James Gregory

Children’s Commissioner Rachel de Souza says Prevent is failing to support a growing group of children who are fascinated by extreme violence but do not hold a clear extremist ideology. Child referrals rose from 2,918 in 2016–17 to 4,715 in 2024–25, with 71% involving no identified ideology and most cases returned to schools. De Souza calls for stronger safeguarding, local multi-agency assessments, and action by Ofcom against illegal or harmful online material. The government says Prevent remains effective against ideological radicalisation and is reviewing options for violence-fixated individuals, while the Southport Inquiry examines how such cases should be handled.

Children’s commissioner Rachel de Souza says Prevent is failing to support a growing group of children who are fascinated by extreme violence but do not hold a clear extremist ideology. Child referrals rose from 2,918 in 2016–17 to 4,715 in 2024–25, while 71% were assessed as having no specific ideology and many were returned to schools without further action. De Souza is calling for stronger safeguarding through local multi-agency teams, with counter-terrorism police involved where necessary, and for Ofcom to act against illegal or harmful online material. The government says Prevent remains effective against ideological radicalisation and is considering broader measures, while the Southport Inquiry examines how to manage violence-fixated individuals.

Andy Burnham has argued that wealthier parts of the UK should house more asylum seekers so that poorer communities are not disproportionately burdened. His comments followed protests in Piddington, Oxfordshire, over plans to accommodate asylum seekers at a former military base. The Labour government says it is replacing costly asylum hotels with secure sites and aims to close all hotels by 2029, while immigration minister Anna Turley says the approach is intended to distribute responsibility more fairly. Conservative shadow home secretary Chris Philp rejected housing asylum seekers anywhere and called for migrants to be deported, including to Rwanda. Government figures show 97,519 people were receiving asylum support at the end of March, including 20,885 in hotels, with the highest concentrations in England’s north-west, London and the West Midlands.

Andy Burnham says wealthier parts of the UK should accommodate more asylum seekers so that poorer communities do not bear a disproportionate burden. His comments followed protests in Piddington, Oxfordshire, over plans to use a former military base, and were criticized by shadow home secretary Chris Philp, who called for deportations. Immigration minister Anna Turley said the government is reducing reliance on hotels, plans to close all remaining asylum hotels by 2029, and wants communities to take a fair share. Government figures show nearly 97,500 people receiving asylum support, including more than 20,000 in hotels, with the highest concentrations in several northern English regions and major cities. Burnham has made similar complaints about the dispersal system in the past.

Downing Street says the UK government will continue operating normally while Prime Minister Andy Burnham takes a family holiday, with Burnham remaining in contact with officials and attending meetings remotely. Reform UK chairman Lee Anderson criticizes the timing of the break and Burnham's early policy commitments, while Justice Secretary Alex Norris defends it. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch says she does not oppose the holiday but argues that Burnham should have recalled Parliament for scrutiny. The break follows several early announcements, including energy VAT and business-rate changes, a restored bus-fare cap, social-care talks and plans to expand funding powers for English city mayors.

The UK government plans to let English regional mayors retain part of business-rate revenue from April 2027 and receive a share of income tax from April 2028, without changing tax rates. Andy Burnham says the policy will give metro mayors more power to invest in local services, while the prime minister describes it as a major transfer of authority from central government. Tees Valley mayor Lord Houchen supports devolution but wants mayors to be able to offer tax rebates. Critics, including Labour MPs, Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats, warn that weaker economies and rural areas could lose out, creating a two-tier system or postcode lottery without stronger redistribution from central government. Further details are expected in the 28 October Budget.

Reform UK's Robert Jenrick has urged Prime Minister Andy Burnham to rule out tax rises to fund plans to reform adult social care in England, warning against what he calls a universal “death tax.” Burnham has said the government will first examine existing budgets, while a review led by Baroness Casey will consider funding options for a more integrated national care service. Jenrick proposed cutting foreign aid, benefit payments for migrants and other spending instead, while also advocating reduced reliance on overseas care workers. The Conservatives likewise oppose tax rises and additional borrowing. Burnham has begun cross-party discussions with the Liberal Democrats and Conservatives, although Reform UK and the Green Party were not invited. Adult social care remains means-tested and operates under different eligibility rules across the UK.

Housing Secretary Angela Rayner has ruled out introducing rent controls in England, arguing that the Renters' Rights Act, which took effect in May, is already strengthening tenants' position and that existing controls have not necessarily reduced rents. The decision contrasts with Prime Minister Andy Burnham's previous support for rent freezes and has drawn criticism from Green Party leader Zack Polanski, Jeremy Corbyn and London Mayor Sadiq Khan, while Conservative housing spokesman Gareth Bacon warned controls would damage the rental market. Rayner also acknowledged that the government's target of building 1.5 million homes by 2029 is increasingly difficult because of higher construction costs, although she said she would retain the target.

