‘If voters aren’t better off by the next election, we’re screwed’: Labour insiders voice fears over budget 10. October 2026 (08:00) Some say party risks ‘looking twee’ by focusing on small fixes amid growing nervousness that budget lacks ambitionIn the days since Labour’s annual conference, party insiders have been sharing a word cloud produced by the pollsters More in Common, which shows the phrases voters most associate with Andy Burnham.Such polling is rarely flattering for politicians, and the prime minister’s version had its fair share of negatives. But one of the most prominent words in the cloud – and the one that has caught the imagination of Labour strategists – was “trying”. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
UK accused of giving people of Gaza false hope over new refugee safe route 10. October 2026 (08:00) Only ‘very small number’ of people already in Lebanon or Jordan will be referred, says organisation running schemeThe Home Office is facing claims it gave false hope to the people of Gaza after it emerged that a new safe route for Palestinian refugees will only be open to those who have already escaped to Lebanon or Jordan.Shabana Mahmood, the home secretary, announced the reopening of a resettlement scheme for refugees at Labour’s annual conference last month. A statement from her department said: “Around one in four referrals will be for Afghan women and girls and Palestinian refugees, fleeing war and persecution.” Continue reading...(The Guardian)
UK savings: 5% interest rate deals may not last, say experts 10. October 2026 (08:00) Competition is hotting up, with National Savings & Investments lifting rates to the highest in yearsNational Savings and Investments (NS&I) has increased the returns on some of its accounts, with many now paying more than 5% for the first time in nearly three years.Competition in the savings market has been growing, leading to some of the highest interest rates for years. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Has Bread Ahead really risen too much for Borough Market? 10. October 2026 (07:00) The hugely popular bakery is being kicked out after becoming ‘too successful’ — but its owner is fighting back, reports Chris Blackhurst(London News)
Create new pre-apprenticeship scheme to close youth unemployment gap, says Milburn 10. October 2026 (07:00) Exclusive: Former minister’s review warns that dramatic action is needed over huge drop in youth apprenticeship startsA national apprenticeship readiness scheme should be introduced in England to close the gap for young people between leaving school and starting work, the government is to be told.Alan Milburn, who is leading a major review into Britain’s youth jobs crisis, will call for a new “national pre-apprenticeship route” to offer young people further education, training and work experience. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
