Guardian UK Politics
Andy Burnham signals a wealth tax is off the agenda for now
Andy Burnham has moved to reassure the business community by signalling he will shelve wealth tax increases in the early stages of his premiership, framing the decision as a commitment to national unity over division. The announcement narrows his fiscal options at a time when his government will face significant pressure to fund public services. With Shabana Mahmood tipped for chancellor, the shape of his economic agenda is beginning to come into focus.
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British Steel is taken into public ownership to save UK supply
British Steel has been formally nationalized, with the UK government seizing the Scunthorpe steelworks from Chinese owner Jingye to protect 4,000 jobs and secure domestic steel supply. The expropriation marks one of the most significant state interventions in British industry in decades, with compensation yet to be determined by an independent valuer. Prime Minister Keir Starmer framed the move as a matter of national interest, underscoring growing Western scrutiny of Chinese ownership in strategic industries.
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Starmer pledges 'cast-iron support' for Ukraine on final visit as PM
Keir Starmer travelled to Kyiv on Thursday to meet President Volodymyr Zelensky, reaffirming Britain's unwavering commitment to Ukraine's defence. The visit marks a significant moment as Starmer frames UK backing as non-negotiable, signalling continuity in British foreign policy. The trip underscores London's intent to remain a central player in Western support for Ukraine amid ongoing pressure on allied unity.
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British Steel taken into public ownership to protect 'vital' UK supply
The British government has nationalised the Scunthorpe steelworks, bringing British Steel into public ownership under emergency legislation passed this week. The move aims to safeguard the UK's last remaining virgin steelmaking facility, which ministers deemed critical to national industrial capacity. Without intervention, the site faced imminent closure, threatening thousands of jobs and the country's ability to produce steel from raw materials.
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Sky News UK
Starmer to visit Kyiv for final summit as PM
Outgoing Prime Minister Keir Starmer will make a final visit to Kyiv on Thursday, reaffirming Britain's unwavering commitment to Ukraine in a farewell meeting with President Zelenskyy. The visit underscores the close personal alliance the two leaders have built since Russia's full-scale invasion. Starmer's pledge that UK support will remain "cast iron" signals continuity of British policy regardless of the leadership transition ahead.
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