Several papers look ahead to a big economic speech by Chancellor Rachel Reeves on Monday, where she is expected to reveal there is a shortfall of as much as £20bn in the government’s finances. The paper says this could pave the way for potential tax rises in the autumn budget, which is planned for October.
The Daily Telegraph says Ms Reeves is expected to blame NHS pressures, prisons and schools for the funding gap when she sets out her audit in Parliament on Monday. The paper also reports than an “autumn tax raid” is likely with plans to raise taxes by up to £25bn. It says there are fears that a “raid on pensions or inheritance tax” could be coming.
The i newspaper says Treasury officials are suggesting the government cuts tax relief for pensioners. The paper has spoken to a former Treasury official who says the proposal – which could affect seven million people – is a “long-standing ask”. Ms Reeves has so far distanced herself from the suggestion, the paper says.
Elsewhere in politics, the Daily Mail scrutinises Labour’s key election campaign pledge that energy bills will fall by £300 a year by 2030. Energy Secretary Ed Miliband earlier refused to give a date for when people could expect to see bills fall – prompting the Tories to accuse Labour of having told a lie, the paper says.
The Mirror reports the latest on the stabbing of an Army officer in Gillingham in Kent. The paper says the serviceman’s wife, Eileen, has been hailed a hero for confronting the alleged attacker. A 24-year-old man has been charged with attempted murder.
The stabbed soldier and his wife are also pictured on the front of the Times, which has spoken to friends of the couple. But the newspaper’s top story is on Health Secretary Wes Streeting who has criticised England’s health watchdog. Mr Streeting says the Care Quality Commission – which regulates healthcare – is “not fit for purpose” and he has been “stunned by the failings”.
Actress Jennifer Aniston is on the front page of the Daily Star, after she criticised Donald Trump’s running mate, JD Vance, for comments he made in 2021 calling Democrats a “bunch of childless cat ladies with miserable lives”. Aniston – who has previously spoken openly about her struggles conceiving via IVF – also slammed Mr Vance for previously voting against a move to expand access to fertility treatments. The Star brands Mr Vance “thick-as-a-brick”.
The Financial Times reports that British financial technology company Revolut has secured a banking licence after more than three years of “wrangling with regulators”. It means Revolut – which currently provides digital banking like app-based current accounts to nine million UK customers – will now be able to offer more services like mortgages.
The Daily Express has an exclusive interview with broadcaster Dame Esther Rantzen, who is terminally ill with lung cancer and is continuing to campaign for assisted dying to be legalised in the UK. Dame Esther has joined Dignitas in Switzerland but she tells the paper her heart feels lifted at the prospect of dying at her home surrounded by loved ones.
And the Olympics make the front page of the Metro, ahead of the games officially opening at a ceremony on Friday. Gold medallists Helen Glover and Tom Daley will be representing Team GB, the paper says – and adds that a million British fans are heading to Paris, spending a total of £4bn on their trips.
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