Newscast The Epstein Files And "The Invisible Man"
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Dec 23, 2025 Sumi Somaskanda, BBC News chief presenter in Washington, dives into the latest revelations from the Department of Justice regarding the Epstein files. She highlights a troubling email from someone asking Ghislaine Maxwell for 'inappropriate friends,' raising eyebrows about connections to Balmoral. Sumi also discusses the implications of flight records linking Donald Trump to Epstein’s jet. Furthermore, she explains the bipartisan push for transparency that led to these staggering document releases, offering keen insights into ongoing debates around accountability.
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Inheritance Tax Clash With Farmers
- The government's inheritance tax change would have taxed farmland assets over £1m at 20% instead of exempting them.
- Widespread farmer backlash and political pressure forced a policy shift raising the threshold to £2.5m.
Concession Framed As "Listening"
- The government increased the tax-free threshold from £1m to £2.5m and allowed married couples to combine allowances to £5m.
- Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds framed the change as "listening" to farmers to avoid burdening most estates.
Farmers’ Loud, Visible Campaign
- Farmers mounted visible, sustained protests including tractors in Westminster and roadside banners saying "say no to the family farm tax."
- The National Farmers Union led lobbying efforts and repeatedly met ministers to oppose the policy.