In a bid to build momentum after securing his place in the final two of the race, Mr Jenrick is delivering a speech at the Policy Exchange think tank.
Addressing the audience in London, the former immigration minister promised to talk to supporters about “the real choice our country faces”.
It comes as the Tory leadership race intensified after James Cleverly’s unexpected exit, leaving Kemi Badenoch and Robert Jenrick as the final contenders.
Meanwhile, as the Labour government unveils its Employment Rights Bill, the party has denied claims that the proposed reforms could jeopardise jobs.
Business secretary Jonathan Reynolds described the bill as a landmark initiative and the “biggest upgrade in employment rights for a generation”.
However, unions have criticised the proposed legislation claiming it fails to fully protect workers, with Unite boss Sharon Graham claiming the reform would leave “more holes than Swiss cheese” for employers to exploit.
It comes as Rachel Reeves has been warned she may need to raise up to £25 billion from tax increases if she wants to keep public spending rising with national income.
The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) estimate suggests that, even with Labour’s planned £9 billion tax rise implemented, trying to balance the current budget while avoiding cuts to public service spending would put the budget “on a knife edge” and highly sensitive to the Office for Budget Responsibility’s judgments.
Key Points
- Jenrick delivers speech as Tory leadership race heats up
- Reeves may need tax increases worth £25 billion, IFS warns
- New workers’ bill has ‘more holes than Swiss cheese’, says Unite
- What workers' rights reforms are Labour proposing?
- Prime minister welcomes Zelensky to Downing Street for talks
Robert Jenrick: ‘It’s great to be in the final two’
12:08
Archie Mitchell at the Policy Exchange
Robert Jenrick is on stage at the Policy Exchange think tank promising to talk to supporters about “the real choice our country faces”.
He has said it is “great to be in the final two”, but is already turning toward how he will oppose Labour and Sir Keir Starmer as leader of the opposition.
Ignoring his rival Kemi Badenoch completely, he has said “our job is to send Keir Starmer packing”.
The right-winger has promised to be constructive where possible, but said Tories “must stand up for common sense for the British people on every issue”.
MPs to vote on Employment Rights Bill on 21 Oct
12:00
Salma Ouaguira
The Employment Rights Bill, which proposes to end zero-hour contracts and ban fire and rehire practices, will receive its second reading on 21 October, Commons Leader Lucy Powell announced.
Ms Powell also told MPs that the second reading of the House of Lords (Hereditary Peers) Bill will take place on 15 October. This Bill will end the automatic right of hereditary peers to sit in the Lords.
The second reading of the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill, which aims to ensure premises and events are better prepared to respond to terrorist attacks, will take place on 14 October, Ms Powell said.
On 23 October, a motion to approve the Infected Blood Compensation Scheme Regulations 2024 and a motion to approve the Iran (Sanctions) (Amendment) Regulations 2024 will be presented to the Commons.
Coming up: Robert Jenrick to deliver speech at the Policy Exchange
11:56
Salma Ouaguira
The Tory leadership contender is preparing to address an audience at the Policy Exchange think tank.
His speech has the title: “The Choice We Face”.
Sadiq Khan grilled over police escort for Taylor Swift
11:55
Salma Ouaguira
Sadiq Khan has come under scrutiny regarding allegations that he sought a police escort for pop superstar Taylor Swift.
In a tense exchange during a City Hall debate, the Mayor of London denied the claims, adding he never interfered in “operational matters” concerning the police.
The questioning, led by his former Conservative rival Susan Hall, focused on whether Mr Khan had lobbied Scotland Yard for a special escort for the chart-topping singer.
Ms Hall pressed him to “categorically state” that he played no party in arranging the escort or influencing the Metropolitan Police’s decision.
Mr Khan responded by reiterating: “Operational matters are matters for the police, not matters for the Mayor.”
ICYMI: Unite union says Labour’s workers’ bill has ‘more holes than Swiss cheese’
11:46
Salma Ouaguira
Labour’s new workers’ rights legislation is under fire, with one union boss claiming the legislation has “more holes than Swiss cheese”.
