Andy Burnham has paused the early release scheme of prisoners following backlash over the policy.
Under the new Sentencing Act, set to come into force in September, some 6,000 criminals were set to be released under the scheme.
The prime minister said: "I am working closely with the new Justice Secretary and have instructed my team to put a pause on the changes that were due to start in September.
“No prisoners will be let out under this policy until we have conducted an urgent review and done everything we can to minimise risk to the public. Where changes are needed, we will not hesitate to make them.”
The plans had sparked outrage from victim’s families, including the widow of PC Andrew Harper, who was killed while responding to a quad bike theft in Berkshire in 2019.
Two of those convicted of his manslaughter, Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers, could have been eligible for release under the scheme.
In a rare statement, PC Harper’s widow, Lissie Harper, had described the plans as “deplorable”.
Key Points
- Burnham says he will 'pause' plan for the early release of prisoners
- Burnham cuts business rates for pubs, clubs and live music venues
- Publican Tom Kerridge warns 20% 'doesn't really make a difference'
- Why is Gary Lineker calling on Burnham to tax millionaires?
- Five ways Andy Burnham could fund his early premiership giveaways
Recap: Burnham to meet at No 10 North on Friday
17:00 , Rebecca Whittaker
Andy Burnham will hold his first meeting at No 10 North on Friday, he has said.
Speaking at The Hare pub in Harlow, Essex, the Prime Minister said: “Tomorrow, we’ll be meeting in Manchester in No 10 North.
“And whole purpose of No 10 North is to put more power into every postcode in the land, including the postcodes of Harlow.
“How do we get power out of Whitehall and Westminster, into the hands of people at a local level, so that they can make a difference and turn things around?”
Mr Burnham had earlier told ITV Anglia: “I see the same challenges up and down the country.
“There’s a lot of communities that feel a little bit forgotten, that don’t get the attention and the investment they deserve.
“And those communities can be found as much in the East of England and the South West as they can be found in the North of England.”
Prison overcrowding 'should not come at the expense of victims' safety', commissioner says
16:55 , Holly Evans
Domestic abuse commissioner Dame Nicole Jacobs welcomed the move to pause the early release scheme.
She said: “I’m extremely pleased to see the Prime Minister take swift action to fully pause the early release scheme, which would have seen dangerous abusers released into the community without any protections in place for survivors.
“Ministers should never have underestimated the risk domestic abuse perpetrators pose to their victim.
“They know where they live, where they work and where their children go to school and they will stop at nothing to control, coerce and harm.
“It’s clear the prison capacity crisis is one the Government needs to grip, but this should not come at the expense of victims’ safety.”
Recap: Burnham says he will "pause" plan for the early release of prisoners
16:21 , Rebecca Whittaker
Andy Burnham has paused the early release scheme following backlash over the policy .
The prime minister said: "I am working closely with the new Justice Secretary and have instructed my team to put a pause on the changes that were due to start in September.
“No prisoners will be let out under this policy until we have conducted an urgent review and done everything we can to minimise risk to the public. Where changes are needed, we will not hesitate to make them.”
Is Andy Burnham gearing up for a snap general election?
16:00 , Rebecca Whittaker
One way of reading a string of unfunded promises is that the prime minister wants to go to the country before the bills have to be paid, says John Rentoul
Read more here:
Is Andy Burnham gearing up for a snap general election?
Prison officers say pausing early release scheme is a 'bonkers' decision
15:48 , Rebecca Whittaker
Prison officers have said Andy Burnham’s pause on the early release scheme is a “bonkers decision”.
The BBC reported a prison officer said: “We’re super overcrowded - this isn’t great news.
"If we don’t let people out in September we could be at a critical point come November where we’re at full capacity.
"It's a bonkers decision."
The government had predicted the incarcerated population could increase to between 98,000 and 103,600 by March 2030, with a central estimate of 100,600.
Angela Rayner says she won't repay ministerial severance cash
15:41 , Rebecca Whittaker
Angela Rayner has said she will not repay a £16,876 ministerial severance payment after being reappointed as housing secretary.
The Labour MP resigned as deputy prime minister and housing secretary in September 2025 after not paying enough tax on her £800,000 flat in Hove. This resulted in an exit payout.
Now that she is back in the cabinet, Conservatives have asked her to return the money.
But asked whether she would return the money, she said she wouldn’t .
She told Matt Chorley on BBC Radio 5 Live: "No, my severance payment was given to me at the time, I had worked in government for a period of time and then I came out of government for just under a year."
She added: "I will be delivering in government again."
Ministers pressed to release non-violent women instead of dangerous prisoners
15:34 , Rebecca Whittaker
Ministers have been urged to free non-violent women from prisons instead of dangerous criminals, after it was revealed two of police officer Andrew Harper’s killers could be eligible for early release.
Conservative former solicitor general Lord Garnier said: “There are 3,650 women in prison in England and Wales, and about 2,500 of those people – that’s to say, 70 per cent of the women’s prison population – are in custody for non-violent offences.
“If the Government thinks it’s better to release violent criminals, child sex offenders, rather than that non-violent cohort of women in prison, and fails to take the opportunity to free up prison places there, by re-rolling those a woman’s prison into a prison for men, what the hell do they think they’re doing?”
What was the early release scheme Burnham has 'paused'?
15:27 , Rebecca Whittaker
Under the new Sentencing Act, set to come into force in September, some 6,000 criminals were set to be released under the scheme.
