News 30/11/25

Sir Keir Starmer is set to deliver a speech on Monday defending the government’s budget decisions, following criticism over tax rises and accusations that the chancellor misled the public on finances.

Downing Street says he will outline how the budget, which included £26 billion in tax increases across the economy, supports the government’s programme of national renewal and sets the “right economic course” for Britain. The prime minister will also confirm ministers will seek to reform the welfare system after a U-turn on plans to narrow eligibility for Personal Independence Payments earlier this year. He will say: “We have to confront the reality that our welfare state is trapping people, not just in poverty, but out of work, young people especially. And that is a poverty of ambition.”

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio says talks in Florida with Ukraine over a potential deal to end the Russia-Ukraine war were productive, though he warned there is “more work to be done”.

The Ukrainian delegation was led by national security council secretary Rustem Umerov, the country’s new chief negotiator. Also present were President Donald Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff and his son-in-law Jared Kushner. Witkoff is scheduled to visit Moscow for further discussions next week. Umerov replaced Andriy Yermak, who resigned following an anti-corruption raid on his home.

Slough Jets recorded their second win of the weekend with a 7–1 Challenge Cup victory over Streatham.

Following a 10–0 league win over Cardiff on Saturday, the Jets opened the scoring in the first period and led by one goal at the break. They extended the advantage to three unanswered goals by the end of the second period. Four more goals followed in the third period, with Streatham scoring once to break Matt Smittal’s shutout. Smittal was named man of the match.

Zarah Sultana has criticised factionalism at Your Party’s founding conference, condemning the treatment of a Muslim woman who was removed from the hall.

The Coventry South MP said witch hunts and bullying had taken place and vowed not to accept such behaviour. She also apologised for early organisational problems, saying some were her fault. Jeremy Corbyn confirmed the name Your Party will remain after members voted.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has asked President Isaac Herzog for a pardon over corruption cases he has been fighting.

Herzog’s office said justice officials will offer advice before any decision. Netanyahu has been on trial for five years on charges including bribery, fraud and breach of trust, which he denies. He said he wished to see the process through but believed national interest required a different path.

At least 146 people are confirmed dead after a fire tore through high rise blocks in Hong Kong on Wednesday.

Police gave the updated toll on Sunday and warned more deaths are possible, with around 150 people still missing and 79 injured. Seven of the eight towers at the Wang Fuk Court complex in Tai Po were quickly engulfed, prompting anger over claims flammable materials helped the blaze spread. National mourning began on Saturday and crowds have gathered at the site.

A man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a 16 year old boy was shot and left critically ill on London Road in Sheffield on Monday.

A 26 year old man and a 23 year old woman were held, and two teenage boys previously arrested on suspicion of conspiracy have been bailed.

Your Party will adopt a collective leadership after members backed a shared model over a single MP leading the movement.

Delegates in Liverpool heard the result, with 51.6 percent supporting the collective approach and 48.4 percent favouring one leader. The decision avoids a contest between co founders Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana, though ally said Jeremy was rejected.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves says she can be trusted with the public finances and insists she has been clear about her decisions.

She was challenged to explain warnings about productivity forecasts after it emerged the OBR told her in mid September the finances were stronger. Reeves said she did not accept the claim and remained upfront about her plans.

Thames Valley Police is appealing for the victim of an indecent exposure to come forward.

A woman reported seeing a man exposing himself at Slough Retail Park on Thursday. She flagged down an officer who left to find the man, but she did not stay. A forty-eight-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of exposure and bailed.

A Slough landlord found guilty of fraud must repay more than three hundred and seventy thousand pounds or face forty five months in jail.

Pervez was charged in August twenty twenty three and convicted in December at Reading Crown Court for falsely claiming means tested Direct Payments from the council for social care. The payments cover assessed support.

Ukrainian officials say naval drones have struck two Russian shadow fleet oil tankers in the Black Sea.

Footage shows drones hitting the Kairos and the Virat, flagged to the Gambia, off the Turkish coast on Friday, with the Virat targeted again Saturday. No casualties were reported. Kyiv sees the attacks as an effort to weaken Russian oil revenues.

Venezuela has condemned comments by US President Donald Trump urging others to treat its airspace as closed.

Its foreign ministry called the remarks illegal, accusing him of a colonialist threat. It says the US lacks authority to close another country’s skies. Washington has increased military activity in the area and carried out strikes on boats it claims carried drugs.