Blog

STORY

The Government has launched a major consultation on reforms to wedding law in England and Wales, with proposals intended to make ceremonies simpler, more affordable and more flexible. Ministers said existing rules are based on outdated restrictions which do not reflect the range of places and ceremonies couples now want.

The proposals could allow weddings to take place in a wider variety of locations, including outdoors, in private gardens, on cruise ships, at coastal locations and in historic buildings. The Government said around 470,000 people marry in England and Wales each year.

Ministers said the reforms would protect the dignity and legal certainty of marriage while giving couples more choice. Religious bodies, local authorities, registrars and venues are expected to respond to the consultation before any legislation is introduced.

STORY

The UK economy grew by 0.1 per cent in May, according to the latest official figures, giving the outgoing Government a small improvement after a fragile period for growth. Services provided the main support to the economy, while construction and production remained weaker.

The figures underline the limited room for manoeuvre facing the incoming Prime Minister and Chancellor. Rising energy costs, global uncertainty and weak productivity continue to restrict the pace of economic recovery.

Ministers are likely to present the figures as evidence that the economy is still expanding, but opposition parties and business groups are expected to focus on the underlying weakness. Burnham will take office under pressure to deliver growth without breaching Labour’s fiscal and tax commitments.

STORY

Shabana Mahmood is expected to be appointed Chancellor when Andy Burnham becomes Prime Minister, a decision intended to reassure markets and signal continuity in fiscal policy. The expected appointment has prompted criticism from the Greens and others who argue that it shows Labour will remain cautious on economic reform.

Mahmood has held senior Government roles but has limited direct Treasury experience, meaning her appointment would place significant weight on her ability to manage spending pressures, public sector reform and relations with the City. Supporters have argued that she is an effective administrator and politically disciplined minister.

The choice will shape the early tone of Burnham’s premiership. He has signalled a desire to ease cost-of-living pressures and focus on housing and regeneration, but he will have to balance those priorities against weak growth, high debt and continuing pressure on public services.

STORY

Politicians and campaigners have been urged to respond calmly after a family of 18 from Gaza won the right to come to Britain following a human rights appeal. The case has prompted renewed debate over immigration, judicial independence and the protection available to people with relatives in the UK during the continuing conflict in Gaza.

The case was brought after a Gaza-born mother of three, who came to the UK as a refugee and later became a British citizen, sought to bring members of her extended family to safety. The family had been refused entry by the Home Office before appealing through the immigration tribunal system.

The tribunal allowed the appeal on human rights grounds, finding that the particular circumstances of the case justified entry to the UK. The ruling does not create a general resettlement route for people in Gaza, but it has already become politically contentious because of the number of relatives involved and the wider sensitivity of immigration policy.

Supporters of the decision said the case should be treated as a human story involving a family escaping extreme danger, rather than as a reason for inflammatory rhetoric. They said the tribunal had considered the facts before it and applied the law, as judges are required to do.

Critics have argued that the ruling raises serious questions about the scope of human rights law and the ability of tribunals to grant entry outside ordinary immigration rules. Similar controversy followed an earlier case in which a Palestinian family of six was allowed to come to Britain after applying through a route originally designed for Ukrainians.

That earlier case led to a rare intervention by the Lady Chief Justice, who said she was troubled by comments made by senior politicians and stressed that disagreements with court decisions should be pursued through the appeal process. Her warning is likely to be cited again as politicians respond to the latest tribunal decision.

Immigration lawyers said the latest ruling should not be presented as evidence that large numbers of people will automatically be admitted to Britain. Human rights appeals are decided on individual facts, including family ties, risk, dependency and the best interests of children.

The Home Office has not yet said whether it will seek to challenge the decision. Ministers are likely to face pressure from opponents to appeal the ruling or tighten the law, while refugee and human rights groups are expected to argue that the case highlights the absence of a dedicated UK scheme for Palestinians with close family links in Britain.

The issue is particularly sensitive because previous comments about Gaza immigration cases have drawn criticism from senior figures in the judiciary. Legal bodies have repeatedly warned that attacks on judges risk undermining confidence in the rule of law and may expose individual judges to unacceptable pressure.

STORY

Keir Starmer has travelled to Kyiv in his final week as Prime Minister for talks with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and to reaffirm the United Kingdom’s support for Ukraine. The visit comes days before Andy Burnham is expected to enter Downing Street as Labour completes its leadership transition.

The Prime Minister said the foundations established during his Government, including the Coalition of the Willing, would help support a lasting peace. He also announced UK-Swedish backing worth €300 million for 16 advanced aircraft intended to strengthen Ukraine’s air defences.

Zelenskyy thanked Starmer for what he called the UK’s continued support during the war. The visit was designed to demonstrate continuity in British foreign policy before the change of Prime Minister, particularly on defence, sanctions and long-term security guarantees.

STORY

The Government has brought British Steel into public ownership with immediate effect, ending the company’s period under emergency state intervention and securing continued steelmaking at Scunthorpe. Ministers said the regulations transferring the company were signed on 15 July and came into force on 16 July once the Steel Industry (Nationalisation) Act was in force.

British Steel had been operating under Government control since April 2025 after ministers intervened to prevent the closure of the blast furnaces. The Government said public ownership would protect domestic steelmaking capacity and provide stability for workers and supply chains.

Business Secretary Peter Kyle said the decision would protect jobs and strengthen an industry regarded as critical to national infrastructure. The move will also raise questions over the future cost of supporting steel production and whether former owner Jingye will receive compensation.