David Hughes

A private requiem mass for former Conservative minister and Reform UK spokeswoman Ann Widdecombe will be held at Buckfast Abbey in Devon, where she regularly worshipped. Widdecombe, 78, died on 8 July after being attacked at her home on Dartmoor. Joshua Kerry, 28, has been charged with her murder. The abbey described Widdecombe as a dedicated public servant of profound faith and a kind, warm person. A public memorial service will take place later in the year at her family’s request.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham says the government will accelerate measures against subscription traps, bringing easier cancellation and clearer pricing requirements forward to January. A consultation will also examine whether deceptive discounting, or “phoney bargains,” should become a banned practice enforceable by the Competition and Markets Authority. Citizens Advice welcomed the proposals, while opposition parties called them inadequate and urged broader measures such as tax cuts, fairer energy bills and action on shrinkflation. The government says further cost-of-living announcements will follow during Burnham’s summer listening tour.

Nigel Farage will face 33 rival candidates in the 13 August Clacton by-election, creating what is believed to be a record field of 34 candidates. Labour, the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats are boycotting the contest and have dismissed it as a stunt. Challengers include Count Binface, Laurence Fox, three Official Monster Raving Loony Party candidates and numerous independents.

Nigel Farage will face 33 rivals in the 13 August Clacton by-election, where 34 candidates have been confirmed—a likely record for a UK parliamentary contest. The Labour, Conservative, Liberal Democrat, Green and Restore Britain parties are boycotting the vote, calling Farage’s decision to trigger it a stunt or distraction. Prominent challengers include the satirical Count Binface and Reclaim Party leader Laurence Fox, alongside three Official Monster Raving Loony Party candidates and numerous independents. Nearly 80,000 electors will vote across 51 polling stations in the constituency.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham is reportedly taking an overseas holiday just over two weeks after entering office on 20 July. Officials say he will remain in direct contact and continue meetings while away. His first fortnight included proposals to remove VAT from electricity bills, end rough sleeping, restore a £2 bus-fare cap, begin cross-party social-care talks, address small-boat crossings, reduce business rates for pubs and establish No 10 North. Reform UK chairman Lee Anderson criticised the timing of the holiday and pointed to what he described as unfunded commitments and rising migrant crossings.

Andy Burnham has called for FIFA president Gianni Infantino to resign, arguing that he is the wrong person to lead the organisation after proposing the sale of a minority stake in the World Cup. FIFA identified Joshua Kushner’s company, Thrive Eternal, as the prospective leader of an investment consortium for FIFA Forward Enterprise. UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation and Concacaf have rejected the plan, while European countries have threatened to boycott FIFA competitions. Infantino adviser Carlos Cordeiro also resigned, calling the proposal a bad deal with damaging long-term consequences for football.

Andy Burnham called for an urgent overhaul of England’s adult social care system, arguing that carers should be among the best-paid workers in society. He criticised decades of political inaction and said Baroness Louise Casey’s review would be accelerated, with findings expected within a year. Burnham linked social care reform to easing pressure on the NHS, citing two million adults with unmet care needs and 13,600 medically fit patients delayed in hospitals. Immediate workforce reforms, including improved pay, training and support, alongside cross-party talks, were proposed.

The UK government has announced that single bus fares across England will be capped at £2 from January to make public transport more affordable during the cost-of-living crisis. The initiative is backed by £454 million, including £400 million redirected from international climate-finance investment into loans, while the total cost is expected to exceed £500 million. The remaining funding will come from the Department for Transport’s existing bus budget. A national £3 fare cap is currently due to remain in place until March 2027, although areas such as Greater Manchester already offer cheaper fares.

Andy Burnham announced a new £2 cap on single bus fares across England, replacing the current £3 limit and aligning national prices with lower regional caps such as those in London and Greater Manchester. The policy will be supported by £454 million in funding, partly through shifting climate finance budgets and savings in the energy department, with additional transport funding covering the remaining cost. Burnham framed the measure as part of a wider cost‑of‑living agenda, which also includes a forthcoming VAT removal on electricity bills, while former minister Darren Jones criticised the plans as unfunded.

Andy Burnham, newly appointed UK prime minister, pledged that Britain’s support for Ukraine would remain steadfast and said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky would be among the first foreign leaders he contacts. In his inaugural speech, Burnham also promised greater public control over essential living costs, action on the cost-of-living crisis, and an end to rough sleeping.

