Good morning from London. Welcome to Westminster AM — your insider briefing that connects London and Washington before the rest of the world catches up. We track the decisions and deals shaping power on both sides of the Atlantic — and explain why they matter. Each morning, we connect the headlines that move markets and shape the global agenda, from Parliament to Pennsylvania Avenue.
Here are the top stories today.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor will remain at Royal Lodge until at least the New Year before moving to Sandringham.
A Reform UK councillor defects to the Conservatives after becoming “uncomfortable” with Nigel Farage’s party.
Nearly 400 children in England have been prescribed weight-loss injections on the NHS, some as young as nine.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the King’s brother, will not be required to vacate Royal Lodge immediately and is expected to move to Sandringham early next year. The decision follows weeks of intense scrutiny over his association with Jeffrey Epstein and comes as the Palace seeks a managed transition to end his public role. Reports suggest Andrew could receive a six-figure settlement and maintenance stipend from the King to cover relocation and repairs to the property. Political figures and survivors of Epstein’s crimes continue to urge Andrew to co-operate fully with US investigators.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves faces renewed pressure ahead of the Autumn Budget amid claims she is considering a new tax band on high-value homes. The proposed “mansion tax”-style measure could raise billions for the Treasury but is already drawing criticism from Conservative opponents and property industry leaders.
A Reform UK councillor joins the Tories, saying he became “uncomfortable” with Nigel Farage’s leadership and the party’s direction.
The government is also facing growing concern over childhood obesity after data showed almost 400 children have been prescribed weight-loss injections on the NHS, including patients as young as nine. Health officials defend the move as a medical necessity in severe cases, but child-wellbeing advocates are calling for urgent review of eligibility criteria.
Border Force unions have announced plans to strike over working conditions at Channel migrant centres. The government is bracing for disruption as crossings surge 25 percent year on year, despite repeated promises to “stop the boats.”
Times: Andrew quits fight after losing loyalty of ex-wife.
Guardian: Andrew to receive six-figure sum and stipend from the King.
Mail: William and Kate pushed for Andrew to be ousted.
Mirror: King listened to the people.
Telegraph: MPs push to stop Andrew succession.
Independent: Minister says Andrew must reveal truth about Epstein.
iWeekend: Andrew to get £558k payout for Royal Lodge but faces huge repair bill.
FT: High-end homes in Reeves’ sights.
Express: Army “not safe for young women.”
Sun: “We can’t bear him either.”
Star: Truck orf!!
Members of Congress are calling on Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor to give testimony about his connection to Jeffrey Epstein. Lawmakers say his cooperation is “essential” to clarifying the full extent of Epstein’s international network.
In Washington, President Trump’s administration faces criticism over its sharp reduction in refugee admissions, with faith groups and rights organizations describing the policy as “morally indefensible.”
Relief operations are underway in Jamaica and across the Caribbean after Hurricane Melissa left at least 50 people dead and tens of thousands displaced. Britain’s first aid flight has arrived with medical supplies and food parcels, as the UK and international partners coordinate support for the islands most affected by flooding and infrastructure collapse.
The European Union has postponed the launch of its digital border system for drivers at Dover, citing technical issues and concerns over traffic disruption. The delay marks another setback in the bloc’s efforts to modernise post-Brexit travel rules.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan has secured a second term in Tanzania’s presidential election after days of unrest. Opposition groups have alleged irregularities, but the electoral commission has certified the result.
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