UK chancellor pledges to cut welfare spending after 2026 Budget

The Financial Times reports Chancellor John Healey promised to set out welfare reforms by the end of 2026 as he defended his Budget against Conservative criticism. The Straits Times, carrying a Reuters report, says Healey ruled out “crude cuts” but gave no date for when spending would fall. He focused on helping unemployed young people into work; government reviews of youth joblessness and disability benefits are due in November.