Canadian actor known for Stargate SG-1 role Daniel Jackson
Andy Burnham has become prime minister and has announced a cabinet that removes key Starmer allies, appoints John Healey as chancellor and moves Ed Miliband to the Foreign Office. Burnham has promised immediate measures to give households "breathing space", to end rough sleeping and to set out how he will pay for his plans this week.
The government has announced 43 transmission projects that will qualify for a new bill-discount scheme. Households within 500 metres of qualifying overhead lines will receive up to £2,500 off electricity bills over 10 years, with payments starting early next year and funded by a small charge on all bills. Many projects are in Scotland to carry wind power.
Ming Yang’s £1.5bn Ardersier project is blocked by UK ministers over national security concerns. Scotland’s leaders are calling for a review as officials weigh jobs and investment against security risks and data-control questions. The debate centers on whether Chinese tech can power the UK’s offshore wind ambitions without compromising resilience.
Community councils voice alarm over a wave of renewables projects while UK and Scottish ministers wrestle with a national plan. Critics warn the rapid pace risks soaring bills and industrial displacement, even as energy storage and grid upgrades take on renewed urgency.
Britain’s £70bn grid modernisation is under way but progress is slow. NAO warns delays could push constraint costs to £7.8bn by 2030, while bills may rise if upgrades lag. Regulators and government say transparency and delivery must improve to shield households from volatility.