Rachel Reeves is set to announce a fresh batch of measures aimed at easing the cost of living crisis and mitigating the impact of the Iran war on the UK. The chancellor plans to cut food costs by slashing import tariffs on more than 100 types of products, including staples such as biscuits, chocolate, and baked beans. This move could save consumers a combined £150 million per year.
Health Experts Raise Concerns
However, health experts have warned that reducing the cost of unhealthy foods could have unintended consequences. Naveed Sattar, professor of cardiometabolic medicine at the University of Glasgow, suggested that the government should instead incentivise healthier foods while increasing the cost of less healthy options. Registered dietitian Duane Mellor echoed this sentiment, stating that policies to manage food costs should also improve health.
Great British Summer Savings Scheme
The chancellor will also announce a Great British Summer Savings scheme, which includes free bus travel for children in England during the school holidays in August. Reeves stated, My number one priority is protecting households from rising costs, although immediate help with rising energy bills is not expected.
Reeves has ruled out making massive unfunded spending commitments to provide universal support with energy bills. Speculation over capping supermarket food prices was met with heavy opposition from the industry and Bank of England governor Andrew Bailey, who deemed it unsustainable.
Andy Burnham Criticises National Politics
In other news, Andy Burnham has stated that the country has been on the wrong path for four decades, beginning with the deindustrialisation of Greater Manchester. The mayor, standing in the Makerfield by-election, blamed privatisation, bus deregulation, and austerity for today's economic situation. He said, I think it's taken us to a point where people in this country cannot have a good life. They cannot afford the basics, a few pints at the weekend, a holiday, or presents for the kids. This is a dangerous place.
Documents on Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor Released
The government has released the first batch of documents relating to the appointment of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor as trade envoy in 2001, following a request by the Liberal Democrats earlier this year.
Starmer on Migration
Sir Keir Starmer said his government is delivering after new figures showed UK net migration dropped to an estimated 171,000 last year. He posted on X: I promised to restore control to our borders. My government is delivering. We're introducing a skills-based migration system that rewards contribution and ends our reliance on cheap overseas workers.
Asylum Claims Falling
The number of people claiming asylum in the UK is falling, with 94,000 claims in the year ending March 2026, 12 per cent less than the previous year. The asylum grant rate fell to 39 per cent, down from 49 per cent. The Home Office is speeding up decision-making, with 128,000 initial decisions made, up 32 per cent.
Cleverly Takes Credit for Migration Drop
Former home secretary James Cleverly took credit for the drop in net migration, tweeting: Some people talked about reducing net migration, I did something about reducing net migration. He noted that the biggest reason was visa restrictions he introduced, which Labour opposed at the time.
