‘The world of Cat TV is more cut throat than you would ever imagine’ – inside the strange business of TV… for cats
IMF sounds alarm on borrowing costs surge as bond rout deepens September 2, 2026 The global rise in borrowing costs is a “particular concern,” the International Monetary Fund has said, as UK bond yields reach a level last seen in the financial crisis. The yield on the 10-year UK gilt climbed four basis points on Wednesday morning to near 5.27 per cent, which followed the previous day’s rally that [...]
Jim O’Neill: Capital gains tax hike ‘looms’ as top option for Burnham September 2, 2026 Lord Jim O’Neill has warned a hike to capital gains tax “looms out” as one of the easiest revenue-raising options for Andy Burnham and his chancellor, John Healey, as the pair draw up plans for their first Budget in October. “They’ve ruled out the three main taxes, so if they’re going to have to find [...]
The answer to regional inequality isn’t public money, it’s productivity September 2, 2026 Andy Burnham’s ambitions for Number 10 North are nothing new, but successive governments have failed to focus on the key reason for differing regional outcomes, says Paul Ormerod The creation of Number 10 North symbolises a key aspect of Andy Burnham’s policies. Namely, to revive the economies of the more deprived parts of the UK. [...]
Burnham’s in hock to the bond markets – whether he likes it or not September 2, 2026 Andy Burnham once said this country shouldn’t be in hock to the bond markets, so it was unfortunate that his much-hyped return to the House of Commons yesterday was overshadowed by the surging cost of servicing government debt. The yield on the ten-year gilt has hit its highest level since 2008. The longer term 30 [...]
Burnham will fail unless he pivots on net zero September 2, 2026 Andy Burnham can’t reindistrialise, create jobs or drive down the cost of living while remaining committed to decarbonisation at any cost, says Joseph Dinnage Andy Burnham has promised a political revolution. Through his programme of devolution, the Prime Minister will apparently create new jobs, reindustrialise Britain and preside over new housing. Very laudable. Though he [...]
Burnham says the government is central to his ‘triple helix’ plan for growth September 1, 2026 Andy Burnham has said the state will be central to his “theory of growth” in his first statement in the House of Commons as Prime Minister. Addressing MPs, Burnham said his ideas for the UK economy centres on a “triple helix approach to economic development” in which universities, businesses and the government foster economic growth. The ‘triple [...]
Tesco and M&S warn Burnham against Budget tax raid on retailers September 1, 2026 Top supermarkets including Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Marks & Spencer have urged Andy Burnham to rule out a Budget tax raid on retailers, warning they are already facing “unsustainable” costs. The Retail Jobs Alliance (RJA), which represents retailers employing more than 1m people, has urged the Prime Minister not to prioritise pubs and bars over high [...]
As Sir Keir Starmer quits parliament, will Zack Polanski replace him? September 1, 2026 Sir Keir Starmer is set to resign as the MP for Holborn and St Pancras in order to focus on work in defence and international affairs. The former Prime Minister told the Camden New Journal that he would focus on issues such as “defence, security, trade and technology in a fast-changing world” after leaving parliament. [...]
Burnham’s presidential summer is over September 1, 2026 Andy Burnham has been enjoying a presidential summer. He’s communicated with the public through podcasts and social media; delivered the occasional speech; toured the country and generally made his own weather. Today, he’ll come crashing back down to parliamentary reality. Two months ago there were reports that the then mayor of Manchester and Makerfield by [...]
Civil service reform? Burnham is rearranging deck chairs September 1, 2026 Politicians are finally discovering what taxpayers have known for years: the civil service is too big, too expensive and too slow.