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Chancellor Rachel Reeves delivered Labour's first Budget on October 30, 2024, addressing a £40 billion fiscal shortfall. The Budget included significant tax hikes and spending cuts, with a focus on addressing the economic challenges stemming from Brexit and the pandemic. The government's approach has sparked debate over austerity measures and their impact on public services.
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Labour MP Kim Leadbeater is set to introduce a private member's bill on assisted dying on October 16, 2024. This marks the first parliamentary debate on the issue since 2015. The bill aims to provide terminally ill adults in England and Wales the right to choose to end their lives, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer supporting a free vote for MPs.
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Charities are urging the UK government to establish a family reunion pathway for Ukrainians with temporary immigration status. The Home Office's recent changes have left many families, like Maria Kondratska's, separated and struggling amid ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The situation highlights the urgent need for policy reform to support these vulnerable families.
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The UK government plans to implement new 'guardrails' for infrastructure spending, allowing for increased borrowing to fund major projects. This initiative aims to prevent past financial missteps and enhance public investment efficiency ahead of the upcoming Budget on October 30, 2024.
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Labour MP Kim Leadbeater is set to introduce a bill on assisted dying in the House of Commons today, marking the first parliamentary vote on the issue in nearly a decade. The debate is scheduled for November 29, with significant public and political interest surrounding the proposed legislation.
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Prime Minister Keir Starmer's government is under pressure as senior ministers express concerns over proposed departmental cuts ahead of the October 30 Budget. With potential reductions of up to 20%, the backlash could undermine Labour's growth agenda and public services, raising questions about the government's unity and fiscal strategy.
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Bianca Gascoigne, daughter of ex-footballer Paul Gascoigne, has publicly accused the late Mohamed Al Fayed of sexual misconduct during her employment at Harrods. This follows a surge of allegations against Al Fayed, prompting Harrods to settle claims from over 250 women. The trial of Robert Prussak, accused of kidnapping and assaulting a young girl, is also ongoing.
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On October 22, 2024, Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced a review of sentencing aimed at exploring alternatives to prison, including technology-based solutions like virtual prisons and community service. This initiative comes as the government faces prison overcrowding and seeks to ensure space for dangerous offenders.
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As the UK prepares for a significant vote on the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill on November 29, 2024, key figures express their positions. Health Secretary Wes Streeting and Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood oppose the bill, citing concerns over palliative care and potential coercion, while Labour leader Keir Starmer supports it, promising a free vote for MPs.
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Chinese human rights lawyers Yu Wensheng and Xu Zhiyong are facing severe sentences for their activism. Yu received three years' detention, while Xu's health deteriorates amid a hunger strike. International calls for their release grow, highlighting ongoing human rights abuses in China and beyond.