Andy Burnham plans early calls with Volodymyr Zelensky and Donald Trump, pledging steadfast UK support for Ukraine as he begins his premiership. He highlights prior collaboration with Ukrainian mayors and commits to maintaining the personal backing shown by Keir Starmer. In his first speech as prime minister, he promises to address the cost‑of‑living crisis, end rough sleeping and shift power away from Westminster while calling for national unity.

Andy Burnham says his father Roy, who has Alzheimer’s, does not know that his son is due to become prime minister. Drawing on his family’s experience, Burnham has pledged to make adult social-care reform a major priority, arguing that England’s system is unfair, underfunded and places excessive costs on vulnerable people. He plans to pursue a national care service and has promised not to delay difficult decisions, after an earlier reform effort failed amid Conservative attacks over its proposed funding. The article also outlines the sector’s longstanding problems, including means-testing, high costs and repeated unsuccessful reform attempts.

Andy Burnham says his father, Roy, who has Alzheimer’s disease, does not understand that his son is about to become prime minister. Burnham describes his premiership as a family achievement and plans to make adult social care reform a major priority, criticizing England’s system as unfair and dysfunctional. He supports creating a universal national care service and intends to use significant political capital to pursue the reform.

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has called for an immediate UK general election, arguing that incoming Labour Prime Minister Andy Burnham lacks a mandate to govern. Farage predicts that Labour would move further left, raise taxes, and pursue policies on immigration and the European Convention on Human Rights that he opposes. He says Reform UK is preparing to win the next election and warns that failure to do so could leave Britain resembling a “third world country” within a decade.

Nigel Farage demands an immediate general election, arguing that Andy Burnham lacks a mandate as incoming prime minister and Labour leader. He warns taxes will rise, the housing market will be damaged, and immigration policy will not change under Burnham. Farage claims Reform UK is prepared for the next election and capable of a major upset, asserting that failure to win would leave the UK at risk of economic decline.

During his final Prime Minister’s Questions, outgoing Prime Minister Keir Starmer said more must be done to protect democracy after the murder of former Conservative minister and Reform UK figure Ann Widdecombe. He described the killings of three current or former MPs during his time in Parliament as chilling and ordered officials to examine ways to strengthen democratic protections. Reform UK called for more funding for MPs’ security, while Starmer supported the possibility of commemorating Widdecombe with a plaque in the Commons alongside tributes to Jo Cox and David Amess. He also praised Speaker Lindsay Hoyle and thanked Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch for her private support.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has urged people to set aside political differences and help police find the killer of former Tory minister Ann Widdecombe. Devon and Cornwall Police launched a murder investigation after Widdecombe was found with serious injuries at her Devon home and are searching for a white male suspect. Starmer called the death shocking, emphasized the importance of politicians’ security, and declined to speculate about whether the killing was politically motivated.

Keir Starmer is due to spend his final full week as UK prime minister in Paris, attending a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing, which he established with Emmanuel Macron to coordinate security support for Ukraine, and Bastille Day commemorations. The trip follows his attendance at a NATO summit in Turkey and comes amid criticism that he has spent too much time on overseas diplomacy. Andy Burnham is widely expected to become Labour leader and succeed Starmer as prime minister on 20 July.

Zack Polanski warned of rising hatred and division in the UK while criticising Nigel Farage and other figures he described as grifters. Speaking at the Local Government Association conference, he highlighted increasing online abuse after Pride events and argued that returning power to local communities is essential for restoring trust. Farage’s decision to trigger a Clacton by-election amid scrutiny of his finances drew further criticism, while major parties, including the Greens, declined to stand against him.

Nigel Farage announced his resignation as MP for Clacton and called a by-election, arguing he has been unfairly targeted over allegations of undeclared donations. He accused the media, political opponents and government institutions of harassment, politically motivated investigations and attempts to undermine Reform UK. Farage defended his financial history, condemned threats to his family’s safety and framed the by-election as a confrontation between the public and the establishment. He pledged to stand again, asserting that victory would advance Reform’s political momentum and push for major changes in the UK.

Nigel Farage has resigned as Reform UK MP for Clacton and plans to contest a resulting by-election, framing it as a battle between the public and the establishment. He denies wrongdoing after reports that ally George Cottrell provided undeclared support for security, staffing and accommodation before Farage's election. The controversy adds to an existing parliamentary standards investigation into a £5 million donation from Reform donor Christopher Harborne, while Labour and the Liberal Democrats are calling for further inquiries.