Justice Secretary Andy Burnham has paused a planned early-release scheme for prisoners in England and Wales and ordered an urgent review before any releases occur. The policy, intended to address prison overcrowding, would have allowed some fixed-term prisoners to leave after serving one-third of their sentence and more serious offenders after half. The decision followed criticism from victims’ families, including the widow of murdered police officer Andrew Harper, and concerns about victim notification and public safety. The government says it will revise the policy if necessary, while prison officers warn that delaying releases could push prisons toward critical overcrowding.

Andy Burnham indicates he has not yet finalized his cabinet choices as he prepares to assume the role of UK Prime Minister following Keir Starmer’s resignation. Speculation continues about potential appointments, including Ed Miliband and Shabana Mahmood for key positions. Burnham, recently returned to Parliament after a by‑election win, outlines priorities such as reforming the social care system and is expected to formally take office after an audience with King Charles.

Andy Burnham said he is finalising his cabinet ahead of becoming UK prime minister on Monday, stating he will announce appointments once in office. He emphasised a government focused on unity, devolution and major social care reform, calling the current system broken and pledging significant political investment to fix it. Political figures reacted with criticism from Reform UK and the Conservatives and cautious openness from the Liberal Democrats. Burnham, backed overwhelmingly by Labour MPs and affiliated unions, succeeds Keir Starmer following leadership pressure within the party. His first speech outlined a commitment to reindustrialisation, rejecting decades of neoliberal policy and promising a collaborative approach to governance.

Andy Burnham plans a UK-wide listening tour during August as he begins his premiership, with expected visits to industrial transition areas such as Port Talbot and Aberdeen. Welsh politicians have raised concerns about potential impacts on devolution, while others welcome the opportunity to discuss local issues. Burnham faces pressure to provide clearer policy details and increase media engagement as he seeks to build national support ahead of Parliament’s return from recess. The Conservatives and Liberal Democrats have challenged him on scrutiny and leadership, while parliamentary plans were altered to prioritise debate on the Middle East crisis.

Andy Burnham called for a major review of MP security following the killing of Ann Widdecombe, whose death is being investigated as a potential terrorism-related attack. The case has intensified scrutiny of how security decisions are made for politicians, prompting disputes between Reform UK and the government over whether Nigel Farage’s protection had been downgraded. Parliamentary and government authorities denied political involvement in individual security decisions, emphasising that assessments are risk-based and continuously reviewed. Recent incidents, including the murders of MPs David Amess and Jo Cox, have kept concerns about political safety at the forefront, alongside previous efforts to expand and tailor security provisions.

Conservative MPs accused the Labour government of avoiding scrutiny by cancelling an opposition debate intended to force Parliament to sit next week so Andy Burnham could face questions before becoming prime minister. The government replaced the debate with one on the Middle East crisis, prompting criticism from senior Conservatives and claims that Labour wanted to shield Burnham. Burnham, who has secured overwhelming support from Labour MPs, is set to become party leader on Friday and prime minister shortly after, without a membership vote due to an uncontested race. Some within Labour have called for him to provide clearer policy detail ahead of taking office.

Andy Burnham has secured 349 nominations from Labour MPs, eliminating the possibility of a leadership rival and positioning him to become prime minister on 20 July. He still requires formal backing from affiliated organisations, though this is expected to be routine. His rapid ascent follows his recent return to Parliament and Keir Starmer’s resignation after poor local election results. Potential challengers, including Wes Streeting and Al Carns, have either endorsed him or withdrawn. Burnham faces calls for greater policy clarity and has limited recent ties with newer MPs, while adopting a media-light approach and relying heavily on social media outreach.

Experts assess the feasibility of Andy Burnham replacing stamp duty with alternatives such as a land value tax or proportional property tax, noting economists’ strong criticisms of stamp duty for discouraging housing transactions. While a land value tax is viewed as efficient, specialists warn that implementing a new system would involve major political and practical challenges, including valuing land separately from buildings and managing winners and losers. Additional debate surrounds council tax reform, with proposals for surcharges and percentage‑based levies raising concerns about regional impacts. The Institute for Fiscal Studies argues that a combined land value and proportional property tax could more effectively replace stamp duty and council tax.

