Jane Merrick

Ministers may eventually cap profits earned by private adult social care providers as part of plans to reform social care and reduce care home costs, though the Government says no such cap is currently planned. Andy Burnham, Angela Rayner and Baroness Louise Casey have criticised providers accused of profiteering, particularly private-equity-backed firms, while the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services supports action but warns that implementation would be difficult. Average care home fees are about £949 a week, and a profit cap would not eliminate the need for additional funding. Possible funding options include a dedicated social care levy, although this has prompted criticism from Reform UK.

Government emergency planning documents warn that three consecutive years of extreme dry weather could require public water-supply restrictions, including turning off or limiting household and business supplies at certain times. Southern and eastern England would be worst affected, with impacts extending to the Midlands and south-west. The scenario could damage industry, agriculture and the environment, increase wildfire risk, disrupt power stations, hospitals, transport, telecommunications and data centres, and contribute to civil disorder. England is already experiencing its second consecutive year of declared drought, while heatwaves have been linked to 2,877 deaths during May and June. The Environment Agency projects a potential water shortfall of up to five billion litres per day by 2055 because of climate change, population growth and rising demand. The Government says providers have contingency plans and that nine new reservoirs are planned by 2050, expected to add around 700 million litres of water per day.

The UK Government is considering improvements to social care, potentially including specialist dementia training for care workers. Research for the Alzheimer’s Society found that only 47 per cent of social care staff received dementia training during induction, while mandatory training is not currently required in England, Wales or Northern Ireland; Scotland offers it to all care workers. Health Secretary Yvette Cooper will lead a ministerial group implementing early recommendations from Louise Casey’s social care commission, including appointing a Dementia Tsar. The Alzheimer’s Society argues that dementia training would be a practical early reform as families face fragmented care and significant emotional, practical and financial pressures.

A proposed 10 per cent levy on homes and estates after death, previously backed by Andy Burnham to fund a National Care Service, could raise about £9 billion annually at most—roughly the same as existing inheritance tax and only half the estimated £18.5 billion needed for a comprehensive service in England. Tax experts warn that the levy would apply to many more families, create significant administrative burdens and raise less than projected if people altered their financial behaviour to avoid it. A narrower home-care model could cost around £6.5 billion, but the Government may instead consider income levies or increases to existing taxes. Louise Casey rejected the idea that social care could be treated as an entirely new service requiring an entirely new tax, while the Prime Minister signalled that difficult funding decisions and possible tax rises were likely.

Andy Burnham is expected to announce measures aimed at reducing the number of young people not in education, employment or training, including earlier access to technical courses, employer links and work experience for pupils from age 14. Cheaper bus travel for 16- to 18-year-olds may be offered in connection with apprenticeships or work placements, building on Greater Manchester’s Our Pass scheme, although no immediate transport policy has been confirmed. The plans would also encourage public contracts to include apprenticeships or placements, alter Ofsted’s approach to technical education and expand local control over skills provision. The proposals respond to concerns that more than one million young people are being left behind and that the welfare bill is becoming unsustainable.

The UK government has no plans to create national food stockpiles, arguing that diverse domestic and international supply sources can withstand disruption. However, drought, extreme heat, damaged harvests, geopolitical conflict and the Strait of Hormuz blockade are increasing pressure on British food security, with shortages and higher prices possible. Industry representatives say stockpiling could improve resilience but would raise costs, while the National Farmers’ Union prioritises long-term support for domestic production. Finland, Sweden and Switzerland maintain extensive reserves, and India has stockpiled key grains amid war and climate-related harvest risks, prompting debate over whether Britain should adopt a more interventionist approach.

A UK-resident humanitarian worker was evacuated from the Democratic Republic of Congo to a London hospital after a potential healthcare-related exposure to Ebola. The person had no symptoms and was flown on a dedicated aircraft as a precaution before being isolated and monitored by infectious-disease specialists. UK authorities said there are no confirmed UK cases and that the risk to the public remains low, while the DRC outbreak has killed more than 930 people among 2,344 confirmed cases. Médecins Sans Frontières warned that the virus is spreading faster than containment efforts; cases have also been recorded outside the DRC, including deaths in Uganda and one case in France.