The UK government plans to tighten political-finance rules by capping donations from individuals for their first year after returning to or arriving in the country, strengthening checks on company donations, and requiring election candidates to substantiate pre-candidacy funding. The measures could restrict large future contributions to Reform UK from cryptocurrency magnates Christopher Harborne and Ben Delo, who have donated millions to the party. The changes, based on a review led by Philip Rycroft, are due to enter the Representation of the People Bill before its final Commons stages and subsequent consideration by the House of Lords.

The UK government has sanctioned seven Russian individuals and two state research institutes accused of developing Novichok and Epibatidine, toxins associated with the Salisbury poisoning and the targeting of Alexei Navalny. The measures include asset freezes and travel bans against scientists and officials linked to SC Signal and GNIII VM. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper condemned Russia’s alleged use of chemical weapons as a violation of international law and pledged continued cooperation with allies to deter further attacks. The sanctions follow the 2018 death of Dawn Sturgess and attempted poisoning of Sergei Skripal and his daughter, as well as Navalny’s death in a Siberian penal colony in 2024.

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper has warned that countries must establish international rules for artificial intelligence before a catastrophic demonstration of its power forces action, drawing a parallel with the nuclear attacks on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Citing warnings from a UN AI panel and the Five Eyes intelligence alliance, she argues that the UK is well placed to lead global AI safety efforts, building on the 2023 Bletchley Park summit. Her broader policy essay links AI risks to geopolitical competition, cyberattacks, weaponized supply chains, migration pressures, and rising energy and food costs.

Andy Burnham criticised the ban on football fans drinking alcohol in stadium seating after observing rugby league supporters allowed to drink at the same venue. Citing inconsistency in regulations under the 1985 Sporting Events Act, he suggested the rule should be reviewed, despite police warnings against easing restrictions.

Kemi Badenoch warns that the UK could experience a “summer of chaos” if Andy Burnham becomes prime minister. She urges Burnham to remove Ed Miliband as energy secretary rather than appointing him chancellor, arguing that Miliband’s energy policies have frightened business leaders and harmed economic prospects. Badenoch says companies are delaying investment because of uncertainty over the next government, taxation and industrial policy, and argues that Labour’s plans for higher spending and devolution would raise borrowing costs, mortgage payments and taxes while expanding political bureaucracy.

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch warns that the UK faces a “summer of chaos” because Andy Burnham has not clarified his future government or economic plans. She urges Burnham to dismiss Energy Secretary Ed Miliband rather than appoint him chancellor, arguing that businesses are already delaying investment over uncertainty about taxes, borrowing, energy policy and the phaseout of petrol cars. Badenoch calls for spending and welfare reductions, more North Sea drilling and criticizes Burnham’s devolution agenda as an expansion of unaccountable government.

Downing Street has decided that migration minister Mike Tapp will remain in office after Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood called for his dismissal over an article advocating exemptions for foreign care workers from proposed tougher settlement rules. Tapp was reminded of his obligations under the Ministerial Code, including collective responsibility and policy-clearance procedures. The dispute also involved accusations of policy freelancing and threats to leak sensitive documents, while Tapp later apologised for a tweet referencing his military service.

A heated exchange between Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson and Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch followed Prime Minister’s Questions. Badenoch criticised Labour’s policy of applying VAT to private-school fees to fund state education, claiming it had contributed to falling teacher numbers, while Phillipson defended the policy as supporting record investment in state schools. The dispute continued in the division lobby, where Badenoch allegedly accused Phillipson of destroying children’s lives and Liz Kendall intervened. Phillipson later accused Badenoch of losing her head and said Badenoch had previously compared her to a Gestapo officer.

GCHQ’s National Cyber Security Centre chief Richard Horne warns that hostile states including Russia, China and Iran are targeting the UK’s critical national infrastructure. Around 75% of more than 200 incidents recorded over the past year were linked to state actors. Horne says adversaries are already conducting cyber espionage and establishing footholds that could be exploited during a conflict, while artificial intelligence is expected to increase attacks on vulnerable legacy systems by 2028. He calls on organisations, executives and international partners to urgently improve cyber defences and resilience.

The UK Ministry of Defence is investigating reports that the Russian frigate Admiral Grigorovich fired warning shots near a British yacht about 20 nautical miles south of the Isle of Wight, outside UK territorial waters. No one was injured and the yacht was not damaged. The frigate, a 125-metre vessel belonging to Russia’s Black Sea Fleet and based in Russian-occupied Crimea, carries cruise missiles, a naval gun and a military helicopter, and has previously been monitored by the Royal Navy in and around the English Channel.

