Andy Burnham will say that Britain needs to move to “a new path” and pledge to make policies that are “unashamedly Labour” when he makes his first speech as leader of the party tomorrow.

The former mayor of Manchester will be confirmed as Sir Keir Starmer’s replacement at a special conference in London.

According to a source, in his speech he will pledge to introduce policies that he believes will boost the economy, including more public control, reindustrialisation and returning power to local communities.

He will say “Britain took a series of wrong turns in the 1980s” when “political power was centralised and economic power privatised” – policies introduced by former Conservative prime minister Margaret Thatcher.

The Makerfield MP will say that to build an economy and a country that works for all people and places, Britain must take “a new path to the one we’ve been on for the last 40 years”.

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politics

What Mahmood as chancellor could mean for taxes and benefits

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - JUNE 09, 2026: Secretary of State for the Home Department Shabana Mahmood arrives in Downing Street to attend the weekly Cabinet meeting in London, United Kingdom on June 09, 2026. (Photo credit should read Wiktor Szymanowicz/Future Publishing via Getty Images)Shabana Mahmood has unveiled sweeping changes to future settlement rights ((Photo: Wiktor Szymanowicz/Future Publishing via Getty Images)

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is now the frontrunner to be Andy Burnham’s chancellor, but what will her appointment mean for taxes and benefits?

Will Mahmood become chancellor?

While her appointment hasn’t been confirmed, a senior Labour source told The i Paper Mahmood had previously said she wanted to stay at the Home Office, but is “prepared to move wherever helpful” — heavily hinting at a shift to the Treasury.

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - JUNE 09, 2026: Secretary of State for the Home Department Shabana Mahmood leaves 10 Downing Street after attending the weekly Cabinet meeting in London, United Kingdom on June 09, 2026. (Photo credit should read Wiktor Szymanowicz/Future Publishing via Getty Images)Secretary of State for the Home Department Shabana Mahmood is keen to stay in post under Burnham.
(Photo: Wiktor Szymanowicz)



3 min read

What will Mahmood in the Treasury mean?

1Economy: Experts say Mahmood is likely to act as a “cipher” for Burnham’s economic vision, rather than pushing her own.

2Taxes: As chancellor, Mahmood will potentially have to deliver the introduction of capital gains and wealth taxes.

3Pensions and benefits: Mahmood’s consistent willingness to tighten eligibility as Home Secretary may give a clue as to her attitude towards pensions and benefits.

4Immigration: Mahmood has driven through the toughest asylum rules in decades. Moving her could give Burnham room to soften her reforms.

Watch more from The i Paper

@theipaper

Opinion | “Starmer’s sad little spectacle reminded us how unfit he was for the top job” says Ian Dunt. “Keir Starmer’s last PMQs had a lilting, melancholic tone, a mournful background hum. It was all terribly good humoured and gentlemanly. But underneath the mannered speeches there was a sense of tragedy and waste, of a historic squandered opportunity. “This was supposed to be the man who saved the country from decline and political squalor. But he proved utterly ill-suited to the task”. You can read Ian’s full article on The i Paper’s website. #ukpolitics #starmer

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Four things to know as No 10 wades in Falklands row

Downing Street has been forced to wade in after the Argentinian football team paraded a banner in support of their country’s claims to the Falkland Islands.

Argentina's Giovani Lo Celso holds a banner with the words "The Malvinas are Argentine", referring to the Falkland Islands, while teammate Argentina's Nicolas Otamendi gestures to him, at the end of the World Cup semifinal soccer match between England and Argentina in Atlanta, Wednesday, July 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)Caption: Argentina’s Giovani Lo Celso holds a banner with the words “The Malvinas are Argentine”, referring to the Falkland Islands, while teammate Argentina’s Nicolas Otamendi gestures to him, at the end of the World Cup semifinal soccer match between England and Argentina in Atlanta, Wednesday, July 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)
Photographer: Rebecca Blackwell
Provider: AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell
Source: AP
Copyright: Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

What happened?

Following England’s 2-1 loss to Argentina at the World Cup semi-finals last night, the Argentinian players presented a banner reading “The Falklands are Argentinian”, in Spanish.

Argentina's Giovani Lo Celso holds a banner with the words "The Malvinas are Argentine", referring to the Falkland Islands, while teammate Argentina's Nicolas Otamendi gestures to him, at the end of the World Cup semifinal soccer match between England and Argentina in Atlanta, Wednesday, July 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)Caption: Argentina’s Giovani Lo Celso holds a banner with the words “The Malvinas are Argentine”, referring to the Falkland Islands, while teammate Argentina’s Nicolas Otamendi gestures to him, at the end of the World Cup semifinal soccer match between England and Argentina in Atlanta, Wednesday, July 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)
Photographer: Rebecca Blackwell
Provider: AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell
Source: AP
Copyright: Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 15: A banner is seen on the pitch following Argentina's 2-1 win during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Semi Final match between England and Argentina at Atlanta Stadium on July 15, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. The banner refers to the British Overseas Territory of the Falkland Islands, located off the coast of Argentina. Argentina disputes British sovereignty over the islands and refers to them as Las Malvinas. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)‘This was a football match, not a high-powered meeting between world leaders or even a political discussion TV show,’ says Polly Hudson (Photo: Dan Mullan/Getty)

The banner reinforces the Argentinian claim that the Falkland Islands, which are a British overseas territory, should belong to Argentina.

