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The Telegraph •

Rachel Reeves’s Budget: Our tax expert answers your questions

2:19PM





Thank you for all of your questions


















That’s all for today’s Q&A. Thanks to those of you who sent in a question. You can head to the comments section for all of Mike’s answers.Fear not, if you’ve got a question that hasn’t been answered, you can send it to yourstory@telegraph.co.uk or leave a comment and we will try and get it answered for you.You can stay up to date with the latest information on pensions, property and mor...
The Telegraph •

‘I agree with my wife Trump isn’t likeable, but his policies are stronger’

Throughout the US election campaign, The Telegraph has spoken to four American families who disagree on who should be taking up residency in the White House – Donald Trump or Kamala Harris.These Telegraph readers first spoke to us in March – when Joe Biden, the US president, was still running for a second term – to reveal which key policy they differed most on, with answers ranging from immigration to abortion rights to support for Ukraine.Over the past seven months, the families have said wheth...
The Telegraph •

Telegraph readers on Kemi Badenoch’s victory: ‘She will give Starmer a headache’

On July 5, former prime minister Rishi Sunak announced he would be stepping down as leader of the Conservatives.Six candidates entered the race to become the next party leader: Priti Patel, Mel Stride, Tom Tugendhat, James Cleverly, Robert Jenrick and Kemi Badenoch. On Saturday, Mrs Badenoch has been chosen as the face of the party’s future.Mrs Badenoch now confronts the dual task of uniting a party that has been marred by in-fighting over the past three years and reviving the Tories’s electoral...
The Telegraph •

‘It’s not that a gin and tonic is common – it’s if the tonic isn’t Fever Tree’

After Lady Glenconnor, the former lady-in-waiting to Princess Margaret, recently declared that the use of fish knives is distinctively middle class, William Hanson, an etiquette expert, revealed the other telltale signs that you are “common”. In response, thousands of you Telegraph readers wrote in with your own. For Nicholas Swann, it’s “saying to a customer, ‘alright my lovely’, rather than, ‘good morning, Sir’”.Meanwhile, Ali Heyes, weighed in, saying: “Buttering a whole bread roll. It should...
The Telegraph •

‘Technology is replacing common sense’: everything Telegraph readers hate about modern cars

Most of us yearn for a simpler life, or at least one in which technology makes things easier. But when it comes to modern cars, it seems that the plethora of electronic gizmos has the opposite effect, with concerns that previously simple and intuitive functions of driving have been subsumed into myriad touchscreen menus and sub-menus.Not least is the concern for safety. While peering and prodding at a screen on the dash, the driver must avert his eyes from the road. But it’s also immensely frust...
The Telegraph •

‘If we have to pay at point of use, then that’d be better than waiting years in pain’

Sir Keir Starmer launched a “national conversation” on NHS reform on Monday, inviting the public, experts and staff to weigh in through a public survey and idea suggestion page, which the Government intend to use to help shape its 10-year health plan.As part of the biggest conversation on the NHS since its inception, the public was encouraged to suggest their ideas for reform – of which there were more than 800 within hours – and vote others’ suggestions up or down in a league table.In response,...
The Telegraph •

‘The old me would’ve stretched a bottle of hand sanitiser into ten drinks by diluting it with juice’

Gary Pattison, aged 50, had his first sip of alcohol at 17 years old. As an athletic teen, he prioritised his health over partying. In adulthood, Gary pursued a career as a firefighter, ensuring he stayed in peak physical condition to meet the job’s rigorous demands. However, a few years ago, Gary’s life began to spiral out of control.The sudden loss of his dear friend, a family member’s devastating health diagnosis and the harsh realities of life as a first responder took Gary down a calamitous...
The Telegraph •

Labour’s war on pubs: ‘We’re witnessing an Orwell’s Animal Farm re-enactment’

First, a proposed ban on smoking in pub gardens. Now, landlords could be forced to close their doors early. What will be next in Labour’s “war on pubs”?Last month, Sir Keir Starmer said the Government could ban smoking in pub gardens, arguing that the move would reduce the burden on the NHS.Sir Keir said: “My starting point on this is to remind everybody that over 80,000 people lose their lives every year because of smoking. That is a preventable death, it’s a huge burden on the NHS, and of cour...
The Telegraph •

