Good night. The Metropolitan Police are investigating an allegation of sexual assault relating to Russell Brand. Additionally, Liz Truss has urged the Prime Minister to delay or abandon key net zero emissions promises.
Russell Brand claims it is ‘very serious and worrying’, says Number 10
Scotland Yard confirmed it had received a report of an attack that allegedly took place on a woman in Soho in 2003 and detectives have said they are in contact with the woman. Earlier, Rishi Sunak’s official spokesman said Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer is expected to speak to broadcasters as soon as possible to seek assurances that allegations that Brand attacked several women will be thoroughly examined. It came as Brand’s father, Ron Brand, accused the BBC of carrying out a “vendetta” against his son. Read our live blog for the latest news. Elsewhere, comedian Simon Evans He thinks Brand has never been funny. Read his full comment.
Liz Truss wonders if net zero unit has public support
Liz Truss has questioned whether the Government’s net zero emissions campaign has public support. Speaking at the Institute for Government think tank, the former prime minister said the push to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 had been “institutionalised before he really had democratic consent”. Ms Truss also urged Rishi Sunak to delay or abandon some of the Government’s key net zero measures and warned against extra costs for families. Read our live blog for the latest news.
£1m inheritance tax threshold could win us election, say Tory MPs
Raising the inheritance tax threshold to £1m could see the Conservatives win next year’s general election, just as they did in 2010, according to MPs. Anthony Browne, who chairs the Backbench Treasury Committee, recalls the “huge political debate” over the inheritance tax that unfolded in 2009. The South Cambridgeshire MP said he suggested to the then shadow chancellor, George Osborne, That raising the inheritance tax threshold to £1 million would win votes and he now says the political narrative could do with a similar change. Ruby Hinchcliffe It has the complete story.
Afternoon Briefing: Today’s Essential Headlines
Boris Johnson | A new documentary claims officials raised concerns with Buckingham Palace about the former prime minister’s “behaviour during the pandemic” in the hope that Elizabeth II would address his conduct.