The Russian frigate Admiral Grigorovich is reportedly the warship that fired warning shots at a British yacht about 20 nautical miles south of the Isle of Wight, causing no injuries or damage. The Ministry of Defence is investigating the incident, which occurred outside UK territorial waters. The 125-metre Black Sea Fleet vessel, based in Sevastopol, carries cruise missiles, a naval gun and a helicopter, and has been closely tracked by the Royal Navy during recent Channel, North Sea and Atlantic movements. The incident coincided with court proceedings against the captain of the Russian shadow-fleet tanker Smyrtos, who is accused of breaching sanctions while transporting Russian oil.

A Russian frigate, the Admiral Grigorovich, reportedly fired a warning shot approximately 500 yards from a UK-registered yacht in the English Channel, about 20 nautical miles south of the Isle of Wight. No injuries or damage were reported, and the incident occurred outside UK territorial waters. Royal Navy vessels shadowed the frigate and collected details from the yacht’s crew, following a separate operation in which Royal Marines boarded a sanctioned Russian tanker.

UK Technology Secretary Liz Kendall says a proposed ban on social media for under-16s will not be a complete solution, acknowledging that many children may evade it but arguing it will reset expectations and improve protections. The measures are expected to cover platforms including X, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat and Bluesky, while excluding messaging services such as WhatsApp and Signal. Elon Musk, Meta and YouTube question the policy’s effectiveness and warn it could drive children toward less safe alternatives. Bereaved families and child-safety campaigners broadly support action, but the Molly Rose Foundation says the ban may be unenforceable and fail to address harmful content promoted by personalised algorithms. The government is also considering overnight curfews and limits on infinite scrolling for under-18s.

Technology Secretary Liz Kendall acknowledged that a proposed UK ban on social media accounts for under-16s would not be a complete solution, although she argued that age verification could significantly change behaviour and reset expectations around children’s social-media use. The scheme is expected to cover platforms including Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and X, while excluding messaging services such as WhatsApp and Signal. Elon Musk called the proposal censorship and suggested its real purpose was government surveillance. Meta and YouTube questioned whether bans would improve safety, warning that they could isolate teenagers or push them toward less regulated services. Bereaved parents and child-safety campaigners broadly welcomed the policy, but the Molly Rose Foundation said it could be unenforceable and fail to address harmful content promoted by personalised algorithms.

Keir Starmer has warned that an Andy Burnham leadership challenge would throw the UK into chaos, while pledging to fight if Burnham wins the Makerfield by-election and seeks to replace him as Labour leader and prime minister. Starmer acknowledged public frustration over limited progress since Labour’s 2024 landslide but argued that his government still has a five-year mandate. Burnham has criticised Labour’s performance and suggested voters could change the direction of British politics, with reports indicating that resignations over military funding may accelerate any leadership bid. The by-election is expected to be primarily contested between Burnham and Reform UK candidate Robert Kenyon.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced plans to ban under-16s from using major social media platforms, with legislation expected by Christmas and enforcement beginning the following spring. Technology companies, rather than children, would face penalties, supported by age-assurance methods such as facial age estimation, photo ID and bank checks. The package may also include restrictions on overnight use, infinite scrolling and children’s interactions with adults on gaming and livestreaming services, while sexualised AI companion chatbots would be restricted to adults. Starmer argued that social media harms children’s wellbeing and safety, while campaigners and technology firms warned that a blanket ban could drive young people toward less regulated services. Conservative and Reform politicians broadly welcomed the objective but questioned Starmer’s previous position and the enforceability of the policy, particularly given the use of VPNs.

Keir Starmer announced that children under 16 will be banned from accessing social media, with the measure expected to take effect by early next year. He argued that social media harms children's happiness and mental health, while acknowledging that the ban could be circumvented and that online platforms also provide benefits. The government plans additional default restrictions for users up to 17, possible overnight curfews and limits on infinite scrolling, alongside measures preventing strangers from contacting children through gaming and live-streaming platforms. The announcement comes as Starmer faces political pressure ahead of a Makerfield by-election and as he prepares to discuss online safety with Donald Trump at the G7 summit in France.

