Chancellor Rishi Sunak has a plan for those gas prices, the FT’s George Put the radiators Parker reports in a top scoop, and is considering a cut to the 5 percent rate of VAT on household energy bills. Parker notes this would allow Boris Johnson to claim he has delivered a “Brexit dividend,” as EU rules prevent member nations from cutting VAT on domestic energy use below 5 percent. The message that would send just ahead of COP is another question.
Feeling the heat: Sunak is likely to face tough questions this week about whatsapp number database Chris Giles remarkable FT story revealing the chancellor is using outdated data to downplay the state of the economy at the budget, allowing him to make potential pre-election tax cuts. The story calls into question the independence of the Office for Budget Responsibility.
Here we go: Bank of England Governor Put the radiators
Andrew Bailey warned yesterday that the bank could have to “act” and raise interest rates to contain inflation. Reuters has his comments.
In a hurry to reach net zero: The government’s net zero strategy is coming this week and the Telegraph’s Ben Riley-Smith says it will include funding for a major new nuclear power plant before the next election. He says Sizewell C is the frontrunner. Politics Home’s Noa Hoffman hears the carbon emission reduction targets for 2035 will be much tougher on the power sector than other industries.
One in every 40 girls under 18 in the military has made a complaint of rape or sexual assault since 2015, a tenfold rise, the Times’ Lara Whyte reports.
CRAZY STORY OF THE WEEKEND:
fficials are shaken by a sudden leap in missile technology by China, after the communist regime fired a nuclear-capable hypersonic missile in August that circled the globe before speeding before its target. The test raised questions about why the U.S. had underestimated China’s military modernization. The FT’s Demetri Sevastopulo and Kathrin Hille how mindfulness helps fight burnout got the scoop on Saturday and it’s such a belter it still splashes today’s paper.
HOUSE OF LORDS: Sits from 2.30 p.m. with a minute’s silence for global seo work David Amess after prayers … Followed by questions on the Dunlop review of devolution, the HIV Action Plan and the Horizon Europe research program … and then after an adjournment until 4 p.m. there will be tributes to David Amess.
