Schools Close as Record Heatwave Hits West Midlands
A record-breaking heatwave forces school closures and causes travel disruption across the West Midlands, with temperatures soaring above 38°C.
Category : Westminster Updates
Black Country Bishop Charged with Rape Due in Court
A bishop from the Black Country faces court after being charged with two counts of rape, with the alleged offences dating back several years.
Andy Burnham's PM Policies: Full Breakdown
Andy Burnham, expected to become PM after Starmer's resignation, outlines key policies including transport, utilities, economy, housing, social care, and devolution.
Murder arrest after man's body found at Peak District stone circle
A 41-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after the body of a 26-year-old man was found at Nine Ladies Stone Circle in the Peak District on June 22.
Starmer to Remain MP After Stepping Down as PM
Keir Starmer will stay on as an MP after resigning as Prime Minister, with a new Labour leader expected by August. No 10 confirms no by-election needed.
Grooming Gang Inquiry Locations Announced; Birmingham MP Urges Inclusion
The national grooming gang inquiry will first investigate London, Oldham, Bradford, and Keighley. Birmingham MP Jess Phillips argues the city should be included due to unreported cases.
DWP State Pension Age Review Could Bring Changes
A new DWP state pension age review, launched in July 2025, may lead to rule changes based on life expectancy data and independent reports, as required by the Pensions Act 2014.
UK households face £1,000 Burnham property tax threat
Millions of UK households could face an extra £991 per year in council tax under Andy Burnham's proposed land value tax, with London homeowners hit hardest.
Burnham Fails to Inspire Birmingham Voters as PM
Birmingham voters express mixed feelings about Andy Burnham becoming Prime Minister, with some indifferent and others critical of his left-wing politics.
Teen arrested after missing schoolgirl, 14, found dead
A 14-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of murder after the body of missing schoolgirl Lilly, 14, was discovered in Duffryn Park, Blaina, south Wales. Gwent Police are investigating.
UK Tax Gap Hits £59.2 Billion, Up £6.4 Billion in a Year
HMRC data reveals the tax gap surged to £59.2 billion, a £6.4 billion increase from the previous year, threatening the government's £8.8 billion annual revenue target by 2029.
Brexit Decade On: EU Collapse Feared But Cooperation Grows
Ten years after Brexit, new data shows no EU collapse and growing UK-EU alignment on global goals, with 57% now backing Remain.
Burnham confirms Triple Lock for 12 million pensioners
Andy Burnham has confirmed he will protect the Triple Lock for 12 million state pensioners, following a £575 boost this year, as he is widely expected to become Prime Minister in July.
Andy Burnham Confirms £9,614 Storm Payments
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham confirms £9,614 payments for households affected by Storm Babet, with additional support for businesses and communities.
Tory By-Election Win in Aberdeen South First Since 1967
Conservative victory in Aberdeen South by-election marks first Westminster win in Scotland since 1967. Alex Burghart warns on 'grey belt' planning changes and opposes further homes in Ongar.
Andy Burnham rules out three tax rises as PM
Andy Burnham has ruled out raising income tax, VAT, or national insurance if he becomes Prime Minister, supporting Chancellor Rachel Reeves' fiscal rules.
Chelmsford MP on Labour Leadership and Local Issues
Marie Goldman MP argues against an immediate general election after a potential Labour leadership change, emphasizing manifesto continuity, while highlighting local concerns and recent engagements.
HMRC Recoups £336m from 2,500 Households Over IHT Gift Breaches
HMRC has recouped £336m from 2,500 households over five years for gifts that broke inheritance tax rules, with an average gift value of £338,840.
Andy Burnham Confirms Tax-Free State Pension Rule
Andy Burnham pledges to uphold Rachel Reeves' guarantee that state pensioners with no other income won't pay tax from April 2027, amid triple lock concerns.
Burnham confirms £575 pension boost if PM
Andy Burnham pledges to protect the Triple Lock, giving over 12 million pensioners an extra £575 per year if he becomes Prime Minister.
Andy Burnham to give pensioners £352 boost if PM
Andy Burnham plans to keep the state pension triple lock, potentially giving pensioners a £352 annual boost if he becomes Prime Minister, amid calls to scrap the policy.
Burnham backs HMRC rule change for pensioners if PM
Andy Burnham supports Labour policy exempting state pensioners from income tax when state pension exceeds personal allowance from 2027-28, easing admin burden.
Passport Office Refusing Applications After Rule Change
A Brit living in Switzerland reports HM Passport Office is refusing passport applications for some children while accepting others, following a February 2026 rule change requiring dual nationals to hold a British passport to enter the UK.
9M Pensioners to Get £200 Bonus Under Burnham
Around nine million state pensioners will receive a £200 bonus this year under incoming PM Andy Burnham, with Winter Fuel Payment rules unchanged.
Burnham pledges £12,570 pension for post-1951 pensioners
Andy Burnham confirms £12,570 payments for state pensioners born after 1951 if he becomes PM, as triple lock raises new state pension above tax threshold.
Two Young Men Plead Guilty to TfL Cyber Attack
Two men, including 18-year-old from Walsall, pleaded guilty to a cyber attack on Transport for London. The attack compromised customer data and disrupted services in 2024.
Burnham backs triple lock for £2,100 pension rise
Andy Burnham commits to the triple lock, potentially giving state pensioners an extra £2,100 over this parliament if he becomes Prime Minister.
Burnham Rejects WASPI Payouts in PM Bid
Andy Burnham has ruled out DWP compensation payments for three million WASPI women if he becomes Prime Minister, citing cost concerns despite previous support.
Andy Burnham Pledges Tax Cut for Pensioners in PM Bid
Andy Burnham confirms plans to cut taxes for state pensioners, citing fiscal drag concerns. He says 9.3 million pensioners could face income tax by 2030 without change.
Experts Urge Burnham to Scrap Pension Triple Lock
Economic experts, including the Resolution Foundation, urge Andy Burnham to scrap the state pension triple lock, citing unsustainability and pensioner incomes now matching working-age households.
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