AGP Executive Report

Forced Adoptions Apology: Keir Starmer made a formal apology in Parliament for the state’s role in forced adoptions in England and Wales, affecting an estimated 185,000 mothers and children between 1949 and 1976, calling it “a stain on our history” and backing a £4m package for access to records and support. Russian Propaganda Concern: Cross-party MPs urged the culture secretary to stop UK broadcast of children’s hit “Masha and the Bear”, alleging it functions as Russian “soft power”. Defence Readiness Warning: A Shropshire MP warned the UK is not prepared for what’s coming, arguing the Defence Investment Plan is underfunded and could erode troop morale. Common Land Access: The Rural Payments Agency confirmed common-rights farmers can soon apply to Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier after fixing system issues, with a September trial. Local Pride Funding: Redditch Borough Council named a new chair for its Pride in Place board to guide how up to £20m will be spent locally. Community Jobs Support: Government-backed Youth Guarantee Jobs Grant plans offer £3,000 per eligible young hire, alongside apprenticeship incentives. Heritage Body Shake-up: Historic Environment Scotland’s chair quit after nine months, with a replacement recruitment underway.

Small Business Payments: Small Business Commissioner Emma Jones marks her first year pushing the Commercial Payments Bill into Parliament, aiming to crack down on late payment and protect cash flow for 5.5m small firms. Asylum Housing Rules: The Home Office says new-build homes should “never” house asylum seekers, after concerns over the Stoke Heath development and asylum placements. Coastguard Volunteers: MPs urge the government to reverse cuts to HM Coastguard volunteer pay after a court ruling treated volunteers as workers, warning rescues could “disintegrate”. Justice System Pressure: A Commons Justice Committee chair flags a “fraying” justice system, focusing on prisons, drugs and rehabilitation. Defence Spending Clash: PMQs coverage has Starmer and Badenoch sparring over defence funding, with the wider debate on whether plans leave a shortfall. Parliamentary Transparency: Questions grow over Nigel Farage’s property declarations after it emerged he registered only two of five homes. Middle East Pressure: UK ministers discuss potential coordinated restrictions on goods from Israeli settlements in the West Bank, while urging careful language. NHS Trade Deal Impact: Analysis claims the US-UK deal could divert £44.7bn from NHS services by 2036, driving 229,000 excess deaths. Racism Warning: Starmer warns racism and intolerance have worsened over the past decade, threatening social cohesion.

Defence Showdown at PMQs: Keir Starmer faced MPs over his long-delayed £298bn defence investment plan, with critics warning a £4.7bn funding gap could leave his successor short on day-one readiness. Immigration Costs: The Home Office is pushing a new asylum repayment rule, requiring some people to repay up to £10,000 for accommodation and support before permanent settlement. Media Merger Watch: Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy signalled the government may intervene in Paramount-Warner Bros Discovery under the Enterprise Act, citing concerns about plurality in news and on-demand services. Devolution Politics: Andy Burnham’s “No 10 North” pitch is under scrutiny, with voters fearing he’ll prioritise the north rather than govern for all of Britain. Sports Participation Gap: Sky research found girls aged 11-18 play far less sport than boys, with the widest gaps in parts of the West Midlands and North East. Local Banking Access: Lloyds confirmed Halifax will be phased out, while MPs secured a U-turn on cheque deposits at Post Office branches and Banking Hubs until 2030. Scotland Legal Reform: The Law Society of Scotland called for public consultation on whether the Lord Advocate should keep a dual role. Parliament & Courts: A former West Midlands Police officer denied a £720k fraud charge at Westminster Magistrates’ Court.

