Economy & Treasury: In his first 24 hours, new PM Andy Burnham named former defence secretary John Healey as Chancellor and moved to cut the tax on home electricity use for six months from October, while also scrapping plans for a digital ID scheme to reassure investors. Labour market pressure: New figures show 20.9% of working-age people are economically inactive (about 9.4m), underlining the scale of the jobs and welfare challenge facing Burnham. Defence & foreign policy flashpoints: Iran condemned Burnham for allowing US forces to use UK bases for operations against Tehran, while the IRGC issued threats to UK bases and the Royal Family. UK-Kenya tensions: Britain cancelled a major BATUK training in Laikipia after Kenya withheld licences, relocating the exercise abroad amid disputes over immunity and legal protections. Cost of living & business rates: Burnham announced a 20% business rates cut for pubs, clubs and live music venues in England from April 2027, with hospitality groups welcoming relief but warning it may not go far enough. Climate & resilience: Drought status has been declared in parts of Wales as July heads for its driest stretch in nearly 200 years, with wildfire response capability under scrutiny. Tax politics: A fresh push from 120 UK millionaires urges Burnham to tax wealthier people more, as debate over wealth taxes and public service funding ramps up.