UK politics: Starmer sticks by manifesto pledge not to raise taxes amid tariff turmoil – as it happened

Previous plans to develop London’s Custom House have been rejected, but real estate company Jastar Capital is now looking to turn the Grade I listed property into a luxury hotel with a spa, café, and restaurant. Plans promise new windows, a spa, and public access all year, with a focus on sensitively upgrading the historically important parts of the building while enhancing its architectural features. The proposed revitalization aims to bring this iconic London landmark...

Luana Dougherty, a care worker, exploited her mother's Alzheimer's to steal her life savings, making withdrawals and transfers totaling thousands of pounds. Jailed for fraud, she was ordered to repay the proceeds by selling her second-hand car. Her actions left her mother anxious and distressed, impacting the family's ability to provide proper care and forcing reliance on the local authority for support. Full Article

Aldi and Lidl are currently exempt from competition laws restricting big supermarkets, giving them an advantage over rivals. The ban on using 'restrictive land' clauses to block competitors nearby applies to major chains like Tesco and Sainsbury's, who have faced over 220 breaches. The Competition and Markets Authority is reviewing the situation, considering including Aldi and Lidl in the ban or removing it altogether to ensure a level playing field. Full Article

Paul Ormond, who had consumed 10 pints of lager, assaulted a man at a pub in Retford, causing severe facial fractures requiring reconstructive surgery. Ormond pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm, was labeled a 'drunken thug' by the judge, and banned from all pubs in England and Wales for two years. He must also wear an alcohol monitoring tag, perform 120 hours of unpaid work, and pay £7,500 in compensation to the victim. Full...

Ministers and over 70 Members of Parliament gathered for a photo call in support of Yuan Yang and Abtisam Mohamed, who were banned from entering Israel. This incident marked the first time British MPs had faced such a restriction. Health Secretary Wes Streeting and Treasury Chief Secretary Darren Jones were among those present, showing solidarity with the detained MPs. The event was organized by Rochdale MP Paul Waugh, highlighting the unacceptable nature of the travel...

Conservative party donor Richard Harpin has halted his donations, leading to speculation that the party's northern headquarters may close. Harpin, founder of HomeServe, has reportedly stopped funding the Conservatives, according to two party insiders. This development could have significant implications for the party's operations in the north. Full Article