Defence Investment Plan: Keir Starmer unveiled a long-delayed Defence Investment Plan promising almost £300bn over four years and extra £15bn to modernise forces, with a big push on drones, autonomous systems and AI—while MoD documents also point to “tough choices”, including cuts and scrapping some kit. Funding fight in Parliament: The Treasury has only identified two-thirds of the extra cash, leaving a £4.7bn gap to be confirmed at Budget 2026, as Dan Jarvis and former defence minister John Healey trade warnings about readiness and safety. No 10 North and devolution: As Andy Burnham positions “No 10 in the North” and a “rewire” of power, Labour women MPs—including Jess Phillips—demand he commit to women holding half of top jobs, while Angela Rayner is reported to be advising on devolving tax-raising powers to mayors. Asylum costs repayment: New immigration rules would require asylum recipients who can work to repay around £10,000 towards accommodation costs before settled status, with critics warning it adds bureaucracy and pressure. Media merger scrutiny: Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said she is “minded to intervene” in Paramount’s takeover of Warner Bros Discovery over UK news plurality concerns. Prison security review: Amber Rudd will lead a major independent review into prison safety, including tackling drones and cyber threats. Standards and transparency: Nigel Farage’s registered £270,000 gold-bullion promotion payment for 12 hours of work keeps parliamentary standards questions in the spotlight. International diplomacy: The UK backed an emergency UN Human Rights Council debate on Sudan’s El Obeid amid fears of mass atrocities.

Media Merger Scrutiny: Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy says the government is “minded to intervene” in Paramount’s takeover of Warner Bros Discovery, citing public-interest concerns about media plurality in the UK. Asylum Cost Recovery: New Home Office rules would require some granted refugees to repay about £10,000 for housing and support before settlement, with charities calling it a “tax” and warning of hardship. Disability Benefits: The DWP has responded to calls to change the 28-day PIP suspension rule for hospital inpatients, rejecting a review after MPs raised discretion concerns. Housing & Competition: Seven major housebuilders face a potential £4.5bn class action over alleged overcharging of up to 700,000 new-build buyers, with the case heading to the Competition Appeal Tribunal. Justice & Early Release: Birmingham MP Jess Phillips presses ministers to add exemptions to the early release scheme, warning against releasing child rapists. Scotland Hate Crime: Scotland’s hate-crime charges rose, with race hate crime up 17% and total hate-related charges at a 2003-04 high. Health Campaigning: Coatbridge MP Frank McNally presents a petition for a UK-wide national MND strategy to speed diagnosis, trials and specialist care. Defence Overhaul: Politico reports a Ukraine-inspired UK defence investment shift toward “low-cost” uncrewed systems, with some major naval projects paused.

NHS Maternity Overhaul: The government will appoint a national maternity commissioner after a “rapid review” by Baroness Valerie Amos found repeated failures in NHS maternity care, including how concerns are handled and families’ access to independent investigations; campaigners say the response still doesn’t go far enough. Labour Leadership & Devolution: Labour leadership contender Andy Burnham set out a decade-long “rewire Britain” plan, including a “No 10 North” in Manchester to shift power from Westminster, plus greater regional control over utilities and a major council-house push. Asylum Cost Recovery: New Immigration and Asylum Bill powers will let the Home Office recover up to £10,000 in accommodation and support costs from working asylum seekers via a student-loan-style repayment, with settled status dependent on clearing the amount. Parliament Appointments: King Charles has approved Eve Samson as the 53rd Clerk of the House of Commons, the first woman to hold the role. House of Commons Procedure: The King also signed off on the appointment of the new Clerk, underlining continued constitutional change around Parliament’s senior administration. Standards & Donations: Nigel Farage said Reform would “gladly” accept further donations from crypto backer Christopher Harborne, as scrutiny continues over a £5m gift ahead of 2024. Defence & Drones: The delayed Defence Investment Plan is expected to prioritise drones and uncrewed command hubs, with destroyer plans scrapped in favour of “common combat vessels.” Nuclear Debate Reignites (Scotland): A report highlighting potential new nuclear sites in Scotland is set to fuel renewed Holyrood-Westminster tensions over energy policy.

Labour Leadership & Devolution: Andy Burnham used his first big post–Keir Starmer speech in Manchester to pitch “No 10 North” as a “nerve centre” for a “rewired Britain”, promising the “biggest rebalancing of power” away from Westminster, plus a 10-year push for “good growth in every postcode”, major council house building, and greater public control over utilities like water, energy and transport—while insisting he’ll stick to existing fiscal rules. Scrutiny Fight: Burnham also refused media questions after the speech, drawing criticism from Kemi Badenoch and Reform figures over lack of parliamentary accountability until MPs return in September. Costed Promises & Farming Politics: NFU president Tom Bradshaw warned against reopening inheritance tax changes affecting agricultural property, signalling a likely clash with any Burnham plans. Transport & Safety Law: Ministers signalled they may back a legal change to allow delivery robots on England’s paths, raising concerns from safety groups about crowded pavements. Local Government Watch: Birmingham announced major bin-collection changes in North Birmingham and Sutton Coldfield from 30 June, including ending weekly black bins for a fortnightly alternating system. Tech & Children Online (Australia): Australia moved to strengthen enforcement of its under-16 social media ban, with its regulator pursuing possible non-compliance by major platforms.

Devolution & “No10 North”: Labour MP Andy Burnham is set to unveil a 10-year plan in Manchester promising the biggest transfer of power from London to regions, with more control for mayors over areas like social housing, welfare and post-16 education, plus procurement reform and a “good growth in every postcode” push. Leadership churn: Coverage frames Burnham’s rise as Britain’s seventh prime minister in a decade, with questions about how quickly he can build a team and deliver beyond reshuffling power. Defence shift to drones: The Royal Navy’s planned Type 83 destroyer is dropped in the Defence Investment Plan, replaced by at least six “common combat vessels” acting as hubs for uncrewed systems, with delivery expected in the 2030s. Youth jobs grant: Government plans to pay employers £3,000 for each long-term unemployed 18-24-year-old they hire, aiming to move 60,000 into work. Tech competition pressure: Commentary argues the next PM must tackle Apple and Google’s app-store grip and take on unfair fees. Standards & money in politics: Reform UK donor Christopher Harborne, linked to a £5m Farage gift, has registered to vote in Britain amid ongoing scrutiny over political donations. Public health warning: The British Heart Foundation warns obesity-linked heart deaths in England could reach about 170,000 by 2035.

Police Accountability in Northern Ireland: After Jeffrey Donaldson’s conviction for child sex offences, independent MLA Doug Beattie has urged the Police Ombudsman to investigate what the PSNI knew and when, including claims a safeguarding officer suspected him before his 2024 arrest. LGBTQ+ Rights and Criminal Law: The government has published a draft Conversion Practices Bill for England and Wales, proposing criminal penalties up to five years’ jail for abusive attempts to change someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity. Welfare and Pensions: The DWP has begun the State Pension age rise from 66 to 67 for people born after April 1977, with further increases planned to 68 in the 2040s. Education Policy: From 29 June 2026, England’s new Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act will require phone-free school hours (“bell-to-bell”) in state-funded schools. Immigration: Labour is preparing Canada-style sponsorship legal routes for refugees, with community groups, universities and employers helping resettle people. Devolution and the next PM: Andy Burnham’s approach to devolution and Parliament scrutiny ahead of recess is under pressure from senior Conservatives. Defence Spending: A report says plans to replace ageing destroyers and frigates have been dropped from a defence investment blueprint, shifting focus to drones and modernisation.

Middle East Escalation: The US says it struck multiple targets in Iran after an Iranian drone attack on a ship near the Strait of Hormuz, as Iran retaliated with strikes including a drone assault on Bahrain—raising fears the interim ceasefire is slipping. UK Maritime Watch: Britain’s UKMTO reported a tanker hit in the strait with damage to the bridge but crew safe, while threat levels were raised amid renewed incidents. Devolution & the next PM: Labour leadership frontrunner Andy Burnham is set to unveil a “No 10 in the North” plan, shifting power and resources from Westminster to regional mayors, including housing and welfare. Immigration Routes: Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced new legal routes for refugees, letting community organisations and “trusted” universities sponsor arrivals, with employer sponsorship next year. Holyrood Opening: King Charles formally opened the Scottish Parliament’s seventh session, while reports said four soldiers collapsed during the ceremony in hot weather. Parliament & Western Sahara: MPs backed a motion urging the UK to use its UN Security Council role to support a Sahrawi self-determination referendum and press for a tourism compliance rethink. Defence & Scotland: The SNP renewed claims Westminster cuts have put Scotland’s safety at risk, citing reduced armed forces size and defence spending. Trans Policy Pressure: The MoD faced criticism over transgender guidance for single-sex facilities after a Supreme Court ruling on biological sex.