Keir Starmer acknowledged that he must improve Labour’s performance and said he would fight any leadership challenge after Defence Secretary John Healey and Armed Forces Minister Al Carns resigned over the delayed Defence Investment Plan. Healey argued that the government and Treasury had failed to provide adequate, timely funding, while Carns criticized the plan for insufficient investment in drones, artificial intelligence and data-driven warfare. Starmer defended his defence priorities and said further spending commitments would follow, as the government seeks to finalize the plan before the July NATO summit. The resignations deepen pressure on Starmer amid poor local election results and potential challenges from figures including Andy Burnham and Wes Streeting.

Keir Starmer says he will fight any leadership challenge and intends to lead Labour into the next general election, but acknowledges that he must improve the government’s performance. His position has been weakened by the resignations of Defence Secretary John Healey, Armed Forces Minister Al Carns and two ministerial aides over delays to a defence investment plan. The crisis follows poor election results across England, Wales and Scotland and raises fresh questions about Starmer’s authority and political future.

A hidden camera was discovered in a ceiling panel in a communal area of the Marsham Street government complex in London, which houses the Home Office and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. Security services have been informed, but there is no evidence linking the device to Russian or Chinese agents. The discovery has prompted calls from shadow chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Alex Burghart for an urgent investigation into who installed it, how long it was present, and whether sensitive information was compromised.

UK ministers condemned US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth for using a D-Day commemoration in Normandy to describe migrant arrivals in southern Europe as an “invasion.” Skills Minister Jacqui Smith called the remarks inappropriate and lacking in class, while Justice Minister Jake Richards said he was horrified and hoped Hegseth regretted them. The criticism comes amid broader tensions over migration-related comments by members of Donald Trump’s administration, including Vice-President JD Vance. Smith also defended the Labour government’s record on reducing net migration and pledged further action against Channel small-boat crossings.

The UK Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee has questioned whether the Army’s £6.3 billion Ajax armoured vehicle will ever be fit for combat. The programme, originally scheduled for delivery in 2017, remains troubled by noise and vibration problems that have affected soldiers, despite being cleared for operations last November. MPs said the Ministry of Defence’s requirement for maintenance checks whenever the vehicle stops is unrealistic during combat. The committee also criticized delays to the government’s Defence Investment Plan, which the MoD says it aims to publish before the 7 July NATO summit.

The UK Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee has questioned whether the £6.3bn Ajax armoured vehicle will ever be fit for combat, citing persistent noise and vibration problems that have caused symptoms among soldiers. Although Ajax was cleared for operations, a subsequent exercise was halted, and the Ministry of Defence has not adequately explained how required maintenance checks could be performed during prolonged combat. MPs also warned that a possible “Ajax 2” upgrade package could increase costs and demanded clarification on how much General Dynamics will pay for delivery delays. The committee separately condemned the government’s delay in publishing its defence investment plan, warning that the absence is damaging the UK’s credibility, military readiness and defence industry certainty. The government says the plan will be published before the NATO summit in July.

The UK government has backed calls to remove or revise wording in the National Police Chiefs' Council’s Police Anti-Racism Commitment, arguing that it wrongly suggests people should be treated differently according to ethnicity. The guidance advises officers to respond to individuals according to their specific needs and not to be “colour blind.” Policing minister Sarah Jones and the prime minister’s spokesperson criticized the language, while NPCC chair Gavin Stephens confirmed that the document is being reviewed. The review is intended to address concerns about phrasing while preserving the broader goal of improving policing and trust among Black communities.

Policing minister Sarah Jones said the wording of the National Police Chiefs’ Council’s anti-racism commitment is wrong and gives the impression that people should be treated differently according to ethnicity. The NPCC says the document is a values statement rather than formal training or policy, and will review ambiguous language while maintaining its aim of improving policing and rebuilding trust among Black communities. Scrutiny intensified after the murder of Henry Nowak and wider criticism of racism and discrimination in policing.

Nigel Farage condemned police treatment of murdered student Henry Nowak as evidence of a “two-tier culture,” calling for “pure cold rage” and an end to alleged anti-white prejudice. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch accused Farage of deepening divisions and said police should treat everyone equally regardless of race. Nowak was fatally stabbed by Vickrum Digwa, who received a minimum 21-year sentence, while the Independent Office for Police Conduct investigates the attending officers’ conduct.

Alan Milburn’s review argues that the state is failing young people who are not in employment, education or training by spending about £25 on welfare for every £1 spent helping them enter work. He calls welfare reform essential but says it must be combined with changes to schools, skills provision, health services and other state institutions. Milburn rejects claims that young people are simply a “soft” generation, instead linking their anxiety, sleep disruption and reduced workplace readiness to intensive social-media use. He also urges employers to provide more pastoral support as migrant labour becomes less readily available. An interim report is expected to examine the circumstances of young people classified as NEET.

