What Burnham’s devolution agenda might mean for health policy
Following the creation of No.10 North in Manchester, reports of a potential “Department of Health and Social Care North” in Leeds suggest that Andy Burnham’s devolution agenda could increasingly shape the government’s approach to health policy.
Net Zero, Bills and the North Sea: Burnham’s Energy Dilemma
“The people of Aberdeen are dancing in the streets!” Whilst no boogieing was seen in Scotland, the US President’s excitement over the weekend followed numerous reports around the new Prime Minister taking a more pragmatic approach to drilling in the North Sea, particularly when it comes to the Rosebank and Jackdaw oil and gas fields.
The UK arrives at the NATO Summit – but can its next Prime Minister deliver?
As the UK arrives at this week’s NATO Summit, it finally does so with something allies, investors and industry have been waiting months to see: a Defence Investment Plan. Published just the week before leaders gather in Ankara, the long-delayed document set out nearly £300bn of investment over the next four years, focused on warfighting readiness, AI, autonomous systems and strengthening Britain’s defence industrial base.
Can devolution take tech beyond the Golden Triangle?
Growth and devolution were at the centre of Andy Burnham’s latest speech this week. His pitch for ‘good growth’ and ‘place first’ politics puts devolution front and centre of the political agenda, giving renewed energy to the argument that power and resources should move out of Whitehall and towards the people and regions best able to use them.
UK Defence Meets Multi‑Party Britain Amidst Battle for No 10
One delayed investment plan, a bond market that now votes, and a fractured electorate: defence is becoming Britain’s clearest test of a functioning government.
Where next for Labour?
Professor Sir John Curtice was speaking at the Luther offices this week – literally as news of Health Secretary Wes Streeting’s resignation became known. With a range of Luther clients and contacts in attendance, we discussed with Sir John what issues the Prime Minister – and the possible pretenders to his throne – now face electorally.
Local and devolved elections: business uncertainty won’t end on results day
Tomorrow, millions will go to the polls to elect more than 5,000 English councillors, 129 Members of the Scottish Parliament and 96 Members of the Senedd in Wales. For many businesses watching on, this is a point of real consequence. Local and devolved institutions exert influence over critical policy areas, from planning and development to infrastructure delivery and business taxation.
Strait of Hormuz: the need for clear sight amidst policymaking uncertainty
The Strait of Hormuz has dominated headlines in recent weeks, as the US and Iran vie for control of the vital shipping route.
New report reveals nine in ten (88%) UK businesses hit by rising uncertainty, as elections and global conflict weigh on decision making
A new report from Luther Pendragon reveals that uncertainty is now a defining feature of the UK business environment, with 88% of business leaders saying it is now impacting their organisation or sector.
Wales at a crossroads: What diverging energy policies mean for businesses in 2026
This week, Welsh Labour published their manifesto, calling it a bold and hopeful plan for a new chapter in Wales. This comes as the party continues to heavily trail behind both Reform UK and Plaid Cymru in the polls, with the Welsh Senedd expected not to have a Labour majority for the first time since its inception in 1999.