Harry Taylor

Andy Burnham has criticized FIFA and UEFA for the UK hosting only one men’s World Cup, in 1966, calling the situation “insane” and questioning whether football authorities are biased against the home nations. He recalled England’s unsuccessful bid for the 2018 tournament, which was awarded to Russia amid allegations of bribery, and condemned FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s proposal to sell World Cup stakes to private investors. The UK is nevertheless scheduled to host matches at the 2028 European Championship and the women’s World Cup in 2035.

The Information Commissioner’s Office ordered the Metropolitan Police to review its data-protection practices after two serious breaches. In one case, police disclosed a stalking victim’s address and phone number, along with the contact details of witnesses, to the defendant, forcing the victim to move and change numbers. In the Westminster honeytrap investigation involving former MP William Wragg, the Met exposed the names and email addresses of 18 people connected to Parliament by failing to use blind-copying. The ICO cited weak policies, outdated staff training and inadequate safeguards, issuing the Met a reprimand and enforcement notice.

Thames Valley Police chief constable Jason Hogg is considering joining Police Federation legal action to block the possible early release of Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers, who received 13-year sentences for manslaughter over the death of PC Andrew Harper. The prospect has angered Harper’s widow, his family and serving officers, while a petition opposing the release has passed 100,000 signatures. The government says prison overcrowding requires the sentencing changes, which are expected to release about 5,000 people early, although rapists and child sex offenders were exempted. Justice Secretary Alex Norris acknowledged families’ distress, while prison governors warned that late policy changes are increasing pressure on staff and the risk of mistakes.

Andy Burnham said major decisions lie ahead on council tax reform, arguing that residents in Greater Manchester can pay more than people in substantially more valuable London homes because council tax bands have not been revalued. Downing Street denied that the government is actively considering replacing council tax and stamp duty with a property- or land-value tax, while Labour MPs and the Fairer Share Campaign continued to press for wholesale reform. The Conservatives warned that any replacement could increase taxes on homeowners.