Keir Starmer defended his government’s record, pointing to strong G7 economic growth, falling net migration and NHS waiting lists at their lowest level in three and a half years. Despite electoral setbacks and mounting internal pressure, he said he would not resign, even if Andy Burnham wins the Makerfield by-election. Burnham is campaigning to change Labour, while Wes Streeting has advanced an alternative platform featuring a wealth tax, a revival of Sure Start and planning reforms to expand council housing.

Keir Starmer is defending his leadership by pointing to stronger-than-expected economic growth, falling net migration and reduced NHS waiting lists, insisting that the government’s plan is working. His position has nevertheless come under growing pressure after Labour’s poor local-election results, with MPs calling for his resignation. Andy Burnham is seeking election in Makerfield on a platform of changing Labour, while Wes Streeting has proposed a wealth tax, expanded early-years support through Sure Start and planning reforms to increase council housing. Starmer says he will remain in office even if Burnham wins the by-election and sparks a leadership contest.

Sir Jeremy Hanley, the former Conservative Party chairman and MP for Richmond and Barnes, has died aged 80 after a short illness. His family confirmed his death and thanked staff at Torbay Hospital. Hanley chaired the Conservative Party from July 1994 and held ministerial posts under John Major before later chairing Brain Games Network. He is survived by his wife, three children and five grandchildren.

Sir Jeremy Hanley, a former chairman of the Conservative Party and minister under Prime Minister John Major, died on 22 May 2026 aged 80 after a short illness. His family thanked staff at Torbay Hospital for caring for him. Hanley represented Richmond and Barnes as an MP from 1983 for 14 years, later unsuccessfully contesting Richmond Park and seeking selection for the 1999 European Parliament elections. He subsequently chaired internet company Brain Games Network and is survived by his wife, three children and five grandchildren.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves is expected to announce measures aimed at easing household costs, including tariff cuts on more than 100 food products such as biscuits and chocolate, projected to save consumers over £150 million a year. A £100 million-plus Great British Summer Savings scheme would provide free bus travel for children aged five to 15 across England during August. The package responds to renewed inflation risks and a projected £209 annual rise in the household energy price cap from July, while ministers favour targeted assistance over universal financial support.

Rachel Reeves is expected to announce cost-of-living measures including tariff reductions on more than 100 imported food products and free bus travel for children aged five to 15 in England during August. The measures are projected to save consumers more than £150 million annually, while over £100 million will fund free fares and support bus operators. Immediate broad assistance for rising energy bills is unlikely, with more targeted winter support potentially deferred until September. Inflation fell to 2.8% in April, but energy analysts forecast the household price cap could rise from £1,641 to about £1,850 from July as conflict-related oil and gas price increases feed through. Ministers are resisting an unfunded universal bailout because it could raise borrowing costs, inflation and mortgage rates.

Keir Starmer chaired the first meeting of his reshaped Cabinet following Wes Streeting’s resignation and criticism of the Prime Minister. Andy Burnham launched his campaign for the Makerfield by-election after Josh Simons resigned, while presenting himself as offering a new direction for Britain. Burnham has sought to reassure voters over issues including EU membership and the government’s fiscal rules, amid polling showing him ahead of Starmer as the preferred future Labour leader among party members.

Shadow Chancellor Mel Stride warns that political uncertainty linked to speculation over Andy Burnham’s possible return to Parliament and a challenge to Keir Starmer could increase government borrowing costs. Conservative analysis estimates that, if the recent rise in gilt yields persisted for five years, taxpayers could face £5.4 billion in additional costs, or nearly £300 per working family. Burnham’s spokesperson rejects the focus on leadership manoeuvring, highlighting reindustrialisation, affordable living, fiscal discipline and Greater Manchester’s economic growth.

Shadow chancellor Mel Stride is expected to argue that political uncertainty surrounding Labour leader Keir Starmer, including Andy Burnham’s possible return to Westminster and leadership ambitions, has pushed up UK government borrowing costs. Conservative analysis estimates that sustaining the recent rise in gilt yields for five years could cost taxpayers £5.4 billion, or nearly £300 per working family. Burnham’s spokesperson rejects the Conservatives’ economic record and says his by-election campaign offers an alternative focused on affordability, reindustrialisation and council housing. Burnham also insists that fiscal discipline and bond-market confidence cannot be ignored, while citing Greater Manchester’s finances and economic growth.