The background

Argentina, which claims sovereignty over the islands, invaded the Falklands in 1982, starting a 74-day war. Some 655 Argentinian servicemen died, along with 255 from Britain.

The islands remain a British territory, has had a British settlement there since 1764 and voted to remain a British territory in 2013.

The Falklands Conflict, April - June 1982, Commandos from 40 Commando Anti-Tank Troop march towards Port Stanley in amongst a column of from 45 Commando (the unit to which they were attached). Royal Marine Peter Robinson, carrying the Union Flag attached to the aerial of the radio he is carrying, brings up the rear. The flag was owned by Marine John 'Snowy' Snowden who was unable to attach the flag to his backpack so he passed it to Robinson, circa 1982. (Photo by Pete Holdgate/ Crown Copyright. Imperial War Museums via Getty Images)Royal Marines march towards Port Stanley during the 1982 Falklands War (Photo: Pete Holdgate/Getty)

Photographer: anjci (c) all rights reserved
Provider: Getty Images
Source: Moment RF

Four things you need to know:

1Argentina’s national security minister had warned no one with flags or political messages “related to the Falklands” would be allowed to enter the match.

2However, Argentina’s foreign minister backed the team’s banner stunt, saying it “reaffirms Argentina’s sovereign rights over the Malvinas Islands”.

3When asked about the banner during a television interview, Leandro Paredes replied: “The Falklands will always be Argentinian.”

4In Buenos Aires, some fans were seen burning an England flag, while others painted a St George’s cross on a coffin.

Downing Street’s response:

The World Cup might not be ours, but the Falkland Islands definitely are. Our position is unchanged. Self-determination rests with the islanders and our commitment to the Falklanders will never waver.

spokeswoman for the prime minister

Screen grab of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer speaking during the debate on the Public Office (Accountability) Bill, known as the Hillsborough Law, in the House of Commons, Westminster. The Hillsborough Law is expected to clear the Commons after ministers agreed its duty of candour would apply to the intelligence services. Picture date: Tuesday July 14, 2026. PA Photo. The law takes its name from the 1989 disaster at Hillsborough Stadium, in Sheffield, when 97 Liverpool fans were killed in a crush during an FA Cup semi-final match. Photo credit should read: House of Commons/UK Parliament/PA WireSir Keir Starmer speaking during the debate on the Public Office (Accountability) Bill, known as the Hillsborough Law, in the House of Commons, Westminster (Photo: PA)

Watch: Argentina spit and trample on the English flag

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 16: A photo illustration of 'Ultra Processed' foods on February 16, 2018 in London, England. A recent study by a team at the Sorbonne in Paris has suggested that 'Ultra Processed' foods including things like mass-produced bread, ready meals, instant noodles, fizzy drinks, sweets and crisps are tied to the rise in cancer. (Photo illustration by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)Caption: LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 16: A photo illustration of ‘Ultra Processed’ foods on February 16, 2018 in London, England. A recent study by a team at the Sorbonne in Paris has suggested that ‘Ultra Processed’ foods including things like mass-produced bread, ready meals, instant noodles, fizzy drinks, sweets and crisps are tied to the rise in cancer. (Photo illustration by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)
Photographer: Dan Kitwood
Provider: Getty Images
Source: Getty Images Europe
Copyright: 2018 Getty Images

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How UPFs linked to quarter of heart disease cases and deaths

Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) could be driving a quarter of heart disease cases and deaths, according to new research.

Deaths linked to UPFs

Data published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine suggests deaths will fall if people cut their intake of UPFs.

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 16: A photo illustration of Chicken Nuggets on February 16, 2018 in London, England. A recent study by a team at the Sorbonne in Paris has suggested that 'Ultra Processed' foods including things like mass-produced bread, ready meals, instant noodles, fizzy drinks, sweets and crisps are tied to the rise in cancer. (Photo illustration by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)Caption: LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 16: A photo illustration of Chicken Nuggets on February 16, 2018 in London, England. A recent study by a team at the Sorbonne in Paris has suggested that ‘Ultra Processed’ foods including things like mass-produced bread, ready meals, instant noodles, fizzy drinks, sweets and crisps are tied to the rise in cancer. (Photo illustration by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)
Photographer: Dan Kitwood
Provider: Getty Images
Source: Getty Images Europe
Copyright: 2018 Getty Images

