Andy Burnham warns UK needs 'wholesale change'
Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham has urged the Labour Party to pursue 'wholesale change' to confront what he described as an 'existential threat' to Britain. Speaking ahead of Labour’s annual conference in Liverpool, Burnham criticised the party’s leadership style under Keir Starmer as 'factional and divisive’. Though often tipped as a future leader, he insisted he was not plotting an immediate return to Westminster, but challenged Labour to present a clear plan to 'turn the country around’. He said he was willing to work with anyone serious about radical reform, citing his efforts to re-nationalise Manchester’s bus network as an example, and suggesting that core services such as housing, energy, water, and rail should return to public ownership. His intervention comes amid political turbulence for Starmer, following Angela Rayner’s resignation over tax errors, the sacking of Peter Mandelson for links to Jeffrey Epstein, and the departure of a senior aide over offensive leaked messages.
Expanded England childcare scheme ‘poorly thought out’
The Government’s expansion of free childcare in England, offering thirty hours a week from nine months of age, has been welcomed by some parents but criticised as poorly designed and underfunded. For Alec, a father in Sheffield, the policy reduced his family’s nursery bill by 55%; he calls it the first initiative with immediate positive impact on his life. Yet many providers say the funding does not cover costs, forcing them either to reject places, cap hours, or raise fees for other families. Parents in Oxford, Kent, and Hampshire described waiting lists of more than two years, rising charges, and nurseries unable to offer the full entitlement. Some households not eligible for the scheme reported fee increases of up to 30%, while others reduced working hours or diverted income to qualify. Critics say the expansion risks increasing demand without addressing structural shortages, leaving families with little flexibility and higher costs. While hailed as a major investment, many see the system as unsustainable, a 'sticking plaster' rather than a long-term solution for childcare. See
Epping hotel asylum seeker jailed for sex assaults
An Ethiopian asylum-seeker has been jailed for a year after sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl and a woman in Epping, Essex. Hadush Kebatu, who had arrived in the UK by small boat just eight days earlier, was found guilty of harassment, two sexual assaults, inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, and attempted sexual assault. His arrest sparked protests outside the Bell Hotel, where he had been housed. At Chelmsford magistrates’ court, judge Christopher Williams described the offences as 'disgusting and sickening’, noting the lasting fear inflicted on the schoolgirl, who said she now feels unsafe going out with friends. Kebatu also assaulted a woman who had offered to help him with his CV, placing his hand on her thigh. He is subject to automatic deportation under the UK Borders Act 2007 once his sentence is served. Essex police praised the victims for their bravery in testifying. The case has reignited public concerns over safeguarding, asylum accommodation, and the protection of vulnerable people from predatory behaviour. See also
Moldova: president warns of Russian interference as elections near
Days before crucial parliamentary elections, Moldova’s president Maia Sandu has warned that Russian-backed plots are threatening her nation’s independence and European aspirations. Police have arrested 74 people accused of planning violent unrest, seizing weapons and explosives allegedly supplied through Russian training in Serbia. Sandu accused the Kremlin of pouring hundreds of millions of euros into Moldova to spread disinformation, buy votes, and intimidate pro-EU supporters, echoing past meddling during the 2022 EU-accession referendum which was narrowly approved by just 50.4%. Pro-Russian parties deny wrongdoing and claim Sandu is stifling opposition, while Moscow’s SVR intelligence agency countered with disinformation alleging European plans to falsify the vote and occupy Moldova. Sandu’s Party of Action and Solidarity faces stiff competition, especially in Russian-speaking regions like Gagauzia where many favour closer ties to Moscow. She is calling for high voter turnout, particularly from the diaspora, to safeguard the country’s sovereignty and keep its path toward EU membership.
