Politics
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PoliticsBurnham cuts VAT on electricity bills ahead of first cabinet meeting – UK politics live
Move is expected to save households around £45 a year but former minister says plan is ‘unfunded’Burnham to cut VAT on electricity bills in first cost-of-living moveAntónio Costa, the president of the European council, said in a post on X that he held a “good” phone call with Andy Burnham last night, in which he said they agreed to “further strengthen” EU-UK relations and continue to cooperate to support Ukraine.He said there was also discussion about “common geopolitical challenges facing Europe”, which could be a reference to many things, including energy prices soaring due to the US-Israel war on Iran, Europe’s trading and security relationship with Washington, the future of Nato, the continent facing a wave of hybrid warfare, driven by Russia, or the surge of national populism and backlash against immigration. Continue reading...
PoliticsAndy Burnham’s first Labour cabinet: who’s in and who’s out?
From the Treasury to the Home Office, we look at who is heading up key departments in new PM’s governmentBurnham vows his arrival in power will be ‘circuit breaker’ moment for UKSix highlights from Andy Burnham’s first Downing Street speechAndy Burnham has appointed his first cabinet, with the new prime minister rewarding those who have been loyal to his takeover efforts. He had promised to pick his top team from all wings of the party in an effort to show he is trying to run a more inclusive administration.But at the same time, his decision to have a brutal clearout of Starmer allies resulted in many considered to be on the right of the party or close to the former prime minister losing their jobs. These are the key announcements so far: Continue reading...
PoliticsKey moments on day Andy Burnham became prime minister
Andy Burnham has replaced Sir Keir Starmer as UK prime minister, after becoming Labour leader last week.
PoliticsUK borrows less than expected in June but public finances remain a challenge
Public finances for last month were better than expected but the UK is carrying major debt.
PoliticsVAT to be cut from household electricity bills in October
Homes will save around £45 a year through the cut announced on Andy Burnham's first full day as prime minister.
PoliticsCause of Ann Widdecombe's death not yet established, inquest hears
The 78-year-old was found with "visible injuries" at her home in Devon on 9 July.
PoliticsUK borrows less than expected as Healey vows to ‘buffer against uncertainty’
Figure of £16bn from ONS comes after Andy Burnham revealed plans to cut VAT on electricity billsBusiness live – latest updatesThe UK government borrowed less than expected in June, in a boost for Andy Burnham as he set out plans to cut VAT on household electricity bills and promised a new direction for the British economy.The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said public sector net borrowing – the difference between government spending and income – was £16bn last month, £7.9bn less than in June 2025. Continue reading...
Politics‘A big job ahead of him’: world leaders congratulate Andy Burnham as he becomes Britain’s PM
Beyond the diplomatic platitudes global media focuses on the ‘immense’ scale of the challenge he faces in the jobUK politics live – latest updatesWorld leaders have warmly congratulated Andy Burnham on his entry into 10 Downing Street as Britain’s seventh prime minister in a decade, but international media largely focused on the scale of the challenges awaiting him.Emmanuel Macron, France’s president, said he hoped for a deeper relationship “in the service of our peoples, and by giving new momentum to the partnership between the UK and the EU” rekindled by Burnham’s predecessor, Keir Starmer. Continue reading...
PoliticsSir Chris Bryant appointed new NI secretary
Hilary Benn replaced by a former Anglican priest as part of a Cabinet reshuffle by the new Prime Minister, Andy Burnham.
PoliticsDefence shares rise after Andy Burnham appoints John Healey as chancellor
Babcock and BAE Systems benefit as markets hope former defence secretary will increase spending on sectorBusiness live – latest updatesShares in defence companies have risen sharply after Andy Burnham appointed John Healey as chancellor, prompting hope among investors of increased spending on suppliers to the military.Defence stocks were among the biggest risers on the FTSE 100 on Tuesday morning after the former defence secretary was announced as chancellor after markets closed on Monday. Babcock International rose 7%, BAE Systems was up 3% and Rolls-Royce increased nearly 2% on the FTSE 100. On the FTSE 250, QinetiQ rose nearly 4%. Continue reading...