The Debate: Should the BBC licence fee be scrapped? November 12, 2025 The BBC is facing an 'existential crisis' according to some. But is it time to scrap the licence fee altogether?
Rachel Reeves mulls second booze tax hike November 12, 2025 Chancellor Rachel Reeves is considering an increase in taxes on alcohol in line with a higher reading of inflation in a repeat of last year’s Budget, according to reports. Reeves could hike duties by the retail prices index (RPI) inflation rate in a bid to raise more cash to fill an estimated £30bn fiscal hole [...]
Government to reconsider Waspi women compensation claim after new evidence November 12, 2025 The decision not to award compensation to women affected by the rise in state pension age will be reviewed, the Work and Pensions Secretary has said, after new evidence came to light. Pat McFadden confirmed the decision will be reconsidered and the government will withdraw from the judicial review brought by the Women Against State [...]
Bond markets ignore Starmer briefings and Westminster gossip November 12, 2025 Bond markets shrugged at Keir Starmer’s team’s attacks against Cabinet ministers and Westminster gossip suggesting a leadership contest was emerging after investors were dragged into briefing wars. On Tuesday night, a briefing war erupted in Westminster as Keir Starmer’s allies told journalists that there would be a rout in the bond markets if the Prime [...]
Taylor Wimpey shares slump as boss blasts Budget uncertainty November 12, 2025 The boss of Taylor Wimpey has blamed weak market conditions that hit the firm’s bottom line on the uncertainty surrounding the forthcoming Budget. Jennie Daly, chief executive of the housebuilder, said: “Market conditions remain challenging, impacted by uncertainty ahead of the upcoming UK Budget and continued affordability pressures.” Shares in Taylor Wimpey were down over 3.5 [...]
Fuller’s boss hits out at ‘lack of clear plan’ from Chancellor amid Budget fears November 12, 2025 The boss of one of Britain’s biggest pub chains has taken aim at a “lack of clear plan” from the Chancellor as the hospitality sector braces for another round of tax rises at the forthcoming Budget. Simon Emeny, executive chair of Fuller’s, said the government needed “new ideas, new thinking” if it is to live [...]
FTSE 100 Live: Taylor Wimpey and Fuller’s Budget warning; Starmer under fire November 12, 2025 Good morning from the Morning Wire live blog team. The FTSE 100 is springing back to life this week, managing to seal its second consecutive record close at 9,899.60p after a 1.15 per cent gain and bringing the index a whisker away from the 10,000 mark. The blue-chip index has rallied after the US government [...]
Brits insist on cash ISA safety net amid Treasury investment push November 12, 2025 Millions of Brits refuse to invest in the stock market without a significant cash safety net amid growing speculation over a potential slash to the cash ISA ceiling. According to financial services platform Moneybox, 87 per cent of people insisted on having a substantial amount of cash before investing, confirming it made them more comfortable [...]
Three quarters of Brits think UK ‘heading in wrong direction’ as Budget looms November 12, 2025 The UK is heading in the wrong direction, most Brits believe, in the latest sign of rising gloom about the state of the country’s economy. A Morning Wire/Freshwater Strategy poll has shown that 76 per cent of voters are pessimistic about the future of the country, the highest level of pessimism recorded since our polling [...]
NHS must stop prioritising staff convenience over public health November 12, 2025 Falling productivity, striking doctors and a refusal to embrace new technology: the NHS is not run for 'us' at all, writes Paul Ormerod.