The government’s early release scheme was meant to tackle prison overcrowding.
The government had predicted the incarcerated population could increase to between 98,000 and 103,600 by March 2030, with a central estimate of 100,600.
Sentencing Act menat some prisoners will now serve 40 per cent of their sentence in prison rather than 50 per cent.
Now Andy Burnham has paused the scheme.
The prime minister said: "I am working closely with the new Justice Secretary and have instructed my team to put a pause on the changes that were due to start in September.
“No prisoners will be let out under this policy until we have conducted an urgent review and done everything we can to minimise risk to the public. Where changes are needed, we will not hesitate to make them.”
PC Harper's mother said she felt 'sick' at thought of killers being release early
15:25 , Rebecca Whittaker
News that PC Harper’s killers could be released halfway through their sentences sparked fury.
Before Andy Burnham made his announcement that he would “pause” the plan to release prisoners early Andrew Harper’s mother, Debbie Adlam, told The Telegraph that she had received a letter from the Ministry of Justice informing her that his killers may have their sentence reduced.
She said that their potential early release was an “insult beyond anything able to be put into words”.
“It makes me feel sick. Andrew’s life doesn’t get to come back. It feels like a slap in the face and an insult,” she said.
Poll: Should Andy Burnham introduce a wealth tax on Britain’s richest people?
15:20 , Rebecca Whittaker
Gary Lineker has joined more than 100 British-based millionaires in calling on Andy Burnham to tax their wealth more, telling the new prime minister: “We can afford it.”
The group, organised by Patriotic Millionaires UK, includes screenwriter Richard Curtis, novelist Val McDermid and ex-City trader Gary Stevenson. Their letter states: “We want you to tax us. We can afford it. We’re not talking about higher taxes on those who get up and go to work for their income every day, but on the very richest whose income is derived from the wealth they hold.”
But Conservative shadow chancellor Sir Mel Stride accused the government of dodging basic questions on how its spending pledges – including a bus fare cap and an £850m energy bill tax cut – will actually be funded, warning: “You cannot be a government that goes out there and makes lots of spending commitments without being able to explain exactly how those commitments are going to be funded.”
So – should Burnham tax the super-rich more, or is it a step too far? Vote in our poll...
Poll: Should Andy Burnham introduce a wealth tax on Britain’s richest people?
PC Harper’s widow branded killers’ early release ‘deplorable’ before Burnham's U-turn
15:19 , Rebecca Whittaker
Before Andy Burnham made his announcement that he would “pause” the plan to release prisoners early, the widow of police officer Andrew Harper said it was “deplorable” that two of his killers are being considered for early release.
PC Harper’s killers reportedly could have been released from prison early under Labour’s new plans to tackle prison overcrowding.
Henry Long, 19, was sentenced to 16 years while 18-year-olds Cole and Bowers were handed 13 years in custody over the manslaughter of the Thames Valley Police traffic officer.
Lissie Harper – whose 28-year-old husband died after getting caught in a strap attached to the back of a car as three teenage suspects fled the scene of a burglary in 2019 – accused politicians of “making decisions from behind a desk that will have real and lasting consequences” for the families of victims.
All the policy pledges Andy Burnham has made since becoming prime minister
15:00 , Rebecca Whittaker
Andy Burnham’s first week as Britain’s new prime minister has begun with a flurry of policy pledges, predominantly aimed at lowering everyday living costs for households.
Speaking to his newly assembled cabinet for the first time on Tuesday, he told them this will be a “cost of living government”, which was followed by several announcements aimed at easing the financial burden on people across the country.
In his inaugural speech after becoming prime minister on Monday, Mr Burnham laid out a bold vision to undo economic policies brought in by the Thatcher administration in the 1980s and bring forward “the biggest changes in the last 40 years”.
Read more here:
All the policy pledges Andy Burnham has made since becoming prime minister
Breaking: Burnham says he will "pause" plan for the early release of prisoners
14:56 , Rebecca Whittaker
Andy Burnham has paused the early release scheme following backlash over the policy .
The prime minister said: "I am working closely with the new Justice Secretary and have instructed my team to put a pause on the changes that were due to start in September.
“No prisoners will be let out under this policy until we have conducted an urgent review and done everything we can to minimise risk to the public. Where changes are needed, we will not hesitate to make them.”
This is a breaking news story. More to follow...
Institute for Fiscal Studies says government has a 'mish-mash of policies'
14:40 , Rebecca Whittaker
The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS), a leading economic research group, criticised the government's approach to the business rates system for being a "complex, ever-changing mish-mash of policies" when it used to be “simple”.
"We seem to be moving ever closer to a system in which the government gives every business a score out of ten each year according to how much it likes the business that year, and sets its tax rate that year accordingly," Stuart Adam, a senior economist at the IFS told the BBC.
Gary Lineker leads British millionaires telling Burnham: ‘We want to pay more tax’
14:20 , Rebecca Whittaker
Gary Lineker has joined more than 100 British-based millionaires in calling on Andy Burnham to tax their wealth more, telling the new prime minister: “We can afford it”.
Mr Burnham has previously signalled his intention to overhaul the tax system in order to fund his policy ambitions as prime minister.
On Thursday, a group of over 100 UK-based millionaires, including Lineker, screenwriter Richard Curtis, novelist Val McDermid, and ex-City trader Gary Stevenson signed a letter urging Mr Burnham to tax their wealth.
