Harry Clarke-Ezzidio

Research commissioned by the Trades Union Congress and conducted by Landman Economics estimates that the Employment Rights Bill could deliver a net annual benefit of £4.9bn to £15.7bn for the UK economy, with a central estimate of £10.3bn. The analysis challenges claims that businesses’ implementation costs would outweigh the benefits, citing improved sick-pay access, restrictions on fire-and-rehire practices and zero-hours contracts, and expanded trade-union freedoms. The bill represents Labour’s proposed New Deal for Working People.

Plaid Cymru won the Caerphilly by-election by 11 points, ending more than a century of Labour dominance in the constituency. Reform UK finished second with 36 per cent of the vote, despite having been regarded by many analysts as the favourite. The contest followed the death of Labour Senedd Member Hefin David in August at the age of 47. Plaid Cymru victor Lindsay Whittle paid tribute to David and described the result as the beginning of a new era in Welsh politics.

Robert Jenrick visited Handsworth with a GB News crew during Birmingham’s refuse workers’ strike and publicly criticized the area’s filthy streets. In a leaked recording from a later Conservative association dinner, he reportedly focused on its racial diversity, saying he saw no other white people and that it was not the kind of country he wanted to live in. Birmingham’s leaders condemned the remarks, accusing Jenrick of fuelling toxic nationalism.