Embargoed to 2330 Tuesday July 29 File photo dated 27/04/25 of a half-pounder burger and chips in a takeaway carton. Academics have found a link between consuming high levels of ultra processed foods (UPFs) and lung cancer. An international team of researchers tracked the health and food habits of more than 100,000 US adults, with an average age of 63. After an average of 12 years the team identified 1,706 cases of lung cancer. Issue date: Tuesday July 29, 2025. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Philip Toscano/PA WireCaption: Embargoed to 2330 Tuesday July 29

File photo dated 27/04/25 of a half-pounder burger and chips in a takeaway carton. Academics have found a link between consuming high levels of ultra processed foods (UPFs) and lung cancer. An international team of researchers tracked the health and food habits of more than 100,000 US adults, with an average age of 63. After an average of 12 years the team identified 1,706 cases of lung cancer. Issue date: Tuesday July 29, 2025. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Philip Toscano/PA Wire
Photographer: Philip Toscano
Provider: Philip Toscano/PA Wire
Source: PA

In the study, experts used Canadian modelling data to look at cardiovascular disease. In the UK, 56% of calories are from UPFs, rising to 68% for teens.

What did the study find?

UPFs

The findings

Analysis showed between 23- 38% of all cardiovascular disease events in 2019 were due to UPF intake.

UPFs and heart disease

This equates to 58,200-96,000 new cases of cardiovascular disease, plus 10,600-17,400 deaths.

red heart shape with a stethoscope on a beige background, could illustrate concepts around healthy heart, cardiovascular health and heart disease(Photo: Getty).

File photo dated 10/09/2014 of a doctor checking a patient's blood pressure in their practice room at the Temple Fortune Health Centre GP Practice near Golders Green, London. Treating depression through talking therapy could help cut the risk of heart disease, a new study suggests. Issue date: Wednesday April 19, 2023. PA Photo. There are a number of different talking therapies, including guided self-help, where a therapist coaches patients through a self-help course, and counselling for depression. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) - based on the idea that thoughts, feelings, what we do and how our bodies feel physically are all connected - is another example, the NHS said. See PA story SCIENCE Talking. Photo credit should read: Anthony Devlin/PA WireThe Department of Health and NHS England plan to free up more GP appointments includes expanding patient access to blood pressure checks at their pharmacy (Photo: Anthony Devlin/PA Wire)

Reducing UPFs

Reducing consumption by 20-50% may have prevented 16,800 -45,900 new cases of cardiovascular disease.

Doubts over the study

“This is a modelling study, not a clinical trial — it does not measure what actually happened to people who ate more or fewer ultra-processed foods.

Professor Alberto Fiore, from Abertay University Dundee

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 16: A photo illustration of Spaghetti Hoops on February 16, 2018 in London, England. A recent study by a team at the Sorbonne in Paris has suggested that 'Ultra Processed' foods including things like mass-produced bread, ready meals, instant noodles, fizzy drinks, sweets and crisps are tied to the rise in cancer. (Photo illustration by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)Caption: LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 16: A photo illustration of Spaghetti Hoops on February 16, 2018 in London, England. A recent study by a team at the Sorbonne in Paris has suggested that ‘Ultra Processed’ foods including things like mass-produced bread, ready meals, instant noodles, fizzy drinks, sweets and crisps are tied to the rise in cancer. (Photo illustration by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)
Photographer: Dan Kitwood
Provider: Getty Images
Source: Getty Images Europe
Copyright: 2018 Getty Images

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All we know as US continues strikes on Iran

Iran and the US continued strikes overnight as both sides exchanged threats over the fate of the Strait of Hormuz with no end to the war in sight.

TOPSHOT - This screen grab taken from video footage released on July 16, 2026 by Iran's Revolutionary Guards (IRGC)'s Sepah News website shows a missile being launched from an undisclosed location towards US targets in Jordan, Kuwait and Bahrain. Kuwait's military said it was responding to renewed Iranian aerial attacks on July 16 as Iran and the United States exchanged strikes over control of the vital Strait of Hormuz. (Photo by SEPAHNEWS.COM / AFP via Getty Images) /Caption: TOPSHOT – This screen grab taken from video footage released on July 16, 2026 by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards (IRGC)’s Sepah News website shows a missile being launched from an undisclosed location towards US targets in Jordan, Kuwait and Bahrain. Kuwait’s military said it was responding to renewed Iranian aerial attacks on July 16 as Iran and the United States exchanged strikes over control of the vital Strait of Hormuz. (Photo by SEPAHNEWS.COM / AFP via Getty Images) /
Photographer: –
Provider: SEPAHNEWS.COM/AFP via Getty Imag
Source: AFP

What happened?

Tehran said it struck targets in Jordan, Kuwait and Bahrain, on the sixth day of resumed attacks between the two sides.

