The government's proposed reforms to Personal Independence Payments (PIP) will not result in 'crude' cuts to disability benefits, according to Sir Stephen Timms, the minister leading the review. He acknowledged the current system is not 'fit for purpose' and requires significant changes.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has appointed former Labour figures Gordon Brown and Harriet Harman to advisory roles, following significant election defeats that have weakened his authority. The move aims to reset his premiership, despite internal party confusion and calls for his resignation.
Over 200,000 migrants have crossed the English Channel in small boats since 2018, despite government pledges to halt arrivals. The figures reveal a doubling of crossings in the last three years, with a significant increase in asylum seekers from African nations. The Home Office states it is "bearing down on" illegal crossings, yet the asylum system faces considerable pressure, with varying grant rates by nationality and limited returns.