Keir Starmer is facing mounting pressure after poor local election results, with former ally and Makerfield MP Josh Simons saying he has “lost the country” and should oversee an orderly transition to a new prime minister. Former minister Catherine West is considering efforts to trigger a Labour leadership contest, while Reform UK and the Green Party made gains in traditional Labour areas. Starmer has rejected calls to step down and plans to set out a fresh direction in a major speech.

Iran’s ambassador to the UK, Seyed Ali Mousavi, was summoned by Middle East minister Hamish Falconer after the Iranian embassy posted social media messages that officials said could encourage violence and martyrdom. The UK Government demanded that the embassy stop communications that might incite violence and condemned Iran’s broader regional and domestic actions. Separately, Prime Minister Keir Starmer chaired a committee meeting to prepare for the war’s potential effects on the UK economy, public services and security, including disruption to energy, chemical, fertiliser and medical supplies linked to tensions around the Strait of Hormuz.

Former Foreign Office official Philip Barton contradicted Keir Starmer’s claim that full due process preceded Peter Mandelson’s appointment as US ambassador, saying it was unusual for the appointment to be announced before security vetting was complete. Barton said Starmer was informed of concerns about Mandelson’s links to Jeffrey Epstein. Starmer’s former chief of staff Morgan McSweeney acknowledged that recommending Mandelson was a mistake but denied bypassing procedures. Mandelson later lost his vetting status and was dismissed, while Starmer called a possible parliamentary inquiry a political stunt.

The UK Government will introduce age or functionality restrictions on social media for under-16s, stopping short of committing to an outright ban. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said action was necessary because of harmful content, excessive screen time and addictive platform features, but argued that the measures must be effective, durable and trusted by parents and campaigners. The concession followed repeated pressure from the House of Lords, including former education minister Lord Nash, while opposition education secretary Laura Trott claimed it represented a victory after months of Labour delay. Child-safety campaigners welcomed decisive regulation but warned that a blanket ban could provide only limited protection and called for stronger obligations on technology companies and a broader Online Safety Act.

Keir Starmer warned that the conflict involving Iran could have prolonged economic effects in the UK, potentially changing where people holiday and what they buy in supermarkets. He said the government was working to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, coordinating with France on a possible military reassurance mission, while monitoring supply chains, jet-fuel availability and industrial inputs such as CO2. The government has maintained household energy-cost and fuel-duty protections, but rising oil prices and stalled US-Iran peace efforts could intensify pressure on consumers. Starmer said the UK had rightly avoided joining the war but would act to shield the British public from its consequences.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has urged Britons not to panic about the economic effects of the Iran conflict, while warning that shopping habits and holiday plans could be affected. He said supply chains remain stable for now and emphasized efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, where Britain and France plan to lead a maritime reassurance mission after hostilities end. Rising oil prices followed the collapse of anticipated US-Iran peace talks, while the UK Government has capped household energy costs until July and frozen fuel duty until September to reduce immediate financial pressure.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said shoplifting may be beginning to decline, citing a small fall in recorded offences, more people charged and government measures including additional neighbourhood police, stronger enforcement and proposed protections for retail workers. The Centre for Social Justice warned that repeat offending and the average number of offences per convicted shoplifter have risen sharply. Usdaw said retail crime remains a serious threat to workers, while Conservative shadow home secretary Chris Philp accused Labour of worsening the problem. Changes in crime-recording practices may also explain part of the fall in shoplifting and the rise in recorded business robberies.

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said he and former foreign secretary David Lammy worried that Keir Starmer’s decision to appoint Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the United States could “blow up.” Mandelson was dismissed after nine months following scrutiny of his links to Jeffrey Epstein, his lobbying firm’s connections to Chinese and Russian companies, and his history of being removed from government. Miliband agreed the appointment should never have been made but said Starmer should not resign, arguing that prime ministers can make mistakes. The scandal has intensified pressure on Starmer amid falling Labour poll ratings and the prospect of difficult May elections, although Sarah Champion said a leadership challenge would be undesirable and that wider concerns include events in Iran and rising energy costs.

Brent crude prices rose 5% to $94.72 a barrel after US forces seized the Iranian cargo ship Touska, throwing already fragile US-Iran ceasefire negotiations into doubt and renewing uncertainty over the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. The disruption could raise UK petrol, diesel and future household energy costs. Further talks in Pakistan may be cancelled, while Donald Trump issued severe military threats against Iran and Yvette Cooper said any settlement must restore unrestricted navigation without Iranian tolls.

