Politics isn’t working for places like ours. I will change that. #AndyBurnham #ForUs

Andy Burnham committed to Scottish reindustrialisation i.stv.tv/3ZFuLj1

We've all walked past them. The empty shop that's been boarded up for years. The old cinema gathering dust. The building everyone says, "someone should do something about that." Well, that's exactly what I'm doing. We're investing £210 million to help bring neglected high street buildings back into use - turning empty spaces into community hubs, health centres, shared workspaces, cafés and the local services that people actually want to see. The funding will also help communities save spaces like pubs and sports clubs and support co-operatives so local people can share directly in their area's success. People don't measure growth by looking at a spreadsheet. They measure it by looking at their local high street. That's how we restore pride and bring hope back. Not by telling people things are getting better, but by giving them the power to see and feel the difference where they live.

Today @wesstreeting and I met some of the representatives of the nuclear veteran community. We talked about what the veterans and their families have been through and what matters most to them now. This is the start of a conversation, not the end, and we'll be working together on next steps.

Labour is ensuring that every young person is prepared for the world of work, by expanding vocational GCSEs and creating 200,000 more opportunities for work experience.

We've all heard someone say 'school wasn't really for me’. And we should think about why that is. Our system is set up to reward young people who thrive in academic subjects and exams, but what about those who learn best by getting stuck in and doing things? Too often they're left behind. So we’re introducing new vocational GCSEs - proper, nationally recognised qualifications giving young people practical, hands-on learning that they can study alongside Maths, English and Science. And we’re creating 200,000 more work experience opportunities, so every teenager gets the chance to experience the world of work before they leave school. A one-size fits all approach simply doesn't work - I want to build an education system that values both academic and technical paths and gives all young people hope that their future will be brighter, whether it starts at university or not.

I know today's news on the counter-terror arrests that took place over the weekend will be deeply distressing to our Jewish communities, in Manchester and across the country. I would like to thank our police and intelligence services, for the work they do to keep us safe, each and every day. Whilst the police investigation is ongoing, it wouldn’t be appropriate to comment further. But I can say that we continue to do all in our power to address threats against our Jewish community, including through record funding for policing. I also know that our policing response is necessary, but not sufficient. We cannot expect our Jewish community to live behind higher walls. We must also tackle antisemitism at its source and root it out wherever it rears its head. This Government is committed to that effort.

This is why I'm in New York.

It’s estimated that one in five women in the UK will experience a miscarriage in their lifetime. But if you lose a pregnancy before 24 weeks, there is currently no legal right to bereavement leave. I don’t think that’s right. Losing a pregnancy can be devastating. You and your partner shouldn’t have to worry about going straight back to work. So we’re changing the law. From April, women and their partners will be entitled to two weeks off after any pregnancy loss. And we’re making wider changes, with new rights to time off when you lose someone you love. When you’re grieving, you deserve the time and space to do that.

Women and girls should be able to live their lives free from violence and abuse. But when these crimes happen, we need a justice system that properly supports victims. So we’re making changes.

Sending our very best wishes to British Jews and Jewish communities around the world observing Yom Kippur and a safe and meaningful fast. G’mar Chatima Tovah.

Congratulations @michaeljmarra! Lots to do and I know you’ll give it everything you’ve got. Looking forward to working closely together to bring back hope in Scotland.

We're putting power into communities across Britain by backing them to build and control their own clean energy supply. That's good for bills, good for local economies and good for tackling the climate crisis. theguardian.com/commentisfre…

Britain should be a country that makes things. It's how we create good jobs, give more opportunities to young people, and build pride in our communities. That's why today’s announcement from McLaren matters. They’re backing Britain, keeping design, engineering and manufacturing here at home - with plans to build their engines in-house for the first time. Their £500m investment will drive growth far beyond their factory gates, creating a thousand jobs, supporting thousands more in the supply chain, and providing apprenticeships to young people. This is what reindustrialising Britain looks like.

We are grateful to everyone who has shared a kind message about my dad, particularly the leaders of the other parties. My family and I have been helped though this difficult time by people’s warmth and compassion. It means a great deal to us and we wanted to say thank you.

