The Department for Work and Pensions is reviewing disability benefits, considering alternatives to direct financial payments. A minister indicated some claimants could be directed towards support services or vouchers rather than cash.
Yvette Cooper, the Foreign Secretary, has voiced serious concerns regarding the delayed disclosure of Lord Mandelson's vetting issues for the US ambassadorial role, an omission which has now triggered a parliamentary review and intensified calls for Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's resignation. The controversy centres on whether Sir Keir misled Parliament by previously stating due process was followed, despite reportedly being unaware of the vetting failure until 15 April.
Australia's most decorated living soldier, Ben Roberts-Smith, has publicly denied all war crime allegations following his arrest and subsequent bail. He faces five counts of murder relating to his service in Afghanistan between 2009 and 2012, and has committed to clearing his name through the legal process.
