British politician, Mayor of Greater Manchester since 2017
Since 10 October, President Trump has announced a temporary easing of U.S. restrictions to allow large Russian diesel shipments onto global markets and said he struck the deal with Vladimir Putin to lower fuel prices. Ukraine has criticised the move, resumed strikes on Russian refineries and accused the U.S. of restricting satellite services critical to its defences; European leaders have reaffirmed support for Kyiv.
The SNP has renewed its push for a second independence referendum as party leaders frame the issue as central to Scotland’s future. With the party securing a fifth term, officials say the movement is moving toward a new, sustained campaign despite mixed polling.
SNP leaders say a second independence referendum is moving forward, arguing Westminster opposition is weakening and that a hung parliament could enable a fresh vote. The party cites recent Holyrood gains and cross-national support in Wales and Northern Ireland as momentum builds, while Labour signals willingness to widen powers to Holyrood.
The Green Party of England and Wales has adopted a motion declaring Zionism a form of racism and backing a single Palestinian state in historic Palestine. Labour condemns the move as antisemitic and says it will reassess coalitions, while EHRC requests information on its practical effects. The by-election context intensifies political pressure on Green leader Zack Polanski.
The government has banned Palestine Action as a terrorist group, and public figures linked to the issue face police scrutiny after a UK-wide wave of arrests. Sarah Helm, wife of national security adviser Jonathan Powell, has sparked a police assessment with a post supporting the group’s activism.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham is inviting Scotland’s government to collaborate on deeper devolution and regional empowerment as the SNP gathers in Aberdeen. He argues Holyrood is too centralised and wants a model where local areas drive growth, while the SNP remains focused on a second independence referendum by 2031. The talks include plans for localised employment support and closer EU links.
Sally Rooney’s UK publisher has halted supply of her books in Britain following the government’s proscription of Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation. The ban makes membership or support for the group punishable by up to 14 years in prison. Rooney has said she will use proceeds to support the group. Booksellers scramble as stock and distribution become uncertain, while critics decry censorship and stress the need to maintain free expression.
President Donald Trump has negotiated a deal with Vladimir Putin to release hundreds of thousands of tonnes of Russian diesel to global markets and has pressed Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy to halt strikes on Russian refineries. European officials and some US senators have warned the move will strengthen Moscow’s war effort; Zelenskyy has publicly accused Trump of betrayal.
Thames Water has drawn on billions of pounds of emergency liquidity and is seeking to extend cash support into autumn 2027. A London & Valley Water-led rescue plan could include debt writedowns and fresh equity, as regulators and the government watch developments closely.
The UK has reaffirmed its support for Ukraine during Zelenskyy’s visit to London. Ministers are accelerating deliveries of British-made LMMs and pushing for a global LNG ban on Russian exports, while outlining further sanctions. The day’s schedule includes Zelenskyy’s meetings at Downing Street and a parliamentary debate.
Leaders are pressing ahead with a long‑running Heathrow expansion, arguing it would boost growth, even as London voices remain divided. Ministers are studying responses to the public consultation, while Heathrow’s owners warn a delay risks a misspent opportunity and investors demand clarity ahead of planning decisions.
Iran is bolstering defenses around sensitive sites and mobilising civilian support in the run-up to potential renewed US strikes after the November midterms. Reports say Tehran has warned regional actors of retaliation and is preparing its population for war, while the US and allied forces position for possible renewed hostilities.
Independent Football Regulator’s findings confirm Manchester City breached Premier League financial rules between 2009 and 2018. The regulator says the process to hear the case will run through the season, with a formal judgment expected by January as City face potential sanctions and appeals.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said Brexit has "done more harm than good" and has launched a review of Britain’s relationship with the EU. He has promised to set out options around the next UK‑EU summit, including joining the single market or customs union or even full membership, and faced immediate criticism from right‑wing opponents.
The government is weighing final approvals for Rosebank and Jackdaw, two North Sea oil and gas fields. Courts have previously ruled the approvals unlawful; ministers are under pressure from climate groups and industry to decide, with implications for jobs, energy security and emissions.
Demonstrations across London and European cities commemorate three years since Gaza’s crisis began. Protesters call for an immediate arms embargo on Israel and stronger sanctions, while police enforce a zero-tolerance approach to hate crime amid counter-demonstrations. The protests come as sanctions and international pressure continue to shape the political response to the conflict.
Britain has publicly blamed Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps for an alleged plot to attack RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, prompting sanctions and a broader Western condemnation. Five men were detained and later released; US bombers were withdrawn amid heightened threats, and a joint Western statement vows to hold Tehran to account.
The GMCA has released details of Andy Burnham’s meetings with Manchester City’s owners during his time as mayor, while the Premier League has found City in breach of financial rules. Burnham says he will publish all meetings, and opposition calls for full transparency intensify as scrutiny over overage deals and the club’s governance grows.
Archie Goodburn’s emotional plea on BBC Breakfast prompts Downing Street talks; government pledges a national brain cancer lead, a review into progress since 2018, and faster access to trials, with a focus on expanding UK clinical trials and patient support.
Labour has moved to end local power-sharing with Green groups unless they disown a Green conference motion declaring Zionism racist. Labour says the policy breaches values and antisemitism standards, while Greens defend free democratic process and criticise interference. The row spans councils across England and one in Wales, with Prime Minister Burnham ruling out a path to a national coalition.
The BBC and Guardian report that the UK government is weighing an increase to the bank surcharge ahead of the 28 October budget. Ministers are considering reversing Hunt’s cuts and possibly returning the surcharge to 8%, which would raise billions in tax revenue while banks warn on competitiveness. Trade unions press for a larger levy amid record profits in the sector.