A munition is launched at an unknown location, during what U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) says are strikes on Iran, in this screen grab taken from a handout video released on July 15, 2026. U.S. Central Command/Handout via REUTERS THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. MANDATORY CREDIT. OVERLAY AND MASKING AT SOURCE. Verification lines: - Reuters was not able to independently verify the location and the date when the video was filmed. - No earlier version of the video was found posted online before Wednesday (July 15)Caption: A munition is launched at an unknown location, during what U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) says are strikes on Iran, in this screen grab taken from a handout video released on July 15, 2026. U.S. Central Command/Handout via REUTERS THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. MANDATORY CREDIT. OVERLAY AND MASKING AT SOURCE. Verification lines: – Reuters was not able to independently verify the location and the date when the video was filmed. – No earlier version of the video was found posted online before Wednesday (July 15)
Photographer: U.S. Central Command
Provider: via REUTERS
Source: Handout

TOPSHOT - A woman crosses Tehran's Enghelab Square on July 15, 2026, past a giant anti-US billboard featuring US president Donald Trump in a coffin with text in Persian reading "We Kill Trump". Hostilities renewed between Iran and the US, endangering a memorandum of understanding, reached in June with Qatari and Pakistani mediation, aimed at ending the war. The confrontation resumed on July 7 after attacks on ships in the Gulf, which Iran has attributed to Iran. (Photo by AFP via Getty Images) /Caption: TOPSHOT – A woman crosses Tehran’s Enghelab Square on July 15, 2026, past a giant anti-US billboard featuring US president Donald Trump in a coffin with text in Persian reading “We Kill Trump”. Hostilities renewed between Iran and the US, endangering a memorandum of understanding, reached in June with Qatari and Pakistani mediation, aimed at ending the war. The confrontation resumed on July 7 after attacks on ships in the Gulf, which Iran has attributed to Iran. (Photo by AFP via Getty Images) /
Photographer: –
Provider: AFP via Getty Images
Source: AFP
Copyright: AFP or licensors

The US military said it inflicted a six-hour wave of strikes in multiple locations to “degrade Iran’s ability to threaten innocent mariners” in the Strait of Hormuz. The US reportedly hit a tanker in the Gulf as it sailed towards Iran.

Why are the strikes happening?

Hostilities between the US and Iran cooled last month as part of a Memorandum of Understanding.

The latest strikes came after US President Donald Trump warned Iran it had “better behave” or face further military action should Iran not return to negotiations.

US attacks extended into northern areas of the country on Thursday, while Trump has threatened to hit civilian infrastructure.

In pictures: US strikes on Iranian sites

Smoke rises from an explosion at an unknown location, during what U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) says are strikes on Iran, in this screen grab taken from a handout video released on July 15, 2026. U.S. Central Command/Handout via REUTERS THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. MANDATORY CREDIT. OVERLAY AND MASKING AT SOURCE. Verification lines: - Reuters was not able to independently verify the location and the date when the video was filmed. - No earlier version of the video was found posted online before Wednesday (July 15) TPX IMAGES OF THE DAYCaption: Smoke rises from an explosion at an unknown location, during what U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) says are strikes on Iran, in this screen grab taken from a handout video released on July 15, 2026. U.S. Central Command/Handout via REUTERS THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. MANDATORY CREDIT. OVERLAY AND MASKING AT SOURCE. Verification lines: – Reuters was not able to independently verify the location and the date when the video was filmed. – No earlier version of the video was found posted online before Wednesday (July 15) TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
Photographer: U.S. Central Command
Provider: via REUTERS
Source: Handout

Smoke rises from an explosion at an unknown location, during what U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) says are strikes on Iran, in this screen grab taken from a handout video released on July 15, 2026. U.S. Central Command/Handout via REUTERS THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. MANDATORY CREDIT. OVERLAY AND MASKING AT SOURCE. Verification lines: - Reuters was not able to independently verify the location and the date when the video was filmed. - No earlier version of the video was found posted online before Wednesday (July 15)Caption: Smoke rises from an explosion at an unknown location, during what U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) says are strikes on Iran, in this screen grab taken from a handout video released on July 15, 2026. U.S. Central Command/Handout via REUTERS THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. MANDATORY CREDIT. OVERLAY AND MASKING AT SOURCE. Verification lines: – Reuters was not able to independently verify the location and the date when the video was filmed. – No earlier version of the video was found posted online before Wednesday (July 15)
Photographer: U.S. Central Command
Provider: via REUTERS
Source: Handout

This screen grab from a video released by US Central Command shows what the US military says is a strike in Iran. (Picture: US Central Command Public Affairs/AFP via Getty Images)A video released by US Central Command shows what the US military says is a strike in Iran (Photo: US Central Command Public Affairs/AFP)

Iran’s latest move

Iran has warned it will soon spread the conflict to “new areas” if US strikes continue.

Tehran has also released a US hostage held since 2024.

Iran has ordered the Houthis rebel group to close a second sea route if the US hits its power network.



