The pensions triple lock is a travesty. Our politicians must fess up July 16, 2026 We report this week that the OECD has added itself to a growing list of institutions warning over the sustainability of Britain’s triple lock pensions system, the policy that guarantees the state pension rises annually by the highest of inflation, earnings growth or 2.5 per cent. The triple lock, the Paris-based OECD warns, is “unusually [...]
UK economy grows despite Iran war hit July 16, 2026 The UK economy grew marginally in May after strong performance in parts of the services sector helped soften the impact of Iran war and narrowly prevented a contraction. Fresh figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) have revealed the economy grew 0.1 per cent in May, broadly in line with market expectations. The services [...]
Shabana Mahmood set to be named Chancellor by Burnham July 15, 2026 Shabana Mahmood is set to be named Chancellor by Andy Burnham next week when the former Manchester mayor takes the keys to Number 10, according to reports. The home secretary has now pipped Ed Miliband, Yvette Cooper and Wes Streeting to Rachel Reeves’ post, the Financial Times reported. A source told the paper: “Shabana is [...]
OECD sounds alarm on pension triple lock in challenge to Burnham July 15, 2026 The world’s leading independent economic organisation has warned that reform of the triple lock on state pensions is “necessary to reduce fiscal risks”, in a challenge to Andy Burnham as he prepares to take over as Prime Minister. The OECD, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, described the triple lock guarantee as “unusually generous [...]
Conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East boost Cohort’s order book July 15, 2026 The rise in global conflicts boosted Cohort’s order book as NATO nations continue to hike their defence spending. The defence technology group recorded a 13 per cent rise in revenue over the financial year to £306.4m, up from £270m. The jump reflected its surging order intake, which jumped 10 per cent to £314.2m. Its order [...]
Miliband opponents pour cold water on Chancellor hopes July 15, 2026 Opponents of Ed Miliband believe that they have quashed his bid to become Chancellor, according to reports, in a sign of division within Andy Burnham’s camp just days before he is due to take over as Prime Minister. While the former Manchester Mayor has refused to be drawn on his Cabinet picks, Miliband, a key [...]
Bank of England governor opens door to ‘simplifying’ financial rulebook July 14, 2026 Andrew Bailey opened the door to simplifying the UK’s financial rulebook as he joined Rachel Reeves for the Chancellor’s third and final Mansion House speech on Tuesday evening. The Bank of England governor distanced himself from capping taxes on banks and financial institutions, but said existing rules should help “flush out supranormal profits” by “reducing [...]
Andy Burnham pressured to safeguard jury trials after legal backlash July 14, 2026 The country’s criminal barristers have demanded an urgent guarantee from incoming Prime Minister Andy Burnham to save jury trials. The Criminal Bar Association (CBA) has ramped up pressure on Burnham to officially drop “misguided” clauses in the Courts and Tribunals Bill that would curb the historic right to a trial by your peers. The controversial [...]
Bank of England warns Burnham of UK economy’s ‘big issue’ July 14, 2026 The Bank of England has warned Andy Burnham that economic growth remains the “big issue” facing the UK economy as he prepares to take the keys to Number 10. Andrew Bailey, the central bank governor, told policymakers on Tuesday that the UK has had “low growth for the best part of 16 to 17 years”. [...]
The City will bid good riddance to Rachel Reeves July 14, 2026 Rachel Reeves should be remembered: for dissembling, breaking promises and making Brits poorer. Little consolation, then, that her likely successor Ed Miliband will be so much worse, says Alys Denby Rachel Reeves will make what is likely to be her final Mansion House Speech this evening and will encourage Andy Burnham to continue her legacy. [...]