Pat Hurst

A coroner concluded that repeated heading of footballs during Nobby Stiles’ career caused the chronic traumatic encephalopathy that contributed to his death alongside Alzheimer’s disease. Expert evidence linked tens of thousands of headers to his brain degeneration, with his family arguing football authorities failed to protect players. The case forms part of wider legal action by former footballers claiming governing bodies were negligent regarding known risks. Previous inquests, research on football-related neurodegenerative disease, and impending bans on heading in youth football added context to the findings.

Andy Burnham set out a decade-long plan to transfer power from Whitehall to UK regions, proposing regional control of utilities, transport and housing, and the establishment of a No 10 North base in Manchester. He pledged major council house building, support for reindustrialisation, and procurement reforms favouring British firms while maintaining fiscal discipline. Burnham argued the Westminster system is failing and said devolution resistance from Whitehall would end. As leadership transition looms, he promised unity and reassurance to markets, while critics pressed him to face parliamentary scrutiny and business leaders cautioned against over-intervention in key sectors.