Zen Brief

The coming Budget shapes the day in Britain: the IMF has praised the government's borrowing plans, while the IFS warns that spending pledges may need £35bn. Elsewhere, NHS waiting lists are rising early and Starmer has responded to a deadly strike in Ukraine.

1. 1 IMF backs UK fiscal plan before autumn BudgetThe IMF has praised Britain's borrowing-reduction plans three times in 24 hours, giving Starmer rare outside backing before next month's Budget.
2. 2 IFS warns Treasury needs £35bn for spending pledgesThe IFS says the Treasury may need £35bn to honour its spending pledges, a question that sits over the coming 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 UK military support for Ukraine.
5. 5 Boots sale to Canadian billionaire raises UK high street concernsA Canadian family is buying Boots, prompting scrutiny of the effect on jobs, prices and the future of the UK high street.