Read more here:
Gary Lineker leads British millionaires telling Burnham: ‘We want to pay more tax’
Burnham to meet at No 10 North on Friday
14:15 , Rebecca Whittaker
Andy Burnham will hold his first meeting at No 10 North on Friday, he has said.
Speaking at The Hare pub in Harlow, Essex, the Prime Minister said: “Tomorrow, we’ll be meeting in Manchester in No 10 North.
“And whole purpose of No 10 North is to put more power into every postcode in the land, including the postcodes of Harlow.
“How do we get power out of Whitehall and Westminster, into the hands of people at a local level, so that they can make a difference and turn things around?”
Mr Burnham had earlier told ITV Anglia: “I see the same challenges up and down the country.
“There’s a lot of communities that feel a little bit forgotten, that don’t get the attention and the investment they deserve.
“And those communities can be found as much in the East of England and the South West as they can be found in the North of England.”
Pub landlord says 'any cut is good' welcoming business rates cuts
14:12 , Rebecca Whittaker
Fin Gray reports for the Independent:
Alberto Romanelli, owner and landlord of the Windmill Pub on Tabernacle Street in Shoreditch, said: “Any cut is good, absolutely. The trade, especially in this part of London has changed a lot after the pandemic. It’s not necessarily Monday to Friday anymore, it’s Monday to Thursday, or sometimes it’s Tuesday to Thursday. I really hope there’ll be more for our bit of trade because we’re suffering a lot.
“The cut on business rates is very mild, because 20 per cent, we don’t pay massive, massive amounts of business rates compared to what we pay in VAT because that’s huge.”
The Windmill, which opened in 2006, previously served a full menu of Italian food, but because of the rise of costs, they had to shut their kitchen.
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“We shut the kitchen because the expense was too high to run the kitchen. We’re only doing pizza, which has been absolutely jackpot. Very low running costs, compared to a full kitchen and a full menu.
“Food cost is very high, but personally, with the pizza, I managed to change that. But again, if they would cut VAT, it would be the best thing to do, 100 per cent.”
Owner of Michelin-starred restaurants says they are 'left out in favour of pubs'
14:05 , Rebecca Whittaker
Chef Adam Handling MBE, has questioned why restaurants are “getting left out in favour of pubs”.
The owner of the Adam Handling Collection - a collection of Michelin-starred restaurants and gastropubs said: “I appreciate the Government giving us an idea of what support we can expect from April - this is helpful for 2027 budgeting.
“However, it feels like the Government is trying to make the support it’s giving hospitality sound better than it actually is. There have been so many different versions of ‘we’re reducing business rates’ but, realistically, the only time we’ve really felt the benefit was with the support that came after COVID.”
Recap: Minister refuses to be drawn on wealth tax
14:00 , Becky Whittaker
The Independent’s politics reporter Athena Stavrou reports:
A government minister has refused to be drawn into whether Andy Burnham’s government will consider a wealth tax, after more than 100 UK-based millionaires called on one to be introduced.
On Thursday, a group of millionaires, including Gary Lineker, signed a letter urging Mr Burnham to tax their wealth. Mr Burnham has previously signalled his intention to overhaul the tax system in order to fund his policy ambitions as prime minister.
On Thursday, chief secretary to the treasury Emma Reynolds said she would welcome Mr Lineker and other UK-based millionaires increasing the amount they pay into public coffers, but would not be drawn into whether the government will consider what they are asking for.
“Well, look, it’s day four of this new government, and obviously any major tax changes would be announced at a budget,” he said.
“I welcome the fact that people of good means are saying that they want to pay more. They can pay more.
“There is a link on gov.uk, but look, we have to look at tax policy in the round, and we only make major tax announcements at budgets.”
Badenoch's speech is 'bit rich' from the party of record high taxes and low-growth, says Lib Dem
13:54 , Rebecca Whittaker
Responding to Kemi Badenoch's speech, in which she called on Andy Burnham to rule out tax rises, Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader Daisy Cooper MP, said it was “a bit rich” given the “Conservatives' legacy of record high taxes.”
“Her party wrapped businesses up in Brexit red tape, dragged people into more stealth taxes and blew a hole in the public finances with their mini-budget,” Ms Cooper said.
“Burnham’s plans won't deliver the growth we need to fix the cost of living crisis, but the Conservatives have shown they've got absolutely no answers either.”
Watch: Pubs business rates cut to save 'beating heart of communities' says treasury sec
13:45 , Rebecca Whittaker
Tom Kerridge slams Burnham’s pub tax plan as PM accused of political stunt
13:35 , Rebecca Whittaker
Andy Burnham’s pledge to cut business rates for pubs, clubs and live music venues has been criticised as a political stunt with industry leaders warning it fails to go far enough.
Mr Burnham announced the 20 per cent reduction in business rates on Thursday – his third major policy announcement in three days – promising around 32,000 businesses would benefit. He said the typical pub would save around £1,100 annually.
But the announcement triggered a row, with celebrity chef and publican Tom Kerridge among the hospitality industry leaders to warn the savings passed on to businesses “won’t really make a difference”.
Read more here:
Tom Kerridge slams Burnham’s pub tax plan as PM accused of political stunt
Burnham wanted to show he was a 'defender' of pubs
13:27 , Rebecca Whittaker
Prime Minister Andy Burnham acknowledged concerns about the decline of British high streets but he wanted to show he was a “defender” of pubs.
