First Minister John Swinney has expressed a lack of confidence in the UK's ability to withstand Russian aggression, particularly through cyber warfare and disinformation. Speaking ahead of the SNP's annual conference in Aberdeen, Swinney criticised the UK government's approach to national security and defence spending amidst ongoing global instability.
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham stated that national politics has reached a "dangerous place," arguing that people in the UK can no longer afford a decent standard of living. Speaking ahead of the Makerfield by-election, Burnham critiqued the nation's trajectory over the past four decades and outlined his ambition to rejoin Parliament to instigate national-level economic reform.
The Green Party has chosen Chris Kennedy, a local registered nurse and children's safeguarding specialist, to contest the Makerfield by-election on 18 June. The seat became vacant after Labour MP Josh Simons resigned, reportedly to facilitate Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham's return to Westminster.