Wish me luck! If you can spare a few quid, here’s the link to donate to Changing Lives homelessness charity: justgiving.com/page/andy-bur…

In my kitchen there is a jar of honey gifted to me by Phil Rosenberg, the President of the Board of Deputies, who insisted I take it home for my family, along with a bag of apples, because it would not be a proper new year otherwise. So let me begin the simple way: Shana tova u'metuka. A good and sweet new year to every Jewish family in Britain. The custom of dipping an apple in honey is one of the most hopeful things I know. It is not a claim that the year gone by was sweet. It is a decision that the year ahead should be. And I know that the year behind us has been anything but. Two Jewish men, Melvin Cravitz and Adrian Daulby both of blessed memory, were murdered at the gates of Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation in an antisemitic terror attack on Yom Kippur, defending their synagogue and those praying inside it. As Mayor of Greater Manchester, I felt first-hand the anxiety that attack caused across the Jewish community. The sorrow and fear of that day have not disappeared. As Yom Kippur approaches once again, I know many people will remember them and reflect on what that attack meant. So, this message has to be more than a greeting for the chaggim. It has to contain a commitment. Jewish people must be able to live, worship, go to school, attend synagogue and participate fully in British life without fear. That is why we are investing more than £250 million to increase policing, improve community safety and tackle rising antisemitism, bringing total government investment in Jewish security to almost £310 million. In recent days, the Housing Secretary and I have heard directly from Jewish community leaders about the challenges they face and the anxiety many families are experiencing as the High Holy Days approach. That is why we have established a Cabinet committee on antisemitism, bringing departments together to ensure our response is coordinated, comprehensive and sustained. But security is only one part of the response. We have to tackle antisemitism at its source. We are also investing £7 million to tackle antisemitism in schools, colleges and universities, including support for Jewish students, staff training and action to address misinformation and promote respectful discussion. And we are expanding the Common Ground programme to support communities facing the greatest risk of antisemitism and help local leaders respond when tensions rise. British Jews have helped build the schools, charities, businesses and institutions that make our country stronger. From the NHS and education to the arts, innovation and entrepreneurship, their contribution has enriched every part of our national life. The contribution the Jewish community makes to British life is remarkable- and we should celebrate it. This new year, my commitment is simple: to work every day to ensure that Jewish people are safe, valued and able to live their lives free from fear. May the year ahead be sweet, and may it be safe. Shana tova.

On the 25th anniversary of 9/11, we remember the nearly 3,000 people who were killed, including 67 Britons. My thoughts are with all those who lost friends and family members that terrible day. Time may pass, but I know the grief is still felt just as deeply today. On this anniversary, we must remember that hatred and fear did not have the last word on 9/11. The terrorists sought to weaken and divide America, and everyone who believes in the values our countries share. But our response was clear: those who seek to destroy our way of life will never win. I saw that same defiance in Greater Manchester. When I was Mayor, Manchester was the victim of two horrific terrorist attacks. I will never forget the messages of support and friendship from people across America who knew better than anyone the suffering of our city. Some of the children of those killed in the 9/11 attacks wrote to the families of the people killed in Manchester, and they said this: We are you and you are us. We are one. We will never forget these terrible events, but we refuse to be defined by them. Terror still knocks on the door of democracy, but the United Kingdom and the United States stand together in memory of those we lost, and in defence of the values we cherish. We are you and you are us. And we will prevail.

We've all been there. You wake up feeling unwell, try to get an appointment, and before you know it half the day has disappeared. When you're sick, the last thing you should be worrying about is how you're going to get the help you need. That's why we're expanding Pharmacy First. The idea is simple: Qualified pharmacists can assess patients, dispense medicines and prescribe treatment for a range of common conditions, helping people get care quickly and close to home. So you don’t have to go to hospital, and you don’t need to book a GP appointment. Just walk into your local pharmacy and get the treatment you need right there, right then. These services make a huge difference, especially for older people and those who are vulnerable. That's why we invested a further £340 million in community pharmacies, including to deliver Pharmacy First. Six million consultations have been delivered since the launch of the scheme. GPs and NHS 111 have referred three million people to their local pharmacy. And pharmacists have provided more than three million urgent medicine supplies. We’re making it possible for qualified prescribing pharmacists to treat five more common health conditions this autumn, like migraines and ear infections, so access to treatment is easier than ever. And what we’re announcing today will make it easier to see a GP for those who need it. I know how hard our NHS works, how much pressure staff are under and how tough it can be for people to access the care they need from my time as Health Secretary. And I know things have only got tougher in the last 15 years. As Mayor of Greater Manchester, I saw firsthand how important it is to put more firepower in the frontlines and give people more control over their own lives. Every place and every person matters. So we’ll make sure people can get the care they need, where they need it. That’s what this is all about. Faster treatment. More services. Better care for patients. And less pressure on hospitals and GPs. One less headache for people to worry about.

