Guardian UK Politics
Infrastructure cuts to pay for defence will cost UK 10,000 jobs, analysis shows
New analysis of government figures undermines Keir Starmer's claim that redirecting funds to defence will boost British jobs, projecting a net loss of 10,000 positions. The finding stems from the decision to slash infrastructure spending to finance the £15bn defence uplift — a trade-off the government has largely glossed over. Critics argue the prime minister is overstating the economic dividend of his rearmament push.
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I take responsibility to fund defence plan extremely seriously, says Burnham
Andy Burnham has pledged to treat defence funding commitments with the utmost seriousness, pushing back against criticism of his economic credibility. The Makerfield MP sought to reassure critics that his approach to public finances would be measured and disciplined, not reckless. The comments signal an effort to position himself as a fiscally responsible voice on national security spending.
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Burnham promises to ease cost of living pressures if he becomes prime minister
Andy Burnham has outlined his economic priorities ahead of an expected prime ministerial run, pledging to tackle cost of living pressures through a combination of business rate reductions and rent freezes. The Greater Manchester mayor turned MP also floated de-privatising water and energy companies as a route to bringing down household bills. The proposals signal an ambitious and interventionist economic agenda that will define his pitch to voters.
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Police criticise government’s late decision to allow pubs to stay open until 5am for England match – UK politics live
Police forces across England are scrambling to redeploy officers from community duties after the government gave late notice that pubs could remain open until 5am for the England match, raising concerns over alcohol-fuelled violence. The eleventh-hour decision has drawn sharp criticism from law enforcement, who argue the lack of advance planning has left them underprepared. Meanwhile, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch took a swipe at Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, questioning his decision to field questions via Reddit rather than face traditional media scrutiny.
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Labour general secretary to stand down after party conference
Hollie Ridley, the architect of Labour's formidable ground campaign that delivered the party's landslide 2024 general election victory, will step down as general secretary following this year's party conference. Her departure marks the end of a tenure defined by organisational discipline and electoral success. The move raises questions about continuity as Labour shifts from campaign mode to the harder work of governing.
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