3 min read

news

Hackers jailed for £29m TfL cyber attack

Undated handout file photo originally issued on 22/06/26 by National Crime Agency of Thalha Jubair , one of two young members of a criminal hacking group who carried out a cyber attack on Transport for London (TfL) that cost the organisation millions of pounds that are facing jail. Jubair, 20, and Owen Flowers, 18, hacked TfL's online network, resulting in a ?39 million loss, prosecutors previously said. Issue date: Wednesday July 15, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: NCA/PA Wire NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder.Caption: Undated handout file photo originally issued on 22/06/26 by National Crime Agency of Thalha Jubair , one of two young members of a criminal hacking group who carried out a cyber attack on Transport for London (TfL) that cost the organisation millions of pounds that are facing jail. Jubair, 20, and Owen Flowers, 18, hacked TfL’s online network, resulting in a ?39 million loss, prosecutors previously said. Issue date: Wednesday July 15, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: NCA/PA Wire

NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder.
Photographer: NCA
Provider: NCA/PA Wire
Source: PA
Copyright: PA

Two hackers who forced Transport for London to shut down its system at a cost of £29m have been sentenced to jail.

What happened?

Owen Flowers, 18, from Walsall, and Thalha Jubair, 20, from east London, pleaded guilty in June to carrying out the 2024 hack which affected TfL’s services for months.

UPMINSTER, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 08: Tube trains are stacked at Upminster rail depot on September 08, 2025 in Upminster, England. London Underground workers have begun a strike that impacts most of the network, with limited or no services running on the Tube and DLR between Sunday and Friday. Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) voted to strike after failed negotiations with Transport for London (TfL) over pay and working conditions. (Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)Caption: UPMINSTER, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 08: Tube trains are stacked at Upminster rail depot on September 08, 2025 in Upminster, England. London Underground workers have begun a strike that impacts most of the network, with limited or no services running on the Tube and DLR between Sunday and Friday. Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) voted to strike after failed negotiations with Transport for London (TfL) over pay and working conditions. (Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)
Photographer: Dan Kitwood
Provider: Getty Images
Source: Getty Images Europe
Copyright: 2025 Getty Images

Undated handout file photo originally issued on 22/06/26 by National Crime Agency of Owen Flowers, one of two young members of a criminal hacking group who carried out a cyber attack on Transport for London (TfL) that cost the organisation millions of pounds that are facing jail. Thalha Jubair, 20, and Flowers, 18, hacked TfL's online network, resulting in a ?39 million loss, prosecutors previously said. Issue date: Wednesday July 15, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: NCA/PA Wire NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder.Caption: Undated handout file photo originally issued on 22/06/26 by National Crime Agency of Owen Flowers, one of two young members of a criminal hacking group who carried out a cyber attack on Transport for London (TfL) that cost the organisation millions of pounds that are facing jail. Thalha Jubair, 20, and Flowers, 18, hacked TfL’s online network, resulting in a ?39 million loss, prosecutors previously said. Issue date: Wednesday July 15, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: NCA/PA Wire

NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder.
Photographer: NCA
Provider: NCA/PA Wire
Source: PA
Copyright: PA

The two were sentenced to five years and six months in prison at Woolwich Crown Court on Thursday with TfL also claiming the hack cost £10m in lost income.

The hackers

FILE PHOTO: A hooded man holds a laptop computer as blue screen with an exclamation mark is projected on him in this illustration picture taken on May 13, 2017. Capitalizing on spying tools believed to have been developed by the U.S. National Security Agency, hackers staged a cyber assault with a self-spreading malware that has infected tens of thousands of computers in nearly 100 countries. REUTERS/Kacper Pempel/Illustration/File PhotoMPs and private firms have been given repeated warnings about targeted cyber attacks by Chinese state actors (Photo: Reuters).

Scattered Spider

The hackers were described as computer-obsessed loners who worked in a collective called Scattered Spider.

What they stole

The attack stole the personal data of millions of people and left 27,000 TfL employees needing to reset their passwords.

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 09: In this photo illustration, A woman is silhouetted against a projection of a password log-in dialog box on August 09, 2017 in London, England. With so many areas of modern life requiring identity verification, online security remains a constant concern, especially following the recent spate of global hacks. (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images)i revealed last week the UK general election could be undermined by cyber attacks and AI deep fakes emanating from hostile states (Photo: Leon Neal/Getty)

File photo dated 26/05/22 of a child using a laptop computer. More than 1.6 million social media accounts owned by children are falsely registered with an adult age, a survey by the advertising regulator suggests. Some 93% of young people aged 11 to 17 say they have an account with Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, Twitch, Twitter or YouTube, with a quarter (24%) misreporting their age when doing so, the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) found. Issue date: Tuesday November 29, 2022. PA Photo. See PA story CONSUMER Children. Photo credit should read: Dominic Lipinski/PA WireCaption: File photo dated 26/05/22 of a child using a laptop computer. More than 1.6 million social media accounts owned by children are falsely registered with an adult age, a survey by the advertising regulator suggests. Some 93% of young people aged 11 to 17 say they have an account with Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, Twitch, Twitter or YouTube, with a quarter (24%) misreporting their age when doing so, the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) found. Issue date: Tuesday November 29, 2022. PA Photo. See PA story CONSUMER Children. Photo credit should read: Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire
Photographer: Dominic Lipinski
Provider: PA
Source: PA

Streaming their crime

The court heard the criminals streamed their 16 hour long cyber attack online.