Speaking on a visit to Harlow, he said: “I know there’s a real concern out there about the high street and the feeling that too many high streets across Britain are in decline.
“And for me, you know, the pubs that we’ve got are at the heart of high streets, and I think it’s really important to signal at the start of my time in office that I will be a defender for them.
“I will speak up for them and act. It’s all about doing, isn’t it? You know, I’m doing something today. It may not be everything that they’re looking for, but sometimes the small things matter as well.”
Vape shops and gambling arcades could see their business rate relief slashed
13:25 , Rebecca Whittaker
In addition to vape shops, gambling arcades causing “harm to communities” will see their business rate relief slashed in order to fund the 20 per cent reduction for pubs, clubs and music venues, Andy Burnham has said.
He told reporters on a visit to Harlow, Essex: “This is funded from within a change to business rates, because you know you can’t see all businesses the same.”
He said that “some do real good,” pointing to The Hare pub he was visiting, which he said sits “right in the heart of the community”.
“But other businesses can cause social harm. So adult gaming centres on high streets can often bring real harm to communities. Then people will see the vape shops that often don’t add much to community life and cause other issues too.
“So it’s about developing a business rates regime where we really give incentives to support the businesses that bring benefits, and look differently at those that cause social harm, and that’s the change that we will bring through.”
The Labour leader added: “They will obviously pay higher rates to give the ability then to cut business rates for pubs and other venues that bring people together and bring wider benefits to high streets and communities.”
Burnham says VAT cuts are just a 'first step' to help businesses
13:13 , Rebecca Whittaker
Andy Burnham has described his plans to slash VAT for pubs, clubs, and venues as a “first step” to help businesses, adding that pubs in particular “need to know that the cavalry is coming”.
The Prime Minister was asked why he did not go further and introduce a wider tax cut which would include other businesses like cafes and restaurants, as he visited a pub in Essex.
He told broadcasters: “This is a first step today, but it’s an important step. I made this commitment in the Makerfield by-election because we’re losing pubs. Pubs need to know that the cavalry is coming.
“You know, this is to me our heritage. It’s working class culture. Once pubs are gone, they don’t come back. So we’ve just got to signal what support when we can. That’s why I’ve made this early announcement. This is a significant cut to the business rates that pubs and other venues pay.
“It could make the difference for a number of venues that are struggling, and it was right to confirm it quickly because, as I say, so much good happens bringing communities together, and when these places have gone they don’t come back, and we can’t afford to lose any more.”
Cheers! Burnham celebrates business rates cut by pouring pint for Healey
13:00 , Joe Middleton
Andy Burnham has celebrated the decision to cut business rates for pubs, clubs and live music venues by pouring a pint for Chancellor John Healey in Harlow, Essex.
As he handed Mr Healey a McMullen’s East India Pale Ale, the prime minister said: “There you go John.
“This is my thank you to you for being our Chancellor.”
Mr Healey replied that the drink had “almost a northern head” on it.
“We’re bringing the North to the South,” Mr Burnham replied.
The pair cheered.
Watch: Andy Burnham announces new £2 bus fare cap across England
13:00 , Rebecca Whittaker
Pictured: Burnham and Healey enjoy a lunchtime pint
12:45 , Joe Middleton
Five ways Andy Burnham could fund his early premiership giveaways
12:40 , Rebecca Whittaker
We are on just day four of Andy Burnham’s premiership and already he has announced his third mini giveaway.
The new prime minister is doing a series of dawn raids on the news agenda with 6am announcements aimed at underlining his mission to be heading a “cost-of-living government”.
It started on day two with him scrapping VAT from energy bills from October, costing about £800m and saving homeowners £45 a year on average.
Read more here:
Five ways Andy Burnham could fund his early premiership giveaways
'All live music spaces should qualify' for the business rate cuts says Music Venue Trust
12:20 , Rebecca Whittaker
The Music Venue Trust (MVT) has said the business rates cut is an “encouraging first step".
Mark Davyd, MVT CEO, told the BBC there are "some issues of implementation of previous reliefs, and we will work with colleagues in government to ensure that all grassroots music venues in England are recognised and eligible".
But he wants to see larger music venues included in the rates cut.
“We strongly urge the government to reconsider the limit to the eligibility criteria so that all live music spaces of all sizes qualify," Davyd said.
Fatboy Slim says cuts are 'fabulous news' and makes 'economic sense'
12:10 , Rebecca Whittaker
Fatboy Slim has praised the government’s initiative to cut business rates for pubs, music venues and clubs in England, adding that it makes “economic sense”.
British DJ Fatboy Slim told Radio 5 Live it was “fabulous news”.
The musician, whose real name is Norman Cook, said: "I think that's very forward thinking of the government.
"It makes economic sense because our music business is worth a huge amount to the country and so protecting the lower levels is great."
What do economic analysts think of Burnham's rates cuts?
11:50 , Rebecca Whittaker
The government estimates the 20 per cent business rates cut will save the sector £100mn per year.
But economic analysts believe the changes will make no difference at all.
Barclays economic analysts have said: “Industry estimates of revenue for the pubs and bars sector is around £24-28bn annually, with grassroots music venues (big venues will not qualify) another £0.5bn, suggesting savings of ~0.2-0.4 per cent of total revenues.
