Zen Brief

Keir Starmer condemned a deadly Russian strike on Zaporizhzhia and pledged continued UK support for Ukraine. At home, the Boots takeover, non-compete limits, the Manchester City appeal and Conservative tax plans drew scrutiny.

1. 1 Starmer condemns deadly Zaporizhzhia strike, pledges UK aidKeir Starmer condemned a Russian glide bomb strike on Zaporizhzhia that killed at least 20 and reaffirmed Britain's military support for Ukraine.
2. 2 Boots sale to Canadian billionaire raises UK high street concernsThe takeover of Boots by a Canadian family has prompted scrutiny over its impact on jobs, prices and the future of the UK high street.
3. 3 Ministers push non-compete curbs to free up workersPlans to limit non-compete clauses aim to boost worker mobility, while business groups warn of unintended economic consequences.
4. 4 Premier League Clubs Fear Political Sway in Man City CasePremier League clubs have warned that political pressure could shape the outcome of Manchester City's appeal.
5. 5 Badenoch's inheritance tax pledge tests Conservative fiscal credibilityKemi Badenoch's inheritance tax pledge seeks to present the Conservatives as fiscally serious, but economists question how it would be funded.