Birmingham Labour councillor Sam Forsyth quit the party over the city council's £24.60 pest control fees, known as "rat tax", which were introduced to help offset its financial crisis. Forsyth had opposed the charge, saying it was unfair to residents and particularly vulnerable people who need reliable rubbish collection. She voted against last year's budget and spoke out earlier this year against the charge, stating that nobody wants to see the city overrun with rats.

Labour has been accused of making an "utterly shameful" decision to water down a pledge to investigate grooming gangs targeting young girls. The accusation was made by Sir Trevor Phillips, former chairman of the Equalities and Human Rights Commission, after Jess Phillips, minister for safeguarding and violence against women and girls, failed to confirm that five inquiries would take place as previously announced. Instead, Ms Phillips proposed a flexible approach that may include local victims' panels or audits rather than full independent inquiries.

Keir Starmer vowed that Labour would stick to its fiscal rules despite long-term UK borrowing costs reaching their highest level since 1998. The yield on a 30-year gilt rose to 5.518% amid global financial market carnage caused by US President Donald Trump’s tariffs, including a 104% levy on Chinese imports and 10% on UK goods. This led to a slump in the FTSE 100 index, which fell as far as 3.6% before paring back losses, finishing down 2.92% at a 13-month low of 7,679.48.

More than 40 Labour MPs have signed a letter calling on ministers to bring in a "digital ID" system for all Brits, claiming it will help tackle illegal immigration and boost economic growth. The proposed system would crack down on illegal working, improve productivity, and enhance access to medical care.