The Square Mile, financial heart of the UK
Labour leader Andy Burnham is consolidating 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.
The government has announced a major cabinet reshuffle under Prime Minister Andy Burnham, appointing a large new team and outlining an energy-relief plan to tackle the cost-of-living crisis. Several long-standing figures have left or shifted roles as the administration signals a definitive break with the prior leadership.
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.
NHS services face ongoing summer pressures as heatwaves intensify, with A&E attendances rising and infrastructure strains highlighted by officials. Hospitals report equipment failures in heat, and authorities warn of greater risks to the vulnerable as climate-related health demands grow.
Sir James Cleverly has quit frontline frontbench duties to pursue a 2028 London mayoral bid, stressing London’s need for enterprise and opportunity. He faces a potential contest against Labour’s Sadiq Khan, with Liberal Democrats and Reform UK weighing into the race as the Conservatives court a centrist path.
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 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 push up prices, reduce demand and cost jobs; mayors argue revenue will fund local services and infrastructure from 2028.
South Africa has taken a 2-1 lead in Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry, with Baltimore set to host the fourth Test. World Rugby is exploring US games to boost revenue and profile, while unions weigh the idea against potential backlash from traditional locales.
The TUC has called for a levy on bank profits to fund a social tariff aimed at cutting energy bills. The union movement argues ministers should move faster on cost-of-living relief as households face high energy costs and inflation.
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.
Turner’s Rome, From Mount Aventine remains on its original canvas and frame, with fingerprints and brush marks visible. It has never been restretched or restored and was last sold in 2014 for £30.3m. Sotheby’s expects about £50m at the December London sale, following showings in Rome, Hong Kong and New York.