Labour Leadership Shake-up: With Keir Starmer’s resignation, Andy Burnham is emerging as the front-runner to become PM, but analysts warn he may struggle to quickly break from Starmer-era policy. Immigration & Asylum: Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is set to introduce Canada-inspired community sponsorship routes for refugees, alongside tighter rules on human-rights and modern slavery claims. Parliament & Devolution: Burnham is also expected to push a “devolution-first” agenda, shifting money and roles away from Whitehall and raising fresh questions about the impact on London. Asylum/Legal Reform Scrutiny: MPs are also pressing for action on a draft bill to ban conversion practices—critics say loopholes could leave it “an instruction manual for abuse.” Public Services Under Strain: A major HMRC error has overtaxed up to 8.7m pensioners for years, with an average £5 bill increase. Heatwave Reality Check: As extreme heat continues, reporting highlights city “urban heat island” risks, school closures, and infrastructure failures. Scottish Parliament Opening: King Charles and Queen Camilla attended the opening of the Scottish Parliament’s seventh session. Foreign Affairs: UK-linked maritime and parliamentary attention continues amid Iran–US tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and a Commons note urging accountability for violence against southern Yemeni protesters.

Monarchy Update: Buckingham Palace has redrafted the King’s role in the Sovereign Grant accounts, saying he will “protect the space for Faith within the multi-faith nation,” shifting from last year’s “Defender of the Faith” wording. Defence Cuts Row: SNP-linked analysis commissioned by the House of Commons Library claims UK armed forces have shrunk sharply since the 1980s, with Scotland-based personnel and naval ships also down, reigniting debate over Westminster’s defence spending. Heatwave Pressure: The Met Office says the UK’s June heat record has been smashed again (37.3C in Suffolk), with red warnings easing but health and transport disruption continuing. Clean Energy Investment: Government says private clean-energy investment has topped £100bn since Labour took power in 2024, citing offshore wind and nuclear-related deals. Labour Leadership Fallout: With Keir Starmer’s resignation and Andy Burnham tipped as next PM, Westminster is already debating whether a snap election could happen and what a Burnham premiership would mean for policy. Parliament & Safeguarding: Catholic bishops in England and Wales renew safeguarding commitments after Bishop David Oakley was charged with rape of a minor.

Royal Finances, Transparency: Buckingham Palace disclosed that King Charles has paid over £30m in personal taxes since becoming monarch, with Prince William also revealing his tax payments. Extradition & Justice: Kenya’s Milimani Law Courts endorsed UK arrest warrants for a Kenyan man wanted in the UK over the 2025 murder of banker Maryanne Kilonzi, moving extradition proceedings forward while opposing bail. AI in Government: The UK’s AI minister and the technology secretary say they haven’t used ChatGPT or similar chatbots for ministerial work, after an FoI request. Heatwave Preparedness: MPs warned ministers are falling short on protecting people from extreme heat, including risks to hospitals, schools and workplaces, as red warnings continue. Education Policy: A mobile phone ban for state schools in England becomes law from 29 June 2026. Labour Leadership Path: Starmer ally Darren Jones ruled out a leadership bid, clearing the way for Andy Burnham’s expected route to No.10. Asylum Accommodation: The Home Office confirmed further asylum hotel closures and plans to expand use of former military sites. Parliament & Lobbying: MPs rejected an Israeli lobbying inquiry on antisemitism grounds after a tense Westminster Hall debate. Energy & Property: Crown Estate profits fell to about £1.2bn as offshore wind revenues dipped.

