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Another embarrassing climbdown for Burnham as Angela Rayner says rent controls are NOT happening… days after he insisted they were being considered
Angela Rayner has ruled out introducing rent controls, contradicting Andy Burnham, who had said only days earlier that such measures were being considered. The reversal marks another awkward moment for Burnham and adds to a perception of confusion or disunity within Labour over housing policy, drawing criticism from opponents such as Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch.…
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Christine Vachon, Ewan McGregor & Sarah Brocklehurst Among Names Set For Edinburgh Film Festival’s 2026 Industry Programme
Edinburgh Film Festival has announced its 2026 industry programme, running alongside the festival from 13 to 19 August. The programme brings together prominent filmmakers, actors and executives for talks, networking and discussions intended to support connections across the Scottish, UK and international film sectors. Events begin on 14 August with a networking brunch, followed by…
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Google meets the neighbors and gets both barrels over its new UK datacenter
Google faced strong criticism from residents at a meeting about its Waltham Cross datacentre, with complaints focused on inadequate consultation, persistent noise and intrusive lighting. The dispute matters because the site is Google’s first UK-owned and operated facility and is expected to expand significantly, intensifying concerns about its effect on neighbouring homes and the local…
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Angela Rayner refuses to repay £16k severance payout after returning to cabinet
Angela Rayner has said she will not repay a severance payment of almost £17,000 received after leaving government in 2025, despite returning to the Cabinet as Andy Burnham’s housing secretary. The issue matters because Rayner had previously criticised Conservative ministers for accepting similar payments after brief periods in office, prompting Conservative calls for her to…
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Britain ‘in a better place today than we were yesterday’ despite fresh Trump tariffs, minister insists
A UK minister has said Britain is in a better position despite the US renewing a 10% import tariff on British goods, arguing that exemptions for products including whisky and medical technologies reduce the impact. The tariffs matter because the United States is the UK’s largest single export market, while the government seeks to preserve…
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Hong leads Wisconsin race as Rapinoe condemns trans-sport bans
A new poll boosts Francesca Hong’s Democratic bid for Wisconsin governor, while Megan Rapinoe attacks restrictions on transgender athletes. Trey Songz avoids jail, and Marvel Tokon unveils its anime-inspired opening.
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Regional mayors to play key role in national policy decisions under Burnham’s plan for No 10 North
Andy Burnham has announced plans for a new No 10 North office in Manchester, intended to give regional mayors a greater role in national policymaking and accelerate devolution. He said the initiative would help shift power and resources away from Whitehall, supporting regeneration, housebuilding, transport infrastructure, reindustrialisation and economic growth across the UK. Burnham plans…
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UK defence spending ‘not enough to protect the country’, BAE boss warns
BAE Systems chief executive Charles Woodburn has warned that UK defence spending remains insufficient to protect the country, despite the Government announcing an extra £15 billion in June. He said the security environment was the most threatening he had experienced, citing Russian submarine activity, cyber attacks and the proximity of war in Europe following Russia’s…
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‘A small snippet’: what pubs make of Burnham’s £100m rates giveaway
Andy Burnham’s new government has announced a 20% business-rates reduction for pubs, clubs and live music venues, costing £100m, as part of efforts to support high streets and slow pub closures. Publicans welcomed the signal of support but said the relief would make only a limited difference because VAT, wages, employer taxes, energy and other…
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Trump renews 10% tariff on UK goods hours before temporary levies expire
Donald Trump is renewing a 10% US import tariff on British goods as temporary levies due to expire are replaced by a more durable regime. The administration says the measures target countries it believes have not adequately prohibited imports made with forced labour, though the UK government says British businesses will face no increase in…