Today is about one man, his family and the town that loved him ❤️ Sir Billy Boston came to Wigan as a teenager, made history, made Wigan his home.. today is his funeral 🤍 This... from those who were lucky to see him play, and his grandson. #SirBillyBoston #thankyou

In a difficult and dangerous world, a decade on from Brexit, there is a risk that Britain loses the confidence to lead and stand up for its values. I’m not prepared to let that happen. It is more important than ever that Britain stands for something. We have called for years for a two-state solution in the Middle East, but we must recognise that those words are meaningless unless we back them up with action. For too long, we have been hesitant to act, fearful of being accused of being anti-Israel. Today we are announcing carefully judged, targeted steps that are not aimed at the Israeli people, but at the unacceptable policies of the current Israeli government. The suffering of the Palestinian people is a scar on the conscience of the world. Innocent Palestinians, including children, continue to be killed in Gaza. And there is still a humanitarian crisis, with far too little aid getting in. The scale of destruction is hard to comprehend. More than 70,000 people lie dead - at least 20,000 of them children. Families and communities have been torn apart. Millions displaced. And the population of Gaza is now penned into just one third of the territory. I know that people across the UK feel very deeply about this issue - and so do I. Before I became Prime Minister, I said our country’s response had been too slow and simply not good enough. That’s why I committed to changing the government’s approach. I will not stand by as the horrific suffering continues to grow and the prospect of a two-state solution - the best hope for peace and stability in the region - comes under attack. More settlements have been approved under the four years of this Israeli government than in the previous 20 years. The UN has reported more than 1,500 incidents of settler violence so far this year, aimed at driving out Palestinians. And the situation is growing worse, fast. The Israeli government has now approved 104 new settlements since it took office in December 2022, and ahead of the October elections in Israel, it is allowing tenders for the construction of the E1 mega settlement to go ahead. This would cut a swathe through the heart of the West Bank - snuffing out the hope of realising a two-state solution. It cannot be allowed to happen. That’s why we are announcing a new package of tough measures to put pressure on the Israeli government: First, we will ban the trade in goods with illegal settlements in Palestine. Second, we have formally changed the view of the British government to say for the first time that the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territory is unlawful - independent of, but in line with, the conclusion of the international court of justice. And third, we will sanction individuals and companies that support, facilitate or profit from illegal settlements. That includes any businesses or investors that take part in the construction of the E1 settlement. In addition, we are announcing a new package of desperately needed humanitarian aid to Gaza. We are taking these steps because it is the right thing to do. I have condemned the monstrous terrorist attack on Israel on 7 October 2023 in the strongest possible terms - and continue to condemn Hamas. However, it does not justify the Israeli government’s actions in Gaza or the West Bank. The measures we are taking are about targeting illegal settlements and increasing the pressure on the Israeli government to change course. We are not imposing sanctions on Israel as a whole, which would punish the Israeli people, many of whom disagree with their government’s position. The Israeli people are not responsible for the actions of their government. And nor is the Jewish community in the UK. Blaming British Jews for the actions of Benjamin Netanyahu’s government is wrong, plain and simple. And it is antisemitism, plain and simple. I met the representatives of the Jewish community just last week. I know the fear they live with day by day. My government will stop at nothing to ensure they are safe and to stamp out antisemitism in every part of our society. The measures we are announcing today are about protecting the only solution that could see the Israeli and Palestinian people living side by side in peace and security - something that people up and down the UK desperately want to see. The government I lead will keep working with our partners around the world to keep that hope alive.