Andy Burnham apologises for Labour’s early response to Israel’s military action in Gaza, acknowledging the party was slow to call for a ceasefire and pledging a stronger approach under his leadership. He criticises Israel for violating a ceasefire agreement and for increased settler violence, urging further sanctions and trade restrictions on goods from illegal settlements. While praising Labour policies such as recognising a Palestinian state and limiting arms licences to Israel, he calls for additional measures to uphold international law and preserve prospects for a two-state solution. Several Labour MPs express support as past positions by Keir Starmer and the previous Conservative government are revisited in light of ongoing conflict and UN accusations against Israel.

Andy Burnham apologises for Labour’s early response to Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, acknowledging the party’s slow call for a ceasefire and pledging improved leadership. He contrasts Labour’s later positions, including recognition of a Palestinian state and sanctions on Israeli officials, with earlier hesitations under Keir Starmer. Burnham accuses the Israeli government of undermining prospects for a two-state solution and calls for stronger measures against settlement activity. Several Labour MPs welcome his stance as UN reports continue to accuse Israel of war crimes, which Israel denies.

Andy Burnham has been preparing for a potential move to No 10 for at least a year, according to ally Louise Haigh, who said his plans solidified after Labour’s poor election performance in May. As the sole declared candidate to replace Keir Starmer, Burnham has been engaged in civil service access talks and is expected to lean heavily on Haigh if he becomes prime minister. Haigh defended Burnham’s readiness, citing his years as Greater Manchester mayor and his long-term focus on regional inequality. Key policy challenges include welfare reform, where Haigh argued recent proposed cuts would have increased costs elsewhere. Burnham’s agenda emphasises devolving power from Westminster, though Haigh noted that breaking up the Treasury is unrealistic within two years. She also discussed her 2024 resignation over a past conviction and criticised Starmer’s early messaging in government as overly pessimistic, contributing to Labour’s difficulties.

Andy Burnham’s ally Louise Haigh says he has spent at least a year preparing for a potential move to Downing Street, becoming the sole declared candidate to replace Keir Starmer after Labour’s poor election results. She defends his readiness, citing his long-standing policy thinking and leadership bids, and indicates he could pursue significant devolution but not a full Treasury overhaul. Haigh also discusses welfare reform challenges, criticising previous proposed cuts as unsustainable. She reflects on her past resignation and internal party tensions, while noting the government struggled to maintain momentum after failing to deliver early promises of change.

A by-election in Clacton has been triggered following Nigel Farage’s resignation as MP, with a likely date of 13 August. Farage intends to contest the seat amid scrutiny over a £5m gift from donor Christopher Harborne and a parliamentary investigation into whether it should have been declared. Major parties have opted not to stand candidates. The government rejected Reform UK’s offer to cover election costs, citing legal requirements for public funding. Reform’s Robert Jenrick defended Farage against accusations of cowardice and warned that a second by-election resulting from the investigation could be seen as establishment persecution.

UK F-35 fighter jets escorted a Russian Bear-F maritime patrol aircraft away from the UK Carrier Strike Group after it approached HMS Prince of Wales at low altitude in the Norwegian Sea and reportedly dropped sonobuoys. The Ministry of Defence described the Russian activity as unsafe and unprofessional. British forces attempted radio contact before intercepting, and defence officials warned of increasing Russian probing of UK defences amid heightened security concerns.

Andy Burnham ruled out calling an early general election if he becomes prime minister, saying he intends to govern under the 2024 Labour manifesto. During a Reddit AMA, he faced criticism from Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch for avoiding tougher scrutiny, while Reform UK leader Nigel Farage reiterated demands for an immediate election. Burnham confirmed policy positions including seeking a refugee returns agreement, maintaining the pension triple lock, and pursuing a closer relationship with the EU. He is currently the only candidate to replace Keir Starmer as Labour leader and is expected to become prime minister on 20 July.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy and her department are leaving X, citing the platform’s encouragement of abuse and misinformation. The move follows similar decisions by the attorney general’s office and several MPs, some of whom departed after reports that X’s Grok AI tool was generating sexualised images. Attorney General Lord Hermer previously criticised X for racism and misogyny, and Prime Minister Keir Starmer accused Elon Musk of fuelling division after the death of Henry Nowak, which prompted political debate and protests in Southampton.

Andy Burnham met leaders of Labour-affiliated trade unions to secure support for his leadership bid and expected premiership. Discussions included public control of essential services, water ownership, buying British, equal pay and school support staff. Tensions persist over the possibility of Ed Miliband becoming chancellor due to union objections tied to North Sea energy policy, while Unison supports him. Wes Streeting is also under consideration for chancellor. The unions and Burnham may also discuss electoral reform, which most Labour‑affiliated unions support.