Burnham set to deliver Scotland speech on devolution as UK politics turns to local power

Devolution proposal in Scotland

Burnham is expected to discuss plans to devolve decision-making powers from Westminster and Holyrood to regions and towns. He said he wanted to work with Scotland’s first minister to spread opportunities across the country’s regions and cities.

Burnham described the proposal as an offer to the Scottish government and said cooperation could benefit people in Scotland. The report also says an SNP minister accused the prime minister of hypocrisy over his position on an independence referendum.

Youth benefits under review

Alan Milburn, who is leading a review of Britain’s youth jobs crisis, is expected to recommend a different process for benefits for young people not in education, employment or training. The newspaper cited unnamed sources.

Banks and party response

John Healey is planning to raise taxes on the UK banking sector in the 28 October budget, according to the report. One option is to reverse Jeremy Hunt’s 2023 reduction of the bank profit surcharge from 8% to 3%.

The UK’s four biggest lenders—HSBC, NatWest, Barclays and Lloyds Banking Group—made £200bn in pre-tax profits over five years, the report says. TUC general secretary Paul Nowak said banks should pay their fair share.

Reform’s Robert Jenrick rejected Sarah Pochin’s claim that the party is chauvinistic. Speaking to BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Jenrick said that was not his experience of Reform.