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Decathlon Pulse has acquired a 10% stake in Brompton, withBA Capital taking 5%, in a deal worth about £18 million. The partnership aims to accelerate Brompton’s expansion into Germany and China while keeping its Handmade in London heritage. Selected Brompton models will feature in Decathlon stores.
The NPR project has a £45bn funding cap and aims to connect northern cities with new or upgraded rail lines. MPs warn it risks repeating HS2’s failures, with unclear costs, routes and governance. The government maintains a disciplined, phased approach while engaging mayors and Network Rail.
Humphrey Smith, founder and private figure behind the Samuel Smith Old Brewery, has died at 81. The brewery is famed for rigid rules banning mobile phones, sieving its pubs from modern tech, and operating a network of around 200 pubs across the UK. Locals describe him as a private man with strong ties to Tadcaster, where horse-drawn deliveries and a historic brand survive.
The Scottish FA has been searching for a new manager after Steve Clarke’s departure following a group-stage exit from the World Cup. Roberto Martinez has emerged as a leading candidate, with Benitez also open to the role. The discussion centers on who can deliver further qualification and consistency for Scotland.
The Public Office (Accountability) Bill, known as the Hillsborough Law, has secured passage for its final Commons stages with the government insisting it will force candour from public bodies. Amendments have brought intelligence services under the duty, with a secure disclosure process to protect national security. Debates signal the law’s autumn enactment and a lasting impact on accountability.
Fans at FIFA Fan Festivals in Philadelphia and Atlanta have drawn hundreds of thousands for World Cup viewing, with activations from sponsors, volunteer support, and large screens shaping the experience. Reports also show crowding and security concerns at recent live-event activations, while other festivals face mixed feedback on crowd management.
The Open at Royal Birkdale is enforcing a new code of conduct to curb abusive behavior by spectators. With an expected crowd of about 300,000, officials say breaches may lead to removal from the course. The code aims to balance tradition with new audiences amid concerns over gambling-fueled misconduct.
The Trans-Pennine Connect project proposes a 14-mile tunnel beneath the Peak District to connect Manchester and Sheffield, aiming to ease Congestion and reclaim nature along the route. Government says the plan is financially and environmentally costly and has no current approval. Local authorities welcome dialogue as EMCCA emphasises strategic context.
Andy Burnham has been confirmed as Labour leader at a special conference in London and will become prime minister on Monday after Keir Starmer formally resigns to the King. Burnham has secured overwhelming support from Labour MPs, pledged a "distinctively Labour" government, and promised to devolve power, tackle social care and focus on growth outside London.
The Makerfield MP has been confirmed as Labour leader at a London conference and will become Prime Minister on Monday, succeeding Sir Keir Starmer. He vows to deliver a united, purposeful Labour focused on restoring hope and addressing living standards.
United have already signed two midfielders this window and face injuries and departures that heighten the need for further reinforcements. Several targets are in play, with attention turning to a potential homegrown option as pre-season shows rising balance in midfield.
The British Muslim Trust reports more than 70 attacks on mosques in the past year, with violence, vandalism and online abuse. While the government has pledged up to £40 million for protective security, mosques say funding is arriving slowly or being denied without explanation, leaving communities fearful and waiting months for support. Other incidents include arson threats and a hate-driven backlash. The report and responses from Home Office stress ongoing processing, with calls to devolve funds to local areas.
Burnham has launched a northern base, No. 10 North, to devolve power from Westminster and speed up growth across post-industrial regions. Critics call it gimmick; supporters call it a circuit-breaker for Britain’s centralised economy. Details on funding remain unclear as ministers gather behind this new hub.
Fifa's proposals to sell stakes in World Cup rights to private investors have triggered a backlash from European football bodies and key advisers. A resignation amid the controversy underscores widespread opposition and questions about governance. Leaders warn the World Cup should remain in football hands as the debate continues.
Mayors will keep a share of income tax and business rates from 2027-28, replacing central grants and empowering local areas to fund transport, housing and jobs. The reform is pitched as the biggest transfer of power in a generation, with details to be announced in the autumn budget as Burnham leads devolution push.