Will Andy Burnham mark a shift in the UK’s Gaza policy?

Keir Starmer has announced his resignation as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, less than two years after leading the Labour Party to a landslide election victory. This decision follows months of pressure from within his party due to declining electoral prospects, marked by significant losses in recent council elections and the rise of the far-right Reform UK party. Starmer stated he accepted the sentiment of his parliamentary party that he may not be the best leader for the next general election. His resignation triggers a Labour leadership contest, with Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham widely expected to succeed him. Starmer will remain as Prime Minister until a new leader is chosen, with nominations opening on July 9th and a new leader expected before Parliament returns in September.

Andy Burnham has confirmed he will run for Labour leader following Keir Starmer's resignation as Prime Minister. Starmer stepped down due to mounting pressure within his party and dwindling popularity. Observers suggest that Burnham, if he becomes Prime Minister, may continue Starmer's pragmatic approach to China policy. However, addressing domestic economic challenges is expected to be the primary focus. Burnham recently returned to Parliament through a by-election victory after serving as mayor of Greater Manchester since 2017.

Keir Starmer has resigned as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, making him the fifth leader in four years. His resignation follows months of pressure from within his own Labour party, despite leading them to a landslide victory in the 2024 general election. Starmer's tenure was marked by perceived missteps and a significant political scandal involving an ambassadorial appointment. The article suggests Andy Burnham, former Mayor of Greater Manchester, is poised to succeed Starmer, having recently won a by-election that allows him to re-enter Parliament. Burnham is seen as a strong contender to counter the rise of the Reform party. A leadership contest is expected to take place, with nominations opening on July 9th and concluding by July 16th.

Ten years after the UK voted to leave the European Union, many pro-Brexit Britons maintain that the decision was correct, emphasizing regained sovereignty and control. While acknowledging that the freedoms gained may have been squandered, supporters like Professor Robert Tombs argue that the core reasons for leaving—sovereignty, democracy, and control—remain valid. They attribute current challenges to successive governments failing to maximize post-Brexit opportunities and dismiss negative predictions from the "Remain" campaign as unfulfilled. Despite increased immigration figures, some believe the UK has regained control over its borders, even if that freedom has been used to expand immigration. The article notes that the UK officially withdrew from the EU on January 31, 2020, after a long and often tense membership.

The Guardian has published a 10th-anniversary quiz testing recall of the Brexit referendum campaign and its aftermath. The quiz features 18 questions covering various aspects, including the cost and eventual name of a national festival celebrating British creativity, the origin of blue passports, and unusual campaign moments involving Nigel Farage and a pop star. It also probes knowledge about specific political figures' actions, such as who asked for Article 50 to be invoked immediately after the vote and who eventually invoked it. The quiz touches upon the referendum's vote split in Scotland, the location of a planned music festival, and celebrity endorsements. It also delves into the details of the withdrawal agreement, the formation of an anti-Brexit party, and fundraising efforts for Big Ben. Further questions explore Boris Johnson's claims about bananas, an Instagram post that irritated Theresa May, a politician's contradictory parliamentary vote, the repurposing of the Brexit bus, the location of a post-victory press conference, and David Cameron's actions after his resignation.

Ten years after the 2016 referendum, where 51.9% of Britons voted to leave the European Union, the UK's economic performance and migration patterns have diverged from pre-Brexit projections. Research indicates the UK economy is smaller than it would have been, with real GDP per capita lagging behind the EU. Business investment has also seen a significant shortfall, attributed to political and regulatory uncertainty. Trade with Europe is projected to be substantially lower, and trade deals with non-EU countries have not compensated for this decline. The article highlights that promises made during the Leave campaign have largely not materialized, with the UK falling behind its peers.

Ten years after the UK voted to leave the European Union in a 2016 referendum, Brexit continues to divide the nation. The decision, driven by frustrations with the EU and the 2008 financial crisis, promised economic revitalization and domestic focus for the UK. However, a decade later, the British economy is estimated to be 4-8% smaller than it would have been if the UK had remained in the EU, with significant non-tariff barriers impacting trade with the EU. While free movement between the UK and EU ended, net migration from non-EU countries has increased, though overall net migration has fallen sharply. Public opinion polls now indicate a majority would like to rejoin the EU and believe Brexit is going worse than expected. The political landscape has fractured, with declining support for traditional parties and a growing sentiment that Brexit has failed.