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STORY

The Council of the European Union has agreed restrictions on visa arrangements for Guinea, citing insufficient cooperation over the readmission of people who have no legal right to remain in EU member states. The decision forms part of the EU’s use of visa policy to encourage cooperation on migration returns.

The measures can make parts of the visa process more restrictive, including documentary requirements, processing periods and access to fee waivers. The Council said the approach was designed to create incentives for governments to improve identification and return arrangements.

The use of visa restrictions remains controversial because it can affect ordinary travellers as well as state authorities. The EU said the measures would be reviewed in light of Guinea’s future cooperation and could be changed if sufficient progress was made.

STORY

The European Commission has proposed a new sanctions framework allowing the European Union to impose asset freezes and travel bans on people and organisations involved in migrant smuggling and human trafficking. The proposal is intended to give the EU an additional tool against organised criminal networks operating across borders.

The measures would require unanimous approval from member states before taking effect. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the objective was to disrupt smuggling operations, protect vulnerable people and increase the financial and legal consequences for those profiting from irregular migration.

The proposal comes amid continuing disagreement within the EU over asylum, returns and border management. Human rights organisations have warned that enforcement measures must distinguish clearly between criminal exploitation and humanitarian assistance provided to migrants and asylum seekers.

STORY

A Government call for evidence on a new mental health strategy has closed after eight weeks of submissions from patients, families, professionals and voluntary organisations. The strategy is intended to examine prevention, access to treatment and the way mental health support is delivered across public services.

Ministers said the work would include the needs of autistic people and people with ADHD, who face a higher risk of mental ill health. A separate cross-government autism strategy is also planned, with further consideration being given to whether its scope should include ADHD.

The Department of Health and Social Care will now review the evidence before publishing detailed proposals. Organisations representing patients and staff are likely to focus on workforce shortages, waiting times, crisis care and the availability of early support in schools and communities.

STORY

A House of Commons committee has called for a clearer Government strategy on science diplomacy, research security and technological sovereignty. The Science, Innovation and Technology Committee warned that international research partnerships increasingly operate within a more hostile and competitive security environment.

Its report said the UK should remain open to global scientific collaboration while improving the way risks involving intellectual property, strategic technologies and foreign interference are assessed. It also called for clearer responsibilities across Government departments and agencies.

The committee argued that poorly designed restrictions could damage British research as seriously as insufficient safeguards. Ministers will be expected to respond to recommendations on international partnerships, trusted research, funding and the role of science in foreign policy.

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Ministers have launched a UK-wide consultation on restrictions intended to prevent vapes from being marketed to children. The proposals include plain white packaging, limits on flavour descriptions and requirements for vaping products to be kept out of sight in shops, airports and wholesale premises.

The Department of Health and Social Care said the measures would reduce the appeal of brightly coloured products and branding designed to resemble sweets, drinks and other items popular with young people. The consultation also covers plain packaging for tobacco products including cigars and cigarette papers.

The Government said vaping remained a useful tool for adults trying to stop smoking but should not be promoted to children or people who had never smoked. Retailers, manufacturers, health organisations and members of the public will be invited to respond before final regulations are drawn up.

STORY

Andy Burnham is on course to become Labour leader after receiving support from an overwhelming majority of the Parliamentary Labour Party. No rival candidate has emerged with a realistic prospect of reaching the nomination threshold, leaving Burnham effectively assured of succeeding Keir Starmer.

Reports indicated that more than 300 Labour MPs had backed Burnham, prompting criticism from some members who argued that the speed of the process had limited scrutiny. Labour is expected to confirm the result at a special party conference before Burnham is appointed Prime Minister.

Burnham has promised a change in political direction, including greater devolution and a stronger focus on public services outside London. He will inherit a difficult economic position and immediate disputes within Labour over migration, welfare reform, foreign policy and the pace of public service improvement.

STORY

Nearly 80 Labour MPs have urged Andy Burnham to move away from what they described as hostile rhetoric on immigration as he prepares to become Labour leader and Prime Minister. Their intervention focused on proposals including a longer route to indefinite leave to remain and called for a more balanced approach to migration and asylum policy.

The MPs argued that Labour risked adopting language and policies associated with Reform UK, while failing to address practical weaknesses in the asylum system. They called for measures including allowing asylum seekers to work after six months and reducing reliance on expensive private accommodation contracts.

Burnham has secured overwhelming support among Labour MPs and is expected to be confirmed as leader without a contested ballot. The letter demonstrates that, despite the scale of his parliamentary backing, he will face early pressure from different wings of the party over immigration, public spending and the direction of the next Government.