British politician; Mayor of Greater Manchester since 2017; Labour and Co-op MP for Leigh (2001–2017)
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has announced the triple lock on the state pension will remain until the end of this parliament but from April 2030 will rise each year by the higher of inflation or 2.5%, removing the automatic annual link to earnings. The government says the change will free savings to build a National Care Service; critics warn of pensioner losses and political fallout.
An independent commission has found Manchester City guilty of the vast majority of 115 Premier League financial-rule charges covering 2009–18, multiple outlets have reported. The club has said the process remains ongoing, has confirmed it will appeal and has urged supporters the club will defend its position. Sanctions have not been announced.
The UK has borrowed £18.3bn in August, the ONS has reported, topping City and OBR forecasts and leaving year‑to‑date borrowing at £77.3bn — £8.1bn above the OBR projection. Rising gilt yields have pushed debt interest to record August levels and are narrowing Chancellor John Healey’s fiscal headroom ahead of the 28 October Budget.
The Green Party's Zack Polanski is pressing Labour to act on housing and climate as he candidates in Holborn and St Pancras. Labour leader Andy Burnham is moving leftward to counter Greens, while the by-election is framed as a test of how much Green pressure can influence government policy.
Conservative leaders have pledged to abolish the so-called 0,000 childcare cliff edge, extending free childcare to higher earners and promising to fund the move by cutting other spending. The policy is framed as pro-work and pro-growth, with officials arguing it would remove disincentives to work and boost economic activity. The plan follows earlier proposals to reform taxation and stamp duty.
Kemi Badenoch has pledged to abolish inheritance tax on family homes and to allow couples to pass on an extra £1 million without the levy if the Conservatives win power, framing the next election as a battle for Britain’s economic future. She labeled Labour’s spending as unsustainable and urged cuts to welfare, regulation, and taxes, while cautioning that not all announcements landed well. The address comes as the party seeks to rebound after a historic defeat and amid ongoing questions about Reform UK finances.
Britain has warned it could expel up to about 27 Israeli diplomats if Israel closes the UK consulate in East Jerusalem on Thursday. Israel has ordered the consulate to shut within 30 days after Britain announced sanctions on goods and services linked to West Bank settlements. British officials have tried last-minute talks to avert the closure but have not reached a deal.
British counter-terrorism police have arrested a man in Westminster and searched a nearby property as part of the investigation into the September 27 security incident near RAF Fairford. The probe has recovered petrol from vans but no explosives; five men arrested earlier remain on bail while investigators pursue multiple lines of inquiry, including potential foreign-state involvement.
The government has announced plans to transform the Ghana Space Science and Technology Institute into a full Ghana Space Agency to coordinate space activity, promote national programmes, and foster research and innovation. Cabinet approval paves the way for a Bill to establish the agency, with legal and operational backing to manage space initiatives.
England has dominated Croatia in a Nations League clash, with Jude Bellingham orchestrating play, Harry Kane scoring, and Anthony Gordon delivering crucial goals and assists. Alex Scott and Trent Alexander-Arnold also star as Tuchel’s side secures a commanding 7-0 win ahead of upcoming fixtures.
Labour leader Andy Burnham has publicly questioned Brexit’s benefits and is outlining options for Britain’s long-term relationship with the EU. The move opens the door to rejoining the bloc or pursuing closer ties, with a high-stakes summit looming. The party is weighing a range of paths as it seeks to address decades of economic harm attributed to Brexit.
Five British men have been detained near RAF Fairford after reports of three suspicious vans. Police have bail conditions on the suspects, and investigators are examining possible links to Iran and other foreign actors. Iran denies involvement as the investigation continues.
The major UK parties are rolling out policies to address NEETs (young people not in education, employment or training). The BBC, The Mirror and The Guardian outlets report on proposals to replace or reform Universal Credit with work-focused schemes, including mandatory attendance, in-work wage subsidies, and possible benefit cuts for non-compliance. Critics warn about dignity, feasibility, and the risk of increasing poverty.
The government has announced reforms to require airlines to seat children under 14 next to a parent free of charge and to allow free corrections of booking names. The Civil Aviation Bill is expected to deliver these changes after Royal Assent, with aims to curb petty charges and bring uniform rights across carriers.
A government-backed plan to release prisoners early to ease overcrowding is being revised after backlash. The first 700 offenders were released under the scheme, with the full rollout paused as officials assess risks and capacity. Authorities warn that without action, prison capacity could be overwhelmed by 2030.
Salam Ahmadyan and Rahman Salehi have been charged in Manchester with preparing to commit terrorist acts related to a plot targeting Jewish sites during Yom Kippur. prosecutors say they were directed by an overseas third party, possibly in Iran, and conducted hostile reconnaissance before their arrest. Authorities say the threat was disrupted but no public danger is ongoing.
British Prime Minister has said there are strong indications Iran is involved in a suspected plot against the U.S.-operated airbase. The government is pursuing investigations as it reviews next steps.
The government has scrapped plans to expand judge-alone trials for crimes with sentences under three years, while maintaining some sentencing powers for magistrates. The move comes amid a mounting backlog in Crown Court cases and broad concerns from lawyers about losing jury rights. Victims and defendants have waited years for justice as reforms faced fierce criticism.
The US has redeployed a dozen B-1 bombers from RAF Fairford back to US bases after British authorities foiled an alleged plot to attack the Gloucestershire airfield. UK officials have said there are "strong indications" of Iranian involvement; Tehran has denied the claim. The withdrawal will reduce the UK-based surge capability for strikes on Iran.
Conservatives have outlined a wide-ranging plan to cut red tape, scrap environmental rules, streamline housing development costs and back Heathrow expansion. The package, presented during the party conference, argues the changes will lower the cost of new homes by up to £50,000 and boost growth, while abolishing Natural England and the Environment Agency and replacing them with a streamlined regime.
The US has redeployed about a dozen B-1 bombers from RAF Fairford to the United States amid security concerns over an Iran-related threat. UK officials say the base remains safe as investigations continue into a separate incident near the Gloucestershire site.
The Conservatives have announced Britannia Shield, a 10bn plan to build an integrated radar, control and interceptor missile system to defend Britain from drones and missiles. The package, funded to reach 3% of GDP by 2030, is pitched as a major upgrade to UK air defence. Labour criticises the plan as underfunding and a repeat of past hollowed-out forces.