While others have hailed the Employment Rights Bill as bringing a “seismic shift” for workers, Sir Keir Starmer has still been urged to go further in his bid to shift the balance of power between employers and employees.
The legislation, being published on Thursday, will include plans to ban exploitative zero-hours contracts and “unscrupulous” fire and rehire practices which it said will benefit millions of workers.
Our political correspondent Millie Cooke has the full story below:
Starmer, Zelensky and Nato’s chief discuss ‘plan for victory'
11:35
Salma Ouaguira
As we reported this morning, Sir Keir Starmer met with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky at Downing Street to discuss their “plan for victory” in the ongoing conflict.
The meeting comes as the UK solidifies its support for Ukraine amid rising tensions in Eastern Europe.
Alongside Zelensky, Sir Keir welcomed Mark Rutte, former Dutch prime minister and current Nato secretary general.
During their bilateral meeting, the PM highlighted the importance of the discussions, claiming they had been “meeting all morning” to strategise on Ukraine’s path to success.
He said: “We’ve obviously just been with president Zelensky. If the Ukraine conflict shows us one thing, it’s that Nato is as important today as it was on the day it was founded.”
Mr Rutte thanked the UK for being one of the key players in the alliance and playing a leading role in supporting Ukraine with training and “military aid going in”.
Tories hit out at Labour’s delay on free speech legislation
11:25
Salma Ouaguira
Shadow education secretary Damian Hinds has branded the government’s decision to pause the implementation of freedom of speech bill as “chilling”.
Mr Hinds referred to Conservative MP Suella Braverman who posted to X today that she was due to speak at the University of Cambridge but said the event was cancelled “because of militant pro-Palestinian protesters”.
Mr Hinds told the Commons: “This evening, a member of this House was due to speak at an event at Cambridge University. It will not go ahead as planned because of safety concerns.
“Now, it is absolutely not for us to question operational decision making, but it absolutely is for us to question this Government about legislation and the effects direct, indirect and chilling, of the decisions that they have made since coming to office.
“Last year, the Higher Education Freedom of Speech Act became law. In the end having attracted cross party support after extensive working with students and academics, it passed all stages in Parliament, it received royal assent.
“The act is about protecting free speech on campus, including for visiting speakers, and it’s about academic freedom to challenge conventional wisdom and put forward unpopular or controversial opinions but in July this year, the new Secretary of State decided not to commence it. She decided that without any parliamentary debates.”
Keir Starmer hails ‘biggest upgrade’ to workers’ rights reforms
11:20
Salma Ouaguira
Today, my Labour government is introducing the biggest upgrade to workers’ rights in a generation.
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) October 10, 2024
Turning the page on an economy riven by insecurity, ravaged by dire productivity and blighted by low pay.
We will grow our economy across the country and make work pay again.
Transport secretary von to overhaul Tory bus funding
11:14
Salma Ouaguira
We now turn to the House of Commons where MPs continue with today’s parliamentary urgent questions.
Louise Haigh has pledged to revamp the contentious process by which local authorities receive funding or bus services, comparing the current Tory system to the “Hunger Games”.
The ministers’ remarks come in response to shadow transport secretary Helen Whately’s critique of the government’s bus plans.
Ms Whately asked: “Does the Secretary of State agree with me that the £2 fare cap has been a good thing? And crucially, is she going to keep it?”
Ms Haigh replied: “She is absolutely right that the underfunding of bus services over a decade has led to the cancellation and scrapping of thousands of bus routes across the country, which has declined passenger numbers for the last 14 years.
“We are committing to consolidating funding and ending the Hunger Games-style process that the previous government oversaw, pitting authorities against each other, and creating winners and losers.”
Conservative leadership election: Who are final candidates Kemi Badenoch and Robert Jenrick?
11:05
Salma Ouaguira
The Conservative leadership race has reached its final stage as just two candidates face each other in the decisive vote in November.
Following the surprise knock-out of James Cleverly, Conservative members will now vote between Kemi Badenoch and Robert Jenrick to become the next party leader and shadow prime minister.
Here’s everything you need to know about the final two Conservative leader candidates:
Pictured: PM welcomes Nato chief for talks with Zelensky
11:03
Salma Ouaguira
Cleverly’s shocking exit sparks allegations of tactical voting in Tory race
10:53
Salma Ouaguira
James Cleverly’s surprising twist in the Tory leadership contest has raised eyebrows.
Some insiders told the Standard that a strategic voting may have played a role in his exit.
Shadow business secretary Kevin Hollinrake suggested that there were unexpected voting patterns leading to Mr Cleverly downfall during Wednesday’s MP ballot, where he garnered only 37 votes.
The shadow home secretary had been riding high, nearly doubling his support to 39 votes in the previous round when Tom Tugendhat was ousted, making his sudden drop in support all the more perplexing.
“There were gasps in the room,” Mr Hollinrake said, noting the shock among the Tories during the results announcement.
The suggestion that some MPs might have conspired to keep Ms Badenock off the shortlist sparked debate.
“If there were any odd voting patterns, it might have been to ensure Kemi didn’t advance, as she’s immensely popular with party members and the public,” he added.
Former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith echoed the claims, adding: “It seems there were some games being played, which rarely work.”
ICYMI: Starmer bids to end Tory ‘scorched earth’ industrial relations policy
10:45
Salma Ouaguira
Union chiefs have hailed workers’ rights reforms unveiled by Keir Starmer’s government today for “changing the balance of power” in favour of employees and away from employers.
The long-awaited package to unpick Tory anti-union legislationhas been unveiled less than 24 hours after the Renters’ Rights Bill passed its second reading in the Commons.
Our political editor David Maddox has the full story below:
Labour’s business reforms: What you need to know
10:25
Salma Ouaguira
Labour is beginning to outline its vision for business reforms, although full implementation might take up to two years.
Here’s what the government is proposing:
- Statutory sick pay: Workers will receive sick pay from the first day of illness, abolishing the current three-day waiting period and eliminating the lower earnings threshold.
- Parental leave: Labour plans to introduce day-one rights to both paid and unpaid paternity leave, removing the requirement for fathers to have worked for 26 or 53 weeks to qualify. A new statutory right to bereavement leave will also be established.
- Flexible working rights: Employees will have the right to request flexible working arrangements. Employers will be required to justify refusals based on eight specific criteria.
- Zero-hour contracts: The reforms include a ban on exploitative zero-hours contracts, ensuring that workers are offered contracts based on actual hours worked over 12-week reference period. This would also require advance notice of shift patterns and compensation for last-minute cancellations.
However, the plans do not include Labour’s long promised introduction of a single worker category aimed at curbing exploitation in the gig economy as well as the much discussed “right to switch off”.
Pictured: John Healey and Sir Tony Radakin arrive at No 10
10:15
Salma Ouaguira
Coming up: Jenrick delivers speech as Tory leadership race heats up
10:00
Salma Ouaguira
Robert Jenrick is set to deliver a speech at the Policy Exchange think tank today in a bid to build momentum after securing his place in the final two of the Tory leadership race.
The former immigration minister heads to the final stage alongside Kemi Badenoch after James Cleverly was shockingly knocked out.
Mr Jenrick will speak at noon in central London.
Prime minister welcomes Zelensky to Downing Street for talks
09:47
Salma Ouaguira
Sir Keir Starmer has welcomed Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky to Downing Street as the pair discuss the UK’s support for Kyiv.
The prime minister said it was a chance for the Ukrainian leader to talk through his plans in more detail.
Sir Keir said it was “very important we’re able to show our continued commitment to support Ukraine” and it was a chance to “go through the plan, to talk in more detail”.
Wes Streeting meets world health ministers at G7 in Italy
09:38
Salma Ouaguira
Ready to go at the @G7 Health Ministerial Meeting in Ancona.
— Wes Streeting MP (@wesstreeting) October 10, 2024
Ready to play our part in tackling the big global health challenges. pic.twitter.com/MSiLT3PonY
Pictured: New chief of staff Morgan McSweeney in Downing Street
09:29
Salma Ouaguira
Minister insists Labour will not force flexible working
09:28
Salma Ouaguira
The government has confirmed it will not impose mandatory flexible working on companies.
Business secretary Jonathan Reynolds insisted Labour will instead introduce statutory guidance regarding when businesses can deny such requests.
In an interview with the BBC, the minister explained that while the new measures will clarify acceptable grounds for refusing flexibility, employers will not be forced to comply.
He said: “There will be some clear statutory guidance with grounds upon which that wouldn’t be possible.
“So that might mean you have to train junior members of staff, it might be that you have management responsibilities.
“But it will be straightforward and of course we should always recognise where this can be agreed between an employer and employee.”
Pictured: Zelensky arrives in Downing Street to meet Keir Starmer
09:15
Salma Ouaguira
COMMENT | If Cleverly’s elimination from the Tory race came as a shock, read on…
09:00
Salma Ouaguira
The exit of the frontrunner is the most astonishing result in a Tory leadership ballot since Michael Portillo lost to Iain Duncan Smith, writes John Rentoul.
And there may be one final twist in the tale…
Fears mount over national insurance as Starmer hints at potential tax increases
08:49
Salma Ouaguira
As chancellor Rachel Reeves prepares for the Autumn Budget on 30 October, Sir Keir Starmer has ignited concerns by not ruling out an increase in National Insurance contributions.
During a heated exchange at Prime Minister’s Questions yesterday, Sir Keir faced questions from Tory leader Rishi Sunak, who pressed him on the future of the government’s tax policy.
But the PM refused to rule out a possible hike in the future, claiming: “I’m not going to get drawn on conclusions.”
Previously, National Insurance rates had seen significant reductions. In January, the rate for 27 million workers dropped from 12 per cent to 10 per cent and it fell further to 8 per cent in April as part of Jeremy Hunt’s tax reforms.
It comes as the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) estimates Rachel Reeves may need to raise up to £25 billion from tax increases if she wants to keep public spending rising with national income.
Badenoch and Jenrick to face off in TV debate
08:34
Salma Ouaguira
Kemi Badenoch and Robert Jenrick are set to clash in a televised debate on 17 October.
Hosted by GB News, the ‘Decision Time: The Race To Lead’ show promises to be a decisive event in the Tory leadership race to succeed Rishi Sunak.
The programme will be broadcasted from 7pm to 9pm.
What happened at the Tory leadership row between supporters?
08:29
Salma Ouaguira
Just hours after Kemi Badenoch and Robert Jenrick secured their spots in the final showdown, a Tory leadership race exploded into full-blown civil war.
The rivals’ camps clashed like two heavyweight boxers trading early jabs.
Sir John Hayes, a staunch supporter, threw the first punch.
He fired his shot at Ms Badenoch, claiming that the Conservatives “don’t want an irascible leadership” - a swipe at claims that the shadow secretary can be abrasive at times.
But it didn’t take long for Ms Badenoch’s backers to hit back.
Nigel Huddleston suggested Jenrick was bogged down with “too many specific policies”, taking aim at his detailed manifesto, including his controversial plan to withdraw Britain from the European Convention of Human Rights.
With just one vote left, the Tory civil war is far from over.
Both candidates are seen as right-wing firebrands, and it appears the battle lines have already been drawn in this bruising contest.
Minister vows ‘everybody will be better off under Labour'
08:25
Salma Ouaguira
Business and trade secretary Jonathan Reynolds has promised voters that the government is committed to improving living standards for all, despite concerns over the upcoming budget.
Responding to fears that pensioners may face hardship this winter, the minister pushed back against claims that they would be left “hiding behind the sofa wrapped in a blanket”.
Speaking to Sky News this morning, Mr Reynolds said: “This is a government that is going to make everybody better off.
“Specifically for pensioners, we already have the commitment to the triple lock, that’s a guarantee that pensioners will be better off this year, next year, the year after that.
“That is a significant pledge from this new government, so people should be reassured from commitments like that.”
Worker’s bill has ‘more holes than Swiss cheese’, says Unite
08:20
Salma Ouaguira
Unite the union has warned Angela Rayner’s Employment Rights Bill fails to fully protect workers.
General secretary Sharon Graham acknowledged the legislation is a step forward, but she insisted the reform would leave “more holes than Swiss cheese” for employers to exploit.
Ms Graham commended some provisions, such as ending Minimum Service Levels and introducing individual rights like bereavement leave.
However, she pointed out that the bill still falls short of its promises, especially in tackling fire-and-rehire practices and zero-hours contracts.
She added: “The Bill also fails to give workers the sort of meaningful rights to access to a union for pay bargaining that would put more money in their pockets and, in turn, would aid growth.
“Unite will continue to make the workers’ voice heard as we push for improvements to the legislation as the Bill goes through parliament.”
Angela Rayner: Tories ‘clueless’ over workers’ rights opposition
08:10
Salma Ouaguira
Angela Rayner has accused the Conservative Party of being “out of step with modern Britain” for opposing Labour’s Employment Rights Bill.
In a tweet, she promised the bill will bring the “biggest upgrade to rights at work in a generation”.
Speaking at the Commons yesterday, the deputy prime minister said Labour’s proposals aim to transform workers’ protections.
In a scathing critique of the Tories, Ms Rayner linked their current stance to historical opposition, reminding them how their party initially resisted the introduction of the minimum wage in 1998.
She wrote on social media: “We know the out of touch Tories will oppose this every step of the way. Just like they opposed Labour’s minimum wage, and now - shamefully - want to take us back to the dark ages, when women were denied maternity pay.
“But it’s clear they are out of step with modern Britain.”
Tory former Brexit minister endorses Kemi Badenoch
07:58
Salma Ouaguira
Former Brexit minister Steve Baker has thrown his support behind Kemi Badenoch in the final round of the Conservative leadership contest against Robert Jenrick.
Speaking to GB News, Mr Baker, who lost his seat in the general election, praised Ms Badenoch’s “authenticity” and commitment to conservative values.
He said: “I shall vote for Kemi and with a good heart too, because she’s authentic and she’s got a ferocious passion for what she believes.”
He also criticised his own party for “lacking an intellectual keel” in recent years, suggesting the Conservatives had lost its ideological direction by following the public opinion rather than shaping it.
“Kemi truly believes in conservative ideas, and she argues for them with great passion. And it’s that authenticity which for me tells me it should be Kemi,” he added.
Boris Johnson hints at return to front-line politics
07:48
Salma Ouaguira
Boris Johnson has hinted he may return to the political spotlight, describing the relentless nature of effective politicians as having a “cockroach-like” survival instinct.
In an interview with Times Radio, the former prime minister left open the door to a future role in public life, suggesting that his time in politics might not be over.
When asked if he saw a potential comeback, the former prime minister referenced the late Queen’s advice, claiming: “You should only do things you think can be useful.”
Pressed further on whether he still considered himself useful, Mr Johnson carefully avoided ruling anything out, adding: “I’m not saying that.”
He went on: “For politicians to be effective, they must be like wasps in a jam jar. They’ve got to want continually, cockroach-like to survive and to continue.
“That’s not necessarily a despicable thing from the point of view of the electorate because we all need people who really, really want to do their best for us.”
Policing costs for Taylor Swift’s London concerts revealed
07:45
Salma Ouaguira
The cost pf policing Taylor Swift’s concerts in London saw a significant increase over the summer, largely due to heightened security concerns following a failed terror plot in Europe.
Reports suggest that senior political figures, including home secretary Yvette Cooper, pushed for enhanced measures. She attended one of the August concerts without charge, further drawing attention to the scale of state resources allocated, Sky News reports.
The June concerts required 332 police officers and cost £206,557. Organisers reimbursed £79,140.08.
After the terror threat emerged, August’s security costs surged to nearly £500,000, involving 881 police officers. The organisers reimbursed £172,157.52.
Overall, £704,948.05 was spent on security for the popstar’s concerts, with organisers covering £251,297.60 of that sum. Across the two concert dates, a total of 1,143 officers were deployed.
ICYMI: Tory MPs pivot to the right as centrist Cleverly knocked out
07:35
Salma Ouaguira
Conservative MPs stunned Westminster by pivoting to the right and ditching centrist candidate James Cleverly in the race to succeed Rishi Sunak.
