Several newspapers have reported on forthcoming budgetary measures, with concerns raised over potential plans to cut the Ministry of Justice budget. The i claims that former justice secretaries Robert Buckland and Alex Chalk have warned against such a move, with Buckland stating that “the idea there’s anything left to cut is fanciful”. The release of a second tranche of prisoners earlier this week was intended to alleviate overcrowding.
The Daily Mail has reported on Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ plans to raise £15bn by imposing national insurance on private sector employers’ pensions contributions, whilst exempting those in the public sector. The possible move has been criticised by industry experts, with some reacting angrily.
The Sun reports that a UK-wide ban on disposable vapes is scheduled to commence on June 1, 2022, in order to safeguard children’s health and the environment. However, the paper adds that some have accused Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer of “nanny state meddling”.
The Guardian has drawn attention to a report by the National Audit Office that states the cost of special needs education in England has now reached £10bn a year. Some local authorities have been driven toward insolvency due to this rise in demand, with young people with special needs witnessing little improvement in their quality of life. The report predicts that the number of children entitled to such support will double within the next ten years.
The Daily Telegraph reports that aides to Sir Keir have become involved in a heated dispute with Donald Trump over claims that Labour party activists assisting on the Kamala Harris campaign broke US electoral law. The news follows senior Labour figures attending the Democratic National Convention in August. It is suggested that discussions between Labour and Democrat officials could breach rules banning foreigners from contributing to election campaigns, a viewpoint denied by Labour.
The Times has noted that Trump has accused the same Labour aides of “anti-American election interference” in a “far-left” plot to place Harris in the White House. The comments are described as an “extraordinary attack” which could exacerbate the UK’s relationship with the US, should Trump remain in power following November’s election.
The Financial Times has reported fines of $89m (£69bn) being handed out to Goldman Sachs and Apple by a US watchdog. The penalty was imposed for the companies allegedly avoiding their duties to customers of a shared credit card business regarding disputed transactions. The two firms have not admitted nor denied contravening regulatory obligations.
Finally, the Daily Mirror reports on the death of Olympic shot putter and professional strongman Geoff Capes at the age of 75. Capes was also a keen breeder of budgerigars, with a picture of him flexing his biceps whilst a bird perched on his shoulder featured in the report. The article is headlined “RIP, big man”.
The Metro has featured the story of a baby girl, named Posie, who was delivered after her pregnant mother fell from a tower block in Leeds and died. Her sister, Demi, posted a message on social media stating: “Our beautiful Posie fighting for her mummy. The last bit of our mama to treasure.”
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