Tuesday morning news briefing: Liz Truss takes on rebels over benefits

A benefits battle is on course to be the new front in Tory infighting. After being forced to abandon the abolition of the 45p top rate of tax, Liz Truss is facing a row with Tory MPs over reducing Universal Credit in real terms.

Downing Street is considering not increasing payments in line with inflation, but instead using a lower metric such as the increase in average earnings to encourage recipients into work.

Tory rebels who forced the Prime Minister into her top tax rate about-turn are already breaking ranks and warning against the change.

Political editor Ben Riley-Smith can reveal that there is also unease at the top of Government, with some Cabinet ministers understood to believe that refusing to increase benefits by inflation is a "non-starter".

Writing for The Telegraph today, Ms Truss makes her first public comments on the 45p reversal, saying the policy had become an "unnecessary distraction".

Meanwhile, the Treasury last night said Mr Kwarteng was considering publishing his debt-reduction proposals by the end of this month.

The medium-term fiscal plan was due to be unveiled on November 23, but a Treasury spokesman said that work had been sped up and it was set to be published earlier.

In his speech to the Conservative Party conference in Birmingham, Mr Kwarteng acknowledged it had been a "tough" day.

In his sketch, Tim Stanley says that – despite the screeching U-turn – the Chancellor's Budget actually adds up to nothing.

After yesterday's about-turn over the top rate of tax, there was a short-lived rally in the value of the pound. Follow the latest market movements in our live blog.

Putin sends 'nuclear weapons kit' on train to Ukraine

A convoy has been seen transporting equipment for the Kremlin's nuclear weapons programme, prompting fears Vladimir Putin could be preparing a test to send a "signal to the West".

A train operated by the nuclear division was seen crossing Russia towards the front line in Ukraine.

As US correspondent Josie Ensor reports, footage showed the large freight convoy hauling armoured personnel carriers and other equipment.

Meanwhile, a Royal Navy frigate was last night sent to the North Sea in a show of force after a suspected Russian attack on the Nord Stream pipeline.

And Elon Musk is in a row with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky after the billionaire suggested his own controversial peace plan to end the war. Follow live updates.

Prince Harry 'looks utterly miserable', says biographer

The Duke of Sussex "looks utterly miserable", according to an official biographer, who claims the royals are happiest when they live a life of duty.

Hugo Vickers, the biographer of the Duke of Kent, said that members of the Royal family do not tend to find happiness when they choose their own path.

The author likened Harry's decision to step away from responsibilities to that of his great-granduncle, Edward VIII.

It came as the Sussexes cut a tender pose in newly released photographs.

Daily dose of Matt

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Also in the news: This morning's other headlines

Migration | Suella Braverman, the Home Secretary, will today pledge to stop human rights laws "interfering" with the UK's ability to deport illegal migrants by introducing a Bill barring anyone who crosses the Channel from claiming asylum in Britain. Ms Braverman accuses the European Court in Strasbourg of "grossly expanding" the remit of the European Convention on Human Rights. Read her article. Meanwhile, in an interview with The Telegraph, Health Secretary Therese Coffey opens the door to more foreign nurses to plug an NHS staff shortage.

• US | Donald Trump sues CNN over 'comparisons to Adolf Hitler'

• No hard shoulder | Smart M-ways fail to reach safety target

• Clean Rivers | 'Failing' water firms must cut bills by £150m

• 'Cheating' | Anglers' prize-winning catch with something fishy

• 'Solo honeymoon' | Five months in Antarctica for newlywed

Around the world: 'Take cover now', Japanese told

Japan has reacted furiously after North Korea launched a ballistic missile over northern parts of the country early today, triggering a system to warn residents to take cover. Fumio Kishida, the Japanese prime minister, said firing a missile across Japanese territory was "outrageous" and "barbaric". Reporting from Tokyo, Julian Ryall explains what we know about the weapon, which analysts suggest may have been a nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missile.

Comment and analysis

• Sherelle Jacobs | How the Tories can survive 45p fiasco

• Suzanne Moore | Sorry is still the hardest word for politicians

• Richard Kemp | Putin is micromanaging his way to oblivion

• Telegraph View | The growth strategy must not be derailed

• Reader letters | The right tax policy at exactly the wrong time

Sport briefing: Ronaldo can leave in January

Cristiano Ronaldo is eyeing a January exit from Manchester United and Erik ten Hag will not stand in his way if a suitable offer arrives. As Ten Hag held an inquest after Sunday's shambolic 6-3 defeat by Manchester City, Ronaldo's future was again in the spotlight after he was left on the bench. James Ducker and Jason Burt have our exclusive report. At Nottingham Forest, Rafael Benitez is in the frame to become head coach.

Editor's choice

1. The age of rage | Angry at the world? Here is how to let off some steam

2. Family | 'Cleaning out my parents' home was painful – but also therapeutic'

3. Fashion | 'I still mourn Topshop – there is no theatre to shopping online'

Business briefing: Vodafone talks raise security fears

Vodafone is preparing the biggest test yet of takeover laws meant to protect national security with plans to merge its British operation with a Chinese-owned rival. The FTSE 100 telecoms empire confirmed it is in talks to combine Vodafone UK with Three, the challenger network owned by CK Hutchison of Hong Kong. Meanwhile, Legal & General has made hundreds of millions of pounds selling the pension products that forced the Bank of England into a £65bn bailout last week.

Travel: Secret Italian lake

Big is beautiful when it comes to the Italian Lakes. But small is perhaps even more beautiful and, certainly, intimate. So forgo the major lakes and try Orta, which has picturesque shores, a mountain backdrop and pretty main town. Tim Jepson describes the perfect autumn escape.

Tonight's dinner

Smoky baked beans | A feel-good classic gets a healthy makeover in this recipe by Olivia Andrews. Serve with crusty bread.

And finally... for this morning's downtime

Best foot forward | When it comes to clothing and footwear, comfort is the most important thing for many people, but are trainers really suitable office attire? Alyson Walsh says they are – and the bolder, the better. She explains the neon-splashed footwear to take out of the gym and into the workplace.