24/07/2026, 05:00:03

The five most trusted news media outlets in the UK are generally considered to be the BBC, The Guardian, The Times, The Daily Telegraph, and the Financial Times.

Here are the main UK national and international political topics from the last 24 hours:

New Government’s Economic Policies

Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s new Labour government is focusing on economic relief measures, including a proposed 20% tax cut for pubs, clubs, and live music venues, which could save venues an estimated £1100 annually. Burnham has also announced plans to scrap VAT on household electricity bills in October, aiming to save a typical household approximately £45 a year. This measure is reportedly to be funded by scrapping Keir Starmer’s digital ID scheme, though the funding mechanism has been questioned. There is ongoing discussion about how these policies will be funded and whether Burnham can avoid the fate of his predecessors who served as Prime Minister for short periods. Burnham has stated his intention to be an “unashamedly Labour” government with the “courage to fix the big things that politics has neglected”.

Political Landscape and Party Dynamics

The political scene is marked by the recent transition to Andy Burnham’s premiership, with speculation surrounding his new Cabinet, which notably excludes allies of the former leader Keir Starmer. The past decade has seen significant political instability, with Britain cycling through multiple prime ministers following the Brexit vote. Discussions are also ongoing about Nigel Farage’s political activities and “anti-establishment” narratives, with some commentators suggesting these approaches may be self-defeating.

International Relations and Security

The UK has withdrawn its remaining staff from Iran amidst escalating tensions, as the US ramps up pressure on Tehran. The broader geopolitical context includes ongoing discussions about the implications of Brexit and the UK’s relationship with Europe.

There are no specific relevant speeches with exact times provided in the last 24 hours regarding these topics. However, Prime Minister Andy Burnham gave his first speech as PM on July 20, 2026, and has also been featured in videos discussing his plans and policies.

Sources used: