Several newspapers are reporting on the anticipated budget measures to be announced next week. The i newspaper expresses concerns that the Ministry of Justice budget may be “on the chopping block,” with Chancellor Rachel Reeves looking to implement savings. Former justice secretaries Robert Buckland and Alex Chalk have raised alarms over this possibility. Buckland stated that the notion of there being anything left to cut is “fanciful.” This week also marked the second round of early prisoner releases as officials strive to address overcrowding in prisons.

Meanwhile, the Daily Mail highlights outrage over Ms. Reeves’ proposal to impose national insurance contributions on employers’ pension contributions in the private sector, while exempting the public sector. The paper reports this move could generate £15 billion for the Budget, but it has faced criticism from various experts.

In health-related news, the Sun reports that a nationwide ban on disposable vapes will take effect on June 1st next year. This new legislation aims to safeguard children’s health and protect the environment, although Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has been accused of “nanny state meddling” in response.

The Guardian reveals a report from the National Audit Office indicating that the cost of special needs education in England has surged to £10 billion annually. Some local authorities are nearing insolvency due to increased demand, with no signs of improvement in the circumstances of children with special needs. The report also forecasts that the number of children eligible for support will double to one million within a decade.

The Daily Telegraph states that aides to Sir Keir Starmer have become embroiled in a controversy with Donald Trump, following claims that Labour volunteers involved in the Kamala Harris campaign allegedly violated U.S. electoral laws. The paper cites a U.S. election lawyer who suggests that discussions between Labour and Democratic officials may breach regulations preventing foreigners from influencing election campaigns. Labour has refuted claims of any official meetings with Harris’s team.

Additionally, the Times reports that Trump has accused the aides of engaging in “anti-American election interference,” labeling it a “far-left” endeavor to promote Harris’s candidacy. The article describes this confrontation as an “extraordinary attack,” cautioning that such incidents could strain U.S.-UK relations if Trump wins the upcoming election.

In financial news, the Financial Times reports that Goldman Sachs and Apple have been fined a total of $89 million for failing to meet obligations to customers of their joint credit card program. Rohit Chopra, director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, has stated that Goldman Sachs will be barred from offering new customer credit cards unless it demonstrates compliance with legal standards.

The Daily Mirror leads with the passing of Olympic shot putter and strongman Geoff Capes at the age of 75. The paper features a poignant image of Capes showcasing his strength while a budgie rests on his shoulder, with the headline, “RIP, big man.”

Finally, the Metro covers the miraculous delivery of a baby whose mother tragically died after falling from the tenth floor of a Leeds tower block. The report includes a touching photo of the baby, named Posie, receiving care in a unit as her older sister Demi looks on, accompanied by Demi’s heartfelt social media post celebrating their mother’s memory.