In a shock result, the former home secretary was knocked out of the contest on Wednesday afternoon, leaving Robert Jenrick and Kemi Badenoch – both candidates favoured by the right of the party – to face a vote of the membership.
You can read the full story below:
Good morning
07:20
Salma Ouaguira
Welcome back to the politics live blog.
It’s a busy day in Westminster, with a mix of international diplomacy, domestic fiscal challenges and political manoeuvring at play.
- First on the agenda, Sir Keir Starmer is set to meet Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky at Downing Street, who is in a European tour to rally more support for Ukraine’s fight against Russia.
- The prime minister will also meet Nato’s new general secretary Mark Rutte.
- Meanwhile, the economic outlook is looking tense. A report from the Institute of Fiscal Studies warned that £25 billion in tax rises may be necessary to sustain the government’s spending plans.
- With the budget looming on 30 October, chancellor Rachel Reeves faces a tricky task of balancing fiscal responsibility with public reluctance towards tax hikes or spending cuts.
- In the Tory leadership contest, James Cleverly’s surprising exit has shocked many. A ‘failed’ tactical voting effort left Robert Jenrick and Kemi Badenoch as the last contenders.
- Elsewhere, home secretary Yvette Cooper is facing scrutiny after pushing for enhanced security for Taylor Swift before attending one of her concerts.
Zelensky to visit Downing Street as he seeks more support from Europe
07:00
Athena Stavrou
Volodymyr Zelensky will visit Downing Street on Thursday as he tours European nations seeking support for Ukraine’s resistance against Russia.
The Ukrainian president will meet Sir Keir Starmer and Nato secretary-general Mark Rutte, with the Prime Minister expected to underline the UK’s commitment to the defence of Ukraine.
The visit will be Mr Zelensky’s second trip to Number 10 since Sir Keir came to power after he addressed an extraordinary meeting of the Cabinet in July.
What supporters of each side are saying in leadership race
06:45
Alex Ross
In an exchange in a BBC Radio interview less than two hours after Ms Badenoch and Mr Jenrick, South Holland and The Deeping MP Sir John said: “Robert has a much broader experience of government than Kemi. He is appealing and can unite the party. We don’t need an irascible leadership. We want a leadership that is emollient but principled.”
When Droitwich and Evesham MP Mr Huddleston was asked to respond to the suggestion that Ms Badenoch is “irascible”, he said: “Kemi can connect with lots of people. Her message is very different from the others. She starts from first principles and values that will unite all Conservatives. Other candidates have gone out there with very deep dive specific policies.”
Tory civil war erupts again
06:31
Alex Ross
The Tory civil war has erupted again after MPs decided to make the leadership final the most right-wing in the party’s history.
Less than two hours after hard-right candidates Kemi Badenoch and Robert Jenrick made it to the last round of the Tory leadership contest, the camps started attacking each other.
Jenrick cheerleader Tory MP Sir John Hayes took a sideswipe at Ms Badenoch, saying the Conservatives do not want an “irascible leadership” – a thinly veiled reference to claims that she is “abrasive” at times.
Government’s plans to boost workers’ rights to be unveiled
06:30
Athena Stavrou
The Government will today announce details of new rights for workers, including plans to ban exploitative zero-hours contracts and “unscrupulous” fire and rehire practices which it said will benefit millions of workers.
Ministers described the Employment Rights Bill as the biggest boost to pay and productivity in the workplace in a generation.
Unions warmly welcomed the measures as a “seismic shift” from the low pay, low productivity economy they accused the previous Conservative government of presiding over.
There are 28 separate changes in the Bill, with most of them not expected to be implemented before the autumn of 2026.
Some measures, such as the right to “switch off” at the end of a working day, are not in the Bill but will be included in a so-called Next Steps document for further consideration and consultation.
Under the Bill, the existing two-year qualifying period for protections from unfair dismissal will be removed and workers will have the right from the first day in a job.
Ministers say this will benefit nine million workers who have been with their employer for less than two years.