Andy Burnham’s first week as UK prime minister will focus on assembling his cabinet, conducting required diplomatic outreach including calls with Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky, setting initial government structures such as potential No 10 reforms, outlining early domestic policy priorities, and preparing the confidential Letters of Last Resort governing nuclear-response instructions. Advisors and civil service officials will guide these early decisions to ensure stability, continuity and clarity on national security and administrative direction.

Concerns are mounting among Labour MPs that Andy Burnham’s upcoming cabinet reshuffle could sideline the large 2024 intake who helped remove Keir Starmer. MPs warn that failing to promote new members may generate widespread disappointment and intensify factional tensions. Speculation over assigning Wes Streeting the defence brief has drawn criticism, with supporters of Dan Jarvis arguing his military experience is essential during a period of instability. Discontent also surrounds potential promotions for Shabana Mahmood and calls to demote Mike Tapp. Allies expect significant turnover in cabinet roles, despite Burnham’s pledge to end internal party infighting.

Incoming Labour leader and prime minister Andy Burnham is expected to ask the Casey Commission to bring forward its social care recommendations from 2028 to the end of this year. Burnham has advocated a National Care Service free at the point of use, potentially funded through a universal care levy replacing inheritance tax, though implementing the reforms could require higher taxes or new charges. The Health Foundation estimates an NHS-style system would cost an additional £18.7bn annually by 2035. Supporters say the current means-tested system forces many people to deplete savings or sell their homes, while experts caution that cuts to other public services should be avoided. The accelerated timetable reflects long-standing concerns that the existing schedule would delay reform until close to the next general election.

The Government will introduce annual NHS-style pay rises for England’s 1.5 million social care workers through a new statutory negotiating body modelled on the NHS Agenda for Change. Backed by £500m, the system will set binding pay rates across public and private providers, aiming to address low wages, staffing shortages and sector instability. Ministers see the move as an early step toward a National Care Service, though broader funding reforms remain pending until 2028. Union leaders support the plan as a long-overdue improvement, while comparisons with Scotland highlight existing regional disparities in care worker pay.

Around 2.5 million UK pensioners are estimated to be missing out on Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction, or a combination of the three. Independent Age says full take-up could lift 280,000 pensioners out of poverty and save England’s NHS and social care system £790 million annually, although 770,000 older people would remain in poverty even after claiming all available support. Eligible pensioners can apply for Pension Credit through the government portal or by phone, while Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction are generally claimed through the relevant local council. The article explains eligibility thresholds, potential payments and required documentation, and reports calls for a joined-up government take-up strategy.

Defence leaders warn that Andy Burnham must prioritise protection against Russia as he enters office, amid concerns that UK air and missile defence remains significantly underfunded compared with commitments in the Strategic Defence Review. Experts, including former defence secretaries and authors of the SDR, argue that the Defence Investment Plan falls short of what is needed to prepare for potential conflict by 2030, with key spending delayed into the next decade. They also highlight real‑terms cuts to day‑to‑day defence budgets and the planned phasing out of naval destroyers as further weakening UK readiness. The Ministry of Defence disputes claims of a funding shortfall, citing broader investments in air defence and counter‑drone systems.

Concerns within Reform UK intensified after Ann Widdecombe’s murder, with Nigel Farage and party figures warning that proposed caps on political donations could limit their ability to fund security for MPs. Police have stated there is no current evidence of political motivation in the killing, while the House of Commons and security agencies maintain that all MPs receive risk‑based security support. Reform claims its MPs receive inadequate state protection and is increasing its privately funded security measures. The donation cap proposals, set for debate in Parliament, have prompted broader calls to tighten rules following scrutiny of contributions to Farage and Reform. Government and parliamentary bodies emphasise existing security frameworks established after the killing of Sir David Amess, including ongoing cooperation between Parliament, police forces, and national security units.

Updated UK physical activity guidelines emphasise the importance of strength and balance training for all adults, including the growing number using GLP-1 weight-loss medications. Chris Whitty and the other UK chief medical officers highlight strong evidence showing significant physical and mental health benefits from regular activity, including short bursts of exercise. The guidance underscores the need to protect muscle mass during weight loss, encourages incorporating movement into daily routines, and notes heightened benefits for women and people with long-term conditions. Key health and sports leaders support the revised recommendations, stressing physical activity’s broad impact on wellbeing and independence.

