Zen Brief

Ahead of next month's Budget, the IMF has backed the UK's plan to cut borrowing, while the IFS warns that spending pledges may need extra funding. Elsewhere, Starmer condemned a deadly strike on Zaporizhzhia, and NHS waiting lists are rising.

1. 1 IMF backs UK fiscal plan before autumn BudgetIMF officials praised UK plans to cut borrowing three times in 24 hours, giving the government rare outside backing before next month's Budget.
2. 2 IFS warns Treasury needs £35bn for spending pledgesThe IFS says the Treasury may need about £35bn to honour its spending pledges, adding pressure ahead of the Budget.
3. 3 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.
4. 4 Starmer condemns deadly Zaporizhzhia strike, pledges UK aidStarmer condemned a Russian glide bomb strike on Zaporizhzhia that killed at least 20 and reaffirmed Britain's military support for Ukraine.
5. 5 Boots sale to Canadian billionaire raises UK high street concernsThe takeover of Boots by a Canadian family has prompted scrutiny over jobs, prices and the future of the UK high street.