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The Lead The spectacle of a prime minister clinging to power while his party grows increasingly desperate for a replacement is painfully familiar from the end of the last Tory government. British politics feels trapped in a loop. This condition is not wholly a result of Brexit, but the failure of that project is a significant part of it. Britain's Strained Relations with Europe None of the benefits promised in the referendum by the leave campaign have materialised. It is all downside, but political discussion of any significant rewriting of the terms of departure is taboo. Sir Keir Starmer's 'reset' of European relations is mostly tinkering at the margins. The Shift in Global Politics Meanwhile, the strategic calculus has changed entirely since 2016. Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine exposed European complacency about continental defence and energy security. Donald Trump's aggressive contempt for old allies makes it clear that they cannot depend on the US for protection. The Urgency for European Collective Action Discussions in Brussels around 'strategic autonomy' have become increasingly urgent. A club of 27 member states is still unwieldy in decision-making, but in a world of geopolitical upheaval and increased international lawlessness, the logic of collective continental action is irresistible. The Future of UK-EU Relations As a non-EU member, Britain is not part of that conversation. It is still a nuclear-armed Nato member and, by European standards, a significant military power. It has strong bilateral relations with fellow European democracies and a defence and security deal with Brussels in the works. Those credentials matter, but they do not compensate for the loss of a seat at the EU top table.

Manchester's Significant Decline in Deprivation Manchester has recorded the biggest fall in inner-city deprivation in Britain, according to a report by the Centre for Cities. This achievement is a significant boost for Andy Burnham, the Greater Manchester mayor, who is preparing to fight the Makerfield byelection before an expected leadership challenge against Keir Starmer. Key Findings of the Centre for Cities Report The report analyzed 63 UK towns and cities and found that Manchester had a 17-percentage-point fall in deprivation rates for neighborhoods within close proximity to its city centre between 2010 and 2025. This is the largest fall of any city analysed. Deprivation Rates: Then and Now In 2010, 75.7% of neighborhoods in and around Manchester's city centre ranked among the most deprived. By 2025, this number had decreased to 58.4%. Nationwide, the share of inner-city neighborhoods in the 20% most deprived places fell by seven percentage points, from 38% to 31%. The Impact of Devolution Andrew Carter, the thinktank's chief executive, emphasized the importance of backing metro mayors. He stated that big cities with devolved powers had outperformed smaller cities and towns, and that the government should continue to support mayors to deliver and ensure their plans for fiscal devolution reward metro mayors for boosting local growth. Future Outlook This report is likely to strengthen Burnham's claim that his approach to economic management, dubbed 'Manchesterism,' could be replicated nationwide. As the frontrunner to replace Keir Starmer, Burnham's success in Manchester could serve as a model for his potential future leadership role.

The Rise of Secondhand Shopping Once the preserve of jumble sales and charity shops, “preloved” fashion and homewares are now leading style and shopping trends in the UK. After the rapid growth of online retail, Britain is now witnessing “the normalisation of secondhand”, according to Adam Jay, the chief executive of Vinted’s main marketplace arm. Vinted's Expansion Beyond Fashion The UK is at the forefront of an international revolution, jostling for position with France to be Vinted’s biggest market, and is also one of its fastest growing markets, as the online marketplace moves beyond just selling clothes and into everything from smartphones and books to rugs. The Data Analysis Vinted was valued at €8bn (£7bn) in April when it sold €880m in shares. Sales through the site hit €10.8bn last year. Vinted generated €1.1bn in revenue, with net profits of €62m in 2025. Sales in Britain rose 47% last year. The Impact Analysis Vinted, Shein and Temu are all growing for “fundamentally the same reason”, which is “because it’s cheap and easy. Our main competitor is new [products].” Vinted shoppers save an average 72% on the price of buying an equivalent new item. The Prediction “I see a deep and sustained change in how people buy and how people think about things that they own,” says Jay. “We want people to be thinking about how they can give every item as long as possible life. Don’t allow things to sit in the back of the cupboard for years and years untouched. Get them to someone who’s going to love them, wear them, use them.”

