Meanwhile, Prime Minister Boris Johnson last night urged Joe Biden not to sacrifice the “gains made in Afghanistan” over the past 20 years as the two leaders spoke for the first time since the Taliban seized power.
The pointed remark came after Mr Biden had argued the US was not engaged in “nation-building”. The US president had not spoken to any world leader as Taliban insurgents claimed control of Kabul.
The UK and European countries had raised concerns at the poor level of communication from the White House, with some even suggesting Mr Biden has returned to Donald Trump’s “America First” stance.
Triple lock to be broken after average earnings rise
The pensions triple lock guarantee is likely to be watered down next year as the Government attempts to save the Treasury billions of pounds.
Political Editor Ben Riley-Smith can disclose that Boris Johnson has been advised by Cabinet ministers to temporarily suspend the Conservative Party’s long-held promise on how state pension increases are calculated because of a freak increase in average earnings.
The triple lock, which has been government policy for a decade, promises to raise the state pension by either the inflation rate, average earnings or 2.5 per cent, whichever is higher. See how your finances could be impacted.
Daniel Craig’s children will not inherit his millions
They might be shaken – or, indeed, stirred. Daniel Craig’s children will not be left his fortune as he believes “inheritance is quite distasteful”. The actor is worth millions thanks to his starring role in the James Bond franchise. He has a three-year-old daughter with his wife, Rachel Weisz, and an adult daughter from his first marriage. Rather than pass his money on to his children, Craig said: “My philosophy is: get rid of it or give it away before you go.” What do you think? Have your say here.
Daily dose of Matt
Also in the news: Today’s other headlines
Covid | Nicola Sturgeon’s government has unveiled “dangerous” plans to make emergency Covid powers permanent. John Swinney, the deputy first minister, announced a public consultation on removing the March 2022 expiry date for a host of extraordinary powers – including the ability to impose lockdowns, close schools and require people to wear face coverings. It came as it emerged private travel test firms are failing to hand over up to 150,000 results a week, leaving holidaymakers wasting money on PCR tests that cannot be used to track variants.
Around the world: Fired up in Mexico City
Feminist groups confront police in Mexico City to demand an end to the criminalisation of marches and justice for missing women. They gathered by the Angel of Independence statue, two years after it was defaced by activists. View a gallery of more striking world pictures.
Source: Telegraph
