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For too long, only the right has expanded the boundaries of what governments can do. Can Burnham change that? | Andy Beckett
Andy Burnham used Labour’s conference to argue for major changes to public services, the economy and Britain’s political system, challenging the belief that governments have little room to act. His proposals could widen what Labour is willing to debate, while his hopeful, less partisan style may set him apart from political opponents. He raised electoral…
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Recent lobbyist for Palantir had key role in helping Andy Burnham become PM
A recent lobbyist for the US tech company Palantir played a senior role in helping Andy Burnham become prime minister, raising questions about potential conflicts of interest. Martha Dalton, whose company Lodestone worked for Palantir until 2025, campaigned for Burnham in the Makerfield byelection and advised his team on strategic communications. The revelation emerges as…
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New Mexico seeks up to $40bn in penalties from Meta over privacy claims
New Mexico is seeking $35 billion to $40 billion in penalties from Meta after a jury found the company misled residents about privacy and misinformation. The request follows the Cambridge Analytica scandal and aims, according to the state’s attorney, to impose a penalty large enough to affect the company. The jury found that 26 of…
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Fans return to physical media for lasting access and choice
Some music and film fans are returning to CDs, DVDs, vinyl and cassettes to keep lasting access to media and make more deliberate choices. Their reasons include losing access to titles removed from streaming services, unreliable internet, concerns about subscription costs and data sharing, and a wish to support artists. The people interviewed describe physical…
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House prices at their most affordable since 2015 compared to salaries
House prices have become more affordable relative to salaries for the first time since 2015, according to data from Lloyds Banking Group. The average home now costs 7.3 times annual household income, down from 7.6 a year ago, with sluggish house price growth of just 0.5 per cent offset by wage increases of 4.5 per…
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French borrowing costs surge as investors fear worsening public finances
French government bonds are experiencing a significant sell-off amid growing investor concern over the country’s fiscal position, pushing borrowing costs to levels not seen in years. The spread between French and German 10-year bond yields reached its widest level since 2012, with French yields hitting their highest point since 2002 before easing slightly. Analysts have…
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Julien Macdonald agrees £150,000 repayment after company liquidation
Fashion designer Julien Macdonald has agreed to repay £150,000 following the liquidation of his company three years ago, which left creditors and employees collectively owed £686,000. The settlement came after Macdonald initially disputed a substantial portion of the debt and engaged solicitors to defend his position, prompting liquidators to engage their own legal representation. The…
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Police say 70 women reporting Al Fayed abuse show trafficking hallmarks
Metropolitan Police officers told MPs that 70 women who reported sexual abuse by Mohamed Al Fayed gave accounts with hallmarks of human trafficking. The figure suggests the number formally recognised as trafficking victims could rise, and has prompted concern that some survivors are struggling to access the system intended to identify and protect them. Officers…
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Would a gambling tax rise in the budget really shut shops and cost jobs?
The UK’s gambling industry is pushing back against reports that Chancellor John Healey will double the tax on slot machines in his first budget, claiming the measure would force shop closures and cost thousands of jobs. The Social Market Foundation estimates the tax rise could generate between £275m and £460m annually, with Andy Burnham among…