Maricarmen Abascal, an 87-year-old pensioner whose forced eviction from her Barcelona flat sparked national outrage and protests across Spain, has died. She was removed from her home of over 70 years by police in September.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham's initial week in office reveals immediate pressures, including internal Labour Party disagreements on tax policy and the complexities of implementing his announced business rates cuts.
Prime Minister Burnham has ordered an immediate pause to the early release of prisoners under the End of Custody Supervised Licence (ECSL) scheme. This decision follows a review of the scheme's operation, which had allowed for the release of certain inmates up to 70 days before their scheduled release date.
Returning Housing Secretary Angela Rayner has confirmed she will not return the £16,876 severance payment received after her dismissal from government in September 2025. This decision follows her rapid reappointment to a ministerial role.