Cyber attack timeline

Flowers was 17 and Jubair 18 when they started the hack at 5pm on 31 August, 2024.

Here’s what happened:

The attack started on a Saturday night to maximise the hackers’ chances of not being discovered by staff.

They gained access to the TfL data by tricking a phone help desk worker into reseting the password of an employee they were impersonating.

TfL was alerted to the breach by the National Crime Agency, but the criminals had already gained the details of millions of people before they were kicked out.

In total, 148 technology systems became inoperable and services including Dial-a-ride, used by disabled and vulnerable Londoners, were heavily disrupted.

news

What do Labour’s property reforms actually mean for homebuyers?

Buying a home in England could soon change significantly under Government plans to overhaul the home-buying process.

Here is everything you need to know.

What reforms are being introduced?

Last month, the Government announced proposals aimed at modernising the home-buying process in England and Wales.

A drone view shows rows of terraced houses in the constituency of Gorton and Denton ahead of a parliamentary by-election, in Manchester, Britain, February 18, 2026 REUTERS/Phil Noble TPX IMAGES OF THE DAYCaption: A drone view shows rows of terraced houses in the constituency of Gorton and Denton ahead of a parliamentary by-election, in Manchester, Britain, February 18, 2026 REUTERS/Phil Noble TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
Photographer: Phil Noble
Provider: REUTERS
Source: REUTERS

The Enterprise Investment Scheme is designed to encourage investment into small, early-stage UK companies.The Enterprise Investment Scheme is designed to encourage investment into small, early-stage UK companies (Photo: Aitor Diago/Getty)

A central part of the reforms is the wider use of reservation agreements, under which buyers and sellers each pay a reservation fee and agree to progress the sale within a set timeframe. Ministers also want more information about a property to be available before it is listed for sale.

How will this impact the market?

File photo dated 29/07/25 of model houses on a pile of coins and bank notes. Councils risk becoming financially unsustainable unless they cut, reduce or overhaul critical services, a watchdog has said, as it warned of a near ?1 billion funding gap. The Accounts Commission said Scotland's local authorities are facing a combined revenue gap of ?975 million across the next two years amid increasing financial pressures. Issue date: Thursday June 11, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Joe Giddens/PA WireCaption: File photo dated 29/07/25 of model houses on a pile of coins and bank notes. Councils risk becoming financially unsustainable unless they cut, reduce or overhaul critical services, a watchdog has said, as it warned of a near ?1 billion funding gap. The Accounts Commission said Scotland’s local authorities are facing a combined revenue gap of ?975 million across the next two years amid increasing financial pressures. Issue date: Thursday June 11, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Joe Giddens/PA Wire
Photographer: Joe Giddens
Provider: Joe Giddens/PA Wire
Source: PA

Higher upfront costs

Buyers would be expected to spend more on due diligence before the reservation agreement.

Fewer failed sales

Encouraging buyers and sellers to commit earlier should mean fewer sales collapse.

Business handshake. Business people making a handshake, close up. Two corporate businessman shaking hands during meeting in office(Photo: Getty).

Real estate investment and loan, mortgage and refinance concept. - stock photoReal estate investment and loan, mortgage and refinance concept. – stock photo. (manusapon kasosod/ Getty)

Strain on first-time buyers

First-time buyers could be most exposed as they have to save for a deposit.

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Sir Olly Robbins, a former top Foreign Office civil servant, has launched a legal challenge after he was sacked following the Lord Mandelson vetting scandal. Robbins was fired from his position in April after Sir Keir Starmer and Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper lost confidence in him, saying he had failed to tell ministers of a recommendation to deny Mandelson security vetting clearance.

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EV drivers face pay-per-mile scheme from 2028 – what we know

File photo dated 05/03/21 of an electric car plugged into a EV charging point. March was the best month ever for electric car registrations, with demand surging while fuel prices have continued to rise, new data shows. Issue date: Tuesday April 7, 2026. PA Photo. Electrified vehicles accounted for 196,059 registrations last month, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said. Battery electric car registrations totalled 86,120 in March, a jump of 24.2% compared with the same month last year and a new record high. Furthermore, plug-in hybrid registrations soared by 46.9% year-on-year, while hybrid electric vehicles increased by 7.3%. It comes in the context of soaring oil and gas prices pushing up the cost of fuel, on the back of the conflict in the Middle East. Photo credit should read: John Walton/PA WireUK enquiries for EVs have risen sharply since the Iran conflict began. (Photo: John Walton/PA)

The Government has confirmed that a new pay-per-mile scheme for electric vehicles will be introduced in April 2028.