‘Poor weather, filthy cities and rip-off prices’: What’s wrong with Britain, according to readers

When you imagine a holiday in Britain, you might picture scones and jam in a charming tearoom, cobbled streets and village greens, old-fashioned seaside towns with wooden piers and sandy beaches. But then you check the news. Headlines about sewage, knife crime, chaos on the railways and skyrocketing costs and suddenly your idyllic getaway doesn’t seem so appealing. Perhaps the Med might be a better bet, after all...The Telegraph’s destination expert Chris Moss recently responded to the news that...
The Telegraph •

‘A player who made us dream’: Telegraph readers’ ode to Andy Murray

Last night, an emotional Andy Murray expressed gratitude for “going out on my own terms” after the curtain came down on his magnificent nineteen-year career, before joking that he “never even liked tennis anyway”.Britain’s greatest-ever tennis player set numerous records during arguably the most competitive era in men’s tennis, including winning three Grand Slam singles titles, two Olympic Gold medals, leading his country to Davis Cup success and achieving the World No-1 ranking.However,  it was...
The Telegraph •

‘We were treated like criminals’: Telegraph readers on their A&E experiences

Last week, Telegraph columnist Allison Pearson found herself in “a scene from the third world.” After being taken to A&E in an ambulance due to debilitating chest pains, she witnessed our broken health service firsthand. Despite her severe condition, she waited in a wheelchair for over six hours to receive any pain relief, confronting a system defunct of kindness and efficiency.“No one loves the NHS any more; we just pray it doesn’t kill us,” wrote Allison.Allison is not alone in enduring long w...
The Telegraph •

‘Don’t wallow in self-pity, instead help others’: Telegraph readers on how to combat loneliness

The impact of loneliness on mortality is the equivalent of smoking 15 cigarettes a day, declared Dr Vivek Murthy, the US Surgeon General, in a report focused on the latest global health epidemic last November. Despite living in a hyper-connected world, 33 per cent of adults struggle with loneliness. The problem is so prevalent, that the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared loneliness a “global health threat” and launched the WHO Commission on Social Connection to fight it. Middle-aged people
The Telegraph •

‘The Met Police is not institutionally anti-Semitic’

This week, Rishi Sunak refused to offer his backing to the Metropolitan Police Commissioner over the row that erupted after one of his officers threatened to arrest Gideon Falter, an “openly Jewish” man, for walking in central London during a pro-Palestinian protest. Met Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley defended the Met sergeant at the centre of the row, arguing his conduct was “professional” and he would not be disciplined. Meanwhile, Suella Braverman, former home secretary, called for Sir Mark to
The Sunday Times •

Your morning coffee’s costing a third more. This is why it’s so expensive

On Britain’s high streets, there is a coffee shop on every corner and someone clutching a takeaway cup at every turn.

Yet new research shows ordinary coffees have shot up in price by almost a third at high street cafés — and there are signs the boom may have peaked.

The cost of a medium latte at the big high street chains rose by up to 30 per cent between 2021 and the start of this year, according to analysis by the global manufacturer UCC Coffee.

In 2021, a medium latte cost £2.75 at a Pret
The Telegraph •

The British woman who broke Three Peaks record fuelled by ice lollies

When Imo Boddy set out to become the fastest woman to complete the Three Peaks Challenge on foot, ice lollies would not have featured in her planning. As it turned out, however, the unexpected warm conditions she faced across the week meant they were key to her succeeding in the record attempt. “The intense heat left me dehydrated and suffering from heat stroke right from the start,” says 24-year-old Boddy. “Every single day was so unbearably hot that I was purely fuelled by a diet of ice cream,
The Sunday Times •

Child antidepressant prescriptions are nearing 500,000 a year

Nearly 500,000 antidepressant prescriptions are being given out to children each year, despite guidelines that say they should be used only in the most severe cases.

Experts said the figures revealed the scale of the mental health crisis among the young, with NHS services struggling to cope. Charities said many children were being given pills — despite the risk of side effects — because the waiting lists for psychological services were too long.

Prescriptions for under-18s in England have incr

13 trench coats we’re loving right now

If there's on style lesson to take away from New York Fashion Week, it's that there's a trench coat for every occasion. From the runway to the street, from dusk till dawn, NYFW’s designers and attendees have unanimously decided that it's the most versatile piece of outwear to sport this spring. Originally designed by Burberry as a raincoat for army officers in 1901, the World War One trench coat was double-breasted, tailored to the waist and flared to a below-the-knee hemline. The belt was equipped with D-rings for hooking accessories, the caped back allowed water to run off, the storm flap at the shoulder provided ventilation and the buttons at the neck helped protect the wearer from poisonous gas.
You Magazine •

Kylie is this year's Brits Global Icon — 7 of her best moments

Throughout the last five decades, international pop star Kylie Minogue has dominated our world. She has infiltrated our television screens, been blasted out on our radios and can even be found on our supermarket shelves.

The Brits are recognising her for her iconicity by awarding her the prestigious Brits Global Icon Award at this year’s ceremony on Saturday March 2, which is 'reserved for only truly exceptional artists'. Kylie will be amongst music legends including Taylor Swift, David Bowie and Sir Elton John to have received this award.
You Magazine •

How to achieve an ‘invisible kitchen’ à la Courteney Cox

There’s nothing like a celebrity’s house tour to get people talking. Drake recently showed off his £1 million mattress in a video on Instagram, Sofia Vergara told Architectural Digest she doesn’t know how to use her ‘magnificent’ La Cornue stove (‘I do not cook’), and Courteney Cox just offered her followers a glimpse at the minimalist kitchen in her Malibu home.

In contrast to the kitchen we’re most likely to associate the Friends actress with (Monica Geller’s kitchen was kitschy, with mismatched chairs and a chunky retro fridge), Courteney’s kitchen has an understated and clutter-free look. Invisible, so to speak.
SW Londoner •

Are pop-up shops revitalising the brick-and-mortar retail economy in London?

Pop-up shops are giving new leases of life to vacant retail shops on high streets and dormant units in railway stations in London.

According to a report carried out by Eclipse Group Solutions, the number of pop-up shops in the UK increased by 18% in 2023.

Some believe pop-up shops could be the answer to the declining traditional brick-and-mortar retail shop set-up, as we continue to see big retailers, such as Wilko and Debenhams, close their doors.

Former online vintage clothing business owne
SW Londoner •

Why some Londoners are dumping dating apps for singles supper clubs

Are singles supper clubs shaking up the London dating scene?

For over a decade, apps have dominated the landscape of modern romance, promising to match users based on algorithms and preferences.

But as the thrill of swiping gives way to a sense of online dating fatigue, London’s singles are now seeking new ways to find love in the city.

Many are over the ghosting, doom-swiping and hookup-centric atmosphere that dominates their dating app experiences.

Despite clinging onto the success stories
SW Londoner •

Meet Captain Quack: Twickenham’s very own nature watcher

For the past two decades, Captain Quack has borne witness to the ebb and flow of life along the majestic River Thames.

The explorer’s passion for getting outdoors and seeing the local wildlife has led him to document his unique perspective of his sightings on his X, formerly Twitter, account so that others can also experience it.

Nestled by Twickenham’s riverside for over 11 years, Captain Quack has become a local legend, sharing tales of his encounters with the river’s inhabitants, including
SW Londoner •

Fatal and serious cycling collisions in London up by a third

Fatal and serious cycling collisions increased by a third within five years, despite the Mayor promising to invest £770 million into making London a cycling-friendly city.

Serious and fatal cycling collisions reached their highest point in 2022 (the last completely recorded data year) since the public had access to TFL’s reported road safety data, with seven fatalities and more than a thousand serious collisions.

Vincent Stops, a former Hackney councillor and lead member for transport who work
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