Farage’s abrupt decision to trigger a by-election in Clacton has unsettled Reform UK insiders, who fear it was made impulsively amid scrutiny of his undeclared donations. Critics within the party worry the move diverts resources from the Greater Manchester mayoral race and could destabilise the party as Andy Burnham enters No. 10. Internal tensions and rumours of power struggles add to concerns about Reform’s strategic direction. The by-election pauses investigations into major donations Farage received, though they will resume if he wins. New polling shows substantial public support for harsh penalties against MPs who conceal gifts, suggesting the strategy could backfire. Reform figures also warn the party must eventually rebuild relations with the Conservatives as the political landscape shifts leftward.

Nigel Farage resigned as MP for Clacton to trigger a by-election, aiming to reaffirm his mandate amid several parliamentary investigations into undeclared financial gifts from associates including Christopher Harborne and George Cottrell. He said the scrutiny, threats and intrusion into his family life prompted the decision, insisting he broke no rules and accusing the political establishment of targeting him as Reform UK gains support. Parliament’s standards watchdog continues multiple probes that could affect his seat, while Farage positions the by-election as a test of support for Reform’s push for political change.

UK government plans to redirect departmental capital budgets to fund defence investment could delay hospital upgrades, school repairs and major transport projects. Health experts warn that NHS rebuilding schemes and IT improvements may be postponed, while education leaders caution that essential maintenance could suffer despite protected SEND spending. Road upgrades face significant delays due to Department for Transport cuts, and the energy sector warns that reduced capital investment threatens progress toward 2030 clean power targets. Unions and analysts argue the shifts risk harming public services and economic growth despite government assurances that day‑to‑day frontline spending will be protected.

Britain’s plan to increase defence spending to the Nato target of 3.5 per cent of GDP by 2035 would require an additional £25bn annually, equivalent to a 3p rise in income tax. The Institute for Fiscal Studies warns the next government will face difficult choices between tax rises and spending cuts, as £4.7bn of short-term defence funding is still unidentified and wider Whitehall cuts of £10.7bn remain unclear. Major transport, energy and health capital budgets may face reductions, with potential delays to infrastructure and hospital projects. Analysts say fiscal rules limit options to borrowing, leaving future leaders to balance increased defence commitments against pressures on public services.

Keir Starmer’s Defence Investment Plan leaves a £4.7bn funding gap that Andy Burnham will need to resolve shortly after taking office, prompting concern among Labour MPs and mayors over cuts to road and energy projects used to fund the package. Treasury figures say most funding is identified, but final decisions will fall to the next administration under existing fiscal rules. Regional leaders protested the loss of infrastructure spending, while defence officials and MPs questioned the lack of clarity on meeting long-term spending targets. The plan commits the UK to spending 2.7% of GDP on defence by 2027-28, with ambitions to reach 3% in the next parliament and 3.5% by 2035.

Military figures and defence experts warn that Nigel Farage’s proposal for the Royal Navy to turn back small migrant boats would require withdrawing from key international treaties, including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, which obliges ships to rescue people in distress. Critics argue the Navy is overstretched and that Border Force is better suited to such operations, noting that similar plans under Boris Johnson were abandoned after resistance from the service and legal concerns. Reform UK could only act if migrants were not in danger and would likely face substantial institutional and legal opposition. Farage maintains the policy is essential for border control and claims informal cooperation from French far-right leader Jordan Bardella, while the Ministry of Defence declined to comment.

Rachel Reeves is supporting Andy Burnham’s transition preparations despite expectations that she may be replaced as chancellor if he becomes prime minister. Her allies are lobbying to keep her in the role, citing economic stability, while critics link her to recent policy reversals under Keir Starmer. Reeves has highlighted her economic record and unfinished work on fiscal devolution, stressing the need for continuity. Burnham’s team is preparing for government, and several figures including Ed Miliband, Wes Streeting and Shabana Mahmood are being discussed as potential successors at the Treasury. Pressure from unions and Labour MPs is shaping the debate over who should become the next chancellor.

