British trade unionist; general secretary of Unite since Aug 2021
The price cap on gas and electricity has increased, raising the typical yearly bill to around £1,862 for direct-debit customers, with Ofgem data showing a sustained spike in wholesale prices. Households are urged to submit meter readings and seek cheaper fixed deals as bills stay high into winter.
Unite has organised 14 days of strikes by ICTS security staff at Aberdeen Airport starting 6 July, after talks through Acas failed to yield an offer. The action is expected to cause significant delays during the peak holiday period.
The Reform UK leader has quit as an MP to trigger a Clacton by-election, arguing the people of Clacton should judge his actions amid ongoing scrutiny over a 35m gift and separate fundraising allegations. Most major parties are not fielding candidates, leaving Count Binface as the primary challenger; the by-election carries potential legal and financial implications for Farage and Reform.
The No 10 North operation in Manchester is expanding to bring devolution and local growth decisions closer to postcodes across the country. Burnham chairs the NEC from Manchester, with regional mayors and business leaders involved as scrutiny grows over costs and reach.
The Guardian and other outlets report that East London NHS Foundation Trust plans significant service redesign and job cuts to balance its budget, sparking concerns over access to mental health care and wider NHS strain.
The government has announced a major expansion of mental health services, establishing 100 new community mental health centres and 59 dedicated mental health emergency departments across England to provide walk-in, same‑day access closer to home. The first sites will open in autumn, with more facilities to follow by March 2027 as part of a broad reform to reduce crisis-point care and relieve pressure on A&Es.
Unite has expanded a series of heat-related strikes by Arriva North London drivers. With cabs exceeding 40C in heatwaves, drivers call for full air conditioning. TfL warns routes will face disruption while management says improvements are underway.
Unite has expanded four‑day strikes with Arriva North London, citing intolerable heat in cabs. Drivers across eight garages are walking out in the latest development after a summer of high temperatures and disputed air‑conditioning upgrades. TfL says disruptions will persist until talks yield a meaningful resolution.
Reform UK faces scrutiny as the government advances residency rules on political donations from British voters abroad, with two crypto billionaires’ £72m donations at the center. Law changes backdated to 25 March would cap overseas donations and require a lasting UK connection.
Two crypto billionaires have donated 72m to Reform UK, triggering a debate over caps on overseas and domestic political contributions as Parliament considers the Representation of the People Bill. The government is pushing to tighten rules while reform argues donations are legal. The story is developing as Lords debate the bill.