Labour warned UK at risk of foreign tech giants ‘pulling the plug’ Tech Labour has “no plan” if foreign technology companies or governments cut Britain off from systems underpinning critical services, the Liberal Democrats have warned, after ministers acknowledged the risks posed by the UK’s reliance on overseas tech. Victoria Collins, the Lib Dems’ tech spokesperson, accused the government of handing “contract after contract to foreign tech oligarchs” [...]
Burnham told to deliver 10 per cent hospitality VAT after backing tax cut Politics More than 800 hospitality businesses have called on Andy Burnham to make good on his support for lower VAT, piling pressure on the prime minister ahead of next month’s Budget. Pub giants, restaurant chains, hotels and some of Britain’s best-known chefs have signed an open letter demanding the government cut hospitality VAT from 20 per [...]
Government admits Burnham’s Whitehall shake-up leaves tech policy in limbo Tech Nearly two months after Andy Burnham abolished Britain’s technology department, ministers have admitted parts of the former department still have nowhere to go. A long-awaited breakdown of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) carve-up revealed a “small number of policy areas” are yet to be allocated, while some staff are still waiting to [...]
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. [...]
‘We’d love an apprentice – but the government has made it too expensive’ August 26, 2026 Small companies around Britain are facing a cost of business crisis. Bowers & Jones, an award-winning manufacturing firm, tells City AM that changes to the minimum wage have priced it out of employing apprentices. When Jane Somerville led a management buyout of her manufacturing firm and shifted its entire factory across the West Midlands in [...]
Burnham to unveil new cost of living measures on UK tour August 9, 2026 Prime minister Andy Burnham will start a national tour on Monday to hear Brits’ concerns about the cost of living and unveil a series of measures to provide financial support. Burnham plans to use the national tour to tell voters about his 10-year plan for the UK, while also announcing his new policies to “give [...]
Thames Water creditors offer government ‘golden share’ to fend off nationalisation July 21, 2026 The group of creditors vying to take control of Thames Water has said it is willing to grant the government a “golden share” in the company and offer local governments oversight of its operations as it looks to fend off nationalisation by Andy Burnham. In a statement today, London & Valley Water (L&VW), a group [...]
Burnham promises to ‘build new economy’ July 20, 2026 Andy Burnham has said he will “build a new economy” during his tenure as Prime Minister, promising a raft of measures to help households with the cost of living will be announced as soon as tomorrow. Speaking on the steps of Downing Street, the new Labour leader said his government would put “life’s essentials back [...]
Burnham risks £4bn bill in Thames Water special administration July 19, 2026 Andy Burnham’s plans to push Thames Water into special administration could leave the taxpayer to foot a £4bn bill. The incoming Prime Minister is facing a crunch decision over how to deal with the struggling utility and is expected to use a special administration regime (SAR) to keep it running until a buyer is found. [...]
Reeves: Burnham will face ‘shocks and challenges’ as Prime Minister July 12, 2026 Rachel Reeves has warned Andy Burnham that he will face “shocks and challenges” as he takes the reins as Prime Minister and will need a “worked through plan” to govern. The Chancellor said that the incoming Prime Minister “needs to stay laser-focused on those things that have always motivated him” as he enters Downing Street [...]