Zen Brief

Economic and political questions lead the day: plans to limit non-compete clauses, and Kemi Badenoch's inheritance tax pledge and conference positioning for the Conservatives. A BBC investigation reports rising numbers of babies entering care proceedings.

1. 1 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.
2. 2 Premier League Clubs Fear Political Sway in Man City CasePremier League clubs have raised concerns that political pressure could influence the outcome of Manchester City's appeal.
3. 3 Badenoch's inheritance tax pledge tests Conservative fiscal credibilityBadenoch's inheritance tax pledge aims to show the Conservatives as fiscally serious; economists question how it would be funded.
4. 4 Baby removals surge amid early support funding crisisA BBC investigation finds more babies entering care proceedings; experts say better early intervention could keep many families together.
5. 5 Badenoch invokes Thatcher to signal Conservative ideological shiftAt conference Badenoch called herself a 'classic old-school Conservative', raising questions about Tory strategy before the next election.