understanding’ reached on US peace plan, as Trump envoy to meet Putin — BBC News
- Ukraine says ‘understanding’ reached with US on peace plan, as Trump envoy to meet Putin — BBC News
Taiwan Prepares for Combat by 2027 Amid China’s Accelerated Aggression
Taiwan President warns that China is speeding up preparations to forcibly take the island, prompting Taiwan to ready itself for combat by 2027.