Budget Watch: Andy Burnham says he won’t rule out tax rises in the autumn Budget, insisting he’s being “careful” while admitting the public finances are in a “challenging position,” with key promises including VAT relief on household energy and £2 bus fares framed as “funded commitments” but critics pressing on how gaps will be covered. Ukraine & Defence Industry: On his first trip as PM, Burnham pushes allies for more interceptor missiles and backs Ukraine’s long-range missile push by approving the release of classified UK component data for SCALP/Storm Shadow assembly in Ukraine, while Russia warns Britain is “participating in this war.” Cyber & Critical Infrastructure: Iran-linked hackers are suspected of shutting down a UK power generator for four days, alongside wider concerns about attacks on water and energy systems. AI Security Deal: The UK and Ukraine sign an AI defence partnership giving British researchers access to Ukrainian battlefield data to build systems aimed at protecting defence sites and other sensitive infrastructure. Road Safety Crackdown: Government urges TikTok and other platforms to remove videos “celebrating” dangerous driving after a wrong-way crash killed police officers and five others. Public Services & Health: £22m is earmarked for lab-grown miniature human organs to speed drug testing and reduce animal use, while a Newcastle council warning targets “exploitative” filming of vulnerable people. Justice & Courts: Northern Ireland’s PSNI faces scrutiny after the handling of the death of two dogs, as legal proceedings continue.