The Prime Minister intends to publish the Defence Investment Plan before the upcoming NATO summit to reassure allies and demonstrate UK preparedness amid tensions with Russia. Andy Burnham reportedly sought a delay, but government sources say the blueprint must be completed in time for the meeting in Ankara. The plan has been stalled by funding disagreements between the Treasury and Ministry of Defence, contributing to Defence Secretary John Healey’s resignation. New Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis and Chancellor Rachel Reeves continue negotiations on additional funding, with confidence the plan will be ready. Officials emphasise that the DIP is a milestone toward the UK’s goal of raising defence spending to 3.5 percent of GDP by 2035. Starmer told European leaders the plan will reform UK defence spending to address lessons from Ukraine and strengthen European military cooperation.

The Government’s defence investment plan is unlikely to be approved before the upcoming Nato summit due to the Prime Minister’s resignation and the resulting limitations on major spending decisions during the transition period. Uncertainty over leadership has delayed decisions on resolving the funding gap in military plans and raised concerns among allies about the UK’s long-term defence posture. Planned UK‑EU discussions on a post‑Brexit reset are also being postponed as Brussels reassesses the timetable. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch criticised the Prime Minister for remaining in office while failing to participate in key parliamentary duties.

Keir Starmer’s leadership collapsed amid mounting internal dissent, persistent fallout from the Mandelson scandal, electoral losses and a resurgence of both Reform and the Greens. The Makerfield by-election win by Andy Burnham, backed by more than 200 Labour MPs, crystallised pressure for Starmer to resign. Repeated staffing issues, policy U-turns, and strained international relations further weakened his standing. Successive Cabinet resignations, questions over transparency, and growing unrest among MPs ultimately made his position untenable as party confidence shifted decisively toward a new leadership direction.

Keir Starmer announced his resignation as UK prime minister after losing support from more than 100 Labour MPs and key Cabinet ministers. The move followed Andy Burnham’s decisive Makerfield by-election victory and months of mounting internal pressure linked to poor local election results, ministerial resignations, and the Mandelson scandal. Starmer will remain in office during a leadership contest expected to conclude before Parliament returns, with Burnham emerging as the likely successor. In his speech, Starmer highlighted his government’s economic, social, and foreign policy achievements while pledging an orderly transition and full support for the next leader.

Military leaders warn Andy Burnham that increased defence spending will be unavoidable if he becomes prime minister, with current funding deemed inadequate to meet threats from Russia. Concerns persist within the defence sector over uncertainty surrounding Labour’s commitment to the Defence Investment Plan, while insiders urge faster procurement and adoption of new technologies. Some figures see potential for stronger long‑term support under Burnham, though his limited international experience is viewed as a vulnerability. Upcoming Nato, EU and global summits will place early pressure on any incoming prime minister to demonstrate credibility on the world stage.

Reform UK’s weak result in the Makerfield by‑election has intensified internal concerns about tactical voting and competition from Restore Britain. Party insiders argue that Reform must adopt a more moderate tone and demonstrate willingness to work with others to reduce voter resistance and counteract strategic voting that consolidates support behind Labour. Analysts note that Restore Britain’s presence, even with limited vote share, poses a threat by dividing the right-leaning electorate. Pollsters warn that unless Reform adapts its strategy, tactical voting and Restore’s influence could hinder Nigel Farage’s prospects at the next general election, while Labour’s ability to unify anti‑Reform voters has begun to solidify.

Andy Burnham is positioned to become prime minister on 20 July if unchallenged for the Labour leadership, with a formal handover occurring after Keir Starmer’s resignation. The live coverage details internal government disputes, including a clash between migration minister Mike Tapp and Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood over settlement reforms, and increased pressure around defence spending. Additional updates cover polling shifts favouring Burnham, party financing issues involving Green Party leader Zack Polanski, legal setbacks for Andrew and Tristan Tate, and the stalled passage of the Hillsborough Law as Starmer’s tenure ends.

Wes Streeting seeks to challenge Andy Burnham in an anticipated Labour leadership contest, refusing to allow what he sees as a near‑coronation for the Greater Manchester Mayor. Despite poor polling among Labour members, Streeting aims to shift the campaign into a policy‑driven debate and distances himself from accusations of tactical leftward shifts. He puts forward proposals including rejoining the EU, a functional wealth tax and a model of progressive capitalism, while criticising both Burnham and current fiscal policy positions. Streeting’s allies argue he has long held these views and reject comparisons to Blairism. With Burnham expected to enter Parliament after the Makerfield by‑election, the contest could begin imminently, though Streeting faces a significant uphill battle to win over the party membership.