Reeves may need tax increases worth £25 billion – IFS
05:30
Athena Stavrou
Rachel Reeves may need to raise up to £25 billion from tax increases if she wants to keep spending rising with national income, the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) estimates.
Even if the Chancellor changes the debt rule she inherited from the Tories, this would do “almost nothing” to ease the challenge on public service funding, the IFS said as it released its Green Budget report.
Because of her promise to meet day-to-day spending out of revenues, Ms Reeves would still need to turn to tax rises to avoid spending cuts and meet her pledge to borrow only to invest.
IFS director Paul Johnson said Ms Reeves’ first Budget, which she will deliver on October 30, could be “the most consequential since at least 2010”.
The report, funded by the Nuffield Foundation and using economic forecasting by Citi, analysed the challenges facing the Chancellor.
In a scenario modelled by Citi, the report concluded that if there are no cuts to spending outside of public services, Ms Reeves would need a tax rise of £16 billion to remain on course to balance the budget in 2028-29.
This would be on top of the £9 billion tax rise from measures set out in Labour’s manifesto – adding up to almost £25 billion in total.
Watch: Culture secretary defends Starmer taking ‘free tickets’ for Taylor Swift concert
04:30
Athena Stavrou
Pensions ‘could be used to help workers build a rainy day savings pot’
03:30
Athena Stavrou
The next decade of workplace pensions saving should be more flexible and help low earners to build up a savings safety net that they can draw on before they retire, according to a think tank.
The Resolution Foundation said more focus is needed on addressing the different challenges faced by low, middle and higher earners.
It said the first decade of automatic enrolment into workplace pensions has improved private pension coverage and boosted people’s savings pots.
But while a “one-size-fits-all” approach has worked well for the first chapter of auto-enrolment, the next chapter will require both a boost to saving rates and a more flexible approach, to reflect the different challenges that low, middle and higher earners face, it added.
The report argues that default contribution rates into auto-enrolment should continue to rise over the next decade, initially from 8% to 10%.
Schools with falling pupil numbers may run ‘mixed-age classes’ due to pressures
02:30
Athena Stavrou
Primary schools in England struggling with falling pupil numbers could be forced to run mixed-age classes to cope financially, a report has suggested.
In extreme cases, some schools with many unfilled places may have to close in the future due to budgetary pressures, according to an analysis.
The percentage of primary school places that are unfilled is projected to rise from 12% to 16% over the next five years, the National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER) report said.
In Inner London, unfilled places are projected to rise from 20% to 30% over the same period.
The report said: “The combined picture suggests that continuing falling pupil numbers will cause more primary schools to face significant financial strife in future unless they find ways to cut costs substantially or funding is significantly increased.”
It added: “One possibility is that schools may look to create mixed-age classes in an effort to save the cost of teachers and teaching assistants.”
The Government could offer “parachute payments” to give schools some “breathing room” whilst pupil numbers are falling quickly, it suggested.
Watch: Sunak takes Sue Gray swipe at PM as he claims Starmer is ‘a convert to fire and rehire'
01:30
Athena Stavrou
UK falls further behind the US in educating world leaders, study shows
Thursday 10 October 2024 00:15
Athena Stavrou
The UK has fallen further behind the United States in a league table of the countries that educate the most serving world leaders who studied abroad.
Of the current serving presidents, prime ministers and monarchs educated at a university outside their own home country, 70 received higher education in the US compared to 58 in the UK.
The gap between the US and the UK is the largest it has been since the Higher Education Policy Institute (Hepi) think tank first launched the annual “soft-power index” in 2017.
Nick Hillman, director of Hepi, has warned that the gap between these two countries could widen further in future years because of the former UK Government’s immigration policies affecting international students.
He told the PA news agency: “We have sowed the seeds for our own further relative decline and we have done it knowingly.”
UK-Mauritius deal ‘second great betrayal of the Chagossian people’
Wednesday 9 October 2024 23:23
Athena Stavrou
The UK’s decision to hand over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius has been described as the “second great betrayal of the Chagossian people”.
The Chagos Islands have been in British hands for more than 200 years, but after Mauritius gained independence from France in the late 1960s, the inhabit
