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Labour is set to propose significant reforms to the welfare system in the upcoming Budget on October 30, aiming to save £3 billion by tightening work capability rules. The plans, which echo Conservative proposals, have sparked debate over their potential impact on disabled individuals and the unemployed.
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Pressure is mounting on the UK government to address the plight of nearly 3,000 prisoners serving Imprisonment for Public Protection (IPP) sentences. Families and campaigners demand resentencing for those who have served significantly longer than their minimum terms, citing severe mental health impacts and lack of hope for release. This issue has gained renewed attention as tragic cases emerge.
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Authorities are increasingly worried about the welfare of Katherine Watson, a hospital chaplain, and three teenagers from Eastleigh, who have been missing for several days. Police are conducting searches and appealing for public assistance in locating them as time passes without contact from the missing persons. The community is urged to help in the search efforts.
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Inflation in the eurozone fell to 1.8% in September, down from 2.2% in August, prompting speculation about potential interest rate cuts by the European Central Bank (ECB). With economic growth sluggish, markets now anticipate a rate cut at the ECB's upcoming meeting on October 17.
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Oasis has announced additional tour dates in Australia for October and November 2025, marking their first performances there in 19 years. The band will play stadiums in Sydney and Melbourne, following a highly successful UK and North American tour. Ticket sales begin on October 15, 2024.
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Thomas Kwan, a 53-year-old GP, has changed his plea to guilty for attempting to murder Patrick O'Hara, 72, by injecting him with a poison disguised as a Covid booster jab. O'Hara survived but suffered severe health complications. Kwan's actions stemmed from a financial motive related to his mother's will.
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Following a BBC documentary, 65 additional women have accused the late Mohamed Al Fayed of sexual abuse, including harassment and assault, dating back to 1977. The Metropolitan Police are investigating these claims, which have prompted over 200 individuals to seek settlements from Harrods, where Al Fayed was previously owner.
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UK pub chains Marston's and Wetherspoons have reported varying sales growth amid ongoing economic pressures. Marston's saw a 4.8% rise in like-for-like sales, while Wetherspoons closed 26 pubs despite an 8% sales increase. Both companies are adjusting their strategies in response to market conditions.
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Recent reports highlight a worrying trend of venomous scorpions being discovered in packages shipped from China to the UK. Incidents include a student finding a scorpion in a boot shipment and a couple discovering one in a treadmill box. Experts express concern over the frequency of such stowaways.