Zen Brief

Kemi Badenoch's inheritance tax pledge and conference stance draw scrutiny over Conservative strategy and funding. Downing Street plans faster air defence aid for Ukraine after new strikes on Kyiv's bridges.

1. 1 Premier League Clubs Fear Political Sway in Man City CasePremier League clubs warn that political pressure could shape the outcome of Manchester City's appeal, officials confirmed Wednesday.
2. 2 Badenoch's inheritance tax pledge tests Conservative fiscal credibilityBadenoch's inheritance tax pledge aims to present the Tories as fiscally serious, but economists question how it would be funded.
3. 3 Baby removals surge amid early support funding crisisA BBC investigation finds more babies entering care proceedings; experts say better early support could keep many families together.
4. 4 Badenoch invokes Thatcher to signal Conservative ideological shiftBadenoch's 'classic old-school Conservative' stance at conference raises questions about Tory strategy before the next election.
5. 5 UK to Speed Up Air Defence Aid to UkraineDowning Street says it will speed up air defence deliveries to Ukraine after renewed Russian drone strikes on Kyiv's bridges this weekend.