Keir Starmer announced a £3.7bn trade agreement with the six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, calling it a “huge win” for British business after four years of negotiations spanning four prime ministers.Starmer Secures £3.7bn GCC Trade Deal After Four Years of NegotiationsThe agreement, signed on 20 May 2026, removes tariffs on 93% of British goods sold to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain. It follows earlier pacts with India and South Korea and is presented as the most significant agricultural deal since Brexit.Financial Upside: £3.7bn in Export Opportunities and Tariff EliminationsThe government estimates the deal will generate £3.7bn of export opportunities – double the original forecast – across food, luxury cars, defence, aerospace, hospitality and other services.Zero tariffs on: food, medical equipment, defence, aerospace, advanced manufacturing.Current tariffs removed: 5% blanket duty on most GCC imports; specific rates previously applied to cheddar cheese (6%), chocolate (15%), biscuits (10%) and cars (5%).Data‑storage: GCC states will allow UK firms to store data outside the region for the first time.Political and Human‑Rights Controversies Surrounding the DealCritics, including the Trade Justice Movement’s Tom Wills, argue the omission of a human‑rights chapter is “especially alarming” given documented abuses in the Gulf. Paul Nowak of the Trade Unions Congress called the agreement “disappointing” in light of the region’s record on workers’ rights. The government says political channels, not trade texts, are the preferred venue for addressing such concerns.Implications for UK Industries and Future Trade StrategyThe National Farmers Union hails the deal as the best agricultural arrangement since the EU exit, while the British Chambers of Commerce expects new business for firms in financial services, energy, construction, professional services, education, hospitality and technology. William Bain, head of trade policy at the BCC, stresses the pact’s potential to benefit “tens of thousands of UK firms.” Investor‑protection clauses have raised worries about future litigation over policy shifts, such as Heathrow expansion.Outlook: How the GCC Pact May Shape Britain’s Trade LandscapeBeyond immediate revenue, the agreement signals the UK’s intent to be the first G7 nation with a “modern and ambitious” GCC deal, potentially encouraging further Gulf investment in UK assets like Heathrow and Newcastle Football Club. The political window created for Starmer may influence upcoming domestic debates, while the lack of human‑rights provisions could shape future negotiations with other non‑EU partners.

The Crisis Facing Keir Starmer's Leadership Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing the biggest crisis of his leadership after Labour's bruising council election losses caused panic inside the party. As Nigel Farage and Reform UK gain ground, we examine why Starmer's authority appears to be slipping before any formal challenge has even begun and whether Britain is entering another period of political instability. The Impact of Council Election Losses The losses have raised concerns about Starmer's ability to lead the party and maintain stability in British politics. With Reform UK gaining momentum, the situation is becoming increasingly challenging for Starmer. The Future of Labour and UK Politics As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how Starmer will address the challenges facing his leadership and whether Labour can recover from these losses. One thing is certain, however: the outcome will have significant implications for the future of UK politics. Credits and Connections Kieren Andrieu (@kieran_andrieu), Political Economist Episode credits: This episode was produced by Noor Wazwaz and Sari el-Khalili, with Spencer Cline, Tuleen Barakat, Catherine Nouhan and our host, Malika Bilal. It was edited by Tamara Khandakar. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is The Take's executive producer. Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

The Birth of a Musical Union Wagner Ribeiro de Souza, known as DJ Patife, embarked on a mission to bring Brazilian drum'n'bass to the UK in 1998. With a local compilation of techno, house, and jungle hits, news clippings, and a VHS tape of his club performances, he pitched his idea to Movement, a prominent drum'n'bass night in Britain. The energetic footage caught the attention of Bryan Gee, leading to a historic collaboration between Brazilian and UK electronic music scenes. The Evolution of Drum'n'Bass By the late 1990s, drum'n'bass in the UK had become stagnant, with the chaos of jungle being codified into rigid tracks. The Brazilian style, characterized by its ginga or swing, rooted in bossa nova samples and melodious instrumentation, revitalized the scene. This fusion brought together two distinct musical elements: Brazilian music and electronic music. The Cultural Exchange The exchange between Brazil and the UK not only influenced music but also opened doors to other electronic music genres. The UK introduced the Latin world to speed garage, two-step, and grime, while Brazil shared its rich musical heritage. This cross-cultural interaction paved the way for new artists and sounds. A New Generation of Artists Today, artists like Sherelle, a British producer and DJ, are at the forefront of this musical exchange. Sherelle's performance in São Paulo at the Gop Tun festival exemplifies the thriving connection between the two countries. The new generation of Brazilian artists, such as Spy, L-Side, and Level 2, are also making waves in the drum'n'bass scene, blending traditional Brazilian sounds with modern electronic music. The Future of Drum'n'Bass As drum'n'bass continues to evolve, the fusion of Brazilian and UK styles remains a vital part of its identity. With artists pushing boundaries and experimenting with new sounds, the genre is poised for further growth and innovation. The unlikely union of Brazil and the UK through drum'n'bass serves as a testament to the power of music to unite cultures and transcend borders.

