A ceremonial county and local authority at the heart of Britain’s finance
A cross-industry taskforce led by former John Lewis chair Sir Charlie Mayfield has signed up more than 250 major employers to monitor sickness absence, return-to-work outcomes and disability participation. The aims are to reveal workplace health performance and unlock productivity gains valued at billions. The initiative follows government reforms and ongoing debates about welfare and labour participation.
Labour leader Andy Burnham has moved to consolidate power after key reshuffles, but tensions within the party signal persistent factionalism. Bloomberg and The Guardian report on the widening rift between Burnham’s camp and rivals, with lingering concerns over policy direction and leadership dynamics.
Andy Burnham has reshaped the UK government on day one, appointing a new cabinet and unveiling an energy-relief measure, while facing scrutiny over party funding and donations. The move appears aimed at consolidating support and delivering a decisive start after his leadership win.
Segro has accepted Prologis’ best-and-final cash-and-stock offer and extended the put-up-or-shocket deadline to 12 August. The deal values Segro at about £10.32 per share and would create a pan-European warehouse giant focused on AI datacentres and online retail logistics.
The NHS has been forced to confront ongoing summer pressures as heatwaves drive higher A&E attendances, equipment failures, and drought-related health risks. Officials say planning for summer pressures is now essential, with public awareness campaigns and infrastructure upgrades in focus.
Sir James Cleverly has quit his frontbench role to pursue a 2028 London mayoral bid, arguing London needs a Conservative plan for enterprise and opportunity. Other reports show London’s mayoral race shaping up as Labour’s Sadiq Khan weighs a fourth term, with potential rivals and shifts within the Tory party.
Trade unions and the new Labour leadership are pushing for higher taxes on banks’ profits to fund a social tariff that could lower energy bills for millions, as energy costs and inflation remain central to the policy agenda.
The government has given English regional mayors the power to charge an overnight visitor levy as a percentage of accommodation costs with no statutory upper limit. Industry groups and major hotel chains have warned the uncapped power will raise prices, reduce demand and cost jobs; mayors say revenue will fund local services and infrastructure from 2028.
South Africa has sealed a 3-1 series win over New Zealand in Baltimore after a second-half surge, extending their Rugby World Cup buildup with a dominant performance in the USA.
The government has faced rising inflation to 3.1% in August, driven by Middle East turmoil and higher fuel prices. Ministers are facing calls to act on the cost of living, with energy bills and transport costs under scrutiny ahead of the autumn Budget.
Palestinian President Abbas has addressed the UN via a pre-recorded video, while Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu is delivering a live address. Abbas has called for ending the war in Gaza, a withdrawal from Gaza, and a political process toward an independent Palestinian state. Netanyahu is focusing on Israel's security concerns and Iran, with some world leaders planning protests in New York.
The Turner painting Rome, From Mount Aventine has traveled from Rome to Palazzo Rondinini before London auction this December. Sotheby’s expects it to fetch around £50 million, highlighting Turner’s enduring impact on the capital’s art scene.