Zen Brief

The IFS has warned of a large funding gap ahead of the Budget, and NHS surgery waiting lists are rising earlier than usual. Starmer condemned a deadly Russian strike on Zaporizhzhia.

1. 1 IFS warns Treasury needs £35bn for spending pledgesThe IFS says the Treasury may need about £35bn more to meet its spending pledges ahead of the Budget.
2. 2 NHS Surgery Waiting Times Rise as Winter Crisis DeepensNHS waiting lists for planned surgery are rising earlier than usual, prompting warnings about winter capacity in hospital trusts.
3. 3 Starmer condemns deadly Zaporizhzhia strike, pledges UK aidStarmer condemned a Russian glide bomb strike on Zaporizhzhia that killed at least 20 and reaffirmed UK military support for Ukraine.
4. 4 Boots sale to Canadian billionaire raises UK high street concernsThe takeover of Boots by a Canadian family has prompted scrutiny over its effect on jobs, prices and the future of the UK high street.
5. 5 Ministers push non-compete curbs to free up workersPlans to limit non-compete clauses aim to improve worker mobility, while business groups warn of unintended economic consequences.