Chancellor Rachel Reeves has warned that the government faces difficult economic choices ahead, hinting at potential tax rises in November's Budget while defending her commitment to fiscal responsibility. In her speech at Labour's annual party conference in Liverpool, Reeves pledged to maintain low taxes, inflation, and interest rates but acknowledged that international events and long-term economic damage have complicated the government's fiscal decisions.

The chancellor's address came amid growing speculation about how the Treasury will address a significant shortfall in public finances. Economists have warned that tax increases or spending cuts will likely be necessary for Reeves to meet her self-imposed borrowing rules. When pressed about potential tax hikes in a BBC interview, Reeves pointed to wars in Europe and the Middle East, US tariffs, and rising global borrowing costs as factors influencing the government's economic calculations.

Reeves used her conference speech to reinforce her reputation as a fiscal hawk, declaring she would "take no risks with the trust placed in us by the British people." She criticized what she characterized as irresponsible economic approaches, specifically targeting former Conservative Prime Minister Liz Truss for policies that sent mortgage costs "spiraling" and taking implicit aim at Labour colleagues advocating for looser fiscal constraints.

The chancellor's warnings about "harsh global headwinds" battering Britain's economy failed to dispel concerns about major tax rises in the upcoming Budget. Despite receiving multiple standing ovations from party members, Reeves acknowledged that her choices had been made "harder" by international developments and lingering economic challenges, setting the stage for difficult decisions this autumn as the government prepares its fiscal plans.

British actor Callum Turner and pop superstar Dua Lipa have captured public attention with their whirlwind romance that began in January 2024 and culminated in an engagement confirmed in June. The couple's relationship timeline includes key public milestones, from being spotted together after the 'Masters of the Air' premiere in London to making their red carpet debut at the 2025 Met Gala. Their journey from initial meeting to engagement has unfolded over approximately 18 months, with both stars navigating demanding careers while building their personal connection.

The couple's first encounter reads like something from a romantic screenplay. Turner, 35, revealed to The Times that they finally met at a mutual friend's birthday party in Los Angeles after experiencing several 'near-misses' where their paths almost crossed but didn't. The most remarkable aspect of their initial meeting occurred when they sat next to each other and discovered they were both reading the same book, Hernán Díaz's 'Trust,' and had both just finished the first chapter. Turner described the moment as cinematic, noting that they realized they were 'on the same page' both literally and figuratively.

Maintaining a relationship between two high-profile careers requires strategic effort, and Turner has shared insights into how they manage the challenges of long-distance dating. The actor emphasized the importance of making time for each other regardless of busy schedules, stating their motto is 'it's never not worth it.' He recounted a recent instance where he flew to Boston for just two days to see Lipa between her tour commitments and his filming schedule, despite feeling exhausted. The couple relies heavily on FaceTime to stay connected and prioritizes creating meaningful memories during their limited time together.

Before their fateful meeting, Turner and Lipa experienced what he describes as multiple 'sliding doors' moments that nearly prevented their connection. The actor detailed one specific instance where Lipa left a party at 1:45 AM and he arrived at 2:00 AM, missing each other by mere minutes. These near-misses spanned several occasions involving mutual friends and shared social circles. Turner expressed gratitude that when they finally did meet under the right circumstances, he immediately recognized Lipa as 'the most beautiful woman in the world,' setting the stage for a relationship that would quickly progress from dating to engagement.