“Even assuming this is passed on 100 per cent to prices, it would imply 1-3bp lower headline inflation (ie 0.01-0.03 per cent), and we think in practice the figure would be even less and build over time. It does not therefore change our view on inflation.
“The fiscal cost of £100mn per year, less than 0.01 per cent of GDP, even if unfunded, would amount to a rounding error on fiscal numbers. The government suggests that even this will be funded by ‘through reviewing reliefs for businesses that do not make a positive contribution to local communities, such as vape shops’ and a ‘crack down on businesses that sell through online marketplaces but do not comply with their tax obligations’. This also does not, therefore, change our view on the fiscal outlook.”
Andy Burnham is the most popular new PM since Theresa May, YouGov says
11:40 , Rebecca Whittaker
A YouGov pol of major party leader net favourability ratings show Andy Burnham is the most favourable.
The public are divided 38 per cent to 35 per cent in their opinion of Andy Burnham, making him the most popular new PM since Theresa May.
Latest major party leader net favourability ratings, July 2026
— YouGov (@YouGov) July 23, 2026
Andy Burnham: +3
Ed Davey: -8
Kemi Badenoch: -11
Zack Polanski: -26
Nigel Farage: -46https://t.co/YeofL4R1ox pic.twitter.com/kJGuAVRCzT
Why do some pub owners say 20 per cent is not enough?
11:32 , Rebecca Whittaker
Some pubs in England faced significantly higher business rates in April this year, which is why Andy Burnham’s new business rate cuts have been met with some criticism from pub owners.
The new rateable values took effect on 1 April 2026 and for many it substantially changed business rates bills. Rateable values in England for pubs went up by an average of 30 per cent in 2026.
Now, Mr Burnham has said he will cut business rates by 20 per cent, which will apply to nearly 32,000 hospitality businesses from April next year, and is expected to save a typical pub some £1,100 annually.
Steve Perez, who owns two hotels, both including a pub and a restaurant, told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme his business rates went up to about 130 per cent in April.
“We’ve had increases in national insurance, we’ve had the EPR, the tax no one’s ever heard of – extended producer responsibility,” he said.
“And it’s a little bit like the supermarkets putting up the prices and then saying they’ve reduced them.”
Watch: Pubs business rates cut to save 'beating heart of communities' says treasury sec
11:30 , Rebecca Whittaker
Burnham warned spending spree ‘will force tax rises’ as rate cut for pubs announced
11:20 , Rebecca Whittaker
Andy Burnham will be forced to raise taxes as a result of his policy blitz in his first days since entering No 10, economists have warned.
The new prime minister has announced a 20 per cent business rate cut for pubs, clubs and live music venues, a VAT cut to electricity bills and capped bus fares to £2 from January.
The business rate cuts alone are expected to cost the government around £100m per year – but it is unclear how it will be funded.
Read more here:
New PM warned spending spree ‘will force tax rises’ as rate cut for pubs announced
Gary Lineker is 'very welcome to pay more tax' says Kemi Badenoch
11:09 , Rebecca Whittaker
Gary Lineker is “very welcome to pay more tax”, Kemi Badenoch has said, while arguing that tax rises were not the answer.
Asked about a call by the former footballer and 120 UK-based millionaires for Andy Burnham to impose higher taxes on their wealth, the Tory leader told reporters: “on Gary Lineker, he’s very welcome to pay more tax. He can write a cheque to the Treasury. No one’s stopping him.
“But right now, we are seeing the people who create jobs leaving the country…
“If we keep taxing the people who create the jobs, who generate the growth, we’re not going to have any taxes at all.”
She added that tax rises and “pennies here and there” do not increase our standard of living, and that the focus should be on “backing business so that they can create jobs and create growth”.
Chefs brand Burnham’s business rate move a ‘political manoeuvre’
11:04 , Rebecca Whittaker
The Independent’s politics reporter Athena Stavrou reports:
Chefs have branded Andy Burnham’s move to slash business rates for pubs, clubs and live music venue a “political manoeuvre” which is “an absolute drop in the ocean”.
Great British Menu winner Nick Beardshaw said the policy is “not enough to save any businesses”, and warned more drastic action is needed.
"While it is a positive thing, I feel like it’s just a bit of a political manoeuvre designed to take a bit of heat away from the noise that hospitality is making,” he said.
“It’s an absolute drop in the ocean. Business rates are normally between 2 per cent and 4 per cent of turnover in these businesses, so the reduction represents a 0.4 per cent to 0.8 per cent reduction in total costs.
“Not enough to save any businesses, as is implied in his statement about not wanting to see any more of these businesses boarded up. Many of them won’t make it to next April!
“The way costs have increased over the last 6 years has meant the margins have been squeezed by numbers closer to 15% or 20%, so in order to “save” these businesses, way more drastic action is needed.”
Burnham’s rates relief for pubs sends strong signal – but two big questions remain
11:01 , Rebecca Whittaker
Andy Burnham has made his third major announcement in as many days since taking over as prime minister.
A 20 per cent cut to business rates will come into effect from April next year for pubs, clubs and music venues – except for the largest ones – with Mr Burnham saying the government will “back the businesses that people want to see in their communities”.
But, how is this being paid for?
Read more here:
Burnham’s rates relief for pubs sends strong signal – but two big questions remain
What businesses are eligible for rates cuts?
10:55 , Rebecca Whittaker
Pubs, social clubs and live music venues are eligible for the 20 per cent cut in business rates, but other venues in the hospitality sector haven’t been mentioned.