UK Grants Indefinite Licence for Russian‑Refined Jet Fuel and DieselThe United Kingdom announced an indefinite trade licence, effective from Wednesday, that relaxes sanctions on Russian jet fuel and diesel processed in third countries such as India and Turkiye. The licence will be reviewed periodically and also covers a temporary waiver for liquefied natural gas from selected Russian plants.Economic Rationale Behind the Policy ShiftLondon says the decision is a “time‑limited” response to unprecedented fuel‑price pressure caused by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and the ongoing Iran‑Russia war. By allowing cheaper Russian‑refined products, the government hopes to curb inflationary pressures on transport and aviation sectors.Fuel prices have surged across Europe, with diesel and jet fuel benchmarks up over 30% year‑to‑date.The licence applies to oil refined outside Russia, sidestepping direct imports of Russian crude.Review cycles are set to occur every few months, though the licence itself has no fixed end date.Potential Fiscal and Market ImpactWhile exact cost savings are not disclosed, analysts estimate that the policy could shave up to £200 million off annual fuel‑related expenditures for UK airlines and logistics firms. However, the move may also expose the UK to criticism for weakening the sanctions regime that has been a cornerstone of its Ukraine support strategy.Geopolitical Repercussions and Domestic OppositionEU economy commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis warned that easing pressure on Russia contradicts the collective G7 stance. Within Britain, opposition Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch denounced the licence as a betrayal of the “standing up to Putin” narrative.Outlook for UK Energy Policy and SanctionsFuture steps will hinge on the trajectory of global oil supply disruptions and the durability of the US sanctions waiver, which was recently extended for a second time. Treasury minister Dan Tomlinson emphasized that the licence is narrowly scoped and will be rescinded if market conditions improve, suggesting a cautious, reversible approach to energy security.

The Lead 'A noisy river is a healthy river,' says Ruth Needham of the Trent Rivers Trust (TRT). The Mease in the Midlands must be in fine fettle, then, as it gurgles merrily along. Sunlight glints off riffles in the water and shoals of fry dart past. Needham has good reason to be buoyant - last month, the Mease won the UK River prize 2026 in recognition of the trust's 13-year restoration campaign. The Restoration Journey The sad state of Britain's rivers is common knowledge, partly thanks to recent media coverage highlighting the sewage crisis. The Mease is a case in point - a 27km lowland river that rises in Leicestershire and flows into the River Trent. For too long, water has been seen as a problem to be controlled: drain it, dredge it, get it away. Over the past 150 years, drainage ditches have been engineered along the Mease, its banks shored up, its flow controlled with weirs. The Environmental Impact This alteration of the river had catastrophic consequences. Soil, silt and sediment got washed from fields straight into the river, causing high levels of phosphate that led to algal bloom and decreased oxygen levels. The fish population struggled, including two rare species that make the Mease a designated site of special scientific interest (SSSI): the spined loach and European bullhead. Other wildlife declined too, as there were no natural water channels with a mix of habitats to support different species. The Collaborative Solution In 2013, a restoration project began, led by the TRT and largely funded by the Environment Agency (EA). "We wanted to change the status quo, force the issue and get people to work together," Needham says. The biggest challenge was getting farmers on board - they were effectively being asked to give up land, leaving buffer strips for water and wildlife. It took time to build trust and to apply for compensation under government environmental land management schemes. The Future Outlook "The prize has been a massive boost," says Needham. "If we can get the Mease into better condition, we can improve other rivers, too." The restoration of the Mease demonstrates that with proper collaboration, innovative approaches, and long-term commitment, even severely degraded rivers can be brought back to health. This success story offers hope and a blueprint for river restoration efforts across the UK and beyond.

The LeadRachel Reeves is preparing to announce a planning shake-up that would fast-track clean energy and infrastructure projects by curbing judicial reviews, the Treasury said.The Planning Reform DetailsThe chancellor will propose that parliament should be able to designate and approve the most important clean energy projects as of "critical national importance", as part of a wider package seeking to blunt the impact of the Iran crisis."That would reduce the exposure from judicial review on all but human rights grounds," the Treasury said.It comes as pressure grows on the government to accelerate its energy infrastructure development to meet its goal to build a virtually zero-carbon power system by 2030.The Renewable Energy LandscapeRenewable energy developers have long bemoaned the difficulty in gaining planning permission for projects, from offshore windfarms to onshore solar and battery storage developments, and waiting times to connect to Great Britain's electricity grid.A spokesperson for the Treasury said that vital infrastructure delivery had been "delayed by judicial reviews of projects the country needs."They added: "The chancellor won't stand for it any longer and is bringing forward bold changes to support delivery. She is clear that parliament must take back control – to get Britain building the power plants, windfarms and grid connections that will bring bills down, strengthen our energy security, and deliver growth in every part of our country."The Current State of Renewable Energy ApprovalsLast year a record number of renewable energy projects were given the go-ahead in Great Britain, according to analysis by the consultancy Cornwall Insight. It found that the energy capacity of new battery, wind, and solar projects that received approval climbed to 45GW, 96% higher than in 2024.However, it also found the pace of projects starting up lagged behind, largely as a result of long construction timelines and grid connection delays.The Broader Infrastructure ApproachFor other infrastructure, such as transport and water projects, the government will introduce a fixed legal challenge window. When this ends, planning consent could be updated to address "any legitimate issues", the Treasury said.The Political ContextThe proposal comes amid a series of policy moves by Reeves despite uncertainty around the future of Keir Starmer as prime minister.On Tuesday it emerged that the government asked UK supermarkets to consider freezing the prices of some essential foodstuffs to protect the public from inflation fuelled by the Middle East conflict.Reeves is expected to announce measures to help households with the cost of living on Thursday, on which she is also planning to cancel a planned rise in fuel duty.