A Russian frigate reportedly fired warning shots near a British sailing yacht in the English Channel, prompting a UK investigation. The shots, believed to be from a flare-type device, were described by officials as an attempt to avoid collision rather than an attack. The incident occurred as Royal Navy vessels monitored the Russian ship. UK political figures warned of rising Russian hostility, linking the episode to recent actions including the seizure of a Russian shadow fleet tanker carrying oil that funds the war in Ukraine. Nato is monitoring the situation, while UK defence officials and lawmakers call for increased defence spending amid heightened security concerns.

Armed Forces minister Al Carns resigned after condemning the Government’s defence investment plan as underfunded and insufficient for rising global threats, joining defence secretary John Healey in stepping down. Carns criticised decaying government processes, inadequate support for soldiers and veterans, and failures surrounding the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill. His departure deepens pressure on Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who appointed Dan Jarvis as Healey’s replacement amid concerns that the UK is preparing for past conflicts while adversaries advance their capabilities.

A senior Cabinet crisis erupted after defence secretary John Healey resigned over what he viewed as dangerously insufficient funding for the Defence Investment Plan amid rising threats from Russia. His departure exposed a deep rift between the Ministry of Defence and the Treasury, with widespread criticism directed at Chancellor Rachel Reeves for refusing to increase spending beyond £13.5bn. Allies warned the settlement undermined Nato commitments and national security, while further resignations and leadership speculation added pressure on Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Military figures and Labour insiders expressed concern that the gap between government rhetoric and action signalled weakness to allies ahead of key international summits.

UK ministers are finalising the Defence Investment Plan amid tensions over funding levels, with Defence Secretary John Healey pressing for sufficient resources. The Prime Minister and Chancellor are expected to rely on Whitehall spending cuts rather than tax rises, borrowing or a defence levy. Capital projects such as hospital construction and major rail schemes could face reductions. Options including private investment and joint funding with allies are under consideration. Parliamentary concerns have been raised over the timing of the plan’s publication, as the government aims to release it before the NATO Summit.

Military and government insiders warn that the UK may need private investment to fund the Defence Investment Plan, estimated at up to £18bn and still short of what some believe is needed to counter threats such as Russia. Disagreements between the Prime Minister, Defence Secretary and other ministers over how to finance the plan have delayed its release. Officials acknowledge the public sector’s financial limits and see private capital as essential, with financial industry groups already coordinating potential support. Political constraints, including resistance to welfare cuts and tight Treasury control, limit funding options. The government aims to publish the plan before upcoming electoral and international deadlines, including the Nato summit in July.

Blood‑pressure checks will be offered in everyday community locations across five regions of England to identify people at risk of heart disease earlier. The programme targets areas with high rates of preventable cardiovascular illness and aims to reach those who may not visit their GP. Individuals found at risk will be directed to follow‑up care, and the scheme may expand to screening for additional conditions. The initiative is part of a government push to shift the NHS toward prevention, with evidence suggesting improved blood‑pressure control could reduce healthcare demand and save lives.

Ministers are considering cuts to major capital projects to fund the Defence Investment Plan as the Government seeks to raise defence spending to 3 percent of national income. Health, transport and housing programmes could lose billions as Whitehall capital budgets are scrutinised. Key infrastructure projects, including the New Hospital Programme, Northern Powerhouse Rail, the TransPennine Route Upgrade, the Lower Thames Crossing and the Geological Disposal Facility, face delays, cost pressures, poor performance ratings and potential vulnerability to cuts. Critics in Parliament and unions warn that delays and reductions could threaten jobs, public services and national security, while ministers insist the defence funding plan will be delivered before the upcoming Nato summit.

Senior UK civil servants instructed diplomats to delete emails and WhatsApp messages concerning King Charles’s concerns over Donald Trump’s planned state visit, according to documents released in the Mandelson files. Officials sought to limit circulation of sensitive material linked to tensions following Trump’s clash with Volodymyr Zelensky. Experts warned that deleting such communications weakens transparency, though procedures allow removal of nonessential messages. The Foreign Office said the deletions followed accidental circulation of sensitive content and complied with internal protocols. The incident emerged amid the publication of more than 1,500 pages of government communications, released after a parliamentary motion, with some material redacted for security or investigative reasons.

