Chancellor fights back
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has shot down doom-mongers who are distorting why government borrowing costs are rising in pursuit of cheap political points. There is no need to panic and the Treasury big hitter pulverised Tories – who left her a massive black hole and low growth inheritance – as she battles to improve living standards, key services and public finances.
Ms Reeves faces a huge task and no one should pretend higher debt costs in Britain are not a concern, as they eat precious resources. However, the hikes are driven by what is happening in the US and how deeply in the red the Conservatives left our country.
Treasury Junior Minister Tulip Siddiq finally quitting – after weeks of mud flung at her and the government over corruption allegations in Bangladesh embroiling her family – removes a distraction in Ms Reeves’ department. The Chancellor must now be allowed to simply get on with her job.
Kate Middleton shows strength and warmth during outing in new ‘favourite’ colour
Stars and tripe
A special counsel’s report that Donald Trump would have been convicted of crimes over the 2021 attempted coup shows why he is unfit to be US President. After his inauguration next week, the serial liar cannot be prosecuted, illustrating fatal weaknesses in the American legal system.
But had the Democrats triumphed in last November’s election, Trump – who still ludicrously claims he won in 2020 when he lost to Joe Biden – would not have accepted the outcome as Kamala Harris did.
Instead, he would be inciting insurrection. Any politician who refuses to accept election results and the peaceful transfer of power is an enemy of democracy.
Kate’s solace
People with cancer and their families the world over will share the relief of the Princess of Wales now in remission. The mother of three’s bravery during what has been an incredibly tough time has shown what a caring queen she will one day make.