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1. National Insurance rise will push up prices, Boris Johnson is warned
Raising National Insurance contributions will lead to higher prices in the shops, a report by MPs has warned Boris Johnson.
The Commons Treasury Committee says that the planned increase in April risks driving up inflation while the country grapples with a cost of living crisis. Read the full story.
2. Cries of ‘cover-up’ over Sue Gray report, as unions call for redactions to protect civil servants
Sue Gray’s report into Downing Street parties was being edited on Wednesday night amid suspicions that the new police investigation will mean names and key details are left out of her findings.
Civil service unions are warning the Cabinet Office that government employees must not be “hung out to dry” by being named as party attendees. Read the full story.
3. UK troops set to join defence of Europe ahead of potential Russian invasion of Ukraine
Britain is considering a deployment of hundreds of military personnel to eastern Europe in advance of Russia potentially invading Ukraine, The Telegraph has learned.
Government sources confirmed that “very advanced discussions” were under way, after reports emerged from Washington that the US, UK and a handful of other Nato allies were in talks about bolstering their military presence on the coalition’s eastern flank. Read the full story.
4. Supermarkets still want shoppers to wear masks, despite end of Plan B Covid rules
Supermarkets will ask the public to keep wearing masks, despite Plan B rules being lifted by the Government.
From Thursday, mandatory Covid-19 certificates and face coverings will no longer be required at indoor venues, with the Prime Minister’s spokesman saying they would be a matter of “personal judgement”. Read the full story.
5. Prince Andrew demands jury trial in Virginia Roberts Giuffre sex abuse case
The Duke of York on Wednesday night demanded a jury trial to defend himself against claims he sexually abused a teenager, issuing a 73-point rebuttal of the allegations in which he denied “any and all wrongdoing”.
The 12-page legal document, lodged with a New York court, represents the Duke’s first formal response to Virginia Roberts Giuffre’s lawsuit. Read the full story.
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