How does the new scheme work?

Electric car drivers will be required to pay a tax of 3p per mile.

It will be calculated through the use of driver mileage estimates and an upfront charge based on that figure.

Motorists will then submit an actual mileage reading at the end of the year and this will be backed up by a mileage reading at the car’s annual MOT.

At the end of the year, drivers will see their balance and either pay any outstanding amount or spread the cost over the following 12 months.

Expert opinion:

At such a crucial point in the switch to electric, ministers should be making the system simpler, fairer and easier to understand, not pressing ahead with a policy whose key faults remain unresolved.

Vicky Edmonds from Electric Vehicle Association England said that the move “still does not work for drivers”.

(FILES) People charge their electric cars at a Tesla electric charging station in Saint-Herblain, western France, on April 15, 2026, as US-Israel war on Iran, launched on February 28, has roiled global energy and equities markets, sending oil prices skyrocketing after Tehran virtually closed the key Strait of Hormuz. New electric car sales in France jumped 48 percent year-on-year in the first four months of the year to 148,302 units, even as the broader automotive market struggled, the automotive industry body PFA, which represents all carmakers, said on May 1, 2026. (Photo by Loic VENANCE / AFP via Getty Images)Caption: (FILES) People charge their electric cars at a Tesla electric charging station in Saint-Herblain, western France, on April 15, 2026, as US-Israel war on Iran, launched on February 28, has roiled global energy and equities markets, sending oil prices skyrocketing after Tehran virtually closed the key Strait of Hormuz. New electric car sales in France jumped 48 percent year-on-year in the first four months of the year to 148,302 units, even as the broader automotive market struggled, the automotive industry body PFA, which represents all carmakers, said on May 1, 2026. (Photo by Loic VENANCE / AFP via Getty Images)
Photographer: LOIC VENANCE
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Opinion | “England might not have exactly swaggered into the World Cup semi-finals but they most definitely can win it” says Mark Douglas. “After a suffocating quarter-final win – both on account of the conditions and the tension that accompanied much of their second-half display – England now meet the best team they have played in two years. “But there is nothing to fear from Argentina and clear signs that this is a team that can end that long wait for silverware”. You can read Mark’s full article on The i Paper’s website. #fifaworldcup #england #footballscominghome

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What is the Hillsborough Law and what will it change?

Andy Burnham has said the Hillsborough Law will help shift the balance of power between the people and the state.

Soccer Football - Premier League - Liverpool v West Ham United - Anfield, Liverpool, Britain - April 13, 2025 Liverpool fans display a banner in memory of the victims of the Hillsborough disaster before the match REUTERS/David Klein EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NO USE WITH UNAUTHORIZED AUDIO, VIDEO, DATA, FIXTURE LISTS, CLUB/LEAGUE LOGOS OR 'LIVE' SERVICES. ONLINE IN-MATCH USE LIMITED TO 120 IMAGES, NO VIDEO EMULATION. NO USE IN BETTING, GAMES OR SINGLE CLUB/LEAGUE/PLAYER PUBLICATIONS. PLEASE CONTACT YOUR ACCOUNT REPRESENTATIVE FOR FURTHER DETAILS..Liverpool fans display a banner in memory of the victims of the Hillsborough disaster before a match in 2025 REUTERS/David Klein



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What is the Hillsborough Law?

The Hillsborough Law takes its name from the 1989 disaster at Hillsborough Stadium in Sheffield.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - APRIL 27: A banner stating justice is laid out on the pavement outside Liverpool's Saint George's Hall as thousands of people gather to attend a vigil for the 96 victims of the Hillsborough tragedy on April 27, 2016 in Liverpool, England. The civic commemoration event marks the outcome of the fresh inquests into the 1989 Hillsborough disaster, in which 96 football supporters were crushed to death, and concluded yesterday with a verdict of unlawful killing. Relatives, Liverpool supporters and members of the public are taking part in the vigil at St George's Hall where a candle is lit for each of the 96 victims who lost their lives during a crush at the Hillsborough football ground in Sheffield, South Yorkshire in 1989.. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)A banner stating ‘justice’ outside Saint George’s Hall as thousands of people gather to attend a vigil for the 96 victims of the Hillsborough tragedy (Photo: Christopher Furlong /Getty)

WARRINGTON, ENGLAND - APRIL 26: Labour politician Andy Burnham departs Birchwood Park after hearing the conclusions of the Hillsborough inquest on April 26, 2016 in Warrington, England. The fresh inquests into the 1989 Hillsborough disaster, in which 96 football supporters were crushed to death, concluded on April 26, 2016 with a verdict of unlawful killing, after the initial verdicts were quashed. Relatives of Liverpool supporters who died in Britain's worst sporting disaster gathered in the purpose-built court to hear the jury's verdict in Warrington after a 25 year fight to overturn the accidental death verdicts handed down at the initial 1991 inquiry. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)Andy Burnham leaves the venue of the second Hillsborough inquests in Warrington after hearing the coroner’s conclusions in April 2016 (Photo: Christopher Furlong/Getty)

The legislation, which cleared commons on Tuesday, aims to prevent cover-ups by requiring officials to be transparent during investigations and inquiries into failures by the state. 

