A new ThinkLabour survey of 788 Labour members shows they rank health, the economy, cost of living and climate change as top issues, while expressing sceptical views on welfare spending and strong support for higher defence spending.
Campaigners are demanding a windfall tax on UK banks, estimated to raise £19bn, following HSBC's $10.1bn second-quarter profits. The funds could support cost of living initiatives, while banks face scrutiny over profit distribution and lending.
About 160 Arnott's Marleston factory workers in Adelaide, Australia, undertook a 24-hour strike over wage increases of less than $1/hour, insufficient to keep pace with the cost of living, despite the company's 9.5% offer over two years.
Canberra resident Nicci Carlson, living with autoimmune conditions, fears NDIS cuts will strip her support and that of 240,000 participants, prompting protests and political debate.
Sunday's UK front pages feature Chancellor John Healey's warning to supermarkets against price gouging amid the Middle East crisis, fears of a "tax on death" for social care, and revelations about Nigel Farage's secret deal to return as Reform UK leader. Other stories include the Ceuta border crisis, a Fifa World Cup plan fallout, and various crime reports.
The Bank of England's MPC maintained the UK interest rate at 3.75%, warning that an escalation of the Iran war could drive inflation above 4% by 2027, intensifying cost of living pressures. Governor Andrew Bailey dismissed immediate rate hike expectations, despite three MPC members dissenting for an immediate rise to 4%.
Niesr said Prime Minister Andy Burnham will need to raise taxes or cut spending to pay for his defence and cost-of-living pledges. It warned inflation could stay higher for longer because of the Iran war and said interest rates may not fall until 2028.
Oil prices surged above US$100 a barrel amid US President Trump's threat of a "massive attack" on Iran and a Houthi blockade. The Commonwealth Games opened in Glasgow, while Australia faces domestic issues including an Origin Energy data hack and Labor party dissent.
England's pubs, clubs, and live music venues will receive a 20% business rates discount as part of a £100m aid package from Prime Minister Burnham, aimed at supporting high streets and easing living costs, though some industry leaders and opposition question its scope and funding.
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced a 20% cut to business rates for pubs, clubs, and live music venues to ease the cost of living crisis. The policy, costing £100M annually, is the third since his Monday appointment, aiming to save 32,000 hospitality businesses £1,100/year.
US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer denied that President Trump's tariffs have increased prices for American families, despite senators Elizabeth Warren and Raphael Warnock presenting data and arguments linking tariffs to higher inflation and cost-of-living concerns.
Andy Burnham, in his first week in office, announced measures to address the cost of living crisis and scrapped several of Keir Starmer's policies, facing criticism over funding and scope from former ministers.
Andy Burnham's administration will cut business rates by 20% for nearly 32,000 pubs, clubs, and live music venues in England from April, as part of a £10m package to support high streets and ease cost of living pressures. The initiative will be funded by reviewing relief for businesses deemed not to contribute positively to communities.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's approval rating is falling, with recent polls indicating public dissatisfaction. Voters are losing patience as Takaichi prioritizes conservative legislation, like flag desecration and Imperial Household Law revisions, over pressing cost-of-living issues despite a strong mandate.
Senator Pauline Hanson claimed domestic violence is a "two-way street" and blamed the cost of living, suggesting women should "not put up with it." An opinion piece refutes these claims, emphasizing gendered violence, the complexities of leaving abusive relationships, and the perpetrator's sole responsibility, urging a challenge to misinformation.
New UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham, after winning Labour leadership unopposed, announced a "cost of living government." His initial policies include removing 5% VAT from electricity bills until April and capping single bus fares in England (outside London) at £2 from January 2025.
New UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham, following Keir Starmer's resignation, has prioritized the cost of living, announcing a 5% VAT removal from electricity bills and capping bus fares at £2 in England outside London. These measures, funded by scrapping the digital ID program and reallocating climate finance, highlight the fiscal challenges of high public debt and ambitious spending plans.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced a nationwide £2 cap on single bus fares in England and a VAT cut on domestic electricity bills, effective from October. These measures, aimed at tackling the cost of living, are funded by reallocating over £500m, including switching international climate finance to loans, drawing criticism from NGOs.
UK citizens across various demographics share their expectations for the next Prime Minister, emphasizing honesty, integrity, and courage. Key demands include addressing the cost of living crisis, climate change, improving public services like the NHS and social care, reforming housing, and adopting a fairer, more compassionate approach to governance and international affairs.
UK inflation unexpectedly dropped to 2.6% in June, driven by lower fuel, food, and clothing prices, offering a boost to Prime Minister Andy Burnham's cost of living plans. However, analysts warn this relief may be temporary due to escalating Middle East tensions and upcoming energy price cap increases.
Australian One Nation leader Pauline Hanson faced strong criticism for calling domestic violence a "two-way street" and telling abused women to "just leave." Politicians, advocates, and survivors condemned her remarks as victim-blaming, highlighting the dangers and complexities victims face, while new data showed rising costs for women leaving abusive situations.
Andy Burnham, in his first cabinet meeting as prime minister, pledged a "cost of living government" and announced a VAT cut on energy bills. However, his plan to fund this by scrapping Sir Keir Starmer's digital ID scheme immediately sparked a row over its financial viability.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced a nationwide £2 cap on single bus fares across England from January 2027, reversing a previous increase. This measure, alongside a VAT cut on electricity bills, aims to ease the cost of living, funded by reallocating international climate finance and departmental savings.
New Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced England's bus fare cap will revert to £2 from January 2027, costing over £500m. The policy, funded by reallocating Department for Energy Security and Net Zero funds, aims to ease living costs, following a previous £3 cap under Sir Keir Starmer's government.
