Voters choosing replacement for Keir Starmer, who announced he was standing down last month...

The government’s new planning bill is tearing down environmental protections to benefit developers. This nation of nature lovers won’t stand for it, says Guardian columnist George Monbiot

Tories and Greens criticise government’s move to push back North Sea project

A former cabinet minister under Sir Keir Starmer has criticized Andy Burnham's government for not focusing sufficiently on boosting economic growth, calling for more urgency in addressing this issue. Peter Kyle, who served as business secretary during Starmer's premiership before being dismissed in Burnham's cabinet reshuffle, stated that while he was not making a 'criticism', he was highlighting the potential for prosperity through economic growth. He emphasized that if the government's destination is prosperity, freedom for people to innovate, and security for families, then they should 'put their foot down and get there quicker.' Kyle suggested that the government might need to delay certain workers' rights expansions to prioritize short-term economic growth, and proposed implementing a 'tax growth test' to measure the economic impact of tax policies. The former minister also called for reviewing 'obstacles' to growth and acting with greater ambition. This criticism comes as Labour prepares for its annual conference in Liverpool, where Burnham will address the gathering on Tuesday. Burnham has previously outlined his 'clear theory of growth' based on his experience as Greater Manchester mayor, advocating for devolving powers to local areas to create 'good growth in every postcode.' Chancellor John Healey is set to deliver his first Budget on 28 October, facing challenges including rising debt costs and OECD forecasts of slower economic growth (1% compared to a previous 1.1% forecast). The OECD report indicates the UK economy is expected to grow by 1%, slightly below earlier projections. Kyle's comments align with recent statements from other Starmer allies, such as Darren Jones, who argued that governments should be prepared for midterm unpopularity when making difficult structural decisions. Jones emphasized the collective responsibility of backbenchers to support Burnham's government in achieving economic success. The Labour Party faces significant challenges in balancing immediate economic concerns with long-term policy goals, particularly as the government navigates the complexities of implementing the Employment Rights Act, which was passed in December 2025 but has delayed implementation of some provisions until next year. Kyle's remarks reflect a growing internal debate within the Labour Party about the pace and focus of economic policy under Burnham's leadership.

Farage referred to the new unit and said Burnham was setting it up ‘using the excuse that Russia wants to interfere with elections’ The former Labour minister leading the government’s review into youth unemployment has written to 100 firms to ask them to provide work placements and jobs for young people, the Press Association reports. PA says: Alan Milburn, who was commissioned by former prime minister Keir Starmer to lead the government’s review into worklessness, has approached “business leaders” in sectors including rail, transport and utilities to ask them to provide more chances for young people. The Milburn review said Royal Mail, Octopus Energy, Greene King and Lloyds bank are among the companies who are already offering opportunities to school and university leavers. They are taking part in the review’s First Chance scheme, which has come from the review. Continue reading...

Aid to lower-income countries fell by almost 7%, while higher-income countries saw their share of Britain’s aid budget increase

The Starmer government’s 2025 Budget introduced the government’s High Value Council Tax Surcharge (HVCTS), which is an addition to an unchanged Council…

A former parliamentary private secretary to Sir Keir Starmer has been elected as the next chair of the select committee that scrutinises the government’s housing policy

A former parliamentary private secretary to Sir Keir Starmer has been elected as the next chair of the select committee that scrutinises the government’s housing policy

The government’s decisive action and language today over Israeli settler violence points to the many things that could and should have been different under our former PM, writes the Nerve’s political ...