Background: Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch had written to Prime Minister Andy Burnham demanding he rule out tax rises or higher borrowing to fund adult social care reform. Today, Burnham announced sweeping reforms to fix the system, including a new national care service, better pay and training for care workers, and closer NHS integration. He did not rule out tax rises, saying 'difficult decisions' on funding are needed, and fast-tracked Baroness Casey's review to report by summer 2027. He held cross-party talks with the Lib Dems and Conservatives but excluded Reform UK and the Greens, drawing criticism. He described the system as 'as unfair as American healthcare' and pledged to tackle profiteering. In a speech at a care home in north London, Burnham detailed the plan, emphasizing extracting more from existing budgets before considering tax rises. He fast-tracked Baroness Casey's review, with final recommendations now due by summer 2027 instead of 2028. He held cross-party talks with Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey and Conservative shadow health secretary Stuart Andrew, but did not invite Reform UK or the Green Party, drawing criticism from both. He also launched a 'Big Conversation' to engage the public and political parties.

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced a major education reform for England, allowing pupils from age 14 to study technical subjects like manufacturing and AI alongside core academics, with curricula aligned to local business needs. The plan, based on the Greater Manchester Baccalaureate, aims to elevate technical and vocational skills to parity with academic qualifications, address rising youth unemployment (over one million NEET), and reduce the benefits bill. Implementation is targeted for September 2028, with pilots in some areas. School leaders welcomed the ambition but raised concerns about funding and capacity.

Background: UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham paused the early release scheme under the Sentencing Act after backlash from victims' families, including the widow of PC Andrew Harper, and announced an urgent review. Today: Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has called for emergency legislation to stop the release of hundreds of prisoners, including serious offenders, arguing that the review will not prevent releases. She is expected to press the issue at a press conference with victims on Tuesday, urging Burnham to revoke the legislation effective 2 September and, if necessary, recall Parliament to exempt the worst violent and sexual offenders. Shadow justice secretary Nick Timothy warned that thousands of rapists, paedophiles, and other serious criminals are set to be released in September. The government defends the pause, with a Labour spokesperson blaming the Conservatives for creating the prison capacity crisis and noting that the Tories had previously granted early release to 10,000 prisoners. Liberal Democrat justice spokesperson Jess Brown-Fuller suggested that with increased prison capacity, Burnham could correct previous mistakes, while Reform UK's Zia Yusuf criticized the policy as disastrous and noted Badenoch's past support for expanding it.

Background: The Ebola outbreak in DR Congo's Ituri province, caused by the Bundibugyo strain, has surpassed 3,200 confirmed cases and 1,405 deaths, with Uganda declaring itself Ebola-free after a 42-day monitoring period. Today, the DRC outbreak continues to grow, with the death toll topping 1,400 and a fatality rate of 43.9%. Oxford University has begun the first clinical trial of an experimental vaccine targeting the Bundibugyo strain, with other candidates entering accelerated trials. The outbreak remains concentrated in Ituri, with nearly 90% of cases, and healthcare worker strikes are hampering response efforts. As of July 27, 2026, the outbreak has reached 3,200 confirmed cases and 1,405 deaths, with a fatality rate of 43.9%. Oxford University has administered the first experimental vaccine to a volunteer group, with other candidates fast-tracked for clinical trials and two potential treatments under development. The surge in cases is partly attributed to improved detection and expanded testing. Healthcare worker strikes over unpaid wages continue to hamper response efforts in some hospitals.

The UK government under Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced plans to link youth benefits to training or voluntary work to reduce the £333bn welfare bill, while considering replacing council tax and stamp duty with alternatives like a proportional property tax or land value tax. Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband pledged to take up the UK's seat on the World Bank board to lead global climate action, and Defence Secretary Wes Streeting promised to resign if the defence plan falls short. Defence companies like Lockheed Martin and BAE Systems are investing in tech startups to adapt to modern warfare. These moves signal a shift in domestic policy and international engagement.

Chan Mathok Atak, 19, a Sudanese national, has denied endangering lives at sea after allegedly piloting a record-breaking dinghy carrying 165 migrants across the English Channel. The vessel, a 13-meter rigid-hulled inflatable boat, was intercepted by Border Force and was overcrowded and deflating. Atak appeared at Margate Magistrates Court, denied the charge, and was remanded in custody. He will next appear at Canterbury Crown Court on 24 August. The prosecution alleges Atak was one of two people controlling the boat's speed and travel. French authorities recovered the body of a man with head injuries, though no link to the crossing was confirmed in court. This case follows the UK government's new offence targeting small boat pilots, with two men already jailed in June.

Residents evacuated from Coalsnaughton, Scotland, fear their homes may be demolished after an eight-week investigation by the Mining Remediation Authority confirmed ground movement is linked to historical mining. More than 250 people from 97 homes were evacuated in May. UK Energy Secretary Michael Shanks visited the site, stating some properties can be remediated but others cannot, with costs potentially reaching tens of millions of pounds. The UK government will assess properties individually under the Coal Mining Subsidence Act 1991, with some homes potentially purchased and demolished.

The UK Green Party, led by Zack Polanski, is bracing for a decline in support following the rise of new Labour Prime Minister Andy Burnham. Polls show Labour regaining the top spot for the first time since March 2025, with the Greens' vote share dropping. The Greens plan to differentiate themselves on issues like Gaza, immigration, and public ownership, while Burnham's more engaging communication style and policy shifts pose a challenge. The party aims to retain its new members and defend its growing council control.