Crown Estate & Offshore Wind: The Crown Estate’s net operating profit fell 13% to £1.245bn, blamed mainly on lower offshore wind lease revenues, with option fees from Round 4 now shrinking as developers pay less. Royal Finance Transparency: Buckingham Palace disclosed King Charles’s personal tax payments for the first time—over £30m since 2022—while also saying the King and Queen will not move into refurbished Buckingham Palace. Asylum & Housing Policy: The Home Office is expanding use of ex-military sites to house asylum seekers, with three new locations in England sought for planning permission and existing sites extended, as hotels continue to close. Labour Leadership & Elections: A poll says 55% of Britons back a law forcing an immediate general election if a governing party changes leader mid-term, amid calls for a vote as Andy Burnham is set to replace Keir Starmer. LGBTQ+ Conversion Ban: Government draft plans would criminalise “conversion” practices in England and Wales, with penalties including fines and up to five years’ imprisonment. Parliament & Oversight: A Senedd member claims a “loophole” blocks proper investigation of Welsh ministers’ conduct, arguing ministerial behaviour sits outside the Senedd standards regime. Work & Disability Support: The UK expands “Support Conversations” in 27 more Jobcentres, aiming to help up to 40,000 disabled people and those with long-term health conditions move closer to work.

Parliament & Politics: Keir Starmer’s resignation has triggered a leadership scramble, with Andy Burnham emerging as the frontrunner after his Makerfield by-election win and Darren Jones ruling out a challenge; Starmer held talks with Burnham and the government is preparing an “orderly” handover as Labour lines up access talks with civil servants. Conversion Therapy Ban: The UK government published a draft Conversion Practices Bill for England and Wales to criminalise abusive LGBTQ+ conversion practices, with penalties including up to five years in prison and civil protections for those at risk. Heatwave & Public Health: A brutal UK heatwave keeps breaking records, including the highest June minimum temperature in Cardiff, with red heat-health alerts extended and warnings of serious health impacts. Trade & Industry: Ministers watered down looming steel tariffs, cutting the tariff-free import quota reduction from 60% to 51% after warnings of hardship for downstream firms, alongside a UK-EU carve-out deal. Tech & Research: Work has started on the UK’s £750m national supercomputer at the University of Edinburgh, aimed at major scientific and commercial modelling. Defence: The MoD says HMS Agamemnon is in final commissioning stages and should depart Barrow for sea trials by end-2026. Transport & Consumers: Ryanair announced a family seating rule change from June 25, allowing families to sit together free of charge (likely in the rear) unless reserved seats are paid for.

Prime Minister’s Exit: Keir Starmer resigned on Monday, with a successor expected by September, ending his short premiership after a rapid slide in popularity and mounting Labour pressure. Leadership Race: Andy Burnham moved closer to No.10 after rival Darren Jones ruled himself out of the contest, while Starmer faced PMQs before heading to Berlin for talks on Ukraine and the Middle East. Parliament & Integrity: Labour urged the FCA to investigate Nigel Farage’s crypto links, arguing his public stablecoin advocacy may have benefited donor Christopher Harborne. Devolution & Nations: Wales’ first minister Rhun ap Iorwerth called for “Celtic” parliaments to coordinate with London, stressing shared “core asks” across Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland. Public Services Under Strain: A major maternity scandal report found hundreds of mothers and babies suffered avoidable harm or died at Nottingham University Hospitals Trust. Heat & Safety: Britain sweltered in record June temperatures, with schools and services disrupted as ministers consider future protections like workplace heat limits and mandatory air con. Immigration System: A leaked watchdog report claims tens of thousands of migrants may have no right to be in the UK, alongside a large backlog of visa cancellations. Gaza Education: Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper told Parliament that high-achieving Gaza students with scholarships and meeting immigration rules will be helped to study in the UK. Cybersecurity: MPs warned museums and galleries remain vulnerable to cyber threats and aren’t taking enough proactive steps.