UK Politics & Cost of Living: Andy Burnham’s first cabinet meeting set the tone for a “cost-of-living government”, with ministers told to examine “all possible ways” to ease pressure on families. Energy Policy: On his first full day, Burnham unveiled a VAT cut on electricity bills from 1 October, saving households about £45 a year, with the government saying it will be funded by cancelling a planned digital ID scheme. Public Finance Watch: Markets are already focused on what Healey’s Treasury role could mean for borrowing, tax and defence spending as investors weigh up the new government’s fiscal choices. Defence & Industry: Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said the priority is deterrence and readiness to “fight and win” with allies, alongside reindustrialisation and defence innovation. Labour Market: Unemployment in the UK was estimated at 4.9% for March–May, with job vacancies falling and business groups warning the outlook could worsen. Banking Consolidation: Metro Bank is in early-stage talks over a potential £2bn merger with challenger Aldermore, a move that would reshape competition in UK lending. Water & AI Infrastructure: Water UK warned government AI growth-zone plans ignore water supply realities, arguing data-centre usage hasn’t been factored into forecasts. Consumer & Daily Life: England’s free bus travel for children runs through August, and Thames Water has announced a hosepipe ban affecting millions. Business Security: A Manchester study says the UK’s response to economic crime is hampered by unclear accountability, budget pressures, and weak data-sharing. Small Business Fraud Alert: Police are investigating card-payment “chip and pin” fraud targeting small independent businesses. Tech & Workflows: Zebra and Oxford Economics say modernising frontline workflows can lift retention, speed and profits across retail, logistics and manufacturing. Appointments & Deals: Burlington Stone promoted Andrew Woon to Sales Director; Lloyds was named finance partner for Mitsubishi UK; and Coforge was recognised in Whitelane’s UK & Ireland IT sourcing study.