What is the Hillsborough Disaster?

(FILES) Players observe a minute's silence to remember the victims of the Hillsborough disaster, ahead of the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Arsenal at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on April 9, 2023. The UK government unveiled on December 6, 2023 reforms to ensure there is no repeat of the "most unforgivable forms of institutional obstruction" faced by families of the victims of the 1989 Hillsborough football disaster. Ninety-seven Liverpool fans lost their lives in a crush at the stadium in Sheffield, northern England, on April 15, 1989, in what remains Britain's worst sporting tragedy. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / TO GO WITH AFP STORY BY JAMES PHEBY (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)The Government has signed the ‘Hillsborough Charter’ which promises public bodies will act with what Rishi Sunak called ‘honesty, transparency and candour’ (Photo: Paul Ellis/Getty)

What happened?

The 1989 Hillsborough disaster claimed 97 lives after a crush during the FA Cup semi-final.

Police response

Afterwards, police spread false narratives blaming Liverpool fans and withheld evidence of their own failings.

FILE - Liverpool soccer fans arrive at Anfield Stadium to pay their respects as flower tributes cover the 'Kop' end of the field, in Liverpool, on April 17, 1989, following April 15, when fans surged forward during the FA Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest at Hillsborough Stadium in Sheffield, when the crash barriers gave way, killing 96 Liverpool fans and injuring over 200 others. A British judge has brought an end to a trial of two former police officers and an ex-lawyer on charges of perverting the course of justice in connection with the 1989 Hillsborough soccer disaster that saw 96 Liverpool fans die. Judge William Davis told jurors Wednesday, May 26, 2021 at a court in Salford, northwest England, that there was no case they could properly consider for the defendants. Donald Denton, an 83-year-old retired chief superintendent at West Yorkshire Police, former detective chief inspector Alan Foster, 74, and former solicitor Peter Metcalf, 71, had been charged of amending police statements following the disaster in an attempt to minimize blame on the force.( AP Photo, File)Tributes to the 96 victims of the Hillsborough disaster outside Liverpool’s Anfield stadium

Steve Kelly, the brother of 38-year-old Michael Kelly, and Sue Roberts, the sister of 24-year-old Graham Roberts, during a press conference at the offices of law firm Broudie Jackson Canter in Liverpool, following the release of the IOPC report into the actions of the police during and after the 1989 Hillsborough stadium disaster. Picture date: Tuesday December 2, 2025. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Peter Byrne/PA WireSteve Kelly, the brother of 38-year-old Michael Kelly, and Sue Roberts, the sister of 24-year-old Graham Roberts, during the press conference (Photo: Peter Byrne/PA Wire)

Inquest findings

Fresh inquests held in 2016 found the fans had been unlawfully killed and that police had caused or contributed to their deaths.

What will the law do?

1The law will create a legally-enforceable “duty of candour” for public officials to tell the truth to inquiries and investigations.

2The Hillsborough Law will also ensure victims of disasters or state-related deaths are entitled to parity of legal representation during inquests and inquiries.

3Bereaved families will get access to public funding, just as public money is used to support Government and public authority lawyers.

Burnham, who officially becomes prime minister on Monday (20 July), will describe his vision for a renewed Labour government that is focused on driving growth in every postcode.

He will also say it will be a government that will have the “courage to fix the big things that politics has neglected” and the “conviction to argue for our plans”.

Burham will also pledge that he will be a leader “for the North and the South, for Scotland, for Wales and for Northern Ireland, and for every town and every city in every nation and region of this great country”.

Burnham will say his policies will be “unashamedly Labour in our priorities and in the decisions we take, putting people and places at the heart of everything we do”.

The speech will also touch on plans to present more practical solutions to Britain’s problems, and to work with other political parties where possible.

Burnham will say Labour must give people across Britain “the hope that we will make this country the best it can be” and argue that only a confident Labour government can “lift Britain up” by putting people and places back at the heart of national decision-making.

The incoming prime minister will say that under his leadership Labour will become more united, focused on practical solutions rather than internal division, and more open to working with other parties on the long-term challenges facing the country.

He will also pay tribute to Sir Keir Starmer for returning Labour to government, crediting him with taking the party “from its worst electoral defeat in a century to one of the largest election victories in our history”.

Burnham will praise the achievements of the Labour government, including stronger workers’ rights, NHS improvements, investment in public services and the passing of the Hillsborough Law.