Burnham backs higher defence spending but rules out ‘crude’ welfare cuts July 2, 2026 Andy Burnham has called for the country to trust him with the public finances stable as he pledged to “take responsibility” for funding Keir Starmer’s controversial Defence Investment Plan. Burnham, who is all-but-certain to enter Number 10 in fewer than three weeks, hit out at “narratives” about him, in a radio interview with LBC which [...]
Would a Burnham premiership deepen the North-South housing divide? July 2, 2026 The UK housing market remained subdued in June, as fallout from the Iran war and long-running cost and regulatory issues continued to plague the sector, but as we enter what promises to be a sizzling summer all eyes are on a possible recovery. Specifically, Manchester – from where the King in the North has emerged [...]
‘Good growth in every postcode’? Not in Greater Manchester July 2, 2026 Greater Manchester’s relative growth success story has not translated into a boom in earnings or income for people in outer boroughs, according to a new report. Oxford Economics research has suggested that “exceptional economic growth” has not translated into higher earnings or income growth around the region. Economists said high levels of inactivity and the [...]
Devolution is the shakeup Britain needs July 2, 2026 In France, Germany and Italy, productivity levels in second cities are 20 to 30 per cent higher than in the UK. Devolution could help.
Ben Stokes bombshell shows how power has swung to sport’s players and coaches July 2, 2026 Social media has allowed the likes of Ben Stokes to control their own narrative but we are no nearer to knowing the truth, says Ed Warner. Truth is a pliable concept, capable of being moulded to suit the interests of the individual, and a battleground for competing narratives. Perspective is not all; volume and reach [...]
Burnham tax plans spark investor rush to bank capital gains July 2, 2026 Entrepreneurs and savers are rushing to bring forward the sale of their businesses or take profit on investments in anticipation of Andy Burnham’s rumoured plans to fund his ambitious devolution agenda by equalising capital gains tax with income tax. Tax and financial advisers reported a sharp uptick in client enquiries on the likely Prime Minister’s [...]
Stockpiling helps manufacturing sector power through Iran war blows July 1, 2026 The manufacturing sector has powered through the turmoil brought by the Iran war as output grew at the fastest pace in 21 months, according to a business survey. S&P Global researchers said that output growth accelerated as firms rushed to stockpile goods ahead of further expected trade turmoil in the Middle East. The overall purchasing [...]
Why Hugh Grant is the last person Burnham should listen to on press freedom July 1, 2026 Hugh Grant hopes his long-running campaign to censor newspapers will find a receptive audience in Andy Burnham’s Downing St. Now is no time undermine free speech, says Joseph Dinnage A lifelong Leftie, big in the 1990s, Oxbridge educated, and a famous on-screen Prime Minister: it’s no surprise that Hugh Grant is friendly with Andy Burnham. [...]
Steve Rigby: Burnham has a chance bring confidence back to British business July 1, 2026 If Andy Burnham focuses on AI, devolution and regional development, he has a chance to turn British stagnation around – and his record in Manchester is cause for cautious optimism, says Steve Rigby The transition to our seventh prime minister in a decade is now well underway. Since 1721, we have had only 58 Prime [...]
Exclusive: Reynolds never met Thames Water investors before rejecting rescue deal July 1, 2026 Environment secretary Emma Reynolds never met the investors behind a proposed Thames Water rescue package before slapping down their deal out of hand last month, City AM can reveal. Reynolds, who is the minister responsible for water policy, has left officials in her department to meet representatives of a large creditors’ group, which includes investment [...]