Labour Send changes at risk as parents rush to secure support, say experts
Overhaul of special education in England could unravel, thinktank finds, because of ‘use it before you lose it’ dynamicLabour’s flagship changes to special education in England are at risk of unravelling because parents are rushing to secure support for…
Two men serving indefinite jail sentences freed after two decades
Convicted pair, plus third man released in August, have IPPs replaced after serving much longer than minimum termsTwo men jailed with indefinite sentences for public protection (IPPs) have been freed after each serving about two decades in custody…
The Guardian view on Conservative conference: struggling to break out of the comfort zone | Editorial
Kemi Badenoch’s personal brand is not strong enough to revive a party that so thoroughly lost the trust of the British peopleFor a party that keeps losing elections, the Conservatives have enjoyed a remarkably upbeat conference in Birmingham this week.…
Tories accused of prioritising rich voters as Badenoch lays out inheritance tax cut plan
Party hopes to win over affluent middle-class voters as leader rejects calls to ‘unite the right’ in conference speechKemi Badenoch has announced that the Conservatives would abolish inheritance tax on family homes if elected, prompting criticism that…
British Jewish groups hold London vigil for victims of 7 October attacks
Organisations honour those who died three years ago as Andy Burnham says government stands with British JewsBritish Jewish organisations gathered in central London on Wednesday for a vigil honouring victims of the 7 October attacks in Israel, after a day…
Burnham, take note: water shareholders have their uses – they can be squeezed for cash | Nils Pratley
Owner of South West Water, Bristol Water and Bournemouth Water is tapping its investors for £550m after sewage spillsSouth West Water owner taps investors after sewage spillsWater is “a service where the shareholders never lose and the public never win,”…
Beware rightwing economic myths such as ‘maxing out the nation’s credit card’ | Letters
Readers respond to an article in which Larry Elliott argues that Andy Burnham must challenge neoliberal nostrumsLarry Elliott’s column on the rightwing economic myths constraining Andy Burnham’s government should be required reading before John Healey’s…
Plan to cut disability support will harm young people | Letters
Anna Bird and Rick Burgess respond to the government’s proposal to axe the health element from universal credit that disabled people under 25 receiveReports that the government is considering removing the universal credit health element for disabled…
Esther Rantzen’s Mama was a lifeline for new mums | Letters
Fiona Lindop says she will always be grateful to the TV presenter for establishing the Meet-a-Mum Association Esther Rantzen (Obituary, 1 October) is rightly remembered and honoured for her wide-ranging charity work, including establishing Childline and…
The US has backed Libya’s Haftar clan. The UK should not make the same mistake | Letters
Steven Kay says Britain should act independently and in a role consistent with its status as a member of the UN security councilPatrick Wintour’s report (Libyan unity talks upended as warlord’s son linked to drone attacks on fuel facilities, 3 October)…