That means cinemas, cafes, restaurants and hotels may miss out. Plus, the 20 per cent cut only applies to businesses in England and not Scotland or Northern Ireland.
Badenoch: If Burnham wants to call a snap election, we are ready
10:50 , Rebecca Whittaker
The Independent’s political correspondent Millie Cooke reports:
If Andy Burnham wants to call a snap election, we're ready, Kemi Badenoch has said.
She insisted the Tories are “always ready” for a general election and urged him to call one if he cannot find the money to fund defence.
Badenoch: Burnham must fix the economy before tackling cost of living
10:46 , Rebecca Whittaker
The Independent’s political correspondent Millie Cooke reports:
Kemi Badenoch has issued a stark warning to Andy Burnham, urging him to fix the economy first.
Taking aim at the swathe of new spending commitments he unveiled this week, the Tory leader told a press conference in central London: “If you try to tackle the cost of living without fixing the economy, you will fail.”
Kemi Badenoch suggests Burnham risks being like Liz Truss
10:44 , Rebecca Whittaker
The Independent’s political correspondent Millie Cooke reports:
Kemi Badenoch has suggested Andy Burnham risks being like Liz Truss, saying: “Four years ago, a prime minister announced policies without making savings to pay for them. And it didn't end well.”
She added: “He doesn't actually know what he wants to do he is thinking out loud. All we know is that it is going to cost a lot of money.
“Andy Burnham needs to rule out tax rises to pay for his spending spree.”
Andy Burnham 'seems like a nice guy', Badenoch says
10:43 , Rebecca Whittaker
The Independent’s political correspondent Millie Cooke reports:
Andy Burnham “seems like a nice guy”, Kemi Badenoch has said, but accused him of having ambitions for Britain that are “too small”.
She told a press conference in central London: “I'm glad he's got a sense of humour, it's needed in this job.”
Responding to the policies he has unveiled in his first week in office, she said: “Is that it?”
“Britain is the fifth largest economy in the world. .. and our new prime minister’s big ideas are £2 bus fares”, she said, adding: “Our problems go way beyond bus fares and VAT on bills.”
Chair of the Night Time Industries Association suggests pub business rates cut just the beginning
10:42 , Rebecca Whittaker
The Independent’s political editor David Maddox reports:
Entrepreneur Sacha Lord, the chair of the Night Time Industries Association and an ally of Andy Burnham, has told The Independent, that the 20 per cent business rates cut for pubs, clubs and music venues may be “just the beginning” of help.
The prime minister had campaigned for the hospitality sector when he was mayor of Greater Manchester and raised concerns about the way costs are forcing many venues to close.
Mr Lord noted that “every little helps” in regards to the business rates relief.
Countryside Alliance welcomes ‘encouraging’ business rate cut for rural pubs
10:39 , Rebecca Whittaker
The Independent’s political editor David Maddox reports:
Mo Metcalf-Fisher, external affairs director at the Countryside Alliance, which campaigns for rural businesses including pubs said: “This further cut to business rates for pubs is welcome. Pubs across the countryside form part of the backbone of rural communities across the country, providing jobs and serving as crucial hubs on the front line in tackling loneliness.
“It's encouraging that Andy Burnham has set about easing some of the burdens on publicans face so early in his premiership. We must not lose sight of the fact that it comes off the back of the business rates revaluation last November that put up the paper valuations of businesses - the values that rates bills are calculated from - up by an average of 30 per cent.
“We've also heard that the valuation increases were distinctly uneven, with some rising by up to four times, and many dragged above the threshold that makes them liable to pay business rates at all.
“What's needed for business rates to work for the countryside is fundamental reform of how they affect hospitality venues and others, such as equestrian businesses, that need large premises to operate.”
Five ways Andy Burnham could fund his early premiership giveaways
10:32 , Rebecca Whittaker
We are on just day four of Andy Burnham’s premiership and already he has announced his third mini giveaway.
But how will Mr Burnham pay for these and other giveaways as well as some of the much bigger ticket items coming down the line?
Read more here:
Five ways Andy Burnham could fund his early premiership giveaways
Pub owner says cuts 'won’t make any material difference' after they increased for some in April
10:30 , Rebecca Whittaker
A hotel owner has said the cut to business rates “won’t make any material difference” after the rates were re-evaluated and increased for some in April.
Steve Perez, who owns two hotels, both including a pub and a restaurant, told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “Our business rates went up to about 130 per cent (in April).
“So this tiny, well, obviously it’s welcome £1,000, but this won’t make any material difference to any pub.
“And it’s interesting to know that they haven’t talked about restaurants and hotels because bear in mind most pubs these days serve food, many pubs also have accommodation.
“And we’ve had increases in national insurance, we’ve had the EPR, the tax no one’s ever heard of – extended producer responsibility.
“And it’s a little bit like the supermarkets putting up the prices and then saying they’ve reduced them.”
Watch: Andy Burnham announces new £2 bus fare cap across England
10:30 , Rebecca Whittaker
Pub owner says cuts are not a 'better value then we had before'
10:26 , Rebecca Whittaker
Iain Hoskins who runs the Ma Pub Group in Liverpool said the business rate cuts are only small in comparison to the increases the industry has had this year.
Mr Hoskins said: “I don’t want to sound ungrateful but the increases we have had are so huge in the last year that now chipping away at some of them we are not getting better value then we had before.”
The rates cut is reportedly equal to a reduction of about £1,000 per pub per year.
‘I’m a multimillionaire who wants to pay more tax – it will be good for me’
10:15 , Rebecca Whittaker
As Gary Lineker joins more than 100 British-based millionaires in calling on Andy Burnham to tax their wealth more, Peter Stanford talks to entrepreneurs about why it isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s the patriotic thing to do.
Read more here:
‘I’m a multimillionaire who wants to pay more tax – it will be good for me’
More than 80 per cent of Britons support bus fare cut
10:10 , Rebecca Whittaker
Andy Burnham has announced that most bus fares in England will be capped at £2 from January, as part of a wider blitz of policies aimed at tackling the cost of living.
The new prime minister announced on Wednesday that he will slash the price of a single bus ticket from January 1 until the end of 2027 by a third.
A YouGov survey revealed that 83 per cent of Britons are in support of capping single bus fares at £2, with only 2 per cent strongly opposing it.
83% of Britons support capping single bus fares at £2 pic.twitter.com/uMVUmIdqeh
— YouGov (@YouGov) July 22, 2026
Vaping industry leader accuses Burnham of wanting people to ‘go back to smoking’ as he hits out at ‘idiotic’ targeting of vape shops
10:07 , Rebecca Whittaker
The Independent’s politics reporter Athena Stavrou reports:
Vaping industry leaders have hit out at Andy Burnham’s “idiotic” plan to target vape shops to raise funding to slash business rates for pubs, clubs and live music venues.
The government said it would raise money for the business rate cuts from targeting businesses that “do social harm”, such as vape shops.
But John Dunne, director general of the UK Vaping Industry Association, called the plan “idiotic” and accused the government of wanting people to “go back to smoking”.
“To say I'm angry on behalf of the thousands of legitimate vape stores would be an understatement,” he told Times Radio.
“This is just another raft of idiotic ideas from this government that target an industry that's saving lives. Vaping has been and is the most successful way that adult smokers quit smoking in this country. And instead of lauding that, instead of applauding that, this government is doing everything in their power to crush this industry. I'm almost convinced at this point they want people to go back to smoking."
Poll: Should Andy Burnham introduce a wealth tax on Britain’s richest people?
10:03 , Rebecca Whittaker
Gary Lineker has joined more than 100 British-based millionaires in calling on Andy Burnham to tax their wealth more, telling the new prime minister: “We can afford it.”
The group, organised by Patriotic Millionaires UK, includes screenwriter Richard Curtis, novelist Val McDermid and ex-City trader Gary Stevenson. Their letter states: “We want you to tax us. We can afford it. We’re not talking about higher taxes on those who get up and go to work for their income every day, but on the very richest whose income is derived from the wealth they hold.”
But Conservative shadow chancellor Sir Mel Stride accused the government of dodging basic questions on how its spending pledges – including a bus fare cap and an £850m energy bill tax cut – will actually be funded, warning: “You cannot be a government that goes out there and makes lots of spending commitments without being able to explain exactly how those commitments are going to be funded.”
So – should Burnham tax the super-rich more, or is it a step too far? Vote in our poll...
Poll: Should Andy Burnham introduce a wealth tax on Britain’s richest people?
How does Burnham plan to pay for pubs rates cut?
09:54 , Rebecca Whittaker
Andy Burnham announced a 20 per cent business rate cut for pubs, clubs and live music venues.
He plans to pay for this by reviewing reliefs for businesses that “do not make a positive contribution to local communities”.
This includes vape shops and online marketplaces that do not comply with tax obligations.
Publican Tom Kerridge warns 20% 'doesn't really make a difference'
09:49 , Rebecca Whittaker
The business rate cut for pubs, clubs and live music venues “doesn't go far enough” chef and publican Tom Kerridge told BBC Radio 5 Live, who has been leading a campaign to cut hospitality VAT to 10 per cent.
"It will come as welcome news," he said, "But £1,000 on a yearly revenue doesn't really make a difference.
"It shows the government are beginning to listen and has an understanding that hospitality is at the core and heart of so many communities."
Analysis: A very on-brand boost for pubs from Andy Burnham
09:45 , Rebecca Whittaker
The Independent’s politics reporter Athena Stavrou reports:
Andy Burnham has continued his first week as prime minister with yet another policy aimed at boosting Britain’s nightlife by slashing businesses rates for pubs, clubs, live music venues.
The move has been welcomed by industry leaders, but probably doesn’t come as any surprise to those familiar with Burnham’s record as the mayor of Greater Manchester.
Food, drink and hospitality were central to his mission to boost growth in the city during his tenure, having been frequently praised by businesses in the region for his support.
Measures included the appointment of Sacha Lord as Greater Manchester’s first night-time economy adviser and expanding the city’s late-night bus services to support hospitality and nightlife.
Burnham will also be aware that announcing policies to help out pubs is a sure way to boost support from the British public.
He’s also likely learned from he mistakes of Sir Keir Starmer’s government, who were forced to u-turn on their own policy to scrap business rate relief for pubs earlier this year after a backlash from the hospitality sector and Labour MPs.
Wetherspoon founder says cut is only a 'small move in the right direction'
09:43 , Rebecca Whittaker
Wetherspoon founder and chairman Tim Martin says the 20 per cent cut is a “small move in the right direction”.
“Wetherspoon is grateful for the implicit recognition that the hospitality business is over taxed,” he said.
He added: “The biggest disadvantage for pubs versus supermarkets relates to VAT, where supermarkets pay zero on food sales and hospitality venues, including pubs, pay 20 per cent.
“This disadvantage is responsible for the ever-widening gap in the price of a pint or meal in a pub compared to a supermarket.
“We hope the PM will back Tom Kerridge’s campaign for approximate tax equality for hospitality.”
Restore Britain says it would allow smoking rooms in pubs
09:39 , Rebecca Whittaker
Restore Britain would allow pub landlords and other venue owners to install a smoking room if they were in government.
Smoking in pubs and enclosed public spaces has been banned since July 2007 - since more than 3 million people have quit smoking.
Rupurt Lowe, MP for Great Yarmouth said in a post on X: “A Restore Britain Government will allow pub landlords and other venue owners to install a smoking room.
“If adults want to smoke inside a contained room, and the landlord is happy to provide that, then it's none of our business.”
Now, only 10 per cent of adults in the UK are smokers, according to ONS. In 2007, when the smoking ban in pubs was introduced, around 1 in 4 adults smoked.
A Restore Britain Government will allow pub landlords and other venue owners to install a smoking room.
— Rupert Lowe MP (@RupertLowe10) July 23, 2026
If adults want to smoke inside a contained room, and the landlord is happy to provide that, then it's none of our business.
Crack on.
British Beer and Pub Association praises business rate cut
09:28 , Rebecca Whittaker
Pubs have paid disproportionately higher business rates for "years and years" and the 20 per cent cut in business rates will be welcomed as a "sorely needed discount" for locals pubs, says CEO of the British Beer and Pub Association.
Emma McClarkin said the trade association wants to work with the government on permanent reform to business rates.
Pub owner says rate cuts 'does not go far enough'
09:17 , Rebecca Whittaker
Owner of the Driftwood Spars pub in St Agnes, Cornwall, said the business rate cuts do not go far enough.
Lou Treseder told the Independent it will cover less than an average days running cost.
“It does not go far enough. I don’t want to sound ungrateful, every little helps, but this will help out for maybe survival for a week in the winter,” she said.
“They reckon it will help on average of £1,100 a year, this is less than an average days running cost of my pub.”
Labour ‘found wanting’ on detail and funding on pubs plan, Tories say
09:12 , Rebecca Whittaker
The Independent’s politics reporter Athena Stavrou reports:
The Conservatives have accused Andy Burnham of being “found wanting” on detail and funding plans for his latest policy announcement aimed at slashing costs for pubs.
Shadow secretary of state for business Andrew Griffith claimed that the plans will “undoubtedly” lead to tax rises on businesses and families.
“Whilst any support for Britain’s hard-pressed businesses is welcome, once again this government has been found wanting on both the detail and funding for this policy,” he said.
“We are days into the Burnham premiership and as yet the Government has not been able to credibly explain how it will fund any one of its ‘new’ policies. That undoubtedly means more Labour tax rises that families and businesses across the country cannot afford.
"Only the Conservatives have a fully funded plan, backed by a £47 billion savings plan, to abolish business rates entirely for the vast majority of high street businesses.”
Taxes will need to rise economists warn
09:10 , Rebecca Whittaker
Economists have warned taxes will need to rise to fund Andy Burnham’s spending spree.
The Chancellor, John Healey, may be forced to raise taxes “significantly” to pay for the cost of living promises made by the prime minister.
Already he had announced a VAT cut to electricity bills and capped bus fares to £2 from January. The prime minister has also promised to fix social care and ease the cost of living.
James Smith, the chief economist at the Resolution Foundation, told the Telegraph: “Depending on the price tag for all these things, then it would have to be a significantly revenue-raising Budget to pay for some of those big-ticket items.”
The business rate cuts alone are expected to cost the government around £100m per year.
“Depending on the price tag for all these things, then it would have to be a significantly revenue-raising Budget to pay for some of those big-ticket items,” James Smith, the chief economist at the Resolution Foundation said.
Conservatives question how Burnham will pay for his policies
09:08 , Rebecca Whittaker
Andy Burnham must detail how he will pay for his policies including the business rates cut, the Conservatives have said.
Tory shadow business secretary Andrew Griffith said: “Whilst any support for Britain’s hard-pressed businesses is welcome, once again this Government has been found wanting on both the detail and funding for this policy.
“We are days into the Burnham premiership and as yet the Government has not been able to credibly explain how it will fund any one of its ‘new’ policies.
“That undoubtedly means more Labour tax rises that families and businesses across the country cannot afford.
“Only the Conservatives have a fully funded plan, backed by a £47 billion savings plan, to abolish business rates entirely for the vast majority of high street businesses.”
Why is Gary Lineker calling on Burnham to tax millionaires?
09:04 , Rebecca Whittaker
Gary Lineker and 100 British-based millionaires have written a letter calling on Andy Burnham to tax their wealth more.
The letter, organised by Patriotic Millionaires UK, says: “We want you to tax us. We can afford it. We’re not talking about higher taxes on those who get up and go to work for their income every day, but on the very richest whose income is derived from the wealth they hold.”
It tells the prime minister that millionaires are a “patriotic bunch” who “love this country and we want it to succeed”.
“As we embrace this new road – please consider taxing us properly as our contribution to it. We love this country. It’s time for a better Britain; it’s time for everyone here to feel Great Britain. It’s time to tax us, the super rich,” the letter says.
