‘Financial pandemic’: £1 in every £11 spent on UK public contractors goes to private equity
Posted on Sunday June 28, 2026

Almost £24.4bn of government money went to private equity-run firms in year to April 2025, Guardian analysis shows

• ‘Treating children like cattle’: what happens when private equity takes over a UK care home?

• Nurseries, vets and shops: the sectors where private equity plays a big role

One pound in every £11 of UK government spending on contractors went to private equity-controlled companies last year, research shows, including key services such as transport, waste management and healthcare.

Politicians and economists have raised concerns over the “financial fragility and sharp cost cutting” created by private equity-backed firms, which often have high levels of debt, and the “conflicting interests” in running public services for maximum profit.

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Ministers urged to curb energy costs as Great British homes face 13% bill surge
Posted on Sunday June 28, 2026

Quarterly Ofgem price cap rises to equivalent of £1,862 a year from 1 July amid growing consumer energy debt

Ministers are facing growing pressure to lower energy costs as households in Great Britain face the steepest rise in summer bills in four years this week.

The quarterly cap on gas and electricity charges will rise by 13% from Wednesday to the equivalent of £1,862 a year for an average household, just days after figures revealed that consumer energy debt had reached record highs.

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Will Andy Burnham ‘go big’ in expanding the role of the state?
Posted on Sunday June 28, 2026

In the first of a series on nationalisation, we look at the critical tests ahead for the PM-in-waiting, from choosing a chancellor to the future of Thames Water

As he swept towards victory in the Makerfield byelection, Andy Burnham told voters he wanted to see “the essentials of life being run primarily for the public interest, not for the private interests”.

Citing the Bee Network of buses and trams across Manchester city region, brought together on his watch, Burnham repeatedly highlighted the need for more “public control” over the necessities of life. Water, energy, transport and housing are at the top of his list.

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‘Crypto v community’: 4,000 local US lenders join forces to fight ‘stablecoins’ law
Posted on Sunday June 28, 2026

Up to 4,000 community banks fear looming legislation to regulate digital cash will deprive rural firms and farmers of $850bn-worth of loans

On a quiet summer morning, above a small mid-western town, an American flag is waving in the breeze. The camera cuts to a father helping his son at the wheel of a tractor, and flits to a smiling couple on a grass-lined pavement, moments before flashing to grainy images of “crypto insiders” in suits.

“American families don’t want experiments with their money,” a voice booms. “They want jobs, growth, and available credit. When crypto gets a free pass, communities pay the price.”

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‘Crypto v community’: 4,000 local US lenders join forces to fight ‘stablecoins’ law
Posted on Sunday June 28, 2026

Up to 4,000 community banks fear looming legislation to regulate digital cash will deprive rural firms and farmers of $850bn-worth of loans

On a quiet summer morning, above a small mid-western town, an American flag is waving in the breeze. The camera cuts to a father helping his son at the wheel of a tractor, and flits to a smiling couple on a grass-lined pavement, moments before flashing to grainy images of “crypto insiders” in suits.

“American families don’t want experiments with their money,” a voice booms. “They want jobs, growth, and available credit. When crypto gets a free pass, communities pay the price.”

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Social media bans go global: big tech faces a reckoning after Australia’s crackdown
Posted on Saturday June 27, 2026

As a host of countries move to rein in social media use by children, could this be technology’s big tobacco moment?

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England v New Zealand: Ben Stokes’ retirement announced during day four – live
Posted on Sunday June 28, 2026

England captain reveals departure – then takes wicket
Full story | Read the Spin | Mail Tanya with your thoughts

39th over: New Zealand 125-3 (Ravindra 62, Mitchell 29) Archer from the Stuart Broad End, he’s up to the mid to high eighties on the speed gun and gets a nasty ball to lift and smash Mitchell on the hand. The batter wrings it out and briefly resembles Ali G as he does so. Mitchell drops into the leg side and gets off strike. Ravindra clips off his hip to make it two singles off the over.

How’s everyone doing out there? England need wickets…

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Australia v India: Women’s T20 World Cup – live
Posted on Sunday June 28, 2026

• Australia chasing 171 to win at Lord’s

• Start time: 2.30pm BST/11.30pm AEST

Changes for both sides.

Just the one for India as Kranti Gaud come back for Nandani Sharma.

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