The MoD's budget is due to rise by 3.6% in real terms by 2029, under departmental spending plans fixed last year. The increase was weighted towards the long-term investment budget, which pays for new military kit, rather then the day-to-day budget that covers things like administration costs and salaries. Labour has pledged to raise overall defence spending from 2.3% to 2.5% of national income by 2027, estimated to cost an extra £6bn a year. This is not the first time that there have been warnings about the MoD's ability to fund its spending commitments. An MoD spokesperson said it was working "flat out" to finish the investment plan, adding that Labour had inherited an "underfunded defence programme" from the previous government.

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The billionaire appeared defiant on Friday night despite the outcry over reports X’s AI chatbot Grok was creating sexualised images of people, including children, at users’ request. But Mr Musk responded by sharing a post from US legislator Anna Paulina Luna threatening to sanction both Sir Keir Starmer and the UK if X was blocked in the country. On Friday, X appeared to have changed Grok’s settings, with the chatbot telling users that only paid subscribers could ask it to manipulate images. However, reports suggested this only applied to those making requests in reply to other posts, and other ways of editing or creating images, including on a separate Grok website, remained open. Ofcom has powers under the Online Safety Act to fine businesses up to £18 million or 10% of global revenue, as well as to take criminal action.

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The woman was 'struck' by the vehicle at around 2pm on Wednesday (January 7) on Albert Street West, in Failsworth. She was taken to hospital, where she remains in a serious condition, according to Greater Manchester Police. The force's serious collision investigation unit (SCIU) is now appealing for witnesses to come forward. This includes anyone who believes they saw the vehicle driving before the collision, witnessed the incident itself, or has dashcam footage or CCTV of the incident. Witnesses can contact SCIU directly on 0161 856 4741, contact police on the Live Chat service at gmp.police.uk, quoting log 1936 of 07/01/2026.

THE FA Cup third round is here with the Premier League big boys entering the competition. Reigning champions Crystal Palace begin their defence against the lowest-ranked side left in the FA Cup as they travel to Macclesfield. And SunSport can reveal exactly what TNT Sports channels each team will be playing on this weekend. The following matches will not be broadcast on TV due to the Saturday 3pm blackout time in the UK. RECOMMENDED STORIESDoncaster vs SouthamptonStoke vs CoventrySheffield Wednesday vs BrentfordNewcastle vs BournemouthFulham vs MiddlesbroughIpswich Town vs BlackpoolManchester City vs Exeter CityBurnley vs MillwallBoreham Wood vs BurtonSalford City vs Swindon TownWhen is the FA Cup fourth round draw?

Marcus Rashford agents told final Barcelona transfer decision after Man United ace's axingMarcus Rashford left Manchester United last summer to join Barcelona on a loan deal until the end of the seasonView Image Marcus Rashford joined Barcelona on loan for the 2025/26 season (Image: Judit Cartiel/Getty Images)Barcelona are reportedly planning to keep Marcus Rashford beyond the duration of his current loan spell from Manchester United. Rashford left Old Trafford last summer to complete a move to the La Liga giants for the 2025/26 season. ‌Last summer saw Rashford express a desire to leave United, having spent the second half of the previous campaign on loan with Aston Villa. ‌With the January transfer window now open, a fresh update has emerged about Rashford’s future, with Barcelona appearing to make their final decision about the United loanee. Here at The Manchester Evening News, we are dedicated to bringing you the best Manchester United coverage and analysis.

The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) issued an urgent warning over the Baby Pillow with Patting Function and Goose Baby Pillow sold by Amazon. (Image: Amazon/OPSS)The alert claims that the products do not meet the requirements of the General Product Safety Regulations 2005. They say: "The safest place for your baby to sleep is in a cot or Moses basket. "For this reason we advise against using cot bumpers, pillows and loose bedding." The affected Baby Pillow with patting Function listed on the government report is B0DPMQXGN8 and the affected Goose baby Pillow is B0DLWC5ML8, B0DLWFJXX3.

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Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. The UK’s top military chief, Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton, is said to have told the Prime Minister that an MoD assessment showed a £28 billion shortfall between now and 2030, The Times reports. Sir Richard showed the PM the assessment at a meeting before Christmas also attended by Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Defence Secretary John Heeley, according to the newspaper. An MOD spokesperson told The Independent: "The UK defence budget is rising to record levels as this government delivers the biggest boost to defence spending since the Cold War, totalling £270bn this parliament alone. “We are working flat out on the Defence Investment Plan, which will fix the outdated, overcommitted, and underfunded defence programme we inherited.”

The tales of Winnie-the-Pooh written by A.A. Milne were inspired by Ashdown Forest in East Sussex. New York Times named ‘Winnie-the-Pooh’s England‘ as one of the best places to visit in 2026. He based the story in the fictional Hundred Acre Wood which is inspired on the real-life Ashdown Forest just minutes away. If you fancy, taking a gander around Ashdown Forest on your own – it’s free entry into the woodland. A.A. Milne lived at Cotchford Farm in Hartfield which is now a holiday cottage – so you can actually stay in it yourself.

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