Starmer to defend Budget in fresh speech on welfare reforms

Plus: The Independent's co-founder dies aged 88

Monday, December 1, 2025 Good morning and welcome to your daily news briefing from The Independent.   The prime minister will use a speech to defend last week's Budget and attempt to lift pressure of chancellor Rachel Reeves, Your Party has finally revealed its new name after months of debate, and The Independent's co-founder Andreas Whittam Smith dies aged 88.  Top stories 1 | Starmer to defend Budget after Reeves forced to deny lying to public Read more 2 | UK special forces chief 'knew of Afghan war crimes but covered it up' Read more 3 | Netanyahu submits pardon request to Israeli president Read more 4 | Month's worth of rain to fall in 24 hours as flood warnings issued Read more 5 | Co-founder of The Independent Andreas Whittam Smith dies aged 88 Read more Editors' picks The 'quiet divorce': have you secretly left your marriage? Most novelists believe AI will replace them. Sadly, they're right The smallest connection to nature can transform your health – here's how Your Views Your Views 'Kick in the teeth': Readers say Budget 'punishes responsibility' Scrapping the two-child cap is a reckless policy. Handing an average of £5,310 to 560,000 larger families rewards personal choices while ignoring other households under the same cost-of-living squeeze. It's unfair and risks encouraging inflation, making life even harder for everyone, including the poor.   Musil Get involved and share your views here. Don't forget to complete your registration You haven't completed your registration with The Independent. It's free, quick, and helps support our journalism while tailoring your experience. Register now to enjoy benefits including access to limited Premium articles, The Independent app, more than 20 newsletters and commenting on independent.co.uk. Complete your registration today to unlock access. WATCH  Reeves shown interview saying she wouldn't raise taxes in Budget STAT OF THE DAY 24 hours How long the Met Office predicts it will take for a month's worth of rain to batter parts of the UK on Monday, as an amber weather warning is issued with 100 to 200mm of rain possible in some areas. Read more QUOTE OF THE DAY "By co-founding The Independent as an antidote to corporate conformity and lack of free expression and individuality in British newspapers, Andreas Whittam Smith not only broke the mould, he was a heroic crusader for a global freedom for all press." The Independent's editor-in-chief, Geordie Greig, paid tribute to Sir Andreas Whittam Smith, an English journalist and one of The Independent's founders, who died on Saturday aged 88, as confirmed by his family on Sunday.  Read more Other stories you might like Tenth contestant voted off Strictly after 'difficult' dance off Can't handle rejection? You shouldn't be dating, then The health condition people now fear more than cancer Amazon's 55in Fire 4K TV is almost half price right now.   Don't miss these deals on UK breaks at Buyagift. There's 34% off Laphroaig whisky – cheers! Join the conversation and follow us Download the free Independent app Please do not reply directly to this email   You are currently registered to receive The Independent's Evening Headlines newsletter.   To unsubscribe from The Independent's Morning Headlines newsletter, or to manage your email preferences please click here.   This e-mail was sent by Independent Digital News and Media Ltd, 14-18 Finsbury Square, London EC2A 1AH. Registered in England and Wales with company number 07320345 Read our privacy policy and cookie policy