Oil prices rose sharply after US forces seized the Iranian cargo ship Touska, with Brent crude increasing 5% to $94.72 a barrel. The incident has renewed concerns about higher petrol, diesel and household energy costs, while also threatening planned US-Iran talks in Pakistan and hopes of reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Donald Trump said the vessel had been disabled after attempting to breach a blockade, while Iranian media indicated Tehran might withdraw from negotiations. UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said any settlement must guarantee unrestricted navigation through the strait and reject Iranian tolls.

Oil prices rose sharply after US forces seized an Iranian cargo ship, throwing planned US-Iran talks into doubt and reducing hopes for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Brent crude climbed 5% to $94.72 a barrel, raising concerns about higher UK fuel and energy bills. Donald Trump threatened further attacks if Iran rejected a deal, while reports indicated Tehran might boycott negotiations. UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said any settlement must restore unrestricted navigation and prevent Iran from charging tolls for passage through the strait.

Chief Secretary Darren Jones said Keir Starmer did not lie to Parliament and would not resign over the Peter Mandelson vetting scandal. Jones said Starmer was furious that the Foreign Office had overridden security experts’ recommendation against clearing Mandelson for the US ambassador role, a decision Starmer reportedly learned about only this week. The government has suspended the Foreign Office’s authority, along with that of a small number of other organizations, to override security-vetting recommendations, while opposition parties continue to demand Starmer’s resignation.

Rachel Reeves condemned Donald Trump’s decision to enter a war with Iran without clear objectives or an exit strategy, calling it a folly that is worsening economic pressures in the UK, US and elsewhere. Her criticism came as the IMF warned that a severe escalation could bring the global economy close to recession and downgraded UK growth forecasts. Britain and France are preparing a Paris summit on a defensive multinational plan to keep the Strait of Hormuz open after hostilities, while the UK has created a cabinet committee to manage the conflict’s longer-term domestic and international effects, including higher energy prices and market turmoil.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves criticized Donald Trump's decision to wage war on Iran without a clear exit strategy, calling it a folly as UK growth forecasts were downgraded. The IMF warned that the conflict could bring the global economy close to recession. Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron are due to host a Paris summit on protecting shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, while the UK has formed a cabinet committee to manage the conflict's domestic and international effects, including higher energy prices and market turmoil.

HMS Dragon, a Royal Navy Type 45 destroyer sent to help protect British air bases in Cyprus, has made a logistics and maintenance stop in the eastern Mediterranean after technical issues. The Ministry of Defence says the ship remains at high readiness and can sail at short notice. The UK says its wider military presence, including aircraft, helicopters and air-defence systems, is defensive and focused on de-escalation. The deployment comes amid a fragile Iran ceasefire, continued Israel-Hezbollah fighting in Lebanon, disputes over reopening the Strait of Hormuz and tensions over possible US military operations from British bases.

HMS Dragon, a Royal Navy Type 45 destroyer sent to protect British air bases in Cyprus amid the Iran conflict, has docked in the Mediterranean because of technical issues. The Ministry of Defence says the vessel remains capable of sailing at short notice and will use the stop to take on provisions, optimise systems and conduct maintenance. The UK says it is maintaining a layered defensive presence in the eastern Mediterranean with allied coordination, while also urging Donald Trump to withdraw an alarming threat against Iran.

The UK government will cap interest rates on Plan 2 and Plan 3 student loans at 6% from 1 September. The measure is intended to protect borrowers from rising repayment costs, with current rates potentially reaching 6.2% under the existing RPI-plus-3% formula. The cap covers eligible undergraduate, teacher-training and postgraduate borrowers in England and Wales, while the government says broader student-finance reforms remain under consideration.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves said the government cannot offset every price increase caused by the Iran conflict and the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, warning that blanket support could fuel inflation, interest rates and borrowing costs. Fuel prices have risen sharply, while Cornwall Insight forecasts an 18% increase in the energy price cap for July to September. Reeves indicated that any further help is likely to be targeted at vulnerable households and may not arrive until the autumn. The government is reviewing contingencies, including fuel-duty policy, and will meet supermarkets and regulators to discuss the impact on consumers. The scale of disruption will depend partly on US policy toward the maritime chokepoint, while the Conservatives are calling for lower bills, tax cuts and increased North Sea drilling.