South Yorkshire's chief constable, Med Hughes, criticized government spending cuts, saying they have created a north-south divide. He claimed the cuts had a disproportionate affect on northern forces compared to southern ones, due to differences in council tax income and housing styles. The prime minister, David Cameron, disputed this, stating that police forces across England were being asked to make similar 7-8% budget cuts over four years.

David Cameron wants Scotland to remain in the UK and believes that the decision to stay or leave is up to the Scottish people. He stated that he would do everything he can to govern with respect for Scotland's relationship with the UK. Cameron also expressed willingness to work with any of the four Scots Tory leadership candidates, Ruth Davidson, Jackson Carlaw, Murdo Fraser, and Margaret Mitchell, who will be announced on November 4 after a one-member, one-vote election.

Over 35,000 people attended an anti-cuts march in Manchester, protesting government cuts and tax avoidance. The march was organized by the TUC to coincide with the Conservative Party conference. Protesters called for extra spending to encourage growth and for tax avoidance to be tackled. Some protesters from the Occupy group staged a sit-in in Albert Square while others attempted to break into the Bridgewater Hall. There were no arrests made during the march, but one woman was treated for head injuries after falling during the event.

Home Secretary Theresa May has called for the Human Rights Act to be scrapped, citing problems it causes for the Home Office. She wants to replace it with a British Bill of Rights. Prime Minister David Cameron agrees, saying he wants to change the "chilling culture" created by the act. However, Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg and other Liberal Democrats have defended the act, warning that scrapping it would threaten the coalition.