Andy Burnham used a prominent Question Time appearance to bolster both national stature and local appeal while signaling readiness for a future Labour leadership contest. He floated the idea of raising the income tax personal allowance, a move likely to resonate with voters but one that may prove difficult to fund. Amid tensions linked to violent protests following Henry Nowak’s murder, Burnham urged calm, though Reform candidate Rob Kenyon adopted a similar tone. Exchanges among candidates highlighted contrasting backgrounds and political styles, with Burnham emphasizing his years outside Westminster and calling for more collaborative politics. His tentative tax-cut signal, however, risks creating expectations that may be hard to satisfy if he advances in national leadership.

UK healthcare workers have been issued a national alert instructing them to prepare for potential Ebola cases linked to the ongoing Bundibugyo variant outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. The UK Health Security Agency advised clinicians to ensure adequate PPE supplies, isolate symptomatic patients with recent travel history, and follow strict infection‑control protocols. Although the public threat in the UK remains low due to Ebola’s limited transmissibility, experts warn that reduced UK spending on global pandemic preparedness is weakening outbreak response efforts. International health bodies continue monitoring the situation, with a vaccine for the current variant expected to take several months to develop.

Senior Whitehall sources indicate that King Charles expressed private concerns about hosting Donald Trump for a state visit following Trump’s confrontation with Volodymyr Zelensky, prompting intensive diplomatic efforts to prevent tension between London and Washington. Redacted communications from the Mandelson files show officials attempting to reassure the King amid fears that Trump might withdraw support for Ukraine. Additional exchanges reveal anxiety within the Palace over royal engagements during this period. Despite friction caused by UK displays of solidarity with Zelensky, Trump ultimately proceeded with the September state visit, where the King publicly urged resistance to Vladimir Putin’s aggression.

Sparse message records between senior ministers and Peter Mandelson have created tensions within the Cabinet as the latest tranche of the Mandelson files revealed significant gaps in communications. The omissions, particularly involving Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves, have prompted accusations of withheld or deleted material amid confirmation that several ministers used WhatsApp’s disappearing-message function. Additional missing exchanges linked to Morgan McSweeney may relate to police investigations following the theft of multiple ministerial phones. The disclosures highlight internal Labour divisions on tax and welfare and stem from a Commons motion compelling the release of all documents related to Mandelson’s appointment as US ambassador. Some material was withheld for security reasons, and Mandelson’s refusal to provide his personal phone has further limited access to key messages.

Defence industry figures and security experts warn that delays to the UK’s Defence Investment Plan are undermining the country’s ability to prepare for rising security threats from Russia and wider global instability. The lack of a clear, costed procurement strategy is preventing companies from investing and producing needed equipment, while NATO exercises and recent incidents highlight gaps in the UK’s readiness. Intelligence agencies have issued increasingly stark assessments of hybrid threats, and both allies and domestic stakeholders are urging swift government action. The Defence Investment Plan is portrayed as essential to convert strategic pledges into operational capabilities and prevent the UK from falling further behind in a rapidly evolving security environment.

Leaked documents reveal private messages between Peter Mandelson and senior Labour figures, including criticisms of Keir Starmer’s leadership and internal party tensions. Correspondence includes Mandelson’s assurances about his US ambassador role, concerns over vetting procedures, and exchanges about foreign policy such as recognition of a Palestinian state. Additional messages show disputes involving welfare reform, diplomatic gifting to Donald Trump, and disagreements with Wes Streeting over Israel. The release adds pressure on the government as Mandelson remains under investigation for alleged misconduct.

Military and industry figures are increasingly frustrated by repeated delays to the Defence Investment Plan, which is stalled by a funding dispute between the Treasury and the Ministry of Defence. The delay coincides with heightened NATO concern after Russian drone strikes in Romania, prompting warnings that the UK risks undermining allies and domestic defence readiness. Estimates for the plan range from £12bn to £18bn, with analysts noting that funding options require spending cuts, tax rises or borrowing. Political pressure is growing from both Labour